The organization of the city into operating agencies for the
provision of services and the administration of the government shall
be accomplished only through an administrative order filed with the
city council by the mayor. No administrative order shall originate
with the city council. The mayor may, subject only to express prohibitions
in a general law or this charter, propose to reorganize, consolidate
or abolish any city agency, in whole or in part, or to establish new
city agencies as deemed necessary; provided, however, that no function
assigned by this charter to a particular city agency shall be discontinued
or assigned to any other city agency unless this charter specifically
so provides. The mayor may from time to time prepare and submit to
the city council administrative orders that establish operating divisions
for the orderly, efficient or convenient conduct of the business of
the city. These administrative orders shall be accompanied by a message
of the mayor that explains the benefits expected to ensue and advises
the city council if any provision of an administrative order shall
require amendments, insertions, revisions, repeal or otherwise of
existing ordinances. If the mayor proposes an administrative order,
the city council shall hold at least 1 public hearing on the proposal
giving notice by publication in a local news publication. The notice
shall describe the scope of the proposal and the time and place at
which the public hearing will be held, which shall be not less than
7 and not more than 14 days following publication. An organization
or reorganization plan shall become effective at the expiration of
60 days following the date the proposal is submitted to the city council
unless the city council shall within such period vote to disapprove
of the plan by a majority vote. The city council shall not vote to
amend or alter the plan.
All appointments and promotions of city officers and employees
shall be made on the basis of merit and fitness as demonstrated by
examination, past performance or other evidence of competence and
suitability.
