Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. The board of selectmen of the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea shall appoint a town administrator for a term of one or three years subject to removal by said board prior to the expiration of such term for just cause. Said administrator shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and experience to perform the duties of the office.

SECTION 2. Under the policy direction of the board of selectmen, the town administrator shall serve as the town's chief administrative officer, shall act as the agent for the board and shall be responsible to the board for the proper operation of town affairs for which said administrator is given responsibility under this act. The administrator shall supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all departments and employees under the jurisdiction of the board and all functions for which the administrator is given responsibility, authority or control by this act, by-law, town meeting vote or by vote of said board.

SECTION 3. The town administrator shall appoint, based upon merit and fitness, all department heads and officers, subordinates and employees under the jurisdiction of the board of selectmen, except employees of the school department and persons serving under officers, boards, or committees elected directly by the voters of the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Appointments of department heads by the administrator shall be subject to confirmation by the board. All other appointments shall be made in consultation with the appropriate department head, board, commission, or committee and shall be in compliance with the personnel by-law and personnel rules and regulations of said town.

SECTION 4. Any person holding office or employment in the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea upon the effective date of this act shall retain such office or employment and shall continue to perform his duties under the provisions of the personnel by-law and personnel rules and regulations of said town.

SECTION 5. All laws, by-laws, votes, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this act so far as they refer to the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, are hereby suspended and such suspension shall not revive any pre-existing enactment. Nothing contained herein shall impair contractual rights established prior to the adoption of this act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon its passage.