[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of South
Hadley 1-11-2017 STM by Art. 14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
In
addition to those committees appointed by the Selectboard as required
by Massachusetts General Laws, the Selectboard may from time to time
appoint such other committees as it may believe prudent for the governance
of the Town.
B.
Appointees
shall serve until the later of a specified term determined by the
Selectboard or until a successor is appointed unless otherwise provided
by statute or these bylaws. Unless otherwise provided below, if the
term of any committee or board is for more than one year and has not
been previously staggered or is to be reformed, the Selectboard shall
appoint in the first year as close as is possible to 1/3 of the members
for one year, 1/3 of the members for two years and 1/3 of the members
for three years, and thereafter appoint members to three-year terms.
In the event of a vacancy by removal, resignation or otherwise, the
Selectboard may appoint a member to complete that term, subject to
reappointment thereafter.
C.
Members
of committees or Boards of the Town must be voters in Town, unless
otherwise provided for by Massachusetts General Laws or by these bylaws.
D.
The
Selectboard may, at any time, by majority vote, remove any committee
or board member appointed under this article, for cause, including
on account of a conflict of interest or failure to attend committee
or board meetings or attend to committee or board business. No member
shall be removed absent an opportunity for the member to resign or
appear at a hearing before the Selectboard, provided that a written
statement setting forth specific reasons for such removal is filed
with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof is delivered to or sent by
certified mail to said committee or board member at least five days
before the date of said proposed hearing. The actions of the Selectboard
shall be final.
A.
Duties.
The Whiting Street Fund Commissioners shall distribute annual fund
income to any residents who are indigent and void of any form of financial
aid or assistance.
B.
Membership
and term. The Whiting Street Fund Commissioners shall consist of five
members, each of whom shall serve for a term of one year.
A.
Duties.
The Board of Registrars shall perform duties enumerated in MGL c.
51, § 15.
B.
Membership
and term. The Board of Registrars shall consist of three members,
each of whom shall serve for a term of three years, pursuant to MGL
c. 51, § 15. The Town Clerk shall also serve as an ex-officio
member.
A.
Duties.
The Council on Aging shall perform the duties enumerated in MGL c.
40, § 8B. In addition, it shall:
(1)
Identify
the total needs of the community's elderly population;
(2)
Act as
a provider of information, referral, counseling, nutrition and health
needs that will encourage independence, participation and community
involvement;
(3)
Design,
advocate and/or implement programs for the elderly of the community,
including providing meaningful education, cultural, social, recreational,
and volunteer activities which will foster individual growth and serve
the life of the community;
(4)
Educate
the community and enlist support and participation of all citizens
about elder needs; and
(5)
Be responsive
to the changing needs of the elderly in the community, in cooperative
communication with community organizations, agencies and individuals.
B.
Membership
and term. The Council on Aging shall consist of 11 members, a majority
of whom shall be at least age 60. The term of appointment shall be
three years. Members shall not serve more than two consecutive three-year
terms, or more than seven consecutive years. Previous members shall
become eligible for reappointment after one year of absence. Honorary
members may be appointed by the Council in recognition of meritorious
service to the Council.
A.
Duties.
The Conservation Commission will perform duties as enumerated in MGL
c. 40, § 8C and MGL c. 131, § 40.
B.
Membership
and term. The Conservation Commission shall consist of not fewer than
three members and not more than seven members, each of whom shall
be appointed for a term of three years.
C.
Associate
members. The Selectboard shall also appoint up to two associate non-voting
members to the Conservation Commission for a term not to exceed three
years. Failure to have served as an associate member shall not constitute
a disqualification for appointment to fill a vacancy in the Conservation
Commission.
[Added 11-30-2022 ATM by Art. 4]
A.
Established.
There is hereby established a veterans' council consisting of seven
persons appointed by the Selectboard from all the veterans who are
voters and residents of the Town under the provisions of MGL c. 115,
§ 12, with each member serving a three-year term. The initial
appointments shall serve staggered terms as follows: two shall serve
one year, two shall serve two years and the remaining three shall
serve three years. Following the first term, all appointments shall
be made for a term of three years.
