City of Norwalk, CT ARTICLE II CONSTRUCTION AND STANDARDS OF GENERAL APPLICATION OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF NORWALK

§ 2-1 Definitions and Titles Generally. [1]

The definitions contained in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut shall govern the interpretation of this Charter unless otherwise defined herein. Articles and Sections are for the purpose of ready reference and shall not be held to limit, extend or effect the interpretation and meaning of the text.

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).

§ 2-2 Definitions. [1]

A. Capitalized terms[2]. The following rule has been used in determining which terms in this Charter are capitalized: All references to particular City officials, as defined, below, and to particular City Departments, Boards and Commissions are capitalized, while general references are not.

[2] NOTE: NEW (2023).

B. Defined terms[3]. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this subsection unless otherwise specified in this Charter:

(1) Appointing Authority[4] means the Mayor or other Board or Commission (elected or appointed), Public Official or person who possess the legal authority to make appointment or removal as required under the provisions of this Charter, the Ordinances or otherwise by Law.

[4] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(2) Board or Commission[5] means, for the purposes of this Charter and except as otherwise provided by Law, all boards, agencies, commissions, authorities created by the City in accordance with Law[6] or like entities of the City, whether elected or appointed, including the Board of Education. The Common Council is not a Board or Commission.

[5] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[6] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. There are several authorities that currently exist in Norwalk. The historical charter included reference to such authorities and in the context of our mission to reform the document did not alter. Since the authorities are by nature of their creation independent quasi-municipal entities not under the direct control of the City, it is not clear whether they should fall under the purview of the Charter. That issue was not reviewed or resolved.

(3) Budgeted Entity[7] means each Division, Department (including the Norwalk Public Schools under the auspices of the Board of Education), Department Head, Board, Commission, office, authority created by the City in accordance with Law or any other entity of the City receiving or expending City funds, whether appropriated or otherwise, including state or federal funds or government or private grants.

[7] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(4) Charter[8] means the Charter of the City of Norwalk.

[8] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(5) City[9] means the City of Norwalk.

[9] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(6) City Clerk[10] is a Public Official appointed by the Mayor and serves the function set forth in in this Charter, in particular in Article V, § 5-5.

[10] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(7) Capital Budget[11] means the first Fiscal Year of the Five-Year Program of Capital Expenditures for which it is proposed for the purpose of authorizing expenditures during such fiscal year.

[11] NOTE: Derived from § 30-1 of the Code of Ordinances. Note: Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances was adopted by the City of Norwalk Common Council 4-24-1958. Amendments noted where applicable.

(8) Capital Budget Items[12] means all individual expenditures in excess of Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars (or an increased amount set forth by Ordinance) to be utilized in more than one fiscal year, other than for ordinary operating expenses, which shall be requested or expended for improvements to City facilities, infrastructure and long-term assets. These Capital Budget Items shall include, but not be limited to, acquisition of property, the construction or remodeling of schools, public buildings and structures of whatever nature, highways, parks, sanitary sewers, sewage and garbage-disposal plants, drainage systems, rehabilitation of blighted areas and for machinery and other facilities having a usable expectancy of at least two years, for which the credit of the City shall, usually but not always, be pledged by the issuance of bonds, notes or other certificates of indebtedness.

[12] NOTE: NEW (2023). Derived from § 30-4 of the Code of Ordinances.

(9) Common Council or Council[13] means the legislative body of the City, as required by the General Statutes.

[13] NOTE: NEW (2023) Required by C.G.S. § 7-193(a)(1)(C).

(10) Confirmation by the Common Council[14] means a Majority Vote of the Council of all Mayoral appointees or those nominated by Appointing Authorities other than the Mayor. The confirmation authority as set forth in § 4-4B(4). Confirmation by the Common Council does not confer appointment or removal authority unless explicitly stated in this Charter or as otherwise required by Law.

[14] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(11) Day(s)[15] means calendar Days; unless, otherwise specifically set forth in this Charter. Moreover, where a Day set forth in this Charter or Ordinances falls on a weekend, holiday or day when the City is closed for business, the deadline shall be extended through the close of the next City business Day; unless otherwise required by Law. Sundays and holidays shall be included in computing such period, except that, if the last Day of such period is on a Sunday or holiday, such Day shall not be counted, and the last Day shall be the Day following such Sunday or holiday[16].

