AN ACT AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SCITUATE
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 of the town of Scituate:
ARTICLE 1: INCORPORATION; SHORT TITLE; POWERS
Section 1-1 - Incorporation
The residents of the town of Scituate, within the corporate limits as established by law, shall continue to be a body corporate and politic with perpetual succession under the name "Town Scituate."
Section 1-2 - Short Title
This instrument shall be known and may be cited as the Scituate Home Rule Charter.
Section 1-3 - Powers
Subject only to express limitation on the exercise of any power or function by a municipality the constitution or the General Laws, it is the intent and the purpose of the voters of the town of Scituate to secure through the adoption of the charter all of the powers it is possible to secure for a town government under the Constitution and the General Laws as fully and as completely as though each such power were specifically and individually enumerated herein.
Section 1-4 - Interpretation of Powers
The powers of the town of Scituate under the charter are to be construed liberally in favor of the town and the specific mention of a particular power is not intended to limit in any way the general powers of the town of Scituate as stated in section 1-3.
Section 1-5 - Continuation of Existing Laws
All special laws, town by-laws, town meeting votes, and rules and regulations of or pertaining to the town in force on the effective date of this act shall continue in full force and effect until they expire by their own limitation.
Section 1-6 - Intergovernmental Relations Subject to the applicable requirements of any provision of the Constitution or the General Laws of the commonwealth, the town of Scituate 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 any one or more states or civil divisions or agencies thereof, or the United States government or agency thereof.
ARTICLE 2: LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Section 2-1 - Town Meeting
The legislative powers of the town shall continue to be exercised by a town meeting open to all voters.
Section 2-2 - Presiding Officer
(a) The moderator chosen as provided in section 3-3 shall preside at all sessions of the town meeting. The moderator shall regulate the proceedings, decide all questions of order, make public declaration of all votes, and may exercise such additional powers and duties as may be given to moderators under the Constitution and the General Laws, by by-law, or other vote of the town meeting. The moderator shall, at the first session of the town meeting held following the election, appoint a deputy moderator who shall preside at the sessions of the town meeting in the event of the absence or disability of the moderator; provided, however, that the said appointment is ratified by the town meeting.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the charter and such by-laws regarding committees as may be adopted, the moderator shall appoint the members of the advisory committee and the members of such other committees of the town meeting, special or standing, as may from time-to-time be established.
(c) The moderator shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to the office of the moderator by by-law, or other vote of the town meeting.
Section 2-3 - Time of Meeting
The regular annual town meeting of the town of Scituate for the transaction of business relating to the prudential affairs of the town shall be held on such date as may from time to time be fixed in the by-laws of the town.
Section 2-4 - Availability of Town Officials at Town Meetings
(a) Every town officer, or in the case of a multiple-member body a designated representative of such multiple-member body, the head of each department and the head of each division within the said departments shall attend all sessions of the town meeting for the purpose of providing the town meeting with information pertinent to matters appearing in the warrant.
(b) Any town officer, department head or division head who is to be absent due to illness or other reasonable cause, shall designate a deputy to attend town meeting sessions to represent the office, department or division.
(c) If any person required to attend the sessions of town meeting under the preceding provisions of this section is not a voter, such person may, notwithstanding, speak to provide the town meeting with information on pertinent warrant articles.
Section 2-5 - Procedures
(a) Clerk of the Meeting - The regular town clerk shall serve as clerk of the meeting, give notice of all meetings, record the proceedings of all meetings and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to the clerk of the meeting by by-law or other vote of the town meeting.
(b) Rules of Procedure - The town meeting shall by by-law adopt and may from time to time amend, revise or repeal such rules governing the conduct of the town meeting as it may deem necessary or advisable.
(c) Warrant Articles - The select board shall insert in the warrant for each town meeting all articles the subjects of which are requested of them in the manner provided by law. In preparation of the warrant, the select board shall, insofar as it is practical to do so, join into 1 article all requests which deal with the same subject matter.
ARTICLE 3: ELECTED OFFICIALS
Section 3-1 - General Provisions
(a) Elective Offices - The offices to be filled by the voters shall be a select board, a moderator, a school committee, a planning board, a board of assessors, a board of library trustees, a town clerk, a housing authority and such members of regional authorities or districts as may be established by the General Laws, interlocal agreement or otherwise.
(b) Eligibility - Only individuals registered to vote in the town of Scituate shall be eligible to hold elective town office; provided, however, that no elected town official shall simultaneously hold any other elected town office or be appointed to any office other than as a member of a multiple-member body.
(c) Election - The regular elections for town office shall be held annually on such date as may from time –to time be fixed in the by-laws of the town.
(d) Compensation - Elected town officials shall receive for their services such compensation as may annually be provided for that purpose by appropriation.
(e) Coordination of Officials - Notwithstanding the election by the voters of the officers named in this article, such officers shall be subject to the call of the select board or of the town administrator for consultation, conference and discussion of any matter relating to their respective offices.
Section 3-2 - Select Board: Composition, Term of Office; Powers, Duties, Etc.
