(a) There is hereby established a commission to be known as the Mason historic district commission. The commission shall consist of seven members each of whom shall reside within the city. Members shall be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council for three year terms except that the initial terms of some of the members shall be staggered so that subsequent appointments shall not recur at the same time. One member may be selected from the city council to serve ex officio at the discretion of the mayor and with the approval of the city council. The term of a member from the city council shall be stated in the resolution selecting said member, but the term shall not exceed the term of office for said member as member of the city council. At least one member shall be appointed from a list of residents submitted by a duly organized and active historical society if such a list is submitted to the mayor. The commission shall include as a member, if available, a graduate of an accredited school of architecture who has two years of architectural experience or who is an architect registered in the state. A majority of the members shall have a clearly demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation.
(b) An appointment shall by made within 60 days to fill a vacancy on the commission.
(c) The commission shall meet at least once each quarter or more often as required.
(d) The city zoning official or a designee, shall serve as secretary of the commission.
(e) The concurring vote of four members of the commission shall be necessary for the approval of an application and for the adoption or modification of preservation guidelines. Other actions of the commission shall require a simple majority of a quorum.
(f) The commission shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations as minutes in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, MCL 15.26 et seq.
(Ord. No. 143, 5-3-2004)