A New City Charter for Somerville

We, the people of Somerville, with our diversity in culture and thought, in order to reaffirm the liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of our local government, adopt this charter to continue and enhance the city’s strong traditions of the pursuit of justice; empowerment of residents; ethical, transparent and responsive leadership; wise use of public resources; representation for all; and an engaged populace. We expect that our government will be approachable, accountable, equitable, inclusive, and respectful towards all people, and it will strive to provide all residents an equal opportunity to participate fully in the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the city.

The residents of the city of Somerville within the territorial limits established by law, shall continue to be a municipal corporation, a body corporate and politic, under the name “City of Somerville.”

This instrument shall be known and may be cited as the City of Somerville Charter (“charter”).

The administration of the fiscal, prudential and municipal affairs of the city shall be vested in an executive branch led by a mayor and a legislative branch consisting of a city council. The legislative branch shall never exercise any executive power and the executive branch shall never exercise any legislative power.

Subject only to express limitations on the exercise of any power or function by a municipal government in the constitution or General Laws, it is the intention and the purpose of the voters of the city, through the adoption of this charter, to secure for themselves and their government all of the powers it is possible to secure as fully and as completely as though each power were specifically and individually enumerated in this charter.

The powers of the city under this charter are to be construed liberally in favor of the city and the specific mention of any particular power is not intended to limit the general powers of the city as stated in section 1-4. If any provision of this charter conflicts with any special act or law adopted by the city to the contrary, the provisions of this charter shall prevail.

Subject only to express limitations in the constitution or General Laws, the city may exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions and may participate in the financing thereof, jointly or in cooperation, by contract or otherwise, with the commonwealth or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, or with the United States government or any of its agencies.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings as used in this charter:

(1) “Business day”, any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. For the purposes of this definition, legal holiday shall mean Massachusetts legal holidays as published by the state secretary.

(2) “Charter”, this charter and any adopted amendments to it.

(3) “City”, the city of Somerville.

(4) “City agency”, any multiple-member body, department, division or office of the city.

(5) “City officer” or “department head”, a person having charge of a city office or department.

(6) “City website&rdquo, an online site established and maintained by the city as its repository of municipal information.

(7) “Emergency”, a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate action or response.

(8) “General Laws”, the Massachusetts General Laws.

(9) “Majority vote”, a majority of the present and voting members of a body, unless otherwise provided for by law or by the body’s own rules; provided, however, that General Laws related to any vote to meet in executive session shall always require a majority of the full multiple-member body.

(10) “Measure”, any ordinance, order, other vote or proceeding adopted or proposed to be adopted, by the city council or the school committee.

(11) “Multiple-member body”, any council, commission, committee, subcommittee or other body consisting of 2 or more persons, whether elected, appointed or otherwise constituted, but not including the city council or its committees, the school committee or its subcommittees or an advisory committee or task force established by the mayor or city council.

(12) “Quasi-judicial body”, any multiple-member body which resolves specific disputes, or makes determinations about the rights, obligations or privileges of identifiable parties.

(13) “Regulatory body”, any multiple-member body responsible for establishing or enforcing rules or regulations.

(14) “Organization or reorganization plan”, a plan submitted by the mayor to the city council which proposes:
(i) a change in the organization or the administrative structure of the city administration or organization; or (ii) a change in the way in which municipal services are delivered.

(15) “Post”, make available publicly on the city website, at city hall, in a local newspaper or as otherwise may be required by law. For the purposes of this definition, a local newspaper shall be a newspaper of general circulation within the city, with either weekly or daily circulation. The city council president may, from time to time, select a local newspaper for posting according to a procedure that shall be set forth in the rules of the city council.

(16) “Quorum”, a majority of all voting members of a multiple-member body unless some other number is established by law or by ordinance.

(17) “Voter”, anyone residing in the city of Somerville who is eligible to vote pursuant to state and federal law.

(18) “Year”, a calendar year, unless otherwise specified.

(a) Composition - There shall be a city council consisting of 11 members which shall exercise the legislative powers of the city. Four members of the city council shall be known as councilors at-large and shall be nominated and elected by the voters at large. Seven members of the city council shall be known as ward councilors and shall be nominated from and elected by the voters in each ward, with 1 ward councilor to be elected from each of the 7 wards into which the city is divided under section 7-6.

(b) Term of Office - The term of office for councilors shall be 2 years each, beginning on the first business day in January following the municipal election.

(c) Eligibility - Any voter shall be eligible to hold the office of councilor at-large. Any voter residing in the ward from which election is sought shall be eligible to hold the office of ward councilor. If the city council determines that a ward councilor or a councilor at-large has removed from the city during the councilor’s term, that office shall immediately be deemed vacant and filled in the manner provided in section 2-12. A ward councilor who removes from the ward in which the councilor was elected and who remains a voter may continue to serve the balance of the term to which such ward councilor was elected.

(a) Holding Other City Position – Except as otherwise provided by this charter, a member of the city council shall hold no other compensated city position. A former member of the city council shall not hold any compensated appointed city position for 1 year after termination of such former member’s service on the city council, unless the city council approves a waiver of this provision by affirmative vote of 8 members of the city council. This section shall not prevent a city employee who vacated a position to serve as a member of the city council from returning to the same position upon the expiration of the term for which that person was elected.

(b) Interference with Administration - The city council or any member of the city council shall not give orders or directions to any employee of the city appointed by the mayor, either publicly or privately.

The members of the city council shall receive compensation for their services as set by ordinance. An ordinance increasing or reducing the compensation of the members of the city council shall not be effective unless:

(i) it is adopted by affirmative vote of 8 members of the city council;

(ii) it is adopted prior to the last 6 months of the city council’s term; and

(iii) it provides that the compensation increase or reduction is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular municipal election.

Except as otherwise provided by the General Laws or by this charter, all powers of the city shall be vested in the city council which shall provide for the performance of all duties and obligations imposed upon the city by law.

(a) Exercise of Powers - Except as otherwise provided by General Laws or by this charter, the legislative powers of the city council may be exercised in a manner determined by the city council.

(b) Quorum - Once a quorum is present, a majority vote shall be required to adopt any ordinance, except as otherwise provided by General Laws or by this charter.

(c) Rules of Procedure - The city council shall adopt rules regulating the procedures of the city council, which shall be subject to adoption, amendment or repeal by vote of the city council.

(d) Meetings - Regular meetings of the city council shall be held at a time and place fixed by ordinance.

(e) Special meetings of the city council shall be held at the call of the president or at the call of not less than 6 members for any purpose. Except in an emergency as declared by the city council president, notice of the meeting shall be delivered to the city clerk not less than 3 business days in advance of the time set and shall specify the date, time, location and purpose for which the meeting is to be held. The city clerk shall post an agenda for such meeting not less than 2 business days in advance of the time set.

(f) All sessions of the city council and every city council committee or subcommittee shall, at all times, be open to the public, unless otherwise specified by law.

(g) A full, accurate, up-to-date account of the proceedings of the city council shall be maintained by the city clerk, which shall include a record of each vote taken and be made available with reasonable promptness following each meeting. Executive session minutes shall be made available as soon as publication of the minutes would not defeat the purpose of the executive session, unless otherwise provided by law.

(a) Election and Term - As soon as practicable after the councilors-elect have been qualified following each regular municipal election, as provided in section 7-3, the city council shall elect from among its members a president and vice-president who shall serve for 1-year terms. The member of the council with the most years of service shall preside at the election. If 2 or more members have the same term of service, the councilor with the last name that is first in alphabetical order from among such councilors shall preside. The conduct of all elections of the city council president and vice-president shall otherwise be prescribed within the rules of the city council.

(b) Powers and Duties - The president shall have the following powers and duties:

(i) determine the agenda for city council meetings;

(ii) preside at all meetings of the city council, regulate its proceedings and decide all questions of order; provided, however, that the vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president;

(iii) appoint all members of committees of the city council, whether special or standing;

(iv) have the same powers to vote upon measures coming before the city council as any other member of the city council; and

(v) perform any other duties consistent with the office that are established by this charter, ordinance or other vote of the city council.

(a) City Clerk - The city council shall appoint a city clerk to serve at the pleasure of the city council and until a qualified successor is chosen. The city clerk shall have the powers and duties as are provided to city clerks by the General Laws relating to the keeping of records and vital statistics, the issuance of licenses and such additional powers and duties as may be provided by law or by other vote of the city council.

(b) Advisory Legal Counsel - The city attorney shall be the only authorized officer of the city in all legal matters involving the city’s government; provided, however, that, subject to appropriation, the city council may secure outside legal services, when needed, to seek secondary legal opinions. The city council shall make a reasonable request for such legal services to the mayor and that request shall not be unreasonably denied by the mayor. The city attorney and any advisory legal counsel shall consult to the extent practicable prior to the release of any secondary opinion. The legal services provided to the council shall not include representation of the council or any councilor in any litigation or the issuance of formal legal opinions on behalf of the city.

(d) Removals and Suspensions of City Council Staff - City council appointments may be removed at the sole discretion of the city council subject to limitations and requirements imposed by federal and state laws, rules or regulations.

(a) Department Heads - The mayor shall refer to the city council for confirmation and simultaneously file with the city clerk the name of each person the mayor appoints as a department head. These appointments shall be considered confirmed 30 days from the date of the first regularly scheduled city council meeting after the date on which notice of the appointment was filed with the city clerk, unless the city council within said 30 days rejects the appointment by the affirmative vote of 8 of its members; provided, however, that if no city council meeting is held within the subsequent 30 days of the first meeting, the city council shall have 30 days from the second regularly scheduled meeting after the appointment to reject the appointment. The city council shall not unreasonably reject an appointment and shall accompany a rejection with a written statement describing the reason for the rejection, which shall be delivered to the mayor and placed on file with the city clerk within 30 days of the city council’s vote rejecting an appointment. The question on rejection of any appointment made by the mayor shall not be subject to the procedure of charter objection provided in subsection (b) of section 2-9.

(b) Multiple-Member Bodies - The mayor shall refer to the city council and simultaneously file with the city clerk, the name of each person the mayor desires to appoint as a member of a multiple-member body. The city council shall have 60 days after the date on which notice of the proposed appointment was filed with the city clerk to vote to approve or reject the appointment; provided, however, that the city council shall not unreasonably withhold approval of the appointment; and provided further, that if the city council does not take action on the appointment within 60 days, the appointment shall be deemed approved. Multiple-member body members may be removed at the discretion of their appointing authority.

(1) All appointments to quasi-judicial bodies and regulatory bodies shall be for terms established by administrative order or the General Laws. Any member of a quasi-judicial body or regulatory body appointed to a successive term shall be subject to confirmation by the city council under subsection (b) of section 2-8 upon the expiration of each term.

(2) In the event of a vacancy on a multiple-member body where the seat has remained vacant in excess of 1 year and the mayor has not referred to the city council any proposed appointees to fill the vacancy, the city council president may present to the mayor the names of not more than 3 persons as recommendations for appointment. The procedure for selecting names of persons for presentation to the mayor shall be established within the rules of the city council.

(3) The mayor shall twice annually, in February and August, post a complete list of the vacancies on all multiple-member bodies, as well as the procedures for individuals to apply to become a member of such bodies. This posting shall be in addition to, and not a substitute for, regular posting for the purpose of filling vacancies as they arise.

(c) Police and Fire Employees - The mayor shall refer to the city council for confirmation and simultaneously file with the city clerk, the name of each person the mayor desires to appoint or promote as a member or officer of the police department or the fire department. The city council shall not unreasonably withhold confirmation of appointments, shall adhere to any merit principles identified in applicable law, including, but not limited to applicable civil service law, and shall accompany a rejection with a written statement describing the reason for the rejection, which shall be delivered to and placed on file with the city clerk within 30 days of the rejection. The question on confirmation of any appointment submitted by the mayor shall not be subject to the procedure of charter objection provided in subsection (b) of section 2-9 of this charter.

(a) Measures - Every adopted measure shall become effective at the expiration of 10 days after adoption or upon the signature of the mayor, whichever occurs first, unless the ordinance or this charter provides otherwise. An ordinance shall not be amended or repealed except by another ordinance adopted in accordance with this charter.

(b) Charter Objection - On the first occasion that the question on adoption of a measure is put to the city council, a single member may object to the taking of the vote and postpone the vote until the next meeting of the city council, whether regular or special. If 2 or more members object, the vote shall be postponed until the next regular meeting. This procedure shall not be used more than once for any specific matter regardless of whether it has been amended. A charter objection shall have privilege over all motions; provided, however, that it shall be raised prior to or at the call for a vote by the presiding officer and at that time all debate pertaining to the item shall cease.

(a) In General - The city council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and into the conduct and performance of any city agency. Absent compelling circumstances or an emergency, which shall be declared on record and noted in the city council minutes, the city council shall give a notice of not less than 14 days to any person it may require to appear before it under this section; provided, however, that in the case of compelling circumstances or emergency, the notice period may be shortened to not less than 7 days. The notice shall include specific questions on which the city council seeks information and any person called to appear before the city council under this section shall not be required to respond to any question not relevant or related to those questions presented in advance and in writing. The mayor shall receive a copy of any notice issued under this section at the same time as the person who is requested to appear before the council. A majority vote of the city council shall be required to issue notice under this section.

(b) Department Head - The city council may require, by majority vote, specific information from a department head or the department head’s designee on any matter related to the municipal services, functions and powers or duties which are within the scope of responsibility of such department head and related to the official duties and responsibilities of the city council. The department head or the department head’s designee shall not be required to answer questions relating to any other matter outside the scope of the matter noticed or provide information the release of which is prohibited by law.

(c) Mayor - The city council may request, by majority vote, specific information from the mayor on any municipal matter related to the official duties and responsibilities of the city council. The mayor or their designee shall appear before the city council and respond to the questions. The mayor or their designee shall not be required to answer questions relating to any other matter outside the scope of the matter noticed or be required to provide information the release of which is prohibited by law. The mayor may bring to this meeting any assistant, department head or other city officer or employee that the mayor may consider necessary to assist in responding to the questions posed by the city council.

The city council shall hold a public hearing and act with respect to every petition which is addressed to it and signed by not less than 50 voters, as certified by the board of election commissioners within 5 days of the receipt of the petition. The city clerk shall accept the petition following certification by the board of election commissioners and place it before the council on the next agenda. The hearing shall be held by the city council, or by a committee or subcommittee thereof, and the city council shall act on the petition within 3 months of the date it first appeared on the agenda. Hearings on 2 or more petitions filed under this section may be held at the same time and place. Not less than 14 days before the hearing, the city clerk shall notify the 10 petitioners whose names first appear on each petition, publish a general summary of the subject matter of the petition and post notice of the date and time of the public hearing. A hearing shall not be held upon any subject more than once in a 12-month period, as determined by the city council president.

