Representative Town Meeting (linked)

August 1, 2024
To: Paul Goldstein, RTM Moderator
15 Rope Ferry Rd
Waterford, CT 06385
From: Mary Childs, RTM District 2
Re: Request for referral of issue to Legislation & Administration Committee
Mr. Moderator:
As you may recall, the RTM first learned of the reorganization of the Youth and Family Services Bureau
and the Senior Citizens Commission during our May 2022 budget hearings. It came asa surprise to many
of us that, several months previously, following the departure of the Senior Citizens Director, a decision
was made to have the YFSB Director oversee both agencies so that our senior services would not be left
to flounder. In the discussion that followed, we learned that this was nota temporary action, and that
details such as whether the two agencies would be combined, what staffing changes were planned, were
still being worked out.
We were assured that a full explanation of the new organization would be forthcoming later in 2022.
When that did not happen, I requested that the First Selectman schedule a presentation to the RTM, and
he graciously assured us that he would do so after the 2023 budget hearings.
As Waterford’s legislative body, the RTM is responsible for codifying any changes in the makeup of our
town government, which includes departments, agencies, boards and commissions. Ideally, the review,
revision, and public hearings on the applicable ordinances takes place before a reorganization is
implemented. Failing that, we still must take the appropriate action, even if it is after the fact.
I respectfully request that the issue of the YFSB and Senior Citizens Commission reorganization be
referred to the Legislation & Administration Committee for appropriate consideration and ultimate
recommendation to the full RTM. | expect this would involve a review of the following ordinances:
Chapter 2.96, Youth and Family Services Bureau; Chapter 2.72, Senior Citizens Commission; and Chapter
2.08, Town Officers. There may be other ordinances to check, depending on cross-references, but | trust
the committee and the Town Attorney will address them as needed.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter,
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Mary Childs, RTM District 2 a
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