A.
The
City Manager shall be the administrative head of the City and shall
perform all duties and have all responsibilities prescribed by the
City Charter.
B.
The
City Manager shall supervise the heads of all departments established
by this chapter and shall have the power to suspend and discipline
and to perform or delegate the duties and responsibilities of such
department heads.
C.
The
City Manager may prescribe such rules and regulations, not inconsistent
with the City Charter and City ordinances, as he may deem necessary
for the conduct of the various departments, and he may investigate
and inquire into the affairs of any department at any time.
A.
The
Assessing Department shall consist of a Property Assessor, who shall
be an employee of the City appointed by the City Manager, a Board
of Assessors, who shall be appointed in accordance with this section,
and such other personnel as the City Manager may approve.
B.
The
Property Assessor shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Carry out all of the duties relative to taking the inventory and
appraisal of property for taxation;
(2)
Prepare all assessments and tax rolls and notices as required by
law;
(3)
Check all property transfers and maintain all property records pertaining
to the assessing function; and
(4)
Perform other functions as required.
D.
The
City Manager shall appoint three persons to constitute the Board of
Assessors. As soon as practicable after December 31, 1990, the City
Manager shall appoint one person to serve a three-year term, a second
person to serve a two-year term, and a third person to serve a one-year
term. Thereafter, annually during the month of March, the City Manager
shall appoint one person to a three-year term. In addition to the
three regular members, the City Manager shall appoint, at like times
and for like terms, three alternate members of the Board of Assessors.
(1)
No member or alternate member shall be an employee of the City of
Laconia.
(2)
The Board of Assessors shall, when a new full member is appointed
to the Board in March of each year, organize by choosing one of its
full members to serve as Chairman.
(3)
Members of the Board of Assessors shall receive such compensation
as the City Council approves and is reflected in the city's adapted
annual budget.
A.
The
Finance Department, under the general supervision of the Finance Director,
shall consist of the Divisions of Fiscal Control, Tax Collection,
Treasury, Personnel, Purchasing and Welfare. Each division shall consist
of a division head and such other personnel as may be approved by
the City Manager.
[Amended 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01]
B.
The
Finance Director shall hold subsidiary authority to act in behalf
of the City Manager. When the City Manager is absent, sick or on vacation,
the Finance Director shall exercise those powers of the City Manager.
[Amended 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01]
C.
The
Division of Fiscal Control shall be under the immediate supervision
of the Finance Director. It shall perform the following functions:
[Amended 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01]
(1)
Maintain a system of budget accounting approved by the City Auditor
and the State of New Hampshire.
(2)
Preaudit all claims and demands against the City prior to payment.
(3)
Maintain and supervise control of all payments from public funds
by a system approved by the City Auditor and the State of New Hampshire.
(4)
Postaudit all receipts by all Departments for regularity and legality.
(5)
Postaudit all disbursements by the City Treasurer for regularity
and legality.
(6)
Maintain the general financial accounts of the city.
(7)
Prepare the financial reports as required by the City Manager.
(8)
Supervise all accounting operations of the city.
(9)
Perform all other functions as required.
D.
The
Treasury Division, under the immediate supervision of the City Treasurer,
shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Maintain custody of all City funds, investments, and securities,
except trust funds, including the deposit, withdrawal and recording
thereof.
(2)
Negotiate, upon the authorization of the City Manager, all loans
to the city.
(3)
Sign all checks, notes and bonds of the city.
(4)
Perform all other functions as required.
E.
The
Personnel Division shall perform the following functions:
F.
The
Purchasing Division shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Receive and coordinate all requests and solicit, receive and tabulate
all bids and contracts for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment
and services.
(2)
Prepare and maintain all necessary purchasing records.
(3)
Purchase, stock and charge out office supplies for various departments.
(4)
Maintain an inventory of all City personal property which has a useful
life in excess of two years.
(5)
Perform all other functions as required.
G.
The
Tax Collection Division shall perform the following functions:
[Added 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01]
(1)
Mail out tax notices.
(2)
Perform all functions required by Tax Collectors relating to tax
deeds.
(3)
Collection all accounts due the City, including taxes, rentals, licenses
and fees, except where otherwise provided in this Administrative Code.
(4)
Maintain proper records pertaining to the collection function.
(5)
Turn over all receipts to the City Treasurer.
(6)
Perform all other functions as required.
H.
The
Welfare Division shall perform the following functions:
[Added 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 5-9, Tax Collection Department,
was deleted 1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01 pursuant to Council action
11-10-1997.