[15] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[16] NOTE: The final clause is a 2023 recodification of current Article XXII. "Referendum Procedure,". § 1-669.12.b.

(12) Department or Administrative Departments[17] means any major functional or administrative division of the City, including any offices, agencies, bureaus or other descriptions serving the purpose as may be set forth in the Charter, the Ordinances or, budget of the City. When used within the section establishing or describing the duties of the particular department or its related Board or Commission, the term "Department" shall apply exclusively to the functional division referred to in that section.

[17] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(13) Department Head[18] means an employee who heads any Department in the City, has substantial supervisory control over other municipal employees; and, is directly accountable to the Mayor.

[18] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(14) Division Chief[19] means the Public Officials appointed by the Mayor in accordance with § 8-1 who assist the Mayor in the coordination of the functions of government with the Department Heads and other City employees.

[19] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(15) Elected Public Official[20] means an individual who holds an elected municipal office[21] (not including a justice of the peace or notary public) in the City. The Elected Public Officials of the City are set forth in § 3-3C; Article IV (Common Council), Article V (Mayor), Article VI (Town Clerk and Registrars of Voters and Constables) and, Chapter IX (Board of Education).

[20] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[21] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. At the time of the adoption of the Charter "municipal office" is defined in C.G.S. § 9-372(7), as may be amended from time-to-time, as follows:" an elective office for which only the electors of a single town, city, borough, or political subdivision, as defined in subdivision (10) of this section, may vote, including the office of justice of the peace."

(16) Elector[22] has the meaning contained in the General Statutes[23].

[22] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[23] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. At the time of the adoption of the Charter the term "elector" is defined in C.G.S. § 9-1(e) as follows: "'Elector' means any person possessing the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution and duly admitted to, and entitled to exercise, the privileges of an elector in a town". In the common parlance an "elector" may the equivalent to a "registered voter."

(17) Five-Year Program of Capital Expenditures[24] means the projected five-year program of capital expenditures to which consideration must be given by the Budgeted Entities in whom that responsibility is vested, and in the manner prescribed by this Charter. The first year of the five-year projections is referred to as the "Capital Budget."

[24] NOTE: NEW (2023) Derived from § 30-3 of the Code of Ordinances.

(18) Fourth Taxing District and Fifth Taxing District[25] refer to two areas of Norwalk that together comprise the City, in its entirety. The areas are differentiated by the specific services provided to the residents within those districts. At the time of adoption of this Charter, residents of the Fourth Taxing District are provided with sewer service; while the residents of the Fifth Taxing District do not have sewer service. Moreover, while these two districts share the historic name "taxing district" with the First, Second, Third and Sixth Taxing Districts, the Fourth and Fifth Taxing Districts do not serve any governance functions and do not have the authority to impose taxes upon their residents.

[25] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(19) General Statutes[26] means the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, as amended from time to time; also referred to as "C.G.S" or "G.S.".

[26] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(20) Law[27] includes, but is not limited to, decisions of courts and administrative bodies (or any agreements sanctioned by any such bodies), federal or state legislative or regulatory enactments, including all applicable rules contained therein.

[27] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(21) Majority Vote of the Council[28] means an affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members of the Council, present and voting, at a Meeting of the Council at which a quorum is present.

[28] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(22) Mayor[29] is the chief executive officer of the municipality, as required by the General Statutes. Where in this Charter or the Ordinances thereunder, reference is made to "Mayor or designee," the identity of the designee must, at all times, be determined, in the sole discretion of the Mayor.

[29] NOTE: NEW (2023). Required by C.G.S. § 7-193(a)(2)(C).

(23) Meeting or Public Meeting[30] has the meaning set forth in C.G.S. § 1-200(2), including Meetings by means of electronic equipment, as may be amended from time to time.

[30] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(24) Meeting (or Hearing Notice)[31] means a Public Notice, as defined in this Charter, for a regular, special or emergency Meeting and Public Hearing of the Common Council or any Boards and Commissions. Notice requirements may be further defined by established by Ordinance or the rules of the Common Council or any Board or Commission insofar as the notice requirements are in accordance with the General Statutes. A Meeting Notice (including Public Hearings) is required to state the agenda (and items or materials before the body) and time and place thereof and must be published, at a minimum, in compliance with the regulatory practices and procedures set forth in the General Statutes or by a more stringent requirement as may be set forth in this Charter or the Ordinances.

