CHARTER
Charter of the
Town of Newtown State of Connecticut
ADOPTED OCTOBER 2, 1961REVISED OCTOBER 7, 1963
REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1966REVISED MAY 3, 1971REVISED MAY 7, 1973
REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1974REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1977REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1983REVISED NOVEMBER 3, 1987REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1991REVISED NOVEMBER 4, 1997REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2001
REVISED APRIL 22, 2008REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2012
ADOPTED NOVEMBER 8, 2016 - EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 8, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTSPREAMBLE CHARTER .......................................................................................6
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................61-01 Incorporation ...........................................................................................61-05 Rights, Obligations and Actions Continued ................................61-10 Powers of Town ......................................................................................71-15 Effect of Charter ......................................................................................71-20 Summary of Governance .....................................................................71-25 General Provisions.................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2 MEMBERSHIP, RULES, AND DUTIES FOR NEWTOWN OFFICES .................................................. 10
2-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 102-05 Eligibility................................................................................................. 112-10 Minority Representation.................................................................. 122-15 Terms and Term Limits .................................................................... 132-20 OfficersoftheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 142-25 Voting ....................................................................................................... 142-30 Vacancies on the Legislative Council, Boards, Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 152-31 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Elected Town Bodies . 152-32 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Appointive Boards and Commissions ................................................................................ 162-35 Use of Alternates ................................................................................. 172-40 Removal for Cause .............................................................................. 172-45 Compensation ....................................................................................... 172-50 Administrative Clerks ........................................................................ 182-100 ElectedBoards,Commissions,andOfficers ............................. 182-105 Legislative Council .............................................................................. 182-110 First Selectman .................................................................................... 202-115 Board of Selectmen ............................................................................ 212-120 Board of Education ............................................................................. 23
2-125 Board of Finance ................................................................................. 242-130 Planning and Zoning Commission ............................................... 242-135 Town Clerk ............................................................................................. 252-140 Registrars of Voters ............................................................................ 252-145 Board of Assessment Appeals ....................................................... 262-150 Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall ................................ 262-155 Zoning Board of Appeals .................................................................. 262-160 Board of Police Commissioners .................................................... 272-200 AppointiveAuthorities,Boards,CommissionsandOfficers ....... 282-201 General Provisions.............................................................................. 282-205 Aging, Commission on ....................................................................... 292-210 Building Appeals Board .................................................................... 292-215 Conservation Commission .............................................................. 292-220 Cultural Arts Commission ............................................................... 302-225 Economic Development Commission ......................................... 302-230 Ethics, Board of .................................................................................... 302-235 Fire Commissioners, Board of ....................................................... 312-240 Inland Wetlands Commission ........................................................ 322-245 Justices of the Peace ........................................................................... 332-250 Parks and Recreation Commission .............................................. 332-255 Pension Commission ......................................................................... 332-260 Public Building and Site Commission ......................................... 342-265 Public Safety Committee .................................................................. 342-270 Self-Funded Health Insurance Fund Commission ................. 352-275 Sustainable Energy Commission .................................................. 352-280 Trustees of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, Board of ........... 352-285 Water and Sewer Authority ............................................................ 362-300 Regional Authorities and Boards ................................................. 362-305 Lake Lillinonah Authority ............................................................... 362-310 Lake Zoar Authority ........................................................................... 372-315 Newtown Health District Health Board..................................... 37
CHAPTER 3 ELECTIONS AND REFERENDA ......................................... 383-05 Town Elections ..................................................................................... 383-10 Legislative Council Districts ........................................................... 383-15 Election of Boards and Commissions ......................................... 383-20 Elections for Vacated Seats ............................................................. 393-25 Referendum ........................................................................................... 39
CHAPTER 4 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS .......................................... 424-05 Finance Director .................................................................................. 424-10 Tax Collector .......................................................................................... 434-15 Town Assessor ...................................................................................... 444-20 Building Inspector .............................................................................. 454-25 Town Attorney ...................................................................................... 454-30 Emergency Management Director ............................................... 454-35 Department of Public Works .......................................................... 454-40 Employees .............................................................................................. 464-45 Regular Constables ............................................................................. 474-50 OtherOfficersandDepartments .................................................. 47
CHAPTER 5 LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES .................................................. 485-05 Ordinances ............................................................................................. 485-10 Regulations ............................................................................................ 495-15 Emergency Ordinances..................................................................... 49
CHAPTER 6 BUDGET PROCESSES ............................................................ 516-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 516-05 Preparation of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Budget Proposals ....................................... 516-10 Role of the Finance Director ........................................................... 526-15 Financial Review of the Proposed Budgets by the Board of Finance.................................................................... 526-20 Preparation of the Proposed Town Budget by the Legislative Council ................................................................ 546-25 Annual Town Budget Referendum............................................... 56
6-26 Local Questions on Ballot ................................................................ 586-30 Laying of Taxes ..................................................................................... 586-35 Special and Emergency Appropriations .................................... 596-40 Grants or Other Financial Assistance ......................................... 60
CHAPTER 7 FINANCIAL PROCESSES ...................................................... 627-05 General Financial Process ............................................................... 627-10 Bonding ................................................................................................... 627-15 Disbursements/Purchases .............................................................. 637-20 Transfers ................................................................................................. 657-25 Financial Impact Statements .......................................................... 66
CHAPTER 8 ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY .................................................................... 67
8-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 678-05 Acquisition of Real Property .......................................................... 688-10 Disposition of Real Property .......................................................... 69
CHAPTER 9 ETHICS COMPLAINTS AND ADVISORY OPINIONS ..... 729-05 Code of Ethics ....................................................................................... 729-10 Procedure for Complaints ............................................................... 72
CHAPTER 10 TRANSITION AND MISCELLANEOUS ........................... 7510-01 Effective Date ........................................................................................ 7510-02 Amendment of the Charter ............................................................. 7510-03 Schedules of Superseded Acts ....................................................... 7510-04 Savings Clause ...................................................................................... 76
6
TOWNOFNEWTOWNPREAMBLECHARTER
We,theproprietorsandinhabitantsoftheTownofNewtown,beingdulyqualifiedelectorsoftheStateofConnecticut,andintheexerciseofthoseprivileges,libertiesandpowerswhichwehaveenjoyedsincetheeleventhdayofOctober,1711,inordertopreserveandprotectthepropertyandpersonalwell-beingandtopromotetheindividualandgeneralwelfareofallourcitizens,doherebydeclarethatthisChartershallconstituteourformofgovernment.
CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION1-01 Incorporation
(a) AlltheinhabitantsdwellingwithinthelawfullydefinedterritoriallimitsoftheTownofNewtownshallcontinuetobeabodypoliticandcorporateunderthenameofthe"TownofNewtown",hereinaftercalled"theTown".Assuch,itshallhaveperpetualsuccessionandmayholdandexerciseallpowersandprivilegesheretoforeexercisedbytheTownandnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisCharterandallpowersandprivilegesconferredupontownsundertheGeneralStatutesoftheStateofConnecticut.
1-05 Rights,ObligationsandActionsContinued(a) Allpropertyinterests,bothrealandpersonal,allactions,
causesofaction,defensestheretoandrightsofeverydescriptionandalllienspossessedbytheTownasoftheeffectivedateofthisChartershallbecontinuedintheTown.TheTownshallcontinuetobeliableforalldebtsandobligationsofeverykindforwhichtheTownisliableonthatdate.NothinghereinshallbeconstruedtoaffecttherightoftheTowntocollectanyassessment,charge,debtorlien.AnyrightsorobligationsofaTownDepartmentthatwouldfail,lapseorfallintobreachbyreasonofanychangeinthepowers,organizationsordutiesofTownofficers,boards,
7
commissionsorauthoritiesresultingfromthisChartershallbeassumedbytheBoardofSelectmen,unlessotherwiseprovidedbyordinance,resolutionorthetermsofthisCharter.
1-10 PowersofTown(a) InadditiontoallpowersgrantedtotownsundertheStateof
ConnecticutConstitutionandtheGeneralStatutes,theTownshallpossessallpowersgrantedbythisCharterandallpowersproper,incidentalorconvenienttotheirexercise.TheTownshallalsopossessthepowersincidenttothemanagementofitsproperty,governmentandaffairs,includingthecapacityandpowertoenterintocontractswiththeUnitedStatesoranyFederalAgency,andtheStateofConnecticutoranypoliticalinstrumentalitythereof,foranypurposesnotprohibitedbylaw.
1-15 EffectofCharter(a) ThisChartershallbetheorganiclawoftheTowninthe
administrationofitslocalaffairs.SpecialactsandordinancesinconsistentwiththisCharterandsupersededbyitshallhavenofurtherforceoreffectaftertheeffectivedateofthisCharter.OtherspecialactsaffectingtheTown,andallotherordinancesandresolutionsdulyadoptedandinforcebeforetheeffectivedateoftheCharter,remaininforce,butshallnotapplywhenevertheyconflictwiththeprovisionsofthisCharter.
1-20 SummaryofGovernance(a) TheChiefExecutiveandAdministrativeOfficeroftheTown
shallbetheFirstSelectman.
(b) TheadministrativebodyoftheTownshallbetheBoardofSelectmen.
(c) ThelegislativebodyoftheTownshallbetheLegislativeCouncil.
1-25 GeneralProvisionsThefollowingprovisionsshallapplythroughoutthisCharterunlessotherwisespecified:
8
(a) Definitions:Thefollowingterms(inboldtextthroughoutthedocument)shallhavethemeaningascribedtothembelow.
(1) FinancialImpactStatement:Theterm“FinancialImpactStatement”shalldescribeadocumentthatincludestheanalysisofallcostsandliabilitiestobeincurredbytheTownasaresultoftheuseofaSpecialAppropriation,grantorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalproperty.
(2) GeneralStatutes:Theterm“GeneralStatutes”shallbeusedinthisCharterwhenreferringtotheConnecticutGeneralStatutes,asamended.
(3) LegislativeCouncilDistrict:Theterm“LegislativeCouncilDistrict”shallbeusedinthisCharterasdefinedinSection3-10.
(4) ResidentElector:Theterm“ResidentElector”shalldescribeapersonwhoisregisteredtovoteintheTownandwhoseprincipalresidenceisintheTown.ApersonwhohasfiledanapplicationfortheretentionofelectoralprivilegeswiththeRegistrarofVotersshallbeconsideredaResidentElectorforsolongastheapplicationforretentionofelectorprivilegesisineffect.
(5) Town:Theterm“Town”shallbeusedinthisCharterasdefinedinSubsection1-01(a).
(6) TownBody:Theterm"TownBody"shallincludetheLegislativeCouncilandeachboard,commission,andauthoritydefinedhereinandanyotherbodyorgroupwhichisdesignatedaTownBodybytheLegislativeCouncil.
(7) TownDepartment:Theterm"TownDepartment"shallinclude,forexample,theofficesoftheTaxCollector,TownClerk,Assessor,RegistrarofVoters,PublicWorksDepartment,BoardofEducation,andanyotherTownBodytowhichfundsareappropriatedintheTownBudgetandanyotherbodyorgroupwhichisdesignatedaTownDepartmentbytheLegislativeCouncilonorbeforeOctober1stintheyearpriortotheadoptionoftheTownBudget.
9
(8) TownElection:Theterm“TownElection”shallbeusedforelectionsheldbi-annuallyontheTuesdayafterthefirstMondayofNovemberintheodd-numberedyears.
(9) BudgetrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection6-01(a).
(10) RealpropertyacquisitionanddispositionrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection8-01(a).
(b) PublicNotice:InanyinstanceinwhichpublicnoticeisrequiredthesameshallbeservedbycausingitspublicationinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownunlessadifferentmethodofnoticeisprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.
10
CHAPTER2 MEMBERSHIP,RULES,ANDDUTIESFORNEWTOWNOFFICES
2-01 GeneralProvisions(a) AllmembersandalternatesofTownBodiesshallhavethe
powersanddutiesconferredandimposedonthembytheGeneralStatutes,theprovisionsofthisCharter,andtheregulationsorby-lawsofandforthebodyonwhichtheyserve.MembersandalternatesofappointiveTownBodiesshallalsobesubjecttothepowersanddutiesprescribedbyordinance,ifsuchordinanceexists.
(b) TherulescontainedinthethencurrenteditionofRobert’sRulesofOrderNewlyRevisedshallgoverninallcasestowhichtheyareapplicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththisCharterandanyspecialrulesoforderthatmaybeadopted.
(c) AllelectedandappointiveTownBodiesmaymakerulesfortheconductoftheirmeetingsandthemannerforaccomplishingtheirduties.SuchrulesshallbefiledwiththeTownClerk.
(d) TheFirstSelectmanshallbeanexofficiomemberofallTownBodies,butwithoutvoteandnotcountedforthepurposeofhavingaquorumexceptasamemberoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheFirstSelectmanshallbegivenreasonablenoticeofallmeetingsofTownBodiesbytheirchairmenorsecretaries,andmayinwritingappointanothermemberoftheBoardofSelectmentorepresenthimorheratanymeetingofsuchTownBody.
(e) Allelectiveandappointiveofficers,beforetheyenterontheirduties,shalltaketheoathoraffirmationprescribedbyArticleXI,Section1oftheConstitutionoftheStateofConnecticut,asfollows:"Youdosolemnlyswear(oraffirm,asthecasemaybe)thatyouwillsupporttheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandtheConstitutionoftheStateofConnecticut,aslongasyoucontinuetobeacitizenthereof,andthatyouwillfaithfullydischarge,accordingtolaw,thedutiesoftheofficeof__________tothebestofyourabilities.SohelpyouGod."Nootheroathoraffirmationshallberequired.
11
2-05 Eligibility(a) Unlessotherwisespecified,onlyResidentElectorsofthe
TownshallbeeligibleforelectiontoanyTownofficeorappointmenttoanyappointiveboard.AnypersonceasingtobeaResidentElectoroftheTownshallthereuponceasetoholdelectiveorappointiveofficeintheTownandtheofficeshallbedeemedvacant.
