[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Caln 3-9-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-1. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby created and established a commission to be known as
the "Caln Township Historical Commission."
The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity for the establishment
and implementation of an historic preservation plan, to review and advise
on proposed activities affecting historic resources and to provide information
on historic resources to the citizens of the Township. To accomplish this
purpose, the Commission shall:
A.
Identify significant historical buildings, structures
and other similar resources and natural historical sites ("historic resources")
in Caln Township;
B.
Maintain a detailed inventory and map(s) of these historic
resources, including informational data appropriately classified;
C.
Create an awareness of the history of the Township from
the Native Americans to the present day, including their cultural, agricultural,
business, educational and religious endeavors, as evidenced by their remaining
historic resources;
D.
Research and record the history of Caln Township and
serve as an advisory resource for owners of historic sites involved with preservation
and/or restoration;
E.
Prepare appropriate reports respecting the foregoing
for the Board of Commissioners, as well as such additional related reports
which may be requested by the Board of Commissioners;
F.
Cooperate with and advise the Board of Commissioners,
the Township Planning Commission and other interested Township officials and
agencies in relation to the preservation and restoration of significant historic
resources, including the review of zoning and/or subdivision/land development
proposals and building/demolition permit applications which have the potential
to impact on historical resources;
G.
Consider, promote and, with the approval of the Board
of Commissioners, apply for technical and financial assistance from all appropriate
local, county, state, federal and other agencies that will assist in the preservation
of significant historic resources within Caln Township, reporting all related
action thereon to the Board of Commissioners;
H.
Prepare and submit a yearly budget to the Board of Commissioners,
together with a budget request for sums deemed necessary by the Commission
to carry out its objectives;
I.
In conjunction with and cooperation of the Board of Commissioners,
the Township Planning Commission and other appropriate groups, to study the
feasibility of creating historic districts in accordance with and pursuant
to the Act of June 13, 1961, P.L. 282, No. 167, as amended; [1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 55626 et seq.
J.
Cooperate with all Township officials regarding the possible
acquisition and use or preservation of significant historic resources, including
their nomination to the National Register of Historic Places in accordance
with the provisions of the National Historical Preservation Act of 1966, as
amended; and
K.
Perform other related duties as may be delegated by the
Board of Commissioners, from time to time.
A.
The Historical Commission shall consist of a minimum
of nine members and up to, but not exceeding, 15 members, who shall be residents
of Caln Township and who shall:
(1)
Be appointed by the Board of Commissioners;
(2)
Serve terms of office of five years, except for the initial
term which at the inception of the Commission shall be three members for one
year, three members for three years and three members for five years;
(3)
Serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for
ordinary expenses necessary to conduct the responsibilities of the Commission,
when authorized by the Board of Commissioners; and
(4)
Elect annually a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary
and other officers as deemed necessary by the Commission.
B.
A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by a Caln
Township resident appointed by the Board of Commissioners for the unexpired
term. The Commission may, as a body, make recommendations to the Board of
Commissioners for appointees to fill unexpired terms and for full terms. The
Commission shall have the right to establish appropriate committees to assist
with research, to lend expertise and to perform other duties as assigned by
the Commission. Each committee shall be chaired by a member of the Historical
Commission.
Monthly meetings and periodic executive sessions shall be held to conduct
the business of the Commission. The Commission shall keep minutes of its meetings
and activities, which shall be provided to the Board of Commissioners following
each meeting, and shall submit periodic reports, not less than once annually,
to the Board of Commissioners.
In order to carry out its responsibilities, the Historical Commission
may, with the consent of the Board of Commissioners, utilize any grants, personnel
or other assistance as may be made available by the county, the commonwealth
or federal government, or any of their agencies, or from private sources.
The Board of Commissioners may enter into agreements or contracts regarding
the acceptance or utilization of the grants or assistance in accordance with
Township procedures in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. The Historical
Commission shall submit a proposed annual budget to the Board of Township
Commissioners during the Township's annual budget process.
