The city council shall establish and maintain a board of architectural review for historic districts and landmarks, hereinafter referred to as “board,” which shall be vested with the responsibility of assuring that the integrity of landmarks and properties within historic districts is protected. The board shall be composed of seven (7) voting members.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-31)
The city council shall appoint all members of the board under the guidelines listed herein. At least one (1) member of the county historical commission shall be a member of the board, with six (6) other members who must have the prerequisites described in section 3.05.033. The mayor or his designated representative shall be appointed as an ex-officio (nonvoting) member of the board. Members of the board shall elect a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary annually. The city council shall have the authority to remove a member of the board.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-32)
(a) 
All members of the board shall be residents of the city except the representative of the county historical commission.
(b) 
All members shall own property in the city.
(c) 
A minimum of three (3) members of the board must own or rent a historic landmark or must own or rent property within a historic district.
(d) 
A minimum of three (3) at-large members shall be selected. At-large members must be residents and must own property within the city. They may own or rent a historic landmark or property within a historic district.
(e) 
All members shall have a demonstrated interest, competence and/or knowledge in historic preservation.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-33)
The term of office shall be staggered, with initial terms of one (1) year for three (3) members and two (2) years for four (4) members. Subsequent terms shall be for a period of two (2) years. Members may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-34)
(a) 
To prepare rules and procedures as necessary to carry out the business of the board, which shall become effective when ratified by the city council.
(b) 
To recommend the designation of buildings, objects, structures, or sites as landmarks and/or historic districts to the city council. Such designations shall become effective when ratified by the city council.
(c) 
To maintain written minutes which record all actions taken by the board and the reasons for taking such actions.
(d) 
To recommend conferral of recognition upon the owners of landmarks or properties within historic districts by means of certificates, plaques or markers.
(e) 
To increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, architectural and archaeological preservation by developing and participating in public education programs.
(f) 
To make recommendations to the city council concerning the utilization of state, federal or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic districts within the city.
(g) 
To review and determine compliance with the criteria established for applications for permits pursuant to this article.
(h) 
To prepare specific design guidelines for the review of applications for permits for landmarks and districts. To prepare additional guidelines or criteria for review of applications for permits. These guidelines or criteria shall become effective when ratified by the city council.
(i) 
To prepare and submit annually to the city council a report on the state of historic preservation in the city, a summary of activities for the past year and a proposed program for the next year.
(j) 
To recognize the importance of finding a way to meet the current needs of the property owner, and the importance of approving plans that will be economically reasonable for the property owner to carry out.
(k) 
To request the assistance of voluntary professionals as the board deems necessary in matters concerning this article. Any non-voluntary assistance shall first be approved by the city council.
(l) 
To develop regulations, applications and forms to carry out the terms of this article, which such regulations, applications and forms shall be subject to review and approval by the city council prior to their use.
(m) 
The board shall have the further responsibility of recommending to the city council the adoption of policies and the sources of funds that may further the city’s preservation effort.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-35)
(a) 
The board shall hold a regular monthly meeting, unless no applications for work have been received, or unless no board action is required. Special meetings may be called upon request of the chairman, the vice-chairman or the mayor. All meetings must be held in accordance with the state Open Meetings Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, chapter 551).
(b) 
Four (4) voting members shall constitute a quorum.
(1990 Code, sec. 12-36)