Borough of Red Bank, NJ Article VIII Historic Preservation Commission

[Adopted by Ord. No. 2002-14 (Sec. 2-53 of the 1987 Revised General Ordinances); amended in its entirety 6-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-15]

§ 9-29 Establishment of Commission.

A. Establishment and classes of members.

(1) A Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is hereby established consisting of five regular members and which may include two alternate members, each of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor, of the following three classes:

(a) Class A - A person who is by occupation a professional in building design and construction or architectural history;

(b) Class B - Persons who are knowledgeable or have a demonstrated interest in local history;

(c) Class C - Persons who are residents of the municipality and who hold no other municipal office, position or employment except for membership on the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.

(2) There shall be one member each from Classes A and B fulfilling the terms.

(3) Those regular members who are not designated as Class A or B shall be designated as Class C. Of the regular members, a total of at least one less from a majority shall be of Classes A and B. Alternate members shall meet the qualifications of Class C members and shall be designated "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2" at the time of appointment.

(4) All members shall be residents of the municipality excepting Class A and Class B.

(5) Terms of membership.

(a) The term of each regular member shall be four years, and the term of each alternate member shall be two years.

(b) Alternate members. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of their appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2."

(c) The term of any member in common with the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment shall be for the term of membership on such Board.

B. The terms of the members first appointed under this article shall be such that two members shall be appointed to a one-year term, two members shall be appointed to a two-year term, and one member shall be appointed to a three-year term. Alternate No. 1 shall be appointed to a two-year term, and Alternate No. 2 shall be appointed to a one-year term. The first year of the terms of all initial appointments under this article shall expire on December 31 of that year. The term of a regular member subsequently appointed shall be three years, and the term of an alternate member shall be two years. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term only, within 60 days of said vacancy. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the term of any member common to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment shall be for the term of the membership on the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment, as the case may be.

C. Role of alternate members. Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member of any class. 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 member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.

D. Vacancies. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term only.

E. Compensation. Members of the HPC shall serve without compensation except that reimbursement of reasonable expenses in the execution of official duties may be made by the municipality.

F. Removal. A member of the Commission may, after public hearing if he or she requests it, be removed by governing body for cause.

G. Conflict. No member or alternate member of the HPC shall be permitted to act on any matter in which he or she has directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest. No member who is so disqualified may act on that particular matter, shall not continue to sit with the Commission on the hearing of such matter, nor shall participate in any discussion or decision.

H. Organization. The HPC shall elect from its membership a Chairman and Vice Chairman, whose terms of office shall be for one year. The Chairman shall preside over the Commission and shall have the right to vote. The Vice Chairman shall, in case of absence or disability of the Chairman, perform the duties of the Chairman. A Secretary shall be appointed by the Commission, who may or may not be a member of the Commission or a municipal employee. The Commission shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order.

I. Funding. The governing body shall make provisions in its budget and appropriate funds for the expenses of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission shall have the authority to contract for the services of qualified persons to direct, advise and assist the Commission, and may acquire equipment and supplies necessary to its effective operation.

J. Advice. The Commission is empowered to seek advisory opinions and technical assistance from appropriate municipal officers and employees on any matter within the Commission's jurisdiction.

K. Rules and procedures. The HPC shall adopt and may amend internal rules and procedures for the transaction of its business, subject to the following:

(1) A quorum for any action by the HPC shall be three members.

(2) All HPC minutes and records shall be public records.

(3) All HPC meetings shall comply with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.).

(4) The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business, which shall provide for the time and place of meetings.

§ 9-30 through § 9-34. (Reserved)