From Where I Sit: Budget Heading To Town Meeting Unless Successful Petition Presented

In general, I have found that most of the business taken up at our regular Board of Selectmen meetings is relatively routine as it relates to the operation of our Town. At the meeting, on April 13, however, there was one item, a referendum on the town budget, which produced a lively discussion and a split partisan vote.

The Board took up the issue of whether or not to have a referendum on the town budget as we have in recent years, or simply vote on the budget at the Annual Town Meeting as was done in past up until the 1990s.

According to the Town Charter the Board of Selectmen may vote to have a referendum or 200 voters may petition to have one. It does not appear the question on a referendum that it can be voted upon at the Town Meeting.

Selectman Goldblatt made a motion that a referendum on the Town Budget be held on Thursday May 19 from noon to 8 p.m.

I seconded that motion.

Two local residents spoke strongly in support of continuing the practice of having a town wide referendum again this year. Their arguments encompassed giving everyone an opportunity to vote; allowing all citizens to cast a private ballot; concerns for those who could not make a meeting; as well as openness and government transparency.

Selectman Goldblatt referred to a number of emails and calls he received in support of the referendum. He mentioned numerous reasons for having one, many of which were sent to him in those emails. I further stated that it has been our practice in recent years to have one. I also stated if a change is to be made it should done by the Charter Revision Commission in the Charter where everyone can have input and a vote on the change.

The other selectmen opposed the motion with arguments about cost, difficulty in getting help, and a lack of interest.

First Selectman Zeoli presented some documentation indicating that the highest turnout in recent years has been about six percent and in 2015 it was only two percent. The motion failed on a 3 to 2 vote with First Selectman Zeoli abstaining.

As we stand now, the vote on the budget will be taken at the Town Meeting unless a successful petition for a referendum is presented.

In other important business, the board voted to approve contracts for funding of service at Silverbrook Estates; a request to abandon Christmas Tree Lane; a Resolution allowing the Town Clerk to apply for a 2016 Historic Preservation Grant; new firehouse leases; a staging area for the Derby Milford road improvement project; a request to put on the Suspense List the unpaid taxes from 2012; Firefighter Abatements on the 2015 Grand List; and acted in support of a right of way on Salemme Lane.

In addition the Board voted to recommend approval of the purchase of 445 Turkey Hill Road in the amount of $325,000. This property is 5.25 acres directly in front of Turkey Hill School. It has an old house which is not longer usable and must come down. The property will be held for future use by the Town.