The Governing Body of Louisburg, Kansas, after due investigation and consideration, has determined that the nature and extent of the public use and interest to be sub served is such as to create and establish a City Historic Preservation Commission to consist of five (5) members, two of whom may reside outside the City limits and within a limit of three miles from the City limits. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council within 60 days of a vacancy on the Commission. The Mayor shall make every reasonable effort to appoint persons with a demonstrated interest, knowledge, or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as history, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, archaeology, planning, engineering, real estate, law, finance, building trades, urban design, and geography. At least two (2} members shall be in a preservation-related profession, such as Archaeology, Architectural History, Conservation, Cultural Anthropology, Curation, Engineering, Folklore, Historic Architecture, Historic Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation Planning, Historic Preservation, or History, unless the Governing Body determines that it has been unsuccessful, despite reasonable efforts, to appoint such members.
(Ord. 1026; Ord. 1027; Code 2020)
The original terms of office for members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be as follows:
(a) Two members shall serve a one-year term;
(b) Two members shall serve a two-year term;
(c) One member shall serve a three-year term.
The original term of office shall begin with the first June appointive period of the City following the passage of the enabling ordinance. Thereafter each year the Mayor shall appoint successors, with consent of the City Council, to three-year terms. In the event a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, the successor shall be appointed to serve the unexpired term.
(Ord. 1026, Code 2020)
The Commission shall choose its own officers, establish its own rules and regulations, and keep a record of its meetings. A majority of the appointed members shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of any business. The City Administrator, City Council Liaison, and Mayor shall be considered ex officio members entitled to attend all meetings, having an opportunity to provide input, but not having authority to vote.
(Ord. 1026, Code 2020)
The Commission shall hold meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and such other special meetings as they may deem necessary for the transaction of the necessary business of the Commission. While regular monthly meetings may be cancelled for lack of business, the Commission must meet at least twice each year. At the first meeting following the creation of the Commission, the sole member appointed to a three-year term shall act as presiding officer until such time that bylaws are established and officers of the Commission are duly elected. Should a member be absent from two (2) or more scheduled meetings in a calendar year, the Governing Body may ask for their resignation to the Board.
(Ord. 1026, Code 2020, Ord. 1204)
Commission members shall participate in continuing education as required by the Governing Body.
(Ord. 1026, Code 2020)
All of the powers and duties enumerated herein are subject to the approval, denial, or modification by the Governing Body. Further, all funds necessary to carry out the Commission’s duties and responsibilities shall be approved and appropriated by the Governing Body. In addition to other responsibilities assigned to the Commission as needed, the Historic Preservation Commission may:
(a) Adopt its own bylaws and procedures related to the conduct of meetings subject to the laws of the State of Kansas and the policies and ordinances of the City of Louisburg;
(b) Recommend to the Governing Body that the City conduct an ongoing survey to identify historically and architecturally significant properties and structures that exemplify the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history of the nation, state, or city;
(c) Identify “historic structures” and “historic sites” that are eligible for listing in the Louisburg Register of Historic Places;
(d) Make recommendations to the Governing Body on applications for designation and the adoption of ordinances designating properties having historic, community, or architectural value as “historic structures” or “historic sites”;
(e) Research and recommend to the Governing Body an appropriate system of markers for designated historic structures and historic sites;
(f) Review all proposed National Register of Historic Places and Register of Historic Kansas Places nominations for properties within the City boundaries of Louisburg, pursuant to the guidelines established by the Kansas State Historical Society;
(g) Review Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness pursuant to this Chapter;
(h) Make recommendations to the Governing Body regarding funding for the purpose of carrying out the duties and powers of the Historic Preservation Commission and the purposes of this ordinance;
(i) Advise other City boards and commissions on any matter affecting significant historic structures and historic sites;
(j) Periodically make recommendations to the Governing Body regarding actions it deems appropriate for the protection and continued use of significant historic structures and historic sites;
(k) Recommend to the Governing Body that Commission members be encouraged to participate in a historic preservation-related educational program each year;
(l) Undertake any other action or activity necessary or appropriate to the implementation of its powers and duties or to the implementation of the purpose of this ordinance;
(m) Review and make recommendations upon all actions requiring building or demolition permits on properties listed on the National, Kansas, and/or Louisburg Register of Historic Places;
(n) Create and submit an annual report of activities to the Governing Body. Such report shall be created in such format as may be designated from time to time by the Governing Body and/or the State Historic Preservation Office.
(Ord. 1026, Code 2020)