Agenda

COMMISSIONERS' MEETING
SIXTH TAXING DISTRICT, City of Norwalk
February 10, 2010

Rowayton Community Center
February 10, 2010
8:00 p.m.

Approval of the Minutes of the January 13, 2010 meeting

NEW BUSINESS

Presentation by Rowayton Arts Center

Proposed Superstructure Replacement of Bell Island Bridge

General Counsel interviews

Treasurer interviews

Annual Budget Meeting - green recycle bins available for sale

OLD BUSINESS

Dog Park signage

REPORTS

Commissioners

District Clerk

Property Manager

Fire Marshal

Officer Jensen

District Administrator

Treasurer

Rowayton is a part of Norwalk, which was purchased from the Siwanoy Indians about 1651. Within two decades, property deeds in the district were referring to the "Rowayton Area" of Norwalk, although the spelling varied. In the period 1860-90, Rowayton was an oystering center.

The Sixth Taxing District is a State-chartered municipal corporation which encompasses the area once an independent municipality, Rowayton. It was formed when Rowayton became a part of the City of Norwalk in the 1920. The district was created in 1921 by a special act of Connecticut Legislature to permit residents to provide themselves certain services which they were unable to obtain from the City of Norwalk.

Method
The Sixth District's affairs are governed by a three member Commission. Each is elected to a six-year term. Commissioners are placed on the ballot for election by the process identified in the Norwalk City Charter, typically by nomination by the registered political parties. As a commission, at least one member of the Commission must be of a different political party affiliation.

The Commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday evening of each month, at 8:00 p.m. in the Community Center, located on Highland Avenue in Rowayton, which also houses the Rowayton Library. The public is welcome at any meeting. Any elector of the Sixth District can request that an item be placed on the Agenda of a meeting by contacting the District Clerk or one of the Commissioners at least 10 days before the meeting. Items brought to the floor of the meeting which are not on the Agenda published in advance of the meeting may not be capable of Commission action at the meeting.

The Commission establishes a proposed budget for the fiscal year (running from July 1 to June 30) at its January meeting, and this is presented to the Annual Meeting of the electors of the District each March.

Functions
Over the years, the Sixth Taxing District has assumed responsibilities to provide street lighting, garbage collection, fire service, library services, and the management of community properties, including Bayley Beach, Pinkney Park, the Arts Center and the Community Center. Many of these activities are further operated by volunteer organizations, such as the Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department and the Rowayton Library Board.

These activities are funded by revenues to the District and taxation, which are added to and incorporated in the municipal tax bill of the City of Norwalk. Because of the volunteer management of the Library, Fire Department and Art Center, these services are provided at a significantly lower cost than typical public financing. Garbage collection is performed under a contract with an out-sourced provider, also at a lower than typical cost for a public-funded function.