CHAPTER 12
Historic Preservation
Section 3703. Historic Commission
ss 3703 Historic Commission
A. Establishment and Organization
1. An Historic Preservation Commission shall be established consisting of 7 members who shall be residents of Gardiner. Members of the Commission shall demonstrate an interest in the historical and architectural development of the City and shall be appointed, with due regard, to the proper representation of such fields as history, architectural history, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, archeology, law and building construction to the extent that such professionals are available in the community. Consideration shall also be given to at least one member being a resident of a
designated historic district.
2. The Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Gardiner, hereinafter called the Commission, shall administer this Ordinance.
3. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor for a term of 3 years, except that the initial appointments shall be staggered so that subsequent appointments shall not recur at the same time.
4. The members shall annually choose a chairperson who shall preside at all meetings.
5. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and the Commission shall keep a record of its proceedings and actions.
6. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members.
7. A legal vote shall consist of a majority of the members.
8. The Mayor shall act within 60 days to fill a vacancy, including expired terms.
9. A municipal officer may not be a member of the Commission.
10. A member may be removed by the Mayor for the following reasons:
a. Unable to continue being an active member due to physical or mental incapacity.
b. The violation of state or federal criminal statutes.
11. A vacancy shall be created when any one of the following occurs:
a. Member moves from his/her residence from the City.
b. Member resigns.
c. Member is removed for cause by the City Council.
d. Death of a member.
B. Powers and Duties
The Commission shall be authorized to:
1. Conduct a survey of historic and archeological resources within Gardiner according to guidelines established by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and maintain a record of such.
2. Recommend methods and procedures to the City Council necessary to preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic sites and properties under the ownership or control of the City.
3. Review alterations, relocation and demolition of the designated historic and prehistoric properties under its jurisdiction.
4. Review all new construction affecting historic and prehistoric properties and/or districts within its jurisdiction to determine if locally listed historic or prehistoric archeological site will be affected.
5. Review all proposed National Register nominations for properties within its jurisdiction. When the Commission considers a National Register nomination and other actions which are normally evaluated by a professional in a specific discipline and that discipline is not represented on the Commission, the Commission shall seek expertise in that area before rendering its decision.
6. Recommend ordinances to the City Council and otherwise provide information for the purposes of historic preservation in the town.
7. Recommend to the City Council guidelines for the conservation of designated local landmarks and historic districts to be used in decisions for requests for permits for new construction alterations, demolition, relocation or additions to listed historic landmarks, properties and buildings within historic districts.
8. Act in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the protection of local cultural preservation.
9. Act as a liaison on behalf of the local government to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation.
10. Promote and conduct an educational and interpretive program on historic preservation and historic properties and sites within the City.
11. Cooperate with federal, state and local governments in the pursuance of the objectives of historic preservation.
12. Participate in the conduct of land use and other planning processes undertaken by the City the State or the Federal government and the agencies of these entities.
13. Submit an annual report of the activities of the Commission to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.
14. The Commission is required to participate in at least one informational/educational meeting, per year, sponsored by the Maine Historical Preservation Commission.
15. The Commission shall be authorized to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness pursuant to this ordinance.
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