(a) Composition, Term of Office - There shall be a select board consisting of 5 members elected by the voters. The term of office of select board members shall be for 3 years. The terms of office of select board members shall be so arranged that 2 select board members shall be elected 1 year; 2 select board members shall be elected the next year; and 1 select board member shall be elected the third year. The election ballots for each year in which more than 1 select board member is to be elected shall set forth each position to be filled as a separate position, called position 1 and position 2. A candidate for the office of select board member shall be listed as a candidate for either position 1 or position 2, but not as a candidate for both. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be declared elected to that position.
(b)(1) General Powers and Duties -The executive powers of the town shall be vested in the select board. The select board shall have the powers and duties given to the select board under the Constitution and the General Laws, except those powers and duties assigned by this charter to the town administrator, and shall have additional powers and duties as may be authorized by the charter, by by-law, or by other town meeting vote. The select board shall be the water and sewer commissioners of the town. The select board shall cause the laws and orders for the government of the town to be enforced and shall cause a record of all its official acts to be kept. To aid the select board, in its official duties, the board shall appoint a town administrator, as provided in article 4.
(2) The select board shall serve as the chief policy making agency of the town and shall exercise its general supervisory powers through the adoption of policy directives and guidelines. Such policies shall include, but shall not be limited to: (i) policies by which the legislative directives and intent of the town meeting may be implemented; (ii) policies governing a general oversight and evaluation of the administration of the town government; (iii) policies for the coordination and development of both short and long-range planning for the future of the town; (iv) policies to support appropriate emergency response plans; and (v) policies governing the development of an annual operating budget sufficient to perform all functions required by law and by legislative actions of the town meeting. All such policies shall be reviewed by the select board not less than every 3 years.
(3) The select board shall be responsible for the efficient and orderly operation of the town government through its policies except for those under the direction of another separately elected town agency.
(4) The select board shall be the licensing board of the town and shall have the power to issue licenses, except those licenses issued by the town clerk in accordance with the General Laws, to make all necessary rules and regulations regarding the issuance of such licenses and to attach such conditions and restrictions thereto as it deems to be in the public interest, and to enforce the laws relating to all business for which it issues licenses.
(5) The select board shall perform a review of the job performance of a new town administrator after the first 6 months of the effective date of the initial contract. Thereafter, the job performance of the town administrator shall be reviewed annually by the select board. The select board shall publicly acknowledge that the performance reviews required under this subsection have occurred.
(c) Appointments - The select board shall appoint a town administrator and a town counsel to serve indefinite terms, as allowed under the General Laws. It shall appoint, for fixed terms, a town accountant, a treasurer-collector, election officers, veteran officers, constables and all individuals who are to serve as representatives or delegates of the town to governing or advisory bodies of other units of government. It shall also appoint for fixed terms, fence viewers, field drivers and a measurer of wood and bark. It shall appoint, for fixed overlapping terms, the members of the board of appeals, registrars of voters, board of health and all other multiple-member bodies that are established for other than a temporary purpose, except those for which the charter provides another appointing authority. Any person appointed to an office under this section may be removed in accordance with the procedures governing removal in section 7-12.
(d) Investigations - The select board may investigate or authorize the town administrator, another officer of the town, or any agency, public or private, to investigate the conduct of any town department, office or agency. The report of any such investigation shall be filed in the town administrator's office and a summary of that report shall be printed in the next annual Town report.
(e) Responsibility to Ensure Charter Provisions are Met - The select board shall ensure that the charter is faithfully followed and complied with by all town agencies and town employees. Whenever it appears to the select board that any town agency or town employee is failing to follow any provision of this charter, the select board shall, in writing, cause notice to be given to such agency or employee directing compliance with the charter. If 10 or more voters for an annual town meeting or 100 or more voters for a special town meeting believe the select board itself is not following the procedures established in the charter, a warrant article may be submitted to a town meeting suggesting that the select board is not following the provisions of the charter. The town meeting, if it shall agree with the petitioners, shall, by resolution, direct the attention of the select board to those areas in which the voters at the town meeting believe there is a failure to comply with charter provisions.
(f) 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.
Section 3-3 - Moderator: Term of Office; Powers and Duties
(a) Term of Office - At each town election, a moderator shall be nominated and elected by the voters for a term of 1 year.
(b) Powers and Duties - The moderator shall have the powers and duties provided for that office by the General Laws, by this charter, as defined in section 2-2, by by-law and by other vote of the town meeting.
Section 3-4 - School Committee: Composition, Term; Powers and Duties
(a) Composition, Term of Office - There shall be a school committee consisting of 5 members elected by the voters. The term of office of a school committee member shall be for 3 years. The terms of office of school committee members shall be so arranged that 2 school committee members shall be elected 1 year; 2 school committee members shall be elected the next year; and 1 school committee member shall be elected the third year. The election ballots for each year in which more than 1 school committee member is to be elected shall set forth each position to be filled as a separate position, called position 1 and position 2. A candidate for school committee member shall be listed as a candidate for either position 1 or position 2, but not as a candidate for both. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be declared elected to that position.
(b) Powers and Duties - The school committee shall have all of the powers and duties school committees may have under the constitution and the General Laws, and it shall have such additional powers and duties as may be authorized by the charter or by by-law.