(b) NopersonshallholdmorethanoneelectiveofficeoftheTownatthesametime.
(c) AnyResidentElectoroftheTown,regardlessofwhethertheyhavepartyaffiliation,mayrunforpublicoffice.SpecificsregardingproceduresforsecuringapositionontheelectionballotareavailablebycontactingtheElectionsDivisionoftheSecretaryoftheState'sOffice,theTownClerk'sOffice,ortheRegistrarofVoters'Office.
(d) SpecificrulesregardingeligibilityforcertainofficesorTownBodyarecontainedinthefollowingsubsectionsdiscussingsuchTownBody:
(1) FirstSelectman:TheFirstSelectmanshallhavenootherfulltimeemploymentnorholdanypaidcivilofficeunderthegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,theStateofConnecticut,oranysubdivisionthereof,exceptthatofNotaryPublicandJusticeofthePeace.
(2) BoardofSelectmen:NomemberoftheBoardofSelectmen,whileinoffice,shallholdorbeappointedtoanyotherofficeoremploymentinthegovernmentoftheTown.
(3) LegislativeCouncil:NomemberoftheLegislativeCouncilshallholdorbeappointedtoanyotherTownofficeorTownBody.ExceptasprovidedforinSubsection2-30(b),membersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallresideintheLegislativeCouncilDistrictfromwhichtheywereelected.
(4) PoliceCommission:NomemberoftheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallbeamemberorofficerofthe
12
NewtownPoliceDepartment,theChiefofPolice,oramemberofanyotherTownBody.
(5) BoardofFireCommissioners:EligibilitytoserveontheFireCommissionisdescribedinSubsection2-235(b).
(6) BuildingAppealsBoard:Membersshallbequalifiedbytrainingandexperienceonmatterspertainingtobuildingconstruction.Subsection2-05(a)shallnotapply.
(7) PublicBuildingandSiteCommission:Membersshallincludethosewhoarequalifiedbytrainingandexperienceonmatterspertainingtobuildingdesign,constructionorcontractualinstruments.
2-10 MinorityRepresentation(a) Exceptasspecificallyprovidedinthissection,themaximum
numberofmembersofaTownBody,whetherelectedorappointed,whoaremembersofthesamepoliticalpartyshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSection9-167aoftheGeneralStatutes.Inaddition,themaximumnumberofalternatemembersforanygivenboardorcommissionshallalsoconformtotheprovisionsof9-167a.ToWit:
TotalMembership MaximumforOneParty
3 2
4 3
5 4
6 4
7 5
8 5
9 6
morethan9 2/3rdsoftotalmembership
(b) Exceptionsareasfollows:
(1) LegislativeCouncil:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveontheLegislativeCouncil
13
shallnotexceed3ofthe4memberselectedfromeachLegislativeCouncilDistrict.
(2) BoardofEducation:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveontheBoardofEducationshallnotexceed4.
(3) PoliceCommission:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveonthePoliceCommissionshallnotexceed3.
(4) BoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHall:AteachregularTownElection,2membersoftheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallshallbeelected,neitherofwhommaybemembersofthesamepoliticalparty.
(5) BoardofFireCommissioners:ProvidedmembersareappointedassetforthinthisCharter,theBoardofFireCommissionersshallbeexemptfromtheprovisionsforminorityrepresentation.
(6) BoardofEthics:Atnotimeshallmorethan3regularmembersandonealternatememberoftheBoardofEthicsbeofthesamepoliticalparty.
(7) PublicBuildingandSiteCommission:ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionshallhavenomorethan4membersandonealternatememberfromonepoliticalparty.
(8) JusticesofthePeace:ThepoliticalaffiliationofJusticesofthePeaceshallbedeterminedasprovidedintheGeneralStatutes[seeSection9-183a,etseq.].
(c) AsprovidedinSection9-167aoftheGeneralStatutes,minorityrepresentationlimitationsinSubsection2-10(a)shallnotapplytoregionalbodies.
2-15 TermsandTermLimits(a) Thetermlengthsandtermlimits,ifany,foreveryelected
official,electedorappointedmemberofTownBodiesaresetforthinsectionsestablishingsaidofficeorTownBody.
(b) ThetermsofofficeofallelectedofficialsshallcommenceontheDecember1stfollowingtheirelectionunlessotherwise
14
providedbyaspecificprovisionofthisCharterortheGeneralStatutes.Eachelectedofficialshallholdofficeuntilasuccessoriselectedandhasqualified.
(c) ThetermsofofficeofmembersofallappointiveTownBodiesshallcommenceonJanuary7thexceptfortheTrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrarywhosetermsshallcommenceonJuly1st,orasotherwiserequiredbylaw.
(d) ThetermsofappointmenttoanyappointiveTownBody,excepttheBuildingAppealsBoard,shallnotexceed4years.
(e) ThetermsofmembersseatedonappointiveTownBodiesshallbeestablishedtoexpire,asnearlyaspossible,atregularlystaggeredannualintervals,unlessotherwiseprovidedbythisCharterorbytheGeneralStatutes.
2-20 OfficersoftheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions,andAuthorities
(a) TheFirstSelectmanshallbethechairmanandshallpresideovermeetingsoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheFirstSelectmanshallnotbeanofficeronanyotherTownBody.
(b) AllotherTownBodiesshallelectfromtheirnumberachairmanduringthefirstmeeting.
(c) ThemembersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallalsoelectfromtheirnumberavicechairmanduringthefirstmeeting.
(d) TheBoardofEducationmayelectavicechairmanandshallelectasecretaryfromitsmembers.
(e) AllotherTownBodiesmayelectavicechairmanandasecretary.
2-25 Voting(a) ItshallbethedutyofeverymemberpresentatanyTown
Bodymeetingtovoteaffirmativelyornegativelyoneachquestionraised.Shouldamemberhaveaconflictofinterest,saidmembershallrefrainfromdiscussionandvoting.Thereasonfortheconflictofinterestneednotbestatednormadepartoftherecord.
15
2-30 VacanciesontheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions,andAuthorities
(a) Avacancyshallbecreatedintheeventthatanyoneofthefollowingoccur:thedeathofamember;theresignationsubmittedbyamemberandfiledwiththeTownClerk,whoshallimmediatelynotifytheChairoftheaffectedTownBody;amemberceasestomeettheeligibilityrequirementsasdescribedinSection2-05;or,forappointiveboards,amemberisremovedforcause.Thevacancyshalltakeeffectonthedateofsuchevent.
(b) ShouldamemberoftheLegislativeCouncilmovefromoneLegislativeCouncilDistricttoanother,suchamoveshallnotconstitutethecreationofavacancyprovidedthatthememberotherwiseremainseligibleforTownoffice.Shouldthemember’sseatbecomevacatedsubsequenttosuchmove,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberappointedfromthedistrictfromwhichthememberwasoriginallyelected.
(c) IfapersonvacatinganelectiveTownBodyshallhavebeenelectedasamemberofapoliticalparty,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberofthesamepoliticalparty.
(d) IfapersonvacatinganappointiveTownBodywasappointedasamemberofapoliticalparty,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberofthesamepoliticalpartyorbyanunaffiliatedResidentElector.Ifthenewlyappointedmemberisanunaffiliatedelectorandmustvacatehisappointment,thepersonappointedtofillsuchavacancymustbeeitheranunaffiliatedelectororamemberofthesamepoliticalpartyasthepersoninitiallyappointed.
2-31 ProceduresforFillingVacanciesinElectedTownBodies
(a) LegislativeCouncil:AvacancyorvacanciesontheLegislativeCouncilshallbefilledfortheremainderofthetermfromamongeligibleResidentElectorsintheLegislativeCouncilDistrictoftheformermemberasfollows:
16
(1) Within30daysofvacancy,bymajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncilmembersofthesamepoliticalpartyoftheformermember;
(2) After30days,bymajorityvoteoftheremainingmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilregardlessofpartyaffiliation.
(3) ShouldallseatsontheCouncilbesimultaneouslyvacant,thenaspecialelectionshallbecalledtofillallseats.
(b) BoardofSelectmen:AvacancyorvacanciesontheBoardofSelectmenshallbefilledinthemannerprescribedbySection9-222oftheGeneralStatutes.
(c) ForallotherelectedTownBodies,avacancyorvacanciesshallbefilledasfollows:
(1) Within30daysofvacancy,byamajorityvoteoftheremainingmembersoftheTownBody;
(2) From31to60daysofvacancy,byappointmentoftheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.
(3) Shouldthenumberofvacanciesleavelessthanamajorityofthemembership,theFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,within30days,shallfillallexistingvacancies.
2-32 ProceduresforFillingVacanciesinAppointiveBoardsandCommissions
(a) VacanciesinofficesoriginallyappointedbytheFirstSelectmanshallbefilledasfollows:
(1) Within45daysbytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,or
(2) After45daysbytheremainingmembersofsuchboardorcommissionsubjecttotheprovisionsofSections2-05and2-10ofthisCharter.
(b) AllvacanciesintheCyreniusH.BoothLibraryBoardofTrusteesotherthanthoseseatsoriginallyappointedbythe
17
FirstSelectmanshallbefilledinaccordancewiththeby-lawsoftheLibraryBoardofTrustees.
(c) VacanciesintheBoardofFireCommissionersshallbefilledinaccordancewithSubsection2-235(b)ofthisCharter.
2-35 UseofAlternates(a) Intheabsenceofoneormoreregularmembersandalternate
membersexist;presentregularmembersoftheTownBodyshalldesignatealternate(s)toactintheabsentmembers’place.Alternatesshallbechoseninrotationsothattheyshallactasnearlyequalanumberoftimesaspossible.
2-40 RemovalforCause(a) AmemberofanappointiveboardortheBuildingInspector,
TownAssessororTaxCollectormayberemovedforcausebytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.
(b) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,shalladoptapersonnelpolicyestablishingprocedures,consistentwithdueprocess,forremovalforcause.
(c) Within30daysfromsuchremoval,anypersonsoremovedmay,inwriting,requestahearingbeforetheLegislativeCouncil.Suchhearingshallbeheldwithin15daysfromthedatesuchrequestismadeandsuchpersonmayappearatthehearingwithcounsel.Aftersuchhearing,thedecisionoftheBoardofSelectmenmaybereversed,modifiedorupheldbysaidLegislativeCouncil,providedsaidLegislativeCouncilactsnolaterthan30daysaftertheconclusionofsuchhearing.
2-45 Compensation(a) TheTownClerkshallreceiveasalaryinlieuofallfeesand
othercompensation.TheTownClerk’ssalaryshallbesetfromtimetotimebytheLegislativeCouncil.
(b) TheRegistrarsofVotersshallreceiveasalaryassetfromtimetotimebytheBoardofSelectmen.
18
(c) ThesalaryfortheFirstSelectman’stermshallbesetbytheLegislativeCouncilduringthebudgetmakingprocessofeachoddnumberedyear.Thesalarymaybefixedatdifferentratesforeachyearoftheterm.Thesalaryshallnotbechangedduringthetermofoffice.
(d) Themembersofelectedandappointedboards,commissions,andauthorities,excepttheFirstSelectman,shallservewithoutcompensation.Necessaryexpensesincurredintheperformanceoftheirdutiesmaybepaidfromanappropriationauthorizedforthepurpose.
2-50 AdministrativeClerks(a) AllTownBodiesshallhaveanadministrativeclerk.Such
clerks,asauthorizedbythisCharter,shallkeepminutesofmeetings,recordallmotions,votesandactionsoftheirassignedTownBody,preparetheagendaandnoticesofallregularandspecialmeetingsorcancellationofsaidbodyatthedirectionofitschairmanandperformsuchotherdutiesassuchchairman,fromtimetotime,shalldirect.
2-100 ElectedBoards,Commissions,andOfficersThereshallbethefollowingelectedboards,commissions,andofficers.
2-105 LegislativeCouncil(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Allofthelegislative
powersoftheTownconferredbytheGeneralStatutesonLegislativeBodiesshallvestintheLegislativeCouncilwiththeexceptionofthoseitemsspecificallyenumeratedtootherTownBodies.TheCouncildeterminestheannualTownBudgetandconsidersSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsassetforthinCHAPTER6.TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertoenact,amendorrepealordinancesassetforthinCHAPTER5.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheLegislativeCouncilshallconsistof12members,4ofwhomshallbeelectedfromeachof3Legislative
19
CouncilDistricts,establishedinaccordancewithSection3-10ofthisCharter.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.
(c) TheLegislativeCouncil,fromtimetotime,mayadoptrulesofproceduretogovernitsfunctionsnotinconsistentwiththerequirementsofthisCharter,providedsuchrulesareadoptedbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes.
(d) Meetings–TheLegislativeCouncilshalladheretothefollowing:
(1) ThefirstmeetingofthenewlyelectedLegislativeCouncil,chairedbytheTownClerk,shallbeheldwithin6daysafterthememberstakeoffice.
(2) Regularmeetingsshallbeheldtwiceamonth,exceptwhenthereisnobusinesstoconduct.ThechairmanshallnotifytheTownClerkandthemembershipofthecancellation.Thechairmanmaycallspecialmeetingsasdeemednecessary.
(3) NoticeshallbegiventoallmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilofthetimeandplaceatwhichallregularandspecialmeetingsaretobeheld.Eachnoticeshallincludethemeetingagendaandshallbedeliveredatleast3daysbeforethemeetingandfiledwiththeTownClerkandmadeavailableforpublicinspection.
(4) TheLegislativeCouncilmayholdanemergencymeetingattheimmediatecallofthechairman.Themeetingshallbesubjecttoratificationofthechairman'sdecisionthatanemergencyexistedbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes.Thenatureoftheemergencyshallbesetforthfullyintheminutesofthemeeting.
(5) SevenmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallconstituteaquorumatallmeetingsforthetransactionofbusiness.
