It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 1 and the Appendix of Chapter 28 of the 1986 Public Laws entitled "An Act Creating the Richmond Carolina Fire District" are hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 1. The Richmond-Carolina Fire District is hereby incorporated in the manner and form as follows:

I. TITLE AND OBJECT

A. Title and Boundaries. That portion of the town of Richmond, Rhode Island, shown in Appendix A which is herein incorporated into a fire district known as the Richmond-Carolina Fire District (hereinafter referred to as "District").

B. Object. Its object shall be the prevention and/or extinguishment of fires, the protection and preservation of life and/or property endangered by fire and/or any related emergencies that may occur within the boundaries of the district.

II. ELIGIBLE VOTERS

A. Every person having reached the age of eighteen (18) years who resides in said district and is an eligible voter in the town of Richmond or is a taxpayer to the district shall have the right to vote at any meeting of the district or any adjournment thereof, provided that no such person shall be eligible to vote whose district taxes are in arrears one (1) week before any meeting. A list of eligible voters shall be prepared by the district clerk who shall certify the most updated roll of registered voters and taxpayers available from town officials prior to the annual meeting.

B. Any person who is granted an exemption, the amount of which exceeds the total assessment of said person's property within the district, shall be considered an eligible voter.

C. No corporation or stockholder or officer thereof, not any executor, administrator or trustee, nor any other person acting in a fiduciary capacity shall be eligible to vote.

III. MEETINGS

A. The annual meeting shall be held on the first Monday of May June each year at 8:00 p.m., at a location to be specified in the call of the meeting. The board of engineers directors shall determine the location of the meeting. Al meetings of the district shall at all times be held within the boundaries of the district. Following adoption of this charter, the first annual meeting of the board of engineers directors shall be held at the Richmond elementary school.

B. Special meetings of the district may be called upon written request, signed by at least twenty (20) eligible voters, setting forth the purpose of said call of the meeting, delivered to the clerk, or in the absence thereof, any duly elected officer of the district. Said special meeting shall be called within fourteen (14) days from the date of delivery of said request to the clerk.

C. Adjourned Meeting. Any business conducted or transacted at any annual or special meeting may be referred to an adjourned meeting, upon request of fifteen (15) eligible voters present at any such meeting, for the purpose of voting on such matters. Said adjourned meeting is to take place on the second Wednesday following the meeting at which the adjourned meeting is requested. Voting hours shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at a location within the boundaries of the district, to be decided by the board of engineers directors.

IV. QUORUM

A. A quorum at any meeting of the district shall be twenty (20) eligible voters. In the event, that for any reason, a quorum is not present at the time a meeting is scheduled to open, the board of engineers directors is herewith authorized to delay the meeting for such a period of time, as in the discretion of the board of engineers directors shall best serve the interests of the district.

V. POWERS OF THE DISTRICT VOTERS

A. At any annual meeting or special meeting of the district, or any adjournment thereof, the eligible voters shall have the following powers:

1. They shall fill the vacancies on expired or unexpired terms of duly elected officers, who shall consist of a chief, first deputy chief, second deputy chief, two (2) members of the board of engineers directors, treasurer, clerk, tax collector. All candidates for elected office must submit their names and the particular office which they are seeking, in writing, to the clerk by 4:30 p.m., thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting. Nominations from the floor at the annual meeting shall be prohibited. All candidates for elected office must meet the qualifications set forth in this act.

2. They shall order such taxes and provide for the assessment and collection of same, on all real and such personal property within the boundaries of the district as they shall deem necessary for the:

(a) Proper creation, maintenance and support of a fire department in said district, including the purchasing or leasing of real estate to house all necessary equipment and fire fighting, rescue and/or emergency medical services apparatus.

(b) Purchase or lease of all necessary fire apparatus; and fire fighting equipment; emergency medical equipment and generally for all things necessary and for proper for the operation, and maintenance and service to the taxpayers of the district in order within the district, of a suitable and proper fire department and supplying it with the proper equipment to carry into effect and attain the objectives of which this act is declaratory.

(c) Improvement in any manner they may deem necessary of any property belonging to the district.

