(A) Creation: There is hereby created a planning and zoning commission consisting of five (5) members, to be appointed by the mayor, and confirmed by a majority vote of the council. The commission shall act in both capacities, with full authority of the council, excluding the authority to adopt ordinances.
(B) Membership:
1. Four (4) members of the commission shall be residents of the city, and shall have resided within the city for three (3) years.
2. The terms of office of each member of the first commission, appointed under this chapter, shall be established by the mayor as follows:
(a) Two (2) members shall be appointed for three (3) years;
(b) Two (2) members shall be appointed for four (4) years;
(c) One member shall be appointed for five (5) years; and
(d) Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years.
3. Vacancies occurring, otherwise than through the expiration of terms, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired terms of such member(s).
4. Members may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the council.
5. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliation.
(C) Organization:
1. Each commission shall elect a chairman and create and fill any other office that it may deem necessary; and
2. The commission may establish subcommittees, advisory committees or neighborhood groups to advise and assist in carrying out the responsibilities under this chapter.
(D) Rules: Written organization papers or bylaws consisting with title 67, chapter 65, Idaho Code, and other laws of the state for the transaction of business of the commission shall be adopted.
(E) Records: A record of meetings, hearings, resolutions, studies, findings, permits and actions taken shall be maintained. All meetings and records shall be open to the public.
(F) Meetings: The commission shall hold meetings at least once each month for not less than nine (9) months in a year, and at such other times as may be required. A majority of voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
(G) Expenditures: Only with the approval of the council may the commission receive and expend funds, goods and services from the federal government or agencies and instrumentalities of the state or local government or from civic and private sources or may contract with these entities and provide information and reports as necessary to secure aid.
(H) Staff: Only with the approval of the council may the commission hire employees and technical advisors, including but not limited to planners, engineers, architects and legal assistants. (Ord. 529, 11-28-1994)