A.
The Fire Department, under the supervision of the Fire Chief, shall
consist of such forces of permanent officers and employees and call
officers and employees as may be approved by the City Manager.
B.
The Fire Department shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Extinguish fires and protect life and property against fire and other
hazards.
(2)
Enforce all laws regarding the inspection for and removal of fire
hazards, the prevention of fires and minimum housing standards.
(3)
Care for and maintain all property and equipment assigned to the
Fire Department.
(4)
Care for and maintain the signal alarm system.
(5)
Prepare and maintain all Fire Department records as required.
(6)
Perform all other functions as required.
A.
The Code Enforcement Department, under the general supervision of
the Director and staffed by such other personnel as the City Manager
may approve, shall be responsible for reviewing applications for and
issuing all land use permits relating to building, construction of
foundations, performance of site work and occupancy. The permits over
which the Code Enforcement Department shall have jurisdiction shall
include, but shall not be limited to, permits for building, construction
of foundations, performance of site work and occupancy. The Department
shall coordinate the issue of all other City permits and certificates
and shall have the responsibility for inspection, administration and
enforcement of certain City codes and regulations, which shall include,
but not be limited to the following:
[Amended 7-24-2000 by Ord. No. 06.2000.06]
B.
The Department shall have final authority for the issue of all permits
relative to the above-mentioned codes and shall coordinate, with the
appropriate department, the issue of permits concerning the Life Safety
Code, water hookup, plumbing, sewer and driveways.
C.
The Department shall perform all other functions that may be required
by law or ordinance.
A.
The Legal Department shall consist of a City Solicitor and such clerical
staff as may be approved by the City Manager.
B.
The Legal Department shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Represent the City in all matters in which the City has an interest
coming before any court or tribunal, except in such cases as other
arrangements may be specifically made by the City Manager.
(2)
Advise the City Council, the City Manager and Department heads in
all cases when legal opinion is required or requested.
(3)
Draft all deeds, leases, contracts and other legal instruments as
required.
(4)
Perform all other functions as required.
A.
Except where exempt by state law, the Library Department, under the
supervision of the Library Director, shall consist of the Divisions
of Cataloging, Reference, Circulation, Young People and Children and
such other personnel as may be recommended by the Library Director
and approved by the Library Trustees.
B.
The Library Department shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Select and procure books, magazines, periodicals and other material
for use by Laconia residents.
(2)
Catalog and classify all such printed material.
(3)
Circulate printed material for home use.
(4)
Provide a reference service for answering requests for specific information.
(5)
Distribute printed material by the establishment and maintenance
of branch libraries, and, at its discretion, a mobile book unit.
(6)
Promote the availability of the library material to stimulate a wider
general interest in its use.
(7)
Promote special reading services for children and young people to
aid in the development of desirable reading habits.
(8)
Maintain and care for all property assigned to the library.
(9)
Prepare and maintain all records pertaining to the Library Department.
(10)
Perform all other functions as required.
A.
The Parks and Recreation Department may consist of the Director of
Parks and Recreation and such other personnel as may be recommended
by the Parks and Recreation Commission and approved by the City Manager.
B.
In accordance with the recreational program and development plan
established by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Parks and
Recreation Department, under the direction of the City Manager, shall
perform the following functions:
(1)
Prepare a recommended general recreational program for review, amendment
and adoption by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
(2)
Operate the recreational activities on all City parks, playgrounds,
swimming areas, tennis courts and all other recreational facilities.
(3)
Develop, maintain and care for all municipal parks, playgrounds,
athletic fields and other recreational areas.
(4)
Maintain and care for all other property assigned to the Parks and
Recreation Department.
(5)
Prepare and maintain all records pertaining to the Parks and Recreation
Department.
(6)
Develop, maintain and operate all municipal cemeteries.
(7)
Maintain all buildings and grounds not assigned to any other department.
(8)
Perform all other functions as required.
A.
The Planning Department, under the supervision of the Director of
Planning, shall consist of the Planning Division and the Community
and Economic Development Division. Each division shall consist of
such employees as the City Manager may approve.
B.
The Planning Division shall, under the direction of the Director
of Planning or his designee, perform the following functions:
(2)
Investigate, study and report on all current and long-range matters
relating to the Zoning Ordinance, including the preparation, revision
and amendment and/or modification of the ordinance and maps.
(3)
Investigate, study and report on all phases of highway layout, on
the widening, abandonment and use of roadways and on traffic and parking
problems.
