About the Charter Revision Commission

Description/Powers and Duties

That the Board of Selectmen establish a Charter Revision Commission for the Town of Fairfield pursuant to the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Charter of the Town of Fairfield (”Town”) was adopted in 1947 and last amended on November 27, 2006; and
WHEREAS, our Charter is the foundation that guides principles for governance; it defines our Community, its powers and functions and essential procedures of our Town Government; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of C.G.S. §7-187, et seq., the Board of Selectmen of the Town is the appointing authority for a Charter Revision Commission, acting by a two-thirds vote of its entire membership may initiate a charter revision; and
WHEREAS, the Town Attorney has retained the services of Attorney Steven G. Mednick as charter revision counsel to (1) consult with the Town Attorney; and, (2) provide such assistance to the Commission as deemed necessary; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Selectmen has, from time to time, encountered issues of magnitude and import to the operation of the Town and effective representation of the people of this Town that would benefit from a thorough review by a Charter Revision Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to the provisions of C.G.S. §7-187 through 7-194, specifically §7-188(b), the Board of Selectmen hereby initiates an action to amend the current Charter by authorizing the creation of a Charter Revision Commission, acting by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of its entire membership; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that said Commission shall be empaneled for the purpose of undertaking a thorough review of the current Charter and all aspects of the structure of Town Government, being mindful of adhering to, among others, principles of sustainability and that it is equitable for and inclusive of all our citizens; and, be it further
RESOLVED, pursuant to C.G.S. §7-190, that within thirty (30) days following initiation of the charter revision process, the Board of Selectmen shall, by resolution, (1) appoint a commission consisting of seven (7) electors, not more than two (2) of whom may hold public office in the Town and not more than a bare majority of whom shall be members of any one political party, which Commission shall designate a Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary and proceed forthwith to draft any such charter amendments; and (2) establish the timeframe for submission of a final report by said Commission.