MA H4156

Establishes a council-manager form of government with a 9-member city council elected at-large using proportional representation (ranked choice voting) for 2-year terms, with the council selecting a mayor and vice mayor from among its members

Creates an appointed city manager position as chief executive officer responsible for administering city departments, appointing department heads, preparing the budget, and managing personnel, with employment contracts not exceeding 5 years

Provides for a 7-member school committee consisting of 6 elected members plus the mayor, with authority to select a superintendent and manage the public school system

Establishes initiative and referendum processes requiring 5% of registered voters to propose measures and 15% to trigger a public vote, with at least 33% voter participation required for measures to take effect

Requires municipal elections in odd-numbered November, periodic charter review by a special committee every 10 years (years ending in 2), and mandates that all existing laws, contracts, and employee positions continue unless inconsistent with the new charter