An Act To Amend the Charter of the Alfred Water District

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  a vacancy has occurred in the board of trustees of the Alfred Water District; and

Whereas,  the charter of the Alfred Water District does not address the issue of filling a vacancy; and

Whereas,  the election of trustees does not occur until March; and

Whereas,  it is imperative that this legislation take effect immediately in order to be able to fill the unexpired term of the trustee; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. P&SL 1999, c. 77, §5  is amended to read:

Sec. 5. Terms of trustees; vacancies. After the election of the first board, trustees are elected to 3-year terms in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, section 6410, subsection 1. Notwithstanding Title 35-A, section 6410, subsection 1, any vacancy occurring because of change of residence, resignation or death of a trustee or any other cause except normal expiration of term of office may be temporarily filled by appointment of a person that meets the qualifications under section 3 by the remaining trustees until the time of the next municipal election for which nomination papers may be filed. At the time of the next municipal election for which nomination papers may be filed, the vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term by a trustee elected in accordance with this charter.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.