(a) Councilor At-Large - When a vacancy exists for an at-large city council seat and more than 180 days remain in the term for such seat, the city clerk shall notify the city council and the board of election commissioners of the vacancy within 7 days of such vacancy. Not less than 7 days after notification, the chair of the board of election commissioners or a designee shall certify, in writing, to the city clerk that the defeated candidate for the office of councilor at-large with the next highest number of votes at the prior municipal election, if willing and able to serve, shall fill the remainder of the existing term. The city clerk shall administer the oath of office to such candidate within 15 days after certification and the person shall take the seat. If such candidate declines the office, is not eligible and willing to serve or fails to take the oath of office within the time period set forth in this section, then the candidate with the next highest number of votes for councilor at-large at the prior municipal election who is eligible and willing to serve shall take the seat under the same circumstances as above. If no such candidate for the office can serve, the city council shall call a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs with not more than 180 days in the existing term, the vacancy shall be filled as above; provided, however, that if no candidate is available to take the seat, the seat shall remain vacant until the next regular municipal election and the person elected shall take office upon certification of the vote and serve for the remainder of the existing term as well as the term to which elected. The city clerk shall administer the oath of office to elected candidates at the next meeting of the city council.

(b) Ward Councilor - If a vacancy occurs in the office of ward councilor and more than 180 days remain on the existing term, the city council shall immediately order a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. If a vacancy occurs with not more than 180 days before the end of the term, the seat shall remain vacant until the next regular municipal election for the office and the person elected shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term and the term to which elected. The city clerk shall administer the oath of office to the person at the next meeting of the city council.

(a) Role - The chief executive officer of the city shall be a mayor, elected by the voters at large. The role of mayor shall be a full-time position.

(b) Term of Office - The term of office for mayor shall be 2 years, beginning on the first business day in January following the municipal election.

The mayor shall not hold another compensated city position or other elected public office. A former mayor shall not hold a compensated appointed city office or city employment for 1 year after termination of their service as the mayor. Any former mayor shall not receive compensation for contracted work authorized during their tenure as the mayor. This subsection shall not prevent a city officer or other city employee who has vacated a position to serve as the mayor from returning to the same office or other position of city employment held when the position was vacated. This prohibition shall not apply to persons covered by a leave of absence under section 37 of chapter 31 of the General Laws.

The mayor shall receive compensation for the mayor’s services as set by the city council by ordinance. An ordinance increasing or reducing the compensation of the mayor shall not be effective unless:

(i) it is adopted by affirmative vote of 8 members of the city council;

(ii) it is adopted prior to the last 6 months of the mayor’s term; and

(iii) it provides that the compensation increase or reduction is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular municipal election.

(a) Executive Powers - The executive powers of the city shall be vested solely in the mayor and may be exercised by the mayor either personally or through the city agencies under the general supervision and control of the office of the mayor. The mayor shall cause this charter, laws, ordinances and other orders of the city government to be enforced and shall cause a record of all official acts of the executive branch of the city government to be kept. The mayor shall supervise, direct and be responsible for the efficient administration of all city activities and functions placed under the control of the mayor by law or by this charter. The mayor or the mayor’s designee shall have the sole power to sign, seal, execute and deliver on behalf of the city, deeds and leases of land sold or leased by the city and other deeds, agreements, contracts, leases, indentures and assurances on behalf of the city.

(b) Supervision of City Agencies - The mayor shall exercise general supervision and direction over all city agencies, unless otherwise provided by law or by this charter. Each city agency shall furnish to the mayor any information or materials the mayor may request and as the needs of the office of mayor and the interest of the city may require. The mayor shall be responsible for the efficient and effective coordination of the activities of all city agencies and may call together for consultation, conference and discussion, at reasonable times, all persons serving the city.

(c) Multiple-Member Bodies - The mayor shall be, by virtue of the office, a member of every appointed multiple-member body of the city. The mayor may attend any meeting of an appointed multiple-member body of the city, including executive sessions, to participate in the discussions of that body; provided, however, that the mayor shall not have the right to vote on any matter before a multiple-member body which they serve on solely by virtue of their office.

(a) Department Heads - The mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the city council under section 2-8, all department heads for whom no other method of appointment or selection is provided by this charter. Department heads serve at the discretion of the mayor subject to the limitations and requirements imposed by federal and state laws, rules or regulations.

(b) City Attorney - The city attorney shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council under section 2-8. The city attorney shall be appointed to a 2-year term. Whenever the mayor appoints or reappoints a city attorney the mayor shall submit the name of the person to serve as city attorney for confirmation under section 2-8, and the provisions of section 2-8 shall apply to both an appointment and reappointment; provided, however, that a reappointment shall not be rejected except by negative vote of not less than 8 members of the city council. If the mayor fails to submit the name of the person serving as the city attorney for confirmation of reappointment within 30 days of the expiration of the term, the city clerk shall place an item on the agenda for such reappointment at the next regular city council meeting.

c) Multiple-Member Bodies - The mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the city council under section 2-8, all members of multiple-member bodies for whom no other method of appointment or selection is provided by administrative order or General Laws. All members shall serve terms as defined by administrative order or General Laws. Upon the expiration of the term of any member of a multiple-member body, a successor shall be appointed in a like manner. The mayor shall fill any vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term of any member of a multiple-member body.

(d) Police and Fire Employees - The mayor may appoint and promote, subject to confirmation by the city council, members and officers of the police department and fire department subject to requirements of the commonwealth’s civil service law.

(e) City Employees - The method of appointment for all other city employees shall be as prescribed by administrative order.

The mayor shall appoint a chief administrative officer, subject to confirmation by the city council under section 2-8, to coordinate and direct the operations and functions of municipal government. The appointee shall be chosen on the basis of appropriate administrative and executive qualifications and shall have a combination of experience, training or education to perform the duties of the office. The mayor shall submit the name of the person appointed to serve as a chief administrative officer for confirmation undersection 2-8.

If a temporary or permanent vacancy occurs in a city office that is appointed by the mayor under subsections (a) and (b) of section 3-5, the mayor may designate a person to perform the duties of the office on a temporary basis for not more than 180 days until the position can be filled as provided by law or by this charter. Persons serving as temporary officers under this section shall have only those powers that are indispensable and essential to the performance of the duties of the office during the period of temporary appointment and no others.

(a) Filing of a Temporary Appointment - When the mayor designates a person under this section, the mayor shall file a certificate with the city clerk in substantially the following form:

“I designate [name of person] to perform the duties of the office of [office in which vacancy exists] on a temporary basis until the office can be filled by [the regular procedure for filling the vacancy or when the incumbent shall return]. I certify that this person is qualified to perform the duties which will be required and that I make this designation solely in the interests of the city of Somerville.”

(b) Extension of Temporary Appointments - If an extension of a temporary appointment is necessary, the mayor may seek extensions in 90-day increments, which shall be authorized by a majority vote of the city council. If an extension is not approved, the position shall be deemed vacant.

If a temporary or permanent vacancy occurs on a multiple-member body that is appointed under subsection (c) of section 3-5, the mayor may designate a person to perform the duties of the office on a temporary basis for not more than 150 days until the position can be filled as provided by law or by this charter. If such vacancy occurs on a quasi-judicial body or regulatory body, the mayor shall submit a communication to the city council with the name of such designee. If an extension of a temporary appointment is necessary, the mayor may seek extensions in 60-day increments, which shall be authorized by a majority vote of the city council. If an extension is not approved, the position shall be deemed vacant; provided, however, that for a vacancy on multiple-member bodies where such a vacancy would prevent the presence of a quorum, the temporary appointment shall remain in effect even without an extension, until a successor is qualified.

Every ordinance or other measure as required by law adopted or passed by the city council, except any matters relating to the internal affairs of the city council, shall be presented to the mayor for approval. If the mayor approves the measure, the mayor shall sign it. If the mayor disapproves the measure, the mayor shall return it to the city council with the specific reason for disapproval attached in writing. The city council shall enter the objections of the mayor on its records and reconsider the measure at its subsequent regular meeting. If the city council, regardless of the disapproval by the mayor, again passes the identical measure by affirmative vote of not less than 8 members of the city council, the measure shall then be deemed in force. If the mayor has neither signed a measure nor returned it to the city council within 10 days following the date it was presented to the mayor, the measure shall be deemed approved and in force.

(a) Communications to the City Council - The mayor shall, by written communication:

(i) recommend to the city council for its consideration measures as the needs of the city require; and

(ii) keep the city council fully informed of the financial and administrative condition of the city and shall specifically indicate any fiscal, financial, or administrative issues facing the city.

(b) Special Meetings of the City Council - The mayor may call a special meeting of the city council for any purpose. Unless the mayor designates an emergency, notice of the meeting shall be delivered to the city clerk not less than 3 business days in advance of the time set and shall specify the date, time, location and the purpose for which the meeting is to be held. The city clerk shall post an agenda for such meeting not less than 2 business days in advance of the time set.

(a) Acting Mayor - If the mayor is unable to perform the duties of the office, the president of the city council shall serve as acting mayor. If the city council president is unable to serve as acting mayor under this section, the city council shall elect a councilor to serve as acting mayor by majority vote from among its membership. The city council, by the affirmative vote of not less than 8 members, shall determine whether the mayor is unable to perform the duties of the office. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the vote shall be taken in public session by a roll call vote.

(b) Powers of Acting Mayor - The acting mayor shall have only those powers of the mayor that are indispensable and essential to conduct the business of the city and on which action may not be delayed. The acting mayor shall not have the authority to make a permanent appointment or removal from city service unless the absence of the mayor shall extend beyond 60 days, nor shall the acting mayor approve or disapprove of any measure adopted by the city council unless the time within which the mayor must act would expire before the return of the mayor. The city council president or another councilor serving as acting mayor shall not vote as a member of the city council.

The mayor may authorize and subsequently remove authorization from a subordinate officer or employee of the city to exercise or perform a function or duty of the office of the mayor; provided, however, that all acts performed under any delegation of authority during the period of authorization shall be and remain the acts of the mayor. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the mayor to delegate the powers and duties of the mayor as a school committee member, the power of appointment to city office or employment or the authority to sign or return measures approved by the city council unless section 3-11 applies.

If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of mayor with not more than the 6 months until the next regular municipal election, the office shall be filled by the voters at that election; provided, however, that if a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of mayor with more than 6 months until the next regular municipal election, the city council shall immediately order a special election to be held within 150 days following the date of the vacancy.

The city council president shall serve as acting mayor until the permanent vacancy is filled pursuant to this section. If the city council president is unwilling or unable to serve, the city council shall elect a councilor to serve as the acting mayor by majority vote from among its membership. If the councilor serving as the acting mayor chooses to run for mayor, such councilor shall not be entitled to have the words “candidate for reelection” printed with their name on the election ballot. Any person serving as acting mayor shall receive the compensation then in effect for the position of mayor and shall not vote as a member of the city council. The resulting vacancy on the city council shall be filled in the manner provided in section 2-12.

(a) Composition - There shall be a school committee consisting of 9 members. Seven members shall be nominated and elected by the voters in each ward, 1 member elected from each ward. The mayor and the president of the city council shall serve, by virtue of their office, with the same powers and duties as other school committee members; provided, however, that neither shall serve as chair.

(b) Term of Office - The term for the school committee shall be 2 years, beginning on the first business day in January following the municipal election.

(c) Eligibility - Any voter residing in the ward from which election is sought shall be eligible to hold the office of school committee member. If a school committee member removes from the city during the committee member’s term, that office shall immediately be deemed vacant and filled in the manner provided in section 4-6. If a school committee member removes to another ward in the city, the member may continue to serve for the balance of the term to which elected.

A member of the school committee elected by ward shall not hold any other compensated city position. A former member of the school committee elected by ward shall not hold any compensated appointed city office or city employment for 1 year after termination of their service on the school committee. This section shall not prevent a city officer or other city employee who has vacated a position in order to serve as a member of the school committee elected by ward from returning to the same office or other position of city employment held at the time the position was vacated.

Members of the school committee shall receive compensation for their services as set by ordinance by the city council. An ordinance authorizing the compensation of the members of the school committee shall not be effective unless:

(i) it is adopted by affirmative vote of 8 members of the city council;

(ii) it is adopted prior to the last 6 months of the school committee’s term; and

(iii) it provides that the compensation is to take effect upon the organization of the city government following the next regular municipal election.

The school committee shall determine the procedures for the election of school committee chair and vice-chair and adopt policies and procedures relating to conducting the business of the school committee

The school committee shall have all powers which are conferred on school committees by the General Laws and the additional powers and duties provided by this charter, including, but not limited to:

(i) selecting and removing a superintendent of the schools who shall be charged with the administration of the school system, and appointment of all other personnel as provided by the General Laws;

(ii) adopting policies for the management of the public school system as deemed necessary or desirable;

(iii) adopting and overseeing the administration of an annual operating budget for the school department, subject to appropriation;

(iv) providing ordinary maintenance of all school buildings and grounds, unless a central municipal maintenance department, which may include maintenance of school buildings and grounds, is established; and

(v) at least 1 member of the school committee, or a designee of the school committee, shall serve on the agency, board or committee for the planning or construction of a new, remodeled or renovated school building.

If a vacancy on the school committee occurs with not less than 1 year remaining in the term, the city council shall order a special election to fill the vacancy. If a vacancy on the school committee occurs with less than 1 year before the end of the term but more than 120 days before any regular municipal election, the school committee shall appoint a replacement to serve for the remainder of the term from the qualified voters of the ward. The school committee shall post notice of the vacancy and solicitation of nominations and appoint the replacement in accordance with school committee policy. If a vacancy occurs within 120 days of a regular municipal election, the vacancy shall be filled by the regular election and the newly elected school committee member’s term shall begin following the certification of election results. The person elected shall be sworn to the office to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term as well as the term to which elected. The city clerk shall administer the oath of office to them at or before the next meeting of the school committee.

The organization of the city into agencies to provide services and administer the government may be accomplished only through an administrative order submitted to the city council by the mayor. An administrative order may not originate with the city council. The mayor may, subject only to express prohibitions of General Laws or this charter, propose administrative orders to establish a new agency, reorganize, consolidate or abolish any agency, in whole or in part, as is deemed necessary to conduct the business of the city in an orderly, efficient or convenient manner. The mayor may also propose administrative orders to establish terms of office and prescribe the functions and administrative procedures to be followed by all agencies.

These proposed administrative orders shall be accompanied by a message from the mayor which explains the expected benefits and advises the city council if an administrative order shall require amendments, insertions, revisions, repeal or otherwise of existing ordinances. Whenever the mayor proposes an administrative order, the city council shall hold at least 1 public hearings on the proposal and post notice.

