1. The commission shall elect its chairman and secretary from among the citizen members. The term of chairman and secretary shall be for one year with eligibility for reelection. The commission shall hold regular meetings and special meetings as they provided by rule, and shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a record of its proceedings. These records shall be public records. The commission shall appoint the employees and staff necessary for its work, and may contract with city planners and other professional persons for the services that it requires. The expenditures of the commission, exclusive of grants and gifts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by council.

2. Where a zoning or planning commission exists on October 13, 1963, it shall constitute the city planning commission for the purposes of sections 89.300 to 89.480 in lieu of the commission provided for herein with the same officers, membership procedures, powers and terms of office as theretofore existing, unless the council otherwise provides; except in a charter city where the provisions of the charter shall govern.