SECTION 1. Chapter 250 of the acts of 1883 is hereby amended by striking out section 27 in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following new section:-

Section 27. There shall be established in the City of Northampton a Board of Health, hereinafter called the board, to consist of five members, who shall be legal voters of the city, at least one of whom is a physician, to be appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council and shall serve a term of three years; provided, however, that of the members first appointed to the board, two shall be appointed for a term of three years, two shall be appointed for a term of two years, and one shall be appointed for a term of one year; and a Health Department which shall be under the direction and control of the Director of Health. The members of said board shall serve without compensation.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on upon its passage; provided, however, that nothing in this act shall affect the incumbent members on the board of health on the effective date of this act and said members shall serve out the remainder of their terms; and provided further, that appointments to any vacancies shall be made by the mayor and referred to the  council at the first council meeting after this act has been approved by the legislature and the first appointees shall assume the duties of his/her office immediately following appointment by the city council.