[Adopted 6-29-2004 (Ch. 16, Art. VI, of the 2010 Code)]
A. 
There is hereby established the Planning and Conservation Department, the function of which shall be to provide support services, general administration and oversight of the development and redevelopment of land within the City of Taunton, including but not limited to planning, zoning, and conservation. The Department shall provide support services for the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission. The Department shall also provide general interpretation and administration of Chapter 440, Zoning, the Planning Board rules and regulations, Chapter 432, Wetlands Protection, and any other relevant local ordinance as well as all relevant state and federal statutes relating to said local ordinances (which include but are not limited to the Zoning Enabling Act, MGL c. 40A, subdivision control, MGL c. 41, comprehensive permits, MGL c. 40B, the Wetlands Act, and the Rivers Protection Act).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: For wetlands and rivers protection see MGL c. 131. Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
All applications for the position of Director of Planning and Conservation shall be reviewed by a committee comprising the Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission, President of the Municipal Council and the Director of Personnel or their designees. The committee shall provide recommendations to the Mayor. The Mayor shall then nominate, and the Municipal Council shall appoint, a Planning and Conservation Director ("Director"). The Director shall be removable for just cause. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner. The Director shall serve for a term of three years or until a successor is chosen and qualified.
C. 
The Director shall appoint a Conservation Agent. The Conservation Commission shall provide a recommendation by submitting a ranked list of all qualified applicants for the position of Agent to the Director.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
A. 
Director qualifications. A bachelor's degree in land use planning or a related field with five years' experience in a related position is required. A master's degree and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are preferred.
B. 
Duties. The Director shall supervise and oversee the day-to-day operations and all personnel of the Planning and Conservation Department. The Director shall function at the department head level and shall report administratively to the Mayor and Municipal Council. The Director shall represent the City's interest in all matters pertaining to land use planning, zoning administration and other related land development or redevelopment matters. This position requires integral work and coordination of municipal departments reviewing development proposals for the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Development Impact Review Board, and Municipal Council. Other duties shall include performing planning studies related to zoning issues, writing revisions to Chapter 440, Zoning, and meeting with developers and citizens regarding development issues.
(1) 
Qualified applicants shall possess a good working knowledge of state statutes related to planning and zoning (MGL c. 40A, MGL c. 40B, and MGL c. 41), the ability to analyze development proposals, good writing and communications ability and a thorough knowledge of site planning and design principles and accepted building practices, be adept at reading specifications and blueprints and have a general knowledge of building codes.
(2) 
In addition, in relation to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicants must be knowledgeable in evaluating current services, policies and practices, making available to the public information regarding Title II of the ADA and its applicability to the services, programs, and activities of the City of Taunton, determining policy and setting standards for program accessibility for the City of Taunton, including financial implications, develop a transition plan for the structural changes in public facilities, maintain communication and assist the local independent living center and Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, review plans of new buildings and alterations to existing public buildings and determine which laws apply, and update the transition plan continuously.
(3) 
The Director shall be responsible for preparing, controlling and administering the annual budget of the Planning and Conservation Department, which shall include all funds related to the operation of the Department and support of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission. The Director shall also control, administer and account for any and all federal, state or private funds, grants, or other donations available or donated to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and/or Conservation Commission.
A. 
Agent qualifications. A bachelor's degree in environmental management/natural resource protection or a related field is required. Professional experience or a master's degree is preferred.
B. 
Duties. The Conservation Agent shall report to the Director of Planning and Conservation and all duties shall be carried out under the direction of the Director. The Agent shall coordinate and represent the City's interest in all matters pertaining to conservation, natural resources, and wetlands. It shall be the Agent's duty to advise, represent the City's interests, and effect all practicable coordination between the Mayor, Municipal Council, and the City's various departments, boards, commissions, agencies and official or unofficial bodies with respect to all problems which may arise concerning conservation, wetlands, and natural resources. The Agent shall serve on municipal boards and confer with such public officials and with such private citizens as may consult the Agent from time to time for the purpose of facilitating the presentation of matters involving natural resources or wetland areas to the Conservation Commission or other body having appropriate jurisdiction over the same. The Agent shall, in addition, serve as the wetlands enforcement officer acting with the advice and consent of the Conservation Commission. The Agent shall perform other duties as required and shall act in the Director's capacity in the event of his/her absence.
A. 
The Director, Conservation Agent and the staff shall be compensated as negotiated by the Mayor with the City of Taunton Management Association (COTMA) and with Public Employees Union Local 1144, or with other collective bargaining units as may be appropriate and approved by the Municipal Council, relative to wages, hours, working conditions and other benefits. Staff and personnel shall not be governed under civil service provisions without the express approval of the Mayor and the Municipal Council.
B. 
The Planning and Conservation Director may add such other staff as he/she deems necessary with the approval of the Mayor and the Municipal Council, subject to the availability of funds.