A. The commission shall serve only in an advisory capacity to the city council and shall comply with all applicable provisions of Illinois state statutes and this code.
B. Specific duties of the commission shall be:
1. To work to establish greater public interest and participation in the historic preservation of the Old McHenry County Courthouse and Sheriff's House within the city.
2. To inform and educate the citizens of the city and county concerning the historic, architectural and aesthetic significance of the buildings.
3. To hold such public meetings appropriate to gain public input on ownership and the highest and best uses of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House.
4. To create and forward a common vision for ownership and use of the buildings for consideration and approval by the city council.
5. To investigate and promote fund development and procurement supportive of long term sustainability of the buildings.
6. To consider potential lease arrangements associated with the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House and make recommendations to the city council for consideration and approval.
7. To annually evaluate and prioritize in cooperation with the managing director of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House, short and long term structural capital expenditures, capital improvements, and other needs based on the underlying interests and priorities of accessibility, structural and historic integrity, financial capacity, and sustainability and make recommendations to the city council for consideration and approval.
8. To promote and facilitate interaction among organizations and groups interested in the preservation of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House.
9. To prepare a written report to the city council at the end of each calendar year and in cooperation with the managing director of the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House evaluating the status of the buildings in terms of: a) historic preservation, b) structural improvement and integrity, c) usage, including tenants and leases, d) financial perspective and economic viability, and e) the impact of the buildings, status and uses on the downtown Square area and community.
10. To consider, evaluate and make recommendations pertaining to any Old Courthouse and/or Sheriff's House issue at the request of the city council. (Ord. 15-O-62, 10-6-2015)