There shall be a Town Council consisting of a Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson and 5 Council Members, all elected as provided in this
Charter, the members of which shall initially be compensated at the
rate of $3,000 for the Chairperson and $1,500 for the remaining members
per annum, such level of compensation to be reviewed from time to
time by said Council. Any increase or decrease by a vote of at least
five members of the Council voting in favor of such an increase or
decrease only takes effect upon the election of the next Council.
The Town Council may be reimbursed by the Town for actual expenses
incurred in the performance of official duties.
On a declaration by the Town Council that a state of public
emergency exists endangering the lives, health or property of citizens,
the Council may enact ordinances to meet such emergency. No public
hearing shall be required for emergency ordinances and such ordinances
shall become effective immediately, and shall be published promptly
in a newspaper having general circulation in the Town. Every emergency
ordinance and amendments thereto shall automatically stand repealed
at the termination of the 60th day following enactment of said ordinance.
The Town Council shall have the following powers and duties.
The Council:
A. Shall review the proposed budget from the Town Manager consistent
with the provisions of Chapter X of this Charter.
B. Shall with the advice of the Town Attorney, institute, prosecute,
defend, or compromise any legal action or proceeding by or against
the Town;
C. Shall call a Special Town Meeting to consider and act upon recommendations
for the creation, consolidation, change or abolition of offices, boards,
commissions, or agencies not otherwise provided for in this Charter;
D. Shall approve or reject any collective bargaining agreement for the
Town employees;
E. Shall accept a public street or highway provided that the Town Engineer
shall have certified that such street or highway has been completed
and meets all standards and specifications established by ordinances
and regulations relating to streets and highways, and may discontinue,
a public street or highway;
F. Shall authorize the submission by the Town Manager of applications
for federal, state or regional grants;
G. May incur indebtedness in the name of the Town and provide for the
due execution of contracts and evidence of indebtedness issued by
the Town;
H. May employ such staff with such powers, duties and responsibilities
as they may deem necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities
of the Council, consistent with the provisions of this Charter.
I. May call a Special Town Meeting for any proposal it deems of sufficient
importance.
J. Shall have the authority to approve real property tax abatement agreements
allowed under provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes.
K. In no circumstance shall the Town Council accept any grant or enter
into any grant agreement that:
1. Obligates the Town or any agency thereof to expend funds in excess
of the amount granted, unless and until such funds have been appropriated
in accordance with the terms of this Charter; or
2. Obligates the Town or any agency thereof to take any action that
would otherwise require further approval by Town Meeting or any other
board or commission.
The Council and its members shall deal with the Town Manager's
appointees and their subordinates solely through the Town Manager.
Neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any
of the subordinates of the Town Manager either publicly or privately.
For purposes of investigation, the Council may invite any employee
or officer before a properly constituted meeting of the Council, provided
that the Town Manager has been invited to attend.