AN ACT REVISING THE CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF NORTHAMPTON.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
SECTION 1. The following shall be the charter for the city of Northampton.
ARTICLE 1
INCORPORATION; SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1-1: INCORPORATION
The inhabitants of the city of Northampton, within the territorial limits established by law, shall continue to be a municipal corporation, a body corporate and politic, under the name "City of Northampton”.
SECTION 1-2: SHORT TITLE
This instrument shall be known and may be cited as the city of Northampton charter.
SECTION 1-3: DIVISION OF POWERS
The administration of the fiscal, prudential and municipal affairs of the city of Northampton, with the government of Northampton, shall be vested in an executive branch headed by a mayor and a legislative branch consisting of a city council. The legislative branch shall never exercise any executive power and the executive branch shall never exercise any legislative power.
SECTION 1-4: POWERS OF THE CITY
Subject only to express limitations on the exercise of any power or function by a municipal government in the constitution or General Laws, it is the intention and the purpose of the voters of Northampton, through the adoption of this charter, to secure for themselves and their government all of the powers it is possible to secure as fully and as completely as though each power were specifically and individually enumerated in this charter.
SECTION 1-5: CONSTRUCTION
The powers of the city of Northampton under this charter are to be construed liberally in favor of the city, and the specific mention of any particular power is not intended to limit the general powers of the city as stated in section 1-4.
SECTION 1-6: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Subject only to express limitations in the constitution or General Laws, the city of Northampton may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions and may participate in the financing thereof, jointly or in cooperation, by contract or otherwise, with the commonwealth or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, or with the United States government or any of its agencies.
SECTION 1-7: DEFINITIONS
As used in this charter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
(1) “Charter”, this charter and any adopted amendments to it.
(2) “City”, the city of Northampton.
(3) “City agency”, any multiple member body, any department, division, or office of the city of Northampton.
(4) “City office or department head”, a person having charge of a city office or department.
(5) “Emergency”, a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate action.
(6) “Full city council”, the entire authorized membership of the city council, notwithstanding any vacancy which might exist.
(7) “Full multiple member body”, the entire authorized membership of a multiple member body, notwithstanding any vacancy that exists.
(8) “Full school committee”, the entire authorized membership of the school committee, notwithstanding any vacancy that exists.
(9) “general laws”, laws enacted which apply alike to all cities and towns, to all cities, or to a class of 2 or more cities, or to a class of cities and towns of which Northampton is a member.
(10) “General Laws”, the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a codification and revision of statutes enacted on December 22, 1920, and including all amendments thereto subsequently adopted.
(11) “Initiative measure”, a measure proposed by the voters through the initiative process provided under this charter.
(12) “Local newspaper”, a newspaper of general circulation within Northampton, with either a weekly or daily circulation.
(13) “Majority vote”, when used in connection with a meeting of a multiple member body, shall mean a majority of those present and voting, unless another provision is made by ordinance or by such body’s own rules; provided, however, that General Laws related to any vote to meet in executive session shall always require a majority of members of the body.
(14) “Measure”, any ordinance, order or other vote or proceeding adopted, or which might be adopted, by the city council or the school committee.
(15) “Multiple member body”, any council, commission, committee, subcommittee or other body consisting of 2 or more persons whether elected, appointed or otherwise constituted, but not including the city council, the school committee or an advisory committee appointed by the mayor.
(16) “Organization or reorganization plan”, a plan submitted by the mayor to the city council which proposes a change in the organization or the administrative structure of the city administration or organization or a change in the way in which a municipal service or services are delivered.
(17) “Quorum”, a majority of all voting members of a multiple member body unless some other number is required by law or by ordinance.
(18) “Referendum measure”, a measure adopted by the city council or the school committee that is protested under the referendum procedures of this charter.
(19) “Voters”, registered voters of the city of Northampton.
(20) “Year”, a calendar year, unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE 2
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
SECTION 2-1: COMPOSITION; TERM OF OFFICE; ELIGIBILITY
(a) Composition - There shall be a city council consisting of 9 members which shall exercise the legislative powers of the city. Two of these members, to be known as councilors-at-large, shall be nominated and elected by and from the voters at large. Seven of these members, to be known as ward councilors, shall be nominated and elected by and from the voters from each ward; 1 such ward councilor to be elected from each of the 7 wards into which the city is divided under section 8-6.
(b) Term of Office - The term of office for councilors shall be 2 years each, beginning on the first Monday in the January succeeding the councilor’s election, except when that first Monday falls on a legal holiday, in which event the term shall begin on the following day and until a successor has been qualified.
(c) Eligibility - Any voter shall be eligible to hold the office of councilor-at-large. A ward councilor shall be a voter in the ward from which election is sought. If a ward councilor or a councilor-at-large removes from the city during the councilor’s term, that office shall immediately be deemed vacant and filled in the manner provided in section 2-11. A ward councilor who removes from the ward in which the councilor was elected and who remains a resident of the city may continue to serve during the term for which the councilor was elected.
SECTION 2-2: PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT, ELECTION; TERM; POWERS
(a) Election and Term - As soon as practicable after the councilors-elect have been qualified following each regular city election, as provided in section 10-11, the members of the city council shall elect from among its members a president and vice-president who shall serve for 2 year terms. The method of election of the president and vice-president shall be prescribed within the rules of the city council.
(b) Powers and Duties - The president shall prepare the agenda for city council meetings in consultation with the mayor and the city clerk. The president shall preside at all meetings of the city council, regulate its proceedings and decide all questions of order. The president shall appoint all members of committees of the city council, whether special or standing. The president shall have the same powers to vote upon measures coming before the city council as any other member of the city council. The president shall perform any other duties consistent with the office that are established by charter, ordinance or other vote of the city council. The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president.
SECTION 2-3: PROHIBITIONS
(a) Holding Other City Position - No member of the city council shall hold any other compensated city position. No former member of the city council shall hold any compensated appointed city position until 1 year following the date on which the former member's service on the city council has terminated. This section shall not prevent a city employee who vacated a position in order to serve as a member of the city council from returning to the same position upon the expiration of the term for which that person was elected.
(b) Interference with Administration - No city council or any member of the city council shall give orders or directions to any employee of the city appointed by the mayor, either publicly or privately.
SECTION 2-4: COMPENSATION
The members of the city council shall receive a salary for their services set by ordinance. No ordinance increasing or reducing the salary of the members of the city council shall be effective unless it is adopted by a two-thirds vote of the full city council. No ordinance increasing the salary of councilors shall be effective unless it is adopted during the first 18 months of the term for which the city council is elected and it provides that the salary increase is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular city election.
SECTION 2-5: GENERAL POWERS
Except as otherwise provided by the General Laws or by this charter, all powers of the city shall be vested in the city council which shall provide for the performance of all duties and obligations imposed upon the city by law.
SECTION 2-6: EXERCISE OF POWERS; QUORUM; RULES
(a) Exercise of Powers - Except as otherwise provided by General Laws or by this charter, the legislative powers of the city council may be exercised in a manner determined by the city council.
(b) Quorum - The presence of 5 members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by General Laws or by this charter, the affirmative vote, taken by roll call vote, of 6 members shall be required to adopt an appropriation order. Except as otherwise provided by law or this charter, the affirmative vote, taken by roll call vote, of a majority of the full city council shall be required to adopt any ordinance.
(c) Rules of Procedure - The city council shall adopt rules regulating the procedures of the city council, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following rules:
(i) Regular meetings of the city council shall be held at a time and place fixed by ordinance. All regular meetings of the city council shall provide for a period of public comment; provided, however, the city council may promulgate rules that regulate the period of public comment as deemed appropriate.
