§ 2-10. Planning and zoning commission.

(a)

Planning and zoning commission created; composition. There is hereby created a planning and zoning commission which shall be composed of nine members who shall be resident citizens, taxpayers and qualified voters of the city and who must meet the policy guidelines established by the city council for all board members of the city.

(b)

Appointment and terms of members. Members of the commission shall be appointed by a majority vote of the city council. All appointments to the planning and zoning commission shall be for a term of two years. Vacancies on the planning and zoning commission occurring other than through expiration shall be filled by the city council for that portion of the unexpired term remaining.

Term limitations —No appointed office holder shall serve more than three consecutive terms in the position to which the office holder was appointed.

(c)

Election of officers and adoption of rules. The planning and zoning commission shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from its membership and shall have the power to make rules, regulations and bylaws for its own government, which shall conform as nearly as possible with those governing the city council and shall be subject to approval of such city council. Such bylaws shall include, among other items, provisions for:

(1)

Regular and special meetings, open to the public;

(2)

Records of its proceedings, to be open for inspection by the public;

(3)

Reporting to the governing body and the public, from time to time and annually; and

(4)

For the holding of public hearings on its recommendations.

(d)

Duty to prepare master plan and zoning ordinance; other duties. The planning and zoning commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty to make and recommend for adoption a master plan, as a whole or in parts, for the future development and redevelopment of the municipality and its environs and shall have power and it shall be its duty to prepare a comprehensive plan and ordinance for zoning the city in accordance with Chapter 283, Acts of the Regular Session of the Legislature, 1927, (Articles 1011a to 1011j, Vernon's Revised Civil Statutes). The commission shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance or state law.

(e)

Employment powers. The planning and zoning commission shall have power to employ such qualified persons as may be necessary for the proper conduct and undertakings of the commission and to pay for their services and such other necessary expense, provided that the cost of such services and expenses shall not exceed the amount appropriated by the city council for the use of the commission.

(f)

Absence . Members with three consecutive unexcused absences per calendar year from regular or posted meetings shall forfeit the unexpired portion of their term.

(Code 1968, Ch. 2, Art. V; Ord. No. 2350, § I, 11-5-07)