(A) The ZBA shall conduct regular meetings as scheduled each year, or at the call of the chairperson. The chairperson shall set the time and date for meetings. The ZBA shall also conduct such special meetings as shall be called by the chairperson and/or by a majority of the ZBA members. All meetings of the ZBA shall be conducted in accordance with Public Act 267 of 1976, being M.C.L.A. §§ 15.261 through 15.275, as amended, the Open Meetings Act.
(B) Applicants shall appear at the hearing, either personally or by designated representative whose identity and authority shall be conformed by the applicant in writing. Nothing in this division (B) shall relieve the applicant from providing competent testimony or evidence in support of the relief requested, including responses to questions or requests by the ZBA regarding the applicant’s position on a relevant issue and/or possible conditions on a favorable decision. The ZBA may conduct the required hearing and reach a decision on all applications without the applicant being present if applicant does not request a continuance in writing prior to the hearing.
(C) The ZBA shall make no decision except in a specific case and after required hearing.
(D) Two members of the ZBA shall constitute a quorum, without which the ZBA shall not conduct business. The concurring vote of a majority of the membership of the ZBA shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of an administrative official, board or commission made in the administration of this chapter, or to decide in favor of an applicant on any matter upon which the ZBA is required to pass under this chapter, or to grant a variance from the terms of this chapter.
(E) The Secretary of the ZBA shall prepare minutes of the ZBA proceedings, showing the findings, decisions, conditions, if any and votes of each member in each case, including a member’s absence or failure to vote. The minutes shall be within the ultimate authority, and shall be the responsibility of, the secretary of the ZBA, and shall be subject to approval of the ZBA. To the extent that a written decision in a case is requested or required, the minutes, along with the plan submitted, shall serve as the written decision, even if the minutes are awaiting final ZBA approval.
(F) The official records of the ZBA proceedings shall be filed in the Township Clerk’s office and shall be public records.
(Ord. passed 10-11-2000) Penalty, see § 153.999