The first 2023 meeting of the Granby Charter Revision Commission took place on Jan. 12 in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Chairman Ed Ohannessian presented two options to the members with regard to their seating arrangement at subsequent work sessions: they could sit formally at the dais, as all members of the various town boards do, or they could pull the tables located at the front of the room together and work in a face-to-face setting. The members chose to be seated at the tables.
Although no actual revisions to the charter would be done at this meeting, Ohannessian asked each member if there were any topics of particular interest to them. Mentioned by more than one member was a desire to change the format of the election of the First Selectman, the current ruling stating that if the loser for First Selectman position receives enough votes, he or she can bump someone running for a regular selectman position who has less votes. Other comments regarding elections included the need to more clearly explain the difference between an elector and a registered voter, and to specify a procedure for breaking a tie. Also concerning elections, the question was raised: when do the various newly elected boards take over—the next meeting after the election? The next month?
An important consideration said to need clarification is the language concerning the operation of the Board of Selectmen should the Town Manager become disabled, as has happened in the recent past.
The need for the Charter to have more “readability” was mentioned. At this time, it is perceived to not be an easy read for the general public.
Several members commented on the timeline for the budget vote. It often falls during the academic spring break, when many families are away. Related to timing issues, speaking for the registrars during the public session, Paul Willis suggested that the budget referendum be moved to the third Monday of April instead of the fourth to avoid the occasional back-to-back voting sessions that are very hard on the registrars’ staff.
The final date for public input on the charter via email was Jan. 20. At the time of this meeting, no such emails had been received by the Commission or the town manager. The Commission is scheduled to give its recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on May 15.
Commission members include Chairman Ed Ohannessian, Vice-chairman Anthony McGovern, Francis Brady, Rebecca Brewer, Anthony Capelli, Lynn Guelzow, Terri-Ann Hahn, Mark Lockwood and Benjamin Perron.