[Amended 9-1-2009]
There is hereby established a Department of
Planning and Development to administer governmental and municipal
functions and responsibilities in the field of city planning; to coordinate
efforts directed toward the future development of the City; to assure
its continued improvement, consistent with its physical, social and
economic conditions and resources and to provide necessary information
and services to the Mayor, City Council and Planning Board.
[Amended 9-5-1989]
The Department of Planning and Development shall
consist of a Director of Planning and Development and a Development
Manager.
[Amended 9-5-1989]
A.
Appointments. The Director and the Development Manager
shall be appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council.
All permanent appointments to the position of Director and the Development
Manager and temporary appointments which exceed 60 days shall require
confirmation by the City Council.
[Amended 2-17-2009 by Ord. No. 09-76]
B.
Terms of office. Terms of office shall be for a period
of three years for the above.
C.
The Director and the Development Manager may be removed
for just cause by the Mayor and two-thirds vote of the City Council.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
D.
Salaries. Salaries of the Director and the Development
Manager shall be set by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
E.
The positions of the Director and the Development
Manager appointed pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to
the provisions of civil service regulations. All other personnel will
be subject to the provisions of MGL c. 31.
[Amended 9-5-1989; 3-19-1991 by Ord. No. 91-20]
A.
The Director of the Department of Planning and Development
appointed pursuant to this chapter shall have a minimum of a master's
degree in planning, urban design, geography, landscape architecture
or a related field, with at least three years' experience in municipal
planning, private or public.
B.
The Development Manager should possess a bachelor's
degree in urban or regional planning or a related field and at least
three years of appropriate experience. A master's degree in urban
or regional planning or related field may be substituted for three
years' experience.
C.
Any Assistant Director or Associate Planner appointed
pursuant to this chapter shall have a minimum of a bachelor's degree
in urban planning or a related field. He should have at least one
year's experience in the field of urban planning or a related field
and should be able to write and speak effectively. A master's degree
in planning may be substituted for one year's experience.
[Amended 9-5-1989]
The Planning Director shall, with the assistance
of appropriate staff:
A.
Work under broad policies, determined by the Mayor,
City Council and Planning Board.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
B.
Supervise staff and coordinate projects, including
those assigned to consultants.
C.
Prepare plans and recommendations for submission to
the Mayor, City Council and the Planning Board.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
D.
Develop and oversee the implementation of overall
comprehensive community plans consisting of various individual coordinated
plans:
(1)
For the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial,
recreational and other purposes.
(2)
For controlling shifts of population.
(3)
For situating public and private ways, bridges, parks,
public buildings, public utilities, public and private housing projects,
slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects, garages and parking
facilities.
(4)
For affording further facilities for the housing,
transportation, employment, health, safety and general welfare of
the population.
E.
Act as technical advisor to the Mayor, City Council,
Planning Board and other City agencies or officials on municipal planning
matters.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
F.
Keep our City Master Plan up-to-date and develop capital
improvement programs.
G.
Administer the Subdivision Control Law, process preliminary
and definitive plans and coordinate plans submitted for approval of
the Planning Board.
H.
Prepare recommendations for changes in zoning bylaws
and the Planning Board's rules and regulations governing the development
of land.
I.
Represent the Planning Board on City planning matters,
attend public meetings and address civic organizations, confer with
agencies requesting information regarding City planning and trends
in the development and growth of the City.
J.
Coordinate the programs and activities of the Urban
Renewal Authority Housing Authority and federal and state agencies
in order to formulate a comprehensive community development program.
K.
Coordinate federal programs within the City, including
making applications for new projects or programs and assisting various
agencies to make applications to either the state or federal governments.
L.
Keep abreast of new and changing state and federal
legislation which could affect the City to assure that the Mayor and
City Council are aware of impending changes, to include making oral
and verbal reports to the Mayor and City Council on significant issues.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
[Amended 9-5-1989; amended 9-1-2009]
The Planning Director shall perform such other
duties related to the function, duties and authorities set forth herein,
as may be prescribed by the Mayor, City Council or Planning Board
or as may be set forth in any applicable state or local laws and ordinances.
[Added 9-5-1989]
A.
Responsibilities.
(1)
The Development Manager will report directly to the
Director of Planning and Development and administer, coordinate, monitor
and evaluate plans and programs for residential, commercial and industrial
development projects within the City of Chicopee as part of the City's
existing project review.
(2)
The Development Manager will work with municipal line
agencies to determine the impact of proposed projects on the land,
neighborhood, economy and municipal services.
(3)
The Development Manager will further coordinate the
review of projects with Commissions and Boards such as the Planning
Board, City Council, Conservation Commission and Historic Commission
and other interested groups, in addition to federal, state and regional
agencies and private consultants and developers.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
B.
The duties of the Development Manager are:
(1)
Developing and implementing City plans for land use
and facilities development.
(2)
To analyze and interpret statistical indicators (e.g.,
United States census, etc.) describing the economic, physical and
social factors affecting land use and development activity.
(3)
To confer with the Mayor, municipal department, private
developers, regional and state agencies, consultants, citizen groups
and local boards (e.g., the City Council, Planning Board and Board
of Appeals) on issues affecting land use and development activity.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
(4)
To ensure that project review is effective and efficient
by ensuring coordination among City agencies/activities and evaluating
the potential and actual effects of growth.
(5)
To prepare recommendations to the Mayor and City Council
for changes in governmental controls affecting land use, public utilities,
community facilities, housing, transportation and environmental quality.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
(6)
To offer technical advice to the Mayor, Planning Board
and City Council on issues affecting the City's growth and development.
[Amended 9-1-2009]
