April 26, 2023
Present: Edward Ohannessian, Anthony McGovern, Anthony Cappelli, Rebecca Brewer, Mark Lockwood, Francis Brady, Lynn Guelzow, Terri-Ann Hahn, Benjamin Perron.
Chairman Ohannessian called the Public Hearing to order to hear citizens’ input on the proposed draft of the Granby Town Charter.
Public Comment
Mark Neumann, 26 Buttles Road, inquired about the Board of Selectmen vote count and the total number of candidates a voter could vote for in the Board of Selectmen race.
Robert James Flanagan Jr., Woodcliff Drive, suggested a provision mandating elected officials serve their entire term before serving on another Board/Commission. He asked about language about bundling budget/bond items together in a single referendum question.
Laura Wolfe, Democratic Registrar of Voters, noted the change in section 3-4(C) is concerning for her as it will affect petitioning candidates and that this change might also affect minority candidates.
Maureen Eberly (Via Email 4/26/2023 at 4 p.m.) Will the revision document be available in draft form, along language contained in the present Charter, and the new proposed language? Will you summarize the rationale for proposed changes so when residents vote, they have a clear understanding of what and why changes were made?
Members discussed the feedback including bundling items for referendum votes, and expressed the opinion that it was a policy issue rather than a Town Charter issue.
May 11, 2023
Present: Edward Ohannessian, Anthony McGovern, Anthony Cappelli, Rebecca Brewer, Mark Lockwood, Francis Brady, Lynn Guelzow, Terri-Ann Hahn, Benjamin Perron, plus Town Clerk Scott Nolan.
Charter Revision Commission Regular Meeting Schedule
Ohannessian overviewed the revised Charter Commission Timeline and the regular meeting schedule. A schedule alteration was made due to the board of selectmen’s summer meeting schedule, which will give the commission an additional meeting. The commission should conclude its work on May 24. The board of selectmen would accept the report June 5, and schedule a public hearing within 45 days. The commission would present its recommendations to the selectmen on Tuesday, June 20.
Communication from Town Attorney
When a Town Meeting is Required: The town attorney noted that the commission may want to consider setting a threshold on the property value that would have to be approved by referendum.
Charter Revision
Discussion took place regarding the annual budget process and the timeline outlined in the town charter. Some members would like more flexibility in the timeline to allow scheduling around school vacations. Ultimately no further change was recommended at this time.
Discussion regarding the tax levy in sections 10-6 (Expenditure and Accounting) and 11-3(c) (When a Town Meeting is Required) and it was recommended the language be consistent throughout the entire town charter.