Bill > S2496

This bill, concerning the town charter of Abington, proposes to repeal two previous acts (Chapter 259 of the acts of 2004 and Chapter 113 of the Acts of 2015) and then amends the existing town charter by replacing articles 1 through 7 with a new set of articles. The core of the bill establishes a new framework for the town's governance, defining its incorporation, form of government (vesting administrative affairs in a town meeting, a board of selectmen, and a town manager), and the powers of the town. It details the legislative branch, which remains an open town meeting, and outlines the roles of the moderator, committees, and the process for town meeting warrants. The bill also specifies elected officials, including a 5-member board of selectmen who serve as the chief executive and policy-making body, a moderator, town clerk, school committee, board of assessors, board of health, board of library trustees, board of sewer commissioners, board of water commissioners, housing authority, and planning board, and introduces provisions for the recall of elected officials. A significant change is the establishment of a town manager as the chief administrative officer, responsible for town affairs and personnel, appointed by the board of selectmen. The bill also reorganizes departments, including the police, fire, and public works departments, and outlines financial procedures, including budget submission and capital improvement programs. Finally, it includes general provisions for charter changes, rules, and procedures for meetings and appointments, and specifies that the changes related to the parks and recreation commission and the board of trustees of veterans' memorials will take effect upon voter approval at the April 30, 2016 annual town election.