The planning commission shall make studies, investigations and recommendations to the council regarding matters affecting general matters of planning including zoning, transportation, platting, and public improvements and such other related matters as may be assigned to it by the city council. The planning commission shall, if requested by the city council, adopt a comprehensive municipal plan for future developments and land use, and may, with consent of the council, prepare a capital improvements program for the purpose of determining priorities and apportioning the costs of scheduled public improvements. The commission shall, in performing the aforementioned responsibilities, exhibit the initiative in formulating plans which will be responsive to the anticipated needs and objectives of the city. (1981 Code 108 § 3)