The planning commission shall elect its president for a term of one year from among the appointed members. The commission shall hold at least one regular meeting in each month. It shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, and such record shall be a public record. The commission may appoint such officers and employees as it may deem necessary for its work, and the appointment, promotion, demotion, and removal of such officers and employees shall be subject to the same provisions of law as govern other corresponding civil employees. The commission may contract with architects, city planners, engineers, and other consultants for such services as it may require.