36-1476. Slum clearance and redevelopment commission

A. In addition to the other powers conferred by this article a municipality by resolution of its governing body may create a slum clearance and redevelopment commission, which shall be an agent of the municipality for the exercise of powers of the municipality under this article.

B. If the governing body of a municipality adopts a resolution as described in subsection A of this section, the mayor, by and with the advice and consent of the governing body, shall appoint a board of commissioners for the slum clearance and redevelopment commission, which shall consist of five commissioners. Three of the commissioners first appointed pursuant to this article shall be designated to serve for terms of one, two and three years respectively and two commissioners shall be appointed for four years each, from the date of their appointment. After the initial appointment of commissioners, members of the commission shall be appointed for a term of office of four years, except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term.

C. A commissioner is not eligible to receive compensation but is eligible to receive reimbursement of expenses. Each commissioner shall hold office until a successor has been appointed and has qualified. A certificate of the appointment or reappointment of any commissioner shall be filed with the clerk of the municipality and is conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment.

D. The powers delegated by a municipality to a slum clearance and redevelopment commission shall be exercised by the commissioners. A majority of the commissioners constitutes a quorum for the purpose of conducting business and exercising the powers of the commission and for all other purposes. Action may be taken by the commission upon a vote of a majority of the commissioners present. Any person may be appointed as a commissioner if the person resides within the area of operation of the commission and is otherwise eligible under this article.

E. The mayor shall designate a chairman and vice-chairman from among the commissioners. A commission may be authorized by the local governing body to employ an executive director, technical experts and other officers, agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it requires and to determine their qualifications, duties and compensation. For legal services a commission may, with approval of the mayor, call upon the chief law officer of the municipality or it may be authorized by the local governing body to employ its own counsel and legal staff. A commission shall file a report of its activities with the local governing body periodically as the local governing body requires, but at least once a year, and shall make recommendations regarding additional legislation or other action that may be necessary to enable it to carry out the purposes of this article.

F. For inefficiency or neglect of duty or misconduct in office, a commissioner may be removed by the mayor, but a commissioner shall be removed only after a hearing and after the commissioner has been given a copy of the charges at least ten days prior to the hearing and had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel.