The executive, administrative and law enforcement powers of
the City shall be vested in the Mayor. The Mayor shall control and
be accountable for the executive branch of the City government, as
provided by this Charter.
[Amended 11-7-2017 (6-21-2017 by Ord. No. 15377)]
The election of the Mayor shall be held in municipal elections
in the manner provided by law. The term of office of the Mayor shall
be four years commencing the first Monday in January after the election.
No person shall be elected to the office of Mayor more than
twice. The time served to fill in for the remainder of an unexpired
term shall not be deemed a 'term' for the purposes of this limitation
The candidate for Mayor shall be a registered voter of the City.
The Mayor shall continue to reside in the City throughout the term
of office.
The Mayor shall forfeit office if the Mayor:
A. Lacks at any time during term of office for which elected any qualifications
for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law;
B. Violates any expressed prohibition of the Charter; or
C. Is convicted of any crime classified as a misdemeanor of the second
degree or higher, under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or the United States or be convicted of any comparable graded crime
under the laws of any other state in the United States.
In all cases of forfeiture, the Mayor shall be entitled to notice
and a hearing in accordance with the administrative procedures to
be established by Council.
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The Mayor shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Execute, enforce and obey the ordinances of the City, the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America.
B. Prepare and present a budget to City Council in accordance with the
provisions of this Charter.
C. Inform City Council and the public each January of the financial
and general condition of the City.
D. Provide Council with all information concerning finances and general
conditions of the City as may be requested by Council.
E. Prepare and submit, to City Council, on an annual basis a five year
financial plan and budget.
F. Introduce proposed legislation to Council and make recommendations
to City Council concerning the affairs of the City.
G. Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices
and agencies of the City, except as otherwise provided by the Charter
or by law.
H. Supervise and direct the negotiation and administration of any collective
bargaining agreements with City employees.
I. Ensure that all laws, provisions of this Charter and acts of City
Council are faithfully executed.
J. Be responsible for the establishment and development of the administrative
policy.
K. Be present or represented at all regular City council meetings. The
Mayor may participate in all regular City Council discussions but
shall have no vote.
L. Execute all bonds, notes, contracts, and written obligations of the
City.
M. Issue subpoenas and compulsory processes, under the official seal
of the Mayor, for the attendance of such persons and the production
of such books and records as deemed necessary by the Mayor, and seek
enforcement of such subpoenas by the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh
County.
N. Appoint, suspend or remove any City employee, except as otherwise
provided by this Charter or by law, and unless otherwise provided,
be responsible for the employment of personnel necessary for the effective
operation of city government.
O. Perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as stated
in this Charter, by law, or ordinance.
The Mayor may remove from office anyone appointed pursuant to
Section 309, unless otherwise provided by law.
Upon taking office, the Mayor shall designate a department head
or elected City official who shall serve as Deputy Mayor, in the event
of the Mayor's temporary disability or absence from the City. The
Mayor may change his designation from time to time. The Deputy Mayor
shall exercise all the duties of the Mayor, except the power of appointment
or removal from office.