CHARTER - newtown-ct.gov · Charter of the Town of Newtown State of Connecticut ADOPTED OCTOBER 2, 1961 REVISED OCTOBER 7, 1963 REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1966 REVISED MAY 3, 1971 REVISED

CHARTER

Charter of the

Town of Newtown State of Connecticut

ADOPTED OCTOBER 2, 1961REVISED OCTOBER 7, 1963

REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1966REVISED MAY 3, 1971REVISED MAY 7, 1973

REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1974REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1977REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1983REVISED NOVEMBER 3, 1987REVISED NOVEMBER 5, 1991REVISED NOVEMBER 4, 1997REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2001

REVISED APRIL 22, 2008REVISED NOVEMBER 6, 2012

ADOPTED NOVEMBER 8, 2016 - EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 8, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTSPREAMBLE CHARTER .......................................................................................6

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................61-01 Incorporation ...........................................................................................61-05 Rights, Obligations and Actions Continued ................................61-10 Powers of Town ......................................................................................71-15 Effect of Charter ......................................................................................71-20 Summary of Governance .....................................................................71-25 General Provisions.................................................................................7

CHAPTER 2 MEMBERSHIP, RULES, AND DUTIES FOR NEWTOWN OFFICES .................................................. 10

2-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 102-05 Eligibility................................................................................................. 112-10 Minority Representation.................................................................. 122-15 Terms and Term Limits .................................................................... 132-20 OfficersoftheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 142-25 Voting ....................................................................................................... 142-30 Vacancies on the Legislative Council, Boards, Commissions, and Authorities .................................................................................... 152-31 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Elected Town Bodies . 152-32 Procedures for Filling Vacancies in Appointive Boards and Commissions ................................................................................ 162-35 Use of Alternates ................................................................................. 172-40 Removal for Cause .............................................................................. 172-45 Compensation ....................................................................................... 172-50 Administrative Clerks ........................................................................ 182-100 ElectedBoards,Commissions,andOfficers ............................. 182-105 Legislative Council .............................................................................. 182-110 First Selectman .................................................................................... 202-115 Board of Selectmen ............................................................................ 212-120 Board of Education ............................................................................. 23

2-125 Board of Finance ................................................................................. 242-130 Planning and Zoning Commission ............................................... 242-135 Town Clerk ............................................................................................. 252-140 Registrars of Voters ............................................................................ 252-145 Board of Assessment Appeals ....................................................... 262-150 Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall ................................ 262-155 Zoning Board of Appeals .................................................................. 262-160 Board of Police Commissioners .................................................... 272-200 AppointiveAuthorities,Boards,CommissionsandOfficers ....... 282-201 General Provisions.............................................................................. 282-205 Aging, Commission on ....................................................................... 292-210 Building Appeals Board .................................................................... 292-215 Conservation Commission .............................................................. 292-220 Cultural Arts Commission ............................................................... 302-225 Economic Development Commission ......................................... 302-230 Ethics, Board of .................................................................................... 302-235 Fire Commissioners, Board of ....................................................... 312-240 Inland Wetlands Commission ........................................................ 322-245 Justices of the Peace ........................................................................... 332-250 Parks and Recreation Commission .............................................. 332-255 Pension Commission ......................................................................... 332-260 Public Building and Site Commission ......................................... 342-265 Public Safety Committee .................................................................. 342-270 Self-Funded Health Insurance Fund Commission ................. 352-275 Sustainable Energy Commission .................................................. 352-280 Trustees of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, Board of ........... 352-285 Water and Sewer Authority ............................................................ 362-300 Regional Authorities and Boards ................................................. 362-305 Lake Lillinonah Authority ............................................................... 362-310 Lake Zoar Authority ........................................................................... 372-315 Newtown Health District Health Board..................................... 37

CHAPTER 3 ELECTIONS AND REFERENDA ......................................... 383-05 Town Elections ..................................................................................... 383-10 Legislative Council Districts ........................................................... 383-15 Election of Boards and Commissions ......................................... 383-20 Elections for Vacated Seats ............................................................. 393-25 Referendum ........................................................................................... 39

CHAPTER 4 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS .......................................... 424-05 Finance Director .................................................................................. 424-10 Tax Collector .......................................................................................... 434-15 Town Assessor ...................................................................................... 444-20 Building Inspector .............................................................................. 454-25 Town Attorney ...................................................................................... 454-30 Emergency Management Director ............................................... 454-35 Department of Public Works .......................................................... 454-40 Employees .............................................................................................. 464-45 Regular Constables ............................................................................. 474-50 OtherOfficersandDepartments .................................................. 47

CHAPTER 5 LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES .................................................. 485-05 Ordinances ............................................................................................. 485-10 Regulations ............................................................................................ 495-15 Emergency Ordinances..................................................................... 49

CHAPTER 6 BUDGET PROCESSES ............................................................ 516-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 516-05 Preparation of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Budget Proposals ....................................... 516-10 Role of the Finance Director ........................................................... 526-15 Financial Review of the Proposed Budgets by the Board of Finance.................................................................... 526-20 Preparation of the Proposed Town Budget by the Legislative Council ................................................................ 546-25 Annual Town Budget Referendum............................................... 56

6-26 Local Questions on Ballot ................................................................ 586-30 Laying of Taxes ..................................................................................... 586-35 Special and Emergency Appropriations .................................... 596-40 Grants or Other Financial Assistance ......................................... 60

CHAPTER 7 FINANCIAL PROCESSES ...................................................... 627-05 General Financial Process ............................................................... 627-10 Bonding ................................................................................................... 627-15 Disbursements/Purchases .............................................................. 637-20 Transfers ................................................................................................. 657-25 Financial Impact Statements .......................................................... 66

CHAPTER 8 ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY .................................................................... 67

8-01 General Provisions.............................................................................. 678-05 Acquisition of Real Property .......................................................... 688-10 Disposition of Real Property .......................................................... 69

CHAPTER 9 ETHICS COMPLAINTS AND ADVISORY OPINIONS ..... 729-05 Code of Ethics ....................................................................................... 729-10 Procedure for Complaints ............................................................... 72

CHAPTER 10 TRANSITION AND MISCELLANEOUS ........................... 7510-01 Effective Date ........................................................................................ 7510-02 Amendment of the Charter ............................................................. 7510-03 Schedules of Superseded Acts ....................................................... 7510-04 Savings Clause ...................................................................................... 76

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TOWNOFNEWTOWNPREAMBLECHARTER

We,theproprietorsandinhabitantsoftheTownofNewtown,beingdulyqualifiedelectorsoftheStateofConnecticut,andintheexerciseofthoseprivileges,libertiesandpowerswhichwehaveenjoyedsincetheeleventhdayofOctober,1711,inordertopreserveandprotectthepropertyandpersonalwell-beingandtopromotetheindividualandgeneralwelfareofallourcitizens,doherebydeclarethatthisChartershallconstituteourformofgovernment.

CHAPTER1 INTRODUCTION1-01 Incorporation

(a) AlltheinhabitantsdwellingwithinthelawfullydefinedterritoriallimitsoftheTownofNewtownshallcontinuetobeabodypoliticandcorporateunderthenameofthe"TownofNewtown",hereinaftercalled"theTown".Assuch,itshallhaveperpetualsuccessionandmayholdandexerciseallpowersandprivilegesheretoforeexercisedbytheTownandnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisCharterandallpowersandprivilegesconferredupontownsundertheGeneralStatutesoftheStateofConnecticut.

1-05 Rights,ObligationsandActionsContinued(a) Allpropertyinterests,bothrealandpersonal,allactions,

causesofaction,defensestheretoandrightsofeverydescriptionandalllienspossessedbytheTownasoftheeffectivedateofthisChartershallbecontinuedintheTown.TheTownshallcontinuetobeliableforalldebtsandobligationsofeverykindforwhichtheTownisliableonthatdate.NothinghereinshallbeconstruedtoaffecttherightoftheTowntocollectanyassessment,charge,debtorlien.AnyrightsorobligationsofaTownDepartmentthatwouldfail,lapseorfallintobreachbyreasonofanychangeinthepowers,organizationsordutiesofTownofficers,boards,

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commissionsorauthoritiesresultingfromthisChartershallbeassumedbytheBoardofSelectmen,unlessotherwiseprovidedbyordinance,resolutionorthetermsofthisCharter.

1-10 PowersofTown(a) InadditiontoallpowersgrantedtotownsundertheStateof

ConnecticutConstitutionandtheGeneralStatutes,theTownshallpossessallpowersgrantedbythisCharterandallpowersproper,incidentalorconvenienttotheirexercise.TheTownshallalsopossessthepowersincidenttothemanagementofitsproperty,governmentandaffairs,includingthecapacityandpowertoenterintocontractswiththeUnitedStatesoranyFederalAgency,andtheStateofConnecticutoranypoliticalinstrumentalitythereof,foranypurposesnotprohibitedbylaw.

1-15 EffectofCharter(a) ThisChartershallbetheorganiclawoftheTowninthe

administrationofitslocalaffairs.SpecialactsandordinancesinconsistentwiththisCharterandsupersededbyitshallhavenofurtherforceoreffectaftertheeffectivedateofthisCharter.OtherspecialactsaffectingtheTown,andallotherordinancesandresolutionsdulyadoptedandinforcebeforetheeffectivedateoftheCharter,remaininforce,butshallnotapplywhenevertheyconflictwiththeprovisionsofthisCharter.

1-20 SummaryofGovernance(a) TheChiefExecutiveandAdministrativeOfficeroftheTown

shallbetheFirstSelectman.

(b) TheadministrativebodyoftheTownshallbetheBoardofSelectmen.

(c) ThelegislativebodyoftheTownshallbetheLegislativeCouncil.

1-25 GeneralProvisionsThefollowingprovisionsshallapplythroughoutthisCharterunlessotherwisespecified:

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(a) Definitions:Thefollowingterms(inboldtextthroughoutthedocument)shallhavethemeaningascribedtothembelow.

(1) FinancialImpactStatement:Theterm“FinancialImpactStatement”shalldescribeadocumentthatincludestheanalysisofallcostsandliabilitiestobeincurredbytheTownasaresultoftheuseofaSpecialAppropriation,grantorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalproperty.

(2) GeneralStatutes:Theterm“GeneralStatutes”shallbeusedinthisCharterwhenreferringtotheConnecticutGeneralStatutes,asamended.

(3) LegislativeCouncilDistrict:Theterm“LegislativeCouncilDistrict”shallbeusedinthisCharterasdefinedinSection3-10.

(4) ResidentElector:Theterm“ResidentElector”shalldescribeapersonwhoisregisteredtovoteintheTownandwhoseprincipalresidenceisintheTown.ApersonwhohasfiledanapplicationfortheretentionofelectoralprivilegeswiththeRegistrarofVotersshallbeconsideredaResidentElectorforsolongastheapplicationforretentionofelectorprivilegesisineffect.

(5) Town:Theterm“Town”shallbeusedinthisCharterasdefinedinSubsection1-01(a).

(6) TownBody:Theterm"TownBody"shallincludetheLegislativeCouncilandeachboard,commission,andauthoritydefinedhereinandanyotherbodyorgroupwhichisdesignatedaTownBodybytheLegislativeCouncil.

(7) TownDepartment:Theterm"TownDepartment"shallinclude,forexample,theofficesoftheTaxCollector,TownClerk,Assessor,RegistrarofVoters,PublicWorksDepartment,BoardofEducation,andanyotherTownBodytowhichfundsareappropriatedintheTownBudgetandanyotherbodyorgroupwhichisdesignatedaTownDepartmentbytheLegislativeCouncilonorbeforeOctober1stintheyearpriortotheadoptionoftheTownBudget.

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(8) TownElection:Theterm“TownElection”shallbeusedforelectionsheldbi-annuallyontheTuesdayafterthefirstMondayofNovemberintheodd-numberedyears.

(9) BudgetrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection6-01(a).

(10) RealpropertyacquisitionanddispositionrelateddefinitionsarecontainedinSubsection8-01(a).

(b) PublicNotice:InanyinstanceinwhichpublicnoticeisrequiredthesameshallbeservedbycausingitspublicationinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownunlessadifferentmethodofnoticeisprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.

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CHAPTER2 MEMBERSHIP,RULES,ANDDUTIESFORNEWTOWNOFFICES

2-01 GeneralProvisions(a) AllmembersandalternatesofTownBodiesshallhavethe

powersanddutiesconferredandimposedonthembytheGeneralStatutes,theprovisionsofthisCharter,andtheregulationsorby-lawsofandforthebodyonwhichtheyserve.MembersandalternatesofappointiveTownBodiesshallalsobesubjecttothepowersanddutiesprescribedbyordinance,ifsuchordinanceexists.

(b) TherulescontainedinthethencurrenteditionofRobert’sRulesofOrderNewlyRevisedshallgoverninallcasestowhichtheyareapplicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththisCharterandanyspecialrulesoforderthatmaybeadopted.

(c) AllelectedandappointiveTownBodiesmaymakerulesfortheconductoftheirmeetingsandthemannerforaccomplishingtheirduties.SuchrulesshallbefiledwiththeTownClerk.

(d) TheFirstSelectmanshallbeanexofficiomemberofallTownBodies,butwithoutvoteandnotcountedforthepurposeofhavingaquorumexceptasamemberoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheFirstSelectmanshallbegivenreasonablenoticeofallmeetingsofTownBodiesbytheirchairmenorsecretaries,andmayinwritingappointanothermemberoftheBoardofSelectmentorepresenthimorheratanymeetingofsuchTownBody.

(e) Allelectiveandappointiveofficers,beforetheyenterontheirduties,shalltaketheoathoraffirmationprescribedbyArticleXI,Section1oftheConstitutionoftheStateofConnecticut,asfollows:"Youdosolemnlyswear(oraffirm,asthecasemaybe)thatyouwillsupporttheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesandtheConstitutionoftheStateofConnecticut,aslongasyoucontinuetobeacitizenthereof,andthatyouwillfaithfullydischarge,accordingtolaw,thedutiesoftheofficeof__________tothebestofyourabilities.SohelpyouGod."Nootheroathoraffirmationshallberequired.

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2-05 Eligibility(a) Unlessotherwisespecified,onlyResidentElectorsofthe

TownshallbeeligibleforelectiontoanyTownofficeorappointmenttoanyappointiveboard.AnypersonceasingtobeaResidentElectoroftheTownshallthereuponceasetoholdelectiveorappointiveofficeintheTownandtheofficeshallbedeemedvacant.