(6) TheagendaofeachregularorspecialmeetingoftheLegislativeCouncilshallbepreparedbythechairman.Theagendashallalsoincludeanymatteroritem,includingwithoutlimitationanyactionorordinance,set
20
forthinawrittenrequestfiledwiththechairmannotlessthan7dayspriortosuchmeetingby:
(i) AnymemberoftheLegislativeCouncil;
(ii) TheFirstSelectman;or
(iii) Notlessthan80ResidentElectorsoftheTown.Anysuchrequestfiledby80ResidentElectorsshallcontaintheresolutionorordinanceonwhichactionissought.Priortoappearingonanagenda,theresolutionorordinanceshallbesubmittedtotheTownAttorney,bythechairmanoftheLegislativeCouncil,forhisopinionastothepoweroftheLegislativeCounciltoactthereon.Suchopinionorapprovalshallnotbeunreasonablydelayed.
(7) AnyResidentElectoroftheTownmayspeakduringaportionofeachregularorspecialmeetingonanymatterontheAgendaofthatmeetingoranyotheritem,subjecttosuchconditions,rulesandregulationsasmaybeestablishedfromtimetotimebytheLegislativeCouncil,includingtherighttolimitpublicparticipationintheworkingsessionsonthebudget.
(8) SubjecttoappropriaterulesoforderadoptedbytheLegislativeCouncilandConnecticutlawonfreedomofinformation,mattersnotontheagendamaybediscussed.NoactionshallbetakenbytheLegislativeCouncilonanymatterunlessitappearsontheagendasenttoLegislativeCouncilmemberswiththenoticeofthemeetingunlessemergencyactionisrequiredatanyregularorspecialmeetingatwhichitisfoundbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotesthatanemergencyexistsoratanemergencymeetingcalledassetforthinSubsection2-105(d)(4).
2-110 FirstSelectman(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities: TheFirstSelectman
shallbetheChiefExecutiveandAdministrativeOfficeroftheTownandshallhavethepowersanddutiesofFirstSelectmenprescribedbythisCharterandtheGeneralStatutes.
21
(b) TheFirstSelectmanshallberesponsibletotheBoardofSelectmenfortheadministrationofdepartmentsunderthedirectsupervisionoftheBoardandshallexecuteorcausetobeexecutedregulationsorresolutionsvotedbytheBoardofSelectmenandTownordinancesvotedbytheLegislativeCouncil.
(c) TheFirstSelectmanmaydeclare,byresolution,astateofemergency,shouldheorshefindthatastateofemergencyexistswithintheTown,requiringimmediateactiontoprotectthehealth,safetyorgeneralwelfareofthecitizens.Theresolutionshallincludetheexactnatureoftheemergencyandbesimultaneouslypublishedbythemosteffectivemeansavailable.Thedeclarationshallbeeffectiveforaperiodoftimenottoexceed5calendardays.TheemergencydeclarationmaybeextendedbyanaffirmationbytheLegislativeCouncilthatastateofemergencystillexists.AnyactionsnecessarytodealwithsuchemergencyproposedduringanextensionshallbeapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncil.TheFirstSelectmanshalltakesuchactionsasareinthebestinterestoftheTown.
(d) AtthefirstmeetingfollowingtheTownElection,theBoardofSelectmenshallchooseamemberoftheBoardwhoshallserveasActingFirstSelectmanduringtheabsence,incapacityordisabilityoftheFirstSelectman.SuchpersonshallperformalldutiesduringsuchtimeastheBoardmaydesignatebyresolutionorregulation.
2-115 BoardofSelectmen(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof
SelectmenshallsupervisetheadministrationoftheaffairsoftheTown,exceptthosematterswhichbytheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterareexclusivelycommittedtotheBoardofEducationorotherTownBodies.TheBoardofSelectmenshallalsoberesponsibleforcoordinatingtheactivitiesofallthedepartmentsoftheTownandforreviewingthepresentandfutureneedsoftheTown.
22
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofSelectmenshallconsistoftheFirstSelectmanandtwoSelectmen.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.
(c) TheBoardofSelectmenmayexerciseanyofthepowersconferredontownsbytheGeneralStatutestotheextentthattheLegislativeCouncilhasnotalreadyactedbyordinanceorresolutiononsuchsubjectsandtotheextentthatsuchpowershavenototherwisebeengrantedorlimitedbythisChartertootherTownBodiesorofficers.
(d) ExceptforthepowersgrantedtotheBoardofEducationbytheGeneralStatutes,theBoardofSelectmenshallhavesolepower,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisCharterandtheGeneralStatutesto:
(1) IncurindebtednessinthenameoftheTownandtoprovideforthedueexecutionofevidencesofindebtednessissuedbytheTown,subjecttotheprovisionsofSection7-10ofthisCharter,
(2) ProvideforthedueexecutionofcontractsfortheTown,subjecttotheprovisionsofSubsection7-15(e)ofthisCharter,
(3) Institute,prosecuteorcompromiseanylegalactionorproceedingbyoragainsttheTown,subjecttotheapprovaloftheLegislativeCounciland,whenrelevant,theaffecteddepartmentorTownBody,
(4) DefendtheTownbylegalactionorproceeding,
(5) ApplyforanyfinancialassistancebytheStateofConnecticutandtheUnitedStatesGovernmentincludinggrantstofundanyappropriation,subjecttotheprovisionsofSection6-40ofthisCharter,
(6) Take,purchase,lease,sell,orconveytangiblepersonalpropertyoforfortheTown.RealPropertyAcquisitionandDispositionisaddressedinCHAPTER8,
(7) Acceptpublichighways,toapprovethelayoutofpublichighwaysandrelateddrainage,slopeorothereasements,
23
toapprovetheAcquisitionofrealpropertyorinterestsinrealpropertyforthepurposeofwideningorrealignmentofexistingpublichighwaysandtograntutilityeasementsacrosstown-ownedpropertyforthegoodoftheTown,
(8) Discontinueanytown-ownedpublichighway,
(9) RequiresuchreportsfromanyTownBodyasmaybeusefulintheperformanceofitsduties,
(10) SubmitannuallytotheBoardofFinanceaproposedbudgetforthenextfiscalyearsubjecttotheprovisionsofSubsection6-05(b)ofthisCharter.
(e) TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenmay,byresolution,establishsuchadvisoryorstudycommitteesastheyfinddesirableinthedischargeoftheirduties.
(f) TheBoardofSelectmenshallhaveregularmeetingsandprovideaprocedureforcallingspecialmeetings.
(g) AmajorityoftheBoardofSelectmenshallconstituteaquorumforthetransactionofanybusiness.
(h) TheBoardofSelectmenmaycalljointmeetingswithotherTownBodies,byresolutionorregulation,asmaybeusefulintheperformanceofitsdutiessubjecttotheprovisionstheGeneralStatutes.
2-120 BoardofEducation(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof
EducationshallprovideandmaintaingoodpublicelementaryandsecondaryschoolsandshallprovidesucheducationalactivitiesasinitsjudgmentwillbestservetheinterestsoftheTown.TheBoardofEducationshallperformallactsrequiredofthembythisCharterorasnecessarytocarryintoeffectthepowersanddutiesimposeduponthembylaw.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofEducationshallconsistof7members.
24
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.
2-125 BoardofFinance(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofFinance
recommendsabudgetproposalandsubmitsittotheLegislativeCouncilforfinalactionassetforthinSection6-15. Inaddition,theBoardadvisestheBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationduringthebudgetprocessandallTownBodiesonpreferredfinancialpracticesandobligations.TheBoardofFinancealsoreviewsandassessesfinancialoperationsincludingtransfers,regularandSpecialAppropriations.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofFinanceshallconsistofsixmembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.
2-130 PlanningandZoningCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePlanningand
ZoningCommissionisresponsibletopromotetheorderlyandcoordinateddevelopmentoftheTown.TheCommissioncontrolsanddirectstheuseanddevelopmentofpropertyintheTown.ThePlanningandZoningCommission,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisCharter,shallhaveallofthepowersanddutiesconferredandimposedbytheGeneralStatutesuponbothPlanningandZoningCommissions.ItactsasthePlanningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtownandshall,totheextentthatitissoempoweredbyordinanceoftheBoroughofNewtown,actasZoningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) ThePlanningandZoningCommissionshallconsistof5membersandthreealternates.
(2) Thetermofofficeformembersandalternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.
25
2-135 TownClerk(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownClerkis
responsibleforadministrativeworkfortheTownincludingthemaintenanceandsafe-keepingofavarietyofofficialmunicipaldocuments;issuanceofvariouslicensesandpermits;andtherecordingofvariousdocumentsandvitalstatistics.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) ThereshallbeoneTownClerk.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
(c) TheTownClerkshallexercisethepowersandperformthedutiesofaTownClerkasprovidedbytheGeneralStatutesexceptashereinafterprovidedandshallperformsuchotherdutiesasrequiredbythisCharter.
(1) ThereceiptstobepaidtotheTownClerkshallbecollectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterorordinancesofthisTownandshallbedepositedwiththeFinanceDirectoroftheTown.
(2) TheTownClerkshallalsokeeparecordofreceipts,whichshallshowtheamountsthereofandforwhatreceived.
2-140 RegistrarsofVoters(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheRegistrarsof
Votersareresponsibleforvoterregistrationandtheadministrationofallelections.Theyalsoassistcandidates,thepublic,andthepartiesinthepreparationofspecializedvoterlistsandindividualrequestsforvoterinformation.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) ThereshallbetwoRegistrarsofVotersfortheTownatlarge,onefromeachpoliticalparty.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
26
2-145 BoardofAssessmentAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof
AssessmentAppealsshallhearanddecideappealsfrompropertyownersregardingtheassessmentoftheirpropertyasandwhenprovidedbytheGeneralStatutes.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofAssessmentAppealsshallconsistofthreemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
2-150 BoardofManagersofEdmondTownHall(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofManagers
oftheEdmondTownHallshallhavetheexclusivecareandmaintenanceofEdmondTownHallandallgroundsandbuildingsappurtenanttheretoandshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.98ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.517ofthe1953sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallshallconsistofsixmembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbesixyears.
2-155 ZoningBoardofAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheZoningBoardof
AppealshaspowersasprovidedinSection8-6oftheGeneralStatutes,includingbutnotlimitedtograntingvariancesofzoningregulationsandhearingappeals.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheZoningBoardofAppealsBoardshallconsistoffivemembersandthreealternates.
(2) Thetermofofficeforthemembersandthealternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.
27
2-160 BoardofPoliceCommissioners(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofPolice
CommissionersshallmaintainaPoliceDepartmentintheTownandshallappointaChiefofPolice.Inaddition,theBoardofPoliceCommissionersservesasthetrafficauthorityoftheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallconsistoffivemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
(c) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshall,subjecttobudgetarylimitations,haveallofthepowersnoworhereaftergrantedtoBoardsofPoliceCommissionersbytheGeneralStatutesand,inadditiontoandnotinlimitationthereof,shallhavethepowerto:
(1) MakealltheregulationsnecessarytoorganizeandmaintainthePoliceDepartmentincluding,withoutlimitation,theestablishmentofrankswithinsaidDepartmentandthedutiesandresponsibilitiesofeachsuchrank.
(2) AppointandpromotemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentinaccordancewithsaidregulations.Suchmembersandofficersshallcontinuetoholdofficeduringgoodbehavior.
(3) SuspendandremovemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentforcauseinaccordancewithsaidregulations.AviolationoftheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallbesufficientcauseforremoval.
(d) TheChiefofthePoliceDepartmentshallnotbedismissedunlesswrittennoticeofthespecificgroundsforsuchdismissalisgiven,aswellasanopportunitytopresentadefense,personallyandbycounsel,atapublichearingbeforetheBoardofPoliceCommissioners.Suchpublichearingshallbecommencednotlessthan5normorethan10daysafter
28
suchnotice.AnypersonsodismissedmayappealinthemannerdescribedbySection7-278oftheGeneralStatutes.
(e) ThemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentshallhavetheauthoritywithrespecttotheserviceofcriminalprocessandtheenforcementofthecriminallawsasvestedbytheGeneralStatutesinofficersandmembersofanorganizedpolicedepartmentorforce.
2-200 AppointiveAuthorities,Boards,CommissionsandOfficers
2-201 GeneralProvisions(a) Boardandcommissionmembersandauthoritydelegates
shallbeappointedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenunlesshereinafterspecified.Allappointmentstofillunexpiredtermsshallbeforthedurationofsaidunexpiredtermonly.
(1) AFirstSelectmanwhosepositionasFirstSelectmanwillendasaresultofnotbeingre-electedtotheofficeshallnotmakeappointmentsfromthedateoftheTownElectiontotheendofhis/herterm.TheperiodfromtheTownElectiontothebeginningofthenexttermshallnotbecountedinthe45daysreferredtoinSubsection2-32(a).
(b) Appointiveboards,otherthanthoserequiredbythisofthisCharter,maybecreated,abolishedandconsolidated;theirpowersanddutiesestablished,alteredandrepealed;andthenumberandtermsofofficeoftheirmembersestablishedandchangedbyordinance.
(c) AppointiveboardsrequiredbythisCharterorhereaftercreatedbyordinanceotherthantheBoardofFireCommissionersandtheBoardofEthicsmay,intheirdiscretion,appointassociatemembers,withvoicebutwithoutvote,fortermsnolongerthanthetermsofmembersoftheappointingboard.
29
2-205 Aging,Commissionon(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea
CommissiononAgingtoadvocateforseniorsandidentifytheneedsofandcoordinateservicesandprogramsthatsupportthewell-beingofNewtownseniorresidentsandactastheiragentforotherFederal,StateorTownboards,commissions,authoritiesoragenciesorlocalprivategroupstocarryoutprogramsforseniorresidents.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof9regularmembersand3alternatemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyearsforregularmembersandtwoyearsforalternatemembers.
