| Common Council |
Joseph M. Cavo
President
|
| Address: |
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810 |
| Phone: |
203-796-8083 |
Term: 12/03/2007 - 12/01/2009
Statement of Mission: As the legislative body of the City, the Common Council is empowered to enact, amend or repeal ordinances. The Common 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
Description
The Legislative Branch of Government in the City of Danbury is known as the Common Council. The Council consists of twenty-one members all residing in Danbury. There are two elected officials from each ward and seven at large, all of whom serve a term of two years.
The Common Council has the power to change current, or create new, ordinances of the City. The Common Council also holds the power to regulate the operations of a department or board of the City. In effect, the Common Council creates and abolishes laws governing the management of the City of Danbury. The current Common Council consists of 14 Republicans and 7 Democrats.
Accomplishments
During the course of this fiscal year the Common Council has enacted numerous ordinances and resolutions. Some of the highlights include the passage of improvements to the Tax Credit for the Elderly and the Energy Tax Credit. The Council is also proud of its support for the new S.A.V.E. Program. This new initiative encourages our senior residents to earn a tax credit in exchange for their volunteer work with a local non-profit organization or city agency.
The Council saw fulfilled an Open Space and Recreation Bond as well as a VA Grant for the City’s Homeless Shelter. The Council also approved ICE Access and loopholes in the Sex Offender Ordinance were addressed and closed.
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The Common 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 Common Council's responsibilities please refer to the section of the City Charter listed as The Common Council
If you would like to download the entire Charter, please click here