The organization of the town into operating agencies for the provision of services and the administration of the government may, unless inconsistent with this charter, be accomplished by by-law, subject only to express prohibitions in a general law or this charter, including action to reorganize, consolidate, create, merge, divide or abolish any town agency, in whole or in part or establish new town agencies as it deems necessary or advisable and determine the manner of selection, the term of office and prescribe the functions of all such entities.
(a) 
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the select board may appoint not more than 2 associate or alternate members to each multiple-member body elected under this charter, other than the school committee and the housing authority, or otherwise authorized by the General Laws. Alternate or associate members may participate in any and all matters pending before such body.
(b) 
The chairman of each multiple-member body may designate an associate or alternate member to sit on the multiple-member body in the event of absence, inability to act or conflict of interest on the part of any member of the body or in the event of a vacancy on the body. The alternate or associate members shall be appointed for a term of 1 year.
(a) 
Fire Department. There shall be a fire department under the direction of a fire chief, as established by vote of the town meeting to accept section 42A of chapter 48 of the General Laws, with the powers, duties and responsibilities under sections 42A, 43 and 44 of said chapter 48.
(b) 
Police Department. There shall be a police department under the direction of a police chief appointed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 31 of the General Laws, with such powers and duties as established by vote of the town meeting to accept section 97 of chapter 41 of the General Laws.
(a) 
There shall be a department of public works responsible for the management of public works operations not assigned to other departments including, but not limited to, the highway department, the water department and the sewer department and all other related construction and operations as the town administrator may assign from time to time when necessary and desirable. The select board shall make all policy decisions relating to the department of public works.
(b) 
The town administrator shall appoint the director of public works, who shall provide to the town a bond with a surety company authorized to transact business in the commonwealth as surety for the faithful performance of the director's duties in such sum and upon such conditions as the town administrator shall require.
(c) 
The director shall supervise and direct the operations and employees of the department pursuant to the General Laws, any special laws applicable to the town, the town personnel by-law and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. The director shall be qualified by education, training and experience to perform the duties of the office and shall have such other qualifications as the town may require. The office of director shall be a full-time position. During the director's tenure, the director shall not hold an elective office and shall not engage in a business or occupation relating to public works unless approved in advance by the select board. Nothing in this section shall prevent the director from serving on special ad hoc committees in order to represent the town and the department.