An organization or reorganization plan shall become effective at the expiration of 60 days from filing, unless the city council has disapproved the plan by majority vote prior to that date; provided, however, that if no regular city council meeting is held within the subsequent 60 days of the first regular meeting after the filing of an organization or reorganization plan, the city council shall instead have 60 days from the second regular meeting. The city council may vote only to approve or to disapprove the plan and may not vote to amend or to alter it.

All appointments and promotions of city officers and other city employees shall be made on the basis of fitness demonstrated by examination, past performance or by other evidence of competence and suitability. Each person appointed to fill an office or position shall be a person who has the experience, training or education to perform the duties of the office or position.

The fiscal year of the city shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30, unless another period is required by the General Laws.

The city council shall hold a community budget hearing on or before February 15 of each year to solicit public input regarding budget priorities. The city council shall post notice of the community budget hearing 14 days in advance of the hearing. The mayor shall, at the first regular meeting of the city council of each year, solicit budget priorities from all city councilors.

Not later than March 1 of each year, the mayor shall call a joint meeting of the city council and school committee, including the superintendent of schools, to review the financial condition of the city, revenue and expenditure forecasts for not less than 3 years and other relevant information prepared by the mayor in order to develop a coordinated budget.

On or about May 30 of each year, the mayor shall submit to the city council a proposed operating budget for all city agencies for the next fiscal year. The proposed operating budget shall include the school budget, as adopted by the school committee, which shall be submitted to the mayor on or about May 15. The proposed operating budget shall be accompanied by a budget message and supporting documents. The budget message shall: (i) explain the operating budget in fiscal terms and in terms of work programs for all city agencies; (ii) outline the proposed fiscal policies of the city for the next fiscal year; (iii) describe important features of the proposed operating budget; and (iv) include any major variations from the current operating budget, fiscal policies, revenues and expenditures together with reasons for these variations. The proposed operating budget shall provide a complete fiscal plan of all city funds and activities and shall be in the form the mayor deems desirable; provided, however, that the budget proposals relative to elected officials shall identify the cost of compensation and the cost of benefits for such officials. The mayor and the superintendent of schools shall coordinate the dates and times of the school committee's budget process under the General Laws.

(a) Public Hearing - The city council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed operating budget as submitted by the mayor. Not less than 7 days before such public hearing, the city council shall post a notice stating: (i) the times and places where copies of the entire proposed operating budget are available for inspection by the public; and (ii) the date, time and place when a public hearing on the proposed operating budget shall be held by the city council. The city council shall not act on the budget until after the public hearing has occurred.

(b) Adoption of the Budget - The city council shall take action on the proposed operating budget, which may have amendments, before the end of the fiscal year. In amending the proposed operating budget, the city council may delete or decrease amounts except expenditures required by law; provided, however, that the city council shall not increase any specific item or the total of the proposed operating budget except on the recommendation of the mayor or unless otherwise authorized by the General Laws. If the city council fails to act on an item in the proposed operating budget prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, that amount shall, without any action by the city council, become a part of the appropriations for the year and be available for the purposes specified.

(c) Availability of the Operating Budget - In addition to any other posting requirements, immediately after the submission of the proposed budget to the city council, the mayor or a designee shall post the entire budget document on the city website, where it shall remain posted during the city council review process contained in this article. After the enactment of the budget, the mayor or a designee shall post the final budget on the city website, where it shall remain throughout the fiscal year for which it is in effect. The final budget shall reflect any amendments made by the city council and approved by the mayor and shall indicate that it is the final budget.

(a) Submission - The mayor shall submit a capital improvement plan to the city council not later than November 1 of each year. The mayor shall annually revise the information regarding the capital improvements still pending or in the process of being acquired, improved, or constructed.

The capital improvement plan shall include:

(i) a general summary of its contents;

(ii) a list of all capital improvements proposed to be undertaken during the next 5 years, with supporting information as to the need for each capital improvement;

(iii) cost estimates, methods of financing, and recommended time schedules for each improvement; and

(iv) the estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining each facility and piece of major equipment involved.

(b) Public Hearing - The city council shall post a notice stating:

(i) the times and places where entire copies of the capital improvements plan are available for the public; and

(ii) the date, time and place of a public hearing on the plan to be held by the city council between 14 and 21 days after posting of the notice.

(c) Adoption - Following the public hearing, but not later than December 1, the city council shall by resolution adopt or reject the capital improvements plan. The mayor may amend the adopted plan; provided, however, that each amendment shall be voted on separately; and provided further, that an increase in the capital improvements plan as submitted shall clearly identify the method of financing to accomplish the proposed increase.

The mayor shall annually provide for an outside audit of the books and accounts of the city in the form of an annual comprehensive financial report to be conducted by a certified public accountant or a firm of certified public accountants, which has no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the city or any of its officers. The scope of the audit shall specify that each year of the audit engagement, a different department, division or program shall be subject to an expanded scope audit or internal control review. The city council may, by majority vote, determine the department, division or program to be subject to an expanded scope audit or internal control review. The award of a contract to audit shall be made by the mayor not later than September 15 of each year. The report of the audit and all accompanying documents, including a management letter so-called shall be filed in final form with the city council not later than March 1 in the year following its award. The certified public accountant or firm of certified public accountants shall make a presentation to the city council as soon as practicable after March 1 but not later than May 31 of each year. Not less than every 3 years, the mayor shall conduct a procurement process using sound business practices to retain these services.

Except as otherwise provided by law, an official of the city shall not knowingly or intentionally expend in a fiscal year sums in excess of the appropriations, awards, grants or gifts duly made in accordance with law or involve the city in any contract for the future payment of money in excess of these appropriations, awards, grants or gifts. It is the intention of this section that section 31 of chapter 44 of the General Laws shall be strictly enforced. Any official who violates this section shall be personally liable to the city for any amounts so expended to the extent that the city does not recover these amounts from the person to whom the sums were paid.

A preliminary election to nominate candidates for mayor, councilors at-large, ward councilors and school committee members shall be held on the second Tuesday in September in each odd-numbered year in which the candidates are to be elected. The city clerk may, with the approval of the city council, reschedule the preliminary election to the third Tuesday in September to avoid a conflict with any civil or religious holiday. If a special election to fill a vacancy is to be held, a preliminary election shall be conducted, if necessary, not less than 35 days before the date established for the special election. A preliminary election to fill a vacancy in the office of ward councilor or school committee member shall be held only in the ward where there is a vacancy.

(a) Signature Requirements - The number of signatures of voters required to place the name of a candidate on the official ballot to be used at a preliminary election shall be as follows:

(1) Mayor – not less than 250 certified signatures;

(2) At-Large City Councilor - not less than 100 certified signatures;

(3) Ward City Councilor – not less than 50 certified signatures, all of which shall be certified as being from the ward from which election is sought; and

(4) School Committee Member - not less than 50 certified signatures, all of which shall be certified as being from the ward from which election is sought.

(b) Forms - Signatures of voters shall be made on a form prescribed by the board of election commissioners and shall be made available not earlier than April 2 and not later than June 18 in each municipal election year. The forms shall be submitted to the board of election commissioners for certification of the signatures not later than the 14 days before submission to the city clerk. The forms shall be submitted to the city clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on the forty-fifth day prior to the declared date of the preliminary election. An individual may appear on the ballot for only 1 office at any preliminary, regular or special municipal election.

(c) Ballot Position - The order in which names of candidates for each office appear on the ballot shall be determined by a drawing conducted by the city clerk not less than 40 days before the preliminary election. The drawing shall be open to the public.

(d) Determination of Candidates for election:

(1) Offices of Mayor, Ward Councilor and School Committee - the 2 candidates who receive the highest number of votes for nomination to each office at the preliminary election shall, except as provided by subsection (e), be the candidates for that office. The candidates’ names shall be printed on the official ballot to be used at the regular or special municipal election at which the office is to be voted upon and an acceptance of a nomination shall not be necessary to its validity.

(2) Offices of City Councilor At-Large - the 8 candidates who receive the highest number of votes for nomination to the office shall, except as provided by subsection (e) upon and an acceptance of a nomination shall not be necessary to its validity.

(3) Preliminary Results; Tied Vote - If there is a tie among candidates for the last available ballot position for any given elected office, then all candidates receiving the same number of votes for the office shall be printed on the regular municipal election ballot, notwithstanding any other provisions in this charter specifying the number of candidates to be printed on the election ballot.

(e) Condition Making Preliminary Unnecessary - If the time for filing forms of candidates to be on the ballot for any preliminary election has expired and the number of forms filed with the city clerk for an office is not more than 2 for the office of mayor, ward councilor or school committee member and 8 for the office of city councilor at-large, the candidates whose forms have been filed shall be deemed nominated to that office. Those candidates shall be voted on for the office at the regular or special municipal election. The city clerk shall not print those names on the ballot to be used at the preliminary election and another nomination to the office shall not be made and a preliminary election shall not be held for the office or offices.

The regular municipal election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in each odd-numbered year.

The order in which names of candidates for each office appear on the ballot shall be determined by a drawing conducted by the city clerk not later than 7 days after the certification of the preliminary election results. If there is no preliminary election in advance of the regular municipal election or a special election, the drawing shall be conducted on the Tuesday 6 weeks prior to the election. The drawing shall be open to the public.

All elections for city offices shall be non-partisan and election ballots shall be printed without any party mark, emblem or other political designation.

The territory of the city shall be divided into 7 wards by the city clerk to consist of as nearly an equal number of inhabitants as it is possible to achieve, based on compact and contiguous territory, bounded as far as possible by the center line of known streets or ways or by other well-defined limits. Each ward shall be composed of voting precincts established under the General Laws. The city council shall review these wards to ensure uniformity in the number of inhabitants not less than once every 10 years.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this charter and authorized by law, all municipal elections shall be governed by the General Laws relating to the right to vote, the registration of voters, the nomination of candidates, voting places, the conduct of preliminary, regular and special municipal election, the submission of charters, charter amendments and other propositions to the voters, the counting of votes, the recounting of votes and the determination of results.

This charter may be replaced, revised or amended in accordance with the state constitution or the General Laws.

To the extent that a specific provision of this charter conflicts with any provision expressed in general terms, the specific provision of this charter shall prevail.

A copy of all rules and regulations adopted by a city agency shall be posted to the city website. Unless an emergency exists, as determined by the mayor, a rule or regulation adopted by a city agency shall not become effective until not less than 5 days following the date it is posted. This section shall not apply to internal operating protocols and policies enacted by city departments.

The mayor and city council shall provide for a review to be made of the city charter not less than once every 10 years to determine the need, if any, for changes and prepare recommendations addressing any proposed changes. The manner of the review shall be established by ordinance and incorporate opportunities for community input. The report of the committee and accompanying recommendations, if any, shall be filed with the city clerk on a date specified by ordinance.

The mayor and city council shall provide for a review to be made of some or all of the city ordinances not less than once every 10 years to determine the need for amendments, if any. Such review shall be scheduled to follow the charter review as provided in section 8-4 of the charter by at least 1 year. The manner of the review shall be established by ordinance. The review of city ordinances shall be under the supervision of the city attorney and incorporate opportunities for community input. The recommendations shall be filed with the city clerk on a date specified by ordinance.

The mayor and the city council shall provide for a review to be made of all multiple-member bodies not less than once every 10 years; provided, however, that such bodies as are required in cities by the General Laws shall not be included in such review. This review shall be made by a special committee whose membership and term shall be determined by ordinance and the initial review shall be implemented as provided in subsection (d) of section 9-7. The special committee shall file its report with the city clerk on a date specified by ordinance. The committee’s report should include an assessment of the function and relevance of multiple-member bodies included in the review and may include recommendations to combine, dissolve or create multiple-member bodies to address redundancies or emerging concerns of the city.

Open meeting law and procedures in the General Laws shall apply to the proceedings of multiple-member bodies and shall include the following:

(1) Officers - All appointed multiple-member bodies shall elect a chair, a vice-chair and any other officer it deems necessary.

(2) Meetings - All appointed multiple-member bodies of the city shall meet regularly at the times and places that the multiple-member body, by the body’s own rules, prescribe. Special meetings of any multiple-member body shall be held at the call of the chair or by a majority of the members of the body. Notice of the meeting shall be posted as required by law. Except as may otherwise be authorized by law, all meetings of all multiple-member bodies shall, at all times, be open to the public.

(3) Meeting Documents and Submissions - Each appointed multiple-member body shall determine its own rules and order of business. Each multiple-member body shall provide for the keeping of agendas, minutes and related submissions of its proceedings. All documents shall be a public record and certified copies shall be placed on file in the office of the city clerk within a reasonable period from the date of approval.

(4) Voting - If requested by any member, a vote of an appointed multiple-member body shall be taken by a roll call vote and the vote of each member shall be recorded in the minutes, provided, however, that if the vote is unanimous only that fact need be recorded. Unless some other provision is made by the multiple-member body's own rules while a quorum is present, except on procedural matters, any action on a matter representing an exercise of the powers of the multiple-member body shall require a majority vote. General Laws related to a vote to meet in executive session shall always require a majority of members of the body.

All references to General Laws contained in this charter refer to the Massachusetts General Laws and are intended to refer to and to include any amendments or revisions to chapters or sections or to the corresponding chapters and sections of any rearrangement, revision or recodification of statutes enacted or adopted subsequent to the adoption of this charter.

In computing time under this charter, the day of the act or event after which the designated time period begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall be extended to the next business day.

a) Officials Elected in Regular Municipal Elections - On the first business day in January of each even-numbered year, the city council members-elect, the school committee members-elect and the mayor-elect, shall meet and take an oath or affirmation to faithfully discharge the duties of their office. The oath or affirmation shall be administered by the city clerk, the assistant city clerk, a judge of a court of record or by a justice of the peace. Each official taking the oath or affirmation shall also sign a written version, which shall be kept in a bound book maintained by the city clerk. If the mayor-elect or any member-elect of the city council or school committee is absent on the day the oath is administered, the oath or affirmation shall be administered at any time within 10 days of the first business day of January, unless circumstances beyond the control of the officer-elect prevent such action, but in no instance shall the time period to be sworn to office extend beyond 30 days from the first business day of January.

(b) Other Elected Officials and Appointed Positions - Except as otherwise provided by law, every person who is elected or appointed to an office or as a member of a multiple-member body shall take an oath or affirmation before performing any act under this election or appointment. A record of this oath or affirmation shall be kept by the city clerk.

Unless otherwise allowed by law or this charter, a person shall not simultaneously hold more than 1 office or position of employment with the city. This section may be waived by the mayor by filing a notice of the waiver with an explanation and justification with the city clerk.

An elected official who has been convicted of a state or federal felony while holding office shall be deemed to have vacated the office.

It shall be the duty of the mayor to see that this charter is faithfully followed and complied with by all city agencies and employees. If it appears to the mayor that a city agency or employee is not following this charter, the mayor shall, in writing, cause notice to be given to that agency or employee directing compliance with this charter. If it appears to the city council that the mayor is not following this charter, the city council shall, by resolution, direct the attention of the mayor to those areas in which it believes there is a failure to comply with this charter. The procedures made available in chapter 231A of the General Laws may be used to determine the rights, duties or other legal relations arising under this charter, including any question of construction or validity which may be involved in that determination.

