A. Creation, Composition, Terms of Members, Vacancies, Compensation of Members.
1. There is created a city zoning commission to be known as the city planning and zoning commission.
2. The city of Safford planning and zoning commission shall be composed of a total of seven members who shall be residents and taxpayers of the city.
3. The members of the commission shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the common council of the city.
a. These appointments shall be for a period of four years each, with the terms of the members staggered so that the terms of no more than three members shall expire in any one year.
b. The initial appointments shall be for two members with terms for one year; for two members with terms for three years; and for three members with terms for four years.
c. Members shall be appointed for a four- year term thereafter on July 1st of each year at the expiration of each prior appointment. In the event of death or resignation of a member, the vacancy may be filled for the unexpired term.
d. The term of all members shall extend until their successors are qualified, however, three successive unexcused or unexplained absences from any regular or special meeting shall be grounds for termination at the will and pleasure of the mayor without the necessity of a hearing or notice, and such action shall be final.
4. All members shall serve without pay. However, members of the commission may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties upon authorization or ratification by the commission and approval of such expenditures by the common council.
B. Powers and Duties.
1. It shall be the duty of the commission to hold public hearings where necessary and make recommendations to the council on all matters concerning or relating to the creation of zoning districts, the boundaries, zoning changes, and use permits, the appropriate regulations to be enforced, the amendments of this title, and any other matter within the scope of the zoning power.
2. The council may, at its discretion, authorize the commission to approve amendments to a previously approved site plan. The commission is also authorized to confer and advise with other city, county, regional or state planning commissions.
C. Selection of Officers--Meetings and Rules.
1. The commission shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its own members, who shall serve for one year until their successors are elected and qualified.
a. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any similar organization.
b. The chairperson shall have the power to administer oaths and to take evidence.
c. The vice chairperson shall perform the duties of the chairperson in the latter's absence or disability.
2. The commission shall provide rules for its meetings; provided, however, that special meetings may be called by the chairperson or, in his or her absence, by the vice chairperson. In addition, any three members of the commission may make written request to the chairperson for a special meeting in such a manner and form as may be provided in the commission rules.
3. Four members shall constitute a quorum.
a. The affirmative vote of a majority of the commission shall be required for the passage of any matter before the commission.
b. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect the “ayes” and “noes” cast on a particular measure and shall reflect the vote of each member present.
c. A member may abstain from voting only upon a declaration that he or she has a conflict of interest. (Ord. 98-007; Ord. 96-347 § 1(11-22-11))