The planning commission shall consist of five (5) members, each to be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. It is the intent of this chapter that the planning commission consist of members from various fields of expertise. The five (5) members of the planning commission shall be residents of the city. At least three (3) of the five (5) members shall hold no other public office or position within the city. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005)

The terms of office for the five (5) planning commission members shall be for five (5) years, with renewal at the discretion of the mayor and city council on December 31 of the final year. The planning commission members' terms shall be staggered so that no two (2) members' terms shall expire at the same time. The term of office for the city council member designated liaison for the planning commission shall correspond to his tenure of office as a city council member. (Ord. 2007-29, 10-17-2007)

The mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council, may appoint up to two (2) alternate members to the planning commission. Alternate members shall be residents of the city and may only hold another public office if it is one in which decisions do not generally conflict with land use applications. Alternates shall be designated by the mayor as alternate one and alternate two, with alternate one having seniority for service. Alternates shall act as proxy for any member when there is a vacant seat at a regular meeting. Terms of office shall run from year to year with renewal at the discretion of the mayor and city council on December 31. All other rules, duties and responsibilities shall be consistent with those outlined for planning commission members. (Ord. 2007-29, 10-17-2007)

Members and alternate members of the planning commission shall serve without compensation, except as provided herein: members shall be paid a per diem for each duly-called and advertised regular business meeting of the planning commission that they actually attend, as set by ordinance after public hearing; and may be reimbursed-for authorized, budgeted, and actual travel expenses incurred-upon presentation of proper receipts and vouchers. Although not considered compensation nor compensable: awards, recognitions, and/or appreciation dinners may be provided to members of the planning commission at the discretion of the city council. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005; amd. Ord. 2022-05, 6-15-2022)

The planning commission shall have the powers, duties and responsibilities as are provided by state law, by this title and as are from time to time lawfully delegated by the city council by ordinance, resolution or otherwise. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005)

The planning commission may adopt such rules and procedures as it may deem necessary for the proper conduct of its business. The planning commission shall keep a record of its proceedings. Such record shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable times. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005)

The planning commission shall elect a chairperson and chairperson pro tem from among its members, whose terms shall be for one year. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005)

The planning commission shall conduct regularly scheduled meetings. All meetings of the planning commission shall be open to the public. Notice for all public hearings before the planning commission shall be given as outlined in state law and elsewhere in this title. (Ord. 2007-29, 10-17-2007)

A quorum shall consist of at least two (2) members or alternate members and a chairperson or chairperson pro tem. Evidence shall not be presented unless a quorum is present. The minimum number of yes votes required to take any action shall be a majority of the members of the quorum present, but in no event shall be fewer than three (3). (Ord. 2007-29, 10-17-2007)

The planning commission may, upon the approval of the city council, employ experts and staff, including consultants and a secretary, and pay such expenses, exclusive of gifts, as may be reasonable and necessary for carrying out the duties defined in this title; provided, that such expenditures may not exceed the amount appropriated for the operation of the planning commission by the city council. (Ord. 2005-40, 12-7-2005)

Vacancies of planning commission members occurring otherwise than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by appointment of the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. The city council shall have the right to remove any member for malfeasance or nonperformance of duty. Nonperformance of duty shall include a repeated failure to attend planning commission meetings. (Ord. 2007-29, 10-17-2007)