Chapter 2.25
PLANNING COMMISSION
Sections:
2.25.030 Commissioners – Manner of appointment.
2.25.040 Terms, removal, filling of vacancies and compensation.
2.25.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the authority, responsibilities, membership and organization of the planning commission of the town of Twisp, Washington, so that it can effectively provide recommendations to the town council as set forth in this chapter, or under the laws of the state of Washington. (Ord. 542 § 1, 2005)
2.25.020 Powers and duties.
The planning commission of the town of Twisp shall act as an advisory body to the town council, including but not limited to the following:
(1) Provide recommendations to the town council for review and periodic updating of the town’s comprehensive plan;
(2) Provide recommendations to the town council for the development of new land use regulations or revisions of existing land use regulations for consideration by the town council;
(3) Provide recommendations to the town council regarding administration of land use regulations of the town;
(4) Cause the preparation and conveyance of reports to the town council, including findings of fact and recommendations of the planning commission on any land use application or proposed regulation which requires planning commission review as provided by ordinance or Washington State law;
(5) Such other related duties as requested by the mayor, town planner, or the town council, or as prescribed by ordinance or the laws of the state of Washington. (Ord. 688 § 1, 2015; Ord. 627 § 1, 2011; Ord. 542 § 2, 2005)
2.25.030 Commissioners – Manner of appointment.
The planning commission of the town of Twisp shall consist of five members, three of which shall be residents of the town of Twisp, all of which shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the town council. If requested, the planning commission may provide recommendations to the mayor for prospective appointees to the planning commission. (Ord. 802 § 1, 2023; Ord. 606, 2009; Ord. 542 § 3, 2005)
2.25.040 Terms, removal, filling of vacancies and compensation.
The term of office for the members appointed to such commission shall be designated as one one-year term, two two-year terms, and two three-year terms. After the initial terms have expired, subsequent appointments shall consist of a three-year term resulting in the expiration of no more than two in any given year. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired term. Commission members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and they shall serve without compensation.
Whenever a commission member is absent for three consecutive regular meetings of the commission or an aggregate of five regular or special meetings of the commission within a calendar year, unless permission is granted by a majority of the commission, the person’s right to the position shall be automatically terminated. Members may be removed by the mayor with the approval of the town council for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.
Upon the resignation or removal of any member, a successor shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council for the unexpired term. (Ord. 732 § 1, 2018; Ord. 688 § 1, 2015; Ord. 542 § 4, 2005)
2.25.050 Meetings.
The planning commission shall hold a general meeting once a month and other meetings will be held as deemed necessary to conduct the business of the planning commission. The planning commission shall adopt bylaws for the transaction of business and shall keep a written record of its meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which records shall be a public record. (Ord. 688 § 1, 2015; Ord. 542 § 5, 2005; Ord. 490 § 1, 1999)
2.25.060 Organization.
The planning commission shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from its members at their first meeting of the year and the chairman shall preside at the meetings of the board. Meeting agendas shall be determined based on council direction. The mayor shall designate a member of the paid staff of the town to serve as secretary. All meetings shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW). (Ord. 768 § 1, 2021; Ord. 739 § 1, 2018; Ord. 542 § 6, 1996)