CHARTER - newtown-ct.gov · Charter of the Town of Newtown State of Connecticut ADOPTED OCTOBER 2,...

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CHARTER

Charter of the

Town of Newtown State of Connecticut

ADOPTED OCTOBER 2, 1961REVISED OCTOBER 7, 1963

REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1966REVISED MAY 3, 1971REVISED MAY 7, 1973

REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1974REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1977REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1983REVISED NOVEMBER 3, 1987REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1991REVISED NOVEMBER 4, 1997REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2001

REVISED APRIL 22, 2008REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2012

ADOPTED NOVEMBER 8, 2016 - EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 8, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTSPREAMBLE CHARTER .......................................................................................6

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................61-01 Incorporation ...........................................................................................61-05 Rights, Obligations and Actions Continued ................................61-10 Powers of Town ......................................................................................71-15 Effect of Charter ......................................................................................71-20 Summary of Governance .....................................................................71-25 General Provisions.................................................................................7

CHAPTER 2 MEMBERSHIP, RULES, AND DUTIES FOR NEWTOWN OFFICES .................................................. 10

2-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 102-05 Eligibility................................................................................................. 112-10 Minority Representation.................................................................. 122-15 Terms and Term Limits .................................................................... 132-20 OfficersoftheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 142-25 Voting ....................................................................................................... 142-30 Vacancies on the Legislative Council, Boards, Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 152-31 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Elected Town Bodies . 152-32 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Appointive Boards and Commissions ................................................................................ 162-35 Use of Alternates ................................................................................. 172-40 Removal for Cause .............................................................................. 172-45 Compensation ....................................................................................... 172-50 Administrative Clerks ........................................................................ 182-100 ElectedBoards,Commissions,andOfficers ............................. 182-105 Legislative Council .............................................................................. 182-110 First Selectman .................................................................................... 202-115 Board of Selectmen ............................................................................ 212-120 Board of Education ............................................................................. 23

2-125 Board of Finance ................................................................................. 242-130 Planning and Zoning Commission ............................................... 242-135 Town Clerk ............................................................................................. 252-140 Registrars of Voters ............................................................................ 252-145 Board of Assessment Appeals ....................................................... 262-150 Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall ................................ 262-155 Zoning Board of Appeals .................................................................. 262-160 Board of Police Commissioners .................................................... 272-200 AppointiveAuthorities,Boards,CommissionsandOfficers ....... 282-201 General Provisions.............................................................................. 282-205 Aging, Commission on ....................................................................... 292-210 Building Appeals Board .................................................................... 292-215 Conservation Commission .............................................................. 292-220 Cultural Arts Commission ............................................................... 302-225 Economic Development Commission ......................................... 302-230 Ethics, Board of .................................................................................... 302-235 Fire Commissioners, Board of ....................................................... 312-240 Inland Wetlands Commission ........................................................ 322-245 Justices of the Peace ........................................................................... 332-250 Parks and Recreation Commission .............................................. 332-255 Pension Commission ......................................................................... 332-260 Public Building and Site Commission ......................................... 342-265 Public Safety Committee .................................................................. 342-270 Self-Funded Health Insurance Fund Commission ................. 352-275 Sustainable Energy Commission .................................................. 352-280 Trustees of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, Board of ........... 352-285 Water and Sewer Authority ............................................................ 362-300 Regional Authorities and Boards ................................................. 362-305 Lake Lillinonah Authority ............................................................... 362-310 Lake Zoar Authority ........................................................................... 372-315 Newtown Health District Health Board..................................... 37

CHAPTER 3 ELECTIONS AND REFERENDA ......................................... 383-05 Town Elections ..................................................................................... 383-10 Legislative Council Districts ........................................................... 383-15 Election of Boards and Commissions ......................................... 383-20 Elections for Vacated Seats ............................................................. 393-25 Referendum ........................................................................................... 39

CHAPTER 4 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS .......................................... 424-05 Finance Director .................................................................................. 424-10 Tax Collector .......................................................................................... 434-15 Town Assessor ...................................................................................... 444-20 Building Inspector .............................................................................. 454-25 Town Attorney ...................................................................................... 454-30 Emergency Management Director ............................................... 454-35 Department of Public Works .......................................................... 454-40 Employees .............................................................................................. 464-45 Regular Constables ............................................................................. 474-50 OtherOfficersandDepartments .................................................. 47

CHAPTER 5 LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES .................................................. 485-05 Ordinances ............................................................................................. 485-10 Regulations ............................................................................................ 495-15 Emergency Ordinances..................................................................... 49