(d) Creation of a reserve fund for the future maintenance and replacement of property and apparatus.

(e) Payment of any charges and expenses arising within the district, incidental or not to the above.

(f) Provide for salaries and employee benefits to those persons presently or previously employed by the district.

3. They shall exempt from taxation such property within the boundaries of the district as shall be approved by a vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of the eligible voters present at any meeting of the district. Providing, however, that no exemption shall be granted unless the request for exemption shall specifically be set forth in the all call of the meeting at which it is to be considered. Such exemption, when granted, shall continue indefinitely, unless a specific term shall be specified.

4. They shall provide for the auditing of the financial records of the district.

VI. PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION

A. No property shall be exempt from taxation unless said exemption shall be approved in the manner stated in section 1, subsection V A 3, except that property which is exempt by state or federal statute.

VII. OATH OF OFFICE

A. Upon election or appointment of any officer of the district, the person elected or appointed shall take the following oath of office, to be administered by the clerk:

I, , having been duly elected/appointed to the office of of the Richmond-Carolina Fire District, do hereby swear that I will carry out all obligations and responsibilities of said office in accordance with the charter of the Richmond-Carolina Fire District and all rules and regulations therein, to the best of my ability.

VIII. OFFICERS OF RICHMOND-CAROLINA FIRE DISTRICT

A. Board of Engineers Directors. The chief, first deputy chief, second deputy chief, the two (2) elected additional members of the board of engineers directors, and the treasurer, who shall be a nonvoting member of the board of engineers directors, shall constitute the board of engineers directors, whose duties collectively shall be as follows:

1. To determine the number of companies within the district and the geographical location of each company.

2. To meet on a regular basis to consider all expenses and claims filed within the district, and such expenses and claims that are approved shall bear the signature of the board auditor and be presented to the treasurer for payment.

Each statement of claim shall first be approved by a majority of the board of engineers directors before being presented to the treasurer for payment by the board auditor.

4. 3. The board of engineers directors shall elect one of its members as a board auditor, who shall sign all expenses and claims that are approved by the board of engineers directors and present said expenses and claims to the treasurer for payments.

5. 4. Whenever a member of the board of engineers directors, in the discharge of their duty, issues an order to any member of the district, Carolina volunteer fire association, or any other company in the district, the order shall be faithfully carried out. In the case of disobedience or neglect, said person shall be subject to review by the board of engineers directors, who may, if they deem necessary, refer the matter to the district discipline committee for its action thereon.

7. 6. The board of engineers directors may from time to time prescribe such departmental rules, orders and regulations concerning personnel, health, safety, cleanliness, maintenance, training and the protection of district property as they deem appropriate. Any member of the district personnel or the Carolina volunteer fire association not adhering to the same shall be reported to the board of engineers directors for review, who may, if they so deem, refer the matter to the district discipline committee for its action thereon.

8. 7. (a) Any member of the district personnel or the Carolina volunteer Volunteer fire association Fire Association who is aggrieved by any decision of the district discipline committee may appeal to the board of engineers directors by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk within ten (10) days after the decision of the district discipline committee.

(b) The board of engineers directors, within ten (10) days after receipt by the clerk of a written notice of appeal, shall fix the time and place for convening a hearing.

(c) The hearing before the board of engineers directors shall be conducted in an informal manner, and the action taken by the board of engineers directors shall be final.

9. 8. The board of engineers directors shall elect one of its members chairman and one of its members vice-chairman. The chairman, and in his absence, the vice-chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the district and shall conduct all meetings in accordance with Roberts rules of order (latest revision).

10. 9. The board of engineers directors shall appoint all committees and members thereto.

11. 10. The chairman of the board of engineers directors shall administer the oath to the clerk.

12. 11. The board of engineers directors shall be responsible for establishing all procedures at adjourned meetings.

13. 12. The board of engineers directors, at each annual meeting, shall make a written report to the eligible voters of the state of the affairs of the district.

