Township of New Garden, PA Chapter 15 Historical Commission

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of New Garden 10-7-1991 by Ord. No. 90; amended in its entirety 2-19-2019 by Ord. No. 236. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 15-1 Historical commission established.

There is hereby established a commission to be known as the "New Garden Township Historical Commission."

§ 15-2 Responsibilities.

The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission, the Township Zoning Hearing Board, other Township officials and agencies, and the citizens of the Township regarding documentation of the Township's history and preservation of the Township's historic resources. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission shall:

A. Create an awareness of the history of the Township, from the Native Americans to the present-day inhabitants, including their cultural, agricultural, business, educational, and religious endeavors;

B. Research and record the history of the Township and serve as an advisory resource for individuals, businesses and organizations involved in the preservation and/or restoration of architectural and historical sites and landscapes within the Township;

C. Identify significant architectural and historical sites and landscapes with historical significance in the Township, and maintain an inventory and map(s) of these historic resources including informational data appropriately classified;

D. Prepare minutes on the Commission's activities, as well as other reports which may be requested by the Board of Supervisors;

E. Cooperate with and advise the Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission, the Township Zoning Hearing Board and other Township officials and agencies in relation to the preservation and restoration of significant historical structures, sites, and landscapes with historical significance, 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. Identify, promote, and, with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, apply for technical and financial assistance from appropriate local, county, state, federal, and other agencies to assist in the preservation of significant architectural and historic sites and landscapes with historical significance within the Township, and report all related action to the Board of Supervisors;

G. In conjunction with and with the cooperation of the Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission, and other appropriate groups, study the feasibility of creating historic districts in accordance with and pursuant to the Act of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania dated June 13, 1961, P.L. 282, No. 167, entitled "Historic Districts";[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 8001 et seq.

H. Cooperate with and advise Township officials regarding the possible acquisition and use of significant historic structures and sites, including their 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.

§ 15-3 Historical commission membership.

The Historical Commission shall:

A. Be appointed by the Board of Supervisors;

B. Consist of a minimum of five but not more than nine members who must be residents of New Garden Township. The Commission may appoint associate members who participate regularly in its meetings and activities but who do not vote on motions before the Commission;

C. 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 Commission;

D. Serve a term of office for three years;

E. Serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses necessary to conduct the responsibilities of the Commission when authorized by the Board of Supervisors.

§ 15-4 Vacancies.

A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by a resident appointed by the Board of Supervisors for the unexpired term. The Commission shall make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

§ 15-5 Removal of members.

The Board of Supervisors may, after a duly advertised public hearing, remove any member of the Commission from office for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office or conflict of interest.

§ 15-6 Organization and procedures.

A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, and action taken at any meeting shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of those constituting a quorum. The Commission shall:

A. Annually elect a chairperson who will direct activities of the Commission and oversee the election of a vice-chairman, secretary, and treasurer;

B. Make and alter its rules of procedure consistent with the ordinances of the Township and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;

C. Keep records of its actions, resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations.

§ 15-7 Meetings.

In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Commission shall hold public meetings and keep records of its meetings and activities in accordance with § 15-6, above.

§ 15-8 Assistance and budget.

In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Commission may, with the consent of the Board of Supervisors, utilize any funds, personnel, or other assistance made available by the Township, 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 such funds or assistance in accordance with Township procedures. The Commission shall submit a proposed budget to the Board of Supervisors during the regular Township budget process.