(A) Creation. There is hereby created a Historic Preservation Board, referred to as the “HPB”, appointed by the Town Board of Trustees, which shall have principal responsibility for matters of historical preservation of historic sites and districts within the municipal boundaries of the town.
(B) Membership. The HPB shall consist of three members providing a balanced representation. A minimum of two members shall reside or own real property within the corporate limits of the town.
(C) Appointment and terms.
(1) Members of the HPB shall be appointed by the Town Board of Trustees and shall serve three-year staggered terns from date of appointment.
(2) In order to stagger the initial terms of membership, the original members shall serve as follows:
(a) One appointee shall serve a one-year term; one appointee shall serve a two-year term; and one appointee shall serve a three-year term; and
(b) A member shall serve until a successor is appointed. Members may be appointed to serve successive terms without limitation. Appointments to fill vacancies on the HPB shall also be made by the Town Board of Trustees. All members of the HPB shall serve without compensation except for such amounts determined appropriate by the Town Board of Trustees to offset expenses incurred in their performance of their duties. The Town Board of Trustees may remove a member of the HPB for neglect of duty or malfeasance or for other good cause or without cause, at its discretion.
(D) Officers. The HPB shall, by majority, vote to elect a chairperson and secretary.
(E) Meetings. The HPB shall meet at least annually to elect officers and at such other times determined necessary. Minutes shall be kept of all proceedings. Meetings shall be conducted in general conformation with Robert’s Rules of Order.
(F) Intent. It is hereby declared to be a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of structures, land and districts of historical, architectural or geographic significance located within the town is in the public interest.
(G) Powers and duties.
(1) The HPB shall review from time to time the criteria for designation of historical sites as set forth in § 150.21 and shall make recommendations for amendments.
(2) The HPB shall prepare application forms, and shall review applications for designation of sites as being historic pursuant to this chapter, and shall make recommendations as to whether it should designate the site described in the application for such designation.
(3) The HPB may advise and assist owners of historic properties on the physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation and reuse.
(4) The HPB may assist local nonprofit historic preservation groups in public education programs, research, grant applications or other efforts to promote historic preservation.
(H) Establishment of HPB. The Board of Trustees shall forthwith appoint members to HPB. Prior to appointment of members to HPB, the Town Board of Trustees shall approve applications for present status.
(Ord. 01-07, passed 2-14-2007)