[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Wyckoff 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 1975. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. There is hereby created in and for the Township of Wyckoff a commission
to be known as the "Historic Preservation Commission."
B. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven members
and two alternates who shall serve without compensation except that
the Commission members shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in
the performance of official business approved in advance by the Township
Committee.
C. Membership.
(1) The Commission positions shall be filled by persons who are interested
in and qualified to contribute to the preservation of historic landmarks
which shall include historic buildings, structures, sites and objects.
The Commission shall comprise the following categories:
(a)
Class A: persons who are knowledgeable in building design and
construction or in architectural history.
(b)
Class B: persons who are knowledgeable of or have demonstrated
an interest in local history.
(c)
Class C: persons who are residents of the Township and who hold
no other municipal office, position or employment, except they may
be members on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
D. The Commission shall have at least one member each from Class A and
Class B; no more than three members of the commission may reside outside
the Township. Both alternates shall meet the qualifications of Class
C members. Commission members shall be appointed by the Township Committee
and shall serve for four-year terms except that, of the first members
appointed, two members shall serve for one year, two members shall
serve for two years and the three other members shall serve for three
years. The alternate members shall initially and thereafter serve
two-year terms.
E. All members may, at the expiration of their terms, be eligible for
appointment to four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same
manner in which the previous incumbent was appointed, and such vacancy
appointment shall be only for the balance of the unexpired term.
F. The Commission shall adopt internal rules and procedures for the
transaction of its business subject to the following:
(1) The Commission shall elect from its members a Chairman and Vice Chairman.
(2) A quorum for the transaction of all business shall be five members.
(3) All Commission minutes and records shall be public records and all
Commission meetings shall comply with the Open Public Meetings Act,
N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.
(4) The Township Committee shall employ, designate or elect a Secretary
who need not be a member of the Commission. The Secretary shall keep
minutes and records of all meetings and proceedings, including voting
records, attendance, resolutions, findings, determinations and decisions.
All such materials shall be made of public record.
(5) Commission meetings shall be scheduled at least once every month,
or as often as required to fulfill its obligations to advise the Planning
Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment or Township Committee.
(6) No Commission member shall be permitted to act on any matter in which
he or she has directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest.
G. A member of the Township Committee shall be designated each year
as a liaison with the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall have the responsibility
to:
A. Prepare a survey of historic landmarks of the municipality pursuant
to criteria identified in the survey report;
B. Make recommendations to the Planning Board on the historic preservation
plan element of the Master Plan and on the implications for preservation
of historic sites of any other Master Plan elements;
C. Advise the Planning Board on the inclusion of historic sites in the
recommended capital improvement program, if any;
D. Advise the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board (hereinafter,
"Land Use Board"), as the case may be, on applications for development
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-110;
E. Provide written reports pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-111 and §
123-4 of this Code on the application of the Zoning Ordinance provisions concerning historic preservation; and
F. Carry out such other advisory, educational and informational functions
as will promote historic preservation in the Township including, but
not limited to, the following:
(1) To review historical survey material and, if necessary, to update
such material at least once every year to incorporate any newly required
historical documentation and to reflect changes to the resource's
integrity or condition.
(2) To recommend sites to be designated as historic landmarks in accordance
with the procedures established in this article.
(3) To conduct research on and, if necessary, to nominate any additional
significant resources to the State and National Register of Historic
Places. If the Township becomes certified under the state's Certified
Local Government (CLG) Program, the Commission shall, in accordance
with the state's CLG guidelines, nominate, review and comment
on all state and national registered nominations for historic resources
with the Township of Wyckoff.
(4) To assist other public bodies in aiding the public in understanding
historic resource significance and methods of preservation.
(5) To advise the Township Committee on the relative merits of proposals
involving public lands to restore, preserve and protect historical
buildings, places and structures; to prepare long-range plans; for
the purpose of securing state, federal and other grants in aid to
assist in carrying out the other purposes of this article.
(6) To secure the voluntary assistance of the public and (within the
limits of the budget established by the Township Committee for the
Historic Commission's operation) to retain consultants and experts
and incur expenses to assist the Historic Preservation Commission
in its work.
(7) To cooperate with local, county, state or national historical authorities,
governmental bodies or organizations to maximize their contributions
to the intent and purposes of this article.
(8) To advise and assist property owners and other persons and groups,
including neighborhood organizations, who are interested in historic
preservation.
(9) Within the limits of its budget, to undertake educational programs,
including the preparation of a publication aimed at stimulating interest
in and sensitivity to historic preservation; and the placing of historic
markers on structures.
(10) To report at least annually to the Planning Board on the state of
historic preservation in the Township and recommend measures to improve
same.
(11) To adopt and promulgate such regulations and procedures not inconsistent
with this article as are necessary and proper for the effective and
efficient performance of the duties herein assigned.
(12) To perform any other lawful activities which shall be deemed necessary
to further the purposes of this chapter.