Section 3-5 - Planning Board: Composition, Terms of Office; Powers and Duties
(a)(1) Composition, Term of Office - There shall be a planning board consisting of 5 members elected by the voters. The voters shall also elect 1 person as an alternate member of the planning board. The terms of office for planning board members, including the alternate member, shall be for 3 years. The terms of office of the planning board members shall be so arranged that 2 planning board members shall be elected 1 year; 2 planning board members shall be elected the next year; and 1 planning board member, and the alternate member shall be elected the third year. The election ballots for each year in which 2 planning board members are to be elected shall set forth each position to be filled as a separate position called position 1 and position 2. A candidate for planning board member shall be listed as a candidate for either position 1 or position 2, or as a candidate for alternate member, but not both positions appearing on the ballot. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be declared elected to that position.
(2) Whenever a member of the planning board is absent, or is unable to sit on a particular matter because of a conflict of interest or other disability, the chair shall designate the alternate member to sit as a member of the planning board during such absence, inability to participate or disability.
(b) Powers and Duties - The planning board shall have all of the powers and duties planning boards may have under the Constitution and the General Laws. The planning board may also exercise such additional powers and duties as may from time-to-time be assigned to them by the charter, by by-law or by other vote of the town meeting.
Section 3-6 - Board of Library Trustees: Composition, Term of Office; Powers and Duties
(a) Composition, Term of Office - There shall be a board of library trustees consisting of 6 members nominated and elected by the voters. Two of the members shall be elected each year for terms of 3 years.
(b) Powers and Duties - The board of library trustees shall have general charge of the management of town libraries, and of all non-facility property of the town relating thereto.
Section 3-7 - Town Clerk: Term of Office; Powers and Duties
(a) Term of Office - There shall be a town clerk nominated and elected by the voters for the term of 3 years.
(b) Powers and Duties - The town clerk shall have all of the powers and duties town clerks may have under the Constitution and the General Laws. The town clerk may also exercise such additional powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to that office by the charter, by by-law or by other vote of the town meeting.
Section 3-8 - Board of Assessors: Composition, Term of Office; Powers and Duties
(a) Composition, Term of Office - There shall be a board of assessors consisting of 3 members who shall be nominated and elected by the voters. One of these members shall be elected each year to serve for the term of 3 years.
(b) Powers and Duties - The board of assessors shall have all of the powers and duties which boards of assessors may have under the constitution and the General Laws and may exercise such additional powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to that office by this charter, by by-law or by other vote of the town meeting.
Section 3-9 - Housing Authority: Composition, Term of Office; Powers and Duties
(a) Composition, Team of Office - There shall be a housing authority to consist of 5 members serving 5 year overlapping terms such that the term of 1 member term expires each year. Such members shall be appointed or elected in accordance with the General Laws.
(b) Powers and Duties - The housing authority shall have all of the powers and duties housing authorities may have under the Constitution and the General Laws.
ARTICLE 4: TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
Section 4-1 - Qualifications
The town administrator shall be appointed solely on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and experience. The town administrator shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and professional experience in full-time service in public administration to perform the duties of the office. The town administrator shall not need to be a resident of the town. The town administrator shall not have served in elective office in the town's government for at least 2 years prior to appointment. The town administrator shall devote full-time to the office and shall not hold any other public office, elective or appointive, nor engage in any other business or occupation during the term, unless such other service is approved in advance by vote of the select board. The select board shall fix compensation for the town administrator within the amount appropriated by the town, provided for in the town administrator's contract along with all other requirements for the town administrator, including performance, benefits and other items relating thereto.
Section 4-2 - Powers and Duties
The town administrator, the chief administrative officer of the town, shall be responsible to the select board, and shall be accountable to the said board, for the efficient and orderly conduct of the departments, offices, and functions placed in the charge of the town administrator by the charter and for the proper execution of the powers and duties as follows:
(a) The town administrator shall be the personnel director of the town responsible for the administration of all personnel matters, including personnel by-laws and all personnel policies and regulations that the select board may adopt.
(b) The town administrator shall appoint and may remove, subject to the civil service law where applicable, all department heads, all officers and all subordinates and employees of the town except those appointments for which another method of appointment is provided in the charter, appointments of the school committee, and appointments made by representatives of the commonwealth. Appointments made by the town administrator shall become effective on the fifteenth day following the day notice of the appointment is filed with the select board unless the said board shall within that period by a majority of all of its members vote to reject the said appointment. Within said 15-day period the select board may, by a majority of all of its members vote to waive its power to reject the appointment, whereupon the appointment shall become effective forthwith.
(c) The town administrator shall exercise a general supervision over all town agencies for which the town administrator is the appointing or employing authority.
(d) The town administrator shall fix the compensation of all town officers and employees appointed by the town administrator, within the limits established by existing appropriations and the by-laws.
(e) The town administrator shall see that all provisions of the General Laws, the charter, and the by-laws, and all votes of the town meeting and the select board, that require enforcement by the town administrator or officers subject to the supervision of the town administrator, are faithfully carried out.
(f) The town administrator shall prepare and submit the annual budget as provided in article 6.
(g) The town administrator shall be responsible for keeping full and complete records of the financial and administrative activities of the town and shall render a full report to the select board at the end of each fiscal year and otherwise as said board may require.
(h) The town administrator shall keep the select board informed as to the financial condition and needs of the town and shall make such recommendations to the select board as is deemed to be necessary or expedient.