(ii) Special meetings of the city council shall be held at the call of the president or at the call of any 3 or more members, for any purpose. Notice of the meeting shall, except in an emergency, which shall be designated by the president, be delivered to each member at least 48 weekday hours in advance of the time set and shall specify the date, time and location of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is to be held. A copy of each notice shall immediately be posted as the General Laws relative to such postings require.
(iii) All sessions of the city council and of every committee or subcommittee of the council shall at all times be open to the public unless otherwise specified by law.
(iv) A full, accurate, up-to-date account of the proceedings of the city council shall be maintained by the city clerk, which shall include a record of each vote taken and which shall be made available with reasonable promptness following each meeting, but not later than the next regularly scheduled meeting. Unless otherwise provided by law, the minutes of an executive session shall be made available as soon as publication of the minutes would not defeat the purpose of the executive session.
SECTION 2-7: ACCESS TO INFORMATION
(a) In General - The city council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and into the conduct and performance of any city agency.
(b) Information Requests - The city council may require a member of an appointed multiple-member body or a city employee appear before the city council to give any information that the city council may require in relation to the municipal services, functions, powers or duties which are within the scope of responsibility of that person and not within the jurisdiction of the school committee.
(c) Mayor - The city council may request specific information from the mayor on any municipal matter and may request that the mayor be present to answer written questions relating to that information at a meeting to be held not earlier than 7 days from the date the mayor receives the questions. The mayor shall personally, or through a designated city employee, attend such meeting and respond to the questions. The mayor, or the person designated to attend, shall not be required to answer questions relating to any other matter.
(d) Notice - The city council shall give a minimum of 7 days notice to a person it may require to appear before it under this section. The notice shall include specific questions on which the city council seeks information and no person called to appear before the city council under this section shall be required to respond to any question not relevant or related to those questions presented in advance and in writing.
SECTION 2-8: APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Subject to appropriation, the city council may employ staff as it deems necessary.
SECTION 2-9: ORDINANCES AND OTHER MEASURES
(a) Measures- Except as otherwise provided by the charter, every adopted measure shall become effective at the expiration of 10 days after adoption or upon the signature of the mayor, whichever occurs first. No ordinance shall be amended or repealed except by another ordinance adopted in accordance with the charter, or as provided in the initiative and referendum procedures.
(b) Emergency Measures- An emergency measure shall be introduced in the form and manner prescribed for measures generally, except that it shall be plainly designated as an emergency measure and shall contain statements after the enacting clause declaring that an emergency exists and describing the scope and nature of the emergency in clear and specific terms. A preamble which declares and defines the emergency shall be separately voted on and shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the full city council. An emergency measure may be passed with an amendment or rejected at the meeting at which it is introduced. No measure making a grant, renewal or extension, whatever its kind or nature, or a franchise or special privilege shall be passed as an emergency measure. Except as provided by the laws of the commonwealth, such grant, renewal or extension shall be made by ordinance. An emergency measure shall become effective upon adoption or at such later time as it may specify.
(c) Charter Objection- On the first occasion that the question on adoption of a measure is put to the city council, if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council, whether regular or special. If 2 members present object, such postponement shall be until the next regular meeting. If it is an emergency measure at least 4 members must object. This procedure shall not be used more than once for any specific matter notwithstanding an amendment to the original matter. A charter objection shall have privilege over all motions but must be raised prior to or at the call for a vote by the presiding officer and all debate shall cease.
SECTION 2-10: CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION OF CERTAIN APPOINTMENTS
The mayor shall refer to the city council and simultaneously file with the city clerk, the name of each person the mayor desires to appoint as a department head or as a member of a multiple-member body, but not including any position which is subject to the civil service law. The city council shall refer each name submitted to a standing committee of the council which shall review each candidate for appointment and shall make a recommendation to the full city council not less than 7 nor more than 45 days after the referral. The committee may require any person whose name has been referred to appear before the committee or before the city council to give any information relevant to the appointment that the committee or the city council may require. Appointments made by the mayor shall become effective on the forty-fifth day after the date on which notice of the proposed appointment was filed with the city clerk unless approved or rejected by the city council within the 45 days.
SECTION 2-11: FILLING OF VACANCIES
If a vacancy in the office of councilor occurs prior to the eighteenth month of the term for which the councilor is elected, the city council shall, under section 8-1, order a special election to be held within 90 days following the date the vacancy is created to fill that vacancy until the next regular city election. The person elected at a special city election shall be sworn to office immediately. If a regular city election is to be held within 120 days following the date the vacancy is created, a special election need not be held and the office shall be filled by the voters at the regular city election. Election to fill the vacant seat of a ward councilor shall be held only in the affected ward, while an election to fill a vacant seat of a councilor-at-large shall be held in all wards of the city.
ARTICLE 3
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
SECTION 3-1: MAYOR: QUALIFICATIONS; TERM OF OFFICE;
COMPENSATION; PROHIBITIONS
(a) Mayor Qualifications – The chief executive officer of the city shall be a mayor, elected by the voters of the city at large. Any voter shall be eligible to hold the office of mayor. The mayor shall devote full-time to the office and shall not hold any other elective public office.
(b) Term of Office – The term of office of the mayor shall be 4 years, beginning on the first Monday in the January after the election, except when that first Monday falls on a legal holiday, in which event the term shall begin on the following day and shall continue until the mayor’s successor has been qualified.
(c) Compensation – The city council shall, by ordinance, establish an annual salary for the mayor. No ordinance increasing or reducing the salary of the mayor shall be effective unless it has been adopted by a two-thirds vote of the full city council. No ordinance increasing the salary of the mayor shall be effective unless it has been adopted during the first 18 months of the term for which the mayor is elected and unless it provides that the salary increase is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular city election.
(d) Prohibitions – The mayor shall hold no other compensated city position. No former mayor shall hold a compensated appointed city office or city employment until 1 year following the date on which the former mayor’s city service has terminated. This subsection shall not prevent a city officer or other city employee who has vacated a position in order to serve as mayor from returning to the same office or other position of city employment held at the time such position was vacated; provided, however, no such person shall be eligible for any other municipal position until at least 1 year following the termination of service as mayor. This prohibition shall not apply to persons covered by a leave of absence under section 37 of chapter 31 of the General Laws.
SECTION 3-2: EXECUTIVE POWERS; ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCES
The executive powers of the city shall be vested solely in the mayor and may be exercised by the mayor either personally or through the several city agencies under the general supervision and control of the office of the mayor. The mayor shall cause the charter, laws, ordinances and other orders of the city government to be enforced and shall cause a record of all official acts of the executive branch of the city government to be kept. The mayor shall exercise general supervision and direction over all city agencies, unless otherwise provided by law or by this charter. Each city agency shall furnish to the mayor, upon request, any information or materials the mayor may request and as the needs of the office of mayor and the interest of the city may require. The mayor shall supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all city activities and functions placed under the control of the mayor by law or by this charter. The mayor shall be responsible for the efficient and effective coordination of the activities of all agencies of the city and may call together for consultation, conference and discussion, at reasonable times, all persons serving the city, whether elected directly by the voters, chosen by persons elected directly by the voters or otherwise. The mayor shall be, by virtue of the office, a member of every appointed multiple-member body of the city. The mayor may, as such ex officio member, attend a meeting of an appointed multiple-member body of the city, at any time, including, so called executive sessions, to participate in the discussions, to make motions and to exercise every other right of a regular member of that body, but not including the right to vote.
SECTION 3-3: APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR
The mayor shall appoint, subject to review by the city council under section 2-10, all city officers and department heads and the members of multiple-member bodies for whom no other method of appointment or selection is provided by the charter; provided, however, this shall not include persons serving under the school committee and persons serving under the city council. All appointments to multiple-member bodies shall be for terms established under article 6. Upon the expiration of the term of any member of a multiple-member body, a successor shall be appointed under article 6. The mayor shall fill a vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term of any member of a multiple-member body.