CHAPTER 6 BUDGET PROCESSES ............................................................ 516-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 516-05 Preparation of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Budget Proposals ....................................... 516-10 Role of the Finance Director ........................................................... 526-15 Financial Review of the Proposed Budgets by the Board of Finance.................................................................... 526-20 Preparation of the Proposed Town Budget by the Legislative Council ................................................................ 546-25 Annual Town Budget Referendum............................................... 56

6-26 Local Questions on Ballot ................................................................ 586-30 Laying of Taxes ..................................................................................... 586-35 Special and Emergency Appropriations .................................... 596-40 Grants or Other Financial Assistance ......................................... 60

CHAPTER 7 FINANCIAL PROCESSES ...................................................... 627-05 General Financial Process ............................................................... 627-10 Bonding ................................................................................................... 627-15 Disbursements/Purchases .............................................................. 637-20 Transfers ................................................................................................. 657-25 Financial Impact Statements .......................................................... 66

CHAPTER 8 ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY .................................................................... 67

8-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 678-05 Acquisition of Real Property .......................................................... 688-10 Disposition of Real Property .......................................................... 69

CHAPTER 9 ETHICS COMPLAINTS AND ADVISORY OPINIONS ..... 729-05 Code of Ethics ....................................................................................... 729-10 Procedure for Complaints ............................................................... 72

CHAPTER 10 TRANSITION AND MISCELLANEOUS ........................... 7510-01 Effective Date ........................................................................................ 7510-02 Amendment of the Charter ............................................................. 7510-03 Schedules of Superseded Acts ....................................................... 7510-04 Savings Clause ...................................................................................... 76

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,

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:

(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.

(8) TownElection:Theterm“TownElection”shallbeusedforelectionsheldbi-annuallyontheTuesdayafterthefirstMondayofNovemberintheodd-numberedyears.

(9) BudgetrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection6-01(a).

(10) RealpropertyacquisitionanddispositionrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection8-01(a).

(b) PublicNotice:InanyinstanceinwhichpublicnoticeisrequiredthesameshallbeservedbycausingitspublicationinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownunlessadifferentmethodofnoticeisprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.

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.

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

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

morethan9 2/3rdsoftotalmembership

(b) Exceptionsareasfollows:

(1) LegislativeCouncil:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveontheLegislativeCouncil

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

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.

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:

(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

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.

(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

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

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.

(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.

(1) TheBoardofSelectmenshallconsistoftheFirstSelectmanandtwoSelectmen.

(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,

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.

(1) TheBoardofEducationshallconsistof7members.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.

2-125 BoardofFinance(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofFinance

recommendsabudgetproposalandsubmitsittotheLegislativeCouncilforfinalactionassetforthinSection6-15. Inaddition,theBoardadvisestheBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationduringthebudgetprocessandallTownBodiesonpreferredfinancialpracticesandobligations.TheBoardofFinancealsoreviewsandassessesfinancialoperationsincludingtransfers,regularandSpecialAppropriations.

(1) TheBoardofFinanceshallconsistofsixmembers.

2-130 PlanningandZoningCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePlanningand

ZoningCommissionisresponsibletopromotetheorderlyandcoordinateddevelopmentoftheTown.TheCommissioncontrolsanddirectstheuseanddevelopmentofpropertyintheTown.ThePlanningandZoningCommission,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisCharter,shallhaveallofthepowersanddutiesconferredandimposedbytheGeneralStatutesuponbothPlanningandZoningCommissions.ItactsasthePlanningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtownandshall,totheextentthatitissoempoweredbyordinanceoftheBoroughofNewtown,actasZoningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtown.

(1) ThePlanningandZoningCommissionshallconsistof5membersandthreealternates.

(2) Thetermofofficeformembersandalternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.

2-135 TownClerk(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownClerkis

responsibleforadministrativeworkfortheTownincludingthemaintenanceandsafe-keepingofavarietyofofficialmunicipaldocuments;issuanceofvariouslicensesandpermits;andtherecordingofvariousdocumentsandvitalstatistics.

(1) ThereshallbeoneTownClerk.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.

(c) TheTownClerkshallexercisethepowersandperformthedutiesofaTownClerkasprovidedbytheGeneralStatutesexceptashereinafterprovidedandshallperformsuchotherdutiesasrequiredbythisCharter.

(1) ThereceiptstobepaidtotheTownClerkshallbecollectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterorordinancesofthisTownandshallbedepositedwiththeFinanceDirectoroftheTown.

