The powers and duties of the Hancock County Area Plan Commission with regard to this chapter are defined by the Indiana Code, and are described in this chapter. These powers and duties are further described by the Plan Commission Rules and Procedures.
(A) Duties. Duties should be interpreted as activities that are obligations. Plan Commission duties include:
(1) Rules. Supervise and make rules for the administration of the affairs of the Commission (I.C. 36-7-4-401(a)(1));
(2) Procedures. Prescribe uniform rules pertaining to investigations and hearings (I.C. 36-7-4-401(a)(2));
(3) Record keeping. Maintain a complete record of all proceedings (I.C. 36-7-4-401(a)(3));
(4) Meeting time and records. Fix the time for holding regular meetings each month, or as necessary, keep minutes of all meetings, and maintain all minutes and records in the office of the Commission (I.C. 36-7-4-306);
(5) Certification. Adopt a seal and certify all official acts (I.C. 36-7-4- 401(a)(6) and (7));
(6) Recommendations. Make recommendations to the participating legislative bodies concerning the adoption and amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Ordinance (including the zoning map), the Subdivision Control Ordinance, and planned unit development district ordinances (I.C. 36-7-4-405(a)(1));
(7) Decisions. Approve or deny plats, re-plats, and amendments to plats consistent with the I.C. 36-7-4-700 series (I.C. 36-7-4- 405(a)(2));
(8) Surety. Assume responsibility for the custody and preservation of all Commission documents and papers (I.C. 36-7-401(a)(4));
(9) Publications. Prepare, publish, and distribute reports, ordinances, and other material relating to the activities authorized by the Indiana Code (I.C. 36-7-4-401(a)(5));
(10) Fiscal supervision. Supervise the fiscal affairs of the Commission (I.C. 36-7-4-401(b)(1));
(11) Budgeting. Prepare and submit an annual budget to the County Council. (I.C. 36-7-4-401(b)(2));
(12) Employees. Prescribe the qualifications of, appoint, remove, and fix the compensation of the employees of the Commission, consistent with the compensation fixed by the County Council (I.C. 36-7-4-402(b));
(13) Street names and addresses. Assign street numbers to lots and structures, renumber lots and structures, assign street names, and approve or deny proposed street names in new developments in conjunction with the County Sheriff's office (I.C. 36-7-4-405(b)(1), (2), and (3));
(14) Board of Zoning Appeals facilities. Provide suitable facilities for the holding of BZA hearings and for the preserving of records, documents, and accounts (I.C. 36-7-4-914); and
(15) Other duties. All additional duties as established by the Indiana Code.
(B) Powers. Powers should be interpreted as activities that are optional and may be initiated by the Commission. Plan Commission powers include:
(1) Advisory committees. Establish advisory committees as necessary, composed of specific members and organized for specific purposes (I.C. 36-7-4-407);
(2) Executive committee. Establish an executive committee (I.C. 36- 7-4-408);
(3) Funding assistance. Seek funding assistance through grant programs as necessary (I.C. 36-7-4-409) and accept gifts, donations, and grants (I.C. 36-7-4-310);
(4) Fee schedule. Establish a schedule of fees to defray the administrative costs of the official actions of the Commission (I.C. 36-7-4-411);
(5) Secretary. Appoint and fix the duties of a secretary (I.C. 36-7-4- 304);
(6) Professional services. Contract for special or temporary services and any professional counsel (I.C. 36-7-4-311); and
(7) Other powers. All additional powers as permitted by the Indiana Code.
(C) Communication with Plan Commission members. No person (including applicants, remonstrators, and other interested parties) may communicate with any member of the Commission before the hearing with intent to influence the member's action on a matter pending before Plan Commission.
(Ord. 2007-1B, passed 2-5-07)