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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Districts Commission Ad hoc Ch. 447 Revisions Study Committee - Charge - Revised August 2018HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION AD HOC CH. 447 REVISIONS STUDY COMMITTEE Members: Seven voting members, including one representing the Lexington Historic Districts Commission and one representing the Lexington Historical Commission. Appointed by: The Board of Selectmen. Length of Term: Upon completion of all recommendations to the Board of Selectmen in accordance with the established deliverables schedule as outlined below. Meeting Times: As determined by the Committee. A minimum of four evening meetings, including residents of each of the Historic Districts, members of the business community and other interested parties, to solicit public comment shall be required. Description: The Lexington Historic Districts Commission was created in 1956 through a Special Act of the Legislature (Chapter 447, Acts of 1956, An Act Establishing an Historic Districts Commission for the Town of Lexington and Defining its Powers and Duties, and Establishing Historic Districts in the Town of Lexington, as amended). Since that time, Ch. 447 has been amended only five times -- mainly to alter the boundaries of the districts, clarify terms and change the remedies for violation. In the meantime, in 1960 the Legislature enacted enabling legislation in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C ("40C") to standardize the administration and practices of historic district commissions across the Commonwealth. While Lexington has been, and will continue to be, well served by its Special Act, it is appropriate to amend the Special Act from time to time to conform certain provisions to the Statewide legislation or customize them to the needs of Lexington. This committee will engage with the community through public hearings and other contacts to solicit input from residents, especially residents of the four historic districts, affected businesses and other interested parties, to determine whether, and how, those most affected by Ch. 447 would wish to change any of its provisions. Vision: By drawing on Statewide experience in other historic districts and the input of Lexington constituents as to the effectiveness of Ch. 447, the Ad Hoc Committee can then suggest changes to Ch. 447, if appropriate, that improve the statute's policies and procedures and more accurately reflect the values of the community. Mission: To ensure that architecturally and historically important properties are preserved, thus enhancing the character of the Town for residents and visitors; and to ensure that the owners of these properties are treated fairly, consistently and in accordance with statewide and local standards. Deliverables: Report addressed to Board of Selectmen with respect to process and justification for amendments to Ch. 447, if appropriate. Proposed language for amendments to Ch. 447, if appropriate. Presentation at Annual Town Meeting of findings and proposals, if amendments are deemed appropriate. Criteria for Membership: Some members should have some familiarity with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C and the Lexington Historic Districts Special Act or the willingness to review and understand these two laws. Some experience with existing HDC decision-making, policies and procedures would be helpful, as well as knowledge of historic preservation practices across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A property owner within the existing HDC districts is desirable. Staff Support: Assistant Town Manager for Development Prior to serving as a member of this committee, members are required to: 1. Acknowledge receipt of the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Statute. Further, to continue to serve on the Committee the member must acknowledge annually receipt of the Summary of the Conflict of Interest Statute. Said summary will be provided by and acknowledged to the Town Clerk. 2. Provide evidence to the Town Clerk that the appointee has completed the on-line training requirement required by the Conflict of Interest statute. Further, to continue to serve on the Committee, the member must acknowledge every two years completion of the on-line training requirement. Reference: Charge adopted by the Selectmen on October 30, 2017 as amended on December 4, 2017 Selectmen designated as Special Municipal Employees on December 4, 2017 Charge amended by the Selectmen on July 23, 2018 to reflect name change, updated number of members and amended meeting times, description, vision and deliverables. Charge amended by the Selectmen on August 6, 2018 to reflect 7 voting members.