(b) NopersonshallholdmorethanoneelectiveofficeoftheTownatthesametime.

(c) AnyResidentElectoroftheTown,regardlessofwhethertheyhavepartyaffiliation,mayrunforpublicoffice.SpecificsregardingproceduresforsecuringapositionontheelectionballotareavailablebycontactingtheElectionsDivisionoftheSecretaryoftheState'sOffice,theTownClerk'sOffice,ortheRegistrarofVoters'Office.

(d) SpecificrulesregardingeligibilityforcertainofficesorTownBodyarecontainedinthefollowingsubsectionsdiscussingsuchTownBody:

(1) FirstSelectman:TheFirstSelectmanshallhavenootherfulltimeemploymentnorholdanypaidcivilofficeunderthegovernmentoftheUnitedStates,theStateofConnecticut,oranysubdivisionthereof,exceptthatofNotaryPublicandJusticeofthePeace.

(2) BoardofSelectmen:NomemberoftheBoardofSelectmen,whileinoffice,shallholdorbeappointedtoanyotherofficeoremploymentinthegovernmentoftheTown.

(3) LegislativeCouncil:NomemberoftheLegislativeCouncilshallholdorbeappointedtoanyotherTownofficeorTownBody.ExceptasprovidedforinSubsection2-30(b),membersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallresideintheLegislativeCouncilDistrictfromwhichtheywereelected.

(4) PoliceCommission:NomemberoftheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallbeamemberorofficerofthe

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NewtownPoliceDepartment,theChiefofPolice,oramemberofanyotherTownBody.

(5) BoardofFireCommissioners:EligibilitytoserveontheFireCommissionisdescribedinSubsection2-235(b).

(6) BuildingAppealsBoard:Membersshallbequalifiedbytrainingandexperienceonmatterspertainingtobuildingconstruction.Subsection2-05(a)shallnotapply.

(7) PublicBuildingandSiteCommission:Membersshallincludethosewhoarequalifiedbytrainingandexperienceonmatterspertainingtobuildingdesign,constructionorcontractualinstruments.

2-10 MinorityRepresentation(a) Exceptasspecificallyprovidedinthissection,themaximum

numberofmembersofaTownBody,whetherelectedorappointed,whoaremembersofthesamepoliticalpartyshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSection9-167aoftheGeneralStatutes.Inaddition,themaximumnumberofalternatemembersforanygivenboardorcommissionshallalsoconformtotheprovisionsof9-167a.ToWit:

TotalMembership MaximumforOneParty

3 2

4 3

5 4

6 4

7 5

8 5

9 6

morethan9 2/3rdsoftotalmembership

(b) Exceptionsareasfollows:

(1) LegislativeCouncil:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveontheLegislativeCouncil

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shallnotexceed3ofthe4memberselectedfromeachLegislativeCouncilDistrict.

(2) BoardofEducation:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveontheBoardofEducationshallnotexceed4.

(3) PoliceCommission:ThenumberofmembersofanyonepoliticalpartywhomayserveonthePoliceCommissionshallnotexceed3.

(4) BoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHall:AteachregularTownElection,2membersoftheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallshallbeelected,neitherofwhommaybemembersofthesamepoliticalparty.

(5) BoardofFireCommissioners:ProvidedmembersareappointedassetforthinthisCharter,theBoardofFireCommissionersshallbeexemptfromtheprovisionsforminorityrepresentation.

(6) BoardofEthics:Atnotimeshallmorethan3regularmembersandonealternatememberoftheBoardofEthicsbeofthesamepoliticalparty.

(7) PublicBuildingandSiteCommission:ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionshallhavenomorethan4membersandonealternatememberfromonepoliticalparty.

(8) JusticesofthePeace:ThepoliticalaffiliationofJusticesofthePeaceshallbedeterminedasprovidedintheGeneralStatutes[seeSection9-183a,etseq.].

(c) AsprovidedinSection9-167aoftheGeneralStatutes,minorityrepresentationlimitationsinSubsection2-10(a)shallnotapplytoregionalbodies.

2-15 TermsandTermLimits(a) Thetermlengthsandtermlimits,ifany,foreveryelected

official,electedorappointedmemberofTownBodiesaresetforthinsectionsestablishingsaidofficeorTownBody.

(b) ThetermsofofficeofallelectedofficialsshallcommenceontheDecember1stfollowingtheirelectionunlessotherwise

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providedbyaspecificprovisionofthisCharterortheGeneralStatutes.Eachelectedofficialshallholdofficeuntilasuccessoriselectedandhasqualified.

(c) ThetermsofofficeofmembersofallappointiveTownBodiesshallcommenceonJanuary7thexceptfortheTrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrarywhosetermsshallcommenceonJuly1st,orasotherwiserequiredbylaw.

(d) ThetermsofappointmenttoanyappointiveTownBody,excepttheBuildingAppealsBoard,shallnotexceed4years.

(e) ThetermsofmembersseatedonappointiveTownBodiesshallbeestablishedtoexpire,asnearlyaspossible,atregularlystaggeredannualintervals,unlessotherwiseprovidedbythisCharterorbytheGeneralStatutes.

2-20 OfficersoftheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions,andAuthorities

(a) TheFirstSelectmanshallbethechairmanandshallpresideovermeetingsoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheFirstSelectmanshallnotbeanofficeronanyotherTownBody.

(b) AllotherTownBodiesshallelectfromtheirnumberachairmanduringthefirstmeeting.

(c) ThemembersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallalsoelectfromtheirnumberavicechairmanduringthefirstmeeting.

(d) TheBoardofEducationmayelectavicechairmanandshallelectasecretaryfromitsmembers.

(e) AllotherTownBodiesmayelectavicechairmanandasecretary.

2-25 Voting(a) ItshallbethedutyofeverymemberpresentatanyTown

Bodymeetingtovoteaffirmativelyornegativelyoneachquestionraised.Shouldamemberhaveaconflictofinterest,saidmembershallrefrainfromdiscussionandvoting.Thereasonfortheconflictofinterestneednotbestatednormadepartoftherecord.

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2-30 VacanciesontheLegislativeCouncil,Boards,Commissions,andAuthorities

(a) Avacancyshallbecreatedintheeventthatanyoneofthefollowingoccur:thedeathofamember;theresignationsubmittedbyamemberandfiledwiththeTownClerk,whoshallimmediatelynotifytheChairoftheaffectedTownBody;amemberceasestomeettheeligibilityrequirementsasdescribedinSection2-05;or,forappointiveboards,amemberisremovedforcause.Thevacancyshalltakeeffectonthedateofsuchevent.

(b) ShouldamemberoftheLegislativeCouncilmovefromoneLegislativeCouncilDistricttoanother,suchamoveshallnotconstitutethecreationofavacancyprovidedthatthememberotherwiseremainseligibleforTownoffice.Shouldthemember’sseatbecomevacatedsubsequenttosuchmove,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberappointedfromthedistrictfromwhichthememberwasoriginallyelected.

(c) IfapersonvacatinganelectiveTownBodyshallhavebeenelectedasamemberofapoliticalparty,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberofthesamepoliticalparty.

(d) IfapersonvacatinganappointiveTownBodywasappointedasamemberofapoliticalparty,thevacancyshallbefilledbyamemberofthesamepoliticalpartyorbyanunaffiliatedResidentElector.Ifthenewlyappointedmemberisanunaffiliatedelectorandmustvacatehisappointment,thepersonappointedtofillsuchavacancymustbeeitheranunaffiliatedelectororamemberofthesamepoliticalpartyasthepersoninitiallyappointed.

2-31 ProceduresforFillingVacanciesinElectedTownBodies

(a) LegislativeCouncil:AvacancyorvacanciesontheLegislativeCouncilshallbefilledfortheremainderofthetermfromamongeligibleResidentElectorsintheLegislativeCouncilDistrictoftheformermemberasfollows:

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(1) Within30daysofvacancy,bymajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncilmembersofthesamepoliticalpartyoftheformermember;

(2) After30days,bymajorityvoteoftheremainingmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilregardlessofpartyaffiliation.

(3) ShouldallseatsontheCouncilbesimultaneouslyvacant,thenaspecialelectionshallbecalledtofillallseats.

(b) BoardofSelectmen:AvacancyorvacanciesontheBoardofSelectmenshallbefilledinthemannerprescribedbySection9-222oftheGeneralStatutes.

(c) ForallotherelectedTownBodies,avacancyorvacanciesshallbefilledasfollows:

(1) Within30daysofvacancy,byamajorityvoteoftheremainingmembersoftheTownBody;

(2) From31to60daysofvacancy,byappointmentoftheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.

(3) Shouldthenumberofvacanciesleavelessthanamajorityofthemembership,theFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,within30days,shallfillallexistingvacancies.

2-32 ProceduresforFillingVacanciesinAppointiveBoardsandCommissions

(a) VacanciesinofficesoriginallyappointedbytheFirstSelectmanshallbefilledasfollows:

(1) Within45daysbytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,or

(2) After45daysbytheremainingmembersofsuchboardorcommissionsubjecttotheprovisionsofSections2-05and2-10ofthisCharter.

(b) AllvacanciesintheCyreniusH.BoothLibraryBoardofTrusteesotherthanthoseseatsoriginallyappointedbythe

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FirstSelectmanshallbefilledinaccordancewiththeby-lawsoftheLibraryBoardofTrustees.

(c) VacanciesintheBoardofFireCommissionersshallbefilledinaccordancewithSubsection2-235(b)ofthisCharter.

2-35 UseofAlternates(a) Intheabsenceofoneormoreregularmembersandalternate

membersexist;presentregularmembersoftheTownBodyshalldesignatealternate(s)toactintheabsentmembers’place.Alternatesshallbechoseninrotationsothattheyshallactasnearlyequalanumberoftimesaspossible.

2-40 RemovalforCause(a) AmemberofanappointiveboardortheBuildingInspector,

TownAssessororTaxCollectormayberemovedforcausebytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.

(b) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,shalladoptapersonnelpolicyestablishingprocedures,consistentwithdueprocess,forremovalforcause.

(c) Within30daysfromsuchremoval,anypersonsoremovedmay,inwriting,requestahearingbeforetheLegislativeCouncil.Suchhearingshallbeheldwithin15daysfromthedatesuchrequestismadeandsuchpersonmayappearatthehearingwithcounsel.Aftersuchhearing,thedecisionoftheBoardofSelectmenmaybereversed,modifiedorupheldbysaidLegislativeCouncil,providedsaidLegislativeCouncilactsnolaterthan30daysaftertheconclusionofsuchhearing.

2-45 Compensation(a) TheTownClerkshallreceiveasalaryinlieuofallfeesand

othercompensation.TheTownClerk’ssalaryshallbesetfromtimetotimebytheLegislativeCouncil.

(b) TheRegistrarsofVotersshallreceiveasalaryassetfromtimetotimebytheBoardofSelectmen.

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(c) ThesalaryfortheFirstSelectman’stermshallbesetbytheLegislativeCouncilduringthebudgetmakingprocessofeachoddnumberedyear.Thesalarymaybefixedatdifferentratesforeachyearoftheterm.Thesalaryshallnotbechangedduringthetermofoffice.

(d) Themembersofelectedandappointedboards,commissions,andauthorities,excepttheFirstSelectman,shallservewithoutcompensation.Necessaryexpensesincurredintheperformanceoftheirdutiesmaybepaidfromanappropriationauthorizedforthepurpose.

2-50 AdministrativeClerks(a) AllTownBodiesshallhaveanadministrativeclerk.Such

clerks,asauthorizedbythisCharter,shallkeepminutesofmeetings,recordallmotions,votesandactionsoftheirassignedTownBody,preparetheagendaandnoticesofallregularandspecialmeetingsorcancellationofsaidbodyatthedirectionofitschairmanandperformsuchotherdutiesassuchchairman,fromtimetotime,shalldirect.

2-100 ElectedBoards,Commissions,andOfficersThereshallbethefollowingelectedboards,commissions,andofficers.

2-105 LegislativeCouncil(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Allofthelegislative

powersoftheTownconferredbytheGeneralStatutesonLegislativeBodiesshallvestintheLegislativeCouncilwiththeexceptionofthoseitemsspecificallyenumeratedtootherTownBodies.TheCouncildeterminestheannualTownBudgetandconsidersSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsassetforthinCHAPTER6.TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertoenact,amendorrepealordinancesassetforthinCHAPTER5.

(b) MembershipandTerms:

(1) TheLegislativeCouncilshallconsistof12members,4ofwhomshallbeelectedfromeachof3Legislative

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CouncilDistricts,establishedinaccordancewithSection3-10ofthisCharter.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbetwoyears.

(c) TheLegislativeCouncil,fromtimetotime,mayadoptrulesofproceduretogovernitsfunctionsnotinconsistentwiththerequirementsofthisCharter,providedsuchrulesareadoptedbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes.

(d) Meetings–TheLegislativeCouncilshalladheretothefollowing:

(1) ThefirstmeetingofthenewlyelectedLegislativeCouncil,chairedbytheTownClerk,shallbeheldwithin6daysafterthememberstakeoffice.

(2) Regularmeetingsshallbeheldtwiceamonth,exceptwhenthereisnobusinesstoconduct.ThechairmanshallnotifytheTownClerkandthemembershipofthecancellation.Thechairmanmaycallspecialmeetingsasdeemednecessary.

(3) NoticeshallbegiventoallmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilofthetimeandplaceatwhichallregularandspecialmeetingsaretobeheld.Eachnoticeshallincludethemeetingagendaandshallbedeliveredatleast3daysbeforethemeetingandfiledwiththeTownClerkandmadeavailableforpublicinspection.

(4) TheLegislativeCouncilmayholdanemergencymeetingattheimmediatecallofthechairman.Themeetingshallbesubjecttoratificationofthechairman'sdecisionthatanemergencyexistedbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes.Thenatureoftheemergencyshallbesetforthfullyintheminutesofthemeeting.

(5) SevenmembersoftheLegislativeCouncilshallconstituteaquorumatallmeetingsforthetransactionofbusiness.