(i) The town administrator shall have full jurisdiction over the rental and use of all town facilities except schools and properties designated by by-laws or other vote of the town as Scituate historical sites. The town administrator, as directed by the select board, shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all town property, including school buildings, placed under the control of the town administrator by the charter, by by-laws or otherwise; provided, however, that the school committee shall approve all school maintenance and repair plans.
(j) The town administrator may, without notice, examine the activities of any agency under the control of the town administrator or the conduct of any officer or employee thereof. The town administrator shall have access to all town books and records necessary for the performance of the duties of the office.
(k) The town administrator shall keep a full and complete inventory of all property of the town, both real and personal.
(l) The town administrator shall be responsible for the negotiation or bidding of all contracts involving any matter within the responsibility of the town administrator. All contracts for purchases or services exceeding an amount fixed by the select board shall be subject to final approval and execution by the select board.
(m) The town administrator shall be responsible for purchasing all supplies, materials and equipment for all departments and activities of the town, excluding all operational expenditures of the school department and town library books and related materials, unless specifically requested to do so by the school committee or the board of library trustees, as applicable.
(n) The town administrator shall perform any other duties required by the by-laws or votes of the town meetings, the select board, or the General Laws.
(o) The town administrator shall be the town's risk administrator and be responsible for ensuring that all pertinent insurance policies are in effect, that adequate insurance coverage is provided, and that claims are properly processed.
(p) Powers and duties shall include, in addition to those set forth in the charter, any reasonable assignment by the select board or town meeting that does not conflict with the powers and duties of other town officials or multiple-member bodies or the charter.
Section 4-3 - Acting Town Administrator
During a temporary absence, the town administrator shall designate by letter filed with the select board, a qualified administrative employee or officer to exercise the powers and perform the duties of town administrator. If the town administrator fails to do so, or the person appointed fails to serve to the satisfaction of the select board, the select board may appoint a qualified administrative employee or officer to so serve. In the event of suspension of the town administrator or a vacancy in the office, the select board shall appoint an acting town administrator within 14 days. Appointment of a new town administrator must be made within 5 months of the effective date of a vacancy in that office, except that such period may be extended by a period not to exceed 2 months by vote of the select board.
Section 4-4 - Hiring Procedures for Town Administrator
The select board is responsible for recruiting, interviewing and hiring of the town administrator. They will be assisted in this duty by appointing a search committee comprised of qualified town officials and residents. The composition of this committee is determined by the select board or, if defined, by town by-law. Finalists for the position of town administrator shall be interviewed in a public meeting posted in accordance with the town by-Laws. Selection of the town administrator shall require a majority affirmative vote by the select board.
Section 4-5 - Removal of the Town Administrator
The select board may remove the town administrator from office after first applying the following procedures:
(a) Notice: The select board, by a super majority affirmative vote consisting of not less than 4 of its members, shall adopt a preliminary resolution of removal setting forth in reasonable detail the reasons for the proposed removal. This resolution may suspend the town administrator for a period not to exceed 45 days. Notice of this resolution will immediately be delivered to the town administrator and filed with the town clerk.
(b) Public Hearing: Within 5 days of delivery of said resolution, the town administrator may request a public hearing. Such a hearing must take place not more than 30 days from receipt of the request. Notice of the hearing date must be publicly posted and directly provided to the town administrator at least 5 days prior to the hearing. The town administrator shall be entitled to present evidence, have counsel, call witnesses or question any witnesses during the hearing.
(c) Removal: If the town administrator does not request a hearing, the select board may vote by super majority to affirm the resolution and permanently remove the town administrator. If the town administrator requests a hearing, the select board must wait not less than 5 days after the conclusion of the hearing to vote by super majority to affirm the resolution and permanently remove the town administrator. Failure to adopt a final resolution within 45 days of the preliminary resolution shall nullify the resolution.
(d) The town administrator shall continue to receive salary and benefits included in a valid contract until a final resolution of removal becomes effective.
ARTICLE 5: ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
Section 5-1 - Creation of Departments, Divisions, Agencies and Offices
The organization of the town into operating agencies may be accomplished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b).
(a) By-Laws - Subject only to express prohibitions in the Constitution, the General Laws and provisions of this charter, the town meeting may, by by-law, reorganize, consolidate or abolish a town agency, in whole or in part and establish new town agencies as it deems necessary or advisable and may prescribe the functions of any such town agency; provided, however, that no function assigned by this charter to a particular town agency may be discontinued or, unless the charter specifically so provides, assigned to another town agency.
(b)(1) Administrative Code - The select board, after consultation with the town administrator, shall from time to time prepare and submit to the town meeting plans of organization or reorganization which establish town agencies for the orderly, efficient or convenient conduct of the business of the town. Whenever the select board prepares such a plan it shall hold at least 1 public hearing on the proposal giving notice as required by general or special law or regulation not less than 5 days in advance of such hearing; provided, however, that such notice shall describe the scope of the proposal and the time and place at which the public hearing will be held. Following such public hearing, the select board shall submit to the town meeting by warrant article its proposal which may be amended subsequent to the public hearing.
