Creation of Planning Commission. A Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Littlestown Borough Council in the manner prescribed by law. Such commission shall have not less than three nor more than nine members. All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses. However, elected or appointed officers or employees of the Borough shall not, by reason of membership thereon, forfeit the right to exercise the powers, perform the duties or receive the compensations of the Borough offices held by them during such membership.

Existing Planning Commission. The members of any existing Planning Commission established under former laws shall continue in office until the end of the term for which they are appointed; their successors shall be appointed as provided by this chapter. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term according to the terms of this article. Should the governing body of any municipality determine to increase the number of members of an already existing Planning Commission, the additional members shall be appointed as provided in this article. If the governing body of any municipality shall determine to reduce the number of members of any existing Planning Commission, such reduction shall be effectuated by allowing the terms to expire and by making no new appointments to fill the vacancy. Any reduction or increase shall be by ordinance.

Membership of Planning Commission. All of the members of the Planning Commission shall be residents of the Borough. On all planning commissions appointed pursuant to this act, a certain number of members designated as citizen members shall not be officers of employees of the municipality. On a commission of four or five members, at least three shall be citizen members. On a commission of either six or seven members, at least five shall be citizen members, and on commission of either eight or nine members, at least six shall be citizen members.

Decisions. Within 30 days after any hearing or other public meeting, at which discussions are required by this chapter, the Planning Commission shall record its review and recommendations in writing. A copy of this record shall be provided to the applicant, the Zoning Officer and the Borough Secretary.

Engineering consideration. In the performance of its powers and duties, any act or recommendation of the Planning Commission which involves engineering consideration shall be subject to the assistance of an engineer.

Limitations. The Planning Commission shall function as an advisory body only and shall be restricted in its duties to applying the conditions, requirements, restrictions and standards imposed by the various articles of this chapter is keeping with its overall intent.

Activities. The Planning Commission may undertake special studies related to the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan and the required implementation which it deems necessary. Public meetings may be held for this purpose. Material may be gathered and printed. The Planning Commission may retain outside assistance with Borough Council approval. All appropriations of Borough funds shall be approved by the Littlestown Borough Council.

Extent and limitations.