(a) All General Laws, special laws, city ordinances, city council votes, rules and regulations of or pertaining to the city that are in force when this charter takes effect, and not specifically or by implication repealed by this charter, shall continue in full force and effect until amended or repealed, or rescinded by due course of law, or until they expire by their own limitation. In any case in which the provisions of this charter are found to be inconsistent with the provisions of any general or special law that would otherwise be applicable, the provisions of this charter shall prevai.l

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this charter, the city shall not be subject to provisions of chapter 31 of the General Laws. Uniform positions within the police department below the rank of deputy chief shall continue to be subject to said chapter 31. All uniform positions within the fire department, except the assistant chief position and the employee serving in such capacity, shall continue to be subject to said chapter 31. Tenured civil service employees of the city shall continue to be subject to the provisions of said chapter 31 in the classification held at the time of the effective date of this charter.

All city agencies and city officials shall continue to perform their duties until reappointed, until successors to their respective positions are appointed or until their duties have been transferred and assumed by another city agency. All officers and department heads previously appointed or appointed and confirmed at the time this charter takes effect shall not be required to be re-appointed or re-appointed and confirmed, unless otherwise provided by this charter.

All records and property of any city agency, or part thereof, the powers and duties of which are assigned in whole or in part to another city agency, shall be transferred forthwith to that agency.

All city office holders and employees shall retain the office, position or employment they hold, and shall continue to perform the duties of the office, position or employment until their employment or position is otherwise terminated or other provisions are made. A person in full-time service of the city shall not forfeit accrued time in service of the city as a result of adoption of this charter.

All official bonds, recognizances, obligations, contracts and other instruments entered into or executed by, with or on the behalf of the city before the adoption of this charter, shall continue to be obligations of the city and all taxes, assessments, fines, penalties and forfeitures, incurred or imposed, due or owing to the city, shall be enforced and collected and all writs, prosecutions, actions and causes of action, except as herein otherwise provided, shall continue without abatement and remain unaffected by this charter and any legal act done by or in favor of the city shall not be rendered invalid by reason of the adoption of this charter.

(a) Certain Special Acts repealed - The following special acts are hereby repealed: St.1899, c. 240, establishing a charter for the city of Somerville; provided, however, that section 38 establishing the composition and term of the board of health, section 39 establishing the composition and term of the board of library trustees, and section 43 requiring that the purchasing agent make all city purchases, shall remain in effect until such time as the city acts under Article 5 of the charter to enact 1 or more administrative orders; St. 1982, c. 656 authorizing the mayor and council salaries to be set by ordinance; St. 1989, c. 355, establishing a 3 year term for the city clerk; St. 2014, c. 90, filling a vacancy in the office of mayor; St. 2018, c. 355, replacing the words “board of aldermen” and “alderman”, with the words “city council” and “councilor”, replacing the words “alderman at-large” with the words “councilor at-large”, and replacing the words “aldermen-elect” with the words “council-elect”, and St. 2022, c. 312, making c. 240 of 1899 gender neutral.

(b) Certain Special Acts Recognized and Retained - The following special acts, including those which amended Chapter 240 of the Acts of 1899, relating to the organization of the city's government, are recognized and retained as follows, notwithstanding any reference to said c. 240: St. 1923, c.191, St. 1939, c.190, and St. 2018, c.410 relating to the Licensing Commission; St. 1928, c. 49 and c. 81, St. 2021, c. 63 relating to the Board of Appeals; St. 1928, c. 82, St. 2018, c. 410, and St. 2012, c. 400 relating to the Board of Election Commissioners; St. 1934, c. 294 relating to the Auditor, St. 1934, c. 295 relating to the Treasurer; St. 1953, c. 650, St. 1988, c. 94, St. 2004, c. 317, and St. 2008, c.112 relating to the Department of Public Works; St. 1977, c. 644 relating to the School Committee; St. 1985, c. 23, and St. 2012, c. 400 relating to the Board of Assessors; St. 1991, c. 390 relating to the Disabilities Commission; St. 2008, c. 106 establishing the Municipal Hearing Officer; St. 2012, c. 381, and St. 2016, c. 142 relating to the Alcoholic Beverages Commission; St. 2018, c. 364 relating to the Redevelopment Authority; St. 1978, c. 397, St. 2012, c. 400 relating to the Traffic Commission; and ss. 1-10, 26, 43, 47, 48, 49, 50, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 of c. 400 of the Acts of 2012 until such time as the city acts under Article 5 of this charter to adopt 1 or more administrative orders.

(a) The provisions of section 3-6 of the charter of the city of Somerville, as appearing in section 7, relating to the appointment of the chief administrative officer shall take effect following acceptance at a regular or special municipal election in 2025 by a majority of the voters of the city voting in the affirmative pursuant to section 9.

(b) The provisions of article 7 of said charter relating to municipal elections shall be in effect for the preliminary and regular or special municipal elections to be held in 2027 if said charter is accepted by a majority of the voters of the city voting in the affirmative pursuant to section 9.

(c) The provisions of article 6 of said charter relating to the operating budget, the capital improvements program and the municipal audit shall take effect for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 if said charter is accepted by a majority of the voters of the city voting in the affirmative pursuant to section 9.

(d) Within 180 days of the adoption of said charter, the mayor shall promulgate and submit an administrative order pursuant to article 5 of said charter establishing a selection process for a city attorney. Any such selection process shall include the establishment of a special screening committee to review candidates for the position of city attorney. Said special screening committee shall include at least 1 member of the city council, designated by the city council president. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to the reappointment of a city attorney.

(e) Within 6 months of the adoption of said charter, the city council shall create a public financing of campaigns committee to study public financing mechanisms and prepare recommendations with the goal of making running for office in the city more accessible to potential candidates. The directive of this study committee is to consider a full range of options as practicable, provide analysis on the potential benefits and barriers of each option and consider which should be recommended to the city council for its consideration.

The committee shall consist of 9 members: 1 shall be the chair of the board of elections commissioners or a designee; 1 shall be the city council president or a designee; 1 shall be the chair of the school committee or a designee; 2 shall be city residents appointed by the city council; 2 shall be city residents appointed by the school committee; and 2 shall be city residents appointed by the mayor. The committee shall elect a chair and establish the schedule of its meetings. The committee shall issue recommendations to the city council within 12 months of the appointment of all of the members. The city council shall take action on the recommendations within 90 days of receipt. If the city council has already taken action consistent with this provision, no action is necessary.

(f) Within 6 months of the adoption of said charter, the city council shall create a ranked choice voting committee to propose a measure to adopt ranked-choice voting and submit a report on ranked-choice voting in the city. A voting method shall be considered ranked choice voting if the voter ranks candidates in order of preference. The committee’s report shall include:

(i) the elected offices to be selected by this voting method;

(ii) a timeframe and strategy for implementation;

(iii) infrastructure and equipment requirements;

(iv) a cost analysis;

(v) a comparative analysis of other voting methods;

(vi) an analysis of potential equity concerns; and

(vii) a community education plan.

If the city council has already taken action consistent with this provision, no action shall be necessary. The goal of this committee is to implement ranked choice voting in order to more accurately reflect the will of the voters, increase the number and diversity of candidates, lower barriers to candidate participation and increase transparency of elections.

The committee shall consist of 9 members: 1 shall be the chair of the board of elections commissioners or a designee; 1 shall be the city council president or a designee; 1 shall be the chair of the school committee or a designee; 2 shall be city residents appointed by the city council; 2 shall be city residents appointed by the school committee; and 2 shall be city residents appointed by the mayor. The committee shall elect a chair and establish the schedule of its meetings. The committee shall propose a measure to the city council within 18 months of the appointment of its full membership. The city council shall take action on the measure within 90 days of receipt.

(g) Within 6 months of the adoption of said charter, the mayor and the city council shall convene the first periodic review of multiple-member bodies committee, pursuant to section 8-6 of said charter. The committee’s report should include:

(i) an assessment of the functions and relevancies of the city’s current multiple-member bodies;

(ii) a review of activities of multiple-member bodies from recent years;

(iii) the ability of the city to fill appointments to the body; and

(iv) recommendations for combining, terminating or establishing new multiple-member bodies.

If the city council has already taken action consistent with this provision, no action shall be necessary.

The committee shall consist of 5 members: 1 shall be the mayor or a designee; 1 shall be the city council president or a designee; 1 shall be the city clerk; 1 shall be a city resident appointed by the mayor; and 1 shall be a city resident appointed by the city council.

The committee shall submit a report to the city council. The city council shall respond to and vote on the recommendations within 90 days of receipt.

(h) Within 120 days of the adoptions of said charter, the city council shall consider the acceptance of section 91 of chapter 41 of the General laws.

To the Honorable Mayor and City Council:

On April 14, 1871 the Governor of the state approved Chapter 182 of the Acts of the Legislature for 1871. This act, adopted by the voters of the town April 27, 1871, established the City of Somerville and outlined the basic laws and regulations of the new city government.

This Charter of the City of Somerville remained in force until 1899 when at a special election held September 26th, the voters of the city accepted a revised Charter which the State Legislature authorized by Chapter 240 of the Acts of 1899.

The Revised Charter of 1899 is still the basic law for the city. However, since that time, the State Legislature has authorized and the city has accepted several amendments to the Revised Charter.

The accompanying copy of the Revised Charter has incorporated all authorized changes through the publication of this most recent Supplement. No changes can be made in these laws without specific authority from the State Legislature.

An Appendix has been included which cites several additional acts of the State Legislature, as amended which, although not direct amendments to the Charter, lay down basic requirements for our city government. These acts are included here to give a more comprehensive picture of the city's basic laws as well as facilitate research and reference.

Yours truly,
John J. Long
City Clerk

The inhabitants of the City of Somerville shall continue to be a municipal corporation, under the name of the City of Somerville, and as such shall be subject to all general laws relating to such corporations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

The administration of the fiscal, prudential and municipal affairs of said city shall be vested in an executive department, to consist of the mayor, and a legislative department, to consist of a single body, to be called the city council. The executive department shall never exercise any legislative power, and the legislative department shall never exercise any executive power.

It shall be the duty of the city council in joint convention, as soon as may be after the acceptance of this Act, to divide said city into seven wards, containing as nearly as possible and as may be consistent with well-defined limits to each ward an equal number of male voters. In order that the new wards may conform to the present representative districts, the present ward one shall constitute one ward, and the present wards two, three and four shall each be divided into two wards. Immediately after such new division of the city into wards, the city council shall divide such new wards into voting precincts, none of which shall contain more than one thousand registered male voters, and the mayor shall thereupon appoint, with the approval of the city council, election officers to serve therein. Action under this section shall not apply to the state election to be held the present year.

Except as herein otherwise provided, all elections for national, state, county, district and municipal officers, and for any other municipal purposes, shall be called and conducted according to the provisions of the General Laws of the Commonwealth; provided, however, that municipal elections shall be held in the City of Somerville, according to Chapter 281, Acts of 1932, as amended.

The biennial municipal election shall take place on the Tuesday next after the first Monday of November in the year nineteen hundred and twenty-five and every second year thereafter. The municipal year shall begin on the first Monday of January in each year.

At such municipal election the qualified voters shall give in their votes by ballot for a mayor and members of the city council and of the school committee, or for such of them as are to be elected. The person receiving the highest number of votes for any office shall be deemed and declared to be elected to such office, and whenever two or more persons are to be elected to the same office the several persons, up to and including the number required to be chosen, receiving the highest number of votes shall be deemed and declared to be elected.

If there is no choice of mayor or if the person elected mayor shall refuse to accept the office or shall die before qualifying, or if a vacancy in the office shall occur five months or more prior to any regular municipal election, the city council shall immediately order a special election and the same proceedings shall be had in all respects as are provided for the election of a mayor under this charter and shall be repeated until the election of a mayor is completed. If the vacancy in the office of mayor shall occur less than five months prior to any regular municipal election, it shall be filled by the city council from amongst its members by a majority vote of all its members.

If the full number of members in the office of councilor-at-large has not been elected, or if a vacancy occurs in the office of councilor-at-large for any cause, the city clerk shall within five calendar days notify the city council and the chairperson of the board of election commissioners of the vacancy. Within five calendar days after notification, the chairperson of the board of election commissioners or a designee shall certify, in writing, to the city clerk that the defeated candidate for the office of councilor-at-large with the next highest number of votes at the regular municipal election at which councilors-at-large were elected for the term in which the vacancy occurs shall serve as councilor-at-large. If the person is eligible and willing to serve, the city clerk shall administer the oath of office to the person within 15 calendar days after certification and the person shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the person who is eligible declines the office, is not eligible and willing to serve or fails to take the oath of office within the time period set forth in this section, then the person with the next highest number of votes at the election who is eligible and willing to serve shall fill the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner set forth in this section. If there is no defeated candidate eligible and willing to serve who has taken the oath of office and the vacancy occurs more than 180 days prior to any regular municipal election, the city council shall immediately order a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

If the full number of members in the office of councilor elected by ward has not been elected or if a vacancy occurs in the office of councilor elected by ward for any cause more than 180 days prior to any regular municipal election, the city council shall immediately order a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

If a vacancy occurs 180 days or less prior to any regular municipal election in the office of councilor-at-large, for which there is no defeated candidate eligible and willing to serve and who has taken the oath of office, or in the office of councilor elected by ward for any cause then the person elected at the next regular municipal election for the office shall fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term and the city clerk shall administer the oath of office to the person at the next meeting of the city council.

General meetings of the citizens qualified to vote may from time to time be held, according to the right secured by the constitution of the Commonwealth, and all such meetings may, and upon the request in writing of fifty qualified voters setting forth the purposes thereof, shall be called by the city council.

The city council shall be composed of eleven members, to be elected as follows: four councilors at large shall biennially be elected by the qualified voters of the city at large, voting in their respective wards, and one councilor shall at the same time be elected by and from the qualified voters of each ward. The members of the city council shall hold office for the two municipal years next following their election, or, if elected after the regular municipal election, for the remainder of the two municipal years, following such regular municipal election and until a majority of the new council shall be elected and qualified in their stead.

The city council shall make rules for its proceedings. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The city council may, by a 2/3 vote of all its members taken by a call of the yeas and nays, establish a salary for its members. Such salary may be reduced at any time by a similar vote.

The mayor-elect and councilors-elect shall on the first Monday of January following the regular municipal election, meet and be sworn to the faithful performance of their duties. The oath shall be administered by the city clerk, or by any justice of the peace, and shall be duly certified on the journal of the city council. At any time thereafter the oath may be administered to the mayor-elect or to any councilors-elect who was absent or who was not then elected.

