09/11/2012

Council votes update Town Ways ordinance, administrative code

The Town Council on Sept. 10, 2012 approved changes to the Town Ways ordinance; and to the administrative code.

Following public hearings, the council approved changes to the Town Ways ordinance that will send appeals of driveway permits issued by the Public Works director to the Zoning Board of Appeals, rather than to the Town Council. The move stems from a 2010 appeal of a driveway permit that left Town councilors uncomfortable acting as a quasi-judicial body, said Councilor Jim Walsh, chair of the ordinance subcommittee.

The council also approved changes to the administrative code that shifts responsibilities for Community Services and Facilities Department leadership to the School Department. The amendments remove the Community Services director from a list of municipal positions; and names the superintendent of schools as the one responsible for appointment and removal of the facilities manager. The changes reflect current practice and departmental structure.

All ordinance amendments were approved by unanimous vote.