[Ord. No. 96-2, § III A., 1-22-1996; 12-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-25; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
The Historic Preservation Commission of the municipal government of the City of Lake Geneva is hereby created and established. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven members all of whom shall be citizens and residents of the City of Lake Geneva. To the greatest extent possible the Commissioners shall represent expertise in the fields of architecture, history, architectural history, construction, planning, archaeology, cultural anthropology, landscape architecture, and other closely related fields.
The following persons, if available in the community shall be considered desirable for membership: an attorney, a registered architect, an educator, a historian or person active in historic or architectural preservation, an artist, licensed real estate broker, and local businessperson. In addition, the Commission shall include one member of the City Council of Lake Geneva. Each member shall have, to the highest extent practicable, a known interest and concern for historic preservation. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council of Lake Geneva by majority vote.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § III B., 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
Of the initial members so appointed to the Commission, two shall serve a term of one year; two shall serve a term of two years and two shall serve a term of three years. Thereafter, the terms of each member shall be for three years. The Alderperson member shall serve a one-year term and may be reappointed. Vacancies caused by resignation otherwise shall be filled by appointment for the period of the unexpired term. A member may be removed from the Commission by the Mayor with the approval of a majority of the City Council of Lake Geneva. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § III C., 1-22-1996; 12-10-2012 by Ord. No. 12-25; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
(a) 
Meeting. The Commission shall meet a minimum of four times per year. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by action of the members at a duly called meeting. All meetings shall be held at the Lake Geneva City Hall unless otherwise designated by the Chairperson.
(b) 
Rules of order. The Chairperson shall call the meeting to order, shall preserve order and decorum, shall decide all questions of order, and shall conduct the proceedings of the meeting in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, unless otherwise provided by statute or by the rules stated herein.
(c) 
Quorum. A majority of the membership of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(d) 
Organization. The members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall elect a Chairperson from amongst its members. The Commission may elect other officers necessary or appropriate to aid in the efficient running of the Commission.
(e) 
Agenda. The Chairperson is responsible for the preparation of the agenda and shall provide a digital or electronic copy of such agenda to the City Clerk for posting and distribution to other Commission members and the public at least 48 hours prior to such meeting. Informational material for items identified on the agenda shall also be provided with the agenda when practical.
(f) 
Submittal of minutes. The Acting Secretary shall submit in a timely fashion a digital copy of the meeting minutes to the City Clerk for posting and distribution. If action by the City Council of Lake Geneva is desired, such action shall be so noted in the minutes.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § IV, 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
The Commission shall have the power to recommend to the City Council of Lake Geneva designation of landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts within the City of Lake Geneva.
(a) 
Recommendation of designation of landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts. The Commission shall recommend to the City Council of Lake Geneva designation of individual landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts. Such recommendations shall be in accordance with Sec. 34-61.
(b) 
Nomination of properties as landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts. The Commission may nominate properties or areas of the City for designation as landmarks, landmark sites, or historic districts. Such nomination shall be in accordance with Sec. 34-63. The Commission shall also provide a nomination form which may be used by any resident of the City to nominate any property or area within the City for designation as a landmark, landmark site or historic district.
(c) 
Authorizing certificates of appropriateness. The Commission may authorize certificates of appropriateness. Such authorization shall be in accordance with Sec. 34-81 of this chapter.
(d) 
Additional duties. The Commission:
(1) 
Shall work for the continuing education of the public about the historic heritage of the City of Lake Geneva and the landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts designated under the provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Shall function as a resource, providing information and suggestions concerning ways in which modifications of landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts can be made in keeping with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
May make use of the state historical preservation guidelines to facilitate the review of proposals received in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) 
May prepare or cause to be prepared a historic preservation master plan in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(5) 
Shall develop a historic district plan for each designated historic district in accordance with provisions of Sec. 34-62 of this chapter.
(6) 
Shall provide assistance to residents in their efforts to obtain local, state or federal historic designation for their property.
(7) 
Shall maintain a list of individual landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts designated under the provision of this chapter and shall make the list publicly available.
(8) 
May prepare, or cause to be prepared at the City's expense, appropriate markers or signs to be placed upon or near landmarks, landmark site, and in prominent locations in historic districts.
(9) 
Shall cooperate with the State Historic Preservation Office and the State Historic Preservation Review Board in attempting to include local landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts in the State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
(10) 
May solicit and receive revenue for the purpose of historic preservation.
(11) 
Shall research, maintain and distribute to the public information concerning tax and other financial incentives available for historic preservation.
(12) 
The Commission shall encourage financial institutions to offer favorable loans for rehabilitation or restoration of historic properties. The Commission shall advise and assist property owners in obtaining information on special financing programs.