Agendas & Minutes:

Statement of Mission: As the legislative body of the City, the City Council is empowered to enact, amend or repeal ordinances. The City Council approves the appropriation of funds, adopts the City’s Operating and Capital Budgets, sets the mill rate, and has overall legislative oversight over the City of Danbury

About us:

The Legislative Branch of Government in the City of Danbury is known as the City Council.  The Common Council name was changed to City Council during the city’s recent Charter Revision in 2010. The City Council creates and abolishes ordinances governing the management of the City of Danbury. The City Council has the power to change current, or create new, ordinances and regulates the operations of departments and boards of the city. 

            The Council consists of twenty-one members, all are residents of Danbury.  There are two elected officials from each ward and seven at large, all of whom serve a term of two years.   The current City Council consists of 15 Republicans and 6 Democrats.

Our accomplishments:   

            During the course of this fiscal year the City Council enacted numerous ordinances and resolutions in addition to completing the usual business of addressing extension and easement requests, dealing with sewer and water issues and so much more.  Appointments to the city’s boards and commissions are frequently found on the Council’s monthly meeting agenda, along with donations throughout the year from generous individuals, businesses and organizations on behalf of our departments.  An example of donations this year included monies for a working police dog and up-fitting of a police vehicle for K-9 use.

            The City Council diligently evaluated, and approved, a very difficult 2011-2012 Budget on time.  Council members began reviewing the Mayor’s proposed budget in April.  Members sought to keep taxes low while maintaining a high level of services for our residents.   During this same budget process the Council supported much needed budget spending reductions and money saving initiatives.

            The Council continued the implementation of a tax freeze program for elderly homeowners that will relieve some of the burden that our oldest residents who are on a fixed income may face.  The Council also approved the sale of the old Police Station on Main Street which was purchased for use by Unions Savings Bank and for senior housing.

            Issues that will continue to be addressed into the new fiscal year will include residents’ requests for a dog park which has been discussed for years.  An Ad Hoc committee was formed at the request of the Council to review the idea and make plans for its fruition.  In addition, the Council formed a committee for the purpose of reviewing all Danbury parks and to access the parks’ future needs. 

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The City Council shall be vested with the legislative power of the City. The Council, by majority vote with the Mayor's approval or 2/3 vote with the Mayor's disapproval, shall have the power to enact, amend or repeal ordinances and to create or abolish by ordinance, boards, commissions, departments and offices. Every ordinance shall be published within 10 days after enactment. Upon a petition of not less than 15% of the electors of the City filed with the Town Clerk within 30 days after publication of any ordinance, asking that the ordinance be submitted to the voters of the City at the next regular or special meeting, the ordinance shall be submitted and it shall not become effective unless a majority of the voters at such a meeting vote in favor. An ordinance stated to be a public emergency measure shall become effective immediately after publication and no public hearing is required.

For a detailed description of the City Council's responsibilities please refer to the section of the City Charter listed as The City Council