SECTION 3-4: TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO CITY OFFICES
Whenever a vacancy, either temporary or permanent, occurs in a city office and the needs of the city require that such office be filled, the mayor may designate the head of another city agency, a city officer, city employee or some other person to perform the duties of the office on a temporary basis until the position can be filled as provided by law or by this charter. The mayor shall file a certificate in substantially the following form, with the city clerk, whenever a person is designated under this section:
I designate (name of person) to perform the duties of the office of (designate office in which vacancy exists) on a temporary basis until the office can be filled by (here set out the regular procedure for filling the vacancy, or when the regular officer shall return). I certify that this person is qualified to perform the duties which will be required and that I make this designation solely in the interests of the city of Northampton.
(signed) Mayor
Persons serving as temporary officers under this section shall have only those powers of the office indispensably essential to the performance of the duties of the office during the period of temporary appointment and no others. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no temporary appointment shall be for more than 90 days; provided, however, not more than 230 day extensions of a temporary appointment may be made when a permanent vacancy exists in the office.
SECTION 3-5: COMMUNICATIONS; SPECIAL MEETINGS
(a) Communications to the City Council - The mayor shall, by written communications, recommend to the city council for its consideration measures as, in the judgment of the mayor, the needs of the city require. The mayor shall, by written communication, keep the city council fully informed of the financial and administrative condition of the city and shall specifically indicate in any such reports any fiscal, financial or administrative issues facing the city.
(b) Special Meetings of the City Council - The mayor may call a special meeting of the city council for any purpose. Notice of the meeting shall, except in an emergency, which shall be designated by the mayor, be delivered at least 48 weekday hours in advance of the time set and shall specify the date, time and location of the meeting and the purpose for which the meeting is to be held. A copy of the notice shall be posted immediately or as required by the General Laws relative to such a posting.
SECTION 3-6: APPROVAL OF MAYOR, VETO
Every order, ordinance, resolution or vote adopted or passed by the city council relative to the affairs of the city, except memorial resolutions, the selection of city officers by the city council and any matters relating to the internal affairs of the city council, shall be presented to the mayor for approval within 3 business days of such adoption or passage. If the mayor approves of the measure, the mayor shall sign it; if the mayor disapproves of the measure, the mayor shall return the measure with the specific reason for such disapproval attached to the measure in writing to the city council. The city council shall enter the objections of the mayor on its records and not less than 10 business days nor more than 30 days from the date of its return to the city council, shall again consider the same measure. If the city council, notwithstanding such disapproval by the mayor, shall again pass the order, ordinance, resolution or vote by a two-thirds vote of the full council, it shall then be deemed in force, notwithstanding the failure of the mayor to approve the same. If the mayor has neither signed a measure nor returned it to the city council within 10 days following the date it was presented to the mayor, the measure shall be deemed approved and in force.
SECTION 3-7: TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF THE MAYOR
(a) Acting Mayor – Whenever, by reason of sickness, absence from the city or other cause, the mayor is unable to perform the duties of the office, the president of the city council shall be the acting mayor. The city council, by the affirmative vote of 7 members, shall determine whether the mayor is unable to perform the duties of the office. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the vote shall be taken in public session by a roll call vote.
(b) Powers of Acting Mayor – The acting mayor shall have only those powers of the mayor as are indispensably essential to conduct the business of the city in an orderly and efficient manner and on which action may not be delayed. The acting mayor shall have no authority to make a permanent appointment or removal from city service unless the disability or absence of the mayor shall extend beyond 60 days nor shall an acting mayor approve or disapprove of any measure adopted by the city council unless the time within which the mayor must act would expire before the return of the mayor. During a period in which any member of the city council is serving as acting mayor, that councilor shall not vote as a member of the city council.
SECTION 3-8: DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY BY MAYOR
The mayor may authorize a subordinate officer or employee of the city to exercise a power or perform a function or a duty which is assigned by this charter, or otherwise, to the mayor and the mayor may rescind or revoke an authorizations previously made: provided, however, that all acts performed under any such delegation of authority during the period of authorization shall be and remain the acts of the mayor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a mayor to delegate the powers and duties of a school committee member, the power of appointment to city office or employment or to sign or return measures approved by the city council.
SECTION 3-9: VACANCY IN OFFICE OF MAYOR
(a) If a vacancy in the office of mayor occurs prior to the eighteenth month of the term for which the mayor is elected, the city council shall, under section 8-1, order a special election to be held within 90 days following the date the vacancy is created to fill such vacancy until the next regular city election. The person elected at that special city election shall take office immediately. If a regular city election is to be held within 120 days following the date the vacancy is created a special election need not be held and the office shall be filled by vote at the regular city election.
(b) If a vacancy in the office of mayor occurs between the nineteenth and twenty-second month of the term for which the mayor is elected, the city council president shall serve as mayor until the next regular election. The city council president serving as mayor under this subsection shall take office immediately and serve for the balance of the then unexpired term.
(c) If a vacancy in the office of mayor occurs between the twenty-third and fortieth month of the term for which the mayor is elected, the city council shall, under section 8-1, order a special election to be held within 90 days following the date the vacancy is created to serve for the balance of the then unexpired term.
(d) If a vacancy in the office of mayor occurs during or after the forty-first month of the term for which the mayor was elected, the city council president shall serve for the balance of the then unexpired term.
(e) In the event that the city council president is unable to serve as mayor under this section, the city council shall elect, from among its membership, a person to serve as mayor.
(f) Any person serving as mayor under this section shall receive the compensation then in effect for the office of mayor.
ARTICLE 4
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SECTION 4-1: COMPOSITION; TERM OF OFFICE; ELIGIBILITY
(a) Composition – There shall be a school committee which shall consist of 10 members. Two of these members shall be from the city and nominated and elected by the voters of the city at large and 7 of these members shall be nominated and elected by ward. The mayor shall serve, by virtue of the office, as the chair of the school committee with all of the same powers and duties as the members elected by the voters as school committee members.
(b) Term of Office – The term of office for the elected school committee members shall be 2 years, beginning on the first Monday in January after the election, except when that first Monday falls on a legal holiday, then the term shall begin on the following day and until the successors have been qualified.
(c) Eligibility – A school committee member shall at the time of election be a voter. If a school committee member removes from the city during the term for which that person was elected, that office shall immediately be deemed vacant and filled in the manner provided in section 4-6. A ward school committee member who removes from the ward from which elected and who remains a resident of the city may continue to serve during the term for which that committee member was elected.
SECTION 4-2: SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
(a) Chair – The mayor, as school committee chair, shall preside at all meetings of the school committee, regulate its proceedings and shall decide all questions of order. The school committee chair shall appoint all members of all subcommittees of the school committee, whether special or standing. The school committee chair shall have the same powers to vote upon all measures coming before the school committee as any other member of the school committee. The school committee chair shall perform the duties consistent with the office and as provided by this charter or by vote of the school committee.
(b) Vice-Chair - As soon as practicable after the school committee members-elect have been qualified following the regular city election, the school committee shall organize by electing 1 of the persons elected as a member of the school committee to serve as school committee vice- chair. The school committee vice-chair shall preside in the absence of the mayor.
SECTION 4-3: PROHIBITIONS
No member of the school committee shall hold any other compensated city position. No former member of the school committee shall hold any compensated appointed city office or city employment until 1 year following the date on which that member’s service on the school committee terminated. This section shall not prevent a city officer or other city employee who has vacated a position in order to serve as a member of the school committee from returning to the same office or other position of city employment held at the time the position was vacated; provided, however, no such person shall be eligible for any other municipal position until at least 1 year following the termination of service as a member of the school committee.
