(A) Establishment. A Planning Commission for the city is continued.
(B) Composition. The Planning Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the City Council. One member shall be a member of the City Council and four members shall be residents of the city. Of the four city resident members first appointed by the Council, two residents shall be appointed for a term of two years and two residents shall be appointed for a term of three years. Thereafter, city residents shall be appointed for a term of three years. The City Council member shall be appointed to serve until such time as a successor is appointed by the City Council. Terms of members shall commence and the appointments shall be made at the first regular Council meeting in January of each year. Any vacant position shall be filled for the unexpired term of office by the City Council. Upon the expiration of any term of office, the member appointed to the position for which the term has expired shall continue to serve until the time as a successor is appointed. Any member may be removed from office for cause by a four-fifths vote of the City Council. Every appointed member shall, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, take an oath that he or she will faithfully discharge the duties of his or her office. All members shall serve with compensation. This compensation shall be set annually by the City Council.
(C) Organization. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson from among the appointed members for a term of one year. The Commission may create and fill other offices as deemed appropriate. The Commission shall adopt rules for the operation of the Commission.
(D) Powers and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the Planning Commission shall be as follows.
(1) The Planning Commission shall be the planning agency for the city, as defined by M.S. § 462.352, as it may be amended from time to time, and shall have the powers and duties given to such agencies by state statutes.
(2) The Planning Commission shall conduct meetings at such times deemed appropriate by the Commission or directed by the City Council. The meetings shall be open to the public. The Commission at the first meeting of each year may establish a schedule of regular meetings for the year.
(3) The Planning Commission shall maintain permanent minutes and records of Commission meetings and proceedings and file the records with the City Clerk-Treasurer.
(4) The Planning Commission shall advise the City Council regarding planning matters and assist the City Council in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive plan.
(5) The Planning Commission shall perform reviews and make recommendations as may be requested or required by the City Council.
(6) The Planning Commission may adopt rules and bylaws for the operation of the Commission.
(2001 Code, § 2.50)