(4)
Investigate, study and report on phases of subdivision control.
(5)
Investigate, study and report on all matters relating to construction
and use of municipal structures, buildings, land (including tax title
land), parks, playgrounds and other municipal property.
(6)
Prepare and/or oversee updates of all long-range planning documents,
including the Master Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan and the Official
Map.
(7)
Review all building permit applications to determine whether application
for site plan approval may be required, whether a variance or special
exception may be needed or whether subdivision regulations and/or
other land use controls may apply.
(8)
Maintain accurate records of permit approvals and monitor development.
(9)
Provide staff support and technical training to various boards and
commissions.
(10)
Perform all other functions as required by law or ordinance.
C.
The Community and Economic Development Division, under the direction
of the Community Development Officer, shall perform the following
functions:
(1)
Work to improve, foster and maintain the housing, economic and physical
development of the City to enhance the quality of life for low- and
moderate-income residents and for all citizens.
(2)
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C.A. § 5301 et seq. (the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974) as it has been and may be amended
from time to time, pursuant to such federal regulations as have been
or may be promulgated to implement the Act and pursuant to such community
development block grant programs and other grant programs as may be
or become available, work to:
(3)
Perform all other functions as required.
A.
The Public Works Department, under the supervision of the Director
of Public Works, shall consist of the Divisions of Engineering, Highways
and Bridges, Sewers, Solid Waste and a Central Garage. Each Division
shall consist of such employees as may be approved by the City Manager.
B.
The Engineering Division shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Design, lay out and map all municipal work projects as required.
(2)
Maintain all sewer location records for the city.
(3)
Prepare and maintain all records pertaining to the Engineering Division
as required.
(4)
Care for and maintain all property and equipment assigned to the
Engineering Division.
(5)
Perform all other functions as required.
C.
The Highways and Bridges Division shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Construct, maintain and repair all roads, streets, bridges and sidewalks,
except where specific projects may be let to contractors.
(2)
Remove snow and distribute salt and sand on all highways, streets,
bridges, sidewalks and other public ways.
(3)
Plant, maintain and remove trees and brush on or affecting City property.
(4)
Maintain and care for all property and equipment assigned to the
Highways and Bridges Division.
(5)
Prepare and maintain all necessary records pertaining to the Highways
and Bridges Division.
(6)
Issue all permits for the blocking or excavation of sidewalks, streets
or public ways, including structures overhanging the same.
(7)
Perform all other functions as required.
D.
The Sewer Division shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Construct, repair, maintain and operate the City sewer system, except
where specific projects may be let out to contract.
(2)
Maintain and care for all property and equipment assigned to the
Sewer Division.
(3)
Prepare and maintain all necessary records pertaining to the Sewer
Division, including but not limited to an annual report containing
the following:
(4)
Perform all other functions as required.
E.
The Solid Waste Division shall perform the following functions:
F.
The Garage shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Repair and maintain all City vehicles and other public works equipment.
(2)
Purchase, stock and charge parts and accessories to the using department.
(3)
Maintain and care for all property and equipment assigned to the
Garage.
(4)
Prepare and maintain all necessary records pertaining to the Garage.
(5)
Perform all other functions as required.
G.
The Director of Public Works shall hold subsidiary authority to act
in behalf of the City Manager. When the City Manager and Fiscal Officer
are both absent, sick or on vacation, the Director of Public Works
shall exercise those powers of the City Manager.
A.
The Records Department shall consist of the City Clerk, Deputy City
Clerk and such other personnel as may be approved by the City Manager.
[Amended 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
B.
The Records Department shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Prepare, maintain, publish and index all proceedings of the City
Council.
(2)
Arrange for all elections and maintain all election records.
(3)
Obtain and maintain all statistics on births, marriages and deaths
as required by law.
(4)
File and preserve, as required by law, all contracts, bonds, oaths
of office, deeds, easements, and other legal documents with which
the City or any of its boards or commissions becomes involved.
[Amended 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
(5)
Collect all licenses and fees required by statute and ordinance,
unless otherwise provided, and deposit these collections with the
City Treasurer.
(6)
Post for public display a schedule of all charges and fees required
by state law and local ordinances.
(7)
Ensure the disposition of all City records and papers in accordance
with New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 33-A.
(9)
Perform all other functions as required.
C.
The City Clerk, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Assessor, or their designees,
shall constitute a Municipal Records Retention Committee, pursuant
to RSA 33-A, which shall govern the disposition of City records in
accordance with the provisions of state law. The City Clerk shall
serve as the Chair of the Municipal Records Retention Committee.
