[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Lower Frederick
Township 12-2-2003 by Ord. No. 03-03.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to enable the Township to function under
generally accepted principles of a Manager form of government. The Board of
Supervisors shall be responsible for legislative policy making and appointing
a professional Township Manager who shall be responsible for supervising and
conducting the administrative affairs of the Township, as well as carrying
out all policies and programs established by the Board. It is the intent of
this chapter to delegate to the Township Manager the nonlegislative powers
and duties of the Board of Supervisors hereinafter set forth as authorized
by Section 1301 of the Second Class Township Code,[2] Act of May 1, 1933, P.L. 103, as amended, after appropriate consultation.
The Board of Supervisors of Lower Frederick Township hereby creates
the position of Township Manager and assigns thereto the following powers,
duties, obligations and conditions.
The Manager shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors.
The Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, and may be removed at
any time by a majority vote of said Board of Supervisors. In the event of
intention of removal, the Supervisors will furnish the Township Manager with
a written statement at least 30 days before such removal becomes effective.
When a vacancy occurs in the office of Township Manager by reason of death,
resignation, or removal by the Board of Supervisors, the Board shall appoint
a suitable person to hold the office in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter.
The Manager shall be selected on the basis of executive and administrative
abilities, related experience, education and performance, with particular
reference to the duties of the office as hereinafter outlined. The Township
Manager need not be a resident of Lower Frederick Township.
Before entering upon his or her duties and continuously thereafter,
the Manager shall provide a bond to the Township with a bonding company, to
be approved by the Board of Supervisors, as surety, in the sum of the least
$300,000, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties.
The premium for said bond will be paid by the Township from the general fund.
The salary of the Township Manager shall be fixed a the time of employment
and may be adjusted from time to time by a resolution passed by a majority
vote of the Board.
A.
The Manager shall be the chief administrative officer
of the Township, and shall be responsible to the Board of Supervisors for
the proper and efficient administration of the affairs of the Township. The
powers and duties of administration of all Township business and enforcement
of all Township ordinances and regulations shall be vested in the Manager,
unless imposed or conferred by statute or ordinance upon other Township officials.
The Township Manager shall keep the Supervisors informed and advised of all
issues. The Manager shall consult with and seek the advice of the Supervisors.
B.
Subject to recall by ordinance of the Board of Supervisors,
the powers and duties of the Township Manager shall include the following:
(1)
The supervision and the responsibility for the activities
of all municipal departments and Township employees.
(2)
Subject to the approval and confirmation of the Board
of Supervisors, the Township Manager shall have the authority to hire and,
when necessary for the good of the Township, shall provide for the reprimand,
discipline, suspension, removal, discharge or reduction in rank or position
of any employee under his or her supervision and to report such activities
to the Board of Supervisors on a regular basis. With regard to the employment
of department heads, including but not limited to Building Inspector and Highway
Superintendent, such action shall only be taken with the advice and consent
of the Board of Supervisors. The Township Manager shall exercise no powers
with regard to the employment of the Township Engineer or Township Solicitor.
(3)
The power to fix wages and salaries of all personnel
under his or her supervision, subject to the approval and confirmation of
the Board of Supervisors.
(4)
The preparation of and submission to the Board of Supervisors,
before October 31 of each year, or such other time as the Board of Supervisors
shall determine, a recommended budget for the next calendar year. In preparing
the recommended budget, the Township Manager shall estimate projected revenues,
establish budgetary guidelines and shall obtain budget estimates accordingly.
He or she shall review all budget estimates before submittal and recommendation
to the Board.
(5)
The responsibility for the administration of the budget
after its adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
(6)
The development of long-range fiscal plans for the Township,
which plans shall be presented annually to the Board of Supervisors for its
review and adoption.
(7)
The holding of such other municipal offices as the Board
of Supervisors may from time to time direct.
(8)
Attendance at all meetings of the Board of Supervisors
and meetings of its committees when directed to do by the Board of Supervisors,
with the right to take part in the discussion. The Manager shall receive notice
of all special meetings of the Board of Supervisors or its committees.
(9)
The preparation of the agenda for each meeting of the
Board of Supervisors.
(10)
Informing the Board of Supervisors of the conduct of
the Township affairs; submitting periodic reports on the condition of the
Township finances and such other reports as the Board of Supervisors requests;
and making such recommendations to the Board of Supervisors as deemed necessary.
(11)
Submitting to the Board of Supervisors, as soon a possible
after the close of the fiscal year, a complete report on the financial and
administrative activities of the Township for the preceding year.
(12)
Enforcing the provisions of all franchises, leases, permits,
and privileges granted by the Township.
(13)
Employing, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors,
experts or consultants to perform work and to advise in connection with any
of the functions of the Township.
(14)
Attending to the letting of contracts in due form of
law, and supervising the performance and faithful execution of same, except
insofar as such duties are expressly imposed upon some other Township officer
by statute.
(15)
Collecting all money owed the Township and instituting
proper proceedings for the security and the collection of all the Township's
claims.
(16)
Acting as the Purchasing Officer of the Township and
purchasing in accordance with the provisions of the Township Code all supplies
and equipment for the various agencies, boards, departments and other offices
of the Township. The Manager shall keep an account of all purchases and shall,
from time to time or when directed by the Board of Supervisors, make a full
written report thereof. The Manager shall also issue rules and regulations
subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors, governing the requisition
and purchasing of all municipal supplies and equipment. These duties may also
be delegated to any other officer of the Township upon the approval of the
Board of Supervisors.
(17)
Receiving and acting on all complaints regarding services
or personnel of the Township. The Manager shall investigate and dispose of
such complaints and shall report thereon to the Board of Supervisors.
(18)
Comparing the administrative and governmental functions
of similarly situated second class townships and making recommendations to
the Board of Supervisors for appropriate changes to the ordinances affecting
the health, safety, welfare and administration of this Township.
(19)
Declaring a local disaster emergency pursuant to statute,
subject to ratification thereof by the Board of Supervisors within 48 hours
thereof.
(20)
Serving as Secretary of the Township.
C.
The Township Manager shall perform such other duties
and responsibilities as are designated by the Board of Supervisors.
If the Manager becomes ill or needs to be absent from the Township,
the Assistant Manager will perform during his or her absence or disability.
The Assistant Manager shall perform these duties until the next meeting held
by the Board of Supervisors, at which time the Board of Supervisors shall
appoint or ratify an acting Township Manager.