Ordinance #344-99: An Ordinance Establishing a Planning Commission

An ordinance signifying the intention and desire of the Borough Council of Darlington Borough of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, to create and establish a planning commission under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code of Act 247 of July 31, 1968, reenacted and amended by Act 170 of December 21, 1998, P.L. 1329, for the purpose of preparing and maintaining a plan for the coordinated development of Darlington Borough, Beaver County, based on physical, social, economic and governmental conditions and trends, and to provide for and protect the health, safety and general welfare of residents.

Be it ordained and enacted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Darlington.

Sec. 1.   That the Borough Council of Darlington Borough hereby signifies its intention and desire to organize a Planning Commission under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of July 31, 1968, reenacted and amended by Act 170 of December 21, 1988, P.L.1329.

Sec. 3.   The Borough of Council will appoint the members of the Planning Commission of the Borough the term of office of the member shall be four (4) years and should expire on December 31 or until a successor is appointed and qualified, except that the terms of the members first appointment pursuant to this part shall be as follows:

  1. Charles Ron Gerra shall be appointed to the Planning Commission for a term of one (1) year ending December 31, 2000.
  2. Grace Connor shall be appointed to Planning Commission for a term of one (1) year ending December 31, 2000.
  3. Jodi Koah shall be appointed to the Planning Commission for a term of two (2) years ending December 31, 2001.
  4. Dal Watterson shall be appointed to the Planning Commission for a term of three (3) years ending December 31, 2002.
  5. Darlene Weigel shall be appointed to the Planning Commission for a term of four (4) years ending December 31, 2003.

Sec. 4.

  1. The Planning Commission shall, at the request of the Borough Council, have the power and shall be required to:
  • Prepare the comprehensive plan for the development of the Municipality as set forth in the MPC, and present it for the consideration of the Borough Council.
  • Maintain and keep on file records of its actions. All records and files of the Planning Commission shall be in the possession of the Borough Council. Note: Elected or appointed officers or employees of the Borough may serve on the Planning Commission. However, on a commission of three (3) members at least two (2) shall be citizen members; on a commission of five (5) members at least three (3) shall be citizen members.
  • Prepare, recommend, and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations.
  • Prepare and present to council a building code and housing code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
  • Do such other acts or make studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by MPC.
  • Prepare and present to the Borough Council of Darlington Borough an environmental study.
  • Submit to council a recommended capital improvement program.
  • Prepare and present to Borough Council of Darlington Borough a water survey which shall be consistent with the Commonwealth Water Plan and any applicable water resources plan adopted by a river basin commission. The water survey shall be conducted in consultation with any public water supplier in the area to be surveyed.
  • Promote public interest in, and understanding of the comprehensive plan and planning.
  • Make recommendations to governmental civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
  • Hold public hearings and meetings.
  • Present testimony before any board.
  • Require from other departments and agencies of the Borough such agencies of the Borough such available information as relates to the work of the planning agency.
  • In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and land surveys with the consent of the owner.
  • Prepare and present to the Borough Council a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within Darlington Borough.
  • Review the zoning ordinance subdivision and land development ordinance, official maps, provisions for planned residential development, and such other ordinances and regulations governing the development of land no less frequently than it reviews the comprehensive plan.

Sec. 5.   The planning Commission may, with the consent of the Borough Council, accept and utilize any fund, personnel or other assistance made available by the County, the Commonwealth, or the Federal Government, or any of their agencies or from private sources. The Borough Council may enter into agreements of contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization or the funds or assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures of the Borough.

Sec. 6.   All other resolutions and ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith, are hereby repealed.

Duly presented and ordained and enacted at a regular meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Darlington, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, held the 1st day of November, 1999.

Romaine Shugars, President of Council

Attest:                                                            Virginia Martin, Secretary of Council

Earl Shugars, Mayor

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