A Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) is hereby established consisting of
five regular members and which may include two alternate members,
each of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor, of the following three
classes:
Class
C - Persons who are residents of the municipality and who hold no
other municipal office, position or employment except for membership
on the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.
Those
regular members who are not designated as Class A or B shall be designated
as Class C. Of the regular members, a total of at least one less from
a majority shall be of Classes A and B. Alternate members shall meet
the qualifications of Class C members and shall be designated "Alternate
No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2" at the time of appointment.
The terms of the members first appointed under this article shall
be such that two members shall be appointed to a one-year term, two
members shall be appointed to a two-year term, and one member shall
be appointed to a three-year term. Alternate No. 1 shall be appointed
to a two-year term, and Alternate No. 2 shall be appointed to a one-year
term. The first year of the terms of all initial appointments under
this article shall expire on December 31 of that year. The term of
a regular member subsequently appointed shall be three years, and
the term of an alternate member shall be two years. A vacancy occurring
otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired
term only, within 60 days of said vacancy. Notwithstanding any other
provision herein, the term of any member common to the Historic Preservation
Commission and the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment shall be
for the term of the membership on the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment,
as the case may be.
Role of alternate members. Alternate members may participate in discussions
of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification
of a regular member of any class. A vote shall not be delayed in order
that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In
the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member
is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.
Compensation. Members of the HPC shall serve without compensation
except that reimbursement of reasonable expenses in the execution
of official duties may be made by the municipality.
Conflict. No member or alternate member of the HPC shall be permitted
to act on any matter in which he or she has directly or indirectly
any personal or financial interest. No member who is so disqualified
may act on that particular matter, shall not continue to sit with
the Commission on the hearing of such matter, nor shall participate
in any discussion or decision.
Organization. The HPC shall elect from its membership a Chairman
and Vice Chairman, whose terms of office shall be for one year. The
Chairman shall preside over the Commission and shall have the right
to vote. The Vice Chairman shall, in case of absence or disability
of the Chairman, perform the duties of the Chairman. A Secretary shall
be appointed by the Commission, who may or may not be a member of
the Commission or a municipal employee. The Commission shall be governed
by Robert's Rules of Order.
Funding. The governing body shall make provisions in its budget and
appropriate funds for the expenses of the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Commission shall have the authority to contract for the services
of qualified persons to direct, advise and assist the Commission,
and may acquire equipment and supplies necessary to its effective
operation.
Advice. The Commission is empowered to seek advisory opinions and
technical assistance from appropriate municipal officers and employees
on any matter within the Commission's jurisdiction.