(a) Composition.
(1) The Village Board shall establish a five (5) member Historic Preservation Committee vested with the authority and responsibility to propose action to safeguard and preserve the historic heritage of the Village of Edgar. In this role, the Historic Preservation Committee will act in an advisory capacity to the Village Board in all matters concerning properties which are designated as historical sites, structures, landmarks and districts within the Village of Edgar.
(2) The Plan Commission is designated to serve as the Committee, but if not, the Historical Preservation Committee members shall be chosen and appointed with consideration of one (I) or more of the following qualities:
a. Active interest in the historic preservation of the Village of Edgar.
b. Knowledge of the history of the Village of Edgar and its environs.
c. Expertise and knowledge concerning architecture and archeology.
d. Ability to utilize authoritative resources concerning historic preservation.
(3) The initial five (5) member committee shall be appointed to serve terms as follows: position number one (I), one (1) year; position number two (2), two (2) years; position number three (3), three (3) years; position number four (4), four (4) years; and, position number five (5), five (5) years. As each term expires, a new appointment or reappointment shall be made by the Village Board for a term of five (5) years. The Historic Preservation Committee shall furnish recommendations to the Village Board for consideration for new appointments.
(4) The Historic Preservation Committee shall elect a chairperson to serve a one (1) year term. This chairperson may be reelected or a new chairperson may be elected annually.
(5) The Historic Preservation Committee shall hold meetings upon the call of its chairperson. Additional meetings shall be held as needed to perform the duties of the Committee. A quorum shall consist of three (3) members.
(6) The Village Board, Plan Commission, Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector shall be fully informed of the decisions and recommendations of the Historic Preservation Committee in order to distinguish and expedite actions to promote and safeguard the Village's program of historic preservation.
(b) Inventory of Cultural Resources. The Village Board shall direct and empower the Historic Preservation Committee to establish and maintain a continuing inventory of cultural resources in the Village of Edgar for consideration for placement on the historic register of the Village. Historic sites, structures, landmarks and districts shall be chosen for their eligibility as described under Section 15-7-4 below.
(c) Nomination of Properties. Property nominated by the Historic Preservation Committee to be designated as a historic site, structure, landmark or part of a district shall require a public hearing under the direction of the Plan Commission with the approval of the Village Board. Notice of the public hearing shall be published and also mailed to the owners of the property proposed.
(d) Notice to Owners. The Historic Preservation Committee shall provide full information to the property owners of the civic advantages and responsibilities involved in accepting such designation. Approval of the property owners shall be obtained a prerequisite to official designation. The property owner has the right when obtaining the official designation of said property to appeal this initial designation to the Village Board.
(e) Restrictive Covenant. The owner of any historic site or structure may, at any time following such designation of this property, enter into a restrictive covenant on the subject property after negotiating with the Historic Preservation Committee. The Committee may assist the owner in preparing such covenant in the interest of preserving historic property. The owner shall record such covenant in the County Register of Deeds office and shall notify the Village Assessor of such covenant and the conditions thereof. The Village shall hold and enforce this covenant.
(f) Assistance With Other Registrations. The Historic Preservation Committee shall provide encouragement, information and assistance to owners of Village-designated historic properties who show interest in seeking nomination to the National Register of Historic Places through the State Historical Society.
(g) Promotional Activities. The Historic Preservation Committee shall promote interest in the community for designation of properties as historic sites, structures, landmarks or as part of a historic district, and assist property owners in submitting qualifications of their properties as historic sites for consideration of such designation.
(h) Subcommittees. The Historic Preservation Committee shall have the power to appoint subcommittees from the community and enlist the aid of area historical societies and other organizations for assistance in promoting the policy of the Village in the interest of historic preservation.
(i) Funding. As it deems advisable by the Village Board, the Historic Preservation Committee is empowered to solicit and receive funds for the purpose of preservation of landmarks of the Village. Funds for such purposes shall be placed in a special Village account.