SECTION 4-4: COMPENSATION
The city council may, by ordinance, establish an annual salary for the elected members of the school committee. No ordinance increasing or reducing the salary of elected members of the school committee shall be effective unless it has been adopted by a two-thirds vote of the full city council. No ordinance increasing the salary of the elected members of the school committee shall be effective unless it has been adopted during the first 18 months of the term for which elected school committee members are elected and unless it provides that the salary increase is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular city election.
SECTION 4-5: SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND DUTIES
The school committee shall have all powers which are conferred on school committees by the General Laws and the additional powers and duties provided by charter, ordinance or otherwise and not inconsistent with the General Laws. The powers and duties of the school committee shall include:
(1) electing a superintendent of the schools who shall be charged with the administration of the school system, subject only to policy guidelines and directives adopted by the school committee and, upon the recommendation of the superintendent, to establish and appoint assistant or associate superintendents under section 59 of chapter 71 of the General Laws;
(2) making all reasonable rules and regulations for the management of the public school system and for conducting the business of the school committee as deemed necessary or desirable; and
(3) adopting and overseeing the administration of an annual operating budget for the school department, subject to appropriation by the city council; provided, that the school committee shall have general charge and superintendence of all school buildings and grounds and shall furnish all school buildings with proper fixtures, furniture and equipment; provided, that the school committee shall provide ordinary maintenance of all school buildings and grounds, unless a central municipal maintenance department which may include maintenance of school buildings and grounds is established; provided, that whenever the school committee shall determine that additional classrooms are necessary to meet the educational needs of the community, at least 1 member of the school committee, or a designee of the school committee, shall serve on the agency, board or committee for the planning or construction of the new, remodeled or renovated school building.
SECTION 4-6: FILLING OF VACANCIES
Whenever a vacancy occurs on the school committee, the president of the city council shall, within 30 days following the date of the vacancy, call a joint meeting of the city council and the school committee to fill the vacancy. The city council and school committee shall choose a person to fill the vacancy from among the voters entitled to vote for the office. Persons elected to fill a vacancy by the city council and school committee shall serve only until the next regular city election, when the office shall be filled by the voters. The candidate elected to an office filled by appointment prior to the election shall be sworn to the office immediately to complete the then unexpired term in addition to the term for which elected. No vacancy shall be filled under this section if a regular city election is to be held within 120 days following the date the vacancy is declared to exist. Persons serving as school committee members under this section shall not be entitled to have the words “candidate for reelection” printed with that person’s name on the election ballot.
ARTICLE 5
OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS
SECTION 5-1: CITY CLERK
(a) Election, Eligibility - The city clerk shall be elected by the voters of the city at large. Any voter shall be eligible to hold the office of city clerk. The city clerk shall devote full-time to the office and shall not hold any other elective public office. The city clerk shall perform all the duties and exercise the powers incumbent by law upon the office.
(b) Term of Office – The term of office of the city clerk shall be 2 years, beginning on the first Monday in the January after the election, except when the first Monday falls on a legal holiday, in which event the term shall begin on the following day and until the city clerk’s successor has been qualified.
(c) Compensation – The city council shall, by ordinance, establish the salary for the office of the city clerk.
(d) Temporary Absence - In case of the temporary absence of the city clerk, the mayor shall appoint an acting city clerk. The mayor shall be the sole judge of whether a temporary absence exists in the office of city clerk.
(e) Filling of Vacancy - Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of city clerk, the city council shall, within 30 days following the date of that vacancy, act to fill the vacancy. A person elected to fill a vacancy by the city council shall serve only until the next regular city election, when the office shall be filled by the voters. The person elected at such regular city election shall take office immediately. No vacancy shall be filled under this section if a regular city election is to be held within 120 days following the date of the vacancy. A person serving as city clerk under this section shall not be entitled to have the words “candidate for reelection” printed next to that person’s name on the election ballot.
SECTION 5-2: TRUSTEES UNDER THE WILL OF CHARLES E. FORBES
Five members shall be elected by and from the voters of the city at large for a term of 4 years, so arranged that all members are not elected at the same time. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner as a city clerk vacancy.
SECTION 5-3: ELECTOR UNDER THE OLIVER SMITH WILL
One member shall be elected by and from the voters of the city at large for a term of 2 years. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner as a city clerk vacancy.
SECTION 5-4: SUPERINTENDENTS OF SMITH'S AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Three members shall be elected by and from the voters of the city at large for a term of 2 years. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner as a city clerk vacancy.
SECTION 5-5: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Two members shall be elected by and from the voters of the city at large for a term of 4 years. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner as a city clerk vacancy.
ARTICLE 6
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
SECTION 6-1: ORGANIZATION OF CITY AGENCIES
The organization of the city into operating agencies to provide services and administer the government may be accomplished only through an administrative order submitted to the city council by the mayor. No administrative order may originate with the city council. The mayor may, subject only to express prohibitions in a general law or this charter, submit proposals to reorganize, consolidate or abolish a city agency, in whole or in part, or to establish a new city agency as is deemed necessary, but no function assigned by this charter to a particular city agency may be discontinued or assigned to any other city agency unless specified by this charter. The mayor may prepare and submit to the city council, administrative orders that establish operating divisions for the orderly, efficient or convenient conduct of the business of the city. These administrative orders shall be accompanied by a message from the mayor which explains the expected benefits and advises the city council if an administrative order shall require amendments, insertions, revisions, repeal or otherwise of existing ordinances. Whenever the mayor proposes an administrative order, the city council shall hold 1 or more public hearings on the proposal giving notice by publication in a local newspaper, which notice shall describe the scope of the proposal and the time and place at which the public hearing will be held, not less than 7 nor more than 14 days following the publication. An organization or reorganization plan shall become effective at the expiration of 60 days following the date the proposal is submitted to the city council unless the city council shall, by a majority vote, within that 60 day period vote to disapprove the plan. The city council may vote only to approve or to disapprove the plan and may not vote to amend or to alter it.
SECTION 6-2: MERIT PRINCIPLES
All appointments and promotions of city officers and employees shall be made on the basis of merit and fitness demonstrated by examination, past performance or by other evidence of competence and suitability. Each person appointed to fill an office or position shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and previous work experience to perform the duties of the office or position.
ARTICLE 6A
BOARD OF HEALTH
There shall be established in the city of Northampton a board of health consisting of 5 members, each of whom shall serve a term of 3 years and be appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the city council. The members of the board of health shall be legal voters in the city and at least 1 of whom shall be a physician. The members of the board shall serve without compensation.
ARTICLE 7
FINANCE AND FISCAL PROCEDURES
SECTION 7-1: FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the city shall begin on July 1 and shall end on June 30, unless another period is required by the General Laws.
SECTION 7-2: ANNUAL BUDGET POLICY
The mayor shall call a joint meeting of the city council and school committee, including the superintendent of schools, before the commencement of the budget process to review the financial condition of the city, revenue and expenditure forecasts and other relevant information prepared by the mayor in order to develop a coordinated budget.
SECTION 7-3: SUBMISSION OF OPERATING BUDGET; BUDGET MESSAGE
At least 45 days before the beginning of the fiscal year, the mayor shall submit to the city council a proposed operating budget for all city agencies, which shall include the school department, for the ensuing fiscal year with an accompanying budget message and supporting documents. The budget message submitted by the mayor shall explain the operating budget in fiscal terms and in terms of work programs for all city agencies. It shall outline the proposed fiscal policies of the city for the ensuing fiscal year, describe important features of the proposed operating budget and include any major variations from the current operating budget, fiscal policies, revenues and expenditures together with reasons for these changes. The proposed operating budget shall provide a complete fiscal plan of all city funds and activities and shall be in the form the mayor deems desirable; provided, however, that the budget for elected officials shall identify the cost of compensation and the cost of benefits for those officials. The school budget, as adopted by the school committee shall be submitted to the mayor at least 30 days before the submission of the proposed operating budget to the city council. The mayor shall notify the school committee of the date by which the proposed budget of the school committee shall be submitted to the mayor. The mayor and the superintendent of schools shall coordinate the dates and times of the school committee's budget process under the General Laws.
