HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Districts Commission Ad hoc Ch. 447 Revisions Study Committee - Charge - Revised August 2018 HISTORIC 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