Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting Schedule: 2nd Thursday of each month
Meeting Location: City Hall
Meeting Time: 12:00 Noon
# of Members: Seven (7)
Length of Term: 3 years
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In order to preserve, promote and develop any building, structure, object, district, area or site that is significant in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of the city, there is established a historic preservation commission in and for the city.
The commission shall consist of seven voting members appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council, and with due regard to proper representation of fields such as history, education, architecture, urban planning, archaeology, real estate, art and law. All members of the commission shall reside within the corporate boundaries of the city. Members who have a pecuniary interest in any matter coming before the commission for vote shall disclose to the commission that he has an interest and shall not be entitled to vote on the matter. Such a member shall be counted for purposes of determining a quorum which shall be defined as a simple majority of currently appointed members.
The duties of the commission shall be as follows:
(1) To collect and organize information suitable for use in planning, review, decision-making and public information programs.
(2) To recommend to the city council the adoption of ordinances designating areas, places, buildings, structures or other objects, including city-owned property, having significant historical, architectural or aesthetic features as city historic districts or landmarks, if they qualify as defined.
(3) To involve departments of city government and interested members of the community as much as possible in its work, and to encourage complementary activity with other agencies and organizations.
(4) To carry out a public information program, including the preparation of appropriate exhibits and publications.
(5) To recommend to the city council any additional measures to protect those portions of the city that have significant historical, architectural or aesthetic features.
(6) To hold a public hearing in designating any area, building, or structure, or any other object, as a city historic district or landmark.
(7) To develop specific design guidelines for the alteration, construction, or removal of landmarks or property and structures within historic districts.
(8) To retain, upon approval by the city council, such specialists as may be required from time to time.
(9) To provide technical assistance to the owners of designated landmarks or structures within historic districts.
(10) To recommend the city’s acquisition by donation, purchase or eminent domain of a fee or lesser interest in designated landmarks and structures within historical districts, including, but not limited to, easements, covenants and leasehold interests; and to reconstruct, maintain, operate or transfer such property so acquired.
(11) To obtain a certified local government status for the city pursuant to the department of interior’s standards so as to take advantage of financial and other assistance which may become available through the department and other sources.
The members of the commission shall serve without compensation. The city shall provide a meeting place in the city hall or some other designated city-owned facility, together with the necessary filing space for records.