There is hereby created a Prairie View Planning and Zoning Commission. The composition and activities of the Commission shall be in accordance with Chapter 211 and 212, respectively, of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. The Commission shall be composed of five (5) regular members and an alternate for each regular member where such alternate shall only participate in the business before the Commission when the regular member for whom they are an alternate is not present, all of whom shall be residents of Prairie View, nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Each appointed member of the Commission shall hold that office for a period of three (3) years or until his/her successor takes office. However, during the initial creation of the Commission, three (3) members shall be appointed for three (3) years; two (2) for two (2) years; and one (1) member for one (1) year. The members of the Commission shall be appointed solely with reference to their fitness and without reference to party affiliation, and shall serve without compensation. Members may be removed by the city council only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled only for the unexpired term by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall elect a chairperson and an associate chairperson and may create and fill other offices as may be deemed necessary. The term of the chairperson and associate chairperson shall be for one (1) year with eligibility for reelection.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular meeting each month. Said meeting shall be open to the public.

The Commission shall adopt rules of operation and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which shall become items of public record.

Four (4) members of the Planning and Zoning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

As a part of the City’s regular budgetary process the City Council shall provide funds for the necessary and appropriate expenses of the Planning and Zoning Commission. A public accounting of the Commission’s expenditures for the fiscal year shall be provided in the Commission’s Annual Report. The Commission may recommend to the City Council the employment of professionals such as engineers, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and other individuals to assist in the performance of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s duties.