(2) An organization or reorganization plan shall become effective 90 days after the date of the town meeting at which the proposal is submitted unless the town meeting shall, by a majority vote within such 90-day period, vote to disapprove the plan. The town meeting may vote only to approve or disapprove the plan and may not vote to amend or alter it.
(3) The select board may, through the administrative code and subject only to express prohibitions in the Constitution, the General Laws and this charter: (i) reorganize, consolidate or abolish all town agencies in whole or in part; (ii) establish new town agencies as the select board deems necessary; and (iii) may transfer the duties, powers and, consistent with the use for which funds were approved by the voters of the town, appropriation of one town agency to another town agency; provided, however, that no function assigned by this charter to a particular town agency may be discontinued or, unless this charter specifically so provides, assigned to any other town agency.
Section 5-2 - Personnel Plan
The town administrator shall be responsible for preparing and maintaining a personnel policy manual to support the professional management of the town and its employees. Such requirements included in the personnel plan shall be consistent with this charter, the town’s by-laws and the General Laws and shall be approved by the select board.
Section 5-3 - Merit Principle
All appointments and promotions of town officers and employees shall be made solely on the basis of merit and fitness demonstrated by examination or by other evidence of competence and suitability.
Section 5-4 - Department of Public Works
(a) The department of public works shall be headed by a director, who shall be appointed by the town administrator. The director of the department of public works shall be a person especially fitted by education, training and previous experience to perform the duties of the office.
(b) The director of the department of public works shall be responsible to the town administrator for the efficient and orderly operation of the department. The director of the department of public works shall be responsible for the supervision of all public works operations of the town placed under the control of the director of the department of public works by this charter, the town’s by-laws, administrative codes, the General Laws or otherwise including, but not limited to, the department's principal functions, refuse disposal, forestry service, protection of natural resources and maintenance of physical plants.
(c) The town administrator shall be responsible to the select board for the planning and coordination of department of public works projects. To assist in the planning and coordinating functions, the town administrator may appoint a public works advisory board of 3 members for indefinite terms; provided, however, that such appointed members’ training, occupation or experience indicate qualification for service on said board. The public works advisory board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the town administrator and director of the department of public works and shall not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the department.
(d) Other functions and duties, the nature of which are related to the department of public works, may be assigned to the department from time to time by by-law or administrative code as provided under section 5-1.
Section 5-5 - Public Building Maintenance
(a) The responsibility for the maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds owned by the town shall be consolidated under the select board, who shall oversee maintenance of and service to all such buildings and grounds as provided in section 4-2(i). The select board, after consultation with the school committee where appropriate, shall determine the manner in which such responsibility shall be carried out. The select board and the school committee may from time to time, but not less than annually, meet or otherwise communicate to assure the proper maintenance of all school buildings.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to interfere with the appointment by the school committee, or by a school department personnel serving under the school committee, of maintenance personnel in school buildings who perform ordinary maintenance; provided, however, that the select board and school committee shall jointly establish standards for work to be performed by such maintenance personnel.
ARTICLE 6: FINANCES AND FISCAL PROCEDURES
Section 6-1 - Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the town shall be as required under the General Laws.
Section 6-2 - Submission of Budget and Budget Message
On or before a date determined by the select board, the town administrator shall submit to the select board a proposed operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year with an accompanying budget message and supporting documents.
Section 6-3 - Budget Message
(a) The message of the town administrator shall explain the budget for all departments and agencies both in fiscal terms and in terms of work programs, point out all major deviations from the current year and the reasons therefore, provide an outline of general problems, summarize the town's debt position and include such other material as the town administrator may deem desirable or the select board may instruct.
(b) The budget message shall include all the expected revenues and expenses of the town and schools projected over a period of not less than 5 years; provided, however, that this message shall be included in the report of the advisory committee.
(c) If the town meeting proposes an amendment to a budget that would increase a line item, the amendment must identify the funding source of such increase as derived from: (i) available revenue, (ii) a decrease in another line item, or (iii) a combination of available revenue and a decrease in another line item.
Section 6-4 - The Budget
The budget shall provide a complete financial plan of all town funds and activities, including the budget adopted by the school committee, for the ensuing year. Except for the school budget, or as may be required by the General Laws or by this charter, the budget shall be in the form which the town administrator deems desirable or the select board may require. In the presentation of the budget, the town administrator shall utilize modem concepts of fiscal presentation so as to furnish maximum information and the best financial control. The budget shall show in detail all estimated income from the proposed property tax levy and other sources and all proposed expenditures, including debt service for the following year. The budget shall be arranged to show the actual and estimated income and expenditures for the previous, current and not less than 5 upcoming fiscal years and shall indicate in separate sections:
(i) proposed expenditures for current operations during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed by agency and position in terms of work programs, and the method of financing such expenditures;
(ii) proposed capital expenditures during the ensuing fiscal year, detailed by town agency, and the proposed method of financing each such capital expenditure; and
(iii) estimated surplus revenue and free cash at the end of the current fiscal year, including estimated balances in any special accounts established for specific purposes.
Section 6-5 - Action on the Budget
(a) The select board shall review the proposed budget and make such changes as it considers necessary to reflect its stated policies and shall return the proposed budget to the town administrator for revision and arranging for the delivery of the budget to the advisory committee on or before a date agreed upon by the advisory committee which shall be not less than 75 days prior to the annual town meeting. Not less than 14 days prior to town meeting, the select board and the advisory committee shall jointly hold at least 1 public hearing on the proposed budget.
