It is declared as a matter of public policy that the preservation and
protection of historic resources are public necessities and are in the interest
of the health, prosperity and welfare of the citizens of the Borough of Marcus
Hook, that the Council of the Borough of Marcus Hook does, this date, enact
and create the Borough of Marcus Hook Historical Commission, as permitted
by Section 1202(48) and (78) of the Pennsylvania Borough Code, codified at
53 P.S. § 46202, as well as 53 P.S. § 8001 et seq., permitting
boroughs and other political subdivisions to protect the historical character
of their communities.
The purposes of this chapter are:
A. To promote the general welfare by protecting the integrity
of the historic resources of the Borough of Marcus Hook;
B. To mitigate the negative effects of proposed changes
upon historic resources;
C. To encourage the continuation of historical resources
and facilitate their appropriate reuse;
D. To promote among residents of the Borough a knowledge
of the history of the community and an appreciation for the accomplishment
of its citizens;
E. To collect and preserve materials of historic value related
to the Borough;
F. To encourage research into the history of the Borough
with a view to discovering previously unknown facts concerning the Borough's
history;
G. To identify buildings and sites of historic interest
and significance in the Borough for the purposes of national registration;
H. To facilitate the efforts of Borough residents engaged
in genealogical research into family histories;
I. To encourage the preservation of historic settings and
landscapes;
J. To discourage the unnecessary demolition or deterioration
of historic resources; and
K. To implement the goals of the Constitution of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania at Article I, Section 27 establishing the policy of this commonwealth
of encouraging the preservation of historic and aesthetic resources.
There shall be a Borough of Marcus Hook Historical Commission which
shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by Borough Council. The
membership of the Commission shall include individuals who have interest in
history, archaeology or historic preservation. Each Commission member shall
serve for a term of two years. The Commission shall notify Borough Council
of any vacancies within the Commission, and Council shall act within 90 days
to fill those vacancies. Appointments to fill vacancies for unexpired terms
shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. Commission members shall
serve without pay, but shall be reimbursed for any personal expenditures during
the conduct of Commission business when authorized by Borough Council.
The Commission shall annually elect from its own membership a Chairman
who will direct the activities of the Commission and such other officers as
may be required for the conduct of its business. A quorum shall be not less
than a majority of the current membership. The Commission may issue, alter
and rescind rules and forms for its procedures consistent with the ordinances
of this Borough and laws and regulations of the commonwealth. The Commission
shall conduct business at regular public meetings. An agenda of each public
meeting may be available for inspection prior to the meeting. The Commission
shall keep full public records of its business and shall submit a report of
its activities to Borough Council by the first Wednesday of October of each
year.
Within the limits of funds appropriated by the Borough Council, the
Commission may employ staff or contract for clerical, consulting, or other
technical services. The Commission may also raise funds or monies through
sales of publications respecting the history of the Borough of Marcus Hook
and/or articles or mementos relative to the history of the Borough, or any
and all other such similar types of fund-raising activities. Any funds raised
in excess of the yearly budget for the Commission as determined by Borough
Council shall be returned to the Borough Treasurer in order to be used for
appropriations for the Commission in the following year or future years.
In accordance with the purposes of this chapter, the Commission shall
have the following functions and duties:
A. Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic
buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts within the Borough of
Marcus Hook.
B. To conduct research upon and nominate significant resources
to the National Register of Historic Places and any other appropriate lists
or programs.
C. To conduct research upon and nominate significant historic
resources for inclusion within any lists or signage maintained or erected
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Historical and Museum Commission.
D. To promote among the citizenry of the Borough a knowledge
and awareness of the history of the Borough and appreciation for the accomplishments
and contributions of Marcus Hook residents and citizens to the history of
our Borough, commonwealth and nation.
E. To collect and preserve materials of historic value related
to the Borough, including Borough records, documents and materials, especially
those related to the early years of the Borough and/or its creation, in addition
to Delaware County and/or Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey forms, photographic
records, newspapers, or magazines, deeds, title searches, recorded interviews,
transcribed interviews, video tapes, etc.
F. To sponsor exhibits from time to time, concerning the
history of the Borough, and to publish papers, pamphlets or other documents
relating to the history of the Borough.
G. To advise the Code Enforcement Officer, Zoning Officer,
Mayor, or Borough Council respecting the issuance of permits for the construction
or demolition of historic sites or resources within the Borough. When requested,
in writing, to issue such comments by any of the aforementioned officials,
the Commission shall review and comment upon the issuance of the aforementioned
permits to the requesting authority within 30 days of said request.
H. To advise the Planning Commission or Borough Council
respecting a subdivision or land development, or conditional use which may
affect historic resources or sites within the Borough. Within 30 days of a
written request by the Planning Commission or Borough Council, the Commission
shall issue a written review and comment upon the proposed subdivision or
land development, or conditional use directed to the requesting authority.
I. To advise the Zoning Hearing Board or Borough Council
when requested to comment, respecting all applications for special exceptions,
variances or zoning changes affecting historic resources or historic sites.
Within 30 days from such a written request by either the Zoning Hearing Board
or Borough of Council, the Commission shall issue its written review and comment
upon such request for special exceptions, variances or zoning changes to the
requesting authority.
J. To maintain and update a list which clearly identifies
buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts within the Borough of
historical significance.
K. The Chairman of the Commission, or his designee, may
also, without request, testify before either Borough Council, the Planning
Commission, the Zoning Hearing Board, or any other public forum, regarding
any and all matters affecting historical resources or sites within the Borough
of Marcus Hook.
L. To perform any other lawful activity which shall be deemed
necessary to further the purposes of this chapter.