(a) Establish and Appointment of Board Members. The Design Review Board is hereby established consisting of seven (7) citizens of Ross County at least five of which shall reside or own property in the City. Each member shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council for terms of two (2) years, and may be reappointed for consecutive terms. Current members on the Design Review Board at the time of the adoption of this chapter may continue to serve until the end of their current term(s). At least one (1) member of the Design Review Board shall also be a member of the Planning Commission as designated by Planning Commission, and one (1) member shall be a member of Council as designated by Council. At least three (3) members of the Design Review Board appointed by the Mayor, shall be residents, business owners, or property owners in the District at the time of the member's appointment. In appointing members, the Mayor shall consider a potential member's qualifications which may include demonstrated experience in redevelopment of owned District property, active participation in business organization (such as the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, or similar) within the District, professional training, experience in the fields of historic preservation, architecture, design, or related disciplines.
(b) Organization and Meetings. Upon initial appointment of a new Design Review Board, the Mayor shall appoint a temporary chair, who shall call the first meeting of the new Design Review Board. The first meeting shall take place no later than 60 days subsequent to the Council approval of the Design Review Board, at which time the members shall meet and elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. The Design Review Board shall not hold less than six (6) meetings per year.
(c) Quorum. Four (4) members of the Design Review Board shall constitute a quorum. The concurring vote of four (4) members shall be necessary to pass any motion or action.
(d) Vacancies. The Mayor shall fill vacancies on the Design Review Board within 60 days of the position becoming vacant. Such appointments shall fill the remainder of the term vacated by the original appointee.
(e) Concept Reviews. The Design Review Board may assist owners by conducting nonbinding concept reviews before an application for any certificate of appropriateness, if requested by the owner.
(f) Duties and Procedures. The Design Review Board shall have such duties and powers as necessary to administer the requirements of this chapter and as may be specified by City Ordinance. The Design Review Board shall adopt its own procedural rules and guidelines.
(Ord. 23-12. Passed 3-26-12.)