All provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) (Act
of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247 as reenacted and amended), as now or hereafter amended, reenacted or applied including,
but not limited to, the conduct of hearings and the making of decisions,
shall be applicable to the Planning Commission. When there are conflicts
or inconsistencies between this chapter and the Municipalities Planning
Code (MPC), the more stringent regulations shall apply.
Any member once qualified and appointed may be removed from
office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office or for
other just cause by a majority vote of Council taken after the member
has received 15 days' advance notice of the intent to take such
a vote. A public hearing shall be held in connection with the vote
if the member request it in writing. Any appointment to fill a vacancy
created by removal shall only be for the unexpired term.
The Planning Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair and
such other officers as it determines necessary. Officers shall serve
annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Planning Commission may
make and alter bylaws, rules, and regulations to govern its organization
and procedures consistent with Municipal ordinances and the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Planning Commission shall keep
a full record of its business and shall annually make a written report
by March 1 of each year of its activities to Council. Interim reports
may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by Council.
The Planning Commission shall promptly notify Council of any vacancies
which occur. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Within the limits of funds appropriated by Council, the Planning
Commission may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel,
consultants and other technical and clerical services. Members of
the Planning Commission may receive compensation for the performance
of their duties, as may be fixed by Council, but in no case shall
it exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid to the members
of Council.