(A) Membership.
(1) The city’s Historic Preservation Commission is hereby established. Appointed members shall have demonstrated interest, experience or knowledge in one of the following: history; architecture; planning; archaeology; historic archaeology; real estate; historic preservation; law; or a related field. If expertise in one of the above mentioned fields/disciplines is not available locally, then the Commission must obtain expertise in that field when considering National Register nominations and other actions that will impact historic properties.
(2) The Historic Preservation Commission shall meet at least four times each year and follow the provisions of the state’s Open Meeting Law, A.R.S. §§ 38-431 et seq.
(3) The Commission shall elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among its own members, who shall serve for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any similar organization. The Chairperson shall have the power to administer oaths and to take evidence. The Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the latter’s absence or disability. Vacancies created by any cause shall be filled for the unexpired term by a new election.
(B) Statement of the Commission’s powers. Unless otherwise specified herein, the powers and duties of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be as follows:
(1) The Historic Preservation Commission shall be advisory to 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;
(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 the public standards for architectural review and appoint three members of the Historical Commission to sit on the Development Review Board when review of preservation projects occurs;
(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 section; and
(9) Any other functions which may be designated by resolution or motion of the Council.
(C) Reporting and notification procedures.
(1) The Commission shall follow notification procedures under the state’s Open Meeting Law as well as those discussed in this section.
(2) The Commission shall keep written, public minutes.
(3) The Commission shall prepare a written annual report of Commission activities that is provided to the Mayor and Council, the State Historic Preservation Officer and is available to the public.
(Prior Code, Ch. 2-3.07) (Ord. 938, passed 12-12-2014)