[Amended 4-17-2007 by Ord. No. 066]
Subsequent to and within 30 days of the adoption of this chapter
by the City Council, the Council shall appoint members of the Augusta
Historic Preservation Commission, as follows:
A. Establishment;
membership.
(1) The membership of the Commission shall consist of seven persons who
shall be residents of the City. Members of the Commission shall be
appointed on the basis of demonstrated interest, knowledge or training
in fields closely related to historic preservation (e.g., history,
architecture, urban design, archeology) and should represent such
professionals to the extent that they are available in the community.
Information on the credentials of the Commission members will be kept
on file and will be available to the public. Each Commission member
is required to attend at least one informational or educational meeting
per year, approved by the state historic preservation officer, pertaining
to the work and functions of the Commission or to historic preservation.
(2) Two members of the Commission shall be initially appointed to terms
of three years; two shall be appointed to terms of two years; one
shall be appointed to a term of one year. All appointments thereafter
shall be for terms of three years, except to fill a vacancy created
by an unexpired term, in which case the appointment shall be for the
remainder of the term. All vacancies shall be filled by appointment
of the City Council within 60 days.
(3) The Commission shall, within 30 days of the adoption of this chapter,
and, after due notice and public hearing, adopt rules and regulations
of the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission, and may from time
to time amend the same.
(4) Each member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
(5) The City Council may appoint other persons, not necessarily residents
of the City, who shall serve on an advisory or consultant basis to
assist the members of the Commission in the performance of their functions.
B. Organization,
rules and meetings.
(1) A quorum shall consist of four members of the Historic Preservation
Commission and shall be required to conduct all business. A majority
vote of the members present at a meeting shall be required for action
to be taken on any matter. The Chairperson of the meeting shall only
vote to break a tie.
[Amended 2-18-2021 by Ord. No. 21-027]
(2) The Commission shall annually elect a Chairperson and other officers
from its membership, and a Secretary who need not be a member.
(3) The Chairperson shall call meetings as required, but no less frequently
than four times a year. The Chairperson shall also call meetings when
requested by a majority of its membership, the Mayor or the City Manager.
(4) All meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission must be publicly
announced, be open to the public, and have a previously available
agenda. Public notice must be provided prior to any special meetings.
(5) The Secretary shall maintain a permanent record of all Commission
proceedings and any actions taken and all correspondence of the Commission.
All records to be maintained or prepared by the Secretary are deemed
public information and shall be kept at the City Planning Office,
where they may be inspected during regular business hours.
C. Administration.
(1) The Historic Preservation Commission shall serve as an advisory review
board for the City Planning Bureau.
[Amended 5-19-2016 by Ord. No. 16-076]
(2) The Planning Bureau and the Commission shall prepare and present
a budget to the City Council for an annual appropriation to the Commission
in an amount they may deem necessary to fund the activities of the
Commission.
(3) The Planning Bureau, on behalf of the Commission, may secure clerical,
technical, and professional assistance or consultation, accept grants,
gifts of monies, or of service, and may hold or expend the same for
any of the purposes of this chapter.
D. Duties.
The duties of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be to:
(1) Assist and advise owners proposing properties to be designated as
historic districts, sites or landmarks. The Commission may erect signs
or markers indicating the significance of any designated historic
district, site or landmark, subject to obtaining written permission
from the owners of said properties.
[Amended 5-19-2016 by Ord. No. 16-076]
(2) Work with the City Planner to prepare an annual budget.
(4) Conduct or cause to be conducted a continuing survey of cultural
resources in the community according to guidelines established by
the state historic preservation officer.
(5) Make recommendations for designation of local landmarks and historic
districts to the Augusta Historic District Review Board, Planning
Board, and the City Council.
[Amended 5-19-2016 by Ord. No. 16-076]
(6) Act in an advisory role to other officials and departments of City
government regarding the protection of local cultural resources.
(7) Act as a liaison on behalf of the City Council to individuals and
organizations concerned with historic preservation.
(8) Work toward the continuing education of the citizens of Augusta regarding
historic preservation issues and concerns.
(9) Make an annual report of the activities of the Commission, which
shall be submitted to the Planning Office, and City Council.
[Amended 5-19-2016 by Ord. No. 16-076]