§ 2-14. Removal from office.

(a)

The removal of the town manager shall be only upon a three member vote of the whole town council in a regular town council meeting, subject to the provisions of this section. In case of his intended removal by the town council, the town manager shall be furnished with a written notice stating the town council's intention to remove him and the reason therefor, at least thirty days before the effective date of his removal.

(b)

Within seven days after the delivery to the town manager of such notice he may, by written notification to the town clerk request a hearing before the town council. Thereafter, the town council shall fix a time for the hearing which shall be held at its usual meeting place, but before the expiration of the thirty day period, at which the town manager shall appear and be heard, with or without counsel.

(c)

After furnishing the town manager with written notice of intended removal, the town council may suspend him from duty, but his compensation shall continue until his removal by resolution of the town council passed subsequent to such hearing.

(d)

In removing the town manager, the town council shall use its uncontrolled discretion and its action shall be final and shall not depend upon any particular showing or degree of proof at the hearing, the purpose of which is to allow the town manager to present to the town council his grounds of opposition to his removal prior to its action.

(e)

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the town manager shall not be removed from office, except for malfeasance or nonfeasance during or within a period of ninety days next succeeding any general municipal election held in the town at which election a member of the town council is elected. The purpose of this provision is to allow any newly elected member of the town council or a reorganized town council to observe the actions and ability of the town manager in the performance of the duties of his office. After the expiration of such ninety-day period, the provisions of this section as to the removal of the town manager shall apply and be effective.

(Ord. No. 18, §§ 12 to 16)