Planning Commission
Article 1: Name
This organization shall be called the “Crete Township Plan Commission,” hereinafter referred to as the “Plan Commission.”
Article 2: Purpose
This Commission shall be nonpartisan advisory group organized exclusively for land-use purposes. The duties of the Plan Commission shall be to review proposed subdivision plans, requests for map amendments, variances, special use permits, and any other changes of land usage within the Township. The Planning Commission shall forward their recommendations to the Crete Township Board for final approval. The Plan Commission will also review the Township Plan (currently the “Will County Land Resources Management Plan Summaries by Township.”)
Article 3: Membership
Section 1: Any registered voter having maintained a place of residence within the Township of Crete for a period of not less than six months shall be considered an eligible resident and therefore be eligible for membership in the Plan Commission.
Section 2: An Eligible Resident may become an official member of the Plan Commission provided he/she has submitted a letter of intent to serve on the Plan Commission. The resident must then be appointed by the Crete Township of Trustees at any regular or special meeting of that board.
Section 3: The Planning Commission shall consist of five members including the chairperson. The Commission, by affirmative vote of all the members, may suspend or expel any member for cause, after an appropriate hearing.
Section 4: If a member of the Planning Commission is absent from three consecutive meetings he/she must state to the commission his/her intentions of continuing to serve. At the meeting following three consecutive absences of any one member, the Commission may determine whether or not to terminate the individual’s membership.
Section 5: Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary of the Plan Commission who will then notify the Township Board of Trustees of a vacancy. A notice of the vacancy shall be printed in the local newspaper at which time letters of intent to serve on the Plan Commission will be requested.
Section 6: Membership is not transferable or assignable.
Section 7: Appointment to the Plan Commission shall be for a term of four (4) years. The term of two members shall expire each even number year in the month of May. Those members whose term is about to expire should submit, prior to April 30, a “letter of intent to continue to serve: to the township board. Reappointment will be determined by the township board at their May meeting.
Article 4: Meetings / Voting
Section 1: The annual meeting of the Plan Commission shall be the first regular meeting in the month of March of each year.
a. This meeting shall be devoted to the preparation of the Annual report to be presented to the Board of Trustees detailing the activities of the year past. Other business may also be scheduled for this meeting.
b. The Annual Report shall be presented to the Board of Trustees at the Trustees’ April meeting each year.
Section 2: Regular monthly meeting of the Commission shall be held on the first Thursday of each month at a predesignated, appropriate site. At such meeting, the Plan Commission shall consider all matters properly brought before it, with sufficient notice having been given to all members.
Section 3: A notice of the monthly meeting of the Plan Commission shall be posted at the Town Hall at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date. Notice of the meeting shall also be given to the local newspaper.
Section 4: A regular meeting may be rescheduled or canceled by the Commission at a prior meeting or by the Chairperson prior to the meeting.
Section 5: Special meetings of the Commission may be held at ta time and place designated by the officer calling the meeting. Written or verbal notice of same must be given to all members not less than 24 hours in advance thereof.
Section 6: At any meeting of the Plan Commission, a quorum shall consist of 3 members. No action, except adjournment to a subsequent date, shall be taken in absence of a quorum.
Section 7: All members attending a meeting, including the officers, shall be entitled to cast one vote. Voting shall be voice. Members having a personal interest in any such matter before the Plan Commission, shall disclose such interest to the Plan Commission, and shall be disqualified from voting on the matter. The Secretary shall so record in the minutes that no vote was cast by such member. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members in attendance at a meeting shall be necessary for the adoption of any resolution or other voting matter.
Article 5: Officers
Section 1: The officers of the Plan Commission shall be Chairperson who shall be appointed by the Township Board of Trustees for a term of two years, and a Secretary, appointed by the Chairperson. In the event of the Secretary’s absence from a meeting, the Chairperson shall designate a Secretary to act temporarily. In the event of the Chairperson’s absence, the Secretary shall act as Chairperson Pro-Tem with full authority.
Section 2: The duties and powers of the officers of the Plan Commission shall be as follows:
CHAIRPERSON:
- To preside at all meetings of the Plan Commission.
- To call special meetings and perform such other acts as may be necessary in accordance with these by-laws.
- to sign all documents of the Plan Commission.
- to prepare the meeting agenda.
SECRETARY:
- To keep the minutes of all meetings and activities of the Plan Commission which shall remain on file at the Town Hall for review.
- To handle any matters in conjunction with, and upon the directions of the Chairperson and the Plan Commission.
- Inform the township clerk which members were present for the meeting.
- Inform the township clerk of the next meeting date.
Section 3: In the event of an officer vacancy, the office shall be filled in accordance with Article V, Section 1, of these by-laws. The new officer shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the office.
Article 6: Amendments and Other
Section 1: All members shall be provided with a copy of the by-laws prior to the first meeting after their appointment.
Section 2: These by-laws may only be amended at the annual meeting of the Plan Commission provided that notice of said proposed amendment is given to each member, in writing, at least five days prior to said meeting, and upon approval by affirmative vote of a majority of all members in attendance.