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For statutory provisions regarding planning commissions in general, see Chapter 35.63 RCW.
Prior ordinance history: Ords. 404, 605, 796, 1018 and 1030.
In accordance with Washington law, there is created a city planning commission consisting of seven members whose positions shall be designated numerically Positions 1 through 7, respectively. Following the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, the mayor shall appoint the present members of the planning commission to Positions 1 through 7. The initial terms of the seven planning commission members shall expire on April 1st of the year indicated:
Position 1
1998
Position 2
1999
Position 3
2000
Position 4
2001
Position 5
1997
Position 6
2002
Position 7
2002
All planning commission members shall be appointed by the mayor with confirmation by the city council. Members of the Leavenworth planning commission shall reside within the city limits of Leavenworth, except that up to two members may reside outside the city limits of Leavenworth, provided they reside within the urban growth area as depicted by the Leavenworth comprehensive plan.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1388 § 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022; Ord. 1657 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
Following the expiration of the initial term of each position on the planning commission, terms shall be for four years.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
Vacancies occurring otherwise than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the mayor with confirmation by the city council to fill any portion of an unexpired term. Members may be removed, after public hearing, by the mayor, with the approval of the city council, for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. The members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1388 § 2 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
The planning commission shall elect from its members a chairperson and create and fill such other positions as it determines are necessary. The planning commission shall adopt its own bylaws and rules for the transaction of business.
Each planning commissioner shall complete the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act. Additional required training may be assigned by the mayor.
The community development department, or designee, shall support the planning commission by keeping minutes of meetings, recommendations, findings and determinations. Community development department, or designee, shall provide technical research and recommendations to the planning commission.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
A quorum of the planning commission shall consist of not less than four members. All matters before the planning commission shall be decided by an affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum present.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
The planning commission shall have all of the powers and perform each and all of the duties specified by Chapter 35A.63 or 36.70A RCW, together with any other duties or authority which may hereafter be conferred upon them by the laws of the state of Washington, and when consistent with LMC Title 21.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
The planning commission shall provide recommendations to the city council on any matter referred to the planning commission, for its recommendation and report, any ordinance, resolution or other proposal, including but not limited to items listed in the annual docket per Chapter 21.31 LMC, Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
Each planning commissioner who has completed and maintained all required training shall receive $50.00 compensation for each planning commission meeting they attend in full. "Attend in full" shall be defined to mean being in attendance in person or on video for at least 80 percent of the meeting, as determined from the opening time to the adjourning time.
(Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)
The planning commission, at or before its first regular meeting in March of each year, shall make a full report in writing to the city council of its transactions and expenditures, if any, for the preceding year, with such general recommendations as to matters covered by its prescribed duties and authority as may seem proper to it.
(Ord. 1094 § 2 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Att. A), 2022)