2-210 BuildingAppealsBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofBuilding
Appealsshallhearappealsrelatedtoallbuildingmatters.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedoffivemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefiveyears.
(c) NomemberofsaidBoardshallvoteonanyquestionconcerningamatterinwhichheisengagedasacontractor,materialdealer,architectorengineer,orinwhichhehasapersonalinterest.
2-215 ConservationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea
ConservationCommission,asestablishedbyordinance,forthedevelopmentandconservationofnaturalresourceswithintheterritoriallimitsoftheTown.TheCommissionshalladviseontheappropriateuseandmanagementofthenaturalresourcesfortheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof7members.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
30
2-220 CulturalArtsCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownCultural
ArtsCommissionshallexisttostimulate,facilitate,coordinateandcooperatewithexistingorganizationsforthedevelopmentofthearts.Itshallserveasaninformationcenterandfocalpointinthecommunityforactivitiesrelatedtothearts.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofninemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
2-225 EconomicDevelopmentCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbean
EconomicDevelopmentCommissionwhichwillseektoimplementorderlyandplannedeconomicdevelopmentwhilealwayskeepinginmindthecharacteroftheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
2-230 Ethics,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofEthicsshall
administertheCodeofEthics,receiveandhearcomplaintsofviolationsofTheCodeofEthicsandrespondtorequestsfrompublicofficialsseekingadviceontheconformityofactionswiththeCodeofEthicsassetforthinCHAPTER9.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofEthicsshallbecomposedofsixregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
(3) Membersshallservenomorethantwoconsecutiveterms.InnoeventmayanymemberservesaidBoardmorethaneightyearsinsuccession.AnymemberhavingservedsaidBoardforeightyearsinsuccessionshallbe
31
ineligibleforreappointmentfortwoyearsafterlastservingonsaidBoard.
(4) Eachmembermayserveuntilhis/hersuccessorhasbeenappointed.
(c) Aquorumshallconsistoffourmembers.
2-235 FireCommissioners,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofFire
Commissionersshalloperate,superviseandmanagetheNewtownFireDepartment.TheNewtownFireDepartmentconsistsofallthevolunteerfirecompanieslocatedwithintheTownandunderthesupervisionandmanagementofaBoardofFireCommissioners.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) ThereshallbeaFireDepartmentconsistingofallthevolunteerfirecompanieslocatedwithintheTown,undertheoperation,supervisionandmanagementofaBoardofFireCommissioners.SaidBoardshallbecomposedof7membersunlessincreasedinaccordancewithSubsection2-235(b)(1)(iii).Membersshallbechoseninthefollowingmanner:
(i) Eachvolunteerfirecompany,inaccordancewithitsby-lawsandregulations,shallappointonememberofsaidBoard.
(ii) ThefullmembershipoftheBoardshallmeetandappointciviliancommissionersasmaybenecessarytoconstitutethefullmembership.AppointedcivilianmembersshallnotbemembersofanyTownfirecompany.
(iii) EachnewvolunteerfirecompanyadmittedtotheFireDepartmentshallbeentitledtoappointoneadditionalnewmemberofsaidBoardandsaidBoardshallalsoappointoneadditionalnewcivilianmemberinthemannerprescribedinSubsections2-235(b)(1)(i)and(ii).
32
(iv) ShouldavolunteerfirecompanyfailtoappointamemberofsaidBoard,thecommissionersshallwithin30daysappointacivilianmembertofillthevacancywhoshallnotbeamemberofanyfirecompany.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbeforthreeyears.
(c) TheBoardofFireCommissionersshallberesponsibleforthefinancialmanagementoftheFireDepartmentandforthesupervisionandcareofTownapparatusandequipmentusedbytheFireDepartment.Itmaysetspecificationswhichshallbefollowedinthepurchaseofapparatus,equipmentandsuppliesbytheTownfortheFireDepartment.
(d) Theorganization,government,membershipandmanagementoftheFireDepartmentshallbeinaccordancewiththeby-lawsandregulationsofthedepartmentsineffectontheeffectivedateofthisCharter.Suchby-lawsandregulationsmaybeamendedbytheBoardofFireCommissioners.Amendmentstotheby-laws,however,shallbecomeeffectiveonlyonapprovalbyamajorityofthevolunteerfirecompanieswhicharemembersoftheFireDepartment.
(e) TheBoardofFireCommissionersshallappointafiremarshalandmayappointdeputyfiremarshalsandfirepolicemen,whoshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedfortheirofficesbytheGeneralStatutesorbyordinance.
2-240 InlandWetlandsCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbean
InlandWetlandsCommissionwhichshallactastheTown’sAquiferProtectionAgency;establish,amendandadministertheInlandWetlandsandWatercoursesRegulations;andadministertheForestPracticesRegulationsoftheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofsevenmembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
33
2-245 JusticesofthePeace(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thepowersand
responsibilitiesoftheJusticesofthePeaceincludebutarenotlimitedtogeneraloathgivingpowers,takingofacknowledgments,joiningpersonsinmarriage,andtakingdepositions.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) Thereshallbe15justicesofthepeaceselectedinaccordancewithandhavingthepowersanddutiesprescribedbytheGeneralStatutes.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.
2-250 ParksandRecreationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheParksand
RecreationsCommissionshallbechargedwiththecare,managementandsupervisionofallpublicparksandotherareassetasidebytheTownforrecreationalpurposesordonatedtotheTownforsuchuse.ItshallundertakeanddevelopsuchrecreationalprogramorprogramsastheneedsoftheTownrequire,providedthereisanappropriationorprivatedonationshavebeenreceivedforthispurpose.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheParksandRecreationCommissionshallconsistof7members.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.
(c) TheParksandRecreationCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.
2-255 PensionCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea
PensionCommittee,asestablishedbyordinance,whichshallperformthedutiessetforthintheOtherPost-EmploymentBenefits(OPEB)TrustAgreement,asamendedfromtimetotime,relatingtothemanagementoftheassetsheldintheOPEBTrust.TheCommissionshallhaveotherpowersand
34
dutiesconsistentwiththeGeneralStatutesandasprescribedbyordinance.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofsevenmembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.
2-260 PublicBuildingandSiteCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicBuilding
andSiteCommissionshallhavecontrolofsupervisionandconstructionofbuildingprojectsincludingtheimprovementoflands,majornewconstruction,alterationsorextensions,furnishingorequippingofabuildingtobeusedforpublicpurposes.ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionmaydeclinethesupervisionofaprojectwhenitdeterminesthatthepublicinterestwouldbebetterservedbyassigningsupervisiontooneormorequalifiedentities.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofsevenmembersandtwoalternatemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryearsforbothmembersandalternates.
(c) ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.
2-265 PublicSafetyCommittee(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicSafety
CommitteeshallreviewcorrectionalsafetyandsecurityissuesatGarnerCorrectionalFacilitywhichaffecttheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofthewardenorsuperintendentofthecorrectionalfacility.OtherrepresentativesshallbefilledbytheFirstSelectmaninaccordancewithSubsection2-201(a)ofthisCharter.
(2) RepresentativesappointedbytheFirstSelectmanserveathisorherpleasure.
35
2-270 Self-FundedHealthInsuranceFundCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSelf-Funded
HealthInsuranceFundCommissionshallbethestewardsoftheSelf-FundedHealthInsuranceFund.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofthreeregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
2-275 SustainableEnergyCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSustainable
EnergyCommissionshallidentify,implement,andsupportrenewableenergyuse,energyefficiency,andenergyconservationprogramsinwhichtheTown'sresidents,businesses,organizations,andTownagenciescanparticipateandthatmayresultincostsavingstotheTownorschooldistrict.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
2-280 TrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheCyreniusH.Booth
LibraryshallbeoperatedbytheBoardofTrusteesandtheTrusteesshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.108ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.110ofthe1959sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheBoardofTrusteesshallconsistof16membersofwhicheightshallbeappointedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.Theremaindershallbeelectedbythevoteoftheremaining
36
Trusteespresentandvotingatameetingwarnedforthepurpose.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
2-285 WaterandSewerAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheWaterandSewer
Authorityshallplananddirectthedevelopment,acquisition,financing,construction,operationandmaintenanceofsuchwatersupply,waterdistributionsystems,andseweragesystemsasmayberequiredtoproperlyservetheneedsoftheTown.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofsevenmemberstwoofwhomshallbemadeontherecommendationoftheBoardofBurgessesoftheBoroughofNewtown.
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.
2-300 RegionalAuthoritiesandBoards2-305 LakeLillinonahAuthority
(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshallparticipateintheLakeLillinonahAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeLillinonahwithintheirterritoriallimits.
(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.
(3) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
37
2-310 LakeZoarAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshall
participateintheLakeZoarAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeZoarwithintheirterritoriallimits.
(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.
(3) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
2-315 NewtownHealthDistrictHealthBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownHealth
DistrictHealthBoardshallpreserveandimprovethestatusofpublichealthby(1)upholdingandenforcingthePublicHealthCodeoftheStateofConnecticutandsuchordinancesandregulationsasmaybeadoptedbytheDistrictBoardofHealthand(2)workingwithotherprovidersofhealthservicesinthedistricttobettercoordinateexistingprogramsandtoplanandimplementnewhealthprograms.
(b) MembershipandTerms:
(1) Eachmunicipalityand/orBoroughwhichhasvotedtobecomepartoftheDistrictshall,byitsBoardofSelectmen,appointarepresentative(s),basedonpopulation,toserveontheDistrictBoardofHealthandmayappointanalternatetoserveintheabsenceofsaidrepresentative(s).
(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.
38
CHAPTER3 ELECTIONSANDREFERENDA3-05 TownElections
(a) TheelectionofTownofficialsshalltakeplaceattheTownElectionduringsuchhoursasareestablishedbytheGeneralStatutes.
(b) SpecialelectionsmaybeheldinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.
3-10 LegislativeCouncilDistricts(a) Thereshallbe3districtsfromwhichLegislativeCouncil
membersareelected.
(b) ThedistrictsaspresentlyestablishedshallcontinueuntiltheassemblyandsenatorialdistrictsoftheStateofConnecticutarerevisedinaccordancewithArticleThird,Section6oftheConstitutionofConnecticut.
(1) Within60daysofthecompletionofsaidrevision,theRegistrarsofVotersshallprepareproposedLegislativeCouncilDistrictlinesfor3districtshavingasnearlyequalpopulationasispracticable.
(2) Within6monthsofthecompletionofeachsuchassemblyandsenatorialredistricting,theLegislativeCouncilshalladopt,byatleastseven(7)affirmativevotes,finalLegislativeCouncilDistrictlines.
3-15 ElectionofBoardsandCommissions(a) AteachregularTownElection,thereshallbeelected:
(1) aBoardofSelectmenconsistingoftheFirstSelectmanand2Selectmen;
(2) aLegislativeCouncilconsistingof4membersfromeachLegislativeCouncilDistrictasestablishedinSection3-10;
(3) aBoardofFinanceconsistingofsixmembers;
(4) threealternatemembersofthePlanningandZoningCommission;
39
(5) threealternatemembersoftheZoningBoardofAppeals;and
(6) twomembersoftheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHall.
(b) AteachregularTownElectionmembersoftheBoardofEducation,thePlanningandZoningCommission,BoardofAssessmentAppeals,ZoningBoardofAppeals,andthePoliceCommissionshallbeelectedandthenumbertobeelectedshallbedeterminedbythenumberofmemberswhosetermsexpireonorbeforetheDecember1staftertheelection.
(c) AttheregularTownElectionfollowingthePresidentialElection,theTownClerkshallbeelected.
(d) AtthePresidentialelection,thereshallbeelectedRegistrarsofVoters.
3-20 ElectionsforVacatedSeats(a) Allvacanciesinelectiveofficeshallbefilledatthenext
regularTownElectionexceptwhereprohibitedbytheGeneralStatutesorataspecialelectioncalledasprovidedinSection9-164oftheGeneralStatutesbytheBoardofSelectmanorbyapplicationofResidentElectors.
(b) ThepersonappointedpursuanttoSection2-31tofillavacancyinanelectiveofficeshallserveonlyuntilasuccessoriselectedtofillthevacancyataspecialelectionoratthenextregularTownElectionandhasqualified.Apersonelectedtofillavacancyandapersonappointedtofillavacancy,whichisnottobefilledatthenextregularTownElectionbecausesuchelectionisprohibitedbytheGeneralStatutes,shallservetheremainderoftheterm.
3-25 Referendum(a) AnAnnualTownBudgetReferendum[seeSection6-25]
shallbeheldonthefourthTuesdayofAprilforadoptionoftheTownBudget.Ifnecessary,additionalbudgetreferendashallbeheldasprovidedinSubsection6-25(b).TheLegislativeCouncilmayrecommendareferendumtoapproveSpecialAppropriationsorRealProperty
40
DispositionsinexcessoftheLegislativeCouncil’sauthorityasestablishedinSubsection6-35(e).
(b) Thereshallbearightofpetitionforareferendumfromanyofthefollowing:
(1) anySpecialAppropriationmadebytheLegislativeCouncilpursuanttoSection6-35ofthisCharter;
(2) anyproposedordinancerejected,enacted,modifiedandenacted,orrepealedbytheLegislativeCouncilpursuanttoSection5-05ofthisCharter;and
(3) anyvotebytheLegislativeCounciltoacquire,reserveordisposeofRealPropertyoraninterestinRealPropertytakeninaccordancewithSubsections8-05(b)and8-10(d)ofthisCharter.
(c) TheexclusiveproceduretoobtainareferendumauthorizedbySubsection3-25(b)shallbebypetitionsignedbyatleast5%oftheResidentElectorslistedinthelast-completedregistrylistandfiledwiththeTownClerknolaterthanthecloseofbusinessontheseventhdayfollowingthedateonwhichtheLegislativeCouncilacted.ThesevendayperiodcommencesonthedaythatnoticeoftheactionoftheLegislativeCouncilisfiledwiththeTownClerk,unlessthenoticeisfiledafter12nooninwhichcasetheperiodwillcommenceonthenextbusinessday.