(6) TheagendaofeachregularorspecialmeetingoftheLegislativeCouncilshallbepreparedbythechairman.Theagendashallalsoincludeanymatteroritem,includingwithoutlimitationanyactionorordinance,set

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forthinawrittenrequestfiledwiththechairmannotlessthan7dayspriortosuchmeetingby:

(i) AnymemberoftheLegislativeCouncil;

(ii) TheFirstSelectman;or

(iii) Notlessthan80ResidentElectorsoftheTown.Anysuchrequestfiledby80ResidentElectorsshallcontaintheresolutionorordinanceonwhichactionissought.Priortoappearingonanagenda,theresolutionorordinanceshallbesubmittedtotheTownAttorney,bythechairmanoftheLegislativeCouncil,forhisopinionastothepoweroftheLegislativeCounciltoactthereon.Suchopinionorapprovalshallnotbeunreasonablydelayed.

(7) AnyResidentElectoroftheTownmayspeakduringaportionofeachregularorspecialmeetingonanymatterontheAgendaofthatmeetingoranyotheritem,subjecttosuchconditions,rulesandregulationsasmaybeestablishedfromtimetotimebytheLegislativeCouncil,includingtherighttolimitpublicparticipationintheworkingsessionsonthebudget.

(8) SubjecttoappropriaterulesoforderadoptedbytheLegislativeCouncilandConnecticutlawonfreedomofinformation,mattersnotontheagendamaybediscussed.NoactionshallbetakenbytheLegislativeCouncilonanymatterunlessitappearsontheagendasenttoLegislativeCouncilmemberswiththenoticeofthemeetingunlessemergencyactionisrequiredatanyregularorspecialmeetingatwhichitisfoundbyatleasteight(8)affirmativevotesthatanemergencyexistsoratanemergencymeetingcalledassetforthinSubsection2-105(d)(4).

2-110 FirstSelectman(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities: TheFirstSelectman

shallbetheChiefExecutiveandAdministrativeOfficeroftheTownandshallhavethepowersanddutiesofFirstSelectmenprescribedbythisCharterandtheGeneralStatutes.

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(b) TheFirstSelectmanshallberesponsibletotheBoardofSelectmenfortheadministrationofdepartmentsunderthedirectsupervisionoftheBoardandshallexecuteorcausetobeexecutedregulationsorresolutionsvotedbytheBoardofSelectmenandTownordinancesvotedbytheLegislativeCouncil.

(c) TheFirstSelectmanmaydeclare,byresolution,astateofemergency,shouldheorshefindthatastateofemergencyexistswithintheTown,requiringimmediateactiontoprotectthehealth,safetyorgeneralwelfareofthecitizens.Theresolutionshallincludetheexactnatureoftheemergencyandbesimultaneouslypublishedbythemosteffectivemeansavailable.Thedeclarationshallbeeffectiveforaperiodoftimenottoexceed5calendardays.TheemergencydeclarationmaybeextendedbyanaffirmationbytheLegislativeCouncilthatastateofemergencystillexists.AnyactionsnecessarytodealwithsuchemergencyproposedduringanextensionshallbeapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncil.TheFirstSelectmanshalltakesuchactionsasareinthebestinterestoftheTown.

(d) AtthefirstmeetingfollowingtheTownElection,theBoardofSelectmenshallchooseamemberoftheBoardwhoshallserveasActingFirstSelectmanduringtheabsence,incapacityordisabilityoftheFirstSelectman.SuchpersonshallperformalldutiesduringsuchtimeastheBoardmaydesignatebyresolutionorregulation.

2-115 BoardofSelectmen(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof

SelectmenshallsupervisetheadministrationoftheaffairsoftheTown,exceptthosematterswhichbytheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterareexclusivelycommittedtotheBoardofEducationorotherTownBodies.TheBoardofSelectmenshallalsoberesponsibleforcoordinatingtheactivitiesofallthedepartmentsoftheTownandforreviewingthepresentandfutureneedsoftheTown.

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(1) TheBoardofSelectmenshallconsistoftheFirstSelectmanandtwoSelectmen.


(c) TheBoardofSelectmenmayexerciseanyofthepowersconferredontownsbytheGeneralStatutestotheextentthattheLegislativeCouncilhasnotalreadyactedbyordinanceorresolutiononsuchsubjectsandtotheextentthatsuchpowershavenototherwisebeengrantedorlimitedbythisChartertootherTownBodiesorofficers.

(d) ExceptforthepowersgrantedtotheBoardofEducationbytheGeneralStatutes,theBoardofSelectmenshallhavesolepower,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisCharterandtheGeneralStatutesto:

(1) IncurindebtednessinthenameoftheTownandtoprovideforthedueexecutionofevidencesofindebtednessissuedbytheTown,subjecttotheprovisionsofSection7-10ofthisCharter,

(2) ProvideforthedueexecutionofcontractsfortheTown,subjecttotheprovisionsofSubsection7-15(e)ofthisCharter,

(3) Institute,prosecuteorcompromiseanylegalactionorproceedingbyoragainsttheTown,subjecttotheapprovaloftheLegislativeCounciland,whenrelevant,theaffecteddepartmentorTownBody,

(4) DefendtheTownbylegalactionorproceeding,

(5) ApplyforanyfinancialassistancebytheStateofConnecticutandtheUnitedStatesGovernmentincludinggrantstofundanyappropriation,subjecttotheprovisionsofSection6-40ofthisCharter,

(6) Take,purchase,lease,sell,orconveytangiblepersonalpropertyoforfortheTown.RealPropertyAcquisitionandDispositionisaddressedinCHAPTER8,

(7) Acceptpublichighways,toapprovethelayoutofpublichighwaysandrelateddrainage,slopeorothereasements,

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toapprovetheAcquisitionofrealpropertyorinterestsinrealpropertyforthepurposeofwideningorrealignmentofexistingpublichighwaysandtograntutilityeasementsacrosstown-ownedpropertyforthegoodoftheTown,

(8) Discontinueanytown-ownedpublichighway,

(9) RequiresuchreportsfromanyTownBodyasmaybeusefulintheperformanceofitsduties,

(10) SubmitannuallytotheBoardofFinanceaproposedbudgetforthenextfiscalyearsubjecttotheprovisionsofSubsection6-05(b)ofthisCharter.

(e) TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenmay,byresolution,establishsuchadvisoryorstudycommitteesastheyfinddesirableinthedischargeoftheirduties.

(f) TheBoardofSelectmenshallhaveregularmeetingsandprovideaprocedureforcallingspecialmeetings.

(g) AmajorityoftheBoardofSelectmenshallconstituteaquorumforthetransactionofanybusiness.

(h) TheBoardofSelectmenmaycalljointmeetingswithotherTownBodies,byresolutionorregulation,asmaybeusefulintheperformanceofitsdutiessubjecttotheprovisionstheGeneralStatutes.

2-120 BoardofEducation(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof

EducationshallprovideandmaintaingoodpublicelementaryandsecondaryschoolsandshallprovidesucheducationalactivitiesasinitsjudgmentwillbestservetheinterestsoftheTown.TheBoardofEducationshallperformallactsrequiredofthembythisCharterorasnecessarytocarryintoeffectthepowersanddutiesimposeduponthembylaw.


(1) TheBoardofEducationshallconsistof7members.

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(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.

2-125 BoardofFinance(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofFinance

recommendsabudgetproposalandsubmitsittotheLegislativeCouncilforfinalactionassetforthinSection6-15. Inaddition,theBoardadvisestheBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationduringthebudgetprocessandallTownBodiesonpreferredfinancialpracticesandobligations.TheBoardofFinancealsoreviewsandassessesfinancialoperationsincludingtransfers,regularandSpecialAppropriations.


(1) TheBoardofFinanceshallconsistofsixmembers.


2-130 PlanningandZoningCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePlanningand

ZoningCommissionisresponsibletopromotetheorderlyandcoordinateddevelopmentoftheTown.TheCommissioncontrolsanddirectstheuseanddevelopmentofpropertyintheTown.ThePlanningandZoningCommission,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisCharter,shallhaveallofthepowersanddutiesconferredandimposedbytheGeneralStatutesuponbothPlanningandZoningCommissions.ItactsasthePlanningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtownandshall,totheextentthatitissoempoweredbyordinanceoftheBoroughofNewtown,actasZoningCommissionfortheBoroughofNewtown.


(1) ThePlanningandZoningCommissionshallconsistof5membersandthreealternates.

(2) Thetermofofficeformembersandalternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.

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2-135 TownClerk(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownClerkis

responsibleforadministrativeworkfortheTownincludingthemaintenanceandsafe-keepingofavarietyofofficialmunicipaldocuments;issuanceofvariouslicensesandpermits;andtherecordingofvariousdocumentsandvitalstatistics.


(1) ThereshallbeoneTownClerk.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryears.

(c) TheTownClerkshallexercisethepowersandperformthedutiesofaTownClerkasprovidedbytheGeneralStatutesexceptashereinafterprovidedandshallperformsuchotherdutiesasrequiredbythisCharter.

(1) ThereceiptstobepaidtotheTownClerkshallbecollectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterorordinancesofthisTownandshallbedepositedwiththeFinanceDirectoroftheTown.

(2) TheTownClerkshallalsokeeparecordofreceipts,whichshallshowtheamountsthereofandforwhatreceived.

2-140 RegistrarsofVoters(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheRegistrarsof

Votersareresponsibleforvoterregistrationandtheadministrationofallelections.Theyalsoassistcandidates,thepublic,andthepartiesinthepreparationofspecializedvoterlistsandindividualrequestsforvoterinformation.


(1) ThereshallbetwoRegistrarsofVotersfortheTownatlarge,onefromeachpoliticalparty.


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2-145 BoardofAssessmentAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardof

AssessmentAppealsshallhearanddecideappealsfrompropertyownersregardingtheassessmentoftheirpropertyasandwhenprovidedbytheGeneralStatutes.


(1) TheBoardofAssessmentAppealsshallconsistofthreemembers.


2-150 BoardofManagersofEdmondTownHall(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofManagers

oftheEdmondTownHallshallhavetheexclusivecareandmaintenanceofEdmondTownHallandallgroundsandbuildingsappurtenanttheretoandshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.98ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.517ofthe1953sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.


(1) TheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallshallconsistofsixmembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbesixyears.

2-155 ZoningBoardofAppeals(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheZoningBoardof

AppealshaspowersasprovidedinSection8-6oftheGeneralStatutes,includingbutnotlimitedtograntingvariancesofzoningregulationsandhearingappeals.


(1) TheZoningBoardofAppealsBoardshallconsistoffivemembersandthreealternates.

(2) Thetermofofficeforthemembersandthealternatesshallbefouryearsandtwoyears,respectively.

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2-160 BoardofPoliceCommissioners(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofPolice

CommissionersshallmaintainaPoliceDepartmentintheTownandshallappointaChiefofPolice.Inaddition,theBoardofPoliceCommissionersservesasthetrafficauthorityoftheTown.


(1) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallconsistoffivemembers.


(c) TheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshall,subjecttobudgetarylimitations,haveallofthepowersnoworhereaftergrantedtoBoardsofPoliceCommissionersbytheGeneralStatutesand,inadditiontoandnotinlimitationthereof,shallhavethepowerto:

(1) MakealltheregulationsnecessarytoorganizeandmaintainthePoliceDepartmentincluding,withoutlimitation,theestablishmentofrankswithinsaidDepartmentandthedutiesandresponsibilitiesofeachsuchrank.

(2) AppointandpromotemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentinaccordancewithsaidregulations.Suchmembersandofficersshallcontinuetoholdofficeduringgoodbehavior.

(3) SuspendandremovemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentforcauseinaccordancewithsaidregulations.AviolationoftheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofPoliceCommissionersshallbesufficientcauseforremoval.

(d) TheChiefofthePoliceDepartmentshallnotbedismissedunlesswrittennoticeofthespecificgroundsforsuchdismissalisgiven,aswellasanopportunitytopresentadefense,personallyandbycounsel,atapublichearingbeforetheBoardofPoliceCommissioners.Suchpublichearingshallbecommencednotlessthan5normorethan10daysafter

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suchnotice.AnypersonsodismissedmayappealinthemannerdescribedbySection7-278oftheGeneralStatutes.

(e) ThemembersandofficersofthePoliceDepartmentshallhavetheauthoritywithrespecttotheserviceofcriminalprocessandtheenforcementofthecriminallawsasvestedbytheGeneralStatutesinofficersandmembersofanorganizedpolicedepartmentorforce.

2-200 AppointiveAuthorities,Boards,CommissionsandOfficers

2-201 GeneralProvisions(a) Boardandcommissionmembersandauthoritydelegates

shallbeappointedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenunlesshereinafterspecified.Allappointmentstofillunexpiredtermsshallbeforthedurationofsaidunexpiredtermonly.

(1) AFirstSelectmanwhosepositionasFirstSelectmanwillendasaresultofnotbeingre-electedtotheofficeshallnotmakeappointmentsfromthedateoftheTownElectiontotheendofhis/herterm.TheperiodfromtheTownElectiontothebeginningofthenexttermshallnotbecountedinthe45daysreferredtoinSubsection2-32(a).

(b) Appointiveboards,otherthanthoserequiredbythisofthisCharter,maybecreated,abolishedandconsolidated;theirpowersanddutiesestablished,alteredandrepealed;andthenumberandtermsofofficeoftheirmembersestablishedandchangedbyordinance.

(c) AppointiveboardsrequiredbythisCharterorhereaftercreatedbyordinanceotherthantheBoardofFireCommissionersandtheBoardofEthicsmay,intheirdiscretion,appointassociatemembers,withvoicebutwithoutvote,fortermsnolongerthanthetermsofmembersoftheappointingboard.

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2-205 Aging,Commissionon(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

CommissiononAgingtoadvocateforseniorsandidentifytheneedsofandcoordinateservicesandprogramsthatsupportthewell-beingofNewtownseniorresidentsandactastheiragentforotherFederal,StateorTownboards,commissions,authoritiesoragenciesorlocalprivategroupstocarryoutprogramsforseniorresidents.


(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof9regularmembersand3alternatemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyearsforregularmembersandtwoyearsforalternatemembers.

2-210 BuildingAppealsBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheBoardofBuilding

Appealsshallhearappealsrelatedtoallbuildingmatters.


(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedoffivemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefiveyears.

(c) NomemberofsaidBoardshallvoteonanyquestionconcerningamatterinwhichheisengagedasacontractor,materialdealer,architectorengineer,orinwhichhehasapersonalinterest.

