(A) This subchapter hereby authorizes the creation of a historic preservation commission known as the Sage Creek Heritage Preservation Society.
(B) The Mayor shall appoint board members to the SCHPS; each appointment will be subject to approval by the Town Council. The Mayor shall attempt to draw upon a wide range of backgrounds and interests to represent the town’s diverse heritage.
(C) The SCHPS shall consist of five members.
(D) Members of the SCHPS shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.
(E) At least two members of the SCHPS must reside within the boundaries of the local jurisdiction.
(F) All SCHPS members must have a demonstrated interest, knowledge or experience in the fields related to historic preservation as described below.
(G) (1) To the extent that such professionals are available in the community, at least two members of the SCHPS shall be professionals in fields related to historic preservation (e.g., history, architectural history, archeology, historical architecture, planning or other related disciplines such as: American civilization, cultural geography or cultural anthropology).
(2) If historic preservation professionals do not reside within the county, expertise may be obtained from other state communities. Information on the credentials of the SCHPS members must be kept on file and available for public inspection.
(H) When an appropriate discipline is not represented among the SCHPS members, the SCHPS shall be required to seek the appropriate expertise when considering National Register nominations or other actions that will impact properties which are normally evaluated by a professional in such disciplines.
(I) Minutes or records of the proceedings of the SCHPS shall be transmitted to the town as well as to members of the SCHPS. The SCHPS shall monitor and report to the SHPO any activity affecting significant property within its jurisdiction.
(J) An annual report of the activities of the SCHPS shall be submitted to the town and the SHPO. Such reports shall include, but are not limited to, items such as: the number and type of cases reviewed, review decisions, proposed nominations, updated resumes of SCHPS members, appointments to the SCHPS, meeting attendance records, progress reports on survey activities and National Register nominations reviewed.
(K) SCHPS meetings must be held at least twice a year.
(L) The appointing authority shall act within 90 days to fill a vacancy.
(M) Each SCHPS member is required to attend at least one informational or educational meeting per year, as sponsored by the SHPO, that pertains to the work and functions of the SCHPS or to Historic Preservation Commissions.
(N) The SCHPS, in addition to the appropriations made by the town, shall have the right to receive, hold and spend funds which it may legally receive from any and every source both in and out of the state for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter.
(O) The SCHPS shall adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. Such rules of procedures shall be filed with the town. Terms of the SCHPS members and the election of officers shall be discussed within the SCHPS’s rules of procedure.
(Ord. passed 8-8-1991)