[Added ATE 5-21-2013]
A. 
Any person who has reason to believe that a Town official or governmental body has violated any provision of this Charter by action or failure to act may file a written complaint with the Town Clerk, setting forth the circumstances which constitute the alleged violation.
(1) 
The written complaint shall identify the official or governmental body, specify the date and time of the alleged violation and cite the section of the Charter allegedly violated.
(2) 
The written complaint shall be filed within six (6) months of the alleged violation. Upon receiving the written complaint, the Town Clerk shall forward a copy thereof to the official or the chairperson of the governmental body with a further copy to the Town Manager and the Select Board.
[Amended ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3]
B. 
The official or chairperson of the governmental body shall file a reply with the Town Clerk.
(1) 
It shall either acknowledge the alleged violation with proposed remedial action if appropriate and feasible, or deny the alleged violation with a statement of reasons therefore.
(2) 
The reply shall be so filed by an official within 30 days of receipt of a copy of the complaint. In the case of a governmental body, its chairperson shall file a reply within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the copy of the complaint or within ten (10) days after the second regularly scheduled meeting of the governmental body following receipt of the copy of the complaint, whichever is greater.
(3) 
The Town Clerk shall forward a copy of the reply to the complainant with a copy of the reply to the Town Manager and the Select Board.
[Amended ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3]
C. 
A complainant who is aggrieved by the reply may pursue any remedy available at law or in equity.
Except as specifically provided in this Charter, all General Laws, special laws, Town bylaws, votes, rules and regulations of or pertaining to the Town that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter shall continue in full force and effect until amended or rescinded by the course of law or expire by their own limitation.
[Amended ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3]
Except as specifically provided in this Charter, all governmental bodies of the Town shall remain in existence and their incumbents shall continue to perform their duties until not reappointed, reelected or until successors to their respective positions are duly appointed or elected or their duties have been transferred.
Any person serving in the employment of the Town shall retain such position and shall continue to perform the duties unless provisions shall have been made in accordance with this Charter of the performance of the said duties by another person or agency.
A. 
If a power or duty is reassigned in the course of conduct of Town affairs, the records, property and equipment necessary to fulfill said power or duty shall likewise be reassigned to the newly responsible office or agency.
B. 
Said transfer shall be carried out under the direction of the Town Manager.
[Amended ATE 5-15-2007, Question 12]
The terms of office of the incumbent members of the Board of Assessors shall continue to their normal expiration. As the term of an incumbent expires, the position shall be filled by appointment for a term of three (3) years, in accordance with § C7-5.
The terms of office of the incumbent members of the Board of Health shall continue to their normal expiration. As the term of an incumbent expires, the position shall be filled by appointment for a term of three (3) years, in accordance with § C7-7.
The terms of office of the incumbent members of the Recreation Committee and the Beach Committee shall all continue to their normal expiration. As the term of each incumbent expires, the position shall be filled by appointment, as provided in Article VII of this Charter.
[Amended ATE 5-21-2013; ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3; ATE 5-19-2020, Question 12]
The Select Board shall ensure that the Town bylaws are reviewed periodically, in whole or in part, and prepare any appropriate or necessary revisions or amendments.
This Charter may be revised or amended in accordance with the procedures made available by Articles 89 and 113 of the amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, commonly known as the "Home Rule Amendment," and MGL c. 43B, commonly known as the "Home Rule Procedures Act."
[Amended ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3]
The Board of Public Works in existence on the day this Charter becomes fully effective shall be abolished. The powers and duties of said Board shall be vested in the Select Board.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § C9-12, Definitions, was repealed ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3. See now § C1-6.
[Amended ATE 5-19-2020, Question 3]
A. 
At least every seven (7) years, the Select Board shall appoint a Charter Review Committee for the purpose of recommending changes to the Charter, based upon active solicitation of suggestions from the public and Town officials.
B. 
Changes recommended by the Committee shall be the basis for action as deemed appropriate by the Select Board consistent with the provisions described in § C9-10 preceding.