[Adopted 9-26-1979 as Ch. 2, Art. III, Div. 2, of the 1979
Code]
There is hereby created the Planning Commission
of the City.
The Planning Commission is to consist of seven
(7) members appointed by the Mayor and concurred in by the Council.
All of the members of the Planning Commission
shall be residents of the City. On all Planning Commissions appointed
pursuant to this Article, at least five (5) shall be citizen members.
All members of the Planning Commission shall
serve without compensation, but they may be reimbursed for necessary
and reasonable expenses.
A.
Two (2) members of the Planning Commission shall be
appointed for a period of four (4) years whose terms shall expire
December 31, 1979, two (2) members shall be appointed for three (3)
years whose terms shall expire December 31, 1978, two (2) members
shall be appointed for two (2) years whose terms shall expire December
31, 1977, and one (1) member shall be appointed for one (1) year whose
term shall expire December 31, 1976. Thereafter all terms shall be
for four (4) years or until a successor is appointed and qualified.
B.
The Chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly
notify the Mayor concerning vacancies in the Commission, and such
vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. When a vacancy exists
for a reason other than expiration of term, it shall be filled by
appointment for the remaining period of the existing term.
Any member of the Planning Commission once qualified
and appointed may be removed from office for malfeasance, misfeasance
or nonfeasance in office or for other just cause by a majority vote
of Council, taken after the member has received fifteen (15) days'
advance notice of the intent to take such a vote. A hearing shall
be held in connection with the vote if the member shall request it,
in writing. Any appointment to fill a vacancy created by removal shall
be only for the unexpired term. The refusal or failure of a member
of the Commission to consistently attend meetings of the Planning
Commission without cause shall be sufficient reason for removal from
the Planning Commission.
A.
The Planning Commission shall elect its own chairman
and vice-chairman and create and fill such other offices as it may
determine. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves.
The Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations
to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of the City
and the laws of the commonwealth. The Commission shall keep a full
record of its business and shall annually make a written report by
March 1 of each year of its activities to the Council. Interim reports
may be made as often as may be necessary, or as requested by the Council.
B.
The Planning Commission shall follow procedure for
meetings as hereby established:
(1)
The time and place of regular meetings shall be properly
posted on the bulletin board on the first floor of City hall at least
three (3) days before such meetings are held.
(2)
The time and place of special meetings shall be posted
on the bulletin board on the first floor of City hall at least twenty-four
(24) hours before such meetings are held.
(3)
Regular and special meetings shall be opened to the
public and citizens shall be allowed to speak. Public involvement
shall be encouraged at all times.
(4)
Regular and special meetings shall be opened to the
news media (press, radio and television), including tools of their
trade, so that meetings can be fully covered and properly reported
for the public's information.
(5)
The Mayor, Council and Department and Bureau heads
shall be notified of the time and place of any meeting.
(6)
If the Planning Commission fails to comply with this
section, business transacted at meetings of the Commission will not
be considered official. Therefore, Council will take no action based
upon business transacted at meetings not considered official under
this section.
A.
B.
The Planning Commission at the request of the Council
may:
(1)
Make recommendations to the Council concerning the
adoption or amendment of an official map.
(3)
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and
land development, planned residential development regulations, as
set forth in the Municipalities Planning Code.
(5)
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be
necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the Municipalities
Planning Code.
(6)
Prepare and present to the Council an environmental
study.
(7)
Submit to the Mayor a recommended capital improvements
program.
(8)
Promote public interest in, and understanding of,
the comprehensive plan and planning.
(9)
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private
agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals
of such agencies and individuals.
(10)
Hold public hearings and meetings.
(11)
Require from other departments and agencies
of the City such available information as relates to the work of the
Planning Commission.
