City Council
Meriden’s City Council is made up of twelve elected officials who hold exclusive legislative powers for the City of Meriden and enact, amend and repeal ordinances that are consistent with the Connecticut General Statutes and the City Charter. Through ordinance, the Council may create or dissolve Boards, Commissions, Departments and Offices, except those required specifically by the General Statutes or the Charter. Most legislation is referred to the appropriate standing committee for its review and recommendation prior to final approval. City Councilors take Meriden’s customer service policy very seriously and maintain open and frequent communication with their constituents. The City Council also invites citizens to play an active role in municipal government by attending council and committee meetings.
| Area 1 | Area 2 |
| Yvette Cortez | Joseph Scaramuzzo |
| Sonya Jelks | Larue Graham |
| Area 3 | Area 4 |
| Dan Brunet | Bob Williams Jr. |
| Michael Zakrzewski | Michael Carabetta |
| At Large | |
| Chad Cardillo | Bruce A. Fontanella |
| Ray R. Ouellet | Michael Rohde |
Council Clerk - This position is responsible for facilitating the smooth and efficient operation of the Office of the Mayor and the City Council, as well as the Council’s various committees. The Clerk tracks and records all Council actions, prepares agendas, distributes agendas, reports, and other materials, and disseminates information about legislative actions to the general public.
Standing Committees - There are several Council standing committees, organized by municipal functions such as economic development, public safety, and health and human services, which conduct the majority of the Council’s activities at regularly scheduled meetings. The standing committees hold public hearings, review Council referrals, and forward recommendations to the City Council for its consideration and approval. No ordinances or proposed bylaws can be approved by the Council until an appropriate Council Committee has held a public hearing on the item in question. The Clerk of the City Council reports to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee.
Municipal Legislation - The Council holds the exclusive legislative powers for the City of Meriden and has the power to enact, amend, or repeal ordinances consistent with the Connecticut General Statutes and the City Charter. The Council may also create or dissolve by ordinance boards, commissions, departments, and offices, except those required specifically by the General Statutes or the Charter. Most proposed legislation is referred to the appropriate standing committee for its review and recommendation prior to final approval.
Financial Policies / Planning - The Council has the exclusive fiscal and budget-making authority of the City and has the authority to set the charges to be made for all City services. The Council has the power to levy taxes on the estates within the City to finance municipal operations. The Council may authorize the securing of temporary loans in anticipation of the collection of municipal taxes, and has the authority to approve capital expenditures.
Constituent Caseworker
- Assists the City Council and the Mayor in responding to citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Assists citizens in resolving problems with public agencies.
- Provides information on governmental resources and programs.
- Investigates facts, records, laws, policies and procedures.
- Liaison between municipal elected officials and the public.
- Performs routine tasks for the Mayor and represents the Mayor in dealings with employees, businesses, civic organizations and the public.
- Attends meetings of the City Council, municipal boards and commissions, other government agencies and committees as assigned.
- Performs extensive research and analysis, gathers statistical and other data and prepares written reports for the City Council and Mayor.