The purpose of this article is to establish an orderly procedure for the transition to the new form of government provided by this Charter. The provisions of this article address the transition from the existing form of government to the form of government established by this Charter. Where inconsistent with the preceding articles of this Charter, the provisions of this article shall constitute temporary exceptions.
1. 
2015 election. The following elected officials shall be nominated at the primary election, in May 2015, and shall be elected at the municipal election in November 2015 for the following terms:
A. 
One Mayor, for a term of four (4) years.
B. 
Two (2) members of City Council, for a term of four (4) years.
C. 
The four remaining members of City Council shall be elected at the municipal election in November 2017, for a term of four (4) years.
2. 
Vacancy. If any of the elected offices become vacant between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2016, such vacancy shall be filled as provided for in the Charter.
The members of City Council elected at the municipal election of 2015 shall be initially compensated at the annual salaries set by City Council as recommended by the Transition Committee. Such salaries shall be set by Council by ordinance prior to February 15, 2015, and if not so set, said salaries shall be as recommended by the Transition Committee. These salaries of elected officials shall continue until changed in accordance with this Charter.
All boards and commissions established for or under the authority of the City before the effective date of this Charter shall continue to exist and operate unless abolished by the Charter or by ordinance of City Council. Members of the boards and commissions existing on the effective date of this Charter and not abolished by its provisions shall remain in office for as long as their respective terms continue or until the status of their respective terms continue or until the status of their respective boards or commission shall be altered by City Council. Vacancies in the membership of such boards and commissions shall be filled in accordance with the Charter.
The duties, functions and powers assigned by law and not inconsistent with this Charter are hereby transferred to City Council or to the Mayor in accordance with this Charter. If a department, office or agency is abolished by the Charter, its functions, powers and duties shall be transferred to the department, office or agency designated by the Charter or, if the Charter makes no such provision, as designated by ordinance. All departments, offices and agencies shall continue until abolished or modified.
1. 
Charter effect on employees. Nothing in this Charter, except as otherwise specifically provided, shall affect or impair the rights or privileges of individuals who are employees of the City on the effective date of this Charter as to salary, tenure, residency, retirement or pension benefits; employments; leave with pay; or, other personal rights. Nothing in this Charter shall diminish the rights and privileges of any former employee in their pension or retirement benefits.
2. 
Exemption from competitive tests. Any employee holding a position with the City at the time this Charter takes effect who is serving in the same or comparable position at the time of its adoption shall not be subject to competitive tests as a condition for continuance in the same position, but in all respects shall be subject to the human resources system provided for in this Charter.
1. 
City laws. All City ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations which are in force on the effective date of this Charter, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter, shall continue in force until amended or repealed.
2. 
Legal actions. All rights, claims, actions, orders, contracts and legal or administrative proceedings involving the City shall continue except as modified pursuant to the provisions of this Charter.
3. 
Property, records and equipment. All property, records and equipment of any agency existing on the effective date of this Charter shall be transferred to the agency assuming its powers and duties; but, in the event that the powers and duties are to be discontinued or divided between agencies, or in the event that any conflict arises regarding a transfer, such property, records or equipment shall be transferred to one or more agencies designated by City Council in accordance with this Charter.
1. 
Establishment and powers. Within ten (10) days of the election held in November 2014, there shall be a Transition Committee established consisting of five (5) persons to facilitate the transition from the existing form of government to the form of government established by this Charter. The Transition Committee may draft necessary documents in order that they may be adopted on or after the effective dates of this Charter.
2. 
Membership. The Transition Committee shall include:
A. 
Two (2) members and one (1) alternate member of the City Council in office as of November 2014, said members to be selected by the Mayor.
B. 
Three (3) members of the City of Altoona Government Study Commission and one (1) alternate member, said members to be selected by the Chairman of the Commission.
3. 
Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Transition Committee shall be filled by the respective alternate member previously appointed. In the event the alternate member is unable to serve for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by a majority of the remaining members of the Transition Committee.
4. 
Compensation. The Transition Committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for legitimate expenses.