SECTION 1. Section 45-2-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-2 entitled "General Powers" is hereby amended to read as follows:

45-2-20. Town of Coventry -- Establishment of a senior citizens' board. -- (a) There is hereby created in the town of Coventry a senior citizens' board.

(b) The senior citizens' board is responsible for the administration of programs for senior citizens and the operation of senior citizens' centers.

(c) The senior citizens' board consists of seven (7) nine (9) members, four (4) six (6) of which represent senior citizens' groups and three (3) of which shall represent the general public, and are appointed on a non-partisan basis by the town council of the town of Coventry.

(d) The term of office of the members of the senior citizens' board shall be for a period of two (2) years; provided, that the initial appointment of two (2) of the members representing senior citizens' groups and one of the members representing the general public shall be for a one-year term and two (2) years thereafter.

(e) The senior citizens' board has the power to hire and fire its employees with exception of the director.

(f) A director is appointed by the town council from a list of three (3) names submitted by the senior citizens' board.

(g) The senior citizens' board shall submit a proposed budget to the town council of the town of Coventry for appropriation and the senior citizens' board is responsible for the expenditure of funds appropriated to it by the town council of the town of Coventry.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.