(d) TheformofanypetitionshallbesubmittedtotheTownClerkpriortobeingcirculatedandshallincludethefollowing:
(1) TheentireresolutionacteduponbytheLegislativeCouncilthatthepetitionersdesiretohaveacteduponbyreferendum.
(2) AstatementoftheactiontheLegislativeCounciltookwithregardtosuchresolution.
(3) AstatementthattheundersignedpetitionersareopposedtotheactionoftheLegislativeCouncilandpetitionthattheresolutionbepresentedtothevoters.
41
(4) Acirculator'sstatementmeetingtherequirementsoftheGeneralStatutesshallappearoneverysheetonwhichapetitioner'ssignatureappears.
(5) Thedateonwhichthecirculatorbegantocirculatethepetitionshallbesetforthinthestatementofthecirculator.
(e) NosignaturesonanypetitioncirculatedpriortothetakingofactionbytheLegislativeCouncilshallbecountedindeterminingwhethersufficientsignatureshavebeenreceivedtoforceareferendum.
(f) UponreceiptofatimelyfiledpetitionforreferendumtheTownClerkshallimmediatelydeterminethenumberconstituting5%ofthelast-completedregistrylist,verifywhetherornotsaidnumberofelectorshavesignedsuchapetitionandreportsaidfacttotheBoardofSelectmen.
(g) UponnoticefromtheTownClerkthatapetitionbearingsufficientverifiedsignatureshasbeenreceived,theBoardofSelectmenshallwarnareferendumtobeheldnotlessthan7normorethan14daysafterthereceiptofsaidpetitionbytheTownClerk,5ormoredayspriortothedateofthereferendumaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b).Incomputingsaid5days,thedayofthereferendumshallbeexcluded,butthedayofpublication,Saturdays,Sundaysandlegalholidaysshallbeincluded.EligibilitytovoteatareferendumshallbedeterminedbySection7-6oftheGeneralStatutes.Thereferendumshallbeheldbetweenthehoursof6:00A.M.and8:00P.M.onthedatesetbytheBoardofSelectmen.
(h) ThequestiontobevoteduponbyreferendumshallbethesameresolutionaswasacteduponbytheLegislativeCouncil,withoutamendment.
42
CHAPTER4 ADMINISTRATIVEOFFICERS4-05 FinanceDirector
(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandtheLegislativeCouncilandwithrecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance,shallappointaFinanceDirectortoanindefiniteterm.TheFirstSelectman,BoardofSelectmen,BoardofFinance,andLegislativeCouncilshallchooseandconsiderallcandidatesforthepositionofFinanceDirectorsolelyonthebasisofsuchcandidate'sprofessionalqualifications,character,training,andexperienceinthefieldoffinancialmanagement.
(b) TheFinanceDirectorshallreporttotheFirstSelectmanasprovidedinSubsection2-110(b)ofthisCharter.
(c) TheFinanceDirectorshall:
(1) KeepallbooksofaccountoftheTownandshallestablishandmaintainageneralcostaccountingsystemforallTownDepartments,consistentwithallStateLawsandsubjecttotheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncil;
(2) HaveallofthepowersanddutiesimposedbytheGeneralStatutesorbyspecialactorlawontowntreasurers,andshallbeTreasurerofallfundsheldbytheTown;
(3) ReceiveandhavecustodyofallfundsbelongingtoorunderthecontroloftheTownoranyTownDepartmentorofficerandshallmakesuchdepositsorinvestmentsasheorshedeemsinthebestinterestoftheTownwithinthelimitsimposedonsuchdepositsorinvestmentsbytheGeneralStatutes;
(4) DeterminewhentoissueauthorizednotesorbondsconsistentlywiththeprovisionsofSection7-10;
(5) ApproveordisapproveofrequisitionsorotherrequestsfordisbursementsofTownfundsasprovidedforinSection7-15;NodisbursementsofTownfundsshallbemade,exceptasauthorizedbytheFinanceDirector;
43
(6) PrepareandkeepadetailedbudgetdocumentduringthedifferentphasesoftheAnnualBudgetProcessasdescribedinSection6-10;
(7) PrepareFinancialImpactStatementsforSpecialAppropriations,giftsorfinancialassistance,andRealPropertyAcquisitioninaccordancewithSections6-35,6-40,and8-05;
(8) Maintaina5yearcapitalimprovementplaninaccordancewiththeregulations[seeSubsection5-10(b)]oftheLegislativeCouncilandsubmitanupdatedversionofsuchplantotheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilnolaterthanthefifteenthdayofJanuaryeachyear;
(9) Prepareacostanalysisofalllaborcontracts,pensionplansandinsuranceplanspriortothesigningofanysuchcontractsorplans;and
(10) AssistinalllabornegotiationsservingasaconsultanttothelabornegotiatorsrepresentingtheTown.
(d) TheFinanceDirector,withtheapprovaloftheFirstSelectmanandBoardofSelectmenandwithinthelimitsoftheavailableappropriations,mayhirequalifiedemployeesanddelegatespecificfunctionsoftheaforesaidduties.However,heorsheshallatalltimesremainfullyresponsibleforcarryingoutthedutiesandresponsibilitiesimposedbythisCharter.
(e) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandwiththeapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilafterahearingbeforetheCouncil,mayremovetheFinanceDirectorfromoffice,withorwithoutcause.
4-10 TaxCollector(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
Selectmen,shallnominateandappointaTaxCollectortoatermof4yearscommencingthefirstdayofFebruaryof1990andeveryFebruaryfirstevery4yearsthereafter.TheFirstSelectmanandtheBoardofSelectmenshallchooseandconsiderallcandidatesforthepositionofTaxCollector
44
solelyonthebasisofsuchcandidate'sprofessionalqualifications,character,trainingandexperience.TheTaxCollectorneednotbearesidentoftheTown.Thepersonappointedtofillthevacancyshallservethebalanceoftheunexpiredterm.TheTaxCollectorshallhavethepowers,dutiesandcompensationsetforthintheprovisionsofSubsection4-10(b)ofthisCharter.
(b) TheTaxCollectorshallexercisethepowersanddutiesofaTaxCollectorasprovidedbytheGeneralStatutes,exceptashereinafterprovided,andshallperformsuchotherdutiesasrequiredbythisCharter.ThereceiptstobepaidtotheTaxCollectorshallbecollectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterorordinancesofthisTownandshallbedepositedwiththeFinanceDirectoroftheTown.TheTaxCollectorshallalsokeeparecordofreceipts,whichshallshowthenameofeachpersonfromwhommoneyisreceived,theamountsthereof,andforwhatreceived.Theexpensesoftheofficewillbeprovidedforintheusualbudgetarymanner.
(c) TheTaxCollectorshallreceiveasalaryinlieuofallfeesandothercompensation.
4-15 TownAssessor(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
Selectmen,shallappointanAssessortoatermof4yearswhoshallbechosensolelyonthebasisofprofessionalqualifications,character,trainingandexperience.TheAssessorneednotbearesidentoftheTown.Expirationofeach4yeartermshallbecomputedfromexpirationoftheinitialtermonFebruary28,1972.Thepersonappointedtofillavacancyshallservethebalanceoftheunexpiredterm.TheAssessorshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedfortheofficebyordinanceandtheGeneralStatutes.
(b) Thedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheoffice,theminimumqualificationsforofficeandthemethodstobeusedintheselectionoftheAssessor,includingmethodsandagenciesofadministrationofprofessionalexaminations,shallbeprescribedbyordinance.
45
4-20 BuildingInspector(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
Selectmen,shallappointaBuildingInspector.TheBuildingInspectorshallhavethequalificationsprescribedbytheGeneralStatutesandshallhavesuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedbyregulationoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheBuildingInspectorshallhavesuchpowersanddutiesasmaybeprescribedbyordinanceandbytheGeneralStatutes.
4-25 TownAttorney(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
Selectmen,mayappointoneormoreTownAttorneystofurnishsuchlegalservicestoanyTownBodyastheFirstSelectmanauthorizes.
(b) TheLegislativeCouncilchairmanmayappoint,withtheapprovaloftheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil,anattorneytofurnishlegalservicestotheLegislativeCouncil.
4-30 EmergencyManagementDirector(a) TheEmergencyManagementDirectorshallbeappointedin
accordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.
4-35 DepartmentofPublicWorks(a) ThereshallexistwithintheTownaDepartmentofPublic
WorksadministeredbysuchemployeeshavingsuchsupervisoryandadministrativefunctionsasmaybedeterminedbytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.TheDepartmentofPublicWorksshallperformsuchfunctionsregardingtheconstructionandmaintenanceofhighwaysandtheconstructionandmaintenanceoftown-ownedbuildingsandgrounds,otherthantheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theEdmondTownHallandbuildingstheoperationandcontrolofwhichisvestedintheBoardofEducation,asareassignedtoitbytheBoardofSelectmen.NothinghereinshallbedeemedtolimittheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,fromhiringindependentcontractorstoperformsuchmaintenance
46
andconstruction.TheDepartmentofPublicWorksshallperformsuchmaintenanceontheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theEdmondTownHallandbuildingssubjecttotheoperationandcontroloftheBoardofEducationasisrequestedbytheTrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallandtheBoardofEducation,providedfundshavebeenappropriatedortransferredtotheaccountoftheDepartmentofPublicWorksasarenecessarytofulfilltherequestsofsaidTrusteesandBoards.
4-40 Employees(a) TheFirstSelectmanmayestablishhoursofwork,setwages
orsalarieswithintherangesetbytheBoardofSelectmen,andhire,suspendordismissemployeesoftheTown,exceptemployeesoftheBoardofEducationandemployeeswhoseemploymentandremovalareotherwiseprovidedforbythisCharterorbytheGeneralStatutes.TheFirstSelectmanmay,bywrittenorder,delegatethispowertootherdepartmentsoftheTownwithrespecttoemployeesofsuchdepartments.
(b) UniformproceduresfortherecruitmentandremovalofanyclassofemployeeswhichtheFirstSelectmanmayhire,suspendordismiss,ageneralmeritsystemandapensionplanforemployeesoftheTownmaybeestablishedbyordinance.
(c) AllappointedemployeesoftheTownotherthanthosewhoworkfortheBoardofEducationshallreporttotheFirstSelectmanforadministrativepurposes.
(d) Anyemployee,otherthantheFinanceDirector,whohasbeensuspendedordismissedbytheFirstSelectmanandforwhomnogrievanceprocedureisprovidedinacollectivebargainingagreementmaywithin15daysofhisremoval,requestinwritingahearingbeforetheBoardofSelectmenwhichhearingshallbeheldwithin15daysfromthedateofreceiptofsuchrequest.Theemployeemayappearatthehearingwithcounsel.TheBoardofSelectmenshall,within15daysaftertheconclusionofthehearing,acttoaffirm,modifyorreversetheactionoftheFirstSelectman.
47
4-45 RegularConstables(a) Notmorethan7constablesshallbeappointedbytheFirst
SelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenforatermof2yearswithnomorethanabaremajorityfromanyonepoliticalparty,andtheyshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedforconstablesbythisCharterandtheGeneralStatutes.
4-50 OtherOfficersandDepartments(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
Selectmen,shallappointsuchotherofficers,committeesorcommissionsasarerequiredbytheGeneralStatutes.
(b) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,mayappointsuchotherofficersasareauthorizedbytheGeneralStatutesorbyordinance,subjecttotheprovisionofnecessaryappropriations.
(c) TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenmayestablishandmaintain,subjecttotheprovisionofnecessaryappropriations,otherdepartmentsfortheadministrationoffunctionsoftheTown.
48
CHAPTER5 LEGISLATIVEPROCESSES5-05 Ordinances
(a) TheLegislativeCouncil,bymajorityvoteconsistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes,shallhavethepowertomake,alterandrepealordinancesnotinconsistentwiththeConstitutionorGeneralStatutesortheprovisionsofthisCharter,fortheexecutionofthepowersnoworhereinaftervestedintheTownforthegovernanceoftheTownandmanagementofitsaffairs,thepreservationofgoodorderandforthepeace,health,welfareandsafetyofitsinhabitantsandtheprotectionandsecurityoftheirproperty.
(b) PriortoactiononanordinancebytheLegislativeCouncil,itshallconductapublichearingatwhichallpersonsinterestedshallbegivenareasonableopportunitytobeheardontheproposedordinance.
(c) Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceofsaidhearingandthefulltextofanyproposedordinanceshallbepublishedinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownatleast10daysbeforethedayonwhichsuchhearingistobeheld.
(d) ActionbytheLegislativeCouncil,eitherrepealing,enacting,ormodifyingandenacting,orrefusingtoenactaproposedordinanceshallbetakenwithin30daysofthehearingheldthereon.
(e) FollowingactionbytheLegislativeCouncil,noticeofsaidactionshallbeaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)within21daysofsuchLegislativeCouncilactionandfiledwiththeTownClerk.Iftheordinancewasmodifiedandenactedasmodified,noticeofsuchactionshallincludepublicationofthefulltextoftheordinanceasenacted.
(f) Anyordinanceenactedshallnotbecomeeffectivesoonerthan14daysafterthedateofpublicationofsuchnoticeand,ifnootherdateisgivenastheeffectivedateofsuchordinance,shallbecomeeffectiveonthefifteenthdayafterpublication.IfareferendumiscalledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSubsection3-25(c)ofthisCharter,theeffective
49
dateofsuchordinanceshallbesuspendeduntilthedateofthedayafterthereferendum.
(g) TheTownmayenactordinancesrelativetoanymatteronwhichtheTownisempoweredtoactbylaw.IftheBoroughofNewtownhasenactedanordinanceonthesamesubject,theordinanceenactedbytheTownshallapplyonlytotheportionsoftheTownoutsidetheBorough.
