(a)

Establishment of zoning commission. Pursuant to Local Government Code § 211.007, the zoning commission is hereby established, consisting of five members appointed by the city council. The members of the commission shall serve for overlapping two-year terms; provided however, that initially, three members of the commission shall be appointed for terms of two years and two members shall be appointed for terms of only one year. The city administrator shall also serve ex-officio as a nonvoting member of the commission.

(b)

Alternates. The city council shall appoint six alternate members to the commission who shall attend and serve as members of the commission only when necessary to constitute a quorum. The term of such alternate members to the commission shall be two years. The city administrator or his designated agent is directed to notify said alternate members of each meeting of the commission so as to insure their presence when it may be required.

(c)

Removal of members and alternates. Members and alternate members of the commission shall be removable for cause by the city council upon written charges and after a public hearing.

(d)

Vacancies. Vacancies in the regular or alternate membership of the commission shall be filled by the city council for the unexpired term of vacancy.

(e)

Chair and vice-chair. The commission shall elect a chair and a vice-chair from its own membership. They shall serve a two-year term.

(f)

Meetings. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair or upon written request of at least three members. Regular meetings of the commission shall be held at city hall, and the commission may hold special meetings to consider any zoning application.

(g)

Presiding officer. The chair shall preside over meetings of the commission, except that the vice-chair shall preside in the absence of or at the request of the chair.

(h)

Quorum. A quorum shall consist of four members of the commission, including alternates. No final action shall be taken on any matter except pursuant to a majority vote. In no case shall less than three votes constitute a majority vote.

(i)

Notice of meetings; open meetings. Notice of each meeting shall be given in accordance with the Texas Open Meeting Law (V.T.C.A., Government Code ch. 551). All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.

(j)

Procedures. Any motion by a member shall require a second. After a motion has been made and duly seconded, discussion of the motion may be held for a reasonable time. Discussion of a question before the commission by the members, or by opponents or proponents, shall terminate whenever a member shall call for a vote upon the question or whenever the chair shall so rule. Whenever any question of procedure or qualification may be raised at a commission meeting, the chair shall rule thereon. A member may move to overrule the chair's decision, which may be done only by a majority vote of the members present. Voting on rezoning applications shall be by roll call. Voting on all other matters shall be by voice vote, provided that a roll call shall be taken on demand of any member. Any question of order or procedure not covered by these rules shall be decided according to the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, insofar as they may be applicable.

(k)

Conflict of interest. Members of the commission shall observe the requirements of Local Government Code, ch. 171 et seq., and shall disqualify themselves from voting on any matter where they are prohibited from voting under such statute. In any case where the question of a member's interest is raised, the chair shall rule on whether the member should be disqualified.

(Ord. No. 929, § 19, 1-20-2005)