Approved Minutes

 Town of Mansfield

Communication Advisory Committee

Audrey P. Beck Building , Conference Room B

April 6, 2009, 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Toni Moran, Aline Booth, Joyce Crepeau, Leila Fecho

Members absent: Patrick McGlamery, Richard Pellegrine

Staff: Jaime Russell

I. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairperson Toni Moran

II. The minutes of the March 16, 2009 meeting were approved as presented.

III. Public comment - none

IV. Old Business

         Strategic Plan Response

               Leila reviewed the action steps with regard to our goals.  She will draft an answer and give members one week to review the draft before it is sent to the Town Managers office.

          Budget Process

               The need for transparency of information on the Web was discussed.  In the interest of getting more information to citizens, Toni will check with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) to see if there are legal ramifications to blogging.  This would be the responsibility of the Town Council, not the CAC.  The Citizens guide was reviewed also.  It was suggested that the dates should not be on the last page, but on page one. Graphic representations such as pie charts would also be helpful.

         Referendum Process

               Discussion centered on Town advocacy which is not legally allowed once a date for a referendum has been set.  This does not prohibit private groups from advocating for or against the budget.

        Membership Issues

               There was no communication from the Town Council.  It was decided that members whose terms were expiring would continue to serve until they resign or a successor is appointed.

V.  There was no new business, no reports or communications.

Next Meeting:

Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m.  Present agenda items continue to be discussed at this meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Aline Booth