5-10 Regulations(a) WhereregulationsoftheLegislativeCouncilareauthorized
bythisCharter,theyshallbeadopted,amendedorrepealedbymajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncil,consistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.Anyproposedregulation,amendmentorrepealshallbereferredtotheBoardofSelectmenforcommentorconsultationpriortoaction.AsimilarreferenceshallbemadetotheBoardofEducationorotherTownBodyifitsinterestsisaffected.AllregulationsregardingfinancialmattersshallbereferredforreviewandrecommendationtoormayoriginatefromtheBoardofFinancepriortoaction.ReferralscanbeactedonbytheLegislativeCouncilafter90days.SuchfinancialregulationsshallalsobereferredtotheBoardofSelectmanandtheFinanceDirectorpriortoaction.
(b) ThedevelopmentoftheregulationgoverningthefiveyearCapitalImprovementPlanandanysubsequentamendmentstotheregulationshallbethedutyoftheLegislativeCouncilwiththerecommendationoftheBoardofFinance.
(c) FollowingactionbytheLegislativeCouncil,thefulltextoftheregulationadoptedorasamendedshallbefiledwiththeTownClerkwithin10daysofsuchaction.Regulationsenactedoramendedshallbecomeeffectiveonthefifteenthdayaftersuchaction.
5-15 EmergencyOrdinances(a) AnyprovisionofthisChartertothecontrary
notwithstanding,theLegislativeCouncilmaybytheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)ofitsmembers,enactemergencyordinanceswithoutapublichearingandwithout
50
publicationorothernoticepriortoenactmentandwithouttherightofthevoterstopetitionforareferendum.ThereasonsforsuchemergencyshallbestatedexplicitlyinthevoteoftheLegislativeCouncilenactingsuchordinanceandthepreambleoftheordinanceshallsetforththeexistenceandnatureoftheemergencyandthattheenactmentoftheordinanceisnecessaryfortheimmediateprotectionofthepeace,health,welfareorpropertyofthecitizensoftheTown.AnemergencyordinanceshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponthenoticethereofaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)anduponfilingofthesamewiththeTownClerk.Anemergencyordinanceshallceasetobeeffectiveupontheexpirationofaperiodof60daysafteritspublicationunlesstheordinanceshallbereenactedpriortotheexpirationofsaidperiodinaccordancewiththerequirementssetforthinSection5-05ofthisCharter,whichactionshallbesubjecttotherightofreferendumassetforthinSubsection3-25(b)ofthisCharter.
51
CHAPTER6 BUDGETPROCESSES6-01 GeneralProvisions
(a) ThefollowingtermsshallhavethemeaningascribedtotheminthereferencedsectionofthisCharter:
(1) BoardofEducationBudget–Subsection6-05(a),
(2) FirstSelectman’sBudget–Subsection6-05(b),
(3) BoardofSelectmenBudget–Subsection6-05(b),
(4) RecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget–Subsection6-15(c)(3),
(5) TownBudget–Subsection6-20(c),
(6) AnnualTownBudgetReferendum–Subsection6-25(a),
(7) SpecialAppropriation–Subsection6-35(a),
(8) EmergencyAppropriation–Subsection6-35(a).
6-05 PreparationoftheBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetProposals
(a) NotlaterthanFebruary14th,insuchformandwithsuchsupportingdataastheBoardofFinanceshallrequire,theBoardofEducationshallsubmittotheBoardofFinanceanitemizedestimateofexpendituresproposedfortheprovisionandmaintenanceofgoodpublicelementaryandsecondaryschoolsandanitemizedestimateofallrevenueotherthanTownappropriationstobereceivedbytheBoardofEducationforitsuseduringthenextfiscalyear(the“BoardofEducationBudget”).
(b) AtsuchtimeandinsuchmannerastheFirstSelectmanmayrequire,everyTownDepartmentotherthantheBoardofEducationshallpresenttotheFirstSelectmananitemizedestimateoftheexpenditurestobemadebyandrevenuestobereceivedbysuchdepartmentsduringthenextfiscalyear.AftersuchrevisionsastheFirstSelectmanmaymake,theFirstSelectmanshallsubmitacomprehensiveestimateofexpenditures(the“FirstSelectman’sBudget”)totheBoardof
52
SelectmenbyFebruary1st.TheestimatesshallbeaccompaniedbysuchotherreportsandinformationastheBoardofSelectmenmayrequire.TheBoardofSelectmenshallthenrevisetheestimates,asitdeemsdesirable,andsubmittherevisionstotheBoardofFinanceinsuchformandwithsupportingdataastheBoardofFinanceshallrequirenolaterthanFebruary14th,(the“BoardofSelectmenBudget”).
6-10 RoleoftheFinanceDirector(a) TheFinanceDirectorshalladviseallTownDepartments
participatinginthebudgetprocessatsuchtimesandmannerastheymayreasonablyrequest.
(b) TheFinanceDirectorshallcreateandmaintainabudgetdocumentthroughoutthebudgetprocessdescribedinSections6-05through6-25.SaiddocumentshallbecomprisedoftheproposedBoardofSelectmenBudgetandasinglelineitemrepresentingtheproposedBoardofEducationappropriation.Estimatedrevenues,includingsourcesofsuchrevenues,andanestimatedtaxlevyshallbeaddedbytheFinanceDirectortothebudgetdocument.
(c) TheFinanceDirectorshallberesponsibleforcausingthepublicationoftheproposedorrecommendedbudgetswheneverpublicationisrequiredbytheprovisionsofthisCharter.
6-15 FinancialReviewoftheProposedBudgetsbytheBoardofFinance
(a) TheBoardofFinanceshallconductapublichearingnotlaterthanthefirstWednesdayinMarchontheproposedbudgetsandatsaidhearingoranyadjournmentthereofitshallhearallpersonseligibletovoteasdefinedinSection7-6oftheGeneralStatueswhomaydesiretobeheardrelativetotheproposedbudgets.
(b) TheproposedbudgetsshallbenoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)notlaterthanfive(5)dayspriortosaidhearing.Thepublicationshallincludetheproposedbudgetsshowinginparallelcolumns,foreachitem,thesumbudgeted
53
forthecurrentfiscalyear,thesumexpendedforthepriorfiscalyearandthesumproposedforthenextfiscalyearandtheestimatedtaxrateforthenextfiscalyear.
(c) TheBoardofFinanceshallholdworkingsessionsandshallrevisetheproposedbudgetsasitdeemsdesirable.TheBoardofFinanceshall:
(1) Makesuchchangesinanyestimatesorappropriationscontainedintheproposedbudgetsasitmaydeemproper;
(2) Addappropriationsorestimatedrevenuesnotcontainedintheproposedbudgets;and
(3) ApproveacompletefinancialplanfortheoperationsoftheTownforthenextfiscalyear(the“RecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget”)whichshallcontainatleastthefollowing:
(i) Asimple,clear,generalsummaryofthecontents,showingestimatedrevenuesandtotalappropriationsequalinamount;
(ii) Theproposedexpendituresindetailincludingprovisionsforanyadjustmentstotheunassignedfundbalanceforthepriorfiscalyear,fordebtservicerequirements,andforallotherexpendituresforthenextfiscalyear,includinganappropriationforcontingenciestobemetfromcurrentrevenues.AllproposedexpendituresshouldbeclassifiedinsuchmannerastheBoardofFinancedeemsdesirable;
(iii) Theestimatedproposedrevenuesandtheamountrequiredfromtaxes,whichshallbetheamountsexpectedtobereceivedduringthenextfiscalyear;and
(iv) Anitemizedcomparativestatementbyclassificationofallactualexpendituresandreceiptsduringthelastcompletedfiscalyearandthebudgetappropriationsforthecurrentfiscalyearasrevisedtoarecentspecifieddate,togetherwithestimatedrevenuesforthecurrentfiscalyear.
54
(d) TheBoardofFinanceshallsubmittotheLegislativeCouncilitsRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetforthenextfiscalyearbyMarch14th,
6-20 PreparationoftheProposedTownBudgetbytheLegislativeCouncil
(a) UponreceiptoftheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallcausesufficientcopiesthereoftobemadeavailableforgeneraldistributionintheofficeoftheTownClerkandshallholdapublichearingthereonnotlaterthanthelastWednesdayinMarcheachyear.Atleastfive(5)dayspriortosaidhearing,anoticeofthepublichearingtogetherwithasummaryofthebudgetrecommendedbytheBoardofFinanceshowingproposedexpenditures,anticipatedrevenuesbymajorsources,andtheamountofrevenuetoberaised,shallbenoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b).
(b) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethefollowingpowerswithrespecttoapprovalofanyitemintheproposedTownBudget:
(1) Itshallhavethepowertoreduceanyitembyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes;
(2) ItmayincreaseanyitemoradditemsabovethoseprovidedintheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetbyanaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8);and
(3) TheLegislativeCouncilmayonlyaddorincreaseitemsuptotheamountsincludedintheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetsinclusiveofanyamendmentsmadeinSubsection6-20(f).
(c) NolaterthanthesecondWednesdayinApril,theLegislativeCouncilshallapproveaproposedTownBudgettobesubmittedforfinaladoptionattheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum(the“TownBudget”).IftheLegislativeCouncilshallnothaveapprovedaproposedTownBudgetonorpriortosaiddate,thentheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetshallbesubmittedforadoptionattheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.
55
(d) IftheBoardofFinanceshallfailtosubmitaRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgettotheLegislativeCouncilbyMarch14th,thentheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetsshallbeconsideredbytheLegislativeCouncil.TheLegislativeCouncilshallholdapublichearingonthebudgetsproposedbytheBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducation,togetherwithestimatedrevenues,aftergivingnoticeandpublication,allassetforthinSubsection6-20(a).TheLegislativeCouncilshallhave,whenconsideringandactingupontheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgets,thesamepowersgrantedtotheBoardofFinanceundertheprovisionsofSubsection6-15(c),andshallexercisesaidpowersbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.
(e) IftheLegislativeCouncilapprovesaprojectintheCapitalImprovementPlanforappropriationandfundingforanamountthatexceedstheLegislativeCouncil’sauthority,asestablishedinSubsection6-35(e),theLegislativeCouncilshalluseitsbesteffortstohavetheappropriationfortheprojectaddedtotheballotfortheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.
(f) PriortothefinalapprovalofaproposedTownBudgetbytheLegislativeCouncil,theBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationmayamendtheproposedbudget(s).
(1) PriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum,amendmentsshallbesubmittedtotheBoardofFinance.IftheamendmentsareapprovedbytheBoardofFinance,theLegislativeCouncilshallvoteontheamendmentsasiftheywerepartoftheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget.OtherwisetheamendmentsshallbevotedonbytheLegislativeCouncilasreductions,increasesoradditions,asthecasemaybe,underSubsection6-20(b).
(2) Priortosubsequentbudgetreferenda,ifany,amendmentsmadebytheBoardofSelectmanand/ortheBoardofEducationtobudgetproposalsshallnotbeexceededbytheLegislativeCouncil.
56
6-25 AnnualTownBudgetReferendum(a) TheproposedTownBudgetshallbesubmittedforadoption
atareferendumtobeheldonthefourthTuesdayofAprilbetweenthehoursof6:00A.M.and8:00P.M.(the“AnnualTownBudgetReferendum”).NoticeoftheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumandanysubsequentreferenda,asmaybeneeded,andtheproposedTownBudgettogetherwiththemilrateestimatedtobenecessarytofundsaidbudget,shallbefiledbytheLegislativeCouncilwiththeTownClerkandnoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)atleastfive(5)dayspriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.AttheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum,theproposedTownBudgetshallbevotedonastwoappropriations;onefortheBoardofSelectmen,andonefortheBoardofEducation.Thetwoappropriationsshallbeapprovedindividuallybyamajorityvote.ThequestionsontheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballotshallbeasfollows:
Shallthesumof$____ beappropriatedfortheBoardofSelectmenforthefiscalyear?
Shallthesumof$____ beappropriatedfortheBoardofEducationforthefiscalyear?
TheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballotsshallincludetwoadvisoryquestionsasfollows:
Iftheproposedsumof$____fortheBoardofSelectmenisnotapproved,shouldtherevisedbudgetbehigher?”
Yes______
No______
Iftheproposedsumof$____fortheBoardofEducationisnotapproved,shouldtherevisedbudgetbehigher?”
Yes______
No______
57
(b) Intheeventoneappropriationfailsandoneisapproved,theappropriationthatisapprovedshallbeconsideredadopted.IntheeventthatamajorityofthosevotingdonotapproveoneorbothappropriationsoftheproposedTownBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallamendonlythenon-approvedappropriationorappropriationsofthebudget.
(1) TheLegislativeCouncilshallreconsiderandamendtheproposedTownBudgetwithinseven(7)calendardays.WhenamendingtheBoardofSelectmenBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallconferwiththeFirstSelectmanandmembersoftheBoardofSelectmen.WhenamendingtheBoardofEducationBudget,itshallconferwithmembersoftheBoardofEducation.TheLegislativeCouncilshallrequestadditionalfinancialrecommendationsfromtheBoardofFinance.
(2) TheLegislativeCouncilshallactonchangestoaproposedTownBudgetnotapproved,inwholeorinpart,atabudgetreferendumasfollows:
(i) Itshallhavethepowerbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotestoreduceanyitemorincreaseanyitemuptotheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget.ToincreaseanyitemabovetheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetshallrequireamajorityofatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes;
(ii) TheLegislativeCouncilmayonlyaddorincreaseitemsuptotheamountsincludedintheproposedBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationBudgets,inclusiveofanyamendmentsmadeinSubsection6-20(f).
(3) TheamendedproposedTownBudgetshallbefiledwiththeTownClerkandpresentedforadoptionbyvoteatareferendum,pursuanttoSubsection6-20(a),notmorethanfourteen(14)daysfollowingthedatetheproposedTownBudgetwasfiledwiththeTownClerk.Theballotforeachsuccessivereferendumshallincludetheapplicableadvisoryquestion(s).
