Bill > S3053

This bill proposes numerous amendments to the charter of the town of Middleton, Massachusetts, primarily focusing on town meeting procedures, elections, and the roles of town officials. Key changes include establishing that town meetings will be adjourned if a quorum is not met, requiring town meetings to consider and act on financial proposals and budgets, and mandating adherence to the Massachusetts Moderators Association's handbook for procedural matters. The bill also outlines procedures for mailing town meeting warrants, allows the town moderator to change the order of articles, and specifies that the finance committee and planning board must provide recommendations on relevant articles, though their absence won't prevent town meeting action. It introduces a recall process for elected town officers, sets the town election date to the third Tuesday in May with provisions for changes due to public health or safety, and establishes a 5-member select board with 3-year overlapping terms. The bill also details the town administrator's responsibilities, including budget preparation, capital improvements planning, procurement, personnel management, and supervision of department heads, and clarifies the process for placing appointed officers on administrative leave and their removal for good cause. Additionally, it mandates annual audits, public hearings on budgets, and regular reviews of town by-laws and the town charter itself, while also outlining procedures for filling vacancies on town boards and commissions.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3053