(2) TheTownClerkshallalsokeeparecordofreceipts,whichshallshowtheamountsthereofandforwhatreceived.

2-140 RegistrarsofVoters(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheRegistrarsof

Votersareresponsibleforvoterregistrationandtheadministrationofallelections.Theyalsoassistcandidates,thepublic,andthepartiesinthepreparationofspecializedvoterlistsandindividualrequestsforvoterinformation.

(1) ThereshallbetwoRegistrarsofVotersfortheTownatlarge,onefromeachpoliticalparty.

2-145 BoardofAssessmentAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof

AssessmentAppealsshallhearanddecideappealsfrompropertyownersregardingtheassessmentoftheirpropertyasandwhenprovidedbytheGeneralStatutes.

(1) TheBoardofAssessmentAppealsshallconsistofthreemembers.

2-150 BoardofManagersofEdmondTownHall(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofManagers

oftheEdmondTownHallshallhavetheexclusivecareandmaintenanceofEdmondTownHallandallgroundsandbuildingsappurtenanttheretoandshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.98ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.517ofthe1953sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.

(1) TheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallshallconsistofsixmembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbesixyears.

2-155 ZoningBoardofAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheZoningBoardof

AppealshaspowersasprovidedinSection8-6oftheGeneralStatutes,includingbutnotlimitedtograntingvariancesofzoningregulationsandhearingappeals.

(1) TheZoningBoardofAppealsBoardshallconsistoffivemembersandthreealternates.

(2) Thetermofofficeforthemembersandthealternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.

2-160 BoardofPoliceCommissioners(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofPolice

CommissionersshallmaintainaPoliceDepartmentintheTownandshallappointaChiefofPolice.Inaddition,theBoardofPoliceCommissionersservesasthetrafficauthorityoftheTown.

(1) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallconsistoffivemembers.

(c) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshall,subjecttobudgetarylimitations,haveallofthepowersnoworhereaftergrantedtoBoardsofPoliceCommissionersbytheGeneralStatutesand,inadditiontoandnotinlimitationthereof,shallhavethepowerto:

(1) MakealltheregulationsnecessarytoorganizeandmaintainthePoliceDepartmentincluding,withoutlimitation,theestablishmentofrankswithinsaidDepartmentandthedutiesandresponsibilitiesofeachsuchrank.

(2) AppointandpromotemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentinaccordancewithsaidregulations.Suchmembersandofficersshallcontinuetoholdofficeduringgoodbehavior.

(3) SuspendandremovemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentforcauseinaccordancewithsaidregulations.AviolationoftheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallbesufficientcauseforremoval.

(d) TheChiefofthePoliceDepartmentshallnotbedismissedunlesswrittennoticeofthespecificgroundsforsuchdismissalisgiven,aswellasanopportunitytopresentadefense,personallyandbycounsel,atapublichearingbeforetheBoardofPoliceCommissioners.Suchpublichearingshallbecommencednotlessthan5normorethan10daysafter

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.

2-205 Aging,Commissionon(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

CommissiononAgingtoadvocateforseniorsandidentifytheneedsofandcoordinateservicesandprogramsthatsupportthewell-beingofNewtownseniorresidentsandactastheiragentforotherFederal,StateorTownboards,commissions,authoritiesoragenciesorlocalprivategroupstocarryoutprogramsforseniorresidents.

(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof9regularmembersand3alternatemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyearsforregularmembersandtwoyearsforalternatemembers.

2-210 BuildingAppealsBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofBuilding

Appealsshallhearappealsrelatedtoallbuildingmatters.

(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedoffivemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefiveyears.

(c) NomemberofsaidBoardshallvoteonanyquestionconcerningamatterinwhichheisengagedasacontractor,materialdealer,architectorengineer,orinwhichhehasapersonalinterest.

2-215 ConservationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

ConservationCommission,asestablishedbyordinance,forthedevelopmentandconservationofnaturalresourceswithintheterritoriallimitsoftheTown.TheCommissionshalladviseontheappropriateuseandmanagementofthenaturalresourcesfortheTown.

(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof7members.

2-220 CulturalArtsCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownCultural

ArtsCommissionshallexisttostimulate,facilitate,coordinateandcooperatewithexistingorganizationsforthedevelopmentofthearts.Itshallserveasaninformationcenterandfocalpointinthecommunityforactivitiesrelatedtothearts.

(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofninemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.

