Sec. 28.

Where a zoning board of appeals already exists it may be appointed as the board of appeals under this act. Otherwise, the board of appeals shall consist of 5 members, each to be appointed for a term of 3 years and until his successor is appointed and qualified, 1 of whom shall be designated as chairman and 1 of whom shall be designated as vice-chairman, which appointments shall be made by the governing body of the political subdivision adopting the regulations, or by the joint airport zoning board adopting the regulations, as the case may be; and said members shall be removable by the appointing body for cause shown, upon written charges and after notice and opportunity for public hearing before the appointing body.

The concurring vote of a majority of the members of the board of appeals shall be sufficient for all purposes including the reversal of any order, requirement, decision or determination of the administrative agency, or a decision in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under the airport zoning regulations, or to effect any variation in such regulations.

The board shall adopt rules concerning its organization and procedure and other authorized matters, consistent with the provisions of this act, and in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance or resolution by which it was created. Meetings of the board shall be held at the call of the chairman and at such other times as the board may determine. The chairman, or in his absence, the vice-chairman, may administer oaths or affirmations and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses. All hearings of the board shall be public. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the offices of the board and shall be a public record.

In case of disobedience of a subpoena, the board or its duly authorized agents may invoke the aid of any circuit court of the state of Michigan in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records and papers pertaining to the question involved. Any of the circuit courts of the state within the jurisdiction of which such inquiry is carried on may, in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena, issue an order requiring such person to appear before said board or its duly authorized agents and to produce books, records and papers if so ordered and give evidence touching the matter in question; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.

History: 1950, Ex. Sess., Act 23, Imd. Eff. June 7, 1950