On the first Monday of January in each year the city council shall meet and elect a president and a vice-president who shall hold office during the municipal year. The mayor, or in his absence the oldest in age of the members present, shall call the city council together, and shall preside until a president is elected, who shall thereafter preside over the board. The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president. At any meeting of the board, in the absence of the president and vice-president, the oldest in age of the members present shall preside until a president pro-tempore is elected. The city clerk shall be clerk of the city council.

Any ordinance, order or resolution of the city council may be passed through all its stages of legislation at one session; provided that no member of said council objects thereto; but if one or more members object, the measure shall be postponed for that meeting; and if when it is next brought up three or more members object to its passage at that meeting, a second postponement of at least one week shall take place.

Every ordinance, order, resolution or vote of the city council, except such as relates to its own internal affairs, shall be presented to the mayor. If he approves thereof, he shall signify his approval by signing the same; but if not he shall return the same with his objections to the city council, which shall enter the objections of the mayor at length upon its records and proceed to reconsider said ordinance, order, resolution or vote, and if after such reconsideration two-thirds of all the members of the board vote to pass the same it shall be in force. In all such cases the vote shall be taken by yeas and nays. If such ordinance, order, resolution or vote shall not be returned within ten days after it has been presented to the mayor the same shall be in force. He may except from his approval of any ordinance, order, resolution or vote which he has the power to veto any part involving a distinct item of appropriation of expenditure, and in such case only the part so excepted shall be reconsidered in the manner and with the effect above provided. The veto power of the mayor shall not extend to elections.

The city council shall, except as is otherwise provided in this charter, have and exercise the powers and duties set forth in this section.
The city council shall have all the powers, authorities and duties of towns, boards of aldermen, city councils and common councils of cities under the General Laws; provided, however, that all appointments required by law to be made by the mayor and aldermen shall be made by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council.
The city council shall have all the powers, authorities and duties now held by the city of Somerville, the city council, the common council, the board of aldermen or the board of mayor and aldermen of Somerville, by special laws.
Subject to the veto power of the mayor, as provided in this charter, the city council shall have the power, without appeal from its decision, to lay out, locate anew, alter, widen and discontinue public ways and streets and to order specific repairs or a change of grade therein; to order the construction of sidewalks and of sewers and to take real estate therefore. Any such taking shall be made under chapter 79 of the General Laws, and any person injured in the person's real estate by acts done by the council hereunder may recover damages under said chapter 79. No public way or street shall be laid out, located anew, changed as to grade or otherwise, widened or discontinued, until a public hearing has been held after notice given in accordance with the General Laws relating to public ways. Said hearing may be adjourned from time to time.
The city council shall have the power to make ordinances and to affix penalties for the violation thereof. The penalty for the violation of any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted or issued in pursuance thereof shall be a fine of not more than $300 for each offense; provided, however, that when a higher penalty is permitted by the General Laws, such higher penalty shall be the maximum for each offense.

On or before the thirtieth day of April in each year the city council shall appropriate the amount necessary to meet the expenditures of the city for the current municipal year, and to provide the ways and means for raising the same. It shall take care that no money be paid from the treasury unless the same is granted or appropriated, and shall require bonds with sufficient penalties and sureties from all persons entrusted with the receipt, custody and disbursement of money. All votes of city council making appropriations of money shall show the specific objects for which the appropriations are made.

An elected official who has been convicted of a state or federal felony shall, upon final conviction, be deemed to have vacated that office and shall be disqualified from serving the remainder of the term.

The executive powers of the city shall be vested solely in the mayor, and may be exercised by him either personally or through the several officers and boards in their respective departments, under his general supervision and control. In case of a vacancy in any office to which appointment is made by the mayor he may personally perform the duties thereof, but he shall not be entitled to receive any salary or pay attached thereto. The mayor shall hold office for the two municipal years beginning with the first Monday in January following his election, unless sooner removed, and until his successor is elected and qualified; provided, that if elected to fill an existing vacancy, he shall hold office only for the remainder of the unexpired term.

The mayor may appoint, subject to confirmation by the city council, the following officers and boards; provided, however, that under section 46D of this charter, administrative orders may replace or modify the titles or assign the functions to any other city agency, unless otherwise provided, for 1 year and until the appointment and qualification of a successor:

a city treasurer, who shall also be the collector of taxes and in case of a vacancy, the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by the mayor, subject to confirmation;
a city auditor, for a term of 3 years, from the date of the appointment until the qualification of a successor, and in case of a vacancy, the office shall be filled for the unexpired term by the mayor, subject to like confirmation;
a chief of police, who shall be appointed in the manner provided by ordinance and shall have an employment agreement for a term of not more than 5 years, all other officers and members of the police department, a chief engineer and all other officers and members of the fire department;
a city attorney;
a purchasing agent;
a board of health;
a board of trustees of the public library;
a commissioner of public works, who shall serve for the term of the mayor;
a city engineer, who may be the commissioner of public works;
a superintendent of the division of public buildings and grounds;
a superintendent of inspectional services;
a superintendent of highways, electric lines and lights;
a superintendent of water works;
1 animal control officer of each public animal control facility in the city;
the number of constables as may be deemed advisable; and
a 311 director, special police officers and all other officers and boards of the city whose election or appointment is not otherwise provided for in this charter.

The executive officers shall hold their respective offices at the pleasure of the mayor and until removed by the mayor and city council in the same manner in which the officer was appointed or until the offices are otherwise vacated. Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with chapter 197 of the acts of 1895.

The mayor may at any time appoint a suitable person or persons to examine, without notice, the books and accounts of any department, officer, or employee of the city.

The mayor may in writing suspend any executive officer, and he shall at once report his action and his reason therefor to the city council. The suspension of any such officer shall, unless previously revoked by the mayor, be a removal at the expiration of fifteen days after said report is made, unless within that time such officer asks for a hearing before the council, which hearing shall forthwith be granted. If within one week after the conclusion of such hearing the council, by two-thirds vote, shall set aside the suspension, the officer shall thereby be reinstated; otherwise the suspension shall constitute a final dismissal from office.

The mayor shall communicate to the city council such information and shall recommend such measures as in his judgment the interests of the city require. He may at any time call a special meeting of the city council, upon such notification as he may deem sufficient, and other special meetings of said council may be called at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed by the rules of said council.

The mayor shall cause the laws, ordinances and orders for the government of the city to be enforced, and shall cause a record of all his official acts to be kept, and for that purpose and to aid him in his official duties he may appoint a secretary and define his duties; and, subject to the approval of the city council, shall fix the salary of the secretary. No increase in the salary of the mayor shall take effect in the calendar year in which it is voted.

The mayor shall have the sole power to sign, seal, execute and deliver in behalf of the city, deeds and leases of land sold or leased by the city, and other deeds, agreements, contracts, leases, indentures and assurances on behalf of the city.

In case of the inability of the mayor to perform the duties of the office, the president of the city council shall, until such inability is removed, but in no case for a period of time longer than 10 days, exercise the powers and perform the duties of mayor, under the style of acting mayor; provided, however, that the president of the city council acting as mayor shall not, unless authorized in a special instance by the city council, and then only in case of exigency requiring an immediate appointment or removal, make any permanent appointment or removal. In case of the inability of the mayor to perform the duties of the office for longer than 10 days, but prior to a vacancy occurring under section 7 of this charter, the acting mayor shall be elected by the city council from amongst its membership by a majority vote of all its members. An acting mayor chosen by majority vote of the city council shall have power to approve or disapprove an ordinance, order, resolution or vote of the city council and then, only in case of exigency requiring an immediate appointment or removal, make a permanent appointment or removal. In case of such inability on the part of the president of the city council to serve as acting mayor for the initial period of 10 days, the powers and duties shall devolve upon the vice-president of the council, and in case of such inability on the part of both the president and vice-president such powers and duties shall devolve upon the president pro tempore of the council.

The school committee shall exercise the powers conferred and discharge the duties imposed by law upon school committees. The committee shall consist of the mayor and the president of the city council, ex officials [ex officio], neither of whom shall serve as chairman, and seven other members, elected as follows; one member shall be elected by and from the voters of each ward at each regular municipal election to serve for the term of two years next following. If a vacancy in the office of school committeeman shall occur one year or more prior to any regular municipal election, the city council shall forthwith order a special election, and the same proceedings shall be had in all respects as are hereinbefore provided for the election of such school committeeman. But, if the vacancy in the office of school committeeman shall occur less than one year prior to any regular municipal election, it shall be filled for the remainder of the term by ballot of the remaining members of the school committee, the member so elected to be a qualified voter of the ward in the representation of which on said committee the vacancy exists.

The school committee shall meet on the first Monday of January in each year and organize by the election by ballot of one of its members as chairman. The oldest in age of the members present shall preside at all meetings until a chairman is elected.

The school committee shall make rules for its proceedings. A majority of all the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The committee shall annually appoint a superintendent of schools, who shall also be its secretary but shall not be a member of the school committee.

The city clerk shall have charge of all journals, records and documents of the city council, and attest all warrants. He shall be clerk of the city council, and shall keep a journal of all votes and proceedings. He shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the city council and he shall perform all the duties and exercise all the powers assigned by law to city clerks or town clerks, so far as such laws can apply to said city. In his absence a clerk of the city council pro tempore shall be chosen, who shall be sworn to the faithful performance of his duties.

The city treasurer and collector of taxes shall collect all moneys due the city. He shall have the custody of and pay out all moneys, and cause an accurate account of the same to be kept in proper bookkeeping form, and shall perform such other duties as the ordinances prescribe; he shall also perform all the duties and exercise all the powers assigned by law to city treasurers and collectors of taxes or town treasurers and collectors of taxes, so far as such laws can apply to said city.

The city auditor shall perform such duties as the ordinances prescribe.

The city attorney shall perform such duties as the ordinances prescribe.

Composition; term of office. The board of assessors shall consist of three members. They shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the city council. Each assessor shall serve a three-year term. Their terms shall be staggered so that only one term elapses at the end of each year.
The chairman of the board of assessors shall serve full-time. He shall be nominated as chairman by the mayor at the time of his appointment. As chairman of the board he shall also serve as the department head in the administration of the department.
The other two assessors shall serve part-time and constitute the other members of the board of assessors.
Qualifications. The members of the board of assessors shall possess the following minimum qualifications before assuming their official duties: a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in accounting, business or public administration, economics, statistics, real estate, computer science, engineering or mathematics and not less than three years of paid, full-time experience in the public or private sector where the primary task involved the assessment or appraisal of real property; provided, however, that possession of any one or more of the following certificates or memberships may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirement:
1. Certified Massachusetts Assessor (CMA);
2. Certified Appraisal Evaluator (CAE);
3. Designated member of Society of Real Estate Appraisers (SREA);
4. Designated member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers.
The provision of this paragraph may be waived by the mayor, with the approval of a two-thirds vote of the city council taken by a call of the yeas and nays, if the mayor determines that there is no reasonable expectation that qualified persons will be able and willing to accept appointment as an assessor, but in no case shall such a waiver be made for the position of chairman of the board of assessors; provided, however, that a waiver granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be renewed annually. If such waiver is not sought by the mayor by the first regularly scheduled meeting of the city council in February, then that assessor shall cease to hold office. If the city council fail to act upon the request for waiver by the end of March, then that assessor shall cease to hold office. The waiver provided for herein shall be granted for not more than three consecutive times as to each person.
Powers and duties. The members of the board of assessors shall exercise the powers conferred and discharge duties imposed upon the board of assessors by law.
Compensation of members. The salary of members of the board of assessors shall be established by ordinance by the city council with the approval of the mayor.
Quorum; voting. A majority of the full board of assessors shall constitute a quorum. Every member of the board of assessors may vote on any question coming before it. The affirmative vote of at least two assessors (a majority of the assessors present and voting) shall be necessary for the approval of any matter, including, but not limited to, statutory and discretionary tax abatements.
Rules. The board of assessors shall, from time to time, establish, amend or alter rules for its proceedings.
Meetings. Regular meetings of the board of assessors shall be held at a time and place fixed by rule or otherwise required by law; provided, however, that at least one meeting shall be held each month. The chairman of the board of assessors or any two members thereof may, at any time, call a special meeting by causing written notices, stating the time of holding such meeting and the subject to be acted upon, and signed by the members calling the same, to be delivered in hand to each member of the board of assessors or left at his usual dwelling place, and posted as required by law.
Journal. A full and accurate journal of the proceedings of the board of assessors shall be kept. Every matter which comes before the board of assessors for a vote shall be included in the journal.
Roll call votes. All final votes of the board of assessors on questions involving the abatement of taxes in the amount of one thousand dollars or more or the granting of any special tax agreement, or upon the request of one member of the board of assessors, shall be taken by a call of the yeas and nays and shall be entered upon the records.
Filling of vacancies. If a vacancy shall occur in the office of assessors at any time, the mayor shall, subject to confirmation by the city council, appoint a qualified person to fill such vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term.

Notwithstanding any election of assessors having occurred in November of nineteen hundred and eighty-one and in November of nineteen hundred and eighty-three, section one of this Act [subsections (a)—(j)] shall operate to dissolve the currently elected board of assessors and their terms of office and powers shall terminate on the sixtieth day after the effective date of this Act.

The first term of each assessor appointed pursuant to section one of this Act [paragraph (a)] shall be as follows:

The chairman shall be appointed for a full three-year term;
The two part-time assessors shall be appointed for a term of two years and one year, respectively and thereafter each assessor shall be appointed to a three-year term or to fill an unexpired three year term.

As soon after the organization of the government as practicable the mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the city council, three persons, who shall constitute the board of health, to serve, two for one year, and one for two years, and each year thereafter one to serve for the term of one year, and one for the term of two years. Vacancies occurring in the board may be filled in the same manner, but only for the unexpired term. At least one member of the board shall be a doctor of medicine. Said board may make rules not inconsistent with law, to govern the action of said inspectors. The board of health shall perform such duties as are prescribed by law and ordinance.

The board of trustees of the public library shall consist of nine members, to be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council. As soon after the organization of the city government under this Charter as may be convenient, the mayor shall appoint three trustees to serve for the term of one year, three for the term of two years, and three for the term of three years, and each year thereafter the mayor shall appoint three trustees to serve for the term of three years. Vacancies occurring in the board may be filled in the same manner, but only for the unexpired term. Said trustees shall have the care and management of the public library.

There shall be a department of public works which shall be under the direction and control of the commissioner of public works.

The commissioner of public works shall have the direction and control of the construction, alteration, repair, maintenance and management of ways, streets, sidewalks and bridges; he shall have the powers and discharge the duties of surveyors of highways, the construction, alteration, repair and care of main drains and common sewers; the care, superintendence and management of public grounds and parks, including cemeteries; he shall make and have the custody of all plans, surveys, measurements and levels appertaining the public ways, drains, sewers, water works or lands; he shall have charge of the construction, alteration, repair, maintenance and care of public buildings except school buildings; he shall have charge, so far as the rights of the city extend, of fire alarm and police signal systems and of trolley wires, of all gas pipes and street lighting; he shall have charge of the construction, extension, alteration, repair, care and management of the water works; and shall perform such other duties as the city council may direct.

