[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
It is the intent, purpose and scope of this article to establish
a Planning Commission to guide uses of land and structures, type and
location of streets, public grounds and other facilities; and to minimize
such problems as may presently exist or which may be foreseen. It
is the further intent of this article that any recommendations made
by this Planning Commission to any governing body shall be advisory
only.
[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
The Planning Commission is hereby created consisting of seven
members which shall serve without compensation as follows:
(a)
All members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor. There
shall be no limitation upon the number of terms a member may serve.
(b)
All members of the Commission shall serve for a term of four years.
The Chairman of the Commission shall promptly notify the Mayor concerning
a vacancy or vacancies in the Commission. Whenever a vacancy occurs,
the Mayor may fill such vacancy, but only for the period of the unexpired
term.
(c)
All members of the Commission shall be residents of the City. At
least five shall be citizen members, one property owner representing
each of the five designated Planning Regions as shown on the attached
map. The remaining two shall be members at large.
[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
(a)
The Planning Commission may make and alter bylaws and regulations
to govern its procedures consistent with this article and the laws
of the Commonwealth.
(b)
The 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.
(c)
The Commission shall keep a full record of its business in the form
of official minutes.
(d)
The Commission shall make a written report of its annual activities
to the Mayor by July 1 of each year. In addition, interim reports
shall be made as often as may be deemed necessary by the Mayor.
[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
(a)
Mandated powers and duties. The Planning Commission shall have the
power and be required to undertake the following responsibilities:
(1)
Prepare, if requested by the Mayor, a Comprehensive Plan for
the development of the City and present it for the consideration of
Council.
(2)
Maintain and keep on file its records, official minutes of its
actions and shall avail these records and files to any interested
parties.
(3)
If requested by the Mayor, prepare and present for consideration
by Council, in conjunction with the Community Development Administrator
an official City Plan; make recommendations to Council on any amendments
to the existing City Plan; and maintain the City Plan and any changes
thereto for the records.
(4)
If requested by the Mayor, prepare and present to Council a
Zoning Ordinance and an Official Map and make recommendations to Council
on any proposed amendments to the existing Zoning Ordinance and Map.
(5)
If requested by the Mayor, prepare and present to Council a
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance; and make recommendations
with regard to any amendments thereto.
(6)
Hold public hearings and other meetings which are deemed desirable
to the interests of the residents of the City.
(7)
Request from other departments and agencies of the City all
information available which relates to the work of the Commission.
(8)
Be subject to the approval of the City Engineer concerning any
act or recommendation which involves engineering considerations.
(9)
In performing its functions, the Commission may enter upon any
land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
(b)
Optional powers and duties. The Commission may have the power, if
requested by the respective department or the Mayor, to undertake
the following responsibilities:
(1)
Review and make recommendations to Council concerning amendments
to the Building Code, the Plumbing Code, the Housing Code and the
Electrical Code.
(2)
Promote a public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive
Plan and the planning process.
(3)
Do such other acts or make studies which may be necessary to
fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by this article under the
terms of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of
1968, as amended.
[Ord. 6-1996, 97 § 1, passed 7-22-1996]
If authorized by the Mayor, the Planning Commission may employ
administrative and technical services as consultants on particular
matters which will aid in carrying out the provisions of this article.