2-215 ConservationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

ConservationCommission,asestablishedbyordinance,forthedevelopmentandconservationofnaturalresourceswithintheterritoriallimitsoftheTown.TheCommissionshalladviseontheappropriateuseandmanagementofthenaturalresourcesfortheTown.


(1) TheCommissionshallconsistof7members.


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2-220 CulturalArtsCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownCultural

ArtsCommissionshallexisttostimulate,facilitate,coordinateandcooperatewithexistingorganizationsforthedevelopmentofthearts.Itshallserveasaninformationcenterandfocalpointinthecommunityforactivitiesrelatedtothearts.


(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofninemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbethreeyears.

2-225 EconomicDevelopmentCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbean

EconomicDevelopmentCommissionwhichwillseektoimplementorderlyandplannedeconomicdevelopmentwhilealwayskeepinginmindthecharacteroftheTown.


(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers


2-230 Ethics,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofEthicsshall

administertheCodeofEthics,receiveandhearcomplaintsofviolationsofTheCodeofEthicsandrespondtorequestsfrompublicofficialsseekingadviceontheconformityofactionswiththeCodeofEthicsassetforthinCHAPTER9.


(1) TheBoardofEthicsshallbecomposedofsixregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.


(3) Membersshallservenomorethantwoconsecutiveterms.InnoeventmayanymemberservesaidBoardmorethaneightyearsinsuccession.AnymemberhavingservedsaidBoardforeightyearsinsuccessionshallbe

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ineligibleforreappointmentfortwoyearsafterlastservingonsaidBoard.

(4) Eachmembermayserveuntilhis/hersuccessorhasbeenappointed.

(c) Aquorumshallconsistoffourmembers.

2-235 FireCommissioners,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:BoardofFire

Commissionersshalloperate,superviseandmanagetheNewtownFireDepartment.TheNewtownFireDepartmentconsistsofallthevolunteerfirecompanieslocatedwithintheTownandunderthesupervisionandmanagementofaBoardofFireCommissioners.


(1) ThereshallbeaFireDepartmentconsistingofallthevolunteerfirecompanieslocatedwithintheTown,undertheoperation,supervisionandmanagementofaBoardofFireCommissioners.SaidBoardshallbecomposedof7membersunlessincreasedinaccordancewithSubsection2-235(b)(1)(iii).Membersshallbechoseninthefollowingmanner:

(i) Eachvolunteerfirecompany,inaccordancewithitsby-lawsandregulations,shallappointonememberofsaidBoard.

(ii) ThefullmembershipoftheBoardshallmeetandappointciviliancommissionersasmaybenecessarytoconstitutethefullmembership.AppointedcivilianmembersshallnotbemembersofanyTownfirecompany.

(iii) EachnewvolunteerfirecompanyadmittedtotheFireDepartmentshallbeentitledtoappointoneadditionalnewmemberofsaidBoardandsaidBoardshallalsoappointoneadditionalnewcivilianmemberinthemannerprescribedinSubsections2-235(b)(1)(i)and(ii).

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(iv) ShouldavolunteerfirecompanyfailtoappointamemberofsaidBoard,thecommissionersshallwithin30daysappointacivilianmembertofillthevacancywhoshallnotbeamemberofanyfirecompany.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbeforthreeyears.

(c) TheBoardofFireCommissionersshallberesponsibleforthefinancialmanagementoftheFireDepartmentandforthesupervisionandcareofTownapparatusandequipmentusedbytheFireDepartment.Itmaysetspecificationswhichshallbefollowedinthepurchaseofapparatus,equipmentandsuppliesbytheTownfortheFireDepartment.

(d) Theorganization,government,membershipandmanagementoftheFireDepartmentshallbeinaccordancewiththeby-lawsandregulationsofthedepartmentsineffectontheeffectivedateofthisCharter.Suchby-lawsandregulationsmaybeamendedbytheBoardofFireCommissioners.Amendmentstotheby-laws,however,shallbecomeeffectiveonlyonapprovalbyamajorityofthevolunteerfirecompanieswhicharemembersoftheFireDepartment.

(e) TheBoardofFireCommissionersshallappointafiremarshalandmayappointdeputyfiremarshalsandfirepolicemen,whoshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedfortheirofficesbytheGeneralStatutesorbyordinance.

2-240 InlandWetlandsCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbean

InlandWetlandsCommissionwhichshallactastheTown’sAquiferProtectionAgency;establish,amendandadministertheInlandWetlandsandWatercoursesRegulations;andadministertheForestPracticesRegulationsoftheTown.


(1) TheCommissionshallconsistofsevenmembers.


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2-245 JusticesofthePeace(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thepowersand

responsibilitiesoftheJusticesofthePeaceincludebutarenotlimitedtogeneraloathgivingpowers,takingofacknowledgments,joiningpersonsinmarriage,andtakingdepositions.


(1) Thereshallbe15justicesofthepeaceselectedinaccordancewithandhavingthepowersanddutiesprescribedbytheGeneralStatutes.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbe4years.

2-250 ParksandRecreationCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheParksand

RecreationsCommissionshallbechargedwiththecare,managementandsupervisionofallpublicparksandotherareassetasidebytheTownforrecreationalpurposesordonatedtotheTownforsuchuse.ItshallundertakeanddevelopsuchrecreationalprogramorprogramsastheneedsoftheTownrequire,providedthereisanappropriationorprivatedonationshavebeenreceivedforthispurpose.


(1) TheParksandRecreationCommissionshallconsistof7members.


(c) TheParksandRecreationCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.

2-255 PensionCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:Thereshallbea

PensionCommittee,asestablishedbyordinance,whichshallperformthedutiessetforthintheOtherPost-EmploymentBenefits(OPEB)TrustAgreement,asamendedfromtimetotime,relatingtothemanagementoftheassetsheldintheOPEBTrust.TheCommissionshallhaveotherpowersand

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dutiesconsistentwiththeGeneralStatutesandasprescribedbyordinance.


(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofsevenmembers.


2-260 PublicBuildingandSiteCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicBuilding

andSiteCommissionshallhavecontrolofsupervisionandconstructionofbuildingprojectsincludingtheimprovementoflands,majornewconstruction,alterationsorextensions,furnishingorequippingofabuildingtobeusedforpublicpurposes.ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionmaydeclinethesupervisionofaprojectwhenitdeterminesthatthepublicinterestwouldbebetterservedbyassigningsupervisiontooneormorequalifiedentities.


(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofsevenmembersandtwoalternatemembers.

(2) Thetermofofficeshallbefouryearsforbothmembersandalternates.

(c) ThePublicBuildingandSiteCommissionisempoweredtoappointadhoccommitteestoassistwithspecialprojects.

2-265 PublicSafetyCommittee(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:ThePublicSafety

CommitteeshallreviewcorrectionalsafetyandsecurityissuesatGarnerCorrectionalFacilitywhichaffecttheTown.


(1) TheCommitteeshallbecomposedofthewardenorsuperintendentofthecorrectionalfacility.OtherrepresentativesshallbefilledbytheFirstSelectmaninaccordancewithSubsection2-201(a)ofthisCharter.

(2) RepresentativesappointedbytheFirstSelectmanserveathisorherpleasure.

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2-270 Self-FundedHealthInsuranceFundCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSelf-Funded

HealthInsuranceFundCommissionshallbethestewardsoftheSelf-FundedHealthInsuranceFund.


(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofthreeregularmembersandtwoalternatemembers.


2-275 SustainableEnergyCommission(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheSustainable

EnergyCommissionshallidentify,implement,andsupportrenewableenergyuse,energyefficiency,andenergyconservationprogramsinwhichtheTown'sresidents,businesses,organizations,andTownagenciescanparticipateandthatmayresultincostsavingstotheTownorschooldistrict.


(1) TheCommissionshallbecomposedofninemembers.


2-280 TrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,Boardof(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheCyreniusH.Booth

LibraryshallbeoperatedbytheBoardofTrusteesandtheTrusteesshallhavethestatus,powersanddutiessetforthinSpecialActNo.108ofthe1931sessionoftheGeneralAssemblyasamendedbySpecialActNo.110ofthe1959sessionoftheGeneralAssembly,whichactsshallremaininfullforceandeffect,excepttotheextentsupersededorrevisedbythisCharter.


(1) TheBoardofTrusteesshallconsistof16membersofwhicheightshallbeappointedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.Theremaindershallbeelectedbythevoteoftheremaining

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Trusteespresentandvotingatameetingwarnedforthepurpose.


2-285 WaterandSewerAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheWaterandSewer

Authorityshallplananddirectthedevelopment,acquisition,financing,construction,operationandmaintenanceofsuchwatersupply,waterdistributionsystems,andseweragesystemsasmayberequiredtoproperlyservetheneedsoftheTown.


(1) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofsevenmemberstwoofwhomshallbemadeontherecommendationoftheBoardofBurgessesoftheBoroughofNewtown.


2-300 RegionalAuthoritiesandBoards2-305 LakeLillinonahAuthority

(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshallparticipateintheLakeLillinonahAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.


(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeLillinonahwithintheirterritoriallimits.

(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.


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2-310 LakeZoarAuthority(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheTownshall

participateintheLakeZoarAuthoritytoexerciseallpowersrelatingtoimprovingwaterquality,theenforcementofboatinglawsonsaidlake,andsuchotherpowersasfromtimetotimemaybegrantedtotheAuthoritybythelegislativebodiesofallmembertownsandSection7-151aoftheGeneralStatutes.


(1) MembertownsshallbetheTownofNewtownandcanbeothertownshavingLakeZoarwithintheirterritoriallimits.

(2) TheAuthorityshallbecomposedofthreedelegatesfromeachmembertown.


2-315 NewtownHealthDistrictHealthBoard(a) SummaryofGeneralResponsibilities:TheNewtownHealth

DistrictHealthBoardshallpreserveandimprovethestatusofpublichealthby(1)upholdingandenforcingthePublicHealthCodeoftheStateofConnecticutandsuchordinancesandregulationsasmaybeadoptedbytheDistrictBoardofHealthand(2)workingwithotherprovidersofhealthservicesinthedistricttobettercoordinateexistingprogramsandtoplanandimplementnewhealthprograms.


(1) Eachmunicipalityand/orBoroughwhichhasvotedtobecomepartoftheDistrictshall,byitsBoardofSelectmen,appointarepresentative(s),basedonpopulation,toserveontheDistrictBoardofHealthandmayappointanalternatetoserveintheabsenceofsaidrepresentative(s).


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CHAPTER3 ELECTIONSANDREFERENDA3-05 TownElections

(a) TheelectionofTownofficialsshalltakeplaceattheTownElectionduringsuchhoursasareestablishedbytheGeneralStatutes.

(b) SpecialelectionsmaybeheldinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.

3-10 LegislativeCouncilDistricts(a) Thereshallbe3districtsfromwhichLegislativeCouncil

membersareelected.

(b) ThedistrictsaspresentlyestablishedshallcontinueuntiltheassemblyandsenatorialdistrictsoftheStateofConnecticutarerevisedinaccordancewithArticleThird,Section6oftheConstitutionofConnecticut.

(1) Within60daysofthecompletionofsaidrevision,theRegistrarsofVotersshallprepareproposedLegislativeCouncilDistrictlinesfor3districtshavingasnearlyequalpopulationasispracticable.

(2) Within6monthsofthecompletionofeachsuchassemblyandsenatorialredistricting,theLegislativeCouncilshalladopt,byatleastseven(7)affirmativevotes,finalLegislativeCouncilDistrictlines.

3-15 ElectionofBoardsandCommissions(a) AteachregularTownElection,thereshallbeelected:

(1) aBoardofSelectmenconsistingoftheFirstSelectmanand2Selectmen;

(2) aLegislativeCouncilconsistingof4membersfromeachLegislativeCouncilDistrictasestablishedinSection3-10;

(3) aBoardofFinanceconsistingofsixmembers;

(4) threealternatemembersofthePlanningandZoningCommission;

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(5) threealternatemembersoftheZoningBoardofAppeals;and

(6) twomembersoftheBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHall.

(b) AteachregularTownElectionmembersoftheBoardofEducation,thePlanningandZoningCommission,BoardofAssessmentAppeals,ZoningBoardofAppeals,andthePoliceCommissionshallbeelectedandthenumbertobeelectedshallbedeterminedbythenumberofmemberswhosetermsexpireonorbeforetheDecember1staftertheelection.

(c) AttheregularTownElectionfollowingthePresidentialElection,theTownClerkshallbeelected.

(d) AtthePresidentialelection,thereshallbeelectedRegistrarsofVoters.

3-20 ElectionsforVacatedSeats(a) Allvacanciesinelectiveofficeshallbefilledatthenext

regularTownElectionexceptwhereprohibitedbytheGeneralStatutesorataspecialelectioncalledasprovidedinSection9-164oftheGeneralStatutesbytheBoardofSelectmanorbyapplicationofResidentElectors.

(b) ThepersonappointedpursuanttoSection2-31tofillavacancyinanelectiveofficeshallserveonlyuntilasuccessoriselectedtofillthevacancyataspecialelectionoratthenextregularTownElectionandhasqualified.Apersonelectedtofillavacancyandapersonappointedtofillavacancy,whichisnottobefilledatthenextregularTownElectionbecausesuchelectionisprohibitedbytheGeneralStatutes,shallservetheremainderoftheterm.

3-25 Referendum(a) AnAnnualTownBudgetReferendum[seeSection6-25]

shallbeheldonthefourthTuesdayofAprilforadoptionoftheTownBudget.Ifnecessary,additionalbudgetreferendashallbeheldasprovidedinSubsection6-25(b).TheLegislativeCouncilmayrecommendareferendumtoapproveSpecialAppropriationsorRealProperty

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DispositionsinexcessoftheLegislativeCouncil’sauthorityasestablishedinSubsection6-35(e).

(b) Thereshallbearightofpetitionforareferendumfromanyofthefollowing:

(1) anySpecialAppropriationmadebytheLegislativeCouncilpursuanttoSection6-35ofthisCharter;

(2) anyproposedordinancerejected,enacted,modifiedandenacted,orrepealedbytheLegislativeCouncilpursuanttoSection5-05ofthisCharter;and

(3) anyvotebytheLegislativeCounciltoacquire,reserveordisposeofRealPropertyoraninterestinRealPropertytakeninaccordancewithSubsections8-05(b)and8-10(d)ofthisCharter.