SECTION 7-4: ACTION ON THE OPERATING BUDGET
(a) Public Hearing - The city council shall publish in at least 1 local newspaper a notice of the proposed operating budget as submitted by the mayor. The notice shall state: (i) the times and places where copies of the entire proposed operating budget are available for inspection by the public; and (ii) the date, time and place when a public hearing on the proposed operating budget will be held by the city council, not less than 14 days after publication of the notice.
(b) Adoption of the Budget - The city council shall adopt the proposed operating budget, which may have amendments, within 45 days following the date the proposed budget is filed with the city clerk. In amending the proposed operating budget, the city council may delete or decrease amounts except expenditures required by law; provided, however, that except on the recommendation of the mayor, the city council shall not increase any item in or the total of the proposed operating budget, unless otherwise authorized by the General Laws. If the city council fails to take action on an item in the proposed operating budget within 45 days after its receipt, that amount shall, without any action by the city council, become a part of the appropriations for the year and be available for the purposes specified.
SECTION 7-5: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
(a) Submission - The mayor shall submit a capital improvement program to the city council at least 120 days before the start of each fiscal year. The capital improvement program shall include:
(1) a general summary of its contents;
(2) a list of all capital improvements proposed to be undertaken during the next 5 years, with supporting information as to the need for each capital improvement;
(3) cost estimates, methods of financing and recommended time schedules for each improvement; and
(4) the estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining each facility and piece of major equipment involved.
This information shall be annually revised by the mayor with regard to the capital improvements still pending or in the process of being acquired, improved or constructed.
(b) Public Hearing - The city council shall publish in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the city a notice stating: (i) the times and places where entire copies of the capital improvements program are available for inspection by the public; and, (ii) the date, time and place of a public hearing on the plan to be held by the city council not less than 14 days after publication of the notice.
(c) Adoption - At any time after the public hearing but before the first day of the last month of the current fiscal year, the city council shall by resolution adopt the capital improvements program, which may be amended, provided that each amendment shall be voted on separately and that an increase in the capital improvements program as submitted shall clearly identify the method of financing to accomplish the proposed increase.
SECTION 7-6: INDEPENDENT AUDIT
The city council shall annually provide for an outside audit of the books and accounts of the city to be conducted by a certified public accountant or a firm of certified public accountants, which has no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the city or any of its officers. The mayor shall annually provide to the city council a sum of money sufficient to satisfy the estimated cost of conducting the audit as presented to the mayor, in writing, by the city council. The award of a contract to audit shall be made by the city council on or before September 15 of each year. The clerk of the council shall coordinate the work of the individual or firm selected. The report of the audit shall be filed in final form with the city council not later than March 1 in the year following its award.
SECTION 7-7: EXPENDITURES IN EXCESS OF APPROPRIATIONS
Except as otherwise provided by law, no official of the city of Northampton shall knowingly and intentionally expend in a fiscal year sums in excess of the appropriations, awards, grants or gifts duly made in accordance with law or involve the city in any contract for the future payment of money in excess of these appropriations, awards, grants or gifts. It is the intention of this section that section 31 of chapter 44 of the General Laws shall be strictly enforced. Any official who violates this section shall be personally liable to the city for any amounts so expended to the extent that the city does not recover these amounts from the person to whom the sums were paid.
ARTICLE 8
ELECTIONS
SECTION 8-1: PRELIMINARY ELECTIONS
A preliminary election to nominate candidates for mayor, councilor-at-large, school committee member-at-large, city clerk, ward city councilor, ward school committee member, trustees under the will of Charles E. Forbes, elector under the Oliver Smith will, superintendents of Smith's Agricultural School and elected members of the Community Preservation Committee, shall be held on the third Tuesday in September in each odd-numbered year in which the candidates are to be elected, but the city clerk may, with the approval of the city council, reschedule the preliminary election to the fourth Tuesday in September to avoid a conflict with any civil or religious holiday.
Whenever a special election to fill a vacancy is to be held, a preliminary election shall be conducted, if necessary, 28 days before the date established for the special election; provided, however, that a preliminary election to fill a vacancy for ward councilor or ward school committee member shall be held only in the affected ward.
SECTION 8-2: PRELIMINARY ELECTION PROCEDURES
(a) Signature Requirements - The number of signatures of voters required to place the name of a candidate on the official ballot to be used at a preliminary election shall be as follows: for the office of mayor not less than 150 certified signatures; for the office of councilor-at-large, school committee member-at-large or city clerk, not less than 100 certified signatures; and for the office of ward city councilor, ward school committee member, trustees under the will of Charles E. Forbes, elector under the Oliver Smith will, superintendents of Smith's Agricultural School or the Community Preservation Committee, not less than 50 certified signatures. Signatures of voters shall be made on a form prescribed by the registrars of voters and shall be made available not earlier than April 2 in each preliminary election year and those forms shall be submitted to the registrars of voters for certification of the names on or before the fourteenth day preceding the date fixed for submission to the city clerk. The forms shall be submitted to the city clerk on or before 5 o’clock in the afternoon on the forty-fifth day prior to the declared date of the preliminary election. An individual may appear on the ballot for only 1 office at any preliminary, regular or special city election.
(b) Ballot Position - The order in which names of candidates for each office appear on the ballot shall be determined by a drawing, by lot, conducted by the city clerk at least 40 days before the preliminary election. The drawing shall be open to the public.
(c) Determination of Candidates - The 2 people who receive the highest number of votes for nomination for an office at the preliminary election shall, except as provided by subsection (d), be the sole candidates for that office whose names shall be printed on the official ballot to be used at the regular or special city election at which the office is to be voted upon and no acceptance of a nomination shall be necessary to its validity. If 2 or more persons are to be elected to the same office at the regular or special city election, the several persons equal in number to twice the number to be elected receiving at such preliminary election the highest number of votes for nomination for that office shall, except as provided by subsection (d), be the sole candidates for that office whose names shall be printed on the official ballot. If the preliminary election results in a tie vote among candidates for nomination receiving the lowest number of votes which would entitle a person receiving the same to have that person’s name printed on the official ballot for the election, all candidates participating in the tie vote shall have their names printed on the official ballots, although in consequence thereof there shall be printed on the ballots the names of candidates exceeding twice the number to be elected.
(d) Condition Making Preliminary Unnecessary - If at the expiration of the time for filing statements of candidates to be voted for at any preliminary election, not more than twice as many such statements have been filed with the city clerk for an office as are to be elected to such office, the candidates whose statements have thus been filed shall be deemed to have been nominated to the office and those candidates shall be voted on for such office at the succeeding regular or special city election and the city clerk shall not print those names on the ballot to be used at the preliminary election and no other nomination to the office shall be made. If in consequence it shall appear that no names are to be printed upon the official ballot to be used at a preliminary election in the city, no preliminary election shall be held in such ward.
SECTION 8-3 REGULAR CITY ELECTION
The regular city election shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November in each odd-numbered year.
SECTION 8-4: BALLOT POSITION, REGULAR CITY ELECTION
The order in which names of candidates for each office appear on the ballot shall be determined by a drawing, by lot, conducted by the city clerk not later than 7 days after the certification of the preliminary election results. In the event that there is no preliminary election in advance of the regular city election, the drawing shall be conducted on the fourth Tuesday in September prior to the regular city election. In the event that there is no preliminary election in advance of a special city election, the drawing shall be conducted on the sixth Tuesday prior to the special city election. The drawing shall be open to the public.
SECTION 8-5: NON-PARTISAN ELECTIONS
All elections for city offices shall be non-partisan and election ballots shall be printed without any party mark, emblem or other political designation.