(b) The proposed budget shall include the budget adopted by the school committee to fund the operations and equipment of the schools.
Section 6-6 - Capital Improvement Program
(a) The select board shall be responsible for preparation and annual revision of the capital improvement program. There shall be a Capital Planning Committee to assist in the preparation and annual revision of the capital improvement program and to advise voters at town meeting consisting of: (i) 5 voting members who shall be residents of the town and appointed by the moderator for overlapping terms of 3 years; (ii) 4 non-voting advisory members, including the town administrator; (iii) 1 member of the select board; (iv) 1 member of the advisory committee; and (v) 1 member of the school committee, in each case designated annually by their respective multiple-member body.
(b) The capital improvement program shall include: (i) a clear, concise summary of its contents; (ii) a list of all capital improvement projects to be undertaken during the ensuing 5 years with supporting documentation, in such form as the town administrator shall prescribe, describing the need for each project; (iii) cost estimates, methods of financing and recommended time schedules for each project; and (iv) the estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining each facility and major piece of equipment involved.
(c) The town administrator shall submit annually to the select board and capital planning committee recommendations for the capital improvement program not less than 5 months prior to the annual town meeting.
(d) The capital planning committee shall submit annually to the select board a report summarizing their recommendations not less than 3 months prior to the annual town meeting. The select board shall base its final capital improvement program on the capital planning committee’s report with such changes as it considers necessary. The select board shall deliver this plan to the advisory committee not less than 60 days prior to the annual town meeting. Upon receipt, the advisory committee shall proceed to consider the program and shall, in its report to the annual town meeting, make such recommendations as it deems to be in the best interest of the town, both with respect to the capital budget for the next fiscal year and the schedule for the ensuing years.
Section 6- 7 - Financial Forecasting Committee
(a) Composition - There shall be a financial forecasting committee which shall consist of 9 members which shall include: the town administrator, the treasurer-collector, the town accountant, the director of assessing, the business manager of the school department, a member of the advisory committee, a member of the capital planning committee, a member of the select board and a member of the school committee.
(b) Powers and Duties - The financial forecasting committee shall, annually: (i) prepare a non-binding financial forecasting plan projecting revenues, revenue sources and expenditures for the ensuing 5 years. The forecasting plan shall include considerations of revenue, operating expenses and debt service.
(c) The financial forecasting committee shall prepare quarterly updates of its projections to the select board. The quarterly update for the preceding quarter of the calendar year shall be delivered to the advisory committee not later than the last Friday in January.
(d) The report of the financial forecasting committee shall be shared with the select board and the school committee and made available to the voters of the town. The report shall be included in the report of the advisory committee published for town meetings, in the annual town report, on the town's internet website and in any other media as the financial forecasting committee may from time to time designate.
Section 6-8 - Approval of Warrants
The town administrator shall be the chief fiscal officer of the town. Warrants for the payment of town funds prepared by the town accountant in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws shall be submitted to the town administrator or the town administrator's designee. The approval of any such warrant by the town administrator shall be sufficient authority to authorize payment by the treasurer-collector. If the town administrator is absent, or for other cause cannot sign the warrant, the acting town administrator shall have the authority to do so.
ARTICLE 7: GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 7-1 - Nominations and Elections
(a) Nominations - The number of signatures of voters required to place the name of a candidate on the official ballot for use at a town election shall be not less than 100. Nomination papers shall contain the name of not more than 1 candidate.
(b) Elections - The articles in the warrant for every town meeting, as far as they relate to the election of the select board, school committee, moderator, planning board and housing authority, other town officers, to referenda and all other matters to be acted upon and determined by ballot shall be acted upon and determined by the voters.
(c) The regular town elections shall be taken on official ballots without party or political designation on the date fixed in the by-laws of the town.
Section 7-2 - Charter Changes
This charter may be replaced, revised or amended in accordance with procedures under Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution and chapter 43B of the General Laws.
Section 7-3 - Severability
The provisions of this charter are severable and, if any provision is held invalid, the other provisions of this charter shall not be affected by such invalidation. If the application of this charter or any of its provisions to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the application of this charter and its provisions to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidation.
Section 7-4 - Specific Provisions Shall Prevail
To the extent that a specific provision of this charter conflicts with a provision expressed in general terms in this charter, the specific provision shall prevail.
Section 7-5 - References to General Laws
All references to the General Laws contained in this charter refer to the General Laws of the commonwealth and are intended to include any amendments or revisions to such chapters and sections or to the corresponding chapters and sections of any rearrangement of the General Laws enacted subsequent to the adoption of this charter.
Section 7-6 - Computation of Time
For the purposes of this charter, if 7 or less days are referenced, "days" shall mean business days and shall not include Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays. If 8 or more days are referenced, “days” shall include business days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
Section 7-7 - Definitions
For the purposes of this charter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Advisory committee”, the multiple-member body appointed by the moderator as described in section 2-2.
“By-laws”, the by-laws of the town.
“Capital planning committee”, the multiple-member body described in section 6-6.
“Charter”, this charter and any amendments to it made pursuant to Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution.
