There is hereby established pursuant to c. 291, P.L. 1975 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.) in the Borough of Merchantville a Planning Board of nine (9) members and four (4) alternates consisting of the following classes:

The term of the member composing Class I shall correspond with his official tenure. The terms of the members composing Class II and Class III shall be for one (1) year or terminate at the completion of their respective terms of office, whichever occurs first. The term of a Class IV member who is also a member of the Board of Adjustment or the Board of Education shall terminate whenever he is no longer a member of such other body or at the completion of his Class IV term, whichever occurs first. The terms of all Class IV members first appointed pursuant to this chapter shall be so determined that to the greatest practicable extent the expiration of such terms shall be evenly distributed over the first four (4) years after their appointment as determined by resolution of the governing body; provided, however, that no term of any member shall exceed four (4) years; and further, provided, that nothing herein shall affect the terms of any present members of the Planning Board, all of whom shall continue in office until the completion of the terms for which they were appointed. Thereafter all Class IV members shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years, except as otherwise herein provided. All terms shall run from January 1 of the year in which the appointment was made.

If a vacancy in any class shall occur other than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment as above provided for the unexpired term.

The Planning Board shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from the members of Class IV and select a Secretary who may either be a member of the Planning Board or a municipal employee designated by it.

There is hereby created the office of Planning Board Attorney. The Planning Board may annually appoint and fix the compensation of or agree upon the rate of compensation of the Planning Board Attorney, who shall be an attorney other than the Municipal Attorney.

The Planning Board may also employ or contract for the services of experts and other staff services as it may deem necessary. The Board shall not, however, exceed, exclusive of gifts or grants, the amount appropriated by the governing body for its use.

The Planning Board shall have those powers and duties as set forth under the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.