B.
Powers and
duties. The Veterans' Council shall meet at least four times a year
or upon the call of the chairperson. The Veterans' Council shall advise
and make recommendations to the Director of Veterans' Services, the
Town Administrator and Selectboard on legislation pertaining to veteran
affairs, and promote the welfare of veterans in the Town of South
Hadley. Further, the Veterans' Council shall be responsible for conducting
the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Day Ceremony and Flag Day
Parade in the Town of South Hadley, and be responsible for such other
related duties as may be voted by the Selectboard. The Veterans' Council
may assume further duties and responsibilities as they may deem fit
with the advice and approval of the Town Administrator and Selectboard.
C.
Officers.
(1)
The officers
of the Council shall be: Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. All officers
shall be elected annually by vote of the Council in public session
during the first meeting of the fiscal year. Council officers will
constitute the Executive Board of the Council. The Executive Board
shall be responsible for planning and organizing all Council meetings
and addressing any and all matters identified by the Veterans Service
Officer.
(2)
Duties
of officers.
(a)
Chair.
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Council. The Chair
shall be responsible for preparing each meeting's agenda, providing
at least two weeks' advance notice to Council members of upcoming
meetings except in emergency circumstances, and posting all meeting
agendas in accordance with the Open Meeting Law (MGL c. 30A, § 20).
(b)
Vice
Chair. The Vice Chair shall be responsible for performing the duties
of the Chair should the Chair not be available to prepare for and/or
preside at a meeting.
(c)
Secretary. The
Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at all meetings
and presenting draft minutes for approval at the Council's next meeting.
The Secretary shall arrange for posting of approved minutes on the Town's
web page for the Council. The Secretary shall be responsible for any
and all other correspondence required by the Council. The Secretary
shall be responsible for maintaining custody of all agendas and approved
minutes of Council meetings in accordance with the Public Records
Law (MGL c. 66, § 6).
D.
Meetings.
The Council shall meet a minimum of four times annually. Additional
meetings may be called by the Chair, when required, in accordance
with the Open Meeting Law.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-7, Forestry Committee,
was repealed 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13.
A.
Duties.
The Cable Television Advisory Committee shall serve as a liaison between
the Town's cable provider(s) and the Selectboard; review proposed
and existing cable contracts; advocate with the Town's cable provider(s)
on behalf of the Town and its citizens; network with municipal peer
groups; and anticipate future cable needs.
B.
Membership
and term. The Cable Television Advisory Committee shall consist of
five members serving three-year staggered terms.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
A.
Duties. The Trustees of the Old Firehouse Museum shall ensure that
the building and its contents are maintained in good condition, and
shall make provisions for reasonable public access.
B.
Membership and term. The Trustees of the Old Firehouse Museum shall
consist of nine members (five from the South Hadley Historical Society
and four from the general public), each of whom shall be appointed
for a term of three years.
A.
Duties. The Historical Commission shall perform duties as enumerated
in MGL c. 40, § 8D. The Commission shall, upon request or
on its own initiative, provide the Planning Board, Conservation Commission,
and other municipal boards and committees with an assessment as to
the impact of proposed developments on places of historical and/or
archaeological significance.
B.
Membership and term. The Historical Commission shall consist of seven
members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of three years.
A.
Duties. The Canal Park Committee will:
[Amended 1-11-2017 STM by Art. 20]
(1)
Monitor
the maintenance and safety of the Bicentennial Canal Park and periodically
report conditions as such to the Selectboard.
(2)
Document
and publicize the historical importance of the South Hadley Canal.
(3)
Advocate
for the protection, conservation, and preservation of the remains
of the old canal bed, locks, and gatehouses along its entire length.
(4)
Develop
the park's potential as a recreational and significantly unique educational
attraction for residents and visitors.
B.
Membership and term. The Canal Park Committee shall consist of seven
members with staggered terms, three of whom shall initially be appointed
for a three-year term, two for a two-year term and two for a one-year
term. All future appointments shall be for three years.
A.
