(A) Powers and duties. The Planning Commission shall have those powers and duties as prescribed by law, and such other duties as are established in this chapter, including:
(1) Prepare and maintain a general development plan;
(2) Review and make recommendations to the Township Board regarding adoption of a zoning ordinance and subsequent amendments thereto;
(3) Review and decide special land uses in accordance with this chapter;
(4) Review and approve site plans in accordance with this chapter;
(5) Review and make recommendation to the Township Board regarding tentative preliminary plat review of subdivisions under Public Act 288 of 1967, being M.C.L.A. §§ 560.101 through 560.293, as amended;
(6) Review and approval of proposed public works projects;
(7) Conduct necessary public hearings as required by law regarding matters before the Commission for review, recommendation or approval; and
(8) Review and take appropriate action on all other matters which are subject to Planning Commission review authority as required by law.
(B) Meetings and records.
(1) The Planning Commission shall hold regular meetings as scheduled each year. The Planning Commission shall also conduct such special meetings as shall be called by the Chair.
(2) All meetings of the Planning Commission shall be conducted in compliance with Public Act 267 of 1976, being M.C.L.A. §§ 15.261 through 15.275, as amended, the Open Meetings Act.
(3) Applicants shall appear at hearing(s) regarding their case, either personally or by designated representatives who are authorized by the applicant to act on their behalf for purposes of the application. The Planning Commission may conduct required hearings and reach a decision on all applications without the applicant being present if the applicant does not request a continuance or postponement in writing prior to the hearing.
(4) The Planning Commission shall make no decision except in a specific case and after required hearing, if applicable.
(5) A simple majority of the members of the Planning Commission shall constitute a quorum, without which the Planning Commission shall not conduct business. The concurring vote of a simple majority of the members of the Planning Commission shall be required to pass a motion regarding any matter brought before the Commission, unless otherwise required by state law, this chapter or township ordinances.
(6) The Secretary shall prepare and maintain minutes of all Planning Commission proceedings. The minutes shall be the final authority on proceedings of the Planning Commission. The Commission shall approve all minutes prior to their designation and use as the official record of proceedings. Where a written record is required or requested, the approved minutes, along with any plans or other information submitted with the application shall constitute the written decision.
(7) The official records of the Planning Commission shall be maintained by the Township Clerk or the administrative official so designated.
(8) The Planning Commission may adopt by-laws for the conduct of its meetings and hearings.
(C) Appeals from decisions of the Planning Commission. Appeals from decisions of the Planning Commission shall be taken in the manner provided by law.
(Ord. passed 10-11-2000)