All special acts, bylaws, resolutions, rules, regulations and
notes of the Town Meeting which are in force at the time this Charter
is adopted, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter,
shall continue in force until amended or repealed, including bylaws,
if any, which have been passed and have been approved by the Attorney
General but have not yet been published.
All departments, boards, commissions and other Town agencies,
and members thereof, whether elected or appointed, shall continue
in the performance of their powers, duties and functions until successors
have been elected or appointed as provided by this Charter.
Any person holding an office or position in the administrative
service of the Town at the time this Charter takes effect shall retain
such office or position and continue in the performance of his duties
until provision shall have been made, in accordance with this Charter,
for the performance of such duties or the discontinuance of such office
or position.
All contracts or obligations, entered into by the Town prior
to the effective date of this Charter shall continue in full force
and effect.
No action or proceedings, whether civil or criminal, pending
at the time this Charter shall take effect, brought by or against
the Town or any department, board, commission or other Town agency
thereof, shall be affected or abated by the adoption of this Charter
or by anything therein contained.
All taxes levied or assessed by the Town prior to the effective
date of this Charter which have not been collected by the Town shall
be collected, with any penalties thereon, by the duly established
Town government and officers under this Charter.
All records, property and equipment whatsoever of any office,
department or agency or part thereof, the powers and duties of which
are assigned shall be transferred forthwith to the office, department
or agency to which such powers and duties are assigned.
A.
A special election shall be held on the first Monday in June following
adoption of this Charter to elect officers to fill the following newly
created elected positions five members of the Planning Board, three
members of the Board of Health, five members of the Parks and Recreation
Commission, the Constables, a Treasurer - Collector and a Town Clerk.
B.
For persons elected to the Planning Board, he who receives the greatest
number of votes shall serve for a five-year term; he who receives
the second greatest number of votes shall serve for a four-year term;
he who receives the third greatest number of votes shall serve for
a three-year term; he who receives the fourth greatest number of votes
shall serve for a two-year term; and he who receives the fifth greatest
number of votes shall serve for a one-year term.
C.
For persons elected to the Board of Health, he who receives the greatest
number of votes shall serve for a three-year term; he who receives
the second greatest number of votes shall serve for a two-year term
and he who receives the third greatest number of votes shall serve
for a one-year term.
D.
For persons elected to the Parks and Recreation Commission, he who
receives the greatest number of votes and he who receives the second
greatest number of votes shall serve for three-year terms; and he
who receives the third greatest number of votes and he who receives
the fourth greatest number of votes shall serve for two-year terms;
and he who receives the fifth greatest number of votes shall serve
for a one-year term.
E.
Persons elected to the offices of Constable, Treasurer - Collector and Town Clerk shall serve for the terms set forth in Article IV.
F.
Terms of persons elected at the special election shall terminate
at the regular Town election nearest to their complete term and incumbents
shall serve until their successors are qualified.
Except for terms of office for elected officials whose terms
have been changed by this Charter, the Charter shall become effective
July 1, 1977. All officers elected in Town elections beginning with
annual elections in 1978 shall serve for the terms specified by the
Charter.
[1]
Editor's Note: This Charter was approved at a special
election held 6-6-1977.
