HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4341        FILED ON: 4/4/2012

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4030

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Twelve

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An Act Relative to the Appointment and Status of the Fire Chief and the Board of Fire Commissioners in the City of Fall River.

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. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the position of Fire Chief for the City of Fall River shall be governed by the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Fire Chief in the City of Fall River shall be the head of the Fire Department and shall be responsible for the management and operation of said department and shall be the “Appointing Authority” for all employees of the fire department in accordance with Section 1 of General Laws Chapter 31, with all the rights, duties and privileges appurtenant thereto and as contained in subsequent sections of Chapter 31 and any other general or special law applicable to chiefs of departments.

SECTION 3. The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall be confirmed by the City Council.  The terms and conditions of the chief’s employment shall be contained in a contract pursuant to section 108O of General Laws Chapter 41, for a period not exceeding three years. The terms and conditions of said contract shall be negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.

SECTION 4. The Board of Fire Commissioners shall consist of three persons to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon enactment.