The mayor shall, subject to the approval of the city council, appoint a commissioner of public works who may also be the city engineer of said city, and shall hold office during the term of the mayor and until his successor is appointed.

There shall be within the department of public works the following divisions:

division of highways, electric lines and lights;
division of engineering;
division of waterworks; and
division of buildings and grounds.

Existing divisions may be eliminated or new divisions created as may be considered necessary by the mayor with the approval of the city council.

Each division of the department of public works shall have the management and control of those duties as may be determined by the commissioner of public works or by the city council.

There shall be a superintendent of the division of highways, electric lights and lines; a city engineer; a superintendent of the division of waterworks; a superintendent of the division of buildings and grounds; and a supervisor of school facilities and energy conservation. The city engineer and the superintendents of the various divisions shall have charge of their respective divisions under the direction of the commissioner of public works.

The mayor shall annually appoint, subject to the confirmation of the city council, a superintendent of the division of highways, electric lights and lines; a city engineer who may also be the commissioner of public works; a superintendent of waterworks; an operations manager of waterworks; a 311 director; a superintendent of the division of buildings and grounds; and a supervisor of school facilities and energy conservation.

The commissioner of public works may require that no person or corporation, other than an officer or agent of the city, authorized by the city council to dig up any public street or sidewalk in said city shall begin such digging before furnishing to said commissioner security satisfactory to him to restore such street or sidewalk to its former condition.

The purchasing agent shall, subject to section 46A and the General Laws, make all purchases for the respective departments.

The mayor shall appoint, employ, and discharge, at pleasure, all subordinate officers, clerks assistants and laborers in their respective departments, and shall have the immediate direction and control of all executive and administrative business therein. They shall at all times be accountable to the mayor for the proper discharge of their duties.

All officers required by this Act or by General Law to be appointed by the mayor or by the mayor and councilors shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the mayor and a majority of the councilors have been qualified and shall, unless sooner removed, hold their respective offices for the length of time prescribed by law, or the portion thereof then remaining, beginning on the first Monday in January of the year in which they are respectively appointed and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. This section shall not apply to the appointment of election officers.

The heads of departments and all other officers and boards whose duties involve the expenditure of public money shall annually in the month of January or February, present to the mayor an itemized estimate of the money required for their respective departments or offices during the current financial year, who shall examine and submit the same, with his recommendation for appropriations, to the city council during the month of February or March.

All contracts made by a department, board or commission of the city shall comply with section 17 of chapter 30B of the General Laws. A contract required to be in writing shall not be deemed executed until signed by the mayor and the head of the department, board or commission making the contract. When contracts are required to be in writing under said section 17 of said chapter 30B, contracts for supplies, services and construction may be subject to additional signature requirements under applicable city ordinances. All contracts may be required to be accompanied by a bond with sureties, a deposit of money, certified check or other security for the faithful performance thereof, satisfactory to the procurement officer, department head or commission. Said security shall be deposited with the city treasurer. No such contract shall be altered except by written agreement of the contractor, the procurement officer or department head making the contract, with the approval of the mayor affixed thereto.

No contract or order for the performance of labor or for the purchase of apparatus, supplies or materials except in cases of special emergency involving the health or safety of the people or their property, shall be awarded by the city unless and until the city auditor has certified on said contract or order that there is an unencumbered balance in the appropriation chargeable therefore sufficient to cover the cost of said labor, apparatus, supplies or materials, as the case may be.

The organization of the city into operating agencies to provide services and for the administration of the government, as described in this charter, special acts or the General Laws, shall be accomplished through an administrative order filed with the city council by the mayor. No administrative order may originate with the city council. The mayor may, subject only to express prohibitions in the General Laws or this charter, propose to reorganize, consolidate or abolish a city agency, in whole or in part, or to establish a new city agency as is deemed necessary. No function assigned by this charter to a particular city agency may be discontinued, but the function may be assigned to another city agency by administrative order.
The mayor may 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. All ordinances addressing the organization and operation of city departments, agencies, boards, commissions and offices may be modified, revised, repealed or otherwise addressed in such administrative orders. Administrative orders may provide for the combination, separation, creation or dissolution of departments, provided that all essential city functions are assigned to a department, board, commission or office.

Administrative orders shall be accompanied by a message from the mayor that explains the benefits expected and advises the city council if the administrative order shall require amendments, insertions, revisions, repeal or otherwise of existing ordinances.

When the mayor proposes an administrative order, the city council shall hold 1 or more public hearings on the proposal giving notice by publication in a local newspaper, which notice shall describe the scope of the proposal and the time and place at which the public hearing will be held, not less than 7 nor more than 14 days following said publication. An organization or reorganization plan shall become effective upon a 2/3 vote of the city council to approve the plan. The city council may vote only to approve or to disapprove the plan and may not vote to amend or alter it.

Every administrative board, through its chairman, and every officer having charge of a department, shall, at the request of the city council, appear before it and give such information as it may require in relation to any matter, act or thing connected with the discharge of the duties of such board or officer; and when so requested to appear, the officer who appears shall have the right to speak upon all matters then under consideration relating to his department.

No sum appropriated for a specific purpose shall be expended for any other purpose unless by authority of the city council first obtained; and no expenditure shall be made and no liability incurred by or in behalf of the city until the city council has duly voted an appropriation sufficient to meet such expenditure or liability, except that after the expiration of the financial year and before the making of the regular annual appropriations liabilities payable out of a regular annual appropriation may be incurred or payments made to an amount not exceeding one-fourth of the total appropriation made for similar purposes in the preceding year.

Every person who is elected and every person who is appointed by the mayor or by the mayor and city council to an office shall receive a certificate of such election or appointment from the city clerk, and except as otherwise provided by law, before performing any act under his election or appointment, shall take and subscribe an oath qualifying him to enter upon his duties. A record of such oath shall be made by the city clerk. Any oath required by this act may be administered by the mayor, the city clerk, or any officer authorized by law to administer oaths.

The existing ordinances and regulations of the City of Somerville, so far as they are not inconsistent with this Act, shall continue in force until amended or repealed.

Nothing in this charter shall be construed to affect the enforcement of chapter 31 of the General Laws in the city of Somerville.

All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, but the passage of this Act shall not affect any right accruing or accrued, or any suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding pending at the time when it shall take effect by acceptance, as herein provided, and no penalty or forfeiture previously incurred shall be affected thereby. No act which has been repealed shall be revived by the repeal of acts mentioned in this section.

This Act shall be submitted to the qualified male voters of the City of Somerville for acceptance at a special election to be called by the city council and held on the fourth Tuesday of September, in the year eighteen hundred and ninety-nine. The vote shall be taken by ballot in answer to the following question: "Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, entitled 'An Act to Revise the Charter of the City of Somerville', be accepted?"

Where provisions of the Somerville charter conflict with city ordinances, rules, regulations, orders or special acts or acceptances of laws, the charter shall govern. All city ordinances, rules, regulations, orders and special acts not superseded by this act shall remain in force.

All agencies of the city of Somerville shall continue to perform their duties until re-elected, reappointed or until successors to their respective positions are duly appointed or elected or until their duties have been transferred and assumed by another city agency.

There shall be a zoning board of appeals in the city of Somerville with all the powers and duties under section 12 of chapter 40A of the General Laws.

The City of Somerville may by ordinance provide for the appointment by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the councilors, of associate members of the board of appeals established in relation to the zoning ordinances and general building ordinances of said city under chapter 40A of the General Laws. In case of a vacancy, inability to act or interest on the part of a member of the board of appeals his place shall be taken by an associate member.

This Act shall take effect upon its acceptance, during the current year, by vote of the city council of said city, subject to the provisions of its Charter, otherwise it shall not take effect; but, for the purpose of such acceptance, it shall take effect upon its passage.

The City of Somerville may by ordinance establish a licensing commission and from time to time place in charge of and withdraw from said commission the issuing of such of the licenses, now or hereafter authorized by law to be issued by its city council, as the city may by ordinance determine. Said commission shall have all the powers conferred by the statutes of the Commonwealth upon the city council and the mayor in relation to such licenses as may be placed in its charge and the regulation of the subject matters thereof. The members of said commission shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council, and shall receive such compensation, if any, as the mayor and city council may determine. The powers and duties of licensing boards, mentioned in Section four of Chapter one hundred and thirty-eight of the General Laws, shall vest in said commission.

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville shall consist of 3 persons who shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation.

There shall be a board of election commissioners in the city of Somerville. The board shall consist of 4 persons, 2 of whom shall always represent each of the 2 leading political parties, as defined in section 1 of chapter 50 of the General Laws. They shall receive such compensation as the mayor and city council determine.

The members of the board of election commissioners shall serve until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors are qualified. As the terms of the several election commissioners expire, and in case a vacancy occurs in said board, the mayor shall, subject to the approval by the city council, so appoint their successors that the members of the board shall equally represent the two leading political parties as defined as aforesaid. Such appointments shall be for terms of three years beginning April first, except that any appointments to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term.

The board shall organize annually in the month of April by the choice of a chairman and a secretary. In case the members are unable to agree upon a chairman and a secretary, such officers shall be designated by the mayor. The secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of the proceedings of the board and shall perform such other duties as the board may require.

The board of election commissioners shall oversee the conduct of elections under state laws and regulations and this charter, except for the power and duty of fixing the days, hours and places for holding municipal elections.

The mayor may appoint assistant election commissioners and such other assistants as the mayor deems necessary, who shall at all times equally represent the 2 leading political parties as defined in section 1 of chapter 50 of the General Laws.

The board of election commissioners shall, after the first day of January in each year, prepare an annual register containing the names of all qualified voters in said city for the current year, beginning with the first day of January. The names shall be arranged by precincts and, opposite the name of each voter, shall be entered his residence on the preceding first day of January or on any subsequent day when he became a resident of said city. The board of election commissioners shall enter in the annual register every name contained in the lists, for the current year, of persons listed by the listing board, giving, as the residence of each person on the first day of January, the place at which he was listed by said board; provided, that in every case they are able to identify the name so listed as that of a person whose name was borne on the voting list of said city at the last preceding election. They shall make all inquiries and investigations necessary to identify such person, and they shall not enter in the annual register the name of a person objected to by any of the election commissioners, until such person has been duly notified and been given an opportunity to be heard by them, and shall have appeared and satisfied them of his right to have his name so entered. They shall forthwith enter in the annual register the name of every person whose qualifications as a voter have been determined by them in the current year and whose name has accordingly been entered in the general register. They shall, on or before the first Monday of August in each year, send notice in writing by mail to each voter of the preceding year whose name has not been entered in the annual register of the current year that his name has not been so entered.

Chapter 400 of the Acts of 2012 has superseded Article V, sections 1—13, of this Charter Appendix, Division 2.

On the third Tuesday preceding every regular or special municipal election in the City of Somerville at which any elective municipal office is to be filled, there shall be held, except as otherwise provided in section ten, (section 14 of this article) a preliminary election for the purpose of nominating candidates therefor. The polls at every such election shall be open during such hours, not less than nine, as may be designated by the city council, and the General Laws relative to municipal elections shall apply thereto, except as is otherwise specifically provided in this Act.

Except as is otherwise provided, there shall not be printed on the official ballot to be used at any regular or special municipal election in said city the name of any person as a candidate for any office unless such person has been nominated as such at a preliminary election for nomination There shall not be printed on the official ballot for use at such preliminary election the name of any candidate for nomination at such election unless he shall have submitted, within the time limited and as provided by section three, the nomination paper therein described.

Any person who is qualified to vote at any regular or special election for a candidate for any elective municipal office in said city, and who is a candidate for nomination thereto, shall be entitled to have his name as such candidate printed on the official ballot to be used at a preliminary election for nomination therefor; provided, that if he is a candidate to be voted for in a single ward he is a registered voter in the ward wherein he is a candidate; and provided, further, that on or before five o'clock in the afternoon of the eighth Tuesday preceding such regular or special municipal election there shall be submitted to the board of election commissioners, hereinafter called the board, a nomination paper prepared and issued by the board, wherein the candidate sets forth in writing his candidacy, and wherein the petition is signed by voters of the city qualified to vote for a candidate for said office to the number of at least two hundred and fifty for the office of mayor, one hundred and fifty for the office of councilors at large and one hundred for the office of ward councilor and of member of the school committee, whose signatures are certified as hereinafter provided.

Said nomination papers shall be in substantially the following form:



         COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

               CITY OF SOMERVILLE
               NOMINATION PAPER

             STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE

I (_______), on oath declare that I am a citizen of the United States of America, that I have resided in the City of Somerville for at least six months, that my present residence is (number, if any) on (name of street) and ward in said city, that I am a voter therein, qualified to vote for a candidate for the office hereinafter mentioned; that I am a candidate for the office of (name of office) for (state the term) to be voted for at the preliminary election to be held on Tuesday, the day of _______, two thousand and ___, and I request that my name be printed as such candidate on the official ballot for use at said preliminary election.


                   (Signed)

         COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

         Middlesex, ss/

Subscribed and sworn to on this _______ day of _______, two thousand and ___, before me,


                   (Signed)

               Justice of the Peace
                (or Notary Public)

Whereas (name of candidate) is a candidate for nomination for the office of (state the office) for (state the term), we, the undersigned, voters of the City of Somerville duly qualified to vote for a candidate for said office, do hereby request that the name of said (name of candidate) as a candidate for nomination for said office be printed on the official ballot to be used at the preliminary election to be held on Tuesday, the _______, day of _______, two thousand and ___.

We further state that we believe him to be of good moral character and qualified to perform the duties of the office.

Signature of
Nominators (to be
made in person)

Residence
April 1

Ward

Present
Residence

No acceptance by the candidate for nomination named in the said nomination paper shall be necessary to its validity or its filing. The petition, which may be on one or more papers, need not be sworn to.

After any such nomination paper has been submitted to the board, it shall certify thereon the number of signatures which are the names of registered voters in said city qualified to sign the same. All such papers found not to contain a number of names so certified equivalent to the number required to make a nomination shall be invalid, and such papers shall be preserved by the board for one year. The board shall complete their certification on or before five o'clock in the afternoon of the seventh Tuesday preceding such regular or special municipal election, and the board, or some member thereof, shall file in their office on or before five o'clock in the afternoon of the next day all papers not found to be invalid as aforesaid.