Duties. The Traffic Sign Committee shall review requests from Town
departments and citizens regarding traffic signs, speeding, traffic
control and hazardous situations and make nonbinding recommendations
to the Selectboard relative to same for its approval.
B.
Membership and term. The Traffic Sign Committee shall consist of
three members with a term consistent with their position. The members
of the Committee shall consist of the Town Engineer, the DPW Superintendent
and the Chief of Police. In the event of a vacancy(s), the Town Administrator
will fill the void to allow a quorum. Anyone in the "acting" capacity
in regards to the aforementioned positions will have authority to
fully participate on this committee. All meetings to discuss requests
will be posted in accordance with open meetings laws[1] and every reasonable attempt will be made to invite and
inform interested parties of said meeting.
[1]
Editor's Note: See MGL c. 30A, §§ 18 through
25.
A.
Duties. The Council has the responsibility to promote and encourage
the arts and to receive, obligate and disburse funds from the State
Arts Lottery Fund, as enumerated in MGL c. 10, § 58. The
Council shall abide by the regulations of the Massachusetts Cultural
Council. In addition to the foregoing, the Council is to identify
and promote cultural activities, communicate awareness of art and
cultural activities, and work with other entities and individuals
to establish a plan and framework for further development and promotion
of cultural opportunities.
B.
Membership and term. The Council shall consist of not fewer than
five members and not more than 11 members, each of whom shall be appointed
for a term of three years. A person is not eligible to be appointed
to more than two consecutive terms, but may be reappointed after a
one-year interval. The Selectboard may also appoint up to two associate
non-voting members for terms not to exceed three years.
[Amended 5-8-2019 ATM by Art. 17]
A.
Duties. The South Hadley Golf Commission shall advise the Selectboard
on the operation of golf, policies and fees, capital purchases, finances,
staffing and general management within the Town of South Hadley and
shall promote and operate golfing programs and other recreational
activities as may be deemed in the best interest of the Town. The
South Hadley Golf Commission shall prepare and submit an annual report
of its activities to the Selectboard.
B.
Membership and term. The South Hadley Golf Commission shall consist
of seven members, each of whom shall be appointed for three-year terms.
Where possible, the Selectboard shall endeavor to appoint members
to the Commission who represent a cross-section of the community,
course neighbors, and/or users of the golf course.
C.
The Selectboard may appoint alternates as it deems necessary, who
shall serve for two terms each and who, when present, may be counted
for the purpose of creating a quorum if necessary and may vote if
one or more of the seven members are unavailable, absent or choose
to abstain because of a conflict of interest.
D.
Any member of the Commission may be removed by the Selectboard after
a public vote. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by the expiration
of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner of
original appointment.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
The Selectboard and the members of the Planning Board shall
appoint an associate voting member in accordance with the provisions
of MGL c. 41, § 81A for filling a vacancy occurring in the
Board.
A.
Duties. The Bylaw Review Committee shall meet as needed to review
and recommend new bylaws or amendments to these bylaws.
B.
Membership and term. The Bylaw Review Committee shall consist of
up to seven members, with a quorum consisting of a simple majority
of members duly appointed, each of whom shall be appointed for a term
of three years.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
A Town Meeting Review Committee shall be appointed every five
years beginning in 2015. Said committee shall include the Town Moderator,
one representative each from the Selectboard, School Committee, Appropriations
Committee, Planning Board, three Town Meeting members and up to four
registered voters who are not Town Meeting members to be appointed
by the Selectboard. Said committee shall report its findings and recommendations
regarding ways and means to improve the effectiveness and efficiencies
of Town Meeting to the Selectboard within six months of its appointment
or such further time as the Selectboard may grant.
A.
Duties. The Master Plan Implementation Committee shall be responsible
for managing and reporting on the implementation of the Town's current
Master Plan.
B.
Membership. The Master Plan Implementation Committee shall consist
of no fewer than five members and no more than nine members to be
appointed jointly by the Selectboard and Planning Board. Membership
of the Committee shall consist of the following:
(1)
At least five members who are Town residents who individually apply
for membership on the committee. Three of these initial appointments
shall be from persons who served on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee.
