(a) The Planning Commission may appoint and prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of a secretary, and such employees as are necessary for the discharge of the duties and the responsibilities of the Commission. All such compensation, however, shall be in conformity to and in compliance with the salaries and compensation theretofore fixed by the Council, and any such compensation or salaries shall be approved by the City Council.
(b) The Planning Commission may make contracts for special or temporary services and any professional counsel. The members of the Commission by virtue of such membership, shall not be precluded from performing special or temporary services or services as professional counsel; provided, that the fee for any such special or temporary services or the fee for professional counsel must be approved by Council.