[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012[1]]
The name of this organization shall be "Watsontown Borough Planning Commission" ("Planning Commission").
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also superseded former Part 4, Creation of Planning Commission, adopted 8-1-1988 by Ord. No. 1988-1.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
The authorization for the establishment of this Planning Commission is set forth under Section 201 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of July 31, 1968, reenacted and amended by Act 170 of December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329.[1] The Borough of Watsontown (the "Borough") established the Planning Commission by ordinance/resolution on August 6, 2012. The Borough hereby outlines the powers and duties that were delegated to the Planning Commission by the Borough. The Borough adopted these bylaws in accordance with the above-mentioned enabling law and were adopted by the Borough by Ordinance No. 2012-04 of August 6, 2012.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10201.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
The Planning Commission shall have the authority and duty to:
A. 
Make recommendations to the Borough concerning the adoption or amendment of an Official Map.
B. 
Prepare and present to the Borough a zoning ordinance, and make recommendations to the Borough on proposed amendments to it.
C. 
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations. Review all land development and subdivision plans submitted to the Borough in accordance with the Borough's current Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1] Provide recommendations, comments, preliminary approval or denials to all submitted plans.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
D. 
Prepare and present to the Borough a building code and a housing code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
E. 
Do such other acts or make studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the MPC.
F. 
Prepare and present to the Borough an environmental study.
G. 
Submit to the Borough a recommended capital improvements program.
H. 
Prepare and present to the Borough a water survey, which shall be consistent with the State Water Plan and any applicable water resources plan adopted by a river basin commission.
I. 
Review and provide comments and recommendations on any Act 537 Plan Sewage Facilities plans that apply to the Borough.
J. 
Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the Comprehensive Plan and planning.
K. 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic, and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
L. 
Hold public hearings and meetings.
M. 
Present testimony before any board.
N. 
Require from other departments and agencies of the Borough such available information as relates to the work of the planning agency.
O. 
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and land surveys with the consent of the owner.
P. 
Prepare and present to the Borough a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within the Borough.
Q. 
Review the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Official Map, provisions for planned residential development and such other ordinances and regulations governing the development of land no less frequently than it reviews the Comprehensive Plan.
R. 
The Planning Commission may, with the consent of the Borough, 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. The Borough may enter into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization of the funds assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures of the municipality.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
Membership shall consist of five persons to be appointed by the Borough Council. The term of office of members shall be four years and should expire December 31 or until a successor is appointed. In the event of vacancies, the Borough shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term. Members whose terms have expired shall hold office until their successors have been appointed. All members of said Planning Commission shall reside within the Borough. Each member shall be entitled to one vote.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2020-01, 3/9/2020]
2. 
If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term according to the terms of this section. Should the Borough determine to increase the number of members of an already existing Planning Commission, the additional members shall be appointed as provided in this section. If the Borough shall 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.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
The Officers of the Planning Commission shall consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
2. 
The Chairman shall preside at all meetings and hearings of the Planning Commission. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall preside over meetings and hearings.
3. 
The Secretary shall keep the minutes and records of the Planning Commission, and with the assistance of such staff as is available, shall prepare the agenda of regular and special meetings under the direction of the Chairman, provide notice of all meetings to the Planning Commission members, arrange proper and legal notice of hearings, attend to correspondence of the Planning Commission and such other duties as are normally carried out by a Secretary.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
An annual organization meeting shall be held during the month of January.
2. 
Nomination shall be made from the floor at the annual organization meeting and election of the officers specified in Subsection 1 of § 1-405 shall follow immediately thereafter.
3. 
A candidate receiving a majority vote of the entire membership of the Planning Commission shall be declared elected, and shall serve for one year or until his successor shall take office.
4. 
Vacancies in office shall be filled immediately by regular election procedure.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
Regular meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Borough Building. In the event of conflict with holidays or other events, a majority at any meeting may change the date of said meeting.
2. 
A quorum shall consist of four. A quorum is necessary to transact business. Voting shall be by roll call. A record of the roll call vote shall be kept as a part of the minutes.
3. 
Special Meetings may be Called by the Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Chairman to call a special meeting when requested to do so by a majority of members of the Planning Commission. The Secretary shall notify all members of the Planning Commission not less than 24 hours in advance of such special meeting and provide notice to the public as required by the Sunshine Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
4. 
All meetings or portions of meetings at which official action is taken shall be open to the general public. Any person attending a meeting shall have the right to use recording devices to record all proceedings. Use of devices such as audio, video or other recording equipment shall be subject to rules and guidelines prepared and approved by the Planning Commission. However, in accordance with the Sunshine Act, such rules or restrictions shall not serve to exclude use of recording devices to record the proceedings of a public meeting.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
The order of business at regular meetings shall be:
A. 
Roll call.
B. 
Reading of minutes.
C. 
Communications and bills.
D. 
Reports of officers.
E. 
Old business.
F. 
New business.
G. 
Public comments and questions.
H. 
Adjournment.
2. 
A motion from the floor must be made and passed in order to dispense with any item on the agenda.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
Within the limits imposed by the funds available for its use, the Planning Commission may employ such staff personnel and/or consultants as it sees fit to aid in its work. Appointments shall be made by a majority of the entire Planning Commission membership.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
1. 
In addition to those required by law, the Planning Commission may hold public hearings when it decides that such hearings will be in the public interest.
2. 
Notice of the time and place of such hearings, when on matters of widespread interest, shall be published pursuant to "public notice."
3. 
The matter before the Planning Commission shall be presented in summary by a member of the Planning Commission designated by the Chairman, and parties in interest shall have the privilege of the floor.
[Ord. 2012-04, 8/6/2012]
These bylaws may only be amended by Borough Council.