The commissioners of the Historic Landmarks Commission shall have plenary power and authority within the jurisdictional of the City, and within the limits of available funds to:
(a) Make a survey of, and designate as historic landmarks, buildings, structures, sites and districts which constitute the principal historical and architectural sites which are of local, regional, statewide or national significance in accordance with Section 178.04
of this Article;
(b) Prepare a register of buildings, structures, sites and districts which meet the requirements of subsection (a) hereof, publish lists of such properties, and with the consent of the property owners, view such properties for purposes of determining their historical and architectural significance and publish a register thereof from time to time setting forth appropriate information concerning the registered buildings, structures, sites and districts;
(c) With the consent of the property owners, certify and mark with appropriately designed markers, buildings, structures and sites which it has registered;
(d) Acquire by purchase, gift or lease and administer registered landmarks and easements and interest therein, both real and personal;
(e) Lease or sell property so acquired under terms and conditions designed to insure the proper preservation of the Landmarks in question;
(f) Aid and encourage the adoption of rules and regulations for the preservation of landmarks and historic districts, their buildings, structures and characters;
(g) Prepare and place historical markers on or along the highway or street closet to the location which is intended to be identified by such marker;
(h) Seek the advice and assistance of individuals, groups and departments and agencies of government who or which are conducting historical preservation programs and coordinate the same insofar as possible;
(i) Seek and accept gifts, bequests, endowments and funds from any and all sources for the accomplishments of the functions of the Commission;
(j) Adopt rules and regulations concerning the operation of the Commission, the functions and responsibilities of its officers, employees, assistants and other personnel and such other matters as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of and consistent with this article;
(k) Adopt such other rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article, but no such rules and regulations shall be inconsistent with the provisions of this article or with any plan of the City of Fairmont Planning Commission;
(l) Employ, within the limits of funds available therefore, such employees, assistants, technical personnel and consultants as are necessary to discharge the duties and responsibilities of the Commission.
(m) Establish an honorary street name program and prepare and place honorary street name signs honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to the history, society and culture of the City of Fairmont, Marion County, the State of West Virginia and the United States of America. Adopt rules and regulations for the administration and implementation of the honorary street name program including sign design and content, creation of an application, review process and approval process.
(Ord. 2032. Passed 6-11-24.)