All territory in Stafford County, Kansas, and in the cities of Hudson, Macksville, Radium, Stafford, St. John, and Seward in the State of Kansas, are hereby designated as the Regional Planning Area.

(Code 1982, 18-401)

A joint planning commission for such area defined in 16-401, is hereby created and is hereby designated as “The Stafford County Joint Planning Commission.” 

(Code 1982, 18-402)

The Stafford County Joint Planning Commission shall consist of 12 members, including one from each of the incorporated cities, duly appointed by the governing bodies of the respective cities of Hudson, Macksville, Radium, Stafford, St. John, and Seward who shall reside within the city limits of the city represented. The board of commissioners of Stafford County shall appoint the remaining members from the county at large. No member, other than the city representatives listed above, shall reside within the city limits of any incorporated city in Stafford County. All members shall be appointed for a term of three years, except that the respective terms of four of the members first appointed shall be for a term of one year, and four of the members first appointed shall be for a term of two years, and four of the members first appointed shall be for a term of three years, as equally distributed from the various areas of Stafford County as is possible. Such members shall continue to hold such office until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring during any term shall be filled by the authority first making the appointment, for the remainder of the unexpired term. 

(Code 1982, 18-403)

All members of the commission shall serve without compensation. 

(Code 1982, 18-404)

A  member  of  the commission shall not be removed during his or her term of office except for cause and after hearing held before the governing body by whom he or she was appointed, or in case of disqualification by moving out of the County of Stafford, or by moving out of the area represented on the planning commission. 

(Code 1982, 18-405)

The commission shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson, from among its members, who shall serve for terms of one year with re-election privileges. 

(Code 1982, 18-406)

The commission shall adopt by-laws, including rules for the transaction of commission business, which shall include but not be limited to:

(a)   Each member of the commission shall have one vote, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson.

(b)   Seven members shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at any meeting of the commission.

(c)   Meetings shall be held regularly, at least once per month, on a date determined by the commission. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson, or the vice-chairperson in the absence of the chairperson, upon at least 24 hour notice, by mail, telephone, or other acceptable communications. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.

(Code 1982, 18-407)

The Stafford County Joint Planning Commission shall have all the functions, duties and powers provided in K.S.A. 12-716 to 12-721 inclusive, as amended.

In the exercise of its general functions, duties and powers, the commission:

(a)   Shall prepare and recommend to the board of county commissioners of Stafford County, Kansas, and the governing bodies of the cities herein named, a regional plan or functional segments thereof, that may include, but not be limited to, recommendations for the coordinated use of land, recommended development of parks and recreational areas, schools and public institutions, public building, public utilities  and  public  works ,  financial  planning  including  capital  improvements programs, coordinated land use and subdivision procedures and regulations, program for the elimination of blighted areas, including housing codes, building, plumbing and electrical codes, and the procedures for enforcement.

(b)   Such joint planning commission shall, in the interest of economy and efficiency and in the interest of uniform standards and procedures, wholly assume the duties and functions that are provided by law to the cities and counties in Kansas, in connection with the preparation, recommendation, implementation, and administration of local plans and planning programs of the Stafford County regional plan.

(c)   Such joint planning commission may employ such staff and/or professional consultants, as it may require, subject to approved budgetary requirements and limitations hereinafter provided.

(d)   The Stafford County joint planning commission is hereby authorized to apply for, receive and expend federal funds and to enter into contracts with the United States Government and to perform and carry out its duties and functions and further to provide planning assistance to the municipalities named herein within the limitations of the budget hereinafter provided.

(Code 1982, 18-408)

Other public bodies, not parties to this resolution and agreement may be included herein as provided by law, should future planning requirements necessitate their inclusion. 

(Code 1982, 18-409)