14. 13. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the board of engineers directors, the clerk, the treasurer, or the tax collector, either through death, resignation or disability or for removal for cause, the board of engineers directors shall appoint a resident and eligible voter of the district replacement to serve in such capacity until the next annual or special meeting.

15. 14. The board of engineers directors shall appoint or designate a resident and eligible voter as acting treasurer, who, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, shall have the authority to sign checks and assume other duties of the treasurer. Said person shall provide bond in an amount to be determined by the board of engineers directors.

16. 15. The board of engineers directors shall have the authority to retain legal counsel, accountants, consultants or any other professional services deemed by the board of engineers directors to be in the best interests of the district. The said legal counsel shall be available in an advisory capacity for all committees of the district and shall render legal opinions, whenever requested to so, on any questions or inconsistencies pertaining to the charter.

17. 16. The board of engineers directors, acting on behalf of the district, shall have the right to sue and be sued in the courts of this state having jurisdiction to hear, try or determine such causes. The district shall indemnify any elected officer for damages, judgment, settlements, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any action, suit or appeal therefrom, arising out of an alleged or actual breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, or omission, or any other matter claimed against said person solely by reason of their being an officer of the district.

18. 17. The board of engineers directors shall appoint a three (3) member discipline committee for the district, which committee's duties are described in section X below.

19. 18. The board of engineers directors shall be authorized to enter into contracts and leases for the purchase and sale of equipment and services, to purchase and sell real estate; to construct facilities and to perform any other duties and enter into any contract which may be required to fulfill the object as stated in section 1, subsection I B.

21. 20. The board of engineers directors shall appoint a three (3) member tax board of review for the district, which board's duties are described in subparagraph D of this section. engage in tax reviews as described in subparagraph D, 1 of this section.

B. Clerk. The clerk, also elected in a manner provided for in section 1, subsection IX, of this charter, shall give notice of every annual meeting, special meeting or adjourned meeting of the district by placing a notice of the call of any such meeting in five (5) public places, at least seven (7) days prior to such meeting. Further the clerk shall advertise the call of such meeting once in a local newspaper, within at least seven (7) days of prior to such meeting. The clerk shall take the minutes of all meetings and shall be held responsible for maintenance of same. The clerk shall administer the oath of office to all duly elected or appointed officers of the district, except the office of clerk as hereinbefore provided.

C. Treasurer. The treasurer, also elected in a manner provided in section 1, subsection IX, of this charter, before proceeding to discharge these duties, shall give bond to the district in such sum and with surety as the eligible voters may determine, which will provide for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office. Said bond shall be deposited with the clerk. The cost of said bond shall be paid for by the district.

The treasurer shall pay out and expend only those funds that are authorized to be expended by vote of the eligible voters of the district at any annual meeting, special meeting or adjourned meeting. The treasurer shall have the authority to borrow such sums, subject to the limitations as hereinafter set forth and with the approval of the board of engineers directors, to carry on the affairs of the district and shall also have the authority to invest any surplus funds, subject to the advice and consent of the board of engineers directors, in any interest bearing accounts as provided by law. The treasurer shall also be a nonvoting member of the board of engineers directors.

D. Tax collector. The tax collector, also elected in the a manner set forth in section 1, subsection IX, of the charter, before proceeding to discharge these duties, shall give bond in such sum and with surety as the eligible voters of the district shall determine, which will provide for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office. The cost of said bond shall be paid for by the district. Said bond is to be deposited with the clerk.

The tax collector shall pay over to the treasurer on the first business day of each month the total taxes collected for the previous month, or at more frequent intervals, at the option of the tax collector.

The tax collector shall determine and assess all real and personal property, located within the boundaries of the district, on December 31 of each year, at its full and fair cash value, or at a uniform percentage thereof, to be determined by the board of engineers directors. The first taxable year for which the district shall collect taxes is the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1987, with assessments made as of December 31, 1986. The tax collector shall have the power to assess any property exempted or omitted by the town of Richmond.

The date of the collection and all payments due shall be made on or before September 30 following said assessment. Provided, however, in the event the tax roll of the town of Richmond is not certified by June 15 of any year, the tax collector, on approval of the board of engineers directors shall have the authority to change the date to a date not more than one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of said certification of the tax roll by the town of Richmond. Interest at the rate per annum, fixed for nonpayment of town taxes shall be charged and collected upon all overdue charges and assessments from the date they become payable until paid.

