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 Lawrence
 Code of Ordinances
 THE CHARTER

  § 6. Administrative organization.  

Latest version.

  • 6.1 In General.

    The division of the city into operating agencies for the efficient and convenient conduct of the business of the city and the provision of the city services shall be determined by the provisions of an administrative code adopted by the city council in accordance with the procedures established in this article.

    6.2 Origination.

    A proposal for the organization or reorganization of city agencies may be submitted by any member of the city council, or by the mayor, or by the process of citizen initiative, at any time.

    6.3 Scope of Proposed Plans.

    Except when an express provision is otherwise made by general law or by the charter an organization or reorganization plan may reorganize, consolidate, or abolish any existing city agency in whole or in part, establish new city agencies and prescribe the manner of appointment, the term of office and, if a multiple member body, the number of members thereof, and define and describe the powers, duties, functions and responsibilities of any city agency. All city agencies under the direction and supervision of the mayor shall be headed and administered by officers appointed by the mayor as provided by the Charter, ordinance, or by law.

    6.4 Procedure.

    (a)

    Referral to Committee. Every proposal which comes before the city council relating to the organization or reorganization of the city government shall be referred to a committee, special or standing, of the city council for study and a report.

    (b)

    Public Hearing. The committee to which any such proposal is referred shall, not less than fourteen nor more than twenty-one days following such referral, hold a public hearing concerning such proposal, notice of which shall be given by publication in a local newspaper not less than seven nor more than fourteen days prior to the date of the hearing. Additional notice by posting in prominent places, or by mailings, may also be made as the committee deems advisable, or as the council may direct.

    (c)

    Report and Recommendation. Within thirty days following the close of the public hearing the committee shall file a written report with the clerk of the council which sets forth in specific terms the action that it recommends be taken on the proposal and the reasons for such recommendation. Copies of the report shall be made available to any person who may request the same.

    (d)

    Council Action. Within fourteen days following the date the report of the committee has been filed the city council shall act upon the report by approving, with or without amendments, or by disapproving, the proposal which has been made. The affirmative votes of six members of the city council shall be necessary to adopt any such proposal.

    6.5 Department Heads, Directors, and Administrative Officers Appointed by the Mayor with Confirmation by the City Council.

    The mayor shall appoint the following municipal officers in the manner prescribed in Section 4.3 and Section 4.4: a director of the department of budget and finance, a city collector-treasurer, a comptroller, a purchasing agent, a city engineer, a labor relations counsel, a chief of police, a fire chief according to civil service provision, a director of personnel, a director of public works, a commissioner of inspectional services, a director of public works, a commissioner of inspectional services, a director of planning and development, a city physician, a board of health consisting of three (3) persons of whom one shall be the city physician, a board of trustees of the public library consisting of five members as provided in Section 6.6, a board of directors of the Bellevue Cemetery consisting of five persons as provided in Section 6.7 and other municipal offices as may be determined according to this section and in accordance with Section 4.3 and others that may be required by law.

    6.6 Trustees of the Public Library.

    The public library of the city shall be under the management and control of a board of trustees to consist of the mayor, three trustees of the White Fund, these four to be members ex-officio and five citizens to be appointed by the mayor.

    6.7 Board of Cemetery Directors.

    The board of directors of the Bellevue Cemetery shall consist of five persons appointed by the mayor who shall have general supervision, control, and management of the cemetery, except as may otherwise be provided by law or statute.

(Ord. dated 1/1/03 §§ 12, 13; Ord. dated 11/27/01 §§ 12, 13)