(c) TheexclusiveproceduretoobtainareferendumauthorizedbySubsection3-25(b)shallbebypetitionsignedbyatleast5%oftheResidentElectorslistedinthelast-completedregistrylistandfiledwiththeTownClerknolaterthanthecloseofbusinessontheseventhdayfollowingthedateonwhichtheLegislativeCouncilacted.ThesevendayperiodcommencesonthedaythatnoticeoftheactionoftheLegislativeCouncilisfiledwiththeTownClerk,unlessthenoticeisfiledafter12nooninwhichcasetheperiodwillcommenceonthenextbusinessday.

(d) TheformofanypetitionshallbesubmittedtotheTownClerkpriortobeingcirculatedandshallincludethefollowing:

(1) TheentireresolutionacteduponbytheLegislativeCouncilthatthepetitionersdesiretohaveacteduponbyreferendum.

(2) AstatementoftheactiontheLegislativeCounciltookwithregardtosuchresolution.

(3) AstatementthattheundersignedpetitionersareopposedtotheactionoftheLegislativeCouncilandpetitionthattheresolutionbepresentedtothevoters.

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(4) Acirculator'sstatementmeetingtherequirementsoftheGeneralStatutesshallappearoneverysheetonwhichapetitioner'ssignatureappears.

(5) Thedateonwhichthecirculatorbegantocirculatethepetitionshallbesetforthinthestatementofthecirculator.

(e) NosignaturesonanypetitioncirculatedpriortothetakingofactionbytheLegislativeCouncilshallbecountedindeterminingwhethersufficientsignatureshavebeenreceivedtoforceareferendum.

(f) UponreceiptofatimelyfiledpetitionforreferendumtheTownClerkshallimmediatelydeterminethenumberconstituting5%ofthelast-completedregistrylist,verifywhetherornotsaidnumberofelectorshavesignedsuchapetitionandreportsaidfacttotheBoardofSelectmen.

(g) UponnoticefromtheTownClerkthatapetitionbearingsufficientverifiedsignatureshasbeenreceived,theBoardofSelectmenshallwarnareferendumtobeheldnotlessthan7normorethan14daysafterthereceiptofsaidpetitionbytheTownClerk,5ormoredayspriortothedateofthereferendumaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b).Incomputingsaid5days,thedayofthereferendumshallbeexcluded,butthedayofpublication,Saturdays,Sundaysandlegalholidaysshallbeincluded.EligibilitytovoteatareferendumshallbedeterminedbySection7-6oftheGeneralStatutes.Thereferendumshallbeheldbetweenthehoursof6:00A.M.and8:00P.M.onthedatesetbytheBoardofSelectmen.

(h) ThequestiontobevoteduponbyreferendumshallbethesameresolutionaswasacteduponbytheLegislativeCouncil,withoutamendment.

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CHAPTER4 ADMINISTRATIVEOFFICERS4-05 FinanceDirector

(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandtheLegislativeCouncilandwithrecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance,shallappointaFinanceDirectortoanindefiniteterm.TheFirstSelectman,BoardofSelectmen,BoardofFinance,andLegislativeCouncilshallchooseandconsiderallcandidatesforthepositionofFinanceDirectorsolelyonthebasisofsuchcandidate'sprofessionalqualifications,character,training,andexperienceinthefieldoffinancialmanagement.

(b) TheFinanceDirectorshallreporttotheFirstSelectmanasprovidedinSubsection2-110(b)ofthisCharter.

(c) TheFinanceDirectorshall:

(1) KeepallbooksofaccountoftheTownandshallestablishandmaintainageneralcostaccountingsystemforallTownDepartments,consistentwithallStateLawsandsubjecttotheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncil;

(2) HaveallofthepowersanddutiesimposedbytheGeneralStatutesorbyspecialactorlawontowntreasurers,andshallbeTreasurerofallfundsheldbytheTown;

(3) ReceiveandhavecustodyofallfundsbelongingtoorunderthecontroloftheTownoranyTownDepartmentorofficerandshallmakesuchdepositsorinvestmentsasheorshedeemsinthebestinterestoftheTownwithinthelimitsimposedonsuchdepositsorinvestmentsbytheGeneralStatutes;

(4) DeterminewhentoissueauthorizednotesorbondsconsistentlywiththeprovisionsofSection7-10;

(5) ApproveordisapproveofrequisitionsorotherrequestsfordisbursementsofTownfundsasprovidedforinSection7-15;NodisbursementsofTownfundsshallbemade,exceptasauthorizedbytheFinanceDirector;

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(6) PrepareandkeepadetailedbudgetdocumentduringthedifferentphasesoftheAnnualBudgetProcessasdescribedinSection6-10;

(7) PrepareFinancialImpactStatementsforSpecialAppropriations,giftsorfinancialassistance,andRealPropertyAcquisitioninaccordancewithSections6-35,6-40,and8-05;

(8) Maintaina5yearcapitalimprovementplaninaccordancewiththeregulations[seeSubsection5-10(b)]oftheLegislativeCouncilandsubmitanupdatedversionofsuchplantotheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilnolaterthanthefifteenthdayofJanuaryeachyear;

(9) Prepareacostanalysisofalllaborcontracts,pensionplansandinsuranceplanspriortothesigningofanysuchcontractsorplans;and

(10) AssistinalllabornegotiationsservingasaconsultanttothelabornegotiatorsrepresentingtheTown.

(d) TheFinanceDirector,withtheapprovaloftheFirstSelectmanandBoardofSelectmenandwithinthelimitsoftheavailableappropriations,mayhirequalifiedemployeesanddelegatespecificfunctionsoftheaforesaidduties.However,heorsheshallatalltimesremainfullyresponsibleforcarryingoutthedutiesandresponsibilitiesimposedbythisCharter.

(e) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandwiththeapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilafterahearingbeforetheCouncil,mayremovetheFinanceDirectorfromoffice,withorwithoutcause.

4-10 TaxCollector(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

Selectmen,shallnominateandappointaTaxCollectortoatermof4yearscommencingthefirstdayofFebruaryof1990andeveryFebruaryfirstevery4yearsthereafter.TheFirstSelectmanandtheBoardofSelectmenshallchooseandconsiderallcandidatesforthepositionofTaxCollector

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solelyonthebasisofsuchcandidate'sprofessionalqualifications,character,trainingandexperience.TheTaxCollectorneednotbearesidentoftheTown.Thepersonappointedtofillthevacancyshallservethebalanceoftheunexpiredterm.TheTaxCollectorshallhavethepowers,dutiesandcompensationsetforthintheprovisionsofSubsection4-10(b)ofthisCharter.

(b) TheTaxCollectorshallexercisethepowersanddutiesofaTaxCollectorasprovidedbytheGeneralStatutes,exceptashereinafterprovided,andshallperformsuchotherdutiesasrequiredbythisCharter.ThereceiptstobepaidtotheTaxCollectorshallbecollectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheGeneralStatutesorthisCharterorordinancesofthisTownandshallbedepositedwiththeFinanceDirectoroftheTown.TheTaxCollectorshallalsokeeparecordofreceipts,whichshallshowthenameofeachpersonfromwhommoneyisreceived,theamountsthereof,andforwhatreceived.Theexpensesoftheofficewillbeprovidedforintheusualbudgetarymanner.

(c) TheTaxCollectorshallreceiveasalaryinlieuofallfeesandothercompensation.

4-15 TownAssessor(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

Selectmen,shallappointanAssessortoatermof4yearswhoshallbechosensolelyonthebasisofprofessionalqualifications,character,trainingandexperience.TheAssessorneednotbearesidentoftheTown.Expirationofeach4yeartermshallbecomputedfromexpirationoftheinitialtermonFebruary28,1972.Thepersonappointedtofillavacancyshallservethebalanceoftheunexpiredterm.TheAssessorshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedfortheofficebyordinanceandtheGeneralStatutes.

(b) Thedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheoffice,theminimumqualificationsforofficeandthemethodstobeusedintheselectionoftheAssessor,includingmethodsandagenciesofadministrationofprofessionalexaminations,shallbeprescribedbyordinance.

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4-20 BuildingInspector(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

Selectmen,shallappointaBuildingInspector.TheBuildingInspectorshallhavethequalificationsprescribedbytheGeneralStatutesandshallhavesuchotherqualificationsasmaybeprescribedbyregulationoftheBoardofSelectmen.TheBuildingInspectorshallhavesuchpowersanddutiesasmaybeprescribedbyordinanceandbytheGeneralStatutes.

4-25 TownAttorney(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

Selectmen,mayappointoneormoreTownAttorneystofurnishsuchlegalservicestoanyTownBodyastheFirstSelectmanauthorizes.

(b) TheLegislativeCouncilchairmanmayappoint,withtheapprovaloftheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil,anattorneytofurnishlegalservicestotheLegislativeCouncil.

4-30 EmergencyManagementDirector(a) TheEmergencyManagementDirectorshallbeappointedin

accordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.

4-35 DepartmentofPublicWorks(a) ThereshallexistwithintheTownaDepartmentofPublic

WorksadministeredbysuchemployeeshavingsuchsupervisoryandadministrativefunctionsasmaybedeterminedbytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen.TheDepartmentofPublicWorksshallperformsuchfunctionsregardingtheconstructionandmaintenanceofhighwaysandtheconstructionandmaintenanceoftown-ownedbuildingsandgrounds,otherthantheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theEdmondTownHallandbuildingstheoperationandcontrolofwhichisvestedintheBoardofEducation,asareassignedtoitbytheBoardofSelectmen.NothinghereinshallbedeemedtolimittheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,fromhiringindependentcontractorstoperformsuchmaintenance

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andconstruction.TheDepartmentofPublicWorksshallperformsuchmaintenanceontheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theEdmondTownHallandbuildingssubjecttotheoperationandcontroloftheBoardofEducationasisrequestedbytheTrusteesoftheCyreniusH.BoothLibrary,theBoardofManagersoftheEdmondTownHallandtheBoardofEducation,providedfundshavebeenappropriatedortransferredtotheaccountoftheDepartmentofPublicWorksasarenecessarytofulfilltherequestsofsaidTrusteesandBoards.

4-40 Employees(a) TheFirstSelectmanmayestablishhoursofwork,setwages

orsalarieswithintherangesetbytheBoardofSelectmen,andhire,suspendordismissemployeesoftheTown,exceptemployeesoftheBoardofEducationandemployeeswhoseemploymentandremovalareotherwiseprovidedforbythisCharterorbytheGeneralStatutes.TheFirstSelectmanmay,bywrittenorder,delegatethispowertootherdepartmentsoftheTownwithrespecttoemployeesofsuchdepartments.

(b) UniformproceduresfortherecruitmentandremovalofanyclassofemployeeswhichtheFirstSelectmanmayhire,suspendordismiss,ageneralmeritsystemandapensionplanforemployeesoftheTownmaybeestablishedbyordinance.

(c) AllappointedemployeesoftheTownotherthanthosewhoworkfortheBoardofEducationshallreporttotheFirstSelectmanforadministrativepurposes.

(d) Anyemployee,otherthantheFinanceDirector,whohasbeensuspendedordismissedbytheFirstSelectmanandforwhomnogrievanceprocedureisprovidedinacollectivebargainingagreementmaywithin15daysofhisremoval,requestinwritingahearingbeforetheBoardofSelectmenwhichhearingshallbeheldwithin15daysfromthedateofreceiptofsuchrequest.Theemployeemayappearatthehearingwithcounsel.TheBoardofSelectmenshall,within15daysaftertheconclusionofthehearing,acttoaffirm,modifyorreversetheactionoftheFirstSelectman.

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4-45 RegularConstables(a) Notmorethan7constablesshallbeappointedbytheFirst

SelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenforatermof2yearswithnomorethanabaremajorityfromanyonepoliticalparty,andtheyshallhavethepowersanddutiesprescribedforconstablesbythisCharterandtheGeneralStatutes.

4-50 OtherOfficersandDepartments(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

Selectmen,shallappointsuchotherofficers,committeesorcommissionsasarerequiredbytheGeneralStatutes.

(b) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,mayappointsuchotherofficersasareauthorizedbytheGeneralStatutesorbyordinance,subjecttotheprovisionofnecessaryappropriations.

(c) TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenmayestablishandmaintain,subjecttotheprovisionofnecessaryappropriations,otherdepartmentsfortheadministrationoffunctionsoftheTown.

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CHAPTER5 LEGISLATIVEPROCESSES5-05 Ordinances

(a) TheLegislativeCouncil,bymajorityvoteconsistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes,shallhavethepowertomake,alterandrepealordinancesnotinconsistentwiththeConstitutionorGeneralStatutesortheprovisionsofthisCharter,fortheexecutionofthepowersnoworhereinaftervestedintheTownforthegovernanceoftheTownandmanagementofitsaffairs,thepreservationofgoodorderandforthepeace,health,welfareandsafetyofitsinhabitantsandtheprotectionandsecurityoftheirproperty.

(b) PriortoactiononanordinancebytheLegislativeCouncil,itshallconductapublichearingatwhichallpersonsinterestedshallbegivenareasonableopportunitytobeheardontheproposedordinance.

(c) Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceofsaidhearingandthefulltextofanyproposedordinanceshallbepublishedinanewspaperhavingasubstantialcirculationintheTownatleast10daysbeforethedayonwhichsuchhearingistobeheld.

(d) ActionbytheLegislativeCouncil,eitherrepealing,enacting,ormodifyingandenacting,orrefusingtoenactaproposedordinanceshallbetakenwithin30daysofthehearingheldthereon.

(e) FollowingactionbytheLegislativeCouncil,noticeofsaidactionshallbeaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)within21daysofsuchLegislativeCouncilactionandfiledwiththeTownClerk.Iftheordinancewasmodifiedandenactedasmodified,noticeofsuchactionshallincludepublicationofthefulltextoftheordinanceasenacted.

(f) Anyordinanceenactedshallnotbecomeeffectivesoonerthan14daysafterthedateofpublicationofsuchnoticeand,ifnootherdateisgivenastheeffectivedateofsuchordinance,shallbecomeeffectiveonthefifteenthdayafterpublication.IfareferendumiscalledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSubsection3-25(c)ofthisCharter,theeffective

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dateofsuchordinanceshallbesuspendeduntilthedateofthedayafterthereferendum.

(g) TheTownmayenactordinancesrelativetoanymatteronwhichtheTownisempoweredtoactbylaw.IftheBoroughofNewtownhasenactedanordinanceonthesamesubject,theordinanceenactedbytheTownshallapplyonlytotheportionsoftheTownoutsidetheBorough.

