The terms of the planning commission shall be staggered. Each member of the planning commission shall serve for a term of four years and until their successor is appointed, provided that the term of the first members shall be such that the terms of one member shall expire each year. Members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Terms of members of the planning commission shall begin on or before the first Monday in February of each year. The governing body may remove any member of the planning commission for cause and after public hearing, if one is requested. Vacancies shall be promptly filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. An unexpired term shall not be counted toward the maximum number of terms.

    The mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council, may appoint up to two alternate members to the planning commission for a term not to exceed four years. The prior term of an alternate member who subsequently becomes a full time member shall not prevent that member from serving two consecutive terms. (Ord. 12-11-2001C § 2 (part))