(A) Studies. The Commission may conduct studies for the identification and designation of historic districts and sites meeting the definitions established by this subchapter. The Commission may proceed at its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association. The Commission shall maintain records of all studies and inventories for public use.
(B) Recommendation. The Commission may make a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer for the listing of an historic district or site in the National Register of Historic Places and may conduct a public hearing thereon.
(C) Establishment of District. The Commission may make recommendations to the Council for the establishment of an Historical Preservation District. Upon receiving such recommendation from the Commission, the Council shall conduct a public hearing on the establishment of the proposed historical preservation district within 60 days of receipt of the recommendation. The Council may approve, disapprove or may refer the recommendation back to the Commission for modification and/or further recommendations.
(D) Other powers. In addition to those duties and powers specified above, the Commission may, with City Council approval:
(1) Accept unconditional gifts and donations of real and personal property, including money, for the purpose of historic preservation;
(2) Acquire by purchase, bequest or donation, fee and lesser interests in historic properties, including properties adjacent to or associated with historic properties;
(3) Preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic properties, under the ownership or control of the Commission;
(4) Lease, sell and otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties subject to rights of public access and other covenants and in a manner that will preserve the property;
(5) Contract with the state or the federal government or other organizations;
(6) Cooperate with the federal, state and local governments in the pursuance of the objectives of historic preservation;
(7) Provide information for the purpose of historic preservation to the governing body;
(8) Promote and conduct educational and interpretive programs on historic properties within its jurisdiction;
(9) Participate in the conduct of land use, urban renewal and other planning undertaken by the city; and
(10) Recommend the adoption of ordinances or otherwise provide information for the purpose of historic preservation to the Council.
(Prior Code, § 2-15-3) (Ord. 520, passed 11-16-1999)