Timeline

On Charter Revision Review Is Extended

By John Voket

When the Newtown Charter Revision Commission withdrew its original submission of a draft to the Legislative Council, an original timeline for subsequent handling that was originally formulated by former town clerk Cynthia Simon became invalid. According to Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, and reviewed by Council Chairman Will Rodgers at Wednesday’s council meeting, the new timeline limitations for handling proposed charter revisions are as follows:

The draft of the proposed charter changes was delivered to the town clerk October 1. The council now may hold one or more public hearings within 45 days, or no later that November 15. Within 15 days of the final council hearing on the charter proposal, the council must provide its suggestions and recommendation to the charter commission.

If no recommendations are made within this time, the report becomes final at 15 days.

At that time the charter commission has 30 days to make its final report to the council. Then the council is allowed up to another 15 days to approve or disapprove a final charter revision.

The final approved revision must appear in a local newspaper with a general circulation in the community within 30 days. Once the final approved council revision is published, electors must vote to accept or reject the revisions within 15 months.

Mr Rodgers has said that he would like to see the charter revision considered by voters at the first budget referendum of 2008, although the timeline could easily accommodate putting the revision to voters during the 2008 general elections in November.

Wednesday evening, Mr Rodgers said it was his hope the current council personnel could see the process through to final approval.

“It is my attention to close the loop on this process in the month of November,” Mr Rodgers said. “I don’t think that’s required by statute or charter, but it was this council that formed the body and it’s this council I would like to see act on recommendations of the commission.”

Mr Rodgers suggested if the membership of the council changes drastically after the November election, the new council may revisit the process and decisionmaking by seating a new Charter Revision Commission.

“Establishing a charter review commission every five years is a minimum,” Mr Rodgers said. “It’s not a maximum.”