charter - newtown-ct.gov · charter of the town of newtown state of connecticut adopted october 2,...
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CHARTER
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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:
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(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.
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(8) TownElection:Theterm“TownElection”shallbeusedforelectionsheldbi-annuallyontheTuesdayafterthefirstMondayofNovemberintheodd-numberedyears.
(9) BudgetrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection6-01(a).
(10) RealpropertyacquisitionanddispositionrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection8-01(a).
(b) PublicNotice:InanyinstanceinwhichpublicnoticeisrequiredthesameshallbeservedbycausingitspublicationinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownunlessadifferentmethodofnoticeisprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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:
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(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
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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.
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(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
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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
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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.
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(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.
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(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,
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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.
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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(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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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;
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(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
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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.
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(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.
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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;
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(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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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publicationorothernoticepriortoenactmentandwithouttherightofthevoterstopetitionforareferendum.ThereasonsforsuchemergencyshallbestatedexplicitlyinthevoteoftheLegislativeCouncilenactingsuchordinanceandthepreambleoftheordinanceshallsetforththeexistenceandnatureoftheemergencyandthattheenactmentoftheordinanceisnecessaryfortheimmediateprotectionofthepeace,health,welfareorpropertyofthecitizensoftheTown.AnemergencyordinanceshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponthenoticethereofaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)anduponfilingofthesamewiththeTownClerk.Anemergencyordinanceshallceasetobeeffectiveupontheexpirationofaperiodof60daysafteritspublicationunlesstheordinanceshallbereenactedpriortotheexpirationofsaidperiodinaccordancewiththerequirementssetforthinSection5-05ofthisCharter,whichactionshallbesubjecttotherightofreferendumassetforthinSubsection3-25(b)ofthisCharter.
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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
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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
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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.
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(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.
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(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.
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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______
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(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).
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(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
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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.
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(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
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theimpactofthecommitmentsandtheconditionsrequiredoftheTownbythegrantorfinancialassistanceonpresentandfutureTownBudgets,TownPlansforDevelopmentandCapitalImprovementPlans.TheImpactstatementshallbesubmittedandreviewedbeforeanyactionistakenthatcommitstheTowntoacceptsaidgrantorfinancialassistance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7-25 FinancialImpactStatements
(a) TheLegislativeCouncilinitsregulationsshalldesignatetheformoftheFinancialImpactStatement.
(b) NoSpecialAppropriationshallbemade,nopurchase,grantnorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalpropertyshallbeacceptedbyanyTownDepartmentasprovidedinSections6-35,6-40,and8-05,untiltheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilhavereceivedandhavehadthirty-fivedaystogivedueconsiderationtoaFinancialImpactStatement.
(c) FinancialImpactStatementsshallbepreparedbytheFinanceDirectorassetforthinSubsection4-05(c)(7).
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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
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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).
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(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,
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(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
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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.
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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
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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,
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exceptthatelectedofficialsmaynotberemovedorsuspendedfromoffice.
(d) Allopinions,findingandrecommendationsoftheBoard,whetheradvisoryorattherequestofacomplainant,shallbekeptonfileintheofficeoftheTownClerk.
(e) TheLegislativeCouncil,byregulation,mayprescribeprocedurespermittingthereimbursementbytheTownofanyreasonableout-of-pocketexpensesandattorney'sfeesincurredinconnectionwithanappearancebeforetheBoardofEthicsbyanofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown.
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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
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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.
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