Danbury Charter Revision Commission Organizational Meeting – April 15, 2026

The Danbury Charter Revision Commission held its organizational meeting on April 15, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included swearing‑in of members, election of officers, adoption of a meeting schedule and rules of procedure, and setting the date for the first public hearing. Corporation Counsel Dan Casagrandi provided an overview of the charter revision process and a proposed timetable aimed at submitting a final report in time for the November 2026 election. Commissioners introduced themselves and discussed expectations for the work ahead.

Commission Swearing‑In and Election of Officers

• Swearing‑In: All nine appointed members – Isabel Almeida, Glenda Armstrong, Joseph Britton, Wilson Hernandez, Daniel Jowdy, Deborah McCarey, Joseph Putnam, Mary‑Jean Ribero, and Michael Sefranek – were sworn in by Corporation Counsel Dan Casagrandi.
• Interim Chair: Michael Sefranek was elected interim chair to preside over the election of the permanent chair.
• Permanent Chair: Joseph Britton was elected permanent chair by unanimous voice vote.
• Permanent Vice‑Chair: Michael Sefranek was elected permanent vice‑chair by unanimous voice vote.
• Permanent Secretary: Isabel Almeida was elected permanent secretary by unanimous voice vote.

Presentation by Corporation Counsel

• Attorney Casagrandi distributed two documents: "Basic Steps for Revising or Developing a Municipal Charter" and a proposed timetable.
• The commission was created by the City Council on April 7, 2026, with nine members (no more than one‑third holding another public office and no more than a bare majority from the same political party).
• The commission must submit its final report to the City Council within 16 months of creation, but the proposed timetable aims to finish by November 2026 to put charter questions before voters.
• At least two public hearings are required: one before substantive work begins and one after the draft report is completed (but before submission to the council).
• After submission, the council has 45 days to hold its own public hearing. The council may recommend changes, triggering a joint meeting; the commission may then amend or reject the council’s recommendations. The final report is due 30 days after receiving council recommendations.

Adoption of Commission Meeting Schedule

• The commission adopted a regular meeting schedule for May and June 2026: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., in person at City Hall (with the possibility of hybrid or virtual options).
• Meetings after June will be scheduled by the chair.

Adoption of Rules of Procedure

• The commission adopted a set of nine rules of procedure covering officer roles, meeting procedures, motions, voting, and minutes, based on Robert’s Rules of Order.

Public Hearing Number One

• Date and Time: Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Council Chambers at City Hall.
• Notice will be published as required by law.

Chair’s Remarks & Commissioner Introductions

• Chair Britton emphasized three values: be present, assume positive intent, and leave Danbury better than we found it.
• Commissioners introduced themselves, sharing their backgrounds and ties to Danbury, including experience in law, education, business, nonprofit leadership, and community organizations.
• The chair requested that commissioners notify him at least two days in advance if they cannot attend a meeting, and that legal questions be funneled through the chair to avoid overwhelming counsel.
• Commissioners were advised to use official city email (to be set up) and to be mindful of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules regarding email communications with a majority of members.