[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The historical commission is hereby established and shall consist
of seven members who shall be residents of the City. Such members
shall serve without compensation.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The Mayor shall appoint the members of the commission with the
consent of the council, one member of which shall be designated by
the Mayor as chairperson. In the first year the Mayor shall appoint
three members to one-year terms, two members to two-year terms, and
two members to three-year terms. All subsequent terms shall be three
years in length and so arranged that the terms of not more than three
members shall expire each year on the second day of January. If, for
any reason, a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission,
the vacancy shall be filled forthwith by the Mayor, with council approval,
for the unexpired term.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
Beginning in January, 1980, and every year thereafter, the commission
shall elect the chairperson from among their own number. The chairperson
shall, annually, appoint a member to serve as secretary. If the secretary
is absent from a meeting, the chairperson shall designate another
member to function as secretary for that meeting. If the chairperson
is absent from a meeting, the secretary shall assume the chair. If
both the chairperson and the secretary are absent, the member with
the most seniority on the commission shall assume the chair. A majority
of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The historical commission shall meet once a month at a day and
time to be determined by the commission at its first meeting each
January and at such other times as may be necessary for the proper
exercise of its powers and duties. Special meetings may be called
by the chairperson, provided that forty-eight-hour notice is given
the other commissioners either in writing or by telephone contact.
The chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda for each regular
and special meeting. An affirmative vote of four members is required
for any motion to pass. The chairperson may limit debate among members
of the commission and may limit presentations from interested parties
and guests, provided that he does so prior to the beginning of the
debate and/or presentation, and provided that a minimum of 10 minutes
be given each side debating or presenting an issue. The commission
may make such additional rules and regulations for its own government
and in relation to its officers and members as it may deem expedient
and proper. On all matters of parliamentary procedures not provided
for in these rules or by law or ordinance, Robert's Rules of Order
shall govern.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The historical commission may, upon execution by the City's
chief executive, exercise all the powers vested in the historical
commission under the law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40,
Section 8D), or prescribed to it by law and shall perform such duties
as the City Council by ordinance may from time to time prescribe.
Such commission shall conduct research for places of historic or archaeological
value (compiling and maintaining an inventory of the historic assets
in the community), shall cooperate with the state archaeologist in
conducting such research or other surveys, and shall seek to coordinate
the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
The commission shall follow usual City budget and appropriation procedures
to request adequate funds to carry out its work and may utilize these
monies to advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts,
plans and pamphlets which it deems necessary for its work. For the
purpose of protecting and preserving such places, it may make such
recommendations as it deems necessary and proper to the City Council
and, subject to the approval of the City Council, to the Massachusetts
Historical Commission, that any such place be certified as a historical
or archaeological landmark.
The commission may hold hearings; upon execution by the City's
chief executive, may enter into contracts with individuals, organizations
and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission's
program; may enter into contracts with local or regional associations
for cooperative endeavors furthering the commission's program; may
accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals,
foundations and from federal, state and other governmental bodies
for the purpose of furthering the commission's program; may make and
sign any agreements and may do and perform any and all acts which
may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this section.
It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and shall
file an annual report. Said commission, with prior approval of a two-thirds
majority of all members of the City Council, may acquire in the name
of the City by gift, purchase, grant, bequests, devise, lease or otherwise
the fee or lesser interest in real or personal property of significant
historical value and may manage the same.
The commission may suggest, under the provisions of Massachusetts
General Laws, Chapter 40C, the appointment of an historic district
study committee by the City Council. The historic district study committee
would study the feasibility of creating historic districts in the
City and determine boundaries for said districts.
The commission may prepare, or cause to be prepared, a preservation
plan outlining its policies and goals and recommending actions to
accomplish said objectives.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The historical commission shall, from time to time, conduct
public hearings in order to ascertain the preservation needs of the
community. Interested individuals may voice their opinions and/or
present documentation to the commission at such public hearings regarding
the community's historical sites provided that a maximum of five minutes
be allotted for each individual. The time and need of such public
hearings shall be determined by the chairperson.
[Ord. of 9-11-79]
The historical commission shall keep a detailed record of its
acts and proceedings and shall make an annual report to the Mayor
in connection with such record.