SECTION 8-6: WARDS
The territory of the city shall be divided into 7 wards by the city clerk to consist of nearly an equal number of inhabitants as it is possible to achieve based on compact and contiguous territory, bounded as far as possible by the center line of known streets or ways or by other well-defined limits. Each ward shall be composed of voting precincts established under the General Laws. The city council shall review these wards to ensure uniformity in the number of inhabitants at least once every 10 years.
SECTION 8-7: APPLICATION OF STATE GENERAL LAWS
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this charter and authorized by law, all city elections shall be governed by the laws of the commonwealth relating to the right to vote, the registration of voters, the nomination of candidates, voting places, the conduct of preliminary, regular and special city elections, the submission of charters, charter amendments and other propositions to the voters, the counting of votes, the recounting of votes and the determination of results.
ARTICLE 9
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION MECHANISMS
SECTION 9-1: CITIZEN INITIATIVE MEASURES
(a) Commencement - Initiative procedures shall be started by the filing of a proposed initiative petition with the city clerk or the secretary of the school committee. The petition shall be addressed to the city council or to the school committee, shall contain a request for the passage of a particular measure which shall be set forth in full in the petition and shall be signed by at least 250 voters. At least 25 signatures must be certified from each ward. The petition shall be accompanied by an affidavit signed by 10 voters and containing their residential address stating those voters will constitute the petitioners committee and be responsible for circulating the petition and filing it in proper form.
(b) Referral to City Solicitor - The city clerk or the secretary of the school committee shall, immediately following receipt of a proposed petition, deliver a copy of the petition to the city solicitor. The city solicitor shall, within 15 days following receipt of a copy of the petition, in writing, advise the city council or the school committee and the city clerk whether the measure as proposed may lawfully be proposed by the initiative process and whether, in its present form, it may lawfully be adopted by the city council or the school committee. If the opinion of the city solicitor is that the measure is not in proper form, the reply shall state the reasons for this opinion, in full. A copy of the opinion of the city solicitor shall be mailed to the members of the petitioners committee.
(c) Submission to City Clerk - If the city solicitor determines that the petition is in a proper form, the city clerk shall provide blank forms for the use of subsequent signers and shall print at the top of each blank form a fair, concise summary of the proposed measure, as determined by the city solicitor, together with the names and addresses of the first 10 voters who signed the originating petition. The city clerk shall notify the first 10 voters that the blank forms are issued. Within 30 days following the date of the notice, the petition shall be returned and filed with the city clerk signed by at least 10 per cent of the total number of registered voters as of the date of the most recent regular city election. Signatures to an initiative petition need not all be on 1 paper, but all papers pertaining to any 1 measure shall be fastened together and shall be filed as a single instrument, with the endorsement on it of the name and address of the person designated as filing the papers. With each signature on the petition there shall also appear the street and number of the residence of each signer. Within 10 days following the filing of the petition, the registrars of voters shall ascertain the number of voters that signed the petition and the percentage that number is of the total number of voters as of the date of the most recent regular city election. The registrars of voters shall attach to the petition a certificate showing the results of its examination and shall return the petition to the city clerk or the secretary of the school committee, depending on how the petition is addressed. A copy of the registrars of voters' certificate shall also be mailed to the members of the petitioners committee.
(d) Action on Petitions - Within 30 days following the date a petition has been returned to the city clerk or the secretary of the school committee and after publication under subsection (f), the city council or the school committee shall act with respect to each initiative petition by passing it without change, by passing a measure which is stated to be in lieu of the initiative measure or by rejecting it. The passage of a measure which is in lieu of an initiative measure shall be deemed to be a rejection of the initiative measure. If the city council or the school committee fails to act within 30 days following the date the measure is returned to it, the measure shall be deemed to have been rejected on the thirtieth day. If an initiative measure is rejected, the city clerk or the secretary of the school committee shall promptly give notice of that fact to the petitioners committee by certified mail.
(e) Supplementary Petitions - Within 60 days following the date an initiative petition has been rejected, a supplemental initiative petition may be filed with the city clerk or the secretary of the school committee, but only by persons constituting the original petitioners committee. The supplemental initiative petition shall be signed by a number of additional voters equal to at least 5 per cent of the total number of registered voters as of the date of the most recent regular city election. The signatures on the initial petition filed under subsection (c) and the signatures on the supplemental petition filed under this subsection, taken together, shall contain the signatures of at least 15 per cent of the total number of registered voters as of the date of the most recent regular city election. If the number of signatures to this supplemental petition is found to be sufficient by the city clerk, the city council shall call a special election to be held on a date not less than 35 nor more than 90 days following the date of the certificate of the city clerk that a sufficient number of registered voters have signed the supplemental initiative petition and shall submit the proposed measure, without alteration, to the voters for determination, but if a city election is to be held within 120 days following the date of the certificate, the city council may omit calling the special election and cause the question to appear on the election ballot at the approaching election for determination by the voters.
(f) Publication - The full text of an initiative measure which is submitted to the voters shall be published in at least 1 local newspaper not less than 7 nor more than 14 days preceding the date of the election at which the question is to be voted upon. Additional copies of the full text shall be available for distribution to the public in the office of the city clerk.
(g) Form of Question - The ballots used when voting on a measure proposed by the voters under this section shall contain a question in substantially the following form:
Shall the following measure which was proposed by an initiative petition take effect?
(Here insert the fair, concise summary of the proposed measure, as determined by the city solicitor as referenced in subsection (c)).
o YES o NO
(h) Time of Taking Effect – Subject to section 9-4, if a majority of the votes cast on the question is in the affirmative, the measure shall be deemed to be effective immediately, unless a later date is specified in the measure.
SECTION 9-2: CITIZEN REFERENDUM PROCEDURES
(a) Petition, Effect on Final Vote - If, within 21 days following the date on which the city council or the school committee has voted finally to approve any measure, a petition signed by a number of voters equal to at least 15 per cent of the total number of voters as of the date of the most recent regular city election and addressed to the city council or to the school committee, protesting against the measure or any part of it is filed with the secretary of the school committee or city clerk, the effective date of that measure shall be temporarily suspended. The school committee or the city council shall immediately reconsider its vote on the measure or part of it and, if the measure is not rescinded, the city council shall provide for the submission of the question for a determination by the voters either at a special election, which it may call at its convenience, within such time as may be requested by the school committee or at the next regular city election; provided, however, that pending this submission and determination, the effect of the measure shall continue to be suspended.
(b) Certain Initiative Provisions to Apply - The petition described in this section shall be termed a referendum petition and section 9-1, as the section relates to the filing and certification of signatures, shall apply to such referendum petitions, except that the words “measure or part thereof protested against” shall be deemed to replace the word “measure” and the word “referendum” shall be deemed to replace the word “initiative”. Subject to section 9-4, the measure or part thereof protested against shall be null and void unless a majority of those voting on the question shall vote in favor of the measure or part thereof protested against at the election.
SECTION 9-3: INELIGIBLE MEASURES
None of the following shall be subject to the initiative or the referendum procedures:
(1) proceedings relating to the internal organization or operation of the city council or of the school committee;
(2) an emergency measure adopted under the charter;
(3) the city budget or the school committee budget as a whole;
(4) any appropriation for the payment of the city's debt or debt service;
(5) an appropriation of funds to implement a collective bargaining agreement;
(6) proceedings relating to the appointment, removal, discharge, employment, promotion, transfer, demotion or other personnel action;
(7) any proceedings repealing or rescinding a measure or part of it which is protested by referendum procedures;
(8) any proceedings providing for the submission or referral to the voters at an election; and
(9) resolutions and other votes constituting ordinary, routine matters not suitable as the subject of a referendum petition.
