The city planning and zoning commission shall consist of seven members.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-1; 1998 Code, sec. 42-31; 2013 Code, sec. 16-21)
The membership of the planning and zoning commission shall be divided into seven places. Each term of office shall be for two years. Even-numbered places (2, 4 and 6) expire May 31 of even-numbered years, and odd-numbered places (1, 3, 5 and 7) expire May 31 of odd-numbered years; provided, however, members shall serve until their successors are appointed.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-2; 1998 Code, sec. 42-32; Ordinance 2010-11-003, sec. 2, adopted 11/16/10; 2013 Code, sec. 16-22)
Commission members shall be appointed by the city council and may be removed with cause by a majority vote of the council. Members may be reappointed upon expiration of their terms. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms thereof.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-3; 1998 Code, sec. 42-33; Ordinance 96-960059, sec. 1, adopted 5/7/96; 2013 Code, sec. 16-23; Ordinance 2013-02-003, sec. 2, adopted 2/19/13)
The planning and zoning commission members shall hold no other city office and shall be qualified voters of the city. Members shall be bound by the provisions of article 2.05, dealing with ethics. The commission is bound by the provisions of the state open meetings law and, except for consultation with the city’s attorney on certain legal matters, will ordinarily hold all of its meetings and workshops in public. Members shall take the oath of office prescribed for city officers.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-4; 1998 Code, sec. 42-34; 2013 Code, sec. 16-24)
(a)
Regular meetings; rescheduling; special meetings.
The planning and zoning commission shall hold regular meetings on the first Monday of each month at city hall, at such time as the commission shall establish. Any regularly scheduled meeting that is cancelled for any reason shall be rescheduled within the same calendar month and special meetings may called upon the request of the chairperson, three (3) members of the commission, or three (3) members of the council.
(b)
Agenda.
Items for meetings may be placed on the agenda by any commission member, a member of the city council or the city manager. City staff will administer the agenda, distribute [the agenda] and will not place any item on the agenda without review by the chairperson or the city manager.
(c)
Quorum; rules of procedure; bylaws.
A quorum for any meeting shall be four members. Meetings shall be guided by the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order insofar as not inconsistent with the requirements of law. The commission may adopt bylaws subject to city council approval.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-5; 1998 Code, sec. 42-35; Ordinance 96-960059, sec. 2, adopted 5/7/96; 2013 Code, sec. 16-25; Ordinance 2013-02-003, sec. 3, adopted 2/19/13)
The commission shall select a chairperson who shall preside at meetings. In the absence of the chairperson, the commission shall select a chairperson pro tem who shall preside. The chairperson is not disqualified from voting.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-6; 1998 Code, sec. 42-36; 2013 Code, sec. 16-26)
(a)
Attendance requirements.
Should a member fail to attend at least three of four consecutive announced meetings (regular or otherwise) due to unexcused absences, that member’s office shall automatically be vacated and a vacancy declared in such member’s office.
(b)
Excused absences.
Excused absences include those absences caused by illness of the member or his immediate family; those caused by employment, i.e., overtime, travel or vacations; and those caused by circumstances normally defined as unavoidable, i.e., “acts of nature or God.” Every reasonable attempt should be made by a member to notify the city secretary of an absence in advance to be considered excused.
(c)
Vacancies.
The appointing authority shall fill the vacancy as soon as possible for the unexpired term.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-7; 1998 Code, sec. 42-37; 2013 Code, sec. 16-27)
The city council may employ a planning consultant. The city manager shall appoint a planning administrator to assist the planning and zoning commission. Such administrator shall cause the minutes of the meetings of the commission to be taken and transcribed, and meeting notices posted.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-8; 1998 Code, sec. 42-38; Ordinance 96-960059, sec. 2A, adopted 5/7/96; 2013 Code, sec. 16-28)
The commission may make recommendations to the city manager or city council on all matters affecting the physical development of the city, may be consulted on the comprehensive plan and the implementation thereof, and shall exercise all other responsibilities as may be provided by law, including but not limited to the duties of a zoning commission pursuant to Texas Local Government Code section 211.007 and the duties of a planning commission as contemplated by Texas Local Government Code section 212.008. All plats shall be approved by the city council in addition to the commission.
(1976 Code, sec. 12-9; 1998 Code, sec. 42-39; 2013 Code, sec. 16-29)