There is hereby created the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC) in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Neosho, Allen, Montgomery, Wilson, and Woodson Counties.

(Ord. 685, Sec. 1; Code 2021)

Any incorporated city or county government within Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Neosho, Allen, Montgomery, Wilson, and Woodson Counties is eligible for membership in SEKRPC regional planning commission upon passage of an appropriate ordinance or resolution and acceptance by the commission. Each county shall be represented by its county chairperson or his or her designee from the commission. The county commission shall appoint one person from the county by a majority vote of each board of county commissioners. All member city mayors or their designees as appointed by each mayor shall meet together and appoint two elected officials or their designees to represent the county. The total membership from each member county shall be four persons who shall represent the county at a regional planning commission meeting. All mayors and chairperson of boards of county commissioners shall serve for their term of office. If another member of the city or county governing body is designated, he or she shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor or chairperson. All persons appointed to serve on the regional planning commission shall serve for one year starting on August 1 of each year. Such members shall continue to hold office until their successors are duly appointed and qualified.

(Ord. 685, Sec. 2; Code 2021)

All members of the commission shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. 685, Sec.3)

Meetings shall be held at least once each three months on a date determined by the commission. Special meeting may be called by the chairperson, the vice-chairperson in the absence of the chairperson, or as otherwise provided, upon at least 24 hour notice. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.

(Ord. 685, Sec. 9)

The SEKRPC regional planning commission shall have all the functions, duties and powers as provided in K.S.A. 12-716 to 12-721 inclusive, as amended. The general purpose of the SEKRPC regional planning commission shall be to make those studies and plans for the development of the region that will guide the unified development of the region, eliminate planning duplication and promote economy and efficiency in the coordinated development of the region and the general welfare and prosperity of its people. These plans may include, but shall not be limited to recommendations for refuse disposal systems, airports, parks and recreational area, public institutions, prevention of blighted conditions, regulatory codes and general capital improvement programs.

(Ord. 685, Sec. 5; Code 2021)

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

(a)   Membership;

(b)   Officers;

(c)   Meetings and Voting;

(d)   Organization of the Commission;

(e)   Staff;

(f)   Annual Budget and Sharing of Costs.

(Ord. 685, Sec. 6)