SECTION 9-4: REQUIRED VOTER PARTICIPATION
For any measure to be effective under initiative procedure and for any measure to be declared null and void under a referendum procedure, at least 20 per cent of the voters as of the most recent regular city election must vote at an election that includes on the ballot submission to the voters of 1 or more initiative or referendum questions.
SECTION 9-5: SUBMISSION OF OTHER MATTERS TO VOTERS
The city council may on its own motion and shall at the request of the school committee, if a measure originates with that body and pertains to affairs under its jurisdiction, submit to the voters at a regular city election for adoption or rejection a measure in the same manner and with the same force and effect as are provided for submission by initiative or referendum petitions.
SECTION 9-6: CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
If 2 or more measures passed at the same election contain conflicting provisions, only the 1 receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall take effect.
ARTICLE 10
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 10-1: CHARTER CHANGES
This charter may be replaced, revised or amended in accordance with any procedure made available under the state constitution or by statutes enacted in accordance with the state constitution.
SECTION 10-2: SEVERABILITY
This charter is severable. If any provision of this charter is held invalid, the other provisions shall not be affected by this holding. If the application of this charter to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the application of the charter to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected.
SECTION 10-3: SPECIFIC PROVISION TO PREVAIL
To the extent that a specific provision of this charter conflicts with any provision expressed in general terms, the specific provision of the charter shall prevail.
SECTION 10-4: RULES AND REGULATIONS
A copy of all rules and regulations adopted by a city agency shall be placed on file in the office of the city clerk not later than the effective date of the rule or regulation and shall be available for review by any person who requests such information at any reasonable time. Unless an emergency exists as determined by the mayor, no rule or regulation adopted by a city agency shall become effective until at least 5 days following the date it is filed.
SECTION 10-5: PERIODIC REVIEW OF ORDINANCES
Not later than July 1, at 5-year intervals, in each year ending in a 5 or in a zero, beginning in 2015, the mayor and city council shall provide for a review to be made of some or all of the ordinances of the city to prepare a proposed revision or recodification of them. This review shall be made by a special committee to be established by ordinance. All members of the committee shall be voters of the city. The special committee shall file its report with the city clerk at a date specified by ordinance. The review of city ordinances shall be under the supervision of the city solicitor. Copies of any recommendations shall be made available to the public at a cost not to exceed the actual cost of the reproduction.
SECTION 10-6: PERIODIC REVIEW OF CHARTER
Not later than July 1, at 10-year intervals, in each year ending in a 9, the mayor and city council shall provide for a review to be made of the city charter. This review shall be made by a special committee to be determined by ordinance. All members of the committee shall be voters of the city. The special committee shall file its report with the city clerk at a date specified by ordinance. Copies of any recommendations shall be made available to the public at a cost not to exceed the actual cost of the reproduction.
SECTION 10-7: UNIFORM PROCEDURES GOVERNING MULTIPLE-MEMBER BODIES
(a) Meetings - All appointed multiple-member bodies of the city shall meet regularly at the times and places that the multiple-member body, by the body’s own rules, prescribe. Special meetings of any multiple-member body shall be held on the call of the chairman or by a majority of the members of the body. Notice of the meeting shall be posted as required by law. Except as may otherwise be authorized by law, all meetings of all multiple-member bodies shall at all times be open to the public.
(b) Meeting Documents and Submissions - Each appointed multiple-member body shall determine its own rules and order of business within the bounds of any applicable ordinance that created it. Each multiple-member body shall provide for the keeping of agendas, minutes and related submissions of its proceedings. All such documents shall be a public record and certified copies shall be placed on file in the office of the city clerk within 15 days of approval.
(c) Voting - If requested by a member, a vote of an appointed multiple-member body shall be taken by a roll call vote and the vote of each member shall be recorded in the minutes, but if the vote is unanimous, only that fact need be recorded.
(d) Quorum - A majority of the members of an appointed multiple-member body shall constitute a quorum. Unless some other provision is made by the multiple-member body's own rules while a quorum is present, except on procedural matters, a majority of the full membership of the body shall be required to vote on a matter representing an exercise of the powers of the multiple-member body. General Laws related to a vote to meet in “executive session” shall always require a majority of members of the body.
(e) Residency – Unless otherwise allowed by law, regulation, ordinance or by this charter, all members of multiple-member bodies shall be residents of the city at all times during that members term of office. If a member of a multiple-member body removes from the city during the term for which appointed, such seat shall immediately be deemed vacant and filled under section 3-3.
SECTION 10-8: NUMBER AND GENDER
Words importing the singular number may extend and be applied to several persons or things; words importing the plural number may include the singular.
SECTION 10-9: REFERENCES TO GENERAL LAWS
All references to General Laws contained in the charter refer to the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are intended to refer to and to include any amendments or revisions to such chapters or sections or to the corresponding chapters and sections of any rearrangement, revision or recodification of such statutes enacted or adopted subsequent to the adoption of this charter.
SECTION 10-10: COMPUTATION OF TIME
In computing time under this charter the day of the act or event after which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall be extended to the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. When the period of time designated is fewer than 7 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall not be included, when the period is 7 days or more, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be included.
SECTION 10-11: OATHS OR AFFIRMATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, SCHOOL COMMITTEE, CITY CLERK
A mayor-elect, the city council members-elect, the school committee members-elect and all other elected officials shall, on the first Monday in the January of each even-numbered year, except when the first Monday falls on a legal holiday, in which event on the following day, meet and take an oath or affirmation to the faithful discharge of the duties of their office by the city clerk. The city clerk shall first take the oath or affirmation to the discharge of the duties of the office by a judge of a court of record or by a justice of the peace. Upon receiving the oath or affirmation, each official shall document the same by entering the official’s name in a journal maintained by the city clerk. In the case of the absence of the mayor-elect or any member-elect of the city council or school committee on the day the oath is administered, the oath or affirmation may at any time thereafter be administered to that person by the city clerk, the assistant city clerk, a judge of a court of record or by a justice of the peace. Additional inaugural procedures may be prescribed by ordinance.
SECTION 10-12: CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT
Every person who is elected, including those elected by the city council, or appointed to an office of the city, shall receive a certificate of that election or appointment from the city clerk. Except as otherwise provided by law, every person who is elected, including those elected by the city council, or appointed to an office of the city, before performing any act under this appointment or election, shall take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation to qualify to enter upon the duties. A record of this oath shall be kept by the city clerk.
SECTION 10-13: LIMITATION ON OFFICE HOLDING
Unless otherwise allowed by law or this charter, no person shall simultaneously hold more than 1 city office or position of employment. This section may be waived by the mayor upon the appointment of a person to an additional office or position of employment by filing a notice of the waiver with an explanation and justification with the city clerk.
SECTION 10-14: FELONY CONVICTION
An elected official who has been convicted of a state or federal felony while holding office shall be deemed to have vacated the office.
SECTION 10-15: ENFORCEMENT OF CHARTER PROVISIONS
It shall be the duty of the mayor to see that the charter is faithfully followed and complied with by all city agencies and city employees. Whenever it appears to the mayor that a city agency or city employee is failing to follow this charter the mayor shall, in writing, cause notice to be given to that agency or employee directing compliance with the charter. If it shall appear to the city council that the mayor personally is not following the charter it shall, by resolution, direct the attention of the mayor to those areas in which it believes there is a failure to comply with the charter. The procedures made available in chapter 231A of the General Laws may be used to determine the rights, duties, status or other legal relations arising under this charter, including any question of construction or validity which may be involved in such determination.
ARTICLE 11
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 11-1: CONTINUATION OF EXISTING LAWS
All general or special laws, city ordinances and rules and regulations of or pertaining to the city of Northampton, including special acts creating regional entities and arrangements of which the city is a member, that are in force when this charter takes effect, and not specifically or by implication repealed by this charter, shall continue in full force and effect until amended or repealed, rescinded by law or until they expire by their own limitation. In any case in which this charter is found to be inconsistent with any general or special law that would otherwise be applicable, this charter shall be deemed to prevail. Every inconsistency between the prior law and this charter shall be decided in favor of this charter.