[31] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(25) Operating Budget[32] means the document proposed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Common Council that consists of all revenues and expenses for the ensuing fiscal year, including all requirements set forth in this Charter or by Ordinance and that the City uses to plan its operations as well as the appropriations for such expenditures as personnel services, supplies, utilities, materials, and debt service.

[32] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(26) Public Official[33] means an individual who holds an elected or appointed municipal office in the City; including but not limited to Elected Officials of the City, other persons appointed pursuant to Article VIII; and members of Boards and Commissions. Appointed Public Official includes all Public Officials who are not Elected Public Officials. When the term "officer" is used in this Charter or Ordinances (and not in connection with sworn law enforcement officers), it is synonymous with the term "Official".

[33] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(27) Ordinance(s)[34] means the codes of local laws resulting from the authority vested in the Common Council and the Mayor, as set forth in this Charter, to: (A) establish rules or regulations of general municipal application, the violation of which may result in the imposition of a fine or other penalty; (B) create a permanent local law of general applicability; or (C) accomplish other objectives permitted by the General Statutes as may be enacted in accordance with the provisions of this Charter.

[34] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(28) Public Hearing[35] means a publicly noticed meeting or official proceeding held in order to receive testimony from all interested parties, including the general public, on a proposed issue, item or action; unless otherwise required by the General Statutes. Members of the general public and other parties, within the parameters of the rules of the Common Council or a Board or Commission will be offered an opportunity to submit views and data relative to a matter on which a decision of the Board or Commission is pending. Public Hearings are required prior to the adoption of Ordinances, approval of the Operating and Capital Budgets or where otherwise required by Law, this Charter or Ordinance. Additional Public Hearing(s) may be permitted by the Chair of the Board or Commission or may be required by Ordinance.

[35] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(29) Public Notice[36] means a notice for matters other than Meetings or Public Hearings, including the public inspection, posting or availability of any documents or data, as may be required by this Charter, the Ordinances or otherwise by Law. It specifically includes matters where "publication" was required under the prior Charter or the General Statutes. Any Public Notice must be posted as specifically set forth in this Charter and in accordance with the requirements of the General Statutes. In the event the requirement of the Charter is more stringent than the requirements of the General Statutes, then the Charter provision prevails. Public Notice must be posted (A) in the Office of the Town Clerk and other public space or location in City Hall or other municipal office building designated by the Town Clerk in order to assure sufficient disclosure to and access by the public; (B) on the City website, through other electronic media by the Town and City Clerks, including a specific link to the item being noticed; and, (C) if otherwise required by Law, Charter or Ordinance, by publication in a newspaper of general circulation distributed in the City.

[36] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(30) Quorum[37]. A majority of the entire membership of the Council or any Board or Commission is required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may adjourn.

[37] NOTE: 2023 recodification of current Article IV. The Common Council. § 1-197 (Third sentence). Derived from Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 86; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 4. Historical Editor's Note: As to attendance of City Clerk, see § 1-235.

(31) Referendum[38] means the petition process for overriding the actions of the Mayor and Council with respect to the approval of Ordinances and the Operating and/or Capital Budgets as set forth in § 4-10 and § 10-13 and as may be further defined by in C.G.S. § 9-1(n).

[38] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(32) Regulation[39] means a statement of general applicability approved by a Department or Board or Commission (and the Council where specifically set forth herein), without regard to its designation, that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of any Department, Board or Commission or the Laws under which they operate. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior Regulation, but does not include statements concerning only the internal management of any Department and not affecting private rights or procedures available to the public, including, but not limited to intra-Departmental or inter-Departmental memoranda.

[39] NOTE: NEW (2023). Derived from C.G.S. § 4-166(16).

(33) Resolution[40] means a declaratory action on a given matter by the Common Council that (A) expresses the sentiment or intent of the Council; (B) governs the business of the Council; (C) expresses recognition by the Council; or (D) complies with the specific requirements of the General Statutes with regard to certain legislative enactments. Resolutions may also be adopted in a similar manner by other Boards and Commission, including the Commissioners of the various Taxing Districts.

[40] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(34) Special Acts or Special Laws[41] means the acts of the General Assembly of the State pertinent to the City.

