§ 18.01.030. Historic preservation board.

There is hereby created a board to be known as the Uvalde Historic Preservation Board ("HPB").

A.

The HPB shall consist of seven members and two alternates appointed by the city council, all members shall be residents of the city or own property within a historic district. At least two members shall reside in or own a landmark property or reside or own property within a historic district.

B.

All HPB members shall have a known and demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge of historic preservation within the city. To the extent available among the residents of the community, consideration will be given to professional members from the disciplines of architecture, history, urban planning, real estate, legal, archeology, or other disciplines related to historic preservation. When professionals in the fields of history, architectural history, planning or archaeology is not represented in the membership of the HPB, then the city shall seek and provide outside expertise in the appropriate discipline when considering National Register nominations and all federal undertakings that will affect historic properties which are normally evaluated by a professional in such disciplines.

C.

HPB members shall serve for staggered terms of two years. For the initial board members, the historic preservation officer shall conduct a blind draw to establish the staggered terms with three of the initial board members serving one-year terms and the remainder serving a full two-year term.

D.

The chairman and vice chairman of the HPB shall be elected by and from the members of the HPB and shall serve for a term of one year.

E.

The HPB shall have the power to:

1.

Adopt rules and procedures as necessary to provide for the orderly conduct of HPB meetings.

2.

Adopt criteria for the identification of historic, architectural and cultural landmarks.

3.

Conduct surveys and maintain an inventory of significant historic, architectural and cultural landmarks and historic districts within the city.

4.

Recommend the designation of resources as landmarks and/or historic districts.

5.

Review all proposed National Register nominations for properties within its jurisdiction as well as alterations, relocations, and demolition/removals of listed historic properties.

6.

Maintain written minutes that record all actions taken by the HPB and the reasons for taking such actions.

7.

Recommend conferral of recognition upon the owners of landmarks or within districts by means of certificates, plaques or markers.

8.

Increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural and architectural preservation by encouraging and participating in public education programs developed by the historic preservation officer.

9.

Conduct public hearings and provide comment on buildings, objects, sites, structures, and districts for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places to the Texas Historic Commission. Such recommendations shall be guided by the criteria established in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

10.

Make recommendations to city council and staff concerning the utilization of state, federal or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic districts within the city.

11.

Approve or disapprove applications for certificates of appropriateness pursuant to this chapter.

12.

Recommend the acquisition of an historic resource by the city where its preservation is essential to the purpose of this chapter and where private preservation is not feasible.

13.

Adopt specific design guidelines for the review of landmarks and districts to ensure compatibility within the district.

14.

Prepare and submit annual reports to the mayor and city council summarizing the activities of the HPB completed during the prior year.

F.

The HPB shall meet at least monthly if business is at hand. Special meetings may be called at any time as requested by the historic preservation officer. All meetings shall be held in conformance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

G.

A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of four of the HPB's members. If a quorum is not present for a scheduled meeting, the city historic preservation officer may approve or disapprove applications for certificates of appropriateness.

H.

Additionally, the board shall have four ex officio, non-voting members each of whom shall be entitled to notice of all meetings of the board and to fully participate in the discussion and consideration of all business coming before the board. The ex officio members shall be the chief building official, the planning and zoning director, the business development director and the city attorney.

I.

The city council shall act within 60 days to fill a vacancy, including expired terms.

( Ord. No. 2015-17 , § 2, 11-24-2015; Ord. No. 2013-08, 6-25-2013)