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
D.
The City Clerk shall administer the records management program for
the minutes of all public bodies and their subcommittees in the City
of Laconia subject to New Hampshire RSA Chapter 91-A (the "Right-to-Know
Law"). In this regard, the City Clerk may, in consultation with legal
counsel:
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
(1)
Develop and circulate such instructions as may be necessary and proper
to implement and maintain the proper management of public minutes
and all requests made to City departments under New Hampshire RSA
Chapter 91-A (the "Right-to-Know Law");
(2)
Advise and assist City divisions relative to the creation, management
and retention of public minutes within each division's responsibility;
and
(3)
Maintain a management system to track the public minutes.
E.
Each copy of all minutes of all public bodies and their subcommittees
in the City of Laconia subject to New Hampshire RSA Chapter 91-A (the
"Right-to-Know Law") shall be stored, and public access provided,
as follows:
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
(1)
Board of Assessors minutes shall be managed by the Assessing Department.
(2)
Board of Education and Joint Special Building Committee minutes shall
be managed by the Laconia School District.
(3)
Building Code/Board of Appeals, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Capital
Improvement Program, Heritage Commission, Conservation Commission
and Planning Board minutes shall be managed by Planning and Community
Development.
(4)
Parks and Recreation Commission minutes and reports of Leavitt Park
Association, Weirs Community Park Association, Tardif Park Association,
Opechee Park Association, and Wyatt Park Association shall be managed
by the Parks and Recreation Department.
(5)
Library Trustee minutes shall be managed by the Laconia Public Library.
(6)
Police Commission minutes shall be managed by the Laconia Police
Department.
(7)
Laconia Airport Authority minutes shall be managed by the Laconia
Airport.
(8)
All minutes of all public bodies in the City of Laconia not listed
above and covered by this section shall be forwarded to the City Clerk.
F.
Each department shall establish and maintain an active, continuing
program for the economical and efficient management of the minutes
of all boards, commissions, or committees for which they are responsible,
as listed above, or for which the department may become responsible
by statute or ordinance. Department directors shall, among other things:
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
(1)
Develop management controls for the creation, maintenance and storage
of minutes created in the normal course of business;
(2)
Ensure that retention schedules established under state statutes,
state administrative rules, or City ordinances for minutes of public
bodies shall be complied with;
(3)
Ensure all minutes are submitted to the appropriate board or commission,
in draft form, for its review within five business days of any public
meeting and are approved at the next public meeting of said board
or commission;
(4)
Ensure protection of those minutes in their custody against natural
or other disasters; and
(5)
Designate department records administrator(s) and alternate(s) to
coordinate with the City Clerk's office for:
(a)
Providing notice to the City Clerk as to where the minutes are
housed and who is to be contacted within the department for access
to those minutes.
(b)
Processing public records requests.
(c)
Maintaining an inventory of minutes on file within the Department.
(d)
Distributing draft minutes to members of boards and commissions
within five business days of any public meeting.
G.
Notwithstanding Subsection E above, the City Clerk may agree to accept custody of, and management for, the minutes of public bodies listed herein and currently managed by other departments, in accordance with transfer guidelines developed by the City Clerk.
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
H.
All requests, replies and correspondence made under New Hampshire
RSA Chapter 91-A (the "Right-to-Know Law") shall be filed with the
City Clerk with a file copy being retained by the department receiving
the request.
[Added 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 02.2015.02]
A.
The Water Department shall consist of the Water Superintendent and
such other personnel as may be recommended by the Water Superintendent
and approved by the Water Commissioners.
B.
The Water Department shall perform the following functions:
(1)
Develop, maintain and operate the water supply system of the city,
including watershed areas, reservoirs, pumping stations, standpipes,
mains, hydrants and services.
(2)
Prepare and distribute bills and charges to users of the water system.
(3)
Prepare and maintain all necessary records pertaining to the Water
Department, including, but not limited to an annual report containing
the following:
(a)
The number of cubic feet of water pumped per year.
(b)
The number of cubic feet of metered water consumed by customers
per year.
(c)
The average annual cost to produce 100 cubic feet of water.
(d)
The average annual cost of metered water consumed.
(e)
The annual rate of return computed to two decimal points.
(4)
Care for and maintain all property assigned to the Water Department.
(5)
Perform all other work as may be required.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 5-19, Welfare, was deleted
1-26-2004 by Ord. No. 01.2004.01 following the consolidation of the
Welfare Department under Finance per Council action 8-25-2003.
