[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of Middle Smithfield 1-24-2013 by Ord. No. 191. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
There is hereby established a Commission to be known as the
"Middle Smithfield Township Historical Commission."
The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity for historic
preservation information facilitation to the citizens of the Township.
To accomplish this purpose, the Commission shall:
A.
Identify significant architectural, historical, and natural sites
in Middle Smithfield Township and maintain a detailed inventory and
map(s) of these historic resources including informational data appropriately
classified;
B.
Create an awareness of the history of the Township from the native
Americans to the present day, including their cultural, agricultural,
business, educational, and religious endeavors;
C.
Research and record the history of Middle Smithfield Township and
serve as an advisory resource for owners of historic sites involved
with preservation and/or restoration;
D.
Prepare appropriate reports for the Board of Supervisors, as well
as reports which may be requested by the Board of Supervisors;
E.
Cooperate with and advise the Board of Supervisors, the Township
Planning Commission, and all Township officials and agencies in relation
to the preservation and restoration of significant historical structures,
sites, and natural features, including the review of zoning and/or
subdivision/land development proposals and building/demolition permit
applications which have the potential to impact on historical resources;
F.
Consider, promote, and, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors,
apply for technical and financial assistance from all appropriate
local, county, state, federal, and other agencies in the preservation
of significant architectural, natural, and historic sites within Middle
Smithfield Township and report all related action to the Board of
Supervisors;
G.
Prepare and submit an annual report at year's end as well as a yearly
agenda and budget to the Board of Supervisors for sums deemed necessary
to carry out the objectives;
H.
Cooperate with and advise Township officials regarding the possible
acquisition and use of significant historic structures and sites,
including their research and nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places in accordance with the provisions of the National
Historical Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; and
I.
Perform other related duties as may be delegated by the Board of
Supervisors.
A.
The Historical Commission shall:
(1)
Consist of seven members who must be residents and/or taxpayers of
Middle Smithfield Township or residents of Monroe County, Pennsylvania;
[Amended 12-29-2014 by Ord. No. 201; 6-23-2022 by Ord. No. 234]
(2)
Be appointed by the Board of Supervisors;
(3)
Except as otherwise stated herein concerning initial appointments,
members of the Historical Commission shall each serve a three-year
term and all terms shall expire on the first Monday in January following
the last year of their term of office. Initial appointments shall
be staggered so that the terms of two members shall expire on the
first Monday in January following the initial calendar year of appointment,
the terms of two members shall expire on the first Monday in January
following the second calendar year after the initial appointment,
and the terms of three members will expire on the first Monday in
January following the third calendar year after the initial appointment.
A member may serve on the Commission for no more than two consecutive
three-year terms.
[Amended 6-23-2022 by Ord. No. 234]
(4)
Serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses necessary
to conduct the responsibilities of the Commission when authorized
by the Board of Supervisors; and
(5)
Elect annually a Vice Chairperson; Secretary, and other officers
as deemed necessary by the Commission. The Chairperson shall be appointed
by the Board of Supervisors.
B.
The Board of Supervisors of Middle Smithfield Township may remove
any member of the Commission from office for inefficiency, neglect
of duty, malfeasance in office, conflict of interest, or for violation
of any Township Attendance Policy then in effect.
C.
A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by a resident and/or
taxpayer of Middle Smithfield Township or resident of Monroe County,
Pennsylvania, appointed by the Board of Supervisors for the unexpired
term of the vacant office. The Commission may make recommendations
for appointees to the Board of Supervisors for unfulfilled terms and
for full terms. The Commission shall have the right to establish appropriate
committees to assist with research, to lend expertise, and to perform
other duties as assigned by the Commission. Each committee shall be
chaired by a member of the Historical Commission.
[Amended 12-29-2014 by Ord. No. 201]
Monthly meetings, workshops and periodic executive sessions
shall be held to conduct the business of the Commission. The Commission
shall make and alter its rules of procedure consistent with the ordinances
of the Township and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities,
and submit monthly reports to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission
shall keep records of its resolutions, transactions, findings and
determinations, and such records shall be considered "public records"
except when contrary to the public interest as determined by the Board
of Supervisors pursuant to applicable statutes, ordinances or their
rules and regulations. A majority of the Commission members shall
constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of a simple majority of
members present at any duly convened meeting shall be necessary to
take Commission action. The meetings of the Commission shall be open
to the public, unless the Commission shall hold an executive session
in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act,
65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq., or any successor statute. The
Township Secretary shall be responsible for advertising the Commission's
yearly notice of regular meetings and any special meetings.
In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Historical Commission
may, with the consent of the Board of Supervisors, utilize any funds,
personnel, or any other assistance made available by the county, the
commonwealth, or federal government, or any of their agencies, or
from private sources. The Board of Supervisors may enter into agreements
or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization of the funds
or assistance in accordance with Township procedures. The Historical
Commission is not authorized to contract on behalf the Township, and
shall not have the right to expend, or have custody of Township funds,
except as expressly authorized by the Township Board of Supervisors.
