Pursuant to the terms of Article III, Section 302, Subsection
A of the Town Charter, there is hereby established the Winchester
Historic Commission.
The purpose and intent of this chapter is to safeguard the heritage
of the Town of Winchester by preserving the elements of its historic,
cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history; to
actively seek funding sources for historic preservation projects and
to advise Town staff and elected boards and commissions on matters
pertaining to historic preservation; and to promote the use of historic
sites for the education, welfare and pleasure of the citizens of Winchester
and of the general public.
[Amended 1-2-2024; 4-15-2024]
Said Commission shall consist of up to nine members, appointed
by the Board of Selectmen, with a minimum of at least one of whom
shall be the Municipal Historian (also known as the "Town Historian").
The terms of the nine regular members shall be as follows: three members'
terms expire December 31, 2024; three members' terms expire December
31, 2025; and three members' terms expire December 31, 2026. Thereafter,
the terms of all members appointed shall be for three years. The Town
Manager may, for a period not to exceed one year, fill any vacancy
for the balance of the term of such vacant position. "Vacancy," as
used herein, shall be deemed to result upon the expiration of the
term of a member or the resignation, removal from the Town of Winchester,
or the death of any member. Nothing herein shall prohibit reappointment
by the Board of Selectmen of a member at the expiration of their current
term. All members shall be electors of the Town of Winchester. Members
of the Historic Commission shall serve without compensation.
The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the operation
of meetings and the transaction of business within its jurisdiction
and shall keep records of all its proceedings in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act.
The Commission shall make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen
regarding reasonable charges for the use by the public of historic
landmark sites and for any of its purposes as set out above.
The Commission shall have the right to call upon any other department
of the Town government for assistance in performing its duties. Any
question as to what shall constitute a proper request for assistance
shall be decided by the Town Manager.
The Commission may receive gifts in the name of the municipality
for any of its purposes and shall make recommendations regarding the
administration of the same for such purposes, subject to the terms
of the gift.
[Added 4-15-2024]
No person shall have the right to expend any public funds of
the Town in carrying out any activity authorized by this chapter without
prior approval by the Board of Selectmen, nor shall any person have
the right to bind the Town by contract, agreement or otherwise without
prior approval of the Board of Selectmen.
[Added 4-15-2024]
This chapter shall not be construed to conflict with any federal
or state statutes, the Charter, rules, regulations or Town ordinances.
If any part of this chapter shall be declared invalid by a court
of competent jurisdiction, all other parts shall remain in full force
and effect.