The tax collector shall, after receipt of the list of assessments of the town of Richmond and assessing any additional property omitted or exempted from the town's list of assessments, produce a tax bill based on the tax rate and budget approved by the eligible voters of the district and further shall maintain records of all tax collections and delinquent charges and provide annual written reports thereof.

The tax collector shall be empowered, subject to the approval by a majority of the board of engineers directors to appoint an agent or agents for the collection of taxes. Said agent or agents at the time of appointment, shall give bond to the district in such sum and with surety as the board of engineers directors shall determine, which will provide for the faithful performance of the duties of said agent or agents.

(b) (a) Powers and duties as to appeals. The tax board of review directors shall hear and consider appeals from property owners regarding the amount of property assessment as determined by the tax collector, provided, however, such appeals are filed within thirty (30) days of the last date appointed for payment without penalty of such tax, and provided further, that in case such property owner has not filed an account of all the ratable personal estate owned or possessed by the same, within the time prescribed by law, the taxpayer shall not have the benefit of any appeal regarding the assessment on the taxpayer's ratable personal estate unless the tax assessed on said personal estate is illegal in whole or in part; and said appeal shall be limited to a review of the assessment on real estate to relief with respect to such illegal tax, as the case may be. Said board shall have authority to administer oaths and receive testimony and exhibits. It shall have the power to change any assessment so appealed and reviewed, but only after the tax collector has been given an opportunity to appear before the board or otherwise present the tax collector's case; provided, however, that this provision shall in no way alter legal requirements existing on the effective date of this article relative to review of abatements. Hearings of the tax board of review directors shall be open to the public. Nothing herein contained shall be construed in any way to limit or extend the right of a taxpayer to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for relief from any assessed valuation or tax originally determined by the tax collector or subsequently by the tax board of review directors in accordance with the general laws of Rhode Island, as amended, or any other law thereto appertaining and all amendments and additions to any such laws for relief from assessments as originally made by the tax collector.

(c)(b) Procedure as to appeals. The procedure to be followed in the filing of appeals by property owners from assessments as determined by the tax collector is as follows:

(1) All appeals to the tax board of review directors shall be on petitions provided by such board.

(2) All questions on said petitions must be answered fully.

(3) A separate petition shall be filed by an owner or owners for each parcel of property for which a review is requested or an appeal taken as provided herein.

(4) The landowners of record must file all petitions or if this is not possible, the mark of the signature of the landowner's legal representative must appear.

(5) Petitioners will be notified of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

(6) The landowner of record, or the landowner's representative, must appear at said hearing. If persons other than the owner of record are to appear, then a written authorization filed by the landowner of record must be presented and recorded with said board.

(7) Failure on the part of any petitioner or petitioner's legal representative to appear at the time and place designated by said board for a petition to be heard, without prior notification being given to the board, will be recorded as a default by nonappearance. Any petition for which a default is so recorded will not be reheard for a period of one (1) fiscal year. No petition may be resubmitted for any year for which a prior petition was recorded as a default due to nonappearance of the petitioner or the petitioner's legal representative.

(8) At any and all hearings, the petitioner may be represented by his or her attorney and any said petitioner may present expert witnesses or any other witnesses who may testify at the hearing before said board.

(9) All testimony given before said board shall be under oath.

(10) The proceedings of the tax board of review directors shall be recorded and kept in a minute book provided by said board.

(11) All decisions of the tax board of review directors shall be made in writing. Notice shall be given in writing to the owner, tax collector and treasurer.

(12) All petitioners shall be notified in writing of the decision of said board and the amount of assessment of their property by said board.

