[Adopted as Ch. 29, §§ 29.01 through 29.04, of the 2000 Code]
A. 
Members. The Commission shall consist of five members who are residents of the City.
B. 
Appointment; qualifications. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. Members shall demonstrate a positive interest in historic preservation, possessing interest or expertise in architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, city planning, building rehabilitation, conservation in general or real estate.
C. 
Terms of office. Members of the Commission shall serve terms of three years. The terms of not more than 2/3 of the members may expire in any one year.
[Amended 3-23-2023 by Ord. No. 23-02]
D. 
Vacancies.
(1) 
Vacancies occurring in the Commission, other than expiration of term of office, shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the member replaced.
(2) 
Vacancies shall be filled by the City according to the original selection as aforesaid.
E. 
Term limits. Members may serve for more than one term, and each member shall serve until the appointment of a successor.
F. 
Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation.
G. 
Quorum. A simple majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
H. 
Officers. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson, who shall preside over all Commission meetings; and elect a Secretary, who shall be responsible for maintaining written records of the Commission's proceedings.
I. 
Meetings. The Commission shall meet at least three times a year.
A. 
The Commission may conduct studies for the identification and designation of historic districts and sites meeting the definitions established by Chapter 173, Historic Preservation, of the Code of Ordinances. The Commission may proceed at its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association. The Commission shall maintain records of all studies and inventories for public use.
B. 
The Commission may make a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa for the listing of an historic district or site in the National Register of Historic Places and may conduct a public hearing thereon.
[Amended 3-23-2023 by Ord. No. 23-02]
C. 
The Commission may investigate and recommend to the Council the adoption of ordinances designating historic sites and historic districts if they qualify as defined in Chapter 173, Historic Preservation, of the Code of Ordinances.
D. 
In addition to those duties and powers specified above, the Commission may, with Council approval:
(1) 
Accept unconditional gifts and donations of real and personal property, including money, for the purpose of historic preservation;
(2) 
Acquire, by purchase, bequest or donation, fee and lesser interests in historic properties, including properties adjacent to or associated with historic properties;
(3) 
Preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic properties under the ownership or control of the Commission;
(4) 
Lease, sell and otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties subject to rights of public access and other covenants and in a manner that will preserve the property;
(5) 
Contract with the state or federal government or other organizations;
(6) 
Cooperate with federal, state and local governments in the pursuance of the objectives of historic preservation;
(7) 
Provide information for the purpose of historic preservation to the Council; and
(8) 
Promote and conduct an educational and interpretive program on historic properties within its jurisdiction.