SECTION 1. Notwithstanding sections 1 and 1B of chapter 41 of the General Laws or any general or special law to the contrary, the office of town clerk in the town of Edgartown shall be appointed by the board of selectmen of the town. The town clerk shall have all the powers, perform the duties and be subject to the liabilities and penalties conferred and imposed by law on town clerks. The board of selectmen may establish an employment contract with the town clerk for salary, fringe benefits and other conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, severance pay, reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of office, liability insurance and conditions of discipline, termination, dismissal, reappointment, performance standards and leave.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding section 1, the position of elected town clerk in the town of Edgartown shall be abolished upon the effective date of this act and the term of the elected incumbent terminated; provided, however, that the elected incumbent shall then become the first appointed town clerk and shall serve in that capacity for a period of time equivalent to the remainder of the elected term or sooner resignation, retirement or removal. Thereafter, appointments to the position of town clerk shall be made by the board of selectmen pursuant to section 1.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.