2-225 EconomicDevelopmentCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbean

EconomicDevelopmentCommissionwhichwillseektoimplementorderlyandplannedeconomicdevelopmentwhilealwayskeepinginmindthecharacteroftheTown.

(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers

2-230 Ethics,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofEthicsshall

administertheCodeofEthics,receiveandhearcomplaintsofviolationsofTheCodeofEthicsandrespondtorequestsfrompublicofficialsseekingadviceontheconformityofactionswiththeCodeofEthicsassetforthinCHAPTER9.

(1) TheBoardofEthicsshallbecomposedofsixregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.

(3) Membersshallservenomorethantwoconsecutiveterms.InnoeventmayanymemberservesaidBoardmorethaneightyearsinsuccession.AnymemberhavingservedsaidBoardforeightyearsinsuccessionshallbe

ineligibleforreappointmentfortwoyearsafterlastservingonsaidBoard.

(4) Eachmembermayserveuntilhis/hersuccessorhasbeenappointed.

(c) Aquorumshallconsistoffourmembers.

2-235 FireCommissioners,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofFire

Commissionersshalloperate,superviseandmanagetheNewtownFireDepartment.TheNewtownFireDepartmentconsistsofallthevolunteerfirecompanieslocatedwithintheTownandunderthesupervisionandmanagementofaBoardofFireCommissioners.

(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).

(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.

(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofsevenmembers.

2-245 JusticesofthePeace(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thepowersand

responsibilitiesoftheJusticesofthePeaceincludebutarenotlimitedtogeneraloathgivingpowers,takingofacknowledgments,joiningpersonsinmarriage,andtakingdepositions.

(1) Thereshallbe15justicesofthepeaceselectedinaccordancewithandhavingthepowersanddutiesprescribedbytheGeneralStatutes.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.

2-250 ParksandRecreationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheParksand

RecreationsCommissionshallbechargedwiththecare,managementandsupervisionofallpublicparksandotherareassetasidebytheTownforrecreationalpurposesordonatedtotheTownforsuchuse.ItshallundertakeanddevelopsuchrecreationalprogramorprogramsastheneedsoftheTownrequire,providedthereisanappropriationorprivatedonationshavebeenreceivedforthispurpose.

(1) TheParksandRecreationCommissionshallconsistof7members.

(c) TheParksandRecreationCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.

2-255 PensionCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

PensionCommittee,asestablishedbyordinance,whichshallperformthedutiessetforthintheOtherPost-EmploymentBenefits(OPEB)TrustAgreement,asamendedfromtimetotime,relatingtothemanagementoftheassetsheldintheOPEBTrust.TheCommissionshallhaveotherpowersand

dutiesconsistentwiththeGeneralStatutesandasprescribedbyordinance.

(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofsevenmembers.

2-260 PublicBuildingandSiteCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicBuilding

andSiteCommissionshallhavecontrolofsupervisionandconstructionofbuildingprojectsincludingtheimprovementoflands,majornewconstruction,alterationsorextensions,furnishingorequippingofabuildingtobeusedforpublicpurposes.ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionmaydeclinethesupervisionofaprojectwhenitdeterminesthatthepublicinterestwouldbebetterservedbyassigningsupervisiontooneormorequalifiedentities.

(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofsevenmembersandtwoalternatemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryearsforbothmembersandalternates.

(c) ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.

2-265 PublicSafetyCommittee(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicSafety

CommitteeshallreviewcorrectionalsafetyandsecurityissuesatGarnerCorrectionalFacilitywhichaffecttheTown.

(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofthewardenorsuperintendentofthecorrectionalfacility.OtherrepresentativesshallbefilledbytheFirstSelectmaninaccordancewithSubsection2-201(a)ofthisCharter.

(2) RepresentativesappointedbytheFirstSelectmanserveathisorherpleasure.

2-270 Self-FundedHealthInsuranceFundCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSelf-Funded

HealthInsuranceFundCommissionshallbethestewardsoftheSelf-FundedHealthInsuranceFund.

(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofthreeregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.

2-275 SustainableEnergyCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSustainable

EnergyCommissionshallidentify,implement,andsupportrenewableenergyuse,energyefficiency,andenergyconservationprogramsinwhichtheTown'sresidents,businesses,organizations,andTownagenciescanparticipateandthatmayresultincostsavingstotheTownorschooldistrict.

(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers.

2-280 TrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheCyreniusH.Booth

LibraryshallbeoperatedbytheBoardofTrusteesandtheTrusteesshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.108ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.110ofthe1959sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.

