SENATE, No. 1148

SECTION 1.   An Act that creates/amends the appropriate Massachusetts General Laws to authorize and create a Council of Governments/Municipal Corporations in the county of Essex comprised of representatives appointed by the Boards of Selectman/Mayor and/or whatever Issuing Authority exists under any Special Act of the Commonwealth and/or Home Rule amendment allow under Article 89 of Massachusetts Constitution. A council that would not exceed in membership the number of communities in said county and would organize in the following manner and be in existence for the purpose of collectively discussing from time to time the issues of the day and taking positions on said issues.

            The member representing the community/municipal corporation with the largest population shall bring the council to order and conduct an organization meeting acting as chairperson pro-tem or what ever appellation of the chief officer desired subsequent to this meeting; the officers shall consist of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, clerk, and whatever officers deemed necessary by the council subsequent to organization; each member corporation/government shall have one vote and all votes shall be decided by a majority vote of the member communities regardless of the quorum present. As an advisory body, the majority rule of member corporations shall be inviolate to issue an advisory opinion as a body.

            This Act shall go into effect once accepted by a majority of town meeting and/or city (municipal) councils in the county of Essex. After which, the issuing authorities, Boards of Selectmen/Mayors shall appoint representatives to attend meetings on their behalf. Once all communities have chosen members, the chairperson pro-tem shall call a meeting to organize. All expenses shall be borne by the host community and all meetings shall be subject to the appropriate Massachusetts General Laws concerning records and recording an account of the proceeding. The Essex Council of Governments (Municipal Corporations) shall meet as deemed fit and necessary by the will of the majority and/or leadership.