SECTION 1. Chapter 620 of the Acts of 1966 is hereby amended by striking out section 6 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

SECTION 6. The board of selectmen shall appoint, for a term of 3 years, a town manager, who shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The town manager shall be appointed without regard to his or her political beliefs. The board of selectmen may reappoint an incumbent town manager for successive terms of office of 3 years as they may deem in the best interests of the town. The town manager need not be a resident of the town or of the commonwealth when appointed or during his or her initial term but, if reappointed, shall be required to reside in the town of Ipswich within 12 months of beginning his or her second term of office and throughout all successive terms of office. Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, the town manager shall be sworn to the faithful and impartial performance thereof by the chairman of the selectmen, or by the town clerk, or by a justice of the peace. The town manager shall execute a bond in favor of the town for the faithful performance of his or her duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as may be fixed or approved by the selectmen.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.