On the first day, other than a legal holiday, following the expiration of the time for filing the above described nomination papers, the board shall post in a conspicuous place in their office the names and residences of the candidates for nomination who have duly qualified as such, as they are to appear on the official ballots to be used at the preliminary election, except as to the order of the names, which shall be drawn by lot by the chairman of the board within seven days succeeding five o'clock in the afternoon of the last day fixed for the filing of objections to nomination papers, and the board shall cause the ballots, which shall contain said names in their order as so drawn, and no others, with a designation of residence, and of the office and term of office, to be printed, and the ballots so printed shall be official and no others shall be used at the preliminary election. At any drawing for position on the ballot, each candidate shall have an opportunity to be present in person or by one representative. There shall be left at the end of the list of candidates for nomination for each office blank spaces equal in number to the number of persons to be nominated therefor, in which spaces the voter may insert the name of any person not printed on the ballot for whom he desires to vote for nomination for such office, but the name of such person shall not be printed on the official ballot to be voted for at any regular or special municipal election in said city unless such person is qualified to be nominated under the provisions of section three (sections 3 through 6 of this article). There shall be printed on such ballots such directions as aid the voter, as for example: "vote for one", "vote for two", and the like, and the ballot shall be headed substantially as follows:


                 OFFICIAL PRELIMINARY BALLOT

Candidates for nomination for the offices of (name of offices) in the City of Somerville at a preliminary election to be held on the _______ day of _______, in the year two thousand and ___.

On the back and outside of each ballot when folded shall be printed the words "Official Ballot for Preliminary Election", followed by the designation of the ward, for which the ballot is prepared, the date of the preliminary election and a facsimile of the signatures of the members of the board.

No ballot used at any preliminary election in said city shall have printed thereon any party or political designation or mark, and there shall not be appended to the name of any candidate any such party or political designation or mark, or anything showing how he was nominated or indicating his view or opinions.

The preliminary elections and the regular municipal elections shall be held by wards and the city council shall designate on or before the eighth Tuesday preceding a regular municipal election or on or before the fourth Tuesday preceding a special municipal election, the polling places where the preliminary election and the regular municipal elections shall be held. The regularly appointed election officers shall serve at both the preliminary elections and the regular municipal elections.

The election officers shall, immediately upon the closing of the polls at preliminary election, count the ballots and ascertain the number of votes cast in the several voting places for each candidate, and forthwith make return thereof upon blanks to be furnished, as in regular elections, to the board, who shall canvass said returns and shall forthwith determine the result thereof, insert the same in a newspaper published in said city and post the same in a conspicuous place in his [the board's] office.

The two persons receiving at a preliminary election the highest number of votes for nomination for any office, except one to which two or more persons are to be elected at the regular or special election following, and, as to each of such offices, the several persons in number equal to twice the number so to be elected receiving at such preliminary election the highest number of votes for nomination for that office, shall, except as provided by section ten, (section 14 of this article) be the sole candidates for that office whose names may be printed on the official ballot to be used at the regular or special election at which such office is to be filled.

If the preliminary election results in a tie vote among candidates for nomination to any office receiving the lowest number of votes, which, but for said tie vote, would entitle a person receiving the same to have his name printed upon the official ballot for the election, all candidates participating in said tie vote shall have their names printed upon the official ballot, although in consequence there be printed thereon the names of candidates to a number exceeding twice the number to be elected.

If at the expiration of the time for filing nomination papers for candidates to be voted for at any preliminary election there have not been filed more than twice as many such nomination papers, for an office as there are persons to be elected to such office, the candidates whose nomination papers have thus been filed shall be deemed to have been nominated to said office, and their names shall be printed on the official ballot to be used at the regular or special election following, and the board shall not print said names upon the ballot to be used at said preliminary election, and no other nomination to said office shall be made. If in consequence it shall appear that no names are to be printed upon the official ballot to be used at any preliminary election in any ward or wards of said city, no preliminary election shall be held in any such ward or wards.

Preliminary elections in said city shall be subject to all General Laws relative to elections, so far as the same are applicable thereto, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act.

So much of Chapter two hundred and forty of the Acts of eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, (the revised Charter) and acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto, as is inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed.

There is hereby established in the City of Somerville, hereinafter referred to as the city, a traffic commission, consisting of the commissioner of public works, the chief of police or his designee, the chief engineer of the fire department or his designee, the chairman of the committee on traffic and parking of the city council and one member of the general public of the city appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The member appointed by the mayor shall serve for a term coterminous with the mayor, or until the qualification of a successor.

The commissioner of public works shall be chairman of the traffic commission. The members of the traffic commission shall receive no compensation for their services as commissioner, but shall be reimbursed by the city for any expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

Meetings of the traffic commission shall be held on the third Tuesday of each month unless sooner necessitated for reasons of public safety, welfare or convenience, in which case a meeting may be called on motion of the chairman. Notice of meetings shall be posted according to the provisions of section twenty-three B of chapter thirty-nine of the General Laws and shall be sent to all commission members, the mayor, the city council and the planning director. All of said persons may attend commission meetings and present their views, but only commission members may vote.

Upon recommendation of the traffic commission the mayor, with the approval of the city council shall have the authority to create the position of director of traffic and parking and subordinate staff positions including parking control officers. The mayor shall, with the approval of the city council, make appointments to such positions and shall fix their compensation.

A member of the traffic department staff shall be a traffic engineer, possessing the qualifications required for associate or full membership in the Institute of Traffic Engineers. The position of traffic engineer shall not be subject to chapter 31 of the General Laws. The traffic director shall be appointed and may be removed in the same manner set forth for the suspension and removal of officers confirmed by the city council.

to be appointed as follows: one by the mayor for a term of one year, one by majority vote of the city council for a term of two years and one by vote of the first two members for a term of three years; provided, however, that if, after thirty days from the appointment of the first two members the third member has not been agreed to, such member shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council. Upon the expiration of the term of a member, his successor shall be appointed for a term of three years. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. No person holding public office in said city shall be eligible for appointment. A member shall not receive any compensation for his services, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in carrying out his duties. The chairman of the traffic board shall be chosen by and from its membership.

The traffic board shall carry out the functions prescribed in clause (b) of section three (section 8(b) of this article) and, in addition, shall be available to the traffic commission for advice and consultation with respect to all of its activities.

The traffic commission shall have exclusive authority, except as otherwise provided in this Act, to take any and all of the following actions, if it determines that such actions serve the public safety, welfare or convenience. Subject to the provisions of Section two of Chapter eighty-five of the General Laws:

The traffic commission may adopt, alter or repeal rules and regulations, in a manner consistent with the general laws as modified by this Act, relative to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the streets of the city, and to the movement, stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on, and their exclusion from, all or any streets, ways, highways, roads and parkways under the control of the city, including rules and regulations designating any way or part thereof under such control as a through way under and subject to the provisions of Section nine of Chapter eighty-nine of the General Laws. Any rule or regulation adopted under this clause, prohibiting the parking or standing of vehicles on the whole or any part or parts of one or more streets, ways, highways, roads or parkways under the control of the city, may provide that it shall not apply in such residential areas as shall be specified, and at such times as shall be prescribed, in such rule or regulation, to any motor vehicle registered under Chapter ninety of the General Laws as principally garaged in the city and owned or used by a person residing in such area who, in the year in which such vehicle is parked or in the preceding December for such year, shall have given, by a writing executed in such form and detail as such rule or regulation shall prescribe, and filed with the chief of police, notice of intention to park in such area and shall display in a conspicuous place on such vehicle, while parked, such visible evidence of the giving of such notice as such rule or regulation shall prescribe; but neither the giving of such notice nor the issuance of visible evidence of the giving thereof shall be construed to assign any specific space to any person or vehicle. The traffic commission may, with the approval of the mayor and city council, prescribe fines for violations of rules or regulations adopted under this chapter excluding snow emergency parking violations as described in this paragraph; provided, however, that no penalty in excess of $30 shall be imposed except by ordinance. The traffic commission may, with the approval of the mayor and the city council, prescribe a schedule of fines for the following snow emergency parking violations: parking within 20 feet of an intersection, parking within the area of a fire hydrant and parking within designated fire lanes; provided, however, that no penalty in excess of $50 shall be imposed except by ordinance. A penalty imposed under this section may, if provided in the regulations imposing penalties, be increased by up to 17 per cent if paid later than 21 days after the issuance of a notice of a parking violation but before the parking clerk reports to the registrar in accordance with section 20A1/2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws and 67 per cent if paid thereafter. No adoption, alteration or repeal of a regulation shall take effect until public notice of the proposed action has been given, except with respect to such special rules or regulations as are declared by the traffic commission to be urgently required for the public safety or welfare or such as are of a temporary nature and are to be effective for a period of not more than three weeks. Public notice shall be given by publication in full of the proposed adoption, alteration or repeal not less than once in each of three successive weeks in one or more newspapers published or distributed in the city. The public notice shall include a statement of the effective date of the proposed action, which shall not be less than twenty-one days following the first of the three newspaper publications. A copy of the public notice shall be provided to the members of the city council at the time of publication.
Upon the filing of petitions with the traffic board by not less than fifty registered voters of the city, relative to any rule or regulation proposed to be adopted, altered or repealed, and not yet in effect, the proposed action shall be suspended, and the traffic board shall hold a public hearing thereon within two weeks of the date the petitions were filed, and shall by majority vote approve or disapprove the proposed action within two weeks following the public hearing. Upon the filing of petitions with the traffic board by not less than fifty registered voters of the city, relative to any rule or regulation which has been adopted, altered or repealed for a period of at least thirty days, the traffic board shall hold a public hearing thereon within two weeks of the date the petitions were filed and shall, following such hearing, determine by majority vote whether to avoid the adoption, alteration or repeal of the rule or regulation.
The traffic commission may erect, make and maintain, or cause to be erected, made and maintained, traffic signs, signals, markings and other devices for the control of traffic and parking in the city and for informing and warning the public as to rules and regulations adopted under this act, subject, however, to Section two of Chapter eighty-five and to Sections eight and nine of Chapter eighty-nine of the General Laws.
The traffic commission may recommend to the city council the alteration, construction, erection, installation and maintenance of street lights.
The traffic commission, with the approval of the mayor, may retain the services of qualified consultants when such retention is deemed necessary or advisable.
The traffic commission may promulgate regulations that provide that any sergeant or officer of higher rank in the police department may cause to be removed to some convenient place by towing by an independent contractor any vehicle except a vehicle owned by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof or by the United States or an instrumentality thereof or registered by a member of a foreign diplomatic corps or by a foreign consular officer who is not a citizen of the United States and bearing distinctive number plate otherwise conspicuously marked as so owned or registered, and except a vehicle owned by a disabled veteran or a handicapped person and bearing a distinctive number plate, which is parked or standing on any part of any street, way, highway, road or parkway if in the calendar year in which such vehicle is so removed and in the preceding calendar year, five or more notices, in the aggregate, have been affixed to said vehicle, as provided in section 20A1/2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws, and remain unpaid and the cost of such removal and of storage charges resulting therefrom, in accordance with the traffic regulations then in effect, shall be imposed upon the owner of such vehicle. Any such vehicle so removed shall be held until all charges imposed for such removal and storage following the same have been paid and due notice has been received that the fines provided in such notices affixed to said vehicle have been paid or security for the payment thereof has been deposited. The police department shall promptly mail written notice to the registered owner of any such vehicle so removed, directed to the address furnished by the registry of motor vehicles or comparable agency of the state in which said vehicle is registered, stating the date on which such vehicle was removed, the location to which such vehicle has been removed, and a statement that such vehicle shall be released by the police on the payment of all fines, storage and towing charges due. Any such vehicle so removed shall be deemed to have been abandoned and may be disposed of in accordance with Section twenty-two C of said Chapter ninety if, within thirty days of the mailing of the notice to the registered owner as provided for herein, said owner has not paid all charges imposed for such removal and storage following the same and the fines provided in such notices affixed to said vehicle or security for the payment thereof has been deposited.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the traffic commission to adopt, alter or repeal any rule or regulation excluding the trackless trolley vehicles or buses of a street railway or bus company from any way or part thereof in which said company has a location; or to modify or limit any power or authority of the metropolitan district commission or the departments of public works or public utilities of the Commonwealth; or to modify or limit any power or authority of the mayor, city council or of any board or head of a department with reference to the issuance of licenses or permits for the opening, using or occupying of streets and sidewalks for reasons not relating to traffic.

The planning director, the chief of police, the chief engineer of the fire department, the commissioner of public works, the city engineer, the city electrician and city solicitor shall be available to the traffic commission to advise on matters relating to their respective departments and shall be responsible for putting into effect the rules and regulations adopted by the traffic commission in so far as such rules and regulations relate to their respective departments. The traffic commission shall cooperate with the planning board and with such public carriers as may be authorized and licensed to render service within the city, on matters relating to traffic planning, and shall cooperate with the planning board on all matters that may relate to the need for, location, construction, erection and maintenance of public parking facilities or of private parking facilities for public use within the city. When it is necessary to coordinate with federal, state or other local agencies on matters of traffic movement and traffic planning, the traffic commission may serve as liaison for the city.

All existing orders, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to the control of vehicular traffic, including those relating to the parking of vehicles on any streets, ways, highways, roads and parkways, under the control of the city, shall remain in full force and effect until superseded by rules and regulations adopted by the traffic commission pursuant to clause (a) of section three (section 8(a) of this article), and the adoption thereof shall not effect any act done, any right accrued, any penalty incurred or any suit, prosecution or proceeding pending at the time of such adoption.

Notwithstanding section 21D of chapter 40 of the General Laws, a person who desires to contest a violation of any ordinance of the city of Somerville alleged in a notice to appear, pursuant to violations issued by the city in accordance with said section 21D of said chapter 40 of the General Laws, shall request, in writing, a hearing before a municipal hearing officer, who shall be appointed by the mayor, with the approval of the city council, to conduct requested hearings pursuant to this act. The notice to appear shall be in the format required under said section 21D of said chapter 40, except that the third copy of the notice shall be submitted to the municipal hearing officer. The municipal hearing officer may be the same person appointed as municipal hearing officer pursuant to chapter 148A of the General Laws.

Where a notice to appear is for 1 or more code violations, the person notified to appear shall return the notice of violation by mail, personally or by an authorized person to the municipal hearing officer and shall, within 21 days, either: (a) pay, in full, the scheduled assessment by check, postal note or money order; or (b) request a hearing before the municipal hearing officer. Any amounts paid shall be payable to the city of Somerville. If the person notified to appear requests, in a timely manner, a hearing before the municipal hearing officer, the municipal hearing officer shall schedule a hearing not later than 45 days after receiving the hearing request. The municipal hearing officer shall send a hearing notice to duly notify the person notified to appear of the date, time and location of the hearing. Hearings shall be held at least twice each month, in the evening. When a hearing notice is sent, the person notified to appear shall be given an opportunity to request a rescheduled hearing date. The municipal hearing officer, so designated, shall not be an employee or officer of the department associated with the issuance of the notice of violation. The municipal hearing officer shall receive annual training in the conduct of administrative hearing procedure. The hearings and dispositions by the municipal hearing officer shall be informal and the formal rules of evidence shall not apply. In conducting the hearings, the municipal hearing officer shall find whether the violation occurred and whether it was committed by the person so notified to appear.