(13) All petitions will be acknowledged by the tax board of review directors by mail.

e.c. Chief. The chief shall have command of the fire department. He shall decide all disputes and questions arising out of matters connected with the fire department Carolina Volunteer Fire Association among the officers and fire personnel. He shall be responsible for the property of the district and shall enforce the rules and regulations of the district. The chief shall have the powers and duties delegated by the state of Rhode Island to the principal officers of fire departments located within the state of Rhode Island.

f.d. First Deputy Chief. The first deputy chief shall assist the chief. In the event of the absence or disability of the chief, for any reason, the powers and duties of the chief shall devolve upon the first deputy chief.

g.e. Second Deputy Chief. The second deputy chief shall assist the chief. In the event of the absence or disability of the chief and first deputy chief, for any reason, the powers and duties of the chief shall devolve upon the first deputy chief.

IX. TERMS OF OFFICE

A. The clerk, tax collector and treasurer shall be elected at the annual meeting by the eligible voters to serve for a term of one (1) year. Two members of the board of engineers directors, chief, first deputy chief and second deputy chief, duly elected by the eligible voters, shall hold office for three (3) years with good behavior, and subject to removal as hereinafter provided.

B. At the first annual meeting after the adoption of this charter, the chief shall be elected to a three (3) year term; the first deputy chief shall be elected to a two (2) year term; and the second deputy chief shall be elected to a one (1) year term. Thereafter, all elections for chief, first deputy chief and second deputy chief will be three (3) year terms. The two (2) additional members of the board of engineers directors shall be elected at the first annual meeting of the district as follows: One (1) member shall be elected to a three (3) year term; and one (1) member shall be elected to a two (2) year term. Thereafter, all elections to the board of engineers directors shall be for three (3) year terms.

C. Upon approval of this act by the eligible voters of the town of Richmond, a special meeting of the district shall be held on the second Tuesday subsequent to the date of approval at 8:00 p.m., in the Richmond Elementary School, for the purpose of electing these officers listed above. The town moderator of the town of Richmond shall preside at such meeting and the town clerk of the town of Richmond shall act as clerk. All candidates for elected office must submit their names and particular office which they are seeking, in writing, to said town district clerk seven (7) days before this prior to the annual meeting. Once the officers are elected, they shall serve in their respective office and commence their duties until the next annual meeting or until their successor is appointed as provided above. ,except for the treasurer and tax collector whose terms will coincide with the district's fiscal year.

X. PROCEDURE TO REMOVE DISTRICT OFFICERS

A. In the event that charges are brought against any district officer by complaint filed with the board of engineers directors alleging conduct inconsistent with the objectives of this act, the board of engineers directors shall appoint a committee which will consist of three (3) members, none of whom shall be active firepersons within the district. Said committee will hear the charges or reasons proposed for the removal of said officer(s). Any person(s) so charged shall be afforded the opportunity to present testimony and witnesses in their behalf and to be represented by legal counsel. Within fourteen (14) days following said hearing, the committee will make public its report of findings and recommendations and within fourteen (14) days thereafter a special meeting shall be called, as hereinbefore provided, for the consideration of removal of such officer(s). At said special meeting, the eligible voters may by majority vote accept or reject the recommendations of the committee and shall be final and binding with no right of further appeal.

XI. QUALIFICATIONS OF DISTRICT OFFICERS

A. In order to be eligible for the position of chief, a person must (a) be a resident of the district; (b) have held the office of lieutenant or above in an organized fire department in the state of Rhode Island for not less than three (3) years; and (c) be an active member of the Carolina Volunteer Fire Association for at least one (1) year.

B. In order to be eligible for the position of deputy chief, a person must (a) be a resident of the district; (b) have held the office of lieutenant or above in an organized fire department in the state of Rhode Island for not less than three (3) years; and (c) be an active member of the Carolina Volunteer Fire Association for at least one (1) year.

C. In the event that a vacancy exists on the board of engineers directors and no said person who meets the above qualifications is seeking the position, then the board of engineers directors shall appoint a special committee, approved by the eligible voters, to determine which qualifications shall be modified. Said committee shall consist of the remaining members of the board of engineers directors, the treasurer, and two eligible voters who are neither officers of the district nor members of the Carolina Volunteer Fire Association.

D. In order to be elected to and retain the position of member of the board of engineers directors, clerk, tax collector or treasurer, a person must be a resident of the district.

