SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the board of selectmen of the town of Avon may merge the highway and water departments of said town into a department of public works.  The board of selectmen may appoint a licensed engineer, or person of similar professional training, under contract to the town to serve as the administrator of the department.  The department of public works shall assume all duties conferred upon the highway and water departments pursuant to any general or special law or local by-law. 

SECTION 2. Section 3 of chapter 236 of the acts of 1889 is hereby amended by striking out the words “water commissioners hereinafter provided for” and inserting in place thereof the following:- administrator of the department of public works.

SECTION 3. Section 5 of said chapter 236 is hereby amended by striking out the words “water commissioners hereinafter provided for” and inserting in place thereof the following: administrator of the department of public works.

SECTION 4. Said chapter 236 is hereby further amended by striking out section 10 and inserting in place thereof the following:-

Section 10. All the authority granted to the said town by this act, and not otherwise specifically provided for, shall be vested in the department of public works, who shall be subject to such instructions, rules and regulations as said town may impose by its vote.

SECTION 5. This act shall take effect on June 30, 2014.