[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of West Goshen 10-19-2016 by Ord.
No. 4-2016. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the
"West Goshen Township Historical Commission."
The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity for historic
preservation and to foster a community appreciation for the historic
resources within the Township. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission
shall:
A.Â
Identify
significant architectural, historical, and natural sites in the Township
and maintain a detailed inventory and map(s) of these historic resources,
including informational data appropriately classified;
B.Â
Gather
documentary evidence, illustrations, photographs and other appropriate
materials regarding historic resources for inclusion in any inventory
of the Township's historic resources;
C.Â
Create
an awareness of the history of the Township from the Native Americans
to the present day, including cultural, agricultural, business, educational,
and religious endeavors;
D.Â
Research
and record the history of the Township;
E.Â
Prepare
appropriate reports for the Board of Supervisors, as well as reports
which may be requested by the Board of Supervisors;
F.Â
Cooperate
with and advise the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission,
and all Township officials and agencies in relation to the preservation
and restoration of significant historic properties, natural resources
and natural features in the Township and recommend certain procedures
and/or regulations to be implemented in order to protect and preserve
such historic resources;
G.Â
With
the prior approval of the Board of Supervisors, apply for technical
and financial assistance from appropriate local, county, state, federal
or other entities for the preservation of significant architectural,
natural, and historic resources within the Township;
H.Â
Prepare
and submit a yearly report and budget to the Board of Supervisors
for sums deemed necessary to carry out the objectives;
I.Â
Cooperate
with all Township officials regarding the possible acquisition and
use of significant historic structures and sites, including their
research and nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
in accordance with the provisions of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended;
J.Â
Perform
other related duties as may be delegated by the Board of Supervisors;
and
K.Â
Commit
to self-education by attending appropriate conferences and workshops
relating to historic preservation to effectively carry out its responsibilities.
A.Â
The
said Historical Commission shall:
(1)Â
Consist of a minimum of five members who must be residents of the
Township. The membership of the Commission shall include individuals
who have an interest or expertise in history or historic preservation.
(2)Â
Be appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
(3)Â
Serve a term of office for three years except for the initial term,
which shall be two members for two years, and three members for three
years.
(4)Â
Serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses necessary
to conduct the responsibilities of the Commission when authorized
by the Board of Supervisors.
(5)Â
Elect annually a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and other
officers as deemed necessary by the Commission.
B.Â
A
vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by appointment by the Board
of Supervisors for the unexpired term. The Commission may make recommendations
for appointees to the Board of Supervisors for unfulfilled terms and
for full terms. The Commission may 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 Historical Commission.
Meetings and periodic executive sessions shall be held at intervals
deemed appropriate by the Commission. The Commission shall keep records
of its meetings and activities, and submit periodic reports to the
Board of Supervisors.
In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Historical Commission
may, with the prior consent of the Board of Supervisors, utilize any
funds, personnel, or other assistance made available by the Township,
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 the funds
or assistance in accordance with Township procedures. The West Goshen
Township Historical Commission shall submit a proposed budget to the
Board of Supervisors during the regular Township budget process.