5-10 Regulations(a) WhereregulationsoftheLegislativeCouncilareauthorized

bythisCharter,theyshallbeadopted,amendedorrepealedbymajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncil,consistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.Anyproposedregulation,amendmentorrepealshallbereferredtotheBoardofSelectmenforcommentorconsultationpriortoaction.AsimilarreferenceshallbemadetotheBoardofEducationorotherTownBodyifitsinterestsisaffected.AllregulationsregardingfinancialmattersshallbereferredforreviewandrecommendationtoormayoriginatefromtheBoardofFinancepriortoaction.ReferralscanbeactedonbytheLegislativeCouncilafter90days.SuchfinancialregulationsshallalsobereferredtotheBoardofSelectmanandtheFinanceDirectorpriortoaction.

(b) ThedevelopmentoftheregulationgoverningthefiveyearCapitalImprovementPlanandanysubsequentamendmentstotheregulationshallbethedutyoftheLegislativeCouncilwiththerecommendationoftheBoardofFinance.

(c) FollowingactionbytheLegislativeCouncil,thefulltextoftheregulationadoptedorasamendedshallbefiledwiththeTownClerkwithin10daysofsuchaction.Regulationsenactedoramendedshallbecomeeffectiveonthefifteenthdayaftersuchaction.

5-15 EmergencyOrdinances(a) AnyprovisionofthisChartertothecontrary

notwithstanding,theLegislativeCouncilmaybytheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)ofitsmembers,enactemergencyordinanceswithoutapublichearingandwithout

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publicationorothernoticepriortoenactmentandwithouttherightofthevoterstopetitionforareferendum.ThereasonsforsuchemergencyshallbestatedexplicitlyinthevoteoftheLegislativeCouncilenactingsuchordinanceandthepreambleoftheordinanceshallsetforththeexistenceandnatureoftheemergencyandthattheenactmentoftheordinanceisnecessaryfortheimmediateprotectionofthepeace,health,welfareorpropertyofthecitizensoftheTown.AnemergencyordinanceshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponthenoticethereofaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)anduponfilingofthesamewiththeTownClerk.Anemergencyordinanceshallceasetobeeffectiveupontheexpirationofaperiodof60daysafteritspublicationunlesstheordinanceshallbereenactedpriortotheexpirationofsaidperiodinaccordancewiththerequirementssetforthinSection5-05ofthisCharter,whichactionshallbesubjecttotherightofreferendumassetforthinSubsection3-25(b)ofthisCharter.

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CHAPTER6 BUDGETPROCESSES6-01 GeneralProvisions

(a) ThefollowingtermsshallhavethemeaningascribedtotheminthereferencedsectionofthisCharter:

(1) BoardofEducationBudget–Subsection6-05(a),

(2) FirstSelectman’sBudget–Subsection6-05(b),

(3) BoardofSelectmenBudget–Subsection6-05(b),

(4) RecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget–Subsection6-15(c)(3),

(5) TownBudget–Subsection6-20(c),

(6) AnnualTownBudgetReferendum–Subsection6-25(a),

(7) SpecialAppropriation–Subsection6-35(a),

(8) EmergencyAppropriation–Subsection6-35(a).

6-05 PreparationoftheBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetProposals

(a) NotlaterthanFebruary14th,insuchformandwithsuchsupportingdataastheBoardofFinanceshallrequire,theBoardofEducationshallsubmittotheBoardofFinanceanitemizedestimateofexpendituresproposedfortheprovisionandmaintenanceofgoodpublicelementaryandsecondaryschoolsandanitemizedestimateofallrevenueotherthanTownappropriationstobereceivedbytheBoardofEducationforitsuseduringthenextfiscalyear(the“BoardofEducationBudget”).

(b) AtsuchtimeandinsuchmannerastheFirstSelectmanmayrequire,everyTownDepartmentotherthantheBoardofEducationshallpresenttotheFirstSelectmananitemizedestimateoftheexpenditurestobemadebyandrevenuestobereceivedbysuchdepartmentsduringthenextfiscalyear.AftersuchrevisionsastheFirstSelectmanmaymake,theFirstSelectmanshallsubmitacomprehensiveestimateofexpenditures(the“FirstSelectman’sBudget”)totheBoardof

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SelectmenbyFebruary1st.TheestimatesshallbeaccompaniedbysuchotherreportsandinformationastheBoardofSelectmenmayrequire.TheBoardofSelectmenshallthenrevisetheestimates,asitdeemsdesirable,andsubmittherevisionstotheBoardofFinanceinsuchformandwithsupportingdataastheBoardofFinanceshallrequirenolaterthanFebruary14th,(the“BoardofSelectmenBudget”).

6-10 RoleoftheFinanceDirector(a) TheFinanceDirectorshalladviseallTownDepartments

participatinginthebudgetprocessatsuchtimesandmannerastheymayreasonablyrequest.

(b) TheFinanceDirectorshallcreateandmaintainabudgetdocumentthroughoutthebudgetprocessdescribedinSections6-05through6-25.SaiddocumentshallbecomprisedoftheproposedBoardofSelectmenBudgetandasinglelineitemrepresentingtheproposedBoardofEducationappropriation.Estimatedrevenues,includingsourcesofsuchrevenues,andanestimatedtaxlevyshallbeaddedbytheFinanceDirectortothebudgetdocument.

(c) TheFinanceDirectorshallberesponsibleforcausingthepublicationoftheproposedorrecommendedbudgetswheneverpublicationisrequiredbytheprovisionsofthisCharter.

6-15 FinancialReviewoftheProposedBudgetsbytheBoardofFinance

(a) TheBoardofFinanceshallconductapublichearingnotlaterthanthefirstWednesdayinMarchontheproposedbudgetsandatsaidhearingoranyadjournmentthereofitshallhearallpersonseligibletovoteasdefinedinSection7-6oftheGeneralStatueswhomaydesiretobeheardrelativetotheproposedbudgets.

(b) TheproposedbudgetsshallbenoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)notlaterthanfive(5)dayspriortosaidhearing.Thepublicationshallincludetheproposedbudgetsshowinginparallelcolumns,foreachitem,thesumbudgeted

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forthecurrentfiscalyear,thesumexpendedforthepriorfiscalyearandthesumproposedforthenextfiscalyearandtheestimatedtaxrateforthenextfiscalyear.

(c) TheBoardofFinanceshallholdworkingsessionsandshallrevisetheproposedbudgetsasitdeemsdesirable.TheBoardofFinanceshall:

(1) Makesuchchangesinanyestimatesorappropriationscontainedintheproposedbudgetsasitmaydeemproper;

(2) Addappropriationsorestimatedrevenuesnotcontainedintheproposedbudgets;and

(3) ApproveacompletefinancialplanfortheoperationsoftheTownforthenextfiscalyear(the“RecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget”)whichshallcontainatleastthefollowing:

(i) Asimple,clear,generalsummaryofthecontents,showingestimatedrevenuesandtotalappropriationsequalinamount;

(ii) Theproposedexpendituresindetailincludingprovisionsforanyadjustmentstotheunassignedfundbalanceforthepriorfiscalyear,fordebtservicerequirements,andforallotherexpendituresforthenextfiscalyear,includinganappropriationforcontingenciestobemetfromcurrentrevenues.AllproposedexpendituresshouldbeclassifiedinsuchmannerastheBoardofFinancedeemsdesirable;

(iii) Theestimatedproposedrevenuesandtheamountrequiredfromtaxes,whichshallbetheamountsexpectedtobereceivedduringthenextfiscalyear;and

(iv) Anitemizedcomparativestatementbyclassificationofallactualexpendituresandreceiptsduringthelastcompletedfiscalyearandthebudgetappropriationsforthecurrentfiscalyearasrevisedtoarecentspecifieddate,togetherwithestimatedrevenuesforthecurrentfiscalyear.

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(d) TheBoardofFinanceshallsubmittotheLegislativeCouncilitsRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetforthenextfiscalyearbyMarch14th,

6-20 PreparationoftheProposedTownBudgetbytheLegislativeCouncil

(a) UponreceiptoftheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallcausesufficientcopiesthereoftobemadeavailableforgeneraldistributionintheofficeoftheTownClerkandshallholdapublichearingthereonnotlaterthanthelastWednesdayinMarcheachyear.Atleastfive(5)dayspriortosaidhearing,anoticeofthepublichearingtogetherwithasummaryofthebudgetrecommendedbytheBoardofFinanceshowingproposedexpenditures,anticipatedrevenuesbymajorsources,andtheamountofrevenuetoberaised,shallbenoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b).

(b) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethefollowingpowerswithrespecttoapprovalofanyitemintheproposedTownBudget:

(1) Itshallhavethepowertoreduceanyitembyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes;

(2) ItmayincreaseanyitemoradditemsabovethoseprovidedintheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetbyanaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8);and

(3) TheLegislativeCouncilmayonlyaddorincreaseitemsuptotheamountsincludedintheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetsinclusiveofanyamendmentsmadeinSubsection6-20(f).

(c) NolaterthanthesecondWednesdayinApril,theLegislativeCouncilshallapproveaproposedTownBudgettobesubmittedforfinaladoptionattheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum(the“TownBudget”).IftheLegislativeCouncilshallnothaveapprovedaproposedTownBudgetonorpriortosaiddate,thentheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetshallbesubmittedforadoptionattheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.

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(d) IftheBoardofFinanceshallfailtosubmitaRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgettotheLegislativeCouncilbyMarch14th,thentheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgetsshallbeconsideredbytheLegislativeCouncil.TheLegislativeCouncilshallholdapublichearingonthebudgetsproposedbytheBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducation,togetherwithestimatedrevenues,aftergivingnoticeandpublication,allassetforthinSubsection6-20(a).TheLegislativeCouncilshallhave,whenconsideringandactingupontheproposedBoardofSelectmenandBoardofEducationBudgets,thesamepowersgrantedtotheBoardofFinanceundertheprovisionsofSubsection6-15(c),andshallexercisesaidpowersbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.

(e) IftheLegislativeCouncilapprovesaprojectintheCapitalImprovementPlanforappropriationandfundingforanamountthatexceedstheLegislativeCouncil’sauthority,asestablishedinSubsection6-35(e),theLegislativeCouncilshalluseitsbesteffortstohavetheappropriationfortheprojectaddedtotheballotfortheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.

(f) PriortothefinalapprovalofaproposedTownBudgetbytheLegislativeCouncil,theBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationmayamendtheproposedbudget(s).

(1) PriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum,amendmentsshallbesubmittedtotheBoardofFinance.IftheamendmentsareapprovedbytheBoardofFinance,theLegislativeCouncilshallvoteontheamendmentsasiftheywerepartoftheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget.OtherwisetheamendmentsshallbevotedonbytheLegislativeCouncilasreductions,increasesoradditions,asthecasemaybe,underSubsection6-20(b).

(2) Priortosubsequentbudgetreferenda,ifany,amendmentsmadebytheBoardofSelectmanand/ortheBoardofEducationtobudgetproposalsshallnotbeexceededbytheLegislativeCouncil.

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6-25 AnnualTownBudgetReferendum(a) TheproposedTownBudgetshallbesubmittedforadoption

atareferendumtobeheldonthefourthTuesdayofAprilbetweenthehoursof6:00A.M.and8:00P.M.(the“AnnualTownBudgetReferendum”).NoticeoftheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumandanysubsequentreferenda,asmaybeneeded,andtheproposedTownBudgettogetherwiththemilrateestimatedtobenecessarytofundsaidbudget,shallbefiledbytheLegislativeCouncilwiththeTownClerkandnoticedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)atleastfive(5)dayspriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum.AttheAnnualTownBudgetReferendum,theproposedTownBudgetshallbevotedonastwoappropriations;onefortheBoardofSelectmen,andonefortheBoardofEducation.Thetwoappropriationsshallbeapprovedindividuallybyamajorityvote.ThequestionsontheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballotshallbeasfollows:

Shallthesumof$____ beappropriatedfortheBoardofSelectmenforthefiscalyear?

Shallthesumof$____ beappropriatedfortheBoardofEducationforthefiscalyear?

TheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballotsshallincludetwoadvisoryquestionsasfollows:

Iftheproposedsumof$____fortheBoardofSelectmenisnotapproved,shouldtherevisedbudgetbehigher?”

Yes______

No______

Iftheproposedsumof$____fortheBoardofEducationisnotapproved,shouldtherevisedbudgetbehigher?”

Yes______

No______

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(b) Intheeventoneappropriationfailsandoneisapproved,theappropriationthatisapprovedshallbeconsideredadopted.IntheeventthatamajorityofthosevotingdonotapproveoneorbothappropriationsoftheproposedTownBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallamendonlythenon-approvedappropriationorappropriationsofthebudget.

(1) TheLegislativeCouncilshallreconsiderandamendtheproposedTownBudgetwithinseven(7)calendardays.WhenamendingtheBoardofSelectmenBudget,theLegislativeCouncilshallconferwiththeFirstSelectmanandmembersoftheBoardofSelectmen.WhenamendingtheBoardofEducationBudget,itshallconferwithmembersoftheBoardofEducation.TheLegislativeCouncilshallrequestadditionalfinancialrecommendationsfromtheBoardofFinance.

(2) TheLegislativeCouncilshallactonchangestoaproposedTownBudgetnotapproved,inwholeorinpart,atabudgetreferendumasfollows:

(i) Itshallhavethepowerbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotestoreduceanyitemorincreaseanyitemuptotheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudget.ToincreaseanyitemabovetheRecommendedBoardofFinanceBudgetshallrequireamajorityofatleasteight(8)affirmativevotes;

(ii) TheLegislativeCouncilmayonlyaddorincreaseitemsuptotheamountsincludedintheproposedBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationBudgets,inclusiveofanyamendmentsmadeinSubsection6-20(f).

(3) TheamendedproposedTownBudgetshallbefiledwiththeTownClerkandpresentedforadoptionbyvoteatareferendum,pursuanttoSubsection6-20(a),notmorethanfourteen(14)daysfollowingthedatetheproposedTownBudgetwasfiledwiththeTownClerk.Theballotforeachsuccessivereferendumshallincludetheapplicableadvisoryquestion(s).