58
(c) WhenanappropriationoftheproposedTownBudgetisapprovedbyreferendumvote,theactionisfinalandnotsubjecttoadditionalreferenda.Similarlyifoneorbothappropriationsofthebudgetfail,Subsection6-25(b)shallberepeateduntilbothappropriationsareapprovedbyreferendumvote.
(d) Whenapartorpartshavebeenapprovedbymajorityvote,theBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationshallamendtheproposedBoardofSelectmenortheproposedBoardofEducationBudgettoreflectthevoterapprovedappropriations.Saidamendedbudgetsshallbeavailableforpublicinspection.
(e) IntheeventaTownBudgethasnotbeenadoptedbyJuly1st,theTownmaylevy,collectandexpendanymoniesinthemannerprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.
6-26 LocalQuestionsonBallot(a) TheLegislativeCouncil,withamajorityvoteofatleastsix(6)
affirmativevotes,mayplacelocalquestionsontheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballot.
6-30 LayingofTaxes(a) FollowingtheadoptionoftheTownBudgetforthenext
fiscalyear,theLegislativeCouncilshallmeetand,withdueprovisionforestimatedanduncollectibletaxes,abatementsandcorrections,shalllaysuchtaxonthelastcompletedGrandListatamilratethatshallbesufficient,withtheincomefromothersources,tomeettheestimatedexpensesoftheTownforthenextfiscalyear.ThetaxlaidshallbebasedonfactsknownandestimatesmadeatthetimetheLegislativeCouncilactsandmaybedifferentfromthemilrateestimatedpriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumoranysubsequentreferendumeventhoughthebudgetadoptedisthesameasthebudgetrecommendedtotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumoranysubsequentreferendum.
(b) TheTaxCollectorshallcollectthetaxinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.Taxesshallbedelinquentandinterest
59
chargedinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutesandanyamendmentsthereto.Realestatetaxbillsshallbedueandpayablein2semi-annualinstallments,July1andJanuary1.
6-35 SpecialandEmergencyAppropriations(a) A"SpecialAppropriation"isanyappropriationofadditional
fundsmadeduringafiscalyearthatissupplementaltoanadoptedTownBudgetorcapitalproject.An"EmergencyAppropriation"isanappropriationrequiredforanunforeseenorextraordinaryeventorthreattopublichealth,safety,orwelfare.TheBoardofFinanceshallmakearecommendationregardingaproposedSpecialAppropriation,butsucharecommendationisnotrequiredforanEmergencyAppropriation.
(b) ArequestforaSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationmaybeinitiatedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenorbytheLegislativeCouncil.Therequestshallincludeanestimateofthefundsrequired,thereasonstherefore,andaproposedmethodoffinancing.Methodsoffinancinginclude,withoutlimitation,issuingnotesorbondsoftheTownorlayingaspecialtaxontheGrandListlastcompleted.TheFinanceDirectorshallprepareaFinancialImpactStatementforrequestsforSpecialAppropriations.
(c) IftheFirstSelectmaninitiatesanEmergencyAppropriationrequest,theappropriationmaybeapprovedbyamajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncil.IfinitiatedbytheLegislativeCouncil,theEmergencyAppropriationmustbeapprovedbytheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil.
(d) TheLegislativeCouncilshallrequestfromtheBoardofFinancearecommendationastowhetherornotaSpecialAppropriationshouldbemade.TheBoardofFinanceshallprovidesuchrecommendationwithin90daysoftherequest.TheLegislativeCouncilmaygrantuptoanadditional90daysuponrequest.Aftersaidnumberofdays,theCouncilmayactontherequestwithoutarecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance.
60
(e) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertomakeSpecialandEmergencyAppropriations,inanamountnotinexcessof$1,500,000foranyonepurposeduringafiscalyear.Saidamountshallbecumulativeduringthefiscalyearastoallappropriationsrelatedtosaidpurpose.ThetotalofSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsmadebytheLegislativeCouncilforallpurposesduringafiscalyearshallnotexceedanamountequaltoonemilonthemostrecentlycompletedGrandList.
(f) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertomakeSpecialAppropriationsofanyamountthatarenecessarytoimplementagreementsreachedthroughtheprocessofcollectivebargaining.
(g) TheLegislativeCouncilshallrecommendtoaTownreferendumallSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsthatequalorexceedtheLegislativeCouncil’sauthority.
(h) TheBoardofFinanceshallrecommendtotheLegislativeCouncilamethodoffinancingtheSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationthatshallbeincludedbytheBoardofSelectmeninthewarningofthereferendum.InthecaseofanEmergencyAppropriationandtheBoardofFinanceisunabletomakesuchrecommendation,theFinanceDirectormaymakesaidrecommendation.
(i) IfaSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationisvotedforapurposerequiringtheexpenditureorencumbranceoffundsduringafiscalyearforwhichanannualbudgethasbeenadoptedbutthetaxhasnotyetbeenlaidinaccordancewithSubsection6-30(a)ofthisCharter,itmaybefinancedbybeingincludedinthemilrateforsaidfiscalyear.
6-40 GrantsorOtherFinancialAssistance(a) Grantsandotherformsoffinancialassistance,whetherfrom
theStateofConnecticut,theUnitedStatesoranyothersource,shallbesubjecttoreviewfortheirfinancialimpactontheTown.TheFinanceDirectorortheTownDepartmentrequestingagrantorotherformoffinancialassistanceshallsubmitaFinancialImpactStatementtotheBoardofFinanceandtheLegislativeCouncilthatevaluates
61
theimpactofthecommitmentsandtheconditionsrequiredoftheTownbythegrantorfinancialassistanceonpresentandfutureTownBudgets,TownPlansforDevelopmentandCapitalImprovementPlans.TheImpactstatementshallbesubmittedandreviewedbeforeanyactionistakenthatcommitstheTowntoacceptsaidgrantorfinancialassistance.
62
CHAPTER7 FINANCIALPROCESSES7-05 GeneralFinancialProcess
(a) ThefiscalyearoftheTownshallbeginonJuly1standendonJune30th.
(b) ThesystemofaccountsusedbytheTownDepartmentsshallbethatprescribedbytheGeneralStatutesassupplementedbyregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilandinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples.Theaccountingsystemshallincludeaseparateaccountforeachappropriationshowingtheamountoftheappropriation,theamountspaidortransferredtoit,theunpaidobligationsagainstitandtheunencumberedbalanceoftheappropriation.
(c) TheLegislativeCouncil,withrecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance,shallannuallydesignateanindependent,certifiedpublicaccountantorfirmtoauditthebooksandaccountsoftheTownasrequiredbytheGeneralStatutes.SaidannualauditshallbeacceptedbytheLegislativeCouncilwiththerecommendationoftheBoardofFinance.
(d) AllTownDepartmentsandofficersshallreportandremitallreceiptstotheFinanceDirectorasoftenasheorshemaydeemdesirablebutnotmoreoftenthandaily.
7-10 Bonding(a) TheFinanceDirectorshallseekbidsfromatleast3lending
institutionsforallborrowingsandthenetbidmostfavorabletotheTownmustbeacceptedunlesstheFinanceDirectorbelievesthatitisinthebestinterestoftheTowntorejectallsuchbids,inwhichcaseallsuchbidsmayberejected.TheFinanceDirectormaynegotiaterefundingandrestructuringofexistingbondswhenitisfinanciallyadvantageous.There-negotiationmaybedonewithoutsecuringbids.
(b) Everyresolutionfortheissueofbondsshallprovideforataxlevyforeachyeartomeetallserialinstallmentsofprincipalandinterestandsuchamountsshallbeincludedinataxlevyforeachyearuntilsaidbondshallhavebeenpaidinfull.
63
7-15 Disbursements/Purchases(a) TheBoardofFinanceshallkeepunderreviewthebudgetof
theTownandshallbyregulationprescribeperiodicreportsofreceiptsandexpendituresforwhichpurposesaidBoardofFinanceshallhaveaccesstothebooksandrecordsofanyTownDepartment.
(b) TheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilshallalsodesignatetheformsandproceduresforpurchaseorderstobedrawnontheFinanceDirectorbytheBoardofEducationandtheBoardofSelectmen.
(c) NeithertheBoardofSelectmennortheBoardofEducationshalldrawanyorderupontheTownunlesstheFinanceDirectorconfirmsthatthereareappropriationswithintherequestingTownDepartmenttocovertherequest.
(1) BeforeanyTownfundsareexpendedorencumberedoranycontractisenteredinto,arequisitionorotherformofexpenditureauthorizationrequestshallbesignedbythedepartmentheadorotherauthorizedpersonwhichthenshallbesubmittedtotheFinanceDirectorforapprovalandissuanceofapurchaseorder.Eachordershalldesignatetheobjectforandtheaccountuponwhichitisdrawn.
(2) TheBoardofEducationmaymaketransferswithinitsownbudgetandshallreporttransferswithinitsbudgetinwritingmonthlytotheFinanceDirector.
(3) WhenfundsappropriatedtotheofficeoftheFinanceDirectorarespentorencumbered,purchaseordersthereforshallbesignedbytheFirstSelectman.
(4) TheFinanceDirector,oranothermemberofthePurchasingAuthorityshallissueallTownpurchaseorders.Further,thepurchasingproceduresadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilshallbefollowed.
(d) TheFinanceDirector,inconjunctionwiththeFirstSelectman,shallbethePurchasingAuthorityfortheTown.
64
AllsuppliesandcontractsforservicesneededbyTownDepartmentsotherthantheBoardofEducationshallbeprocuredthroughthePurchasingAuthority.SuppliesandservicesneededbytheBoardofEducationmaybeprocuredthroughthePurchasingAuthoritywhenfeasible.
(e) NoofficerorTownDepartmentshallexpendorvotetoincuranyliabilityorexpensebycontractorotherwise,orenterintoanycontractthatwouldobligatetheTowntoexpendinexcessofanapproveddepartmentallineitemappropriation.ForthepurposeofthisCharter,alineitemmeansanyexpenditureforthecurrentfiscalyeartowhichtheBoardofFinancehasassignedanappropriationaccountnumber.AnyofficerormemberofaTownDepartmentwho,withoutauthorityfromthisCharterortheGeneralStatutes,expendsorcausestobeexpendedanymoneyoftheTown,exceptinpaymentoffinaljudgmentsrenderedagainsttheTown,shallbeliableinacivilactioninthenameoftheTown,asprovidedintheGeneralStatutes.
(f) Allsumsnotinexcessof$50,000whichmaybecomedueandpayabletotheTownoranyTownDepartmentbyvirtueofanylossordamagesufferedbypersonsorpropertyentrustedtothecare,supervisionormanagementofanysuchdepartmentshallbedepositedinaspecialaccountandsegregatedbytheFinanceDirector.Thereafter,theFinanceDirectorshallusesuchsumssosegregatedtopayanybillsincurredinthecourseofrepairingorreplacingsuchlossordamagebytheTownDepartmentinquestion,butsuchpaymentsshallnotexceedthelesseroftheamountofmoneysodepositedorthecostofrepairorreplacement.AnysuchmoneywhichisnotsoexpendedwithinoneyearfromthedateofitsdepositshallceasetobesegregatedfromthegeneralfundoftheTown,unlesstheTownDepartmentthathasincurredthelossordamage,notifiestheFinanceDirectorinwritingbeforetheexpirationofsaidyearthatsuchrepairsorreplacementshavebeencommencedorwillbecommencedwithin90daysandwillbecompletedonadatewhichwillbespecifiedintheaforesaidwrittennotice,nottoexceed18months.
65
7-20 Transfers(a) Duringthefirst335daysofanyfiscalyear:
(1) TheFirstSelectmanandFinanceDirectormaytransferunexpendedandunencumberedbalancesofanyappropriationswithinadepartmenttoanotherappropriationforthesamedepartment,whichshallnotexceedthesumof$50,000.00.Alltransferswithinadepartmentthatexceedthesumof$50,000.00shallrequiretheapprovaloftheBoardofFinance.
(2) UpontherequestoftheBoardofSelectman,theBoardofFinancemaytransferanyunencumberedappropriation,balanceorportionthereoffromonedepartmenttoanother,whichshallnotexceedthesumof$200,000.00.Whentransfersbetweendepartmentsareproposedwhichexceed$200,000.00,theproposedtransfersrequirearecommendationbytheBoardofFinanceandtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.TheLegislativeCouncilshallnotconsidersuchproposedtransfersunlessaccompaniedbyarecommendationfromtheBoardofFinanceorunlesstheBoardofFinanceshallhavefailedtomakesucharecommendationwithinfifteen(15)daysafternotificationbytheFirstSelectmanoftheactiontakenbytheBoardofSelectmen.
(3) AllappropriationsortransfersfromacontingencyaccountrequirearecommendationbytheBoardofFinanceandtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.
(b) Afterthefirst335days,uponrequestoftheFinanceDirector,theBoardofFinanceshallhavethepowertotransfer,withoutlimitation,theunexpendedandunencumberedbalancesofanyappropriationforonedepartmenttoanappropriationforanotherdepartmentwiththeapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.
(c) NothingcontainedinSection7-20ofthisChartershallaffectanyappropriationcontainedin,ortransferswithin,thebudgetoftheBoardofEducation.
66
7-25 FinancialImpactStatements
(a) TheLegislativeCouncilinitsregulationsshalldesignatetheformoftheFinancialImpactStatement.
(b) NoSpecialAppropriationshallbemade,nopurchase,grantnorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalpropertyshallbeacceptedbyanyTownDepartmentasprovidedinSections6-35,6-40,and8-05,untiltheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilhavereceivedandhavehadthirty-fivedaystogivedueconsiderationtoaFinancialImpactStatement.
(c) FinancialImpactStatementsshallbepreparedbytheFinanceDirectorassetforthinSubsection4-05(c)(7).
67
CHAPTER8 ACQUISTIONORDISPOSITIONOFREALPROPERTY
8-01 GeneralProvisions(a) Definitions:Thefollowingtermsshallhavethemeaning
ascribedtothembelow.
