[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Northampton 10-9-1972 by Ord. No. 828 (Ch. 1, Part 5, of the
1993 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 7-15-1993 by Ord. No. 1048]
A Borough Planning Commission, to be composed of five members,
is hereby established for the Borough of Northampton. All members
of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed
for necessary and reasonable expenses not to exceed $25 per regularly
scheduled meeting. The Borough Manager, the Borough Solicitor and
the Borough Engineer shall be considered ex officio members of the
Planning Commission.
Each member of the Planning Commission shall be a resident of
the Borough of Northampton and shall be appointed by the Borough Council
for a term of four years or until his successor shall be appointed
and qualified, except that the terms of the initial members to be
appointed to the Commission of five members shall be so fixed that
no more than two shall be reappointed or replaced during any future
calendar year; namely, one member for a two-year period, two for a
three-year period, and two for a four-year period. The chairman of
the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the Borough Council
concerning vacancies and such vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired
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 just cause by a majority vote of the Borough Council,
after such 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.
A.
The Commission shall elect its own chairman, vice chairman and secretary,
who shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Commission
may make and alter rules, bylaws, and regulations to govern its procedures
consistent with the ordinances of the Borough of Northampton and the
laws of the commonwealth. The Commission shall make a full record
of its business and shall annually make a written report by March
1 of each year of its activities to the Borough Council. Interim reports
may be made as often as may be necessary, or as requested by the Borough
Council. All official actions of the Planning Commission shall be
made by resolution, concurred in by a majority of those members present
who represent a quorum. Such resolutions shall be numbered consecutively
for each calendar year and shall be signed by the chairman and attested
to by the secretary of the Commission. Administrative assistance shall
be provided by the Borough Manager as determined between the chairman
of the Commission and the Borough Manager.
B.
The Planning Commission shall meet at least quarterly and such meetings
shall be open to the public. It may schedule other work sessions privately
as required.
The Planning Commission shall have the power and shall be required
to:
A.
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the Borough
and present it for the consideration of the Borough Council and the
general public.
B.
Maintain and keep on file records of its actions. All records and
files shall be maintained by and in the possession of the Borough
Council at the Borough Municipal Building.
C.
Prepare and present for consideration of the Borough Council, and
after adoption, maintain and make recommendations for changes to:
D.
Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the Comprehensive
Plan and planning.
E.
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies
and individuals as to the effectiveness of the development and planning
proposals of such agencies and individuals.
F.
Hold public hearings and meetings.
G.
Require from other departments and agencies of this Borough, through
their proper channels and through such individuals as may be in positions
of authority, such available information as relates to the work of
the Planning Commission.
H.
In the performance of its functions, to enter upon any land to make
examination and surveys either after permission has been obtained
from the owner or after public notice.
I.
Do such other act or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill
the obligations and duties imposed by this chapter.
In the performance of its powers and duties, any act or recommendation
of the Planning Commission which involves engineering considerations
shall be subject to the approval of the Borough Engineer.
It shall be the intent and purpose of the Borough Council that
any recommendations by the Northampton Borough Planning Commission
shall be advisory only.
