SECTION 1. The board of selectmen of the town of Belmont shall appoint a town administrator to serve at the pleasure of said board.  The town administrator shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and experience to perform the duties of the office.

SECTION 2. Under the direction of the board of selectmen, the town administrator shall: (i) serve as the town’s chief administrative officer; (ii) act as the agent for said board; (iii) be responsible to said board for the proper operation of town affairs for which the town administrator is given responsibility pursuant to this act; (iv) supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all departments and employees under the jurisdiction of said board; and (v) perform all functions for which said town administrator is given responsibility, authority or control by this act, by-law or vote of said board.

SECTION 3. The town administrator shall appoint, based upon merit and fitness, all non-elected department heads of the town, except: (i) the chief and employees of the police department; (ii) the chief and employees of the fire department; (iii) employees of the treasurer and tax collector; (iv) employees of the town clerk; (v) the superintendent and employees of the school department; (vi) the town accountant; (vii) the health director and employees of the health department; and (viii) the director and employees of the Belmont Public Library.  Appointments by the town administrator of department heads under the jurisdiction of the board of selectmen shall be subject to confirmation by said board.  Appointments by the town administrator of department heads and other personnel under the jurisdiction of any other elected board shall be made with the advice and consent of that board.  Each department head appointed by the town administrator shall appoint subordinates and employees in accordance with the personnel by-laws, rules and regulations of the town.  All other appointments made by the town administrator shall be made in consultation with the appropriate board, commission or committee and shall be in compliance with the personnel by-laws, rules and regulations of the town.

SECTION 4. The town administrator, acting jointly with the superintendent of schools, shall appoint the director of the department of public facilities, established by the town pursuant to section 37M of chapter 71 of the General Laws, or any successor department, and said director shall serve at the pleasure of the town administrator and superintendent of schools.

SECTION 5. Any person holding office or employment in the town of Belmont upon the effective date of this act shall retain such office or employment and continue to perform the person’s duties pursuant to the personnel by-laws, rules and regulations of the town.

SECTION 6. All laws, by-laws, rules and regulations of or pertaining to the town of Belmont not inconsistent with the provisions of this act shall continue in full force and effect until amended or repealed.  All elected and appointed officers, boards, commissions and committees of the town shall retain all powers, duties and responsibilities that are not inconsistent with this act and that have been conferred upon said officers, boards, commissions and committees by law, town by-law or town meeting vote.  Nothing contained herein shall impair contractual rights established prior to the adoption of this act.

SECTION 7. This act shall not apply to the Belmont municipal light department, its general manager, its employees or its operations.  Said department shall remain subject to chapter 164 of the General Laws.

SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon its passage.