[41] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(35) State or Connecticut[42] means the State of Connecticut.

[42] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(36) State Constitution[43] means the Constitution of the State of Connecticut.

[43] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(37) Taxing Districts[44] means First, Second, Third and Sixth Taxing Districts as set forth in Article XII of Part 2 of this Charter, all of which are quasi-municipal corporations[45], bodies politic[46] or political subdivisions of the state[47]. The First, Second and Third Taxing Districts are funded through their respective utility revenues and thereby, at the time of the adoption of this revision are not imposing a separate district tax; while the Sixth Taxing District levies a tax for the services it provides for its parks and beaches, garbage collection, library and fire service.

[44] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[45] NOTE: See, Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk v. Lyons, 35 Conn. App. 795, 32, 33 (1994).

[46] NOTE: See, Barr v. First Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, 11 Conn. 53, 54 (1963).

[47] NOTE: See, Maisano v. Mitchell, 155 Conn. 256, 264 (1967).

(38) Town Clerk[48] is an elected Public Official who serves the function set forth in the General Statutes and this Charter, in particular in Article VI, § 6-1.

[48] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(39) Vacancy[49] or, in the alternative, the use of the word "Vacant" means whenever any Official of the City (or of any the Taxing Districts) is unable to complete the current term of office for any cause, including, but not limited to (a) death, (b) resignation, (c) removal or expulsion, (d) failure to remain an Elector of the City or a resident of district where the residence is required for holding the office, (e) by reason of permanent mental or physical disability or infirmity, shall become incapacitated to discharge the duties of office, in accordance with the procedure set forth in § 3-7 and any Ordinance of Rules of the Common Council, (f) conviction of crimes pertaining to malfeasance in office or any infamous crime, or (g) other reason as may be defined by Ordinance.

[49] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[3] NOTE: NEW (2023).

C. Use of Terms[50].

(1) Where reference is made to the word "shall" the legislative intention is to make the function a mandatory or imperative obligation for the Public Official or entity charged with an obligation under this Charter or under the Ordinances. It is recommended that to avoid any doubt the word "must" or "required" should be used in order to impose clarity on the concept of obligation.

(2) Where reference is made to a majority, two-thirds or other voting standard of the "entire membership" of the Common Council, Board or Commission it shall refer to the voting privileges conferred upon the duly qualified elected or appointed members of the body, including those absent and those present but not voting; however, shall not include any vacancies on the body.

[50] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).

§ 2-3 Standards of Conduct. [1]

A. Statement of Purpose[2]. Public office is a public trust. The trust of the public is essential for government to function effectively. Public policy developed by Officials affects every resident of the City, and it must be based on honest and fair deliberations and decisions. This process must be free from threats, favoritism, nepotism, undue influence and all forms of impropriety so that the confidence of the public is not eroded. By setting forth this Statement of Purpose, the City seeks to articulate a policy that will continually strive to maintain and increase the confidence of the people of Norwalk in the integrity and fairness of their government. Public Officials and employees must discharge their duties impartially so as to ensure fair competitive access to government procurement by responsible contractors. In turn, those contractors must conduct themselves in such a manner as to foster public confidence in the integrity of the competitive process. In all cases, any reality or appearance of impropriety must be addressed as required by the Code of Ethics Ordinance[3].

[2] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[3] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. At the time of the effective date of this Charter the Code of Ethics may be found in Chapter 32 of the Code of Ethics, as may be amended form time-to-time.

B. Code of Ethics Ordinance[4]. The Code of Ethics Ordinance covering all Public Officials and employees of the City whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, and individuals and entities seeking to and conducting business with the City must be periodically updated and amended. The purpose of the code is to establish suitable ethical standards by prohibiting acts or actions incompatible with the discharge of their public duties and the best interests of the City, and by directing disclosure of private financial interest or personal interest in matters affecting the City by the elected and appointed Officials or employees as well as such individuals and entities seeking to and conducting business with the City. The City Clerk is required to provide all Public Officials and employees of the City with copies of the provisions of § 2-3 and the implementing Ordinances and policies enacted hereunder, upon the commencement of their public service and/or employment.

(1) Periodic Update of Ethics Ordinance[5]. The Council is required to enact a code of ethics by Ordinance (and has an affirmative obligation to update and amend the Ordinance) following public review and comment by the Board of Ethics, in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Charter.