“Commonwealth”, the commonwealth.
“Financial forecasting committee”, the multiple-member body described in section 6-7.
“General Laws”, the General Laws of the commonwealth.
“Majority vote”, a majority of those present and voting; provided, however, that a quorum of the body is present.
“Moderator”, the person elected to serve as the moderator of the town as described in section 3-3.
“Multiple-member body”, a board, commission or committee consisting of not less than 2 members; provided, however, that such members may be elected or appointed.
“Policy”, a statement of general purpose or a goal for which specific administrative procedures or regulations may be developed.
“School committee”, the persons elected to serve on the multiple-member body as described in section 3-4.
“Select board”, the persons elected to serve on the multiple-member body as described in section 3-2.
“Town”, the town of Scituate.
“Town administrator”, the person hired in accordance with the provisions of article 4 responsible for the administration of the town.
“Town agency”, a board, commission, committee, department or office of the town.
“Town clerk”, the person elected to serve as the clerk of the town as described in section 3-7.
“Town meeting”, an annual or special town meeting held by the voters to conduct town business.
“Voters”, registered voters of the town.
Section 7-8 - Rules and Regulations
A copy of all rules and regulations adopted by a town agency shall be filed in the office of the town clerk and made available for review by any person who requests such information. Rules and regulations shall become effective when filed or as otherwise provided by law.
Section 7-9 - Re-Enactment and Publication of By-Laws
(a) At intervals of not more than 5 years, proposed revisions or re-codification of the by-laws shall be presented to the town meeting for re-enactment. Immediately following the annual town meeting preceding the year in which such presentation is to be made, the select board shall appoint a special by-law review committee to prepare such revisions or re-codifications. In reviewing the by-laws, the committee shall have the assistance of town counsel or a special counsel appointed for that purpose.
(b) Within 8 months following its appointment, the special by-law review committee shall prepare preliminary report and cause its report to be published as required by the General Laws or special mandate of the commonwealth and posted to the town website.
(c) The report of the special by-law review committee shall include: (i) a summary of its recommendations; (ii) a list of places where the complete report is available for inspection; and (iii) the date, which shall be not less than 2 weeks following the publication of the report, time and place of a public hearing to be held to consider the report.
(d) Copies of revised by-laws enacted by the town meeting shall be made available for public distribution at the office of the town clerk.
Section 7-10 - Recall Petitions
(a) Who may be Recalled - Any holder of an elective office, as defined in section 3-1(a), may be recalled by the voters as provided under this section.
(b)(1) Recall Petition - 25 voters may file with the town clerk an affidavit containing the name of the officer sought to be recalled and a statement of the grounds of recall. The town clerk shall deliver to such voters copies of petition blanks demanding such recall, printed forms of which shall be kept available. Copies of petition blanks shall be so delivered with the signature and official seal of the town clerk attached, shall be dated and addressed to the select board and contain: (i) the names of voters to whom they are issued; (ii) the name of the person whose recall is sought; (iii) the grounds for recall as stated in the affidavit; and (iv) a demand for the election of a successor to the office of the person whose recall is sought. A copy of the petition blanks shall be entered in a record book to be kept in the office of the town clerk. The recall petition blanks shall be returned and filed with the town clerk not later than 20 days following the date of the filing of the affidavit and shall have been signed by not less than 15 per cent of the voters of the town. Each voter who signs the petition shall also add the street and number, if any, of their residence.
(2) The town clerk shall, within 24 hours of receipt, submit the petition to the registrars of voters and the registrars shall forthwith certify thereon the number of signatures which are names of voters.
(c) Select Board's Action on Receiving Petition - If the petition is found and certified by the town clerk to be sufficient, it shall be submitted, with the certificate, to the select board without delay. Upon the select board’s receipt of the petition and certificate, the select board shall give written notice of such petition and certificate to the person sought to be recalled. If the person sought to be recalled does not resign from office within 5 days after delivery of the notice by the select board, the select board shall order an election to be held on a date fixed by the board of selectmen not less than 64 nor more than 74 days after the date of the town clerk's certificate that a sufficient petition is filed; provided, however, that if any other town election is to occur not more than 90 days after the date of the certificate, the select board shall postpone the date of the recall election to the date of such other election. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the person sought to be recalled after a recall election has been ordered, the election shall nevertheless proceed as provided pursuant to this section.
(d) Nomination of Candidates - A person sought to be recalled pursuant to this section may be a candidate for re-election to such office and, unless the person sought to be recalled requests otherwise in writing, the town clerk shall place the name on the ballot without nomination. The nomination of other candidates, publication of the warrant for the removal election and conduct of the same, shall be in accordance with the provisions of law relating to elections, unless otherwise provided in this section.
(e) Incumbent Holds Office Until Election - The incumbent shall continue to perform the duties of the office until the recall election. If the incumbent is re-elected, the incumbent shall continue in office for the remainder of the unexpired term, subject to recall as before, except as provided in this section. If the incumbent is recalled, the incumbent shall be deemed removed upon the qualification of the successor, who shall hold office during the unexpired term. If the successor fails to qualify within 5 days after receiving notification of election, the incumbent shall thereupon be deemed removed and the office vacant.
