[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Marple 11-14-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-13.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter hereby establishes the Marple Township Historical Commission
(the Commission). Members shall serve in an advisory capacity to promote and
protect the integrity of the historic resources of Marple Township.
The Commission shall consist of five members who shall be appointed
by the Marple Township Board of Commissioners (Board). The membership of the
Commission shall include individuals who have an interest in Township history
and its preservation. Each member shall serve a term of two years. The Commission
shall notify the Board of any vacancy on the Commission, and the Board shall
act to fill the vacancy within 90 days. Appointments to fill a vacancy shall
be for the unexpired portion of the term. All members of the Commission must
be residents of Marple Township and shall serve without pay.
The Commission shall annually elect from its membership a Chairman who
will direct the activities of the Commission and such other officers as may
be required. A quorum shall not be 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 the Township and laws and regulations of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Commission shall conduct business at
regular public meetings and keep full public records of its business.
In accordance with the purposes of this chapter, the Historical Commission
shall have the following functions and duties.
A.
To research and recommend to the Board of Commissioners
particularly significant resources to be included on the National or State
Register of Historic Places and any other appropriate lists or programs.
B.
To establish and maintain a museum for materials of historic
value in a location accessible to Marple Township residents.
C.
To collect and preserve materials of historic value related
to the Township for the museum. Such items should include Township records,
documents and materials especially related to the early years of the Township,
as well as photographs, recorded and transcribed interviews and various other
artifacts.
D.
To encourage the continuation of historical resources
and facilitate their appropriate reuse.
E.
To be advised by the Building Inspector, Zoning Officer,
Planning Commission or Board of Commissioners respecting requests for zoning
variances, or the issuance of permits for the demolition of historic sites
or resources within the Township. When requested, with proper notice, the
Commission will visit the site and report to any of the aforementioned officials
their recommendations.
F.
To save and catalog any artifacts or relevant material
from an historic building that has been determined not worthy of saving. The
Commission may accept the donation of materials from the building, and these
materials may be used to stabilize other historic buildings or placed in the
above-mentioned museum.
G.
To be responsible for ensuring that appropriate signs
or plaques are placed on sites where an historic building once stood, identifying
it as a significant location. Such signs or plaques shall be consistent in
appearance and recognizable throughout the Township. It shall be the responsibility
of a developer to pay for and place the sign or plaque in an obvious location
on historic property being developed.
H.
To promote among the citizens of the Township a knowledge
and awareness of the history of the Township and appreciation for the contributions
of former Marple residents to its history through exhibits, promotion of the
museum and to publish papers or other documents relating to the history of
the Township.
In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Commission may, with
the written consent of the Board of Commissioners, utilize any grants, personnel
or other assistance as may be made available by the Township or other governmental
entities, or their agencies, or from private sources. The Board of Commissioners
may enter into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization
of grants or assistance in accordance with the First Class Township Code and
Township procedures to further the purposes of the Commission. The Commission
shall submit an annual budget for proposed projects to the Board during the
annual budget process.
The Commission does not have the authority to perform any duties reserved
to the Board of Commissioners, including but not limited to entering into
contracts, communications with persons, agencies or entities except through
the Township Manager or Director of Code Enforcement, issuing permits or giving
testimony at any hearing, unless authorized by the Board of Commissioners.