(1) RealProperty:Theterm“RealProperty,”asdefinedherein,shallincludeanytown-ownedparcelofland,structure,orinterestinsuchlandorstructures.ThetermRealPropertyshallnotincludeparcelswithanappraisedvalueoflessthan$20,000norleasesthathaveterms,withoptions,oflessthan5years.
(2) Acquisition:Theterm“Acquisition”shallinclude,withoutlimitation,the
(i) Receiptofrealpropertyasaresultofnon-paymentoftaxesorpropertyexchanges,
(ii) Acceptanceofgifts,withorwithoutconditions,
(iii) Acceptanceofaleasehold,or
(iv) Purchaseofrealproperty.
(3) Disposition:Theterm“Disposition”shallincludethesale,exchange,abandonment,orotherdispositionofRealPropertyandshallalsoincludeanydecisiontopermitleasesofRealProperty.TheDispositionofRealPropertyshallberestrictedto:
(i) RealPropertythatisnotneededformunicipalpurposesnoworintheforeseeablefuture,
(ii) RealPropertythatisrequiredtofacilitatetheAcquisitionofimprovedorunimprovedRealPropertyforaprojectalreadyfunded,or
(iii) RealPropertythatisnotunderthemanagementofanotherTownBody,asprovidedforinthisCharter.
(b) TheTownshallhaveallthepowerssetforthintheGeneralStatutesandinthisChartertoacquireanddisposeofRealProperty.Detailedprocessesorproceduresforthe
68
AcquisitionandDispositionofRealPropertyshallbeprovidedforinTownordinances.Ifsuchordinancesarenotavailable,theLegislativeCouncilshallinitiatethecreationofsuchordinanceswithin60daysoftheeffectivedateofthisCharter.SuchordinancesshallbeconsistentwithrequirementsprovidedinSections8-05and8-10.Forparcelswithavalueoflessthan$20,000orleasesthathaveterms,withoptions,oflessthan5yearsSections8-05and8-10neednotapply.
(c) IfthetransferofRealPropertyprovidesconsideration,inwholeorinpart,fortheAcquisitionofotherrealproperty,theappraisedvalueofthetransferredRealPropertyshallbeincludedforthepurposeofmakinganappropriationasifitwereacashpayment.
8-05 AcquisitionofRealProperty(a) Arecommendationtoacquirerealpropertyshallbeinitiated
bytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,andpresentedtotheLegislativeCouncil.
(b) TheLegislativeCouncil,subjecttotheavailabilityofappropriationsforthespecificpurpose,mayauthorizetheAcquisitionofrealpropertywithamajorityconsistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.ExceptionstothepoweroftheLegislativeCounciltoacquirerealpropertyincludethefollowing:
(1) ThePlanningandZoningCommissionshallhavethepowertoacceptonbehalfoftheTownallopenspaces,parks,playgrounds,realpropertyforthepurposeofwideningorrealignmentofexistingpublichighways,conservationeasements,conservationrestrictions,andeasementsfordrainage,slopeorsimilarpurposesthatitrequirestobeprovidedbyasubdividerasaconditionofsubdivisionapproval.TitleofsaidpropertyshallbefreeandclearofallencumbrancesthatareunacceptabletothePlanningandZoningCommission.
(2) TheBoardofSelectmenshallhavethepowertoacquirerealpropertyforpublichighwaysandrelatedpurposesasprovidedinSubsection2-115(d)(7).
69
(c) PriortoaLegislativeCouncilvotetoacquirerealproperty,thefollowingshallbecompleted.
(1) TheFinanceDirectorshallprepareandsubmitaFinancialImpactStatementtotheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncil,asprovidedinSection7-25,forallpropertyAcquisitionotherthanthoseexceptedinSubsection8-05(b)and
(2) AnappraisalofsaidrealpropertyfromanappraiserlicensedorcertifiedbytheStateofConnecticutisrequired.
(d) IftherealpropertyproposedtobeacquiredisforpurposesforwhichamandatoryreferralisrequiredbySection8-24oftheGeneralStatutes,saidreferralshallbemadebeforeanyactionistaken.
(e) AsprovidedinSubsection6-35(e),iftherealpropertyproposedtobeacquiredrequiresanappropriationof$1,500,000ormore,saidAcquisitionshallrequireapprovalofareferendum.
(f) FollowingtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilorreferendumtoacquirerealproperty,theBoardofSelectmenshallauthorizeanofficer,boardorcommissiontoactonbehalfoftheTowninsuchAcquisition.
8-10 DispositionofRealProperty(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof
SelectmenandtheLegislativeCouncilbyamajorityvoteofitsmembership,mayproposetheDispositionofRealProperty.
(b) RealPropertyacquiredfornon-paymentoftaxesshallbesoldunlesstheLegislativeCouncilbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotestoretainsaidproperty.
(c) AftertheproposaltodisposeofRealPropertyismadetheTownshall:
(1) PostasignconspicuouslyonsaidRealPropertywithin14daysforthedurationoftheDisposition,
70
(2) ProvidepublicnoticeoftheavailabilityofsaidRealPropertyaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)within14days,
(3) HaveallpropertiesaffectedintheproposedDispositionappraisedbyanappraiserlicensedorcertifiedbytheStateofConnecticuttoascertaintheirvaluesbothbeforeandafterthetransaction.
(4) Circulate,within5days,theproposalforcommenttoallboardsandcommissionshavinganinterestintheDispositionofsaidRealProperty.
(5) ComplywithGeneralStatutes,whenapplicable,concerningtheDispositionofpublicproperty,includingbutnotlimitedtoholdingapublichearing[Section7-163eoftheGeneralStatutes]andreferringtheproposedDispositiontothePlanningandZoningCommission[Section8-24oftheGeneralStatutes].
(d) UponmeetingsaidrequirementsofSubsection8-10(c),theLegislativeCouncilmayvotetosellorotherwisedisposeofsaidRealPropertyasrequiredbytheGeneralStatutes,ifapplicable,orbymajorityvote.
(1) TheLegislativeCouncilmayrecommendthattheBoardofSelectmenconsiderfactorsotherthanobtainingthehighestprice,suchasconsideringthebuyer’sbindingcommitmenttousetherealpropertyforaspecificpurposeandwherethereisabenefittotheTown.
(e) WheretheLegislativeCouncilvotestosellorotherwisedisposeofRealPropertyhavinganappraisedvalueof$1,500,000ormoresaidactionshallrequireapprovalofareferendum.
(f) FollowingtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilorreferendum,ifneeded,todisposeofRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanisauthorizedtotakeallstepsnecessarytocarryoutthesaleorotherdisposition,including:
(1) IftheDispositionistoselltheRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanshalldeterminethemethodofsalethatisinthebestinterestoftheTown,includingpublicauctionor
71
privatesale–withorwithoutlistingthepropertyforsalewitharealestatebroker.IfthedecisionismadetoselltheRealPropertybyprivatesale,thepriceandtermsofthecontractofsaleshallbeestablishedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandconfirmedbyanaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil.
(2) IftheDispositionistopermittheleaseofRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanshall:
(i) Authorizeanofficer,board,commissionorauthority,ifneeded,tonegotiatetheterm(s)ofthelease(s),
(ii) Presentthenegotiatedlease(s)totheBoardofSelectmenforapproval,and
(iii) Presenttheapprovedlease(s)totheLegislativeCouncilforapproval.
72
CHAPTER9 ETHICSCOMPLAINTSANDADVISORYOPINIONS
9-05 CodeofEthics(a) TheCodeofEthicsshallguardagainstimproperinfluenceor
theappearanceofimproperinfluencetobetterensurepublictrustinthegovernment.Tothatend,theCodeofEthicsshallsetstandardsontheconductofallTownofficialsandemployeesasnecessaryorappropriate.
(b) TheCodeofEthicsisanordinancewhichcanbeamendedinaccordancewiththeproceduresforamendingordinancesexceptthattheBoardofEthics,withoutapetition,mayproposeamendments.Intheeventthatanamendmentissoproposed,theLegislativeCouncilshallhavenomorethan120daystoapprove,modifyorrejectsaidamendment.
(c) TheBoardofEthicsshallbechargedwiththeadministrationoftheCodeofEthics.TheBoardshalladoptandmayamendreasonablerulesandregulationsfortheadministrationofitsproceedings.Priortoadoptingoramendingsaidrulesandregulations,theBoardshallholdapublichearing.Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceofthepublichearing,togetherwiththetextoftheproposedamendment,shallbewarnedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)notlessthan10daysbeforethedateofsaidhearing.Allsuchrulesandregulations,ascurrentlyamended,shallbemadeavailableattheofficeoftheTownClerktoanyResidentElectoroftheTown.
(d) Wheneveranofficer,official,oremployeeoftheTowniscontemplatingtakinganactionorparticipatinginanyproceedingandhasanyquestionconcerningtheconformityofthatactionorparticipationwiththeCodeofEthics,theofficer,officialoremployeeshallhavetherighttoseekanadvisoryopinionoftheBoard.SuchrequestmustbesubmittedinwritingandtheresultingadvisoryopinionfromtheBoardshallbeinwriting.
9-10 ProcedureforComplaints(a) TheBoardofEthicsshallreceivecomplaintsofanyviolations
oftheCodeofEthicsandshall,uponreceiptofsuch
73
complaints,investigatethesameandmayholdprivateinvestigationsthereonif,intheopinionofthemajorityoftheBoard,saidcomplaintwarrantsaninvestigation.AnycomplaintreceivedbytheBoardmustbeinwritingandsignedbytheindividualmakingsaidcomplaint.ComplaintsmadetotheBoardofEthicsshallnotbemadepublicunlessanduntilthecomplaintisfoundtowarrantahearing.Uponreceivinganycomplaint,theBoardshallprivatelynotifyinwritingthepersonagainstwhosaidcomplainthasbeenfiled,advisingtheconcernedpartyofthespecificnatureofthecomplaintmadeandbeinginvestigatedbytheBoardandthenameofthecomplainant.UponreceiptofsaidnoticefromtheBoard,thepartysonotifiedthatacomplainthasbeenfiledagainsthim/hershallhavetherighttorequestafullhearingbytheBoard.IntheeventtheBoarddecidesthatahearingisrequired,orthepersonwhoseconductisbeingcalledintoquestionrequestsahearing,saidhearingshallaffordthepersonwhoseconductiscalledintoquestiontherighttocross-examinewitnesses,tomeetandanswerthecomplaint,andtopresentevidence.Nohearingmaybeconductedwithfewerthan4membersoftheBoardinattendance.
(b) IntheeventtheBoardshallreceivecomplaintsagainstanyofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown,theinvestigationanddispositionofwhichhavebeendelegatedtootherboardsorcommissionscreatedbytheCharterorundertheGeneralStatutes,thentheBoardshallforwardthecomplaintreceivedtotheappropriateboardorcommission.TheboardorcommissiontowhichsuchcomplaintsareforwardedshallthereafternotifytheBoardofthedispositionmadeofsaidcomplaint.
(c) TheBoardshallreporttotheBoardofSelectmenitsfindingastowhetherornotaviolationoftheCodeofEthicshasoccurred,togetherwithrecommendationastodispositionstobemade.TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenshallthereupontakesuchactionasitmaydeemappropriateincluding,butnotlimitedto,removalfromoffice,suspensionorcensureoftheperson(s)whoisthesubjectofthecomplaintordismissalofthecharges,
74
exceptthatelectedofficialsmaynotberemovedorsuspendedfromoffice.
(d) Allopinions,findingandrecommendationsoftheBoard,whetheradvisoryorattherequestofacomplainant,shallbekeptonfileintheofficeoftheTownClerk.
(e) TheLegislativeCouncil,byregulation,mayprescribeprocedurespermittingthereimbursementbytheTownofanyreasonableout-of-pocketexpensesandattorney'sfeesincurredinconnectionwithanappearancebeforetheBoardofEthicsbyanofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown.
75
CHAPTER10 TRANSITIONANDMISCELLANEOUS10-01 EffectiveDate
(a) AsoriginallyadoptedthisCharterwaseffectiveat12:01A.M.October9,1961.
10-02 AmendmentoftheCharter(a) ThisChartermayonlybeamendedinthemannerprescribed
bytheGeneralStatutes.
(b) Within5yearsaftersubmissionofthefinalreportofthemostrecentCharterRevisionCommission,theLegislativeCouncilshallappointaCharterRevisionCommissiontoreviewtheCharterandanyrecommendationsmadebytheLegislativeCouncil.
10-03 SchedulesofSupersededActs(a) Thefollowingspecialactsshallhavenoforceoreffectafter
theeffectivedateofthisCharter:
VolumeandPageofSpecialActs
BoardofFinance ActofApril26,1917XVII940
CertainActionwithrespecttoorganization
Validated ActofMarch15,1943XXIV15
AmendmentAuthorized ActofMarch25,1943XXIV45
AmendmentAuthorized ActofJuly8,1943XXIV359
Asamended ActofMay22,1957XXVIII413
BiennialTownElections ActofApril21,1943XXIV91
PoliceandFireDepartments ActofMarch31,1943XXIV57
76
SmallClaimsCourt ActofApril21,1943XXIV98
RegionalSchoolDistricts ActofDecember21,1949XXIV13
EnactmentofOrdinance ActofApril25,1957XXVIII139
10-04 SavingsClause(a) Ifanysection,subsection,sentence,phrase,clauseorwordof
thisChartershallbeheldinvalidbyaCourtofcompetentjurisdiction,suchholdingshallnotaffecttheremainderofthisCharter,excepttotheextentthatsomeotherword,clause,phrase,sentence,subsectionorsectionmaybeinseparablyconnectedinmeaningandeffectwiththesection,subsection,sentence,phrase,clauseorwordtowhichsuchholdingshalldirectlyapply.
(b) AnyreferencetotheGeneralStatutesmeansassaidStatutesmaybeamendedfromtimetotime.