Chapter 2.50
PLANNING COMMISSION

Sections:

2.50.010  Planning commission created.

2.50.020  Membership.

2.50.030  Duties.

2.50.040  Organization.

2.50.010 Planning commission created.

There is hereby created a planning commission consisting of five members appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the town council. This commission shall serve pursuant to the authority granted by RCW 35.63.020. The planning commission shall serve the town council as an advisory body with power to recommend policy to the town council. (Ord. 412 § 1, 2000)

2.50.020 Membership.

(1) Planning commissioners shall serve without compensation.

(2) The term of office of the five commissioners shall be for four years and staggered in such a way that the terms of three commissioners shall expire in even-numbered years and the terms of two commissioners shall expire in odd-numbered years.

(3) A commissioner shall attend no less than 80 percent of regular meetings during any 12-month period. Meetings missed after prearrangement with the chair shall not be considered in this calculation. Failure to meet attendance requirements shall be grounds for removal by the town council.

(4) Each member of the planning commission must be a town resident. In selecting the planning commission, the town council shall seek to ensure representation that includes members with an understanding of architecture and urban planning, economic development, community involvement, and the specific concerns of Cathlamet residents and business operators.

(5) A member may be removed for inefficiency, malfeance, or neglect of duty by the mayor with concurrence of a majority of the town council. The decision of the town council regarding membership shall be final and there shall be no appeal therefrom.

(6) If participation in any decision by any member of the commission presents a conflict of interest or creates an appearance of unfairness, that member shall recuse him or herself from deliberations or voting as to that issue. Members of the commission shall fully comply with Chapter 42.23 RCW, Codes of Ethics for Municipal Officers, Chapter 42.36 RCW, Appearance of Fairness, and such other rules and regulations as may be adopted from time to time by the town council regulating the conduct of any person holding appointive office within the town. (Ord. 412 § 2, 2000)

2.50.030 Duties.

The planning commission shall serve as the principal advisory board to the town council with responsibility for providing guidance and direction for land use policy. Duties of the commission shall include:

(1) Providing recommendations to the town council for development and review of the comprehensive plan in compliance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. This includes establishing procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of the comprehensive land use plan and development regulations implementing the plan.

(2) Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the zoning map and table of permitted uses.

(3) Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the development regulations.

(4) Other duties as assigned by the town council relating to subjects referred to in Chapter 35.63 RCW. (Ord. 412 § 3, 2000)

2.50.040 Organization.

(1) The town council may select a chair and vice chair and may create and fill other such offices as it may determine it requires. The commission shall hold at least one regular meeting every three months and the chair shall deliver a status report to the town council at least once every three months.

(2) At least once each year, the commission shall meet with the town council to discuss the commission’s work and land-use policy in general.

(3) The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, including rules of procedure.

(4) A majority of planning commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition.

(5) The planning commission shall conduct its meetings in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and shall keep a written record of its meetings, resolutions, transactions, finding, and determinations. (Ord. 412 § 4, 2000)