Portland Charter Revision Commission Elects Leaders, Sets Public Hearing

PORTLAND, CT — Portland's Charter Revision Commission unanimously elected Ralph Zampano as chairman and Sharon Peters as vice chairwoman during its organizational meeting Oct. 26, setting the stage for a review of the town's governing charter.

The commission also voted unanimously to hold its first public hearing Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m., giving residents and local officials an opportunity to provide input before the commission begins its work.

The commission's seven members met at the Waverly Senior Center, 7 Waverly Ave., with First Selectman Michael Pelton calling the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.

Pelton described the charter revision as an important undertaking that would affect Portland's government for years to come. He thanked commission members for agreeing to serve.

Peters nominated Zampano for chairman, with Timothy Lavoy seconding the motion. No other nominations were offered, and the commission voted unanimously in favor.

Zampano subsequently nominated Peters for vice chairwoman, with Christopher Darby seconding. That motion also passed unanimously without additional nominations.

Public Hearing Scheduled For Nov. 12

The commission selected Nov. 12 for its first public hearing following a discussion of possible dates.

Under the town charter, the commission must hold an initial public hearing before beginning its review to gather input from residents and local officials.

The charter also requires public notice at least seven days before the hearing, including publication in a newspaper and posting in a public place.

Lavoy moved to schedule the hearing for Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., with Peters seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

Attorney Reviews Charter Revision Process

Attorney Steven Mednick, who attended the meeting, outlined the legal requirements and procedures governing charter revisions.

Mednick discussed Connecticut's home rule provisions and explained that a municipal charter establishes the structure of local government.

His presentation addressed the commission's responsibilities, the steps required in the revision process, the Board of Selectmen's Oct. 7, 2026, resolution establishing the commission's charge and considerations for developing a timetable.

Mednick also reviewed compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, meeting procedures and requirements for maintaining minutes.

He recommended that commission members follow Robert's Rules of Order while working toward consensus. Mednick characterized charter revision as a nonpartisan process.

Commission Establishes Meeting Schedule Through July 2027

Commission members unanimously approved a regular meeting schedule extending from December 2026 through July 2027.

Under the schedule, meetings will take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Locations have not yet been determined.

Lavoy introduced the motion, which Peters seconded.

The commission also discussed plans to meet with the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 17 and to schedule a meeting with Town Attorney Kari Olson and Mednick in early December.

The minutes described those meetings as planned rather than formally approved appointments.

All seven commission members attended the organizational meeting: Robert Croce Sr., Christopher Darby, Kimberly Hanna, M. Terri Larson, Timothy Lavoy, Sharon Peters and Ralph Zampano.

Selectman Vincent Pitruzzello also attended.

No members of the public offered comments.

The commission adjourned at 8:16 p.m. following a motion by Croce, seconded by Peters. All members voted in favor.