[5] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(2) Recusal[6]. Any Public Official or employee must refrain from voting, participating or acting on matters which constitute a violation of the code of ethics or otherwise creates a conflict of interest. In the case of members of the Council or any Board and Commission, such recusal shall be placed in the public record. Filing of public disclosures may be addressed in accordance with the Ethics Ordinance, as may be amended from time-to-time.

[6] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(3) Violation[7]. In addition to any remedies or penalties set forth in the Ordinance effectuating this provision of the Charter, any finding of a violation by the Board of Ethics as authorized by Ordinance and any Regulations thereunder:

(a) shall render any action, including but not limited to any contract or agreement involved voidable, at the option of the City;

(b) may result in the discipline of Officials and employees in accordance with the provisions of this Charter and Ordinances; and,

(c) may result in disqualifying individuals or entities from engaging in business with the City for a period of time to be established by Ordinance.

[7] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[4] NOTE: NEW (2023).

C. Conflict of Interest and Corrupt Practices[8]. All Public Officials are required to comply with the provisions of the General Statutes[9], this Charter or Ordinances pertaining to conflicts of interest and corrupt practices. The Ordinance required by § 2-3B(1) shall define and set forth the parameters of conflicts of interest and corrupt practices.

[8] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[9] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. Among the provisions is C.G.S. § 7-148h(b): "Notwithstanding the provisions of any special act, municipal charter or ordinance to the contrary, an elected official of any town, city, district or borough that has established a board, commission, council, committee or other agency under subsection (a) of this section, has an interest that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of the official's duties or employment in the public interest and of the official's responsibilities as prescribed by the laws of this state, if the official has reason to believe or expect that the official, the official's spouse or dependent child, or a business with which he is associated, as defined in section 1-79, will derive a direct monetary gain or suffer a direct monetary loss, as the case may be, by reason of the official's official activity. Any such elected official does not have an interest that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of the official's duties in the public interest and of the official's responsibilities as prescribed by the laws of this state, if any benefit or detriment accrues to the official, the official's spouse or dependent child, or a business with which he, his spouse or such dependent child is associated as a member of a profession, occupation or group to no greater extent than to any other member of such profession, occupation or group. Any such elected official who has a substantial conflict may not take official action on the matter.

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023). In lieu of Article V, Part 1 - General. § 1-225.1. Derived from Charter Amendment 9-12-2000, Historical Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-7-2000, It should be further noted that there is a very extensive ethics regimen for the Taxing Districts. 1-225.1 reads as follows: "All employees and officers of the City of Norwalk, salaried and unsalaried, including the members of all boards, agencies and commissions elected or appointed in the City of Norwalk, shall be subject to the Code of Ethics contained in Chapter 32 of the Norwalk Code, as it may be amended from time to time."

§ 2-4 Rules of Order and Civility. [1]

City Officials and employees are required to treat members of the public with respect and expect the same in return in official in-person or virtual/electronic interactions. The City is committed to maintaining orderly and fair administrative processes and in keeping City administrative offices free from disruption.

A. The Workplace and City Operations. This Charter promotes mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct among City employees, Elected Officials and the public in the workplace and other official interactions. This section is not intended to deprive any person of the right to freedom of expression, but only to maintain, to the extent possible and reasonable, a safe, productive, and harassment-free workplace for City staff and a safe and non-threatening environment for the public. The City encourages all parties to engage in professional, respectful, and courteous communication and discourages hostile, intimidating, or otherwise disruptive actions.

B. Public Meeting Decorum. The City is committed to the democratic process, the rule of law, individual rights of expression, robust debate, and tolerance for disparate views and the building of better community relationships through increased empathy, greater awareness and decreased reactivity. The City's elected and appointed Boards and Commissions, the Council and any other public bodies, including, committees, task forces, or other like entities all convene public Meetings to address, from time to time, controversial issues that may engender passionate and often conflicting opinions. An atmosphere of civility and respect at Public Meetings will encourage and embolden robust participation and debate, contributing to the outcomes of decisions and strengthening local democratic process.

C. Rules of Order. In order to effectuate these provisions of the Charter, the City may adopt Ordinances generally governing the conduct of public Meetings in accordance with this Charter.

