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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acquire, by purchase, bequest
or donation, fee and lesser interests in historic properties, including
properties adjacent to or associated with historic properties;
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;