§ 58-31. Created; bylaws.

The North Georgia Area Planning and Development Commission was created as authorized by state law. The city resolved to join and support the commission. The following are included in the bylaws of the commission:

(1)

Composition, appointment, tenure. The area planning and development commission consists of four members from each of the counties participating in the area planning commission. Of the four members from each county, two shall be appointed by the governing authority of the municipality wherein the county seat is located, and the other two members shall be appointed by the governing authority of the county. The term of office for all members shall be for five years, except that the initial appointment by the mayor and council of the city shall be for a term of four years.

(2)

Vacancies. Any vacancy in membership shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governing authority having made the initial appointment to that position which has become vacant.

(3)

Removal. Each governing authority shall have the power to remove for cause any member it appoints upon giving written notice and after a public hearing.

(4)

Compensation. All members shall serve without compensation.

(5)

Organization, rules of procedure. The area planning commission elects a chairman and vice-chairman from among its appointive members. The term of office of the chairman and vice-chairman shall be for one year or until reelection or their successors are elected. The area planning commission shall appoint a secretary who may be an employee of the area planning commission. The area planning commission shall meet at least once each month at the call of the chairman and at such other times as the chairman or the area planning commission may determine; shall adopt rules for the transactions of business; and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations. All area planning commission records shall be public records.

(6)

Staff and finances. The area planning commission may appoint such employees and staff as it may deem necessary for its work. In the performance of its duties, the area planning commission may cooperate with, contract with or accept funds from federal, state or local, public or semipublic agencies or private individuals or corporations; may spend such funds; and may carry out such operative undertakings and contracts. It may make expenditures for the purchase of required equipment and supplies. The expenditures of the area planning commission, exclusive of gifts to the area planning commission and contract receipts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the participating governing authorities.

(7)

Duties. It shall be the function and duty of the area planning commission to make such careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of existing conditions and probable future developments and to prepare such plans for physical, social and economic growth as will best promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity or the general welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the development of the entire North Georgia area and each political subdivision in such area.

(Code 1979, § 3-602)