The Charter Revision Committee's agenda is already jam-packed with ways to supress public opinion! It appears that the Board of Selectmen (Knickerbocker) wants to increase their power at the expense of the people and the Board of Finance. Just read the minutes from their Special Meeting held Sept. 24th. WHAT IT ALL REALLY MEANS: #1a. "Increase flexibility of Board of Selectmen to make budget neutral transfers" means "Remove as much power as possible from the Board of Finance so we can do whatever we want with your money without your approval." #1b. "Clarify duties and responsibilities of Board of Finance.." means "Put the kibosh on the Board of Finance's authority to stop us from borrowing as much money as we want to!" #2. "Consider increasing monetary "trigger points" for automatic bids, etc." means, "Make sure that taxpayers are limited to million-dollar projects if they have an issue. We don't want to go through another 'Save Town Hall' episode!" #3b. "Consider increasing BOS from 3 to 5 members" means "We need BIGGER GOVERNMENT! Three people are just not enough to defend our Town from the Taxpayer Watchdogs who track our every move! More members - more deflection!" #4. "Consider changing minimum threshold for petition for referendum" means "It was way too easy for the B.A.C. to shake out 500 signatures to enact a Town Ordinance. We simply need to make it imPOSSible for these troublemakers to petition against our important projects!"
| CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Monday September 24 2012 7:00 p.m
CJH Municipal Center Meeting Room A PRESENT: David Olson, Nicholas Hoffman, William Hillman, Meghan O’Connor, Paul Improta, William Shannon, and Wendy Smith Also in attendance was Town Counsel Martin Lawlor, Charter Revision Commission Attorney, Nicholas Vitti and the Board of Selectmen First Selectman Knickerbocker called the Special Meeting to order at 7:02 pm and appointed David Olson as Temporary Chairman. Joint Session with Board of Selectmen to Receive Charge
The Board of Selectmen re-appointed members of the Charter Revision Commission and also appointed Attorney Nicholas Vitti as counsel for the Charter Revision Commission. The Board of Selectmen had recommended the Charter Revision Commission consider the following in their review of the Town of Bethel Charter - Consider clarification of roles responsibility and authority of Board of Finance vs Board of Selectmen.
a. Increase flexibility of Board of Selectmen to make budget neutral transfers between accounts when necessary to maintain consistent service levels within town operations
b. Clarify duties and responsibilities of Board of Finance with regard to limits of authority debt ceiling line item budget authority bond rating interface with Insurance and Pension Commission responsibility for annual audit - Consider increasing monetary “trigger points” for requirements for automatic bids town meetings, and referendums
- Consider revisions to Board of Selectmen
a. Consider four-year term of office.
b. Consider increase in membership from three to five. - Consider changing minimum threshold for petition for referendum to overrule from 5% to 10% in Sec C6-5.
- Any other recommendations as deemed in the Town’s best interest by the Commission.
Election of Officers
Chairman: William Shannon made a motion which was seconded by Wendy Smith to appoint David Olson as Chairman Vote all in favor motion unanimously approved. Vice Chairman: William Hillman made a motion which was seconded by Paul Improta to appoint Nicholas Hoffman as Vice-Chairman. Wendy Smith made a motion to appoint William Shannon as Vice Chairman William Shannon, declined. Vote all in favor, motion unanimously approved. Secretary: William Shannon made a motion which was seconded by Paul Improta to appoint Wendy Smith as Secretary. Vote all in favor, motion unanimously approved. Establish Meeting ScheduleWilliam Hillman made a motion which was seconded by Wendy Smith to establish a regular meeting schedule for the 2d and 4h Monday of each month (following the Public Hearing). Vote all in favor motion unanimously approved. Wendy Smith made a motion which was seconded by William Shannon to hold the first Public Hearing of the Charter Revision Commission on Monday October 22, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Vote all in favor, motion unanimously approved. General Discussion of Charter Revision process meeting format public hearings goals and responsibilities
Attorney Vitti provided a synopsis of the Charter Revision Commission Responsibilities. Requirements. timelines, etc. A general discussion took place. Members each selected a regional town with a similar form of government to review their respective charter. As there was no other business on tonight’s agenda Wendy Smith made a motion, which was seconded by William Hillman, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Vote all in favor, motion unanimously approved Respectfully submitted Wendy Smith, Recording Secretary for the Board of Selectmen |
