602. Powers of Manager
(a) The Manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the City of Essex Junction. The Manager shall be responsible to the Council for the administration of all City of Essex Junction affairs placed in the Manager’s charge by or under this charter. The Manager shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those powers and duties delegated to municipal managers under the Vermont statutes.
(b) The Manager shall appoint and, when the Manager deems it necessary for the good of the service, suspend or remove all City of Essex Junction employees, including the Treasurer, and other employees provided for by or under this charter for cause, except as otherwise provided by law, this charter, collective bargaining unit contracts, or personnel rules adopted pursuant to this charter. The Manager may authorize any employee who is subject to the Manager’s direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that employee’s department, office, or agency. There shall be no discrimination in employment, in accordance with applicable State and federal laws, including 21 V.S.A. § 495. Appointments, lay-offs, suspensions, promotions, demotions, and removals shall be made primarily on the basis of training, experience, fitness, and performance of duties, in such manner as to ensure that the responsible administrative officer may secure efficient service.
(c) The Manager, or designee, shall direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the City of Essex Junction, except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law.
(d) The Manager shall recommend hiring of a City Attorney with Council approval and shall hire special attorneys as needed.
(e) The Manager or a staff member designated by the Manager shall attend all Council meetings and shall have the right to take part in discussion and make recommendations but may not vote. The Council may meet in executive session without the Manager for discussion of the Manager’s performance or if the Manager is the subject of an investigation pursuant to subdivision 201(b)(4) of this charter.
(f) The Manager shall see that all laws, provisions of this charter, and acts of the Council, subject to enforcement by the Manager or by officers subject to the Manager’s direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.
(g) The Manager shall prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the Council.
(h) The Manager shall submit to the Council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City of Essex Junction as of the end of each fiscal year.
(i) The Manager shall make such other reports as the Council may require concerning the operations of the City of Essex Junction’s departments, offices, and agencies subject to the Manager’s direction and supervision.
(j) The Manager shall keep the Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City of Essex Junction and make such recommendations to the Council concerning the affairs of the City of Essex Junction as the Manager deems desirable.
(k) The Manager shall be responsible for the enforcement of all City of Essex Junction ordinances and laws.
(l) The Manager may when advisable or proper delegate to subordinate officers and employees of the City of Essex Junction any duties conferred upon the Manager by this charter, the Vermont statutes, or the Council members.
(m) The Manager shall perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or in State law or as may be required by the Council.
(n) The Manager shall fix the compensation of City employees.
(o) The Manager shall recommend appointment of the City Clerk annually, with Council approval.
Added 2021, No. M-10 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2022.
