[Added 8-15-1994]
There is hereby created pursuant to § C7-2 of the Charter of the City of Meriden the Neighborhood Preservation Board.
The Board shall consist of five members. All
members shall be resident electors and shall be appointed and removed
by the Mayor in accordance with City Charter for a term of three years,
except that, of the first members appointed, two shall be appointed
for a term of three years, two shall be appointed for a term of two
years, and one shall be appointed for a term of one year. A member
appointed to the Board to replace a member whose term has not expired
shall be appointed for the unexpired term only.
At its first meeting, and annually thereafter
at its April meeting, the Board shall elect from its own members a
Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
The Board shall meet as often as it deems necessary,
but no less than every three months, and not less than twice yearly
with the City Manager and with the Economic Development Committee.
[Amended 2-6-1996]
A.
Neighborhood preservation. The Board shall establish
policy per the Inner Core Task Force Report as adopted by the City
Council on August 14, 1994, and exercise policy oversight on neighborhood
preservation and rehabilitation initiatives and activities.
B.
Housing Code compliance.
(1)
Any person aggrieved by a notice or an order of the Building Official or of a Housing Code Inspector or of his designated agent issued in connection with any inspection, examination or survey pursuant to Chapter 125 of this Code, or any rule or regulation pursuant thereto, or the denial or suspension of a rooming house license pursuant to Chapter 125, Article IV of this Code, may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Board, provided that such person shall file in the Building Official's office a written petition requesting such hearing and setting forth the grounds therefor within 20 days after the notice or order of the Building Official or Housing Code Inspector or the denial or suspension of the rooming house license was served upon such person. Within 10 days of the receipt of such petition, the Board shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. Such notice shall be by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. At the hearing the petitioner shall have the opportunity to show cause why the notice or the order, or the suspension or denial of the rooming house license, should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing shall take place within a reasonable time after the receipt of the petition by the Board.[1]
(2)
A majority of the Board, after full hearing is had, shall sustain, modify or withdraw the notice or the order or the suspension or denial of the rooming house license. Variances from the provisions of Chapter 125 of this Code may be granted where circumstances warrant and where, in the judgment of the Board, no harm to the public health, welfare and safety will result from such variance.[2]
(3)
The Board is hereby authorized to administer oaths
and affirmation to witnesses at such hearings and to subpoena witnesses
and documents employed in such hearings. Subpoenas shall be served
in the method prescribed by the rules of the courts of this state.
(4)
All proceedings at such hearings, including the findings
of fact and decision, shall be reduced to writing and shall be a matter
of public record and, as such, shall be recorded and certified in
the office of the Building Official.
(5)
Any person aggrieved by the final decision of the
Board may seek review thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction,
as provided by the laws of this state.
(6)
Whenever, in the judgment of the Building Official,
an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the
public welfare or safety, he may, without notice or hearing, issue
an order reciting the existence of the emergency and requiring such
action as he deems necessary to eliminate it. Anyone receiving such
an order shall comply as soon as possible but shall be given a hearing,
if requested, within 24 hours.
Except where otherwise provided specifically,
by statute, Charter or other legislation, a majority of the membership
to the Board must be present to constitute a quorum, and a majority
of those present and voting is required for action. The Board may
establish such other rules of procedure as it deems necessary, provided
that no such rule shall conflict with any other legislation.
The Board shall have such other duties as shall
be assigned to it by the City Council.
