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ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN APPROVING THE REQUEST FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THE CITY CHARTER REQUIREMENT CONCERNING RESIDENT ELECTOR STATUS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF BUILDING INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT ROBERT DILLON.
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WHEREAS, under the revised City Charter, passed on November 7, 2023, Article II, Section 12 of the Charter (“Charter”) of the City of New Haven (“City”) there is set forth an Elector and residency requirement for certain appointed Public Officials, Department Heads and Deputies, unless otherwise provided by Law or waived in accordance with the provisions of § 12.D of the Charter; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2026 the New Haven Board of Alders, via Chapter 2, Art. IV, Division 1, Sec. 2-221 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances (OR-2026-0016), established an exception process to the Charter’s elector and city residency requirements for individuals in roles subject to resident elector requirements under the Charter; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon has been serving in the capacity as the Director of Office of Building Inspection & Enforcement since April of 2023; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon has served the City of New Haven since 2017 and through his years of service has played an essential role in maintaining high level building standards and quality across the City of New Haven as well as contributing to the overall growth of the city; and
WHEREAS, the role of Director of the Office of Building Inspection and Enforcement is a specialized role, requiring certification as a State of Connecticut building official; and
WHEREAS, currently there are no individuals on the State of Connecticut’s certification roster who currently reside in New Haven other than Mr. Dillon; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his original hire at the City of New Haven, Mr. Dillon was not subject to a residency elector requirement and owned a home in North Haven; and
WHEREAS, despite holding a primary residence in North Haven, Mr. Dillon nonetheless demonstrated a commitment to the City by holding a second residence in New Haven to satisfy the Charter’s residency elector requirement; and
WHEREAS, continuing to maintain two residences is a significant financial and personal burden to Mr. Dillon and his family; and
WHERAS, based on the information provided, the Personnel Director of the City of New Haven has reviewed relevant criteria pursuant to Sec. 2-221 of the New Haven Code of Ordinances and has certified that this exception request from Mr. Dillon does indeed satisfy criteria for consideration; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon’ established North Haven address fulfills the condition as established by Sec. 2-221 for an individual granted an exception to continue to reside within the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon has demonstrated exemplary dedication in serving the City of New Haven; and
WHEREAS, as such, an exception of residency/elector status will not be of detriment to our municipality nor diminish his effectiveness or dedication to his role.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Board of Alders of the City of New Haven that the Director of Office of Building Inspection & Enforcement, Robert Dillon, be granted an exception of the New Haven Charter’s elector & residency requirement so that he may remain in his position and continue his hard work serving the people of the City of New Haven.