(A) Membership.
(1) The city’s Historic Preservation Commission (“Commission”) shall be composed of seven members, appointed by the Mayor and Council, all of whom have demonstrated interest, experience or knowledge in one of the following: history; architecture; planning; archaeology; historic archaeology; real estate; historic preservation; law; or related field.
(2) To the extent available in the community, at least two professionals from the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology or related historic preservation disciplines such as cultural geography or cultural anthropology should be members of the Historic Preservation Commission.
(3) The Commission must obtain expertise in that field when considering National Register nominations and other actions that will impact historic properties.
(4) Commission members shall be appointed by the City Council to serve no more than three three-year staggered terms of office.
(5) The Historic Preservation Commission shall meet at least four times each year and follow the provisions of the state’s Open Meeting Act.
(B) Powers. Unless otherwise specified herein, the powers and duties of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be as follows:
(1) Advise the Mayor and Council in all matters regarding historic preservation in the city;
(2) Adopt criteria consistent with the National Register of Historic Places for the identification of historic districts and properties;
(3) Prepare, or cause to be prepared, a comprehensive inventory of historic buildings and districts in the city;
(4) Increase public awareness of the value of historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural preservation by developing and participating in public information programs;
(5) Make recommendations to the Mayor and Council concerning the utilization of grants from federal and state agencies, private groups and individuals on the utilization of budgetary appropriations to promote historic preservation in the city. The Commission shall raise funds as necessary to promote its programs and activities;
(6) Make known, to the owners of historic properties and to the public, standards for architectural review;
(7) Evaluate and comment upon decisions by other public agencies affecting the physical development and land use patterns in historic districts as appropriate;
(8) Hold public hearings as specified in this chapter; and
(9) Perform any other functions that may be designated by resolution or motion of the Council.
(C) Reporting and notification procedures. The Commission shall prepare a written annual report of Commission activities that is provided to the Mayor and Council and to the state’s Historic Preservation Officer, and that is available to the public.
(Prior Code, § 12-17.03) (Ord. 747, passed - -1995; Ord. 892, passed - -2008)