(1) Parliamentary Authority: The General Rule[2]. At the commencement of the term of office, the Common Council must adopt a manual of parliamentary procedures to regulate the conduct of all Meetings of the Council and all elected and appointed Boards and Commissions. Notwithstanding the Council, or any Board or Commission may specify an alternate parliamentary authority, with the written approval of the Corporation Counsel.

[2] NOTE: NEW (2023).

(2) Adoption of Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Council and each elected and appointed Board and Commission may adopt rules of order in order to conduct public Meetings and government business in a civil and orderly environment. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of the Council, Board or Commission is required for approval of the rule, following review by the Corporation Counsel to ensure that the rules are consistent with the open meeting requirements of the General Statutes and this Charter.

D. The Role of the Presiding Officer. The presiding officer of the Council and each elected and appointed Board and Commission are responsible for maintaining the order and decorum at Public Meeting and for the uniform enforcement of rules of order.

E. Compliance with Rules of Order and Decorum. Likewise, all persons who attend a public Meeting must comply with any lawful order of the presiding officer to enforce rules of order and decorum. In all circumstances, members of the public and all Public Officials shall be expected to follow the rules of the body and must not engage in disorderly conduct, uncivil language or actions as may be defined by Ordinance, Regulation or rules of order of the body.

F. Breach of Rules. In the event any person breaches the rules of order pertaining to civility in a manner that disturbs, disrupts, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the Meeting, the presiding officer has the sole discretion to order that person to cease the conduct. The presiding officer has the authority to order a member of the public, Public Official or member of the body to leave the Public Meeting in the event of continued violations following an initial order from the presiding officer. If the initial order to cease the offending conduct is not obeyed and the conduct continues in spite of an escalation of additional orders from the presiding officer, the party may be removed from the Meeting. Removal of a person at an in-person Public Meeting may be facilitated by a law enforcement officer, upon the request of the presiding officer. At a virtual or hybrid Meeting the presiding officer may block the person from participation. Members of appointed Boards and Commissions may be subject to removal in accordance with the provisions of § 7-1E, below.

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).

§ 2-5 Open Meetings and Public Records. [1]

A. Records[2]. Each Elected and Appointed Board and Commission and committees, task forces, or other like entities, created or mandated by this Charter, must keep a complete and accurate record of its official acts, votes, Meetings, and proceedings and are required to maintain custody of its correspondence, files and other records. The minutes and recordings of Boards and Commissions are public records, in accordance with the General Statutes, and must be available for public inspection (1) at the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours; and, (2) on the City website.

[2] NOTE: NEW (2023).

B. Open and Public Meetings[3]. All Meetings of the Common Council[4] and all other Elected and Appointed Boards and Commissions and all committees, task forces or other like entities must be open to the public except for executive sessions permitted by the General Statutes. All appointed Boards and Commissions, and all committees, task forces or other like entities must comply with the State freedom of information laws unless otherwise provided by the General Statutes or Law.

[3] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[4] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).

§ 2-6 Diversity on Boards and Commissions. [1]

The active, informed, inclusive, and equitable engagement of community members, both individually and collectively, is an essential element of healthy civic life and a thriving local democracy. All Public Officials who appoint members of Boards and Commissions are required to take into consideration the knowledge, expertise, experience, and, to the fullest extent possible, the diversity of residents and the geographic areas of the City when considering the composition of Boards and Commissions. Diversity on Boards and Commissions should, in its broadest sense be considered to include, but shall not be limited to[2], race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry or culture, status as a veteran, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial and marital status, pregnancy, or physical and mental disability.

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).

[2] NOTE: Comment of the 2023 Charter Revision Commission. The listing in this Charter is not exclusive since it reflects the current state of protected classes under federal and state law. It is fully expected that as those classes are modified by Congress or the General Assembly, the new protected classes will be deemed covered as if they were specifically included in the enumeration.

§ 2-7 Required Cooperation. [1]

Each Public Official and all employees of the City must cooperate with each other, assist the Boards and Commissions, elected and appointed, and the pertinent Departments in carrying out the provisions of this Charter, advancing City objectives and policies and serving the public interest. Good faith actions by all Public Officials will encourage and embrace public engagement which, in turn, will inform public decisions.

[1] NOTE: NEW (2023).