(2)
Up to four members chosen from nominations submitted by various boards,
committees, and commissions and other municipal bodies.
C.
Terms. Members of the Master Plan Implementation Committee shall
be appointed for three-year terms. Initial appointments shall provide
for staggered terms, with 1/3 of the initial appointments being for
one year, two years, and three years. Upon expiration of an initial
appointee's term, the subsequent appointment shall be for a three-year
term.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-21, Community and Economic
Development Commission, was repealed 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13.
[Added 11-20-2019 STM by Art. 2]
A.
Title and
purpose.
(1)
The
name of this commission is the Commission on Disability (hereafter
referred to as the "Commission").
(2)
The
purpose of the Commission is to coordinate or carry out programs in
coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability
in order to bring about full and equal participation in all aspects
of life in the Town of South Hadley for people with disabilities.
(3)
The
purpose of these bylaws is to establish principles, policies and procedures
for the governance of this Commission.
B.
Powers and
duties.
(1)
Research,
understand, evaluate and advocate local issues, challenges and opportunities
encountered by people with disabilities.
(2)
Coordinate
the activities of other local groups organized to meet the needs of
people with disabilities.
(3)
Review
and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services and
activities of departments and agencies of the Town of South Hadley
as they affect people with disabilities.
(4)
Work
in cooperation with the departments and agencies of the Town of South
Hadley to bring about maximum participation of people with disabilities.
(5)
Initiate,
monitor, and promote legislation at the city, state and federal level
which advances the equal status of people with disabilities.
(6)
Encourage
public awareness of disability issues.
(7)
Provide
information and advice to individuals, businesses, organizations and
public agencies in all matters pertaining to disability.
(8)
File
an annual report, which shall be printed in the Town report.
(9)
Receive
gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town
subject to the approval of the Selectboard or Town Meeting as appropriate.
(10)
Take
such action as the Commission considers appropriate to ensure the
equal access status of persons with disabilities.
C.
Membership.
(1)
The
Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Selectboard.
The majority of members shall consist of people with disabilities.
One of the members may be a member of the immediate family of a person
with a disability. One member shall be either an elected or appointed
official of the Town. The members shall initially serve the following
terms:
(2)
After
the initial term, all members shall serve three-year terms.
(3)
Resignation
shall be made by notifying the chairperson in writing and filing with
the Town Clerk.
(4)
The
Selectboard shall fill any vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired
term in the same manner as an original appointment.
(5)
No member
may act on his/her own without prior approval of the Commission.
D.
Officers.
(1)
The
officers shall include a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary.
(2)
Officers
shall be elected annually by the majority vote of the Commission.
(3)
Duties.
The chairperson shall: develop the agenda in coordination with the
other officers; preside over all meetings; appoint subcommittees as
needed; and authorize expenditures as needed. (The vice chairperson
shall perform all the functions of the chairperson in his/her absence.)
The secretary shall: keep records of all meetings attendance, minutes,
and correspondence; post notice of all meetings 48 hours before each
meeting at the Town Clerk's office.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-22, Open Space Committee,
was repealed 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
A.
Duties. The Sustainability and Energy Commission shall serve to provide
a forum to achieve high levels of energy efficiency, energy and natural
resource sustainability and guard against the effects of energy and
natural resource disruption/depletion and climate change in accordance
with the Town's Master Plan.
B.
Membership. The Commission shall consist of five members appointed
by the Selectboard for three-year staggered terms.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-24, Personnel Board, was
repealed 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13.
A.
Duties. The Appropriations Committee shall conduct a public hearing
and consider all articles involving the expenditure, appropriation,
raising or borrowing of money in any warrant for any Town Meeting
held during its term of office, and make report thereon, in writing,
together with its recommendations to the meeting held to consider
such article or articles. This public hearing shall be held not less
than 12 days prior to an annual meeting and five days prior to a special
meeting. It shall be the duty of the Committee to investigate the
cost of maintenance and expenditures of the different Town officers
in matters pertaining to the appropriations for their departments
and to recommend, in detail, the amounts to be appropriated for the
ensuing year. No action shall be taken on the expenditure, appropriation,
raising or borrowing of money, until such proposition has been submitted
to the committee and report made by the committee to the meeting at
which action is to be taken.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
B.
