Bill > H3569

This bill proposes several amendments to the charter of the City of Chelsea, primarily focusing on how vacancies are filled in city government and the powers of the city manager and the traffic and parking commission. Specifically, it outlines procedures for filling vacancies in the city council and school committee, often prioritizing defeated candidates from the last election who received a certain percentage of votes, with provisions for discretion if no suitable candidate exists or if an election is imminent. The bill also clarifies the city manager's authority to appoint officers and employees, with the city council having a period to review and potentially reject these appointments, and grants the city manager broad powers to reorganize city agencies through administrative orders, also subject to city council review. Furthermore, it details the composition and powers of the traffic and parking commission, including its authority to create traffic regulations, which are also subject to city council review, and establishes a process for residents to petition the commission regarding its rules. Finally, the bill addresses the continuation of existing laws and obligations after the charter's adoption, ensuring that current ordinances and contracts remain in effect unless superseded by the charter.