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(c) WhenanappropriationoftheproposedTownBudgetisapprovedbyreferendumvote,theactionisfinalandnotsubjecttoadditionalreferenda.Similarlyifoneorbothappropriationsofthebudgetfail,Subsection6-25(b)shallberepeateduntilbothappropriationsareapprovedbyreferendumvote.

(d) Whenapartorpartshavebeenapprovedbymajorityvote,theBoardofSelectmenandtheBoardofEducationshallamendtheproposedBoardofSelectmenortheproposedBoardofEducationBudgettoreflectthevoterapprovedappropriations.Saidamendedbudgetsshallbeavailableforpublicinspection.

(e) IntheeventaTownBudgethasnotbeenadoptedbyJuly1st,theTownmaylevy,collectandexpendanymoniesinthemannerprovidedforintheGeneralStatutes.

6-26 LocalQuestionsonBallot(a) TheLegislativeCouncil,withamajorityvoteofatleastsix(6)

affirmativevotes,mayplacelocalquestionsontheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumballot.

6-30 LayingofTaxes(a) FollowingtheadoptionoftheTownBudgetforthenext

fiscalyear,theLegislativeCouncilshallmeetand,withdueprovisionforestimatedanduncollectibletaxes,abatementsandcorrections,shalllaysuchtaxonthelastcompletedGrandListatamilratethatshallbesufficient,withtheincomefromothersources,tomeettheestimatedexpensesoftheTownforthenextfiscalyear.ThetaxlaidshallbebasedonfactsknownandestimatesmadeatthetimetheLegislativeCouncilactsandmaybedifferentfromthemilrateestimatedpriortotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumoranysubsequentreferendumeventhoughthebudgetadoptedisthesameasthebudgetrecommendedtotheAnnualTownBudgetReferendumoranysubsequentreferendum.

(b) TheTaxCollectorshallcollectthetaxinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutes.Taxesshallbedelinquentandinterest

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chargedinaccordancewiththeGeneralStatutesandanyamendmentsthereto.Realestatetaxbillsshallbedueandpayablein2semi-annualinstallments,July1andJanuary1.

6-35 SpecialandEmergencyAppropriations(a) A"SpecialAppropriation"isanyappropriationofadditional

fundsmadeduringafiscalyearthatissupplementaltoanadoptedTownBudgetorcapitalproject.An"EmergencyAppropriation"isanappropriationrequiredforanunforeseenorextraordinaryeventorthreattopublichealth,safety,orwelfare.TheBoardofFinanceshallmakearecommendationregardingaproposedSpecialAppropriation,butsucharecommendationisnotrequiredforanEmergencyAppropriation.

(b) ArequestforaSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationmaybeinitiatedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenorbytheLegislativeCouncil.Therequestshallincludeanestimateofthefundsrequired,thereasonstherefore,andaproposedmethodoffinancing.Methodsoffinancinginclude,withoutlimitation,issuingnotesorbondsoftheTownorlayingaspecialtaxontheGrandListlastcompleted.TheFinanceDirectorshallprepareaFinancialImpactStatementforrequestsforSpecialAppropriations.

(c) IftheFirstSelectmaninitiatesanEmergencyAppropriationrequest,theappropriationmaybeapprovedbyamajorityvoteoftheLegislativeCouncil.IfinitiatedbytheLegislativeCouncil,theEmergencyAppropriationmustbeapprovedbytheaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil.

(d) TheLegislativeCouncilshallrequestfromtheBoardofFinancearecommendationastowhetherornotaSpecialAppropriationshouldbemade.TheBoardofFinanceshallprovidesuchrecommendationwithin90daysoftherequest.TheLegislativeCouncilmaygrantuptoanadditional90daysuponrequest.Aftersaidnumberofdays,theCouncilmayactontherequestwithoutarecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance.

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(e) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertomakeSpecialandEmergencyAppropriations,inanamountnotinexcessof$1,500,000foranyonepurposeduringafiscalyear.Saidamountshallbecumulativeduringthefiscalyearastoallappropriationsrelatedtosaidpurpose.ThetotalofSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsmadebytheLegislativeCouncilforallpurposesduringafiscalyearshallnotexceedanamountequaltoonemilonthemostrecentlycompletedGrandList.

(f) TheLegislativeCouncilshallhavethepowertomakeSpecialAppropriationsofanyamountthatarenecessarytoimplementagreementsreachedthroughtheprocessofcollectivebargaining.

(g) TheLegislativeCouncilshallrecommendtoaTownreferendumallSpecialandEmergencyAppropriationsthatequalorexceedtheLegislativeCouncil’sauthority.

(h) TheBoardofFinanceshallrecommendtotheLegislativeCouncilamethodoffinancingtheSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationthatshallbeincludedbytheBoardofSelectmeninthewarningofthereferendum.InthecaseofanEmergencyAppropriationandtheBoardofFinanceisunabletomakesuchrecommendation,theFinanceDirectormaymakesaidrecommendation.

(i) IfaSpecialorEmergencyAppropriationisvotedforapurposerequiringtheexpenditureorencumbranceoffundsduringafiscalyearforwhichanannualbudgethasbeenadoptedbutthetaxhasnotyetbeenlaidinaccordancewithSubsection6-30(a)ofthisCharter,itmaybefinancedbybeingincludedinthemilrateforsaidfiscalyear.

6-40 GrantsorOtherFinancialAssistance(a) Grantsandotherformsoffinancialassistance,whetherfrom

theStateofConnecticut,theUnitedStatesoranyothersource,shallbesubjecttoreviewfortheirfinancialimpactontheTown.TheFinanceDirectorortheTownDepartmentrequestingagrantorotherformoffinancialassistanceshallsubmitaFinancialImpactStatementtotheBoardofFinanceandtheLegislativeCouncilthatevaluates

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theimpactofthecommitmentsandtheconditionsrequiredoftheTownbythegrantorfinancialassistanceonpresentandfutureTownBudgets,TownPlansforDevelopmentandCapitalImprovementPlans.TheImpactstatementshallbesubmittedandreviewedbeforeanyactionistakenthatcommitstheTowntoacceptsaidgrantorfinancialassistance.

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CHAPTER7 FINANCIALPROCESSES7-05 GeneralFinancialProcess

(a) ThefiscalyearoftheTownshallbeginonJuly1standendonJune30th.

(b) ThesystemofaccountsusedbytheTownDepartmentsshallbethatprescribedbytheGeneralStatutesassupplementedbyregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilandinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples.Theaccountingsystemshallincludeaseparateaccountforeachappropriationshowingtheamountoftheappropriation,theamountspaidortransferredtoit,theunpaidobligationsagainstitandtheunencumberedbalanceoftheappropriation.

(c) TheLegislativeCouncil,withrecommendationfromtheBoardofFinance,shallannuallydesignateanindependent,certifiedpublicaccountantorfirmtoauditthebooksandaccountsoftheTownasrequiredbytheGeneralStatutes.SaidannualauditshallbeacceptedbytheLegislativeCouncilwiththerecommendationoftheBoardofFinance.

(d) AllTownDepartmentsandofficersshallreportandremitallreceiptstotheFinanceDirectorasoftenasheorshemaydeemdesirablebutnotmoreoftenthandaily.

7-10 Bonding(a) TheFinanceDirectorshallseekbidsfromatleast3lending

institutionsforallborrowingsandthenetbidmostfavorabletotheTownmustbeacceptedunlesstheFinanceDirectorbelievesthatitisinthebestinterestoftheTowntorejectallsuchbids,inwhichcaseallsuchbidsmayberejected.TheFinanceDirectormaynegotiaterefundingandrestructuringofexistingbondswhenitisfinanciallyadvantageous.There-negotiationmaybedonewithoutsecuringbids.

(b) Everyresolutionfortheissueofbondsshallprovideforataxlevyforeachyeartomeetallserialinstallmentsofprincipalandinterestandsuchamountsshallbeincludedinataxlevyforeachyearuntilsaidbondshallhavebeenpaidinfull.

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7-15 Disbursements/Purchases(a) TheBoardofFinanceshallkeepunderreviewthebudgetof

theTownandshallbyregulationprescribeperiodicreportsofreceiptsandexpendituresforwhichpurposesaidBoardofFinanceshallhaveaccesstothebooksandrecordsofanyTownDepartment.

(b) TheregulationsadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilshallalsodesignatetheformsandproceduresforpurchaseorderstobedrawnontheFinanceDirectorbytheBoardofEducationandtheBoardofSelectmen.

(c) NeithertheBoardofSelectmennortheBoardofEducationshalldrawanyorderupontheTownunlesstheFinanceDirectorconfirmsthatthereareappropriationswithintherequestingTownDepartmenttocovertherequest.

(1) BeforeanyTownfundsareexpendedorencumberedoranycontractisenteredinto,arequisitionorotherformofexpenditureauthorizationrequestshallbesignedbythedepartmentheadorotherauthorizedpersonwhichthenshallbesubmittedtotheFinanceDirectorforapprovalandissuanceofapurchaseorder.Eachordershalldesignatetheobjectforandtheaccountuponwhichitisdrawn.

(2) TheBoardofEducationmaymaketransferswithinitsownbudgetandshallreporttransferswithinitsbudgetinwritingmonthlytotheFinanceDirector.

(3) WhenfundsappropriatedtotheofficeoftheFinanceDirectorarespentorencumbered,purchaseordersthereforshallbesignedbytheFirstSelectman.

(4) TheFinanceDirector,oranothermemberofthePurchasingAuthorityshallissueallTownpurchaseorders.Further,thepurchasingproceduresadoptedbytheBoardofFinanceandapprovedbytheLegislativeCouncilshallbefollowed.

(d) TheFinanceDirector,inconjunctionwiththeFirstSelectman,shallbethePurchasingAuthorityfortheTown.

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AllsuppliesandcontractsforservicesneededbyTownDepartmentsotherthantheBoardofEducationshallbeprocuredthroughthePurchasingAuthority.SuppliesandservicesneededbytheBoardofEducationmaybeprocuredthroughthePurchasingAuthoritywhenfeasible.

(e) NoofficerorTownDepartmentshallexpendorvotetoincuranyliabilityorexpensebycontractorotherwise,orenterintoanycontractthatwouldobligatetheTowntoexpendinexcessofanapproveddepartmentallineitemappropriation.ForthepurposeofthisCharter,alineitemmeansanyexpenditureforthecurrentfiscalyeartowhichtheBoardofFinancehasassignedanappropriationaccountnumber.AnyofficerormemberofaTownDepartmentwho,withoutauthorityfromthisCharterortheGeneralStatutes,expendsorcausestobeexpendedanymoneyoftheTown,exceptinpaymentoffinaljudgmentsrenderedagainsttheTown,shallbeliableinacivilactioninthenameoftheTown,asprovidedintheGeneralStatutes.

(f) Allsumsnotinexcessof$50,000whichmaybecomedueandpayabletotheTownoranyTownDepartmentbyvirtueofanylossordamagesufferedbypersonsorpropertyentrustedtothecare,supervisionormanagementofanysuchdepartmentshallbedepositedinaspecialaccountandsegregatedbytheFinanceDirector.Thereafter,theFinanceDirectorshallusesuchsumssosegregatedtopayanybillsincurredinthecourseofrepairingorreplacingsuchlossordamagebytheTownDepartmentinquestion,butsuchpaymentsshallnotexceedthelesseroftheamountofmoneysodepositedorthecostofrepairorreplacement.AnysuchmoneywhichisnotsoexpendedwithinoneyearfromthedateofitsdepositshallceasetobesegregatedfromthegeneralfundoftheTown,unlesstheTownDepartmentthathasincurredthelossordamage,notifiestheFinanceDirectorinwritingbeforetheexpirationofsaidyearthatsuchrepairsorreplacementshavebeencommencedorwillbecommencedwithin90daysandwillbecompletedonadatewhichwillbespecifiedintheaforesaidwrittennotice,nottoexceed18months.

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7-20 Transfers(a) Duringthefirst335daysofanyfiscalyear:

(1) TheFirstSelectmanandFinanceDirectormaytransferunexpendedandunencumberedbalancesofanyappropriationswithinadepartmenttoanotherappropriationforthesamedepartment,whichshallnotexceedthesumof$50,000.00.Alltransferswithinadepartmentthatexceedthesumof$50,000.00shallrequiretheapprovaloftheBoardofFinance.

(2) UpontherequestoftheBoardofSelectman,theBoardofFinancemaytransferanyunencumberedappropriation,balanceorportionthereoffromonedepartmenttoanother,whichshallnotexceedthesumof$200,000.00.Whentransfersbetweendepartmentsareproposedwhichexceed$200,000.00,theproposedtransfersrequirearecommendationbytheBoardofFinanceandtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.TheLegislativeCouncilshallnotconsidersuchproposedtransfersunlessaccompaniedbyarecommendationfromtheBoardofFinanceorunlesstheBoardofFinanceshallhavefailedtomakesucharecommendationwithinfifteen(15)daysafternotificationbytheFirstSelectmanoftheactiontakenbytheBoardofSelectmen.

(3) AllappropriationsortransfersfromacontingencyaccountrequirearecommendationbytheBoardofFinanceandtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.

(b) Afterthefirst335days,uponrequestoftheFinanceDirector,theBoardofFinanceshallhavethepowertotransfer,withoutlimitation,theunexpendedandunencumberedbalancesofanyappropriationforonedepartmenttoanappropriationforanotherdepartmentwiththeapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncil.

(c) NothingcontainedinSection7-20ofthisChartershallaffectanyappropriationcontainedin,ortransferswithin,thebudgetoftheBoardofEducation.

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7-25 FinancialImpactStatements

(a) TheLegislativeCouncilinitsregulationsshalldesignatetheformoftheFinancialImpactStatement.

(b) NoSpecialAppropriationshallbemade,nopurchase,grantnorgiftofrealortangiblepersonalpropertyshallbeacceptedbyanyTownDepartmentasprovidedinSections6-35,6-40,and8-05,untiltheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncilhavereceivedandhavehadthirty-fivedaystogivedueconsiderationtoaFinancialImpactStatement.

(c) FinancialImpactStatementsshallbepreparedbytheFinanceDirectorassetforthinSubsection4-05(c)(7).

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CHAPTER8 ACQUISTIONORDISPOSITIONOFREALPROPERTY

8-01 GeneralProvisions(a) Definitions:Thefollowingtermsshallhavethemeaning

ascribedtothembelow.