E. Any person choosing to run for district elective office shall not be required to resign from any district office held within the district at that time, until said person be duly elected and qualified to the new office.

XII. CHARTER REVISION

In the event that fifteen (15) eligible voters at any duly called meeting of the district shall deem that this charter should be revised or amended, then and in that event, the board of engineers directors shall appoint a committee, approved by the majority of the eligible voters present, to study such proposed amendments or revisions. Said committee shall report its findings at the next annual meeting or at a special meeting called for such purpose. Any amendment or revision to this charter must be present in the notice of such meeting at which it is to be voted upon. Upon approval of any amendment or revision by the eligible voters of the district, the same shall be referred to the Rhode Island general assembly during the current session, or if not in session at the time, the next session, by the clerk, for enactment.

XIII. TAXABLE PROPERTY

The term taxable property of the district shall mean and intend to include all real and personal property located within the boundaries of the district.

XIV. DEBT, BONDS, DEBENTURES AND REPAYMENT

The district is hereby authorized to incur a debt not to exceed three percent (3%) of the total assessed valuation of all taxable property within the boundaries of the district as of the last assessment made.

The district is hereby authorized to issue serial bonds or debentures, under its corporate seal and name. Said bonds or debentures shall be in denominations and shall bear interest and be upon such terms and conditions and shall be issued and sold by the district in such a manner and at such times as the eligible voters of the district, by majority vote of those present and voting, may decide at any annual meeting, special meeting or adjourned meeting or in lieu thereof, the eligible voters, by majority of those present and voting, may authorize the board of engineers directors and treasurer to supervise the issuance of said bonds or debentures.

The chairman of the board of engineers directors and treasurer will sign all bonds and debentures on behalf of the district.

The eligible voters at each annual meeting shall appropriate sufficient funds to met meet the obligations of principal and interest incurred by the issuance of any such bonds or debentures.

XV. EXEMPTION FROM TOWN TAX

A. All property within the boundaries of the Richmond-Carolina Fire District shall be exempt from payment of that portion of the tax assessed by the town of Richmond which is allocated for fire protection.

XVI. TRANSFER OF PROPERTY

A. All property now owned by the Carolina Volunteer Fire Association shall become property of the district.

XVII. FISCAL YEAR

A. The fiscal year of the district shall be from July 1 through June 30.

SECTION 2. The question of approval of this act shall be submitted to the electors within the boundaries described in Section 1, Subsection I A, at a special local election to be held on July 1, 1986, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. by voting machine. The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form: Shall an Act passed at the 1986 session of the general assembly entitled "An Act Creating The Richmond-Carolina Fire District" be approved? The warning for the election shall contain the question to be submitted. From until the time the election is warned and the time it is held, it shall be the duty of the town clerk to keep a copy of the act available at her office for public inspection, but the validity of the election shall not be affected by this requirement or by the requirements of sections 17-5-5 and 17-5-6 of the general laws of Rhode Island.

SECTION 3. This section and the foregoing section shall take effect upon the passage of this act. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon the approval of this act by a majority of those voting on the question at the election prescribed in the foregoing section.

Beginning at R.I. Route 91, at the Charlestown-Richmond line;

Thence running in a generally northerly direction to R.I. state boundary marker #36;

Thence turning and running N 74 15 W a distance of 1820 feet more or less, to R.I. state boundary marker #37* located in Meadow Brook;

Thence turning and running northerly along the center of Meadow Brook to a point where it intersects the center of Pine Hill Road;

Thence turning and running westerly along the centerline of Pine Hill Road to a point where it intersects the center of Meadowbrook Trail;

Thence turning and running northerly along the center of Meadowbrook Trail to a point where it intersects Jerue Trail;

Thence running along the centerline of Jerue Trail to a point where it intersects Haberek Trail;

Thence running northeasterly along the centerline of Haberek Trail to a point where it intersects Kenyon Hill Trail;

Thence turning and running easterly, a distance of 700.00 feet, more or less, to a point;
Thence turning and running northerly, a distance of 275.00 feet, more or less, to a point;