(A) An Architectural and Design Commission is hereby established and shall serve without pay. Such Board shall consist of seven persons, appointed by Council from a list submitted by the Mayor. All members should have to the highest extent possible a recognized knowledge of and known interest in architectural preservation and design together with a determination to work for the overall improvement of the quality of downtown Cambridge's physical environment. Membership of the Commission shall include: one member recommended by Council; one member of the administrative staff, who shall serve as secretary of the Commission; two members shall be from the architecture or design field of expertise; three members shall be business owners or property owners from the Downtown Historic District; one member shall be a resident at-large with demonstrated interest in historic preservation and commercial architecture and design. Three members shall be appointed for an initial term of one year; two members shall be appointed to an initial term of two years; and two members shall be appointed for an initial term of three years. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made.
(B) At their first meeting, the appointed commissioners shall elect officers who shall serve for terms of one year. The Commission may establish any rules necessary for the orderly conduct of its business. All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public. The Commission shall keep a record, open to public view, which shall be of its resolutions, proceedings and actions. The Commission shall elect from its membership a chair who shall serve for a term of one year and who shall be eligible for re-election. The chair shall preside over the Commission and shall have the right to vote. The Commission shall hold a regular meeting on such dates to be decided by the Commission. Deadlines for filing applications for certificates of appropriateness shall be determined by the Commission. The Downtown Project Manager shall provide professional support to the Commission and shall attend all workshops, regular and special called meetings held by the Commission. The Commission shall prepare, for the full Council's approval, the guidelines to be followed in the established Downtown Historical District.
(Ord. 72-92, passed 9-28-92)