(A) The Council of the city hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation, promotion and use of are places, buildings, structures, lands, districts and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the community. To this end, the Heritage Preservation Commission is created and charged with the stewardship of the city’s heritage.
(B) The purposes of this chapter are to:
(1) Safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving properties which reflect elements of the city’ s cultural, social, economic, political, visual or architectural history;
(2) Protect and enhance the city’s appeal and attraction to residents, visitors, businesses and tourists;
(3) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the city;
(4) Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past;
(5) Promote the preservation and continued use of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the people of the city;
(6) Provide guidance and assistance to owners of historic properties in the continuing preservation and appropriate use of their structures;
(7) Conduct research and education programs regarding historic properties and landscapes connected to the history of the community within the Minnesota River watershed; and
(8) Provide a continuing, objective and orderly process for the City Council, Planning Commission and other public bodies to review and consider the impact of proposed development, redevelopment and remodeling of historic properties.