To execute the purposes of this chapter, the Township Historic District Commission is created.
A. 
The Commission consists of seven to nine members who are residents of the Township. The Commission shall be comprised of up to two members of the Township Board of Trustees and Planning Commission, and the remainder being citizens at large.
[Amended 12-31-2018]
B. 
The term of office shall be three years and the terms shall be staggered. Appointments shall be made by the supervisor, subject to the approval of the Township Board. A member may be reappointed. Terms expire on December 31. A vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the supervisor, subject to Township Board, approval within 60 days of the vacancy. Members of the Commission serve without compensation, and shall be removable for cause by the Township Board.
C. 
Members of the Commission shall have a demonstrated knowledge of, or interest in, the historical heritage of the Township.
A. 
The Commission shall elect from its membership a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and secretary at the first meeting each year. The chairperson shall preside over the Commission and have the right to vote. The vice-chairperson shall preside in the absence of the chairperson. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Commission.
B. 
The Commission shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or two members of the Commission.
C. 
A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business. The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business, which shall provide for the time and place of holding meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be public, and any person shall be entitled to appear and be heard on any matter being considered by the Commission.
D. 
The Commission shall keep a record, which shall be open to the public for view, of its resolutions, proceedings, and actions. The concurring affirmative vote of three members shall constitute approval of plans before it for review, or for the adoption of any resolution, motion or other action of the Commission.
E. 
No member of the Commission shall vote on any matter that may materially or apparently affect the property, income, or business interest of that member.
A. 
The business that the Commission may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the Commission held in compliance with Public Act No. 267 of 1976 (MCL 15.261 et seq.). Public notice of the time, date and place of the meeting shall be given in the manner required by such act. A meeting agenda shall be part of the notice and shall include a listing of each permit application to be reviewed or considered by the Commission.
B. 
The Commission shall keep a record of its resolutions, proceedings, and actions. A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the Commission in the performance of an official function shall be made available to the public in compliance with Public Act No. 442 of 1976(MCL 15.231 et seq.).
C. 
The Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and shall adopt design review standards and guidelines for resource treatment to carry out its duties under this chapter.
There shall be appropriated in the annual budget a sum of money for historic preservation for or in connection with:
A. 
The preparation of surveys.
B. 
The preservation of historic resources or districts.
C. 
The acquisition by purchase or condemnation of property, structures, easements or other rights. The Commission shall make recommendations to the Township Board concerning such acquisitions.
D. 
Staff support.
E. 
Training for all staff and public officials responsible for the implementation of this chapter, especially to provide technical knowledge of the principles, practicality and cost of historic preservation.
F. 
Programs of assistance to property owners, including but not limited to education, consultation, research assistance and assistance in locating contractors offering unique services required in historic preservation work.
G. 
Programs to recognize property owners' historic preservation achievements, including but not limited to the award of certificates or plaques for display by property owners.
H. 
Other activities taken in accordance with provisions of this chapter.
Powers and responsibilities include:
A. 
Review, advise, and recommend to the Township Board properties and resources of historical and architectural value and significance, and their relationship to the historical value of the surrounding area.
B. 
Review proposed zoning amendments or applications for zoning variances that affect proposed or designated historic resources or districts. The Planning Department shall send applications for zoning amendments to the Historic District Commission for comment prior to the date of the hearing by the Planning Commission. The planning department shall send applications for zoning variances to the Historic District Commission for comment prior to the date of the hearing by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
C. 
To collect, arrange and preserve historic material, including books, pamphlets, maps, charts, manuscripts, papers, artwork, and other objects and materials relating to the history of the Township and surrounding areas.
D. 
To procure and preserve narratives of the early pioneers, their exploits, perils and achievements.
E. 
To collect, prepare and display objects indicative of the life, customs, dress and resources of early residents of the Township and surrounding areas.