[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Dartmouth 11-18-1970, approved 1-6-1971 (Art. 25 of the 2011 General By-Laws). Amendments noted where applicable.]
There hereby is established a Council on Aging under the provision of Chapter 40, Section 8B, of the General Laws. Said Council on Aging shall be for the purpose of identifying the needs of the elderly; of enlisting the support and participation of the Town and of its people in the interest of the elderly; of planning, promoting, implementing and co-ordinating services for the benefit of the elderly.
[Added 4-27-1976, approved 8-4-1976; amended 6-7-2011, approved 9-15-2011]
A. 
The members of the Council on Aging shall consist of nine residents of the Town of Dartmouth. With respect to any vacancy on the Council, whether due to resignation, death, inability to act, or the expiration of a term, said Council shall receive all applications for the position, shall review those applications, and shall forward the same to the Select Board with its recommendations. Except with respect to any unexpected resignation, death, or inability to act, such recommendations shall be provided to the Select Board at least one month prior to the expected date of the vacancy. Otherwise, such recommendations shall be provided to the Select Board as soon as possible, but not more than one month after the unexpected vacancy. All such recommendations shall be advisory only, and nonbinding upon the Select Board.
B. 
The membership of said Council shall include at least one person of at least 65 years of age, shall consist of a cross-section of professionals from the community, and shall serve without pay from the Town.
[Amended 6-7-2011, approved 9-15-2011]
Within a reasonable time following the adoption of this By-Law, the Select Board shall appoint three members of the Council on Aging to serve for a period of three years, three members of said Council to serve for a period of two years and three members to serve for a period of one year. As the term of office of each member expires, his successor shall be appointed for a term of three years.
[Amended 6-7-2011, approved 9-15-2011]
Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Council on Aging by reason of death, resignation, inability to act, or for any other reason, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Select Board for the remainder of the unexpired term.
The Council on Aging shall meet regularly to carry out the intent of its establishment, and for that purpose may enact rules and elect such officers as it deems necessary.