While Montville’s residents have been going about their lives the past 12 months, a handful of committed citizens have been hashing through the details of the Town Charter, the town’s governing document.
It’s time for town residents to get involved and speak up if they have any questions or concerns, according to Dick Wilson, Charter Revision Commission chairman.
The first of four public hearings, a required step in the charter revision process, will be held next Thursday, September 4, 7 p.m. at the Chesterfield Fire House. Three more are scheduled in September and October. Once public hearings are held, the commission will present its recommendations to the Town Council.
The council has the authority to review and approve the charter revisions for the town or to determine if a public referendum will be held, according to Lisa Terry, Town Clerk. It is possible that a public referendum could be on the November 2009 general elections ballot.
There are some sweeping changes in this set of proposals, assembled by this fourth charter revision commission appointed since the town charter was established in 1969.
The most significant would replace the Mayor with a Town Manager as the chief executive officer of the town. The Mayor would be a part-time position, mostly honorary but also a champion for economic development, serving as non-voting chairman of the Economic Development Commission.
Significant savings are projected from a reduced need for legal advice. Under the current arrangement, members of the Town Council can seek legal interpretation. The Commission noted that the town attorney budget has increased seven-fold over the past eight years; it projects this amount being cut in half as a result of a professional town manager’s inherent knowledge of municipal law.
The position of Town Engineer would become full time, appointed by and responsible to the Town Manager, instead of the current arrangement of contracted engineering consultants. The Inland Wetlands Commission and Conservation Commission would be combined.
The current Public Safety Commission, an advisory commission, would be replaced with two administrative boards, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Board of Fire Commissioners. It is recommended that the town’s Constabulary, now under control of the State Police, would be upgraded to a Police Department. The number of emergency dispatchers would be increased to handle police, fire, ambulance and other emergency calls.
The commission estimates a net annual savings of $13,000 resulting from the changes, with $603,000 savings resulting from reduced consulting fees for engineering and town attorney services more than off-setting the salaries and benefits for the town manager, town engineer, police chief and additional emergency dispatchers, estimated to total $590,000.
The commission has prepared two summary documents, an Overall View and financial statement and an Explanatory Text of the proposed revisions, to help residents understand the proposed changes and projected financial impact.
These documents are posted on the Town of Montville website with other charter revision commission documents and meeting minutes for the past year, or can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office. Copies also will be available at each of the public hearings.
Upcoming Charter Revision Commission Public Hearings
Thursday, Sept. 4, 7:00 p.m., Chesterfield Fire House
Thursday, Sept. 18, 7:00 p.m., Oakdale Fire House
Thursday, Oct. 2, 7:00pm, Town Hall Council Chambers
Wed., Oct. 15, 7:00pm, Mohegan Fire House