(1) TheBoardofTrusteesshallconsistof16membersofwhicheightshallbeappointedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.Theremaindershallbeelectedbythevoteoftheremaining

Trusteespresentandvotingatameetingwarnedforthepurpose.

2-285 WaterandSewerAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheWaterandSewer

Authorityshallplananddirectthedevelopment,acquisition,financing,construction,operationandmaintenanceofsuchwatersupply,waterdistributionsystems,andseweragesystemsasmayberequiredtoproperlyservetheneedsoftheTown.

(1) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofsevenmemberstwoofwhomshallbemadeontherecommendationoftheBoardofBurgessesoftheBoroughofNewtown.

2-300 RegionalAuthoritiesandBoards2-305 LakeLillinonahAuthority

(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshallparticipateintheLakeLillinonahAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.

(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeLillinonahwithintheirterritoriallimits.

(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.

2-310 LakeZoarAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshall

participateintheLakeZoarAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.

(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeZoarwithintheirterritoriallimits.

(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.

2-315 NewtownHealthDistrictHealthBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownHealth

DistrictHealthBoardshallpreserveandimprovethestatusofpublichealthby(1)upholdingandenforcingthePublicHealthCodeoftheStateofConnecticutandsuchordinancesandregulationsasmaybeadoptedbytheDistrictBoardofHealthand(2)workingwithotherprovidersofhealthservicesinthedistricttobettercoordinateexistingprogramsandtoplanandimplementnewhealthprograms.

(1) Eachmunicipalityand/orBoroughwhichhasvotedtobecomepartoftheDistrictshall,byitsBoardofSelectmen,appointarepresentative(s),basedonpopulation,toserveontheDistrictBoardofHealthandmayappointanalternatetoserveintheabsenceofsaidrepresentative(s).

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;

(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

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.

(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.

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;

(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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

publicationorothernoticepriortoenactmentandwithouttherightofthevoterstopetitionforareferendum.ThereasonsforsuchemergencyshallbestatedexplicitlyinthevoteoftheLegislativeCouncilenactingsuchordinanceandthepreambleoftheordinanceshallsetforththeexistenceandnatureoftheemergencyandthattheenactmentoftheordinanceisnecessaryfortheimmediateprotectionofthepeace,health,welfareorpropertyofthecitizensoftheTown.AnemergencyordinanceshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponthenoticethereofaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)anduponfilingofthesamewiththeTownClerk.Anemergencyordinanceshallceasetobeeffectiveupontheexpirationofaperiodof60daysafteritspublicationunlesstheordinanceshallbereenactedpriortotheexpirationofsaidperiodinaccordancewiththerequirementssetforthinSection5-05ofthisCharter,whichactionshallbesubjecttotherightofreferendumassetforthinSubsection3-25(b)ofthisCharter.

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

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

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.

(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.

(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.

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______

(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).

(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

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.

(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

theimpactofthecommitmentsandtheconditionsrequiredoftheTownbythegrantorfinancialassistanceonpresentandfutureTownBudgets,TownPlansforDevelopmentandCapitalImprovementPlans.TheImpactstatementshallbesubmittedandreviewedbeforeanyactionistakenthatcommitstheTowntoacceptsaidgrantorfinancialassistance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7-25 FinancialImpactStatements

(a) TheLegislativeCouncilinitsregulationsshalldesignatetheformoftheFinancialImpactStatement.

(b) NoSpecialAppropriationshallbemade,nopurchase,grantnorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalpropertyshallbeacceptedbyanyTownDepartmentasprovidedinSections6-35,6-40,and8-05,untiltheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilhavereceivedandhavehadthirty-fivedaystogivedueconsiderationtoaFinancialImpactStatement.

(c) FinancialImpactStatementsshallbepreparedbytheFinanceDirectorassetforthinSubsection4-05(c)(7).

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

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).

(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,

(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

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.

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

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,

exceptthatelectedofficialsmaynotberemovedorsuspendedfromoffice.

(d) Allopinions,findingandrecommendationsoftheBoard,whetheradvisoryorattherequestofacomplainant,shallbekeptonfileintheofficeoftheTownClerk.

(e) TheLegislativeCouncil,byregulation,mayprescribeprocedurespermittingthereimbursementbytheTownofanyreasonableout-of-pocketexpensesandattorney'sfeesincurredinconnectionwithanappearancebeforetheBoardofEthicsbyanofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown.

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

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.

CHARTER - newtown-ct.gov · Charter of the Town of Newtown State of Connecticut ADOPTED OCTOBER 2,...

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