There shall be a Department of Planning headed by a Commissioner
of Planning who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of
the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the Legislature.
He or she shall be appointed on the basis of his or her education,
professional experience and his or her qualifications for the duties
of the office.
The Commissioner of Planning shall develop a capital program
for the county, assist in the planning of all capital projects and
exercise all the powers and duties of a County Planning Board as provided
in the General Municipal Law or in any other law, and he or she shall
perform such other and related duties required by the County Executive.
There shall be a Planning Board consisting of nine members appointed
by the County Executive for a term of four years, subject to confirmation
by the Legislature. Of the members first appointed to the Planning
Board, two shall hold office for the term of one year; two for the
term of two years; two for the term of three years; and three for
the term of four years from and after their appointment. There shall
be on the Planning Board at least one resident from each town within
the county. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration
of a term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term
by the County Executive. The Chairperson of the Park Commission and
the Chairperson of the Environmental Management Council shall serve
as ex officio members of the Planning Board. The Chairperson of such
Board shall be selected by the members of the Board for a term of
one year. The Planning Board shall advise the Commissioner of Planning,
the County Executive and the Legislature in matters relating to planning
and shall have and exercise such other and related duties required
by the Commissioner of Planning and the County Executive.