Any person aggrieved by a decision of the municipal hearing officer, after a hearing, may appeal to the district court pursuant to section 21D of chapter 40 of the General Laws, on a form provided by the city, and shall be entitled to a de novo hearing before a clerk magistrate of the court. The district court shall consider such appeals under a civil, as opposed to a criminal, standard. The aggrieved person shall file the appeal within 10 days after receiving notice of the decision from the municipal hearing officer who conducted the hearing.

Any person who has received a notice to appear issued in accordance with this procedure who, within the prescribed time: fails to pay the scheduled assessment; fails to request a hearing before the municipal hearing officer; or fails to appear at the time and place of the hearing shall be found responsible for the violations as stated in the notice to appear and such finding of responsibility shall be considered prima facie evidence of a finding of responsibility for the violation in any civil proceeding regarding said violation and shall be admissible as evidence in a subsequent criminal proceeding. A person who fails to appear at the scheduled hearing without good cause shall have the appeal dismissed and shall waive any further right to appeal. If the condition which caused the notice to appear to issue continues to exist, the finding of responsibility may also be used by the city of Somerville as prima facie evidence of the existence of a violation in any proceeding to suspend or revoke any license, permit or certificate issued by the city relative to the building, structure or premises pending the correction of the condition.

All fines, penalties or assessments in actions under this act, shall be paid to the general fund of the city of Somerville.

Chapter 258 of the acts of 1980 is hereby repealed.

The licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages and licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages under section 12 of chapter 138 of the General Laws and the number of such licenses shall be calculated under section 17 of said chapter 138. The licensing commission may grant not more than 20 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages under section 15 of said chapter 138 and not more than 9 licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages under said section 15 of said chapter 138. The transfer of a license existing on the effective date of this act or the transfer of stock in a corporation which holds such a license shall be subject to a public hearing and notice of such hearing shall be advertised as provided in said chapter 138 and held at an appropriate time to afford interested citizens an opportunity to be present.

No other license granted under this act shall be sold or transferred by the licensee. If any such licensee terminates or fails to renew its license, the license shall revert to the licensing commission which may then grant that license to a new applicant in accordance with regulations established by the licensing commission; provided, however, that any restrictions on the transferability of licenses under this paragraph shall only apply to licenses granted on or after the effective date of chapter 449 of the acts of 2008.

Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant not more than 27 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises or for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises under section 12 of said chapter 138, to premises within the Assembly Square district, bounded by the Mystic River, the Fellsway, route 28, interstate highway route 93 and the city of Somerville, city of Boston boundary line. The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138, except said section 17. The licenses assigned to the Assembly Square district shall not be sold or transferred by the licensee. If a licensee terminates or fails to renew its license under this section, the license shall revert to the licensing commission, and shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, and shall only be granted to a new, qualified applicant doing business within the Assembly Square district; provided, however, that the new applicant shall file with the licensing commission a letter from the department of revenue indicating that the license is in good standing with the department and that all applicable taxes have been paid. The licenses granted under this section shall be subject to all applicable ordinances of the city.

The administrative fee charged by the city of Somerville for licenses granted under this section shall be the same as the administrative fee charged by the city for existing licenses granted for the respective category for such licenses. The licenses granted under this section shall be subject to all applicable ordinances of the city.

Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant 12 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 138 and 6 additional licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to said section 12 of said chapter 138 to operators and locations to be determined by the licensing commission in accordance with this section. The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.
The licensing commission shall restrict the licenses authorized in this section as follows:
1. 2 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises and 1 license for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises shall be restricted to entities within the Transformative Areas of the Inner Belt, Brickbottom and Boynton Yards, as those areas are shown on the map; provided, however, that for the purposes of this section and section 5 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016, "map" shall mean the map entitled "Somerville Proposed Liquor License Area Locations", dated June, 2016, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Somerville city clerk; and
2. 10 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises and 5 licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises shall be restricted to entities within the Enhancement Areas of Union Square, Davis Square, Ball Square, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Northwest Somerville, Teele Square, Broadway, Magoun Square, Highland Avenue, Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street, as shown on the map.
A license granted pursuant to this section shall be clearly marked on its face "Transformative Areas or Enhancement Areas Only".
The licensing commission shall not approve the sale or transfer of a license granted under this section. If a licensee terminates or fails to renew a license granted under this section or if any such license is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing commission and the licensing commission may then grant the license to a new applicant at a location within the transformative areas or enhancement areas under the same conditions as specified in this section.

Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant 4 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 138 and 1 additional license for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to said section 12 of said chapter 138. The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.
Once issued, the licensing commission shall not approve the transfer of a license granted pursuant to this section to any other location but it may grant the license to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant files with the licensing commission a letter from the department of revenue and a letter from the department of unemployment assistance indicating that the license is in good standing with those departments and that all applicable taxes, fees and contributions have been paid.
If a license granted pursuant to this section is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be returned physically, with all legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing commission and the licensing commission may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions as specified in this section.

Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant 15 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 138 and 7 additional licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to said section 12 of said chapter 138, to operators and locations to be determined by the licensing commission in accordance with this section. The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.
The licensing commission of the city of Somerville shall restrict the licenses authorized in this section as follows:
1. 5 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises and 2 licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises granted pursuant to this subsection shall be restricted to entities within the Transformative Areas of the Inner Belt, Brickbottom and Boynton Yards, as shown on the map; and
2. 10 licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises and 5 licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises shall be restricted to entities within the Enhancement Areas of Union Square, Davis Square, Ball Square, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Northwest Somerville, Teele Square, Broadway, Magoun Square, Highland Avenue, Somerville Avenue and Beacon Street, as shown on the map.
A license granted pursuant to this section shall be clearly marked on its face "Transformative Areas or Enhancement Areas Only".
The licensing commission shall not approve the sale or transfer of a license granted under this section. If a licensee terminates or fails to renew a license granted under this section or if any such license is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing commission and the licensing commission may then grant the license to a new applicant at a location within the transformative areas and enhancement areas under the same conditions as specified in this act.

Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing commission of the city of Somerville may grant 4 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 138 and 1 additional license for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to said section 12 of said chapter 138. The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.
Once issued, the licensing commission shall not approve the transfer of a license granted pursuant to this section to any other location but it may grant the license to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant files with the licensing commission a letter from the department of revenue and a letter from the department of unemployment assistance indicating that the license is in good standing with those departments and that all applicable taxes, fees and contributions have been paid.
If a license granted pursuant to this section is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing commission and the licensing commission may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions as specified in this section.

The administrative fee charged by the city of Somerville for a license granted pursuant to sections 3 to 6 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016, inclusive, shall be the same amount as the administrative fee charged by the city for existing licenses granted for the respective category for such licenses. A license granted pursuant to said sections 3 to 6, inclusive, shall be subject to all applicable ordinances of the city.

Sections 1, 3, 4 and 7 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016 shall take effect upon their passage.

Section 2 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016 shall take effect on January 1, 2019, or upon the issuance of all of the licenses authorized in section 3 of chapter 381 of the Acts of 2012, whichever occurs first.

Section 5 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016 shall take effect on January 1, 2019, or upon the issuance of all of the licenses authorized in section 3 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016, whichever occurs first.

Section 6 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016 shall take effect on January 1, 2019, or upon the issuance of all of the licenses authorized in section 4 of chapter 142 of the Acts of 2016, whichever occurs first.

The mayor shall annually submit to the city council, together with the budget submitted by him or her as required by Chapter 44, Section 32 of the General Laws a suggested five-year program of capital improvements to be undertaken by the city, the first year of said period being the current year of the submission thereof, together with the estimated costs of carrying out such program. The estimated cost of the projects to be undertaken or continued during the first year of said period, and to be paid out of appropriations, shall be included in the budget for the then current year.
The proposed capital outlay program shall specify the proposed projects in an expenditure schedule and shall be accompanied by a financial program which shall clearly outline any bond issues relating thereto, as well as the amount of money proposed to be made available for the program from the annual tax levy.
The planning board, redevelopment authority and the several department heads of the city government shall cooperate with and assist the mayor in the preparation, development and implementation of said capital outlay program.
As used in this section the terms "capital improvement," "capital outlay" and "project" shall mean:
1. Any physical betterment or improvement and any preliminary studies and surveys related thereto;
2. The acquisition of property of a permanent nature;
3. The purchase of furnishings or equipment for any betterment or improvement when first erected or acquired; and
4. The purchase of equipment for the maintenance and operation of any department of the city government.

The mayor shall appoint heads of departments and members of municipal boards and fill vacancies therein in the manner provided by law.

All appointments by the mayor or by the mayor and city council shall terminate on the first Monday in January or at the time their respective successors are appointed and qualified unless prescribed otherwise by statute or ordinance.

The mayor shall, in the municipal year in which the term of the incumbent expires, appoint, with the approval of the city council the following officers, to serve for the terms hereinafter specified:

Reserved.
Reserved.
The members of the recreation and youth commission, five each year to serve for two years; any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
The members of the licensing commission; three shall be residents of this city; one member of said commission shall be appointed from each of two leading political parties and the third member shall also be appointed from one of said parties. There shall be appointed yearly one member to serve for the period of three years;
The five members of the planning board; one to be appointed each year on June 15 for a five- year term; and two associate members, who shall be appointed to a five-year term;
The five members of the board of appeals; one to be appointed each year for a term of five years;
Reserved;
Four members of the housing authority on June 8 as the terms of the incumbents expire according to state statute;
Four members of the redevelopment authority on September 13 as the terms of the incumbents expire according to state statute;
Officers to act as weighers, measurers, surveyors, or inspectors of certain articles, each for a term of one year, who shall exercise the powers and perform the duties provided by the statutes and ordinances relating to the weighing, measuring, surveying or inspecting of such articles, shall be sworn to a faithful performance of their duties, shall be paid the fees established by law, and shall receive no compensation from the city.

The city council shall, in the municipal year in which the term of the incumbent expires, appoint, the following officers, to serve for the terms hereinafter specified:

A clerk of committees, annually; and
One or more assistants to the clerk of committees, annually.

Something We Can Agree On:
A New City Charter For Somerville!

Please vote YES on Question 1.

Govern like it's no longer 1899!

Check out the side-by-side comparison of the two charters!

Key things to know:

What is a charter?

Why do we need a new charter?

What form of government will we have?

What's new in the charter?

How was the proposed charter created?

Why wasn't Initiative and Referendum included?

My favorite topic is not included in the proposed charter. Why should I vote yes?

What will I see on my ballot?

Questions? Comments?

Charter Cross Reference

Something We Can Agree On:A New City Charter For Somerville!

Please vote YES on Question 1.

Govern like it's no longer 1899!

Check out the side-by-side comparison of the two charters!

Key things to know:

What is a charter?

Why do we need a new charter?

What form of government will we have?

What's new in the charter?

How was the proposed charter created?

Why wasn't Initiative and Referendum included?

My favorite topic is not included in the proposed charter. Why should I vote yes?

What will I see on my ballot?

Questions? Comments?

Charter Cross Reference

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE 1 INCORPORATION; SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1-1: INCORPORATION

SECTION 1-2: SHORT TITLE

SECTION 1-3: SEPARATION OF POWERS

SECTION 1-4: POWERS OF THE CITY

SECTION 1-5: CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 1-6: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

SECTION 1-7: DEFINITIONS

ARTICLE 2 LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

SECTION 2-1: COMPOSITION; TERM OF OFFICE; ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 2-2: PROHIBITIONS

SECTION 2-3: COMPENSATION

SECTION 2-4: GENERAL POWERS

SECTION 2-5: EXERCISE OF POWERS; QUORUM; RULES

SECTION 2-6: ELECTION, TERM, AND POWERS OF CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT

SECTION 2-7: APPOINTMENTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

SECTION 2-8: CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMATION OF CERTAIN APPOINTMENTS

SECTION 2-9: ORDINANCES AND OTHER MEASURES

SECTION 2-10: ACCESS TO INFORMATION

SECTION 2-11: GROUP PETITIONS

SECTION 2-12: FILLING OF VACANCIES

ARTICLE 3 EXECUTIVE BRANCH

SECTION 3-1: MAYOR: ROLE; TERM OF OFFICE; ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 3-2: PROHIBITIONS

SECTION 3-3: COMPENSATION

SECTION 3-4: EXECUTIVE POWERS

SECTION 3-5: APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR

SECTION 3-6: APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

SECTION 3-7: TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO CITY OFFICES

SECTION 3-8: TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO MULTIPLE-MEMBER BODIES

SECTION 3-9: APPROVAL OF MAYOR, VETO

SECTION 3-10: COMMUNICATIONS; SPECIAL MEETINGS

SECTION 3-11: TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF THE MAYOR

SECTION 3-12: DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY BY MAYOR

SECTION 3-13: FILLING OF PERMANENT VACANCY

ARTICLE 4 SCHOOL COMMITTEE

SECTION 4-1: COMPOSITION; TERM OF OFFICE; ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 4-2: PROHIBITIONS

SECTION 4-3: COMPENSATION

SECTION 4-4: SCHOOL COMMITTEE RULES AND PROCEDURES

SECTION 4-5: SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND DUTIES

SECTION 4-6: FILLING OF VACANCIES

ARTICLE 5 ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

SECTION 5-1: ORGANIZATION OF CITY AGENCIES

SECTION 5-2: QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS

ARTICLE 6 FINANCIAL PROCEDURES

SECTION 6-1: FISCAL YEAR

SECTION 6-2: COMMUNITY AND COUNCIL BUDGET INPUT

SECTION 6-3: ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING

SECTION 6-4: SUBMISSION OF OPERATING BUDGET; BUDGET MESSAGE

SECTION 6-5: ACTION ON THE OPERATING BUDGET

SECTION 6-6: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

SECTION 6-7: INDEPENDENT AUDIT

SECTION 6-8: EXPENDITURES IN EXCESS OF APPROPRIATIONS

ARTICLE 7 ELECTIONS

SECTION 7-1: PRELIMINARY ELECTIONS

SECTION 7-2: PRELIMINARY ELECTION PROCEDURES

SECTION 7-3: REGULAR CITY ELECTION

SECTION 7-4: BALLOT POSITION, REGULAR CITY ELECTION

SECTION 7-5: NON-PARTISAN ELECTIONS

SECTION 7-6: WARDS

SECTION 7-7: APPLICATION OF STATE GENERAL LAWS

ARTICLE 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 8-1: CHARTER CHANGES

Something We Can Agree On:
A New City Charter For Somerville!