The text
Footnotes:
--- (2) --- Editor's note— This article was amended by Question 1 approved at the February 8, 1994, Special Election.
301. - Appointment.#
(A)
The town manager shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the town council, which shall fix the compensation, benefits, and other terms of employment of the town manager. The town council may utilize a search process in selecting a town manager.
(B)
The first town manager shall assume office not sooner than the first Monday following the certification of election of a majority of the members of the town council by the canvassing authority (the "effective date") in the election to be held on November 8, 1994. The mayor shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the town until the effective date, which shall be the end of the term of office of the mayor.
(C)
For the purpose of facilitating and encouraging a smooth and efficient transition from a mayoral to a managerial form of government, the town council may employ the first town manager on or after October 1, 1994.
302. - Employment relationship.#
The employment relationship between the town council and the town manager will be based on applicable principles of the International City Managers Association's Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that this section shall not limit the town council's authority to terminate the town manager, with or without cause, as set forth in Section 307.
303. - Qualifications.#
The town manager shall possess executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to his or her experience in or knowledge of accepted practice with respect to the duties of the office of town manager as hereinafter set forth. He or she shall either (a) hold a master's degree from an accredited institution in business or public administration and have at least three years' experience as [a] manager of a city, town, or county, or (b) have such education, experience, and other attributes that, in the opinion of the town council, are comparable to the qualifications set forth in [part] (a) [of this provision]. The town manager need not be a resident of the town at the time of appointment and may reside outside the town while in office, only with the approval of the town council.
304. - Employment prohibition.#
The town manager shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the duties of town manager and shall not be actively engaged in any employment, business, or the practice of any profession other than the office of town manager of the Town of West Warwick.
305. - Assignment or assumption of duties.#
The town manager, with the prior approval of the town council, may assume and perform, in addition to the duties of the office of town manager, any other administrative office or offices under his or her supervision, but, by virtue of such action, shall not be entitled to additional compensation. The town manager, with the prior approval of the town council, may assign the
duties of two or more administrative officers to one person or divide the duties of any office between two or more persons.
306. - Acting town manager.#
By letter filed with the town clerk, the town manager shall designate, subject to prior approval of the town council, a qualified officer of the town to exercise the powers and duties of the town manager during his or her temporary absence or disability for a period of thirty (30) days or less. If such absence or disability continues beyond thirty (30) days, the council may appoint an incumbent administrative officer of the town to be [the] "acting [town] manager" until such absence or disability shall cease. The acting town manager shall not make any appointments without the prior approval of the town council. If such absence or disability continues beyond ninety (90) days, the town council may declare the position vacant and appoint a new town manager.
307. - Suspension and removal.#
The town manager may be suspended or removed, with or without cause, by a vote of not less than three (3) members of the town council. Any such action by the town council shall not be subject to review by any court, agency, or other body. The town manager shall be paid through the effective date of removal and shall not be compensated for any period of suspension. Editor's note— This section was amended by Question 1 approved at the November 2, 2010, Election.
308. - Powers and duties.#
(A)
The town manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the town and shall be responsible to the town council for the administration and management of all town affairs placed in the manager's charge by the town council or pursuant to this Charter. He or she shall have control and supervision of all administrative departments, divisions, offices, and agencies subject to his or her jurisdiction, except as otherwise provided by this Charter.
(B)
The town manager shall:
(1)
Recommend to the town council the appointment of all officers, including department heads, and other employees of the town, except as otherwise provided by this Charter, law, or personnel ordinances.
(2)
When necessary for the good of the service, suspend or remove any officer, including any department head, and other employees of the town, except as otherwise provided by this Charter, law, or personnel ordinances, subject to the approval of a majority of all members of the town council.
(3)
Prepare the budget annually and submit it to the town council, together with a message describing its important features, and be responsible for its administration after adoption.
(4)
Prepare and submit to the town council, not more than ninety (90) days following the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the finances and the administrative affairs of the town for the preceding fiscal year.
(5)
Keep the town council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the town and make such recommendations as he or she may deem desirable.
(6)
Recommend to the town council a standard pay schedule for department heads and other administrative officers in the exempt service, including minimum, intermediate, and maximum rates.
(7)
Recommend to the town council adoption of such measures as he or she may deem necessary or expedient for the health, safety, or welfare of the town, for the improvement of administrative services, or on any other appropriate matter.
(8)
See that the terms and conditions imposed in favor of the town in any contract or franchise are faithfully kept and performed, and shall participate directly in all town labor contract negotiations, with the exception of the School Department.
(9)
See that all laws and ordinances are duly enforced and that all licenses, permits, and privileges granted by the town are faithfully preserved.
(10)
Be responsible for care and preservation of the property and equipment of the town.
(11)
Attend all meetings of the town council, unless excused.
(12)
Investigate the affairs of the town or any department, division, or other segment thereof, as well as all complaints in relation to matters concerning the administration of the government of the town.
(13)
Be responsible for the conduct and performance of all administrative functions and services which are not assigned to some other officer by this Charter, law, or personnel ordinances, or by the town council.
(14)
Coordinate the activities of all boards, commissions, and committees as may be directed by the town council.
(15)
Perform such other duties as may be directed by the town council or are specified [or specified] in this Charter.
Editor's note— Subsection (B)(8) of this section was amended by Question 2 approved at the June 19, 2001, Special Election.