There is hereby created an Historic Preservation Commission in the Township
of Middle.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall elect a Chairman and a Vice
Chairman from its regular members and shall appoint a Secretary who may or
may not be a member of the Historic Preservation Commission or a municipal
employee.
Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings
but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member.
A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead
of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which
alternate is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.
No member of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be permitted
to act on any matter in which he has, either directly or indirectly, any personal
or financial interest.
A member of the Historic Preservation Commission may be removed by the
Township Committee for cause. Any member subject to removal shall be afforded
a public hearing upon request.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall annually submit to the Township
Committee no later than January 15 its proposed budget for the forthcoming
year. The Township Committee shall review the proposed budget and shall make
such provision in the municipal budget and shall appropriate such funds as
it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary for the expenses of the Historic
Preservation Commission.
The Historic Preservation Commission may employ, contract for and fix
the compensation of experts and other staff and services as it shall deem
necessary. The Commission shall obtain its legal counsel from the Township
Solicitor at the rate of compensation determined by the Township Committee.
Expenditures pursuant to this section shall not exceed, exclusive of gifts
or grants, the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's
use.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall have the responsibility to:
A. Prepare a survey of historic sites of the Township of
Middle pursuant to criteria set forth by statute and ordinance.
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.
D. Advise the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment on
applications for development where authorized by ordinance.
E. Provide written reports on the application of the Zoning
Ordinance provisions concerning historic preservation on any proposed zoning
change where authorized by ordinance.
The Historic Preservation Commission shall meet at least once each month.
The meeting shall be conducted at the Middle Township Municipal Building.
The Historic Preservation Commission may meet more frequently in its own discretion.