Appointment; membership; term; organization. The Town Moderator shall appoint the Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee shall consist of nine members, all of whom shall be voters in the Town, but none of whom shall hold an elective Town office other than Town Meeting member. Each member shall be appointed for a term of three years, with 1/3 of the Committee appointed annually. In the event of a vacancy by removal, resignation or otherwise, the Moderator shall fill the vacancy in accordance with Chapter 72, Article III, of the Town Code. The committee shall elect a Chair and Secretary at the first committee meeting after the Annual Town Meeting.
C.
Removal. The Moderator may, at any time, remove any member of the
Appropriations Committee after a meeting or an opportunity therefor,
provided that a written statement setting forth specific reasons for
such removal is filed with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof is delivered
to or sent by certified mail to said official at least five days before
the date of said proposed hearing. The action of the Moderator shall
be final.
D.
The Appropriations Committee shall be advised of all Capital Committee
recommendations prior to Town Meeting.
[Added 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
E.
The Appropriations
Committee Chair will work with the Town Administrator to make background
information available for any appropriation or budget request to be
presented at Annual Town Meeting no less than 15 days before said
meeting or five days before a Special Town Meeting. The Town Administrator
will post relevant budget material to the Town website no later than
November 30 for the successive fiscal year or as directed by the Selectboard.
[Added 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
A.
Membership and term. The Capital Planning Committee will consist
of nine members, each of whom shall be appointed for a three-year
term, and shall consist of three individuals appointed by the Selectboard,
two members appointed by the School Committee, three individuals appointed
by the Appropriations Committee, and one member appointed by the Planning
Board. The Committee shall choose its own officers, and in the event
of a vacancy by removal, resignation or otherwise, the remaining Committee
members shall have the power to fill the vacancy for the balance of
that term.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
B.
Duties.
(1)
The Committee shall study and make recommendations with respect to
proposed capital projects and improvements involving major nonrecurring
tangible assets and projects which:
(2)
The Capital Planning Committee will on an annual basis request all
departments or boards to update the "Five Year Plan" entries, to indicate
completed projects, adjusted need, change of cost estimates or other
related information. The Town Administrator or his/her designee will
assist and facilitate the collection of material, attend meetings
when requested and provide updates to the Selectboard or the public
about projects or inquiries from the Capital Planning Committee. The
plan will be available on the Town website and updated appropriately
by the Town Administrator at the direction of the Capital Planning
Committee Chair or the Selectboard. The plan should be considered
a "draft" by its very nature.
[Amended 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13]
C.
Report to Selectboard. The Committee shall prepare a report recommending
a capital planning budget for the next fiscal year and a capital planning
program including recommended capital improvements for the following
five fiscal years. The report shall be submitted to the Selectboard
for its consideration and approval. The board shall submit its approved
capital budget to the Annual Town Meeting for adoption by the Town.
No appropriation shall be voted for a capital improvement requested
by a department, board or commission unless the proposed capital improvement
is considered in the committee's report or the committee shall have
submitted a report to the Selectboard explaining the omission.
D.
Approval and implementation of report. Such capital planning report,
after its adoption, shall permit the expenditure on projects included
therein of sums from departmental budgets for surveys, architectural
or engineering advice, options or appraisals; but no such expenditure
shall be incurred on projects which have not been so approved by the
Town through the appropriation of sums in the current year or in prior
years or for preliminary planning for projects to be undertaken more
than five years in the future. Nothing herein shall restrict the School
Committee from approving an expenditure for a capital project out
of a previously approved annual appropriation by Town Meeting.
E.
Report of recommendation to Town Meeting and residents. The Committee's
report and the Selectboard's recommended capital budget shall be published
and made available in a manner consistent with the distribution of
the Town budget.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 7-27, Town Meeting Electronic
Advisory Committee, and Art. III, Agricultural Commission, which immediately
followed this section, were repealed 5-10-2017 ATM by Art. 13.