(f) Propositions on Ballot - Ballots used in a recall election shall submit the following propositions in the following order:
(i) For the recall of (name of officer)
(ii) Against the recall of (name of officer)
Under the proposition shall appear the word "candidates" and, beneath the word “candidates”, the names of candidates nominated as provided. If a majority of the votes cast upon the question of recall is in the affirmative, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. If a majority of votes on the question is in the negative, the ballots for candidates need not be counted.
(g) Appointment of Person Recalled - No person who has been recalled from an office, or who has resigned from office while recall proceedings were pending against them, shall be appointed to any town office within 2 years after such recall or such resignation.
Section 7-11 - Procedures
(a) In General - All multiple-member bodies, whether elected or appointed, shall conduct their meetings as provided by the General Laws, with respect to prior posted notices, quorums, use of executive sessions, maintenance of records and the public availability of such records. Upon being sworn in, each person elected or appointed to such a body shall be given a copy of the applicable laws by the town clerk.
(b) Agendas - Not less than 48 hours, or as required by the General Laws or special mandate of the commonwealth, before each meeting of a multiple-member body, such committee shall post an agenda of all matters on which it will act at that meeting on the town bulletin boards. No action taken on a matter that was not on the posted agenda shall be valid, unless such body first adopts, by a separate vote, a resolution declaring that an emergency exists and that action must be taken for the immediate preservation of peace, health, safety or convenience of the Town.
(c) Rules - Each multiple-member body shall determine its own rules and order of business unless otherwise provided in the by-laws.
(d) Voting - Except on procedural matters, all votes of multiple-member bodies shall be taken by calling the roll and recording the ayes and nays in the minutes. If, however, a vote is unanimous, only that fact need be recorded.
(e) Petitions for Meetings - Should a multiple-member body fail to hold a meeting within a reasonable time, based on its normal schedule, or persist in refusing to consider a matter requested of it by a citizen, any 50 voters or one-third of the members of that body may deliver a petition, calling for a special meeting and stating the purpose for which it is to be held, to the town clerk who shall promptly post notice of the meeting, to be held within 7 days, and so notify the members of that body in writing. In the case of an appointed body, if such meeting then fails to take place for lack of a quorum, any 50 voters or one-third of its members may petition its appointing authority to declare vacant the offices of the absent members.
Section 7-12 - Removals and Suspensions
(a) Any appointed officer or full-time salaried employee of the town, not subject to the provisions of the commonwealth’s civil service law, whether appointed for a fixed or an indefinite term, may be suspended or removed from office by the appointing authority for cause. The cause shall include, but not be limited to: (i) incapacity other than temporary illness; (ii) inefficiency; (iii) insubordination; and (iv) conduct unbecoming of the office.
(b) Any appointed officer or full-time salaried employee of the town may be suspended from office by the appointing authority if such action is deemed by them to be necessary to protect the interests of the Town. Suspension may be conterminous with removal and shall not interfere with the rights of the officer or employee under the removal procedure given below.
(c) The appointing authority when removing any such officer or employee shall act in accordance with the procedures of this subsection.
(1) A written notice of the intent to remove and a statement of the cause or causes therefore shall be delivered by registered mail to the last known address of the person sought to be removed.
(2) Within 5 days of delivery of such notice the officer or employee may request a public hearing at which they may be represented by counsel and shall be entitled to present evidence, call witnesses and to question any witness appearing at the hearing.
(3) Between 1 and 10 days after the public hearing is adjourned, or if the officer or employee fails to request a public hearing between 6 and 15 days after delivery of the notice of the intent to remove, the appointing authority shall take final action either removing the officer or employee or notifying them that the notice is rescinded.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as granting a right to such a hearing when a person who has been appointed for a fixed term is not reappointed when their original term expires. The action of the appointing authority in suspending or removing an officer or employee under this section shall be final.
Section 7-13 - Vacancies
A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled in the manner provided by the General Laws, except as provided elsewhere in this charter or by by-law.
ARTICLE 8: TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Section 8-1 - Continuation of Existing Laws
(a) All town by-laws and rules and regulations of or pertaining to the town that are in force when this charter takes effect, and not specifically or by implication repealed, shall continue in full force and effect until amended, repealed or rescinded by due course of law or until they expire by their own limitation.
(b) If the provisions of this charter are found to be inconsistent with the provisions of any general or special law which would otherwise be applicable, the provisions of 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 8-2 - Continuation of Government and Administration
All town agencies shall continue to perform their duties until re-elected or re-appointed, until successors to their respective positions are duly appointed or elected or until their duties have been transferred and assumed by another town agency.
Section 8-3 - Effect on Obligations, Taxes, Etc.
All official bonds, recognizances, obligations, contracts and other instruments entered into or executed by or to the town before the adoption of this charter, all taxes, assessments, fines, penalties and forfeitures, incurred or imposed, due or owed to the town shall be enforced and collected and all writs, prosecutions, actions and causes of action, except as otherwise provided by this charter, shall continue without abatement and remain unaffected by this charter. No legal action taken by or in favor of the town shall be rendered invalid by reason of the adoption of this charter.
Section 8-4 - Town Meeting Quorum
Town By-Laws shall define quorum requirements for annual and special Town Meetings.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, January 8, 2025.