(1) RealProperty:Theterm“RealProperty,”asdefinedherein,shallincludeanytown-ownedparcelofland,structure,orinterestinsuchlandorstructures.ThetermRealPropertyshallnotincludeparcelswithanappraisedvalueoflessthan$20,000norleasesthathaveterms,withoptions,oflessthan5years.

(2) Acquisition:Theterm“Acquisition”shallinclude,withoutlimitation,the

(i) Receiptofrealpropertyasaresultofnon-paymentoftaxesorpropertyexchanges,

(ii) Acceptanceofgifts,withorwithoutconditions,

(iii) Acceptanceofaleasehold,or

(iv) Purchaseofrealproperty.

(3) Disposition:Theterm“Disposition”shallincludethesale,exchange,abandonment,orotherdispositionofRealPropertyandshallalsoincludeanydecisiontopermitleasesofRealProperty.TheDispositionofRealPropertyshallberestrictedto:

(i) RealPropertythatisnotneededformunicipalpurposesnoworintheforeseeablefuture,

(ii) RealPropertythatisrequiredtofacilitatetheAcquisitionofimprovedorunimprovedRealPropertyforaprojectalreadyfunded,or

(iii) RealPropertythatisnotunderthemanagementofanotherTownBody,asprovidedforinthisCharter.

(b) TheTownshallhaveallthepowerssetforthintheGeneralStatutesandinthisChartertoacquireanddisposeofRealProperty.Detailedprocessesorproceduresforthe

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AcquisitionandDispositionofRealPropertyshallbeprovidedforinTownordinances.Ifsuchordinancesarenotavailable,theLegislativeCouncilshallinitiatethecreationofsuchordinanceswithin60daysoftheeffectivedateofthisCharter.SuchordinancesshallbeconsistentwithrequirementsprovidedinSections8-05and8-10.Forparcelswithavalueoflessthan$20,000orleasesthathaveterms,withoptions,oflessthan5yearsSections8-05and8-10neednotapply.

(c) IfthetransferofRealPropertyprovidesconsideration,inwholeorinpart,fortheAcquisitionofotherrealproperty,theappraisedvalueofthetransferredRealPropertyshallbeincludedforthepurposeofmakinganappropriationasifitwereacashpayment.

8-05 AcquisitionofRealProperty(a) Arecommendationtoacquirerealpropertyshallbeinitiated

bytheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmen,andpresentedtotheLegislativeCouncil.

(b) TheLegislativeCouncil,subjecttotheavailabilityofappropriationsforthespecificpurpose,mayauthorizetheAcquisitionofrealpropertywithamajorityconsistingofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotes.ExceptionstothepoweroftheLegislativeCounciltoacquirerealpropertyincludethefollowing:

(1) ThePlanningandZoningCommissionshallhavethepowertoacceptonbehalfoftheTownallopenspaces,parks,playgrounds,realpropertyforthepurposeofwideningorrealignmentofexistingpublichighways,conservationeasements,conservationrestrictions,andeasementsfordrainage,slopeorsimilarpurposesthatitrequirestobeprovidedbyasubdividerasaconditionofsubdivisionapproval.TitleofsaidpropertyshallbefreeandclearofallencumbrancesthatareunacceptabletothePlanningandZoningCommission.

(2) TheBoardofSelectmenshallhavethepowertoacquirerealpropertyforpublichighwaysandrelatedpurposesasprovidedinSubsection2-115(d)(7).

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(c) PriortoaLegislativeCouncilvotetoacquirerealproperty,thefollowingshallbecompleted.

(1) TheFinanceDirectorshallprepareandsubmitaFinancialImpactStatementtotheBoardofFinanceandLegislativeCouncil,asprovidedinSection7-25,forallpropertyAcquisitionotherthanthoseexceptedinSubsection8-05(b)and

(2) AnappraisalofsaidrealpropertyfromanappraiserlicensedorcertifiedbytheStateofConnecticutisrequired.

(d) IftherealpropertyproposedtobeacquiredisforpurposesforwhichamandatoryreferralisrequiredbySection8-24oftheGeneralStatutes,saidreferralshallbemadebeforeanyactionistaken.

(e) AsprovidedinSubsection6-35(e),iftherealpropertyproposedtobeacquiredrequiresanappropriationof$1,500,000ormore,saidAcquisitionshallrequireapprovalofareferendum.

(f) FollowingtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilorreferendumtoacquirerealproperty,theBoardofSelectmenshallauthorizeanofficer,boardorcommissiontoactonbehalfoftheTowninsuchAcquisition.

8-10 DispositionofRealProperty(a) TheFirstSelectman,withtheapprovaloftheBoardof

SelectmenandtheLegislativeCouncilbyamajorityvoteofitsmembership,mayproposetheDispositionofRealProperty.

(b) RealPropertyacquiredfornon-paymentoftaxesshallbesoldunlesstheLegislativeCouncilbyamajorityofatleastsix(6)affirmativevotestoretainsaidproperty.

(c) AftertheproposaltodisposeofRealPropertyismadetheTownshall:

(1) PostasignconspicuouslyonsaidRealPropertywithin14daysforthedurationoftheDisposition,

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(2) ProvidepublicnoticeoftheavailabilityofsaidRealPropertyaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)within14days,

(3) HaveallpropertiesaffectedintheproposedDispositionappraisedbyanappraiserlicensedorcertifiedbytheStateofConnecticuttoascertaintheirvaluesbothbeforeandafterthetransaction.

(4) Circulate,within5days,theproposalforcommenttoallboardsandcommissionshavinganinterestintheDispositionofsaidRealProperty.

(5) ComplywithGeneralStatutes,whenapplicable,concerningtheDispositionofpublicproperty,includingbutnotlimitedtoholdingapublichearing[Section7-163eoftheGeneralStatutes]andreferringtheproposedDispositiontothePlanningandZoningCommission[Section8-24oftheGeneralStatutes].

(d) UponmeetingsaidrequirementsofSubsection8-10(c),theLegislativeCouncilmayvotetosellorotherwisedisposeofsaidRealPropertyasrequiredbytheGeneralStatutes,ifapplicable,orbymajorityvote.

(1) TheLegislativeCouncilmayrecommendthattheBoardofSelectmenconsiderfactorsotherthanobtainingthehighestprice,suchasconsideringthebuyer’sbindingcommitmenttousetherealpropertyforaspecificpurposeandwherethereisabenefittotheTown.

(e) WheretheLegislativeCouncilvotestosellorotherwisedisposeofRealPropertyhavinganappraisedvalueof$1,500,000ormoresaidactionshallrequireapprovalofareferendum.

(f) FollowingtheapprovaloftheLegislativeCouncilorreferendum,ifneeded,todisposeofRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanisauthorizedtotakeallstepsnecessarytocarryoutthesaleorotherdisposition,including:

(1) IftheDispositionistoselltheRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanshalldeterminethemethodofsalethatisinthebestinterestoftheTown,includingpublicauctionor

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privatesale–withorwithoutlistingthepropertyforsalewitharealestatebroker.IfthedecisionismadetoselltheRealPropertybyprivatesale,thepriceandtermsofthecontractofsaleshallbeestablishedbytheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenandconfirmedbyanaffirmativevoteofatleasteight(8)membersoftheLegislativeCouncil.

(2) IftheDispositionistopermittheleaseofRealProperty,theFirstSelectmanshall:

(i) Authorizeanofficer,board,commissionorauthority,ifneeded,tonegotiatetheterm(s)ofthelease(s),

(ii) Presentthenegotiatedlease(s)totheBoardofSelectmenforapproval,and

(iii) Presenttheapprovedlease(s)totheLegislativeCouncilforapproval.

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CHAPTER9 ETHICSCOMPLAINTSANDADVISORYOPINIONS

9-05 CodeofEthics(a) TheCodeofEthicsshallguardagainstimproperinfluenceor

theappearanceofimproperinfluencetobetterensurepublictrustinthegovernment.Tothatend,theCodeofEthicsshallsetstandardsontheconductofallTownofficialsandemployeesasnecessaryorappropriate.

(b) TheCodeofEthicsisanordinancewhichcanbeamendedinaccordancewiththeproceduresforamendingordinancesexceptthattheBoardofEthics,withoutapetition,mayproposeamendments.Intheeventthatanamendmentissoproposed,theLegislativeCouncilshallhavenomorethan120daystoapprove,modifyorrejectsaidamendment.

(c) TheBoardofEthicsshallbechargedwiththeadministrationoftheCodeofEthics.TheBoardshalladoptandmayamendreasonablerulesandregulationsfortheadministrationofitsproceedings.Priortoadoptingoramendingsaidrulesandregulations,theBoardshallholdapublichearing.Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceofthepublichearing,togetherwiththetextoftheproposedamendment,shallbewarnedaccordingtoSubsection1-25(b)notlessthan10daysbeforethedateofsaidhearing.Allsuchrulesandregulations,ascurrentlyamended,shallbemadeavailableattheofficeoftheTownClerktoanyResidentElectoroftheTown.

(d) Wheneveranofficer,official,oremployeeoftheTowniscontemplatingtakinganactionorparticipatinginanyproceedingandhasanyquestionconcerningtheconformityofthatactionorparticipationwiththeCodeofEthics,theofficer,officialoremployeeshallhavetherighttoseekanadvisoryopinionoftheBoard.SuchrequestmustbesubmittedinwritingandtheresultingadvisoryopinionfromtheBoardshallbeinwriting.

9-10 ProcedureforComplaints(a) TheBoardofEthicsshallreceivecomplaintsofanyviolations

oftheCodeofEthicsandshall,uponreceiptofsuch

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complaints,investigatethesameandmayholdprivateinvestigationsthereonif,intheopinionofthemajorityoftheBoard,saidcomplaintwarrantsaninvestigation.AnycomplaintreceivedbytheBoardmustbeinwritingandsignedbytheindividualmakingsaidcomplaint.ComplaintsmadetotheBoardofEthicsshallnotbemadepublicunlessanduntilthecomplaintisfoundtowarrantahearing.Uponreceivinganycomplaint,theBoardshallprivatelynotifyinwritingthepersonagainstwhosaidcomplainthasbeenfiled,advisingtheconcernedpartyofthespecificnatureofthecomplaintmadeandbeinginvestigatedbytheBoardandthenameofthecomplainant.UponreceiptofsaidnoticefromtheBoard,thepartysonotifiedthatacomplainthasbeenfiledagainsthim/hershallhavetherighttorequestafullhearingbytheBoard.IntheeventtheBoarddecidesthatahearingisrequired,orthepersonwhoseconductisbeingcalledintoquestionrequestsahearing,saidhearingshallaffordthepersonwhoseconductiscalledintoquestiontherighttocross-examinewitnesses,tomeetandanswerthecomplaint,andtopresentevidence.Nohearingmaybeconductedwithfewerthan4membersoftheBoardinattendance.

(b) IntheeventtheBoardshallreceivecomplaintsagainstanyofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown,theinvestigationanddispositionofwhichhavebeendelegatedtootherboardsorcommissionscreatedbytheCharterorundertheGeneralStatutes,thentheBoardshallforwardthecomplaintreceivedtotheappropriateboardorcommission.TheboardorcommissiontowhichsuchcomplaintsareforwardedshallthereafternotifytheBoardofthedispositionmadeofsaidcomplaint.

(c) TheBoardshallreporttotheBoardofSelectmenitsfindingastowhetherornotaviolationoftheCodeofEthicshasoccurred,togetherwithrecommendationastodispositionstobemade.TheFirstSelectmanwiththeapprovaloftheBoardofSelectmenshallthereupontakesuchactionasitmaydeemappropriateincluding,butnotlimitedto,removalfromoffice,suspensionorcensureoftheperson(s)whoisthesubjectofthecomplaintordismissalofthecharges,

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exceptthatelectedofficialsmaynotberemovedorsuspendedfromoffice.

(d) Allopinions,findingandrecommendationsoftheBoard,whetheradvisoryorattherequestofacomplainant,shallbekeptonfileintheofficeoftheTownClerk.

(e) TheLegislativeCouncil,byregulation,mayprescribeprocedurespermittingthereimbursementbytheTownofanyreasonableout-of-pocketexpensesandattorney'sfeesincurredinconnectionwithanappearancebeforetheBoardofEthicsbyanofficer,officialoremployeeoftheTown.

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CHAPTER10 TRANSITIONANDMISCELLANEOUS10-01 EffectiveDate

(a) AsoriginallyadoptedthisCharterwaseffectiveat12:01A.M.October9,1961.

10-02 AmendmentoftheCharter(a) ThisChartermayonlybeamendedinthemannerprescribed

bytheGeneralStatutes.

(b) Within5yearsaftersubmissionofthefinalreportofthemostrecentCharterRevisionCommission,theLegislativeCouncilshallappointaCharterRevisionCommissiontoreviewtheCharterandanyrecommendationsmadebytheLegislativeCouncil.

10-03 SchedulesofSupersededActs(a) Thefollowingspecialactsshallhavenoforceoreffectafter

theeffectivedateofthisCharter:

VolumeandPageofSpecialActs

BoardofFinance ActofApril26,1917XVII940

CertainActionwithrespecttoorganization

Validated ActofMarch15,1943XXIV15

AmendmentAuthorized ActofMarch25,1943XXIV45

AmendmentAuthorized ActofJuly8,1943XXIV359

Asamended ActofMay22,1957XXVIII413

BiennialTownElections ActofApril21,1943XXIV91

PoliceandFireDepartments ActofMarch31,1943XXIV57

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SmallClaimsCourt ActofApril21,1943XXIV98

RegionalSchoolDistricts ActofDecember21,1949XXIV13

EnactmentofOrdinance ActofApril25,1957XXVIII139

10-04 SavingsClause(a) Ifanysection,subsection,sentence,phrase,clauseorwordof

thisChartershallbeheldinvalidbyaCourtofcompetentjurisdiction,suchholdingshallnotaffecttheremainderofthisCharter,excepttotheextentthatsomeotherword,clause,phrase,sentence,subsectionorsectionmaybeinseparablyconnectedinmeaningandeffectwiththesection,subsection,sentence,phrase,clauseorwordtowhichsuchholdingshalldirectlyapply.

(b) AnyreferencetotheGeneralStatutesmeansassaidStatutesmaybeamendedfromtimetotime.

CHARTER - newtown-ct.gov · Charter of the Town of Newtown State of Connecticut ADOPTED OCTOBER 2, 1961 REVISED OCTOBER 7, 1963 REVISED NOVEMBER 8, 1966 REVISED MAY 3, 1971 REVISED

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