There shall be a planning board for the town
consisting of seven members resident in the town. Members shall be
appointed by the mayor in the month of April for terms of three years
provided that in 1965 three members shall be appointed for terms of
one year, two members for terms of two years and two members for terms
of three years. Thereafter all members shall be appointed for terms
of three years, to succeed those members whose terms expire. Any vacancy
on the board shall be filled in the same manner, viz, appointment
by the mayor. All members shall serve until their respective successors
shall have been elected and installed in office.
After each annual selection of members to fill
the positions of those members of the board whose terms expire, the
board shall organize by electing a chairman, a vice chairman and a
secretary. Regular meetings of the board shall be held at least twelve
times each year on such days as the board shall determine, and special
meetings shall be held at the call of the chairman or on the written
request of three members. On the absence from three consecutive regular
monthly meetings by any member, his office shall be declared vacant.
The board shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall
keep permanent and complete records of its proceedings, meetings,
hearings and recommendations. Four members of the board shall constitute
a quorum and no action shall be taken unless by the concurring vote
of not less than four members.
Members of the planning board shall receive
such compensation as is determined by ordinance.
(1)
The planning board shall make studies and when necessary,
prepare plans of the resources and needs of the town, with reference
to its physical growth and development as affecting the health, safety,
morals and general welfare of the people and the economy and efficiency
of community life. Such studies and plans may include among other
things the following; land use; zoning; transportation facilities;
public utilities; public facilities including schools, parks, beaches
and other public areas and structures; blighted areas including plans
for the redevelopment, rehabilitation and prevention of slum districts;
air and water pollution; natural resources; protection from disaster;
and economic and sociological characteristics of the town. The board
shall regulate the platting or other subdivision of land in accordance
with provisions in the general laws of Rhode Island.
(2)
The board shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive
plan for the development and improvement of the town. Such plan shall
show, among other things, the existing and proposed location and arrangement
of the uses of land in the town; zoning districts; highways and appurtenant
structures; transportation and utility routes, facilities and structures;
public schools, parks and recreation areas; and public building and
facilities. No portion of or amendment to the comprehensive plan shall
be adopted by the board without a public hearing thereon. Notice of
such hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation
in the town at least twice each week for three successive weeks prior
to such hearing.
(3)
The board shall have power to promote and encourage
the location and development of new business in the town as well as
the maintenance and expansion of existing business and for that purpose
shall cooperate with state, and with other local agencies and individuals
whether in the town of Johnston or in other municipalities.
(4)
When authorized by the mayor, the board may call upon
other departments, offices or agencies of the town and agencies of
the state and federal governments for assistance in the performance
of its designated functions and shall cooperate with such other department,
offices or agencies and with state and federal agencies on community,
regional, and state planning and development. All town officials and
boards shall upon request, furnish the planning board such available
information as it may require for its work.
(5)
The planning board shall collaborate with the mayor
and the director of the finance department in the annual preparation
and recommendation to the town council of a capital improvement budget
for the following year and a comprehensive future capital improvement
program.
(6)
The board may appoint such assistants and employees
as it may deem necessary and may also employ consultants or enter
into agreements with state, federal, or regional agencies; the board
may incur any expense necessary therefor, but it shall not for any
purpose contract for or incur any expense greater than the amount
appropriated or available therefor.
(7)
The planning board shall submit a recommendation to
the town council on all proposed ordinances and resolutions which
concern the existing and proposed location and arrangement of the
uses of land or such other matters within the scope of its powers
and duties that may be referred to it. Nothing in this stipulation,
however shall be construed to restrict or prevent the town council
from acting on any ordinance or resolution contrary to or in the absence
of a recommendation of the board.
(8)
The planning board shall report annually to the mayor
and the town council, summarizing the work of the preceding year and
recommending plans of future development. All plans and reports of
the board shall be first submitted to the mayor and the town council,
but thereafter the board may publish and distribute copies of plans
and reports to promote public interest in and understanding of the
work of the board. The planning board shall make such reports and
take such actions as may be required from time to time by agencies
of the state or federal government.
