The creation of a Borough Planning Commission,
which body shall be assigned the powers and duties conferred on planning
agencies by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247
of 1968, as amended by Act 93 of 1972, and at the option of Borough Council, may exercise additional
powers, duties and advisory functions not inconsistent with Act 247.
The Council of the Borough of Chester Heights ordains the following.
[Amended 10-24-2022 by Ord. No. 215]
A Planning Commission consisting of seven members
shall be appointed by Council. Members shall serve without compensation
but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses. However,
elected or appointed officers or employees of the Borough shall not,
by reason of membership, forfeit the right to exercise the powers,
perform the duties or receive the compensation of the Borough offices
held by them during such membership.
The term of each of the members of the Commission
shall be for four years, or until his or her successor is appointed
and qualified, except that the terms of members first appointed shall
be so fixed that not more than three shall be reappointed or replaced
during any future calendar year. The Chairman of the Planning Commission
shall promptly notify Council concerning vacancies in the commission,
and such vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. Members
of any existing Planning Commission established under former laws
shall continue in office until the end of the term for which they
were appointed; their successors shall be appointed as herein provided.
If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it
shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. Should Council
determine to increase the number of members of an already existing
Planning Commission, the additional members shall be appointed as
herein provided. Should Council determine to reduce the number of
members on any existing Planning Commission, such reduction shall
be effectuated by allowing the terms to expire and by making no new
appointments to fill the vacancy. Any reduction or increase shall
be by ordinance.
All members of the Planning Commission shall
be residents of the Borough and at least six shall be "citizen members,"
that is, not officers or employees of the Borough. Any member 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 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 Planning Commission may, with the consent
of Council, accept and utilize any funds, personnel or other assistance
made available by the county, the commonwealth or the federal government
or any of their agencies, or from private sources. Council may enter
into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization
of the funds or assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures
of the Borough.