SECTION 11-2: CONTINUATION OF GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
All city agencies shall continue to perform the duties of the agency until re-elected, reappointed or until successors to the respective positions are duly appointed or elected or until the duties have been transferred and assumed by another city agency.
SECTION 11-3: TRANSFER OF RECORDS AND PROPERTY
All records, property and equipment of a city agency, or part thereof, the powers and duties of which are assigned in whole or in part to another city agency, shall be transferred immediately to that agency.
SECTION 11-4: EFFECT ON OBLIGATIONS, TAXES, ETC.
All official bonds, recognizance, obligations, contracts and other instruments entered into or executed by or to the city before the adoption of this charter and all taxes, assessments, fines, penalties and forfeitures, incurred or imposed, due or owing to the city, shall be enforced and collected and all writs, prosecutions, actions and causes of action, except as otherwise provided in this charter, shall continue without abatement and remain unaffected by the charter. No legal act done by or in favor of the city shall be rendered invalid by reason of the adoption of this charter.
SECTION 2. This charter shall take effect upon its ratification by the voters and in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) All city officers and employees shall continue to perform the duties of the office in the same manner and to the same extent as previously performed the same prior to the ratification by the voters of the special act charter.
(2) The first election of officers under this charter shall be held on November 5, 2013 to elect a mayor for a 4-year term, members of the city council for 2-year terms, 2 members of the school committee elected by and from the voters at large and the school committee members representing wards 1, 3, 5 and 7 for 2-year terms, a city clerk for a 2-year term, 2 trustees under the will of Charles E. Forbes for 4-year terms, 1 elector under the Oliver Smith will for a 2-year term and 3 superintendents of the Smith’s Agricultural School for 2-year terms. The members of the school committee representing wards 2, 4 and 6 elected in the 2011 municipal election shall continue to hold office until the election of 2015 at which time the school committee offices shall be elected for 2-year terms. The members of the community preservation committee elected in the 2011 municipal election shall continue to hold office until the election of 2015 at which time the community preservation committee members shall be elected for 4-year terms. A preliminary election nominating candidates to be elected shall be held on Tuesday September 17, 2013, if necessary, under article 7 of the charter.
(3) On Monday January 6, 2014 the persons elected in November 2013 shall be sworn to the faithful performance of their duties.
(4) Not later than 30 days following the date of the ratification of this charter by the voters, the city clerk shall give to each member of the general court who represents part of Northampton a copy of the vote ratifying this charter.
(5) Immediately after the election at which this charter is adopted, the city council shall appoint 4 persons to a committee to begin a review of the city ordinances to prepare such revisions and amendments as may be needed or necessary to bring the ordinances into conformity with the charter and to fully implement the charter. The city clerk shall be the fifth member of that committee. The committee shall submit a report, with recommendations, within 1 year following its establishment and may submit interim reports with recommendations at any time; and provided, further that the city solicitor, or special counsel appointed for this express purpose, shall serve as an advisor to the committee.
(6) No later than September 30, 2014, the mayor shall promulgate a series of administrative orders providing for the organization of city government into operating agencies under article 6 of the charter.
(7) Until such time as modified under article 6 of the charter, chapter 354 of the acts of 1888 establishing a sewer commission, chapter 464 of the acts of 1906 establishing the terms of office for park commissioners, chapter 103 of the acts of 1927 relative to the appointment of the city solicitor, chapter 328 of the acts of 2002 establishing a board of public works and department of public works and chapter 166 of the acts of 2005 shall remain in effect.
(8) Following the 2013 city election, the persons elected as members of the city council shall meet for the sole purpose of reviewing and revising policies and procedures, rules or interim rules that will govern the conduct of the business of the city council until such time, following the taking of the councilor’s oath or affirmation, when the city council adopts permanent rules. Such meetings shall be called by the council member-elect most senior in age and shall be open to the public, although the business of any such meetings shall be confined to the topics identified here; provided, that the city clerk shall serve as an advisor to the city council-elect in this endeavor.
(9) Until such time as another salary is established under the charter, the initial salary for the mayor, city councilors and school committee members shall be that which is in effect on the date of the 2013 regular city election.
(10) Within 180 days after the effective date of the charter, the city council shall enact an ordinance establishing an elected official compensation advisory board. The ordinance shall contain provisions that the board shall periodically, but not less frequently than 10 years, study the adequacy and equity of the compensation, benefits and expense allowances of municipal elected officials and report its findings and recommendations to the mayor and city council and said reports shall be filed with the city clerk. The ordinance shall further specify the composition, term of office and method of appointment of the members of the board and any other provisions deemed appropriate by the city council.
(11) The mayor and the city council in office at time the charter is adopted and the mayor and successor city council elected under the charter, may adopt measures that clarify, confirm or extend any of the transitional provisions in order that the transition may be made in the most expeditious manner possible; provided, that such authority shall not extend beyond 5 years from the date of voter approval of this act.
SECTION 3. Chapter 250 of the acts of 1883 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. Chapter 115 of the acts of 1885 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. Chapter 99 of the acts of 1886 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. Chapter 98 of the acts of 1892 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 7. Chapter 289 of the acts of 1893 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 8. Chapter 177 of the acts of 1894 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 9. Chapter 287 of the acts of 1895 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 10. Chapter 261 of the acts of 1901 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 11. Chapter 60 of the acts of 1902 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 12. Chapter 130 of the acts of 1902 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 13. Chapter 266 of the acts of 1903 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 14. Chapter 464 of the acts of 1906 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 15. Chapter 147 of the acts of 1907 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 16. Chapter 191 of the acts of 1915 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 17. Chapter 41 of the acts of 1924 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 18. Chapter 265 of the acts of 1927 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 19. Chapter 245 of the acts of 1946 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 20. Chapter 128 of the acts of 1951 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 21. Chapter 653 of the acts of 1951 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 22. Chapter 63 of the acts of 1953 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 23. Chapter 86 of the acts of 1954 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 24. Chapter 123 of the acts of 1954 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 25. Chapter 462 of the acts of 1955 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 26. Chapter 188 of the acts of 1956 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 27. Chapter 683 of the acts of 1957 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 28. Chapter 174 of the acts of 1962 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 29. Chapter 176 of the acts of 1962 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 30. Chapter 45 of the acts of 1964 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 31. Chapter 46 of the acts of 1964 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 32. Chapter 47 of the acts of 1964 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 33. Chapter 349 of the acts of 1964 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 34. Chapter 666 of the acts of 1965 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 35. Chapter 725 of the acts of 1966 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 36. Chapter 655 of the acts of 1967 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 37. Chapter 276 of the acts of 1972 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 38. Chapter 164 of the acts of 1978 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 39. Chapter 274 of the acts of 1978 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 40. Chapter 74 of the acts of 1979 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 41. Chapter 262 of the acts of 1983 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 42. Chapter 252 of the acts of 1984 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 43. Chapter 253 of the acts of 1984 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 44. Chapter 343 of the acts of 1991 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 45. Chapter 261 of the acts of 1992 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 46. Chapter 45 of the acts of 2004 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 47. The following question shall be placed on the ballot to be used at a special city election to be held in the city of Northampton concurrently with the biennial state election on November 6, 2012: Shall an act entitled “An Act Revising the Charter for the City of Northampton” be accepted?
The city solicitor shall prepare the summary of the proposed special act charter which shall appear on the ballot along with the question provided in this section.
If a majority of votes cast in answer to the question is in the affirmative, the city shall be taken to have accepted the charter of the city of Northampton, but not otherwise.
SECTION 48. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, September 12, 2012.