The construction of all ordinances of the town shall be by the following rules, unless the construction is plainly repugnant to the intent of the legislative body or the context of the ordinance.
(A) Ordinance. The word “ordinance” as contained in the ordinances of the town has been changed in the content of this town code to “title,” “chapter,” “subchapter” or “section,” or to words of like import, for organizational and clarification purposes only. Such a change to town ordinances is not meant to amend the passage or effective dates of such original ordinances.
(B) Delegation of authority. Whenever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or some other town officer to do some act or perform some duty, it shall be construed to authorize the head of the department or other officer to designate, delegate and authorize subordinates to perform the required act or to perform the duty unless the terms of the provision or section specify otherwise.
(C) Joint authority. All words giving joint authority to three or more persons or officers shall be construed as giving such authority to a majority of such persons or officers.
(D) “Or” or “And.” If the sense requires it, then “or” may be read “and” and “and” may be read “or.”
(E) Gender. A word importing one gender only shall extend and be applied to other genders, and to firms, partnerships and corporations as well.
(F) Number. A word importing the singular number only may extend and be applied to several persons and things as well as to one person and thing. Words used in the plural number may also include the singular unless a contrary intention plainly appears.
(G) Tense. Words used in the past or present tense include the future as well as the past and present.
(H) General term following specific. A general term following a specific enumeration of terms is not to be limited to the class enumerated unless expressly so limited.
(Prior Code, § 1-3-1)