A Plan Commission is established pursuant to § 62.23(1), Wis. Stats., to undertake the responsibilities as defined in this chapter and as allowed by state law.
A. 
Generally. The Plan Commission shall have such powers as may be necessary to enable it to perform its functions and promote the proper planning for the Village of Richfield, whether enumerated in this section or not.[1]
[1]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(4), Wis. Stats.
B. 
Right to enter property. The Plan Commission, along with its individual members and authorized agents, may enter upon land which is the subject of a pending application it has authority to act on as set forth in § 170.05.[2]
[2]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(4), Wis. Stats.
C. 
Staff. The Plan Commission may employ, or contract for the services of, such professional planning technicians and staff as are considered necessary for the discharge of the duties and responsibilities of the Commission, provided that such expense does not exceed the appropriation that may be made for the Commission by the Village Board for such purpose.[3]
[3]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(1)(e), Wis. Stats.
D. 
Comprehensive Plan. The Plan Commission may by resolution recommend to the Village Board the adoption of or amendment to a Comprehensive Plan.[4]
[4]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(2), Wis. Stats.
E. 
Code amendments. The Plan Commission shall act on proposed amendments of this chapter as set forth in Article 5.
F. 
Development review. The Plan Commission shall render decisions and recommendations relating to development applications required by this chapter.
G. 
Interpretation of this code. The Plan Commission shall act on interpretations of this chapter as set forth in Article 5.
A. 
Number and appointment. The Plan Commission shall consist of seven regular members, five of whom are residents of the Village who do not hold an elected office in the Village and are appointed by the Village Board. Subject to the confirmation of the Village Board, the Village President shall appoint the two other members. One or both of such appointees may be Village Board members. The Village President may include himself/herself as one of the Village Board member appointees.
B. 
Terms. Each citizen member shall be appointed to a three-year term.[1] Initial appointments in May 2008 shall be staggered as determined by the Village Board. The term of a Village Trustee shall be for one year and can be reappointed for consecutive terms without limitation. The term of the Village President shall coincide with his or her elected term.
[1]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(1)(d), Wis. Stats.
C. 
Considerations in making citizen appointments. Citizen members shall be persons of recognized experience and qualifications and shall be residents of the Village of Richfield.[2]
[2]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(1)(d), Wis. Stats.
D. 
Conditions for removal. A citizen member shall be removed from the Plan Commission and the member's office declared vacant when the member moves outside of the Village. If the Village President or a Village Trustee serving on the Commission resigns or is removed from his or her office, or his or her term expires, his or her term on the Commission shall automatically terminate.
The Village President may also be the Chairperson of the Plan Commission or may appoint a citizen member as Chair, for a one-year term in that capacity. The Plan Commission shall elect a Vice Chair annually in June. If the Chairperson is absent for a meeting, the Vice Chair shall preside over the meeting. The Commission may create and fill other offices.
The Plan Commission may adopt rules of procedure to carry out its purposes. All such rules shall conform to this chapter, other Village regulations, and state law and shall be filed in the office of the Village Clerk.[1]
[1]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(2), Wis. Stats.
Meetings of the Plan Commission are open to the public unless conducted in close session as authorized by state law. All meetings, except site visits, shall be conducted in the Village Hall or in such other public place as may be selected by the Commission.
The Plan Commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings. The Commission may amend previously adopted minutes, provided that such revision is based on substantive evidence.
Meetings of the Plan Commission are held at the call of the Chairperson of the Commission and at such other times as the Commission may determine.
A. 
Requirements for quorum. A quorum of the Plan Commission shall consist of four voting members. If there is not a quorum present, the fact shall be entered in the minutes, and the meeting adjourned.
B. 
Requirements for voting. Unless otherwise specifically stated, a decision of the Plan Commission shall be approved by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting in which a quorum is in attendance and voting.
C. 
Disqualification or voluntary abstention. A member of the Plan Commission shall abstain from voting on a particular issue or shall be disqualified by majority vote of the remaining members present when:
(1) 
The member has a direct financial interest in the outcome of the matter at issue;
(2) 
The member has such close personal ties to the applicant, the project, or to a party opposing the application that the member cannot reasonably be expected to exercise sound judgment in the public interest;
(3) 
The member would violate the code of ethics set forth in Ch. 19 Wis. Stats., or any ethics code as may be adopted by the Village;
(4) 
Participation in the matter might violate the letter or spirit of a member's code of professional responsibility; or
(5) 
Another law precludes participation.
The Village Board shall establish annually the compensation to be paid to members to defray expenses related to service on the Plan Commission.
Citizen members of the Plan Commission shall take the official oath as required by § 19.01, Wis. Stats. The Village Clerk shall keep a copy of such oaths.