(a) An historic preservation commission created by an ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter shall be composed of not less than 7 members, who shall have demonstrated training or experience in the fields of history, architecture, architectural history, urban planning, archaeology or law, or who shall be residents of an historic district designated pursuant to that ordinance. Members of the commission shall be bona fide residents of the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality creating the commission. Not more than one-fifth of the members of the commission shall be public officials.
(b) Members of the commission shall be nominated by the chief executive officer of the municipality creating the commission and appointed by the legislative body of that municipality. Nomination and appointment of members of the commission shall be made so as to ensure that the commission will be composed of persons with as much of the training and experience specified in subsection (a) of this section as is possible.
(c) Except for the original members of the commission, members of the commission shall serve three year terms and shall be appointed in such a manner so as to serve overlapping terms. Two of the original members of the commission shall be appointed to serve one year terms, two of the original members of the commission shall be appointed to serve two year terms, and the remainder of the original members of the commission shall be appointed to serve three year terms. Members of the commission may be reappointed.
(d) Members of the commission may be removed for cause by the legislative body of the municipality creating the commission.
(e) Vacancies on the commission shall be filled by persons nominated by the chief executive officer of the municipality creating the commission and appointed by the legislative body of that municipality. Such appointments shall be for the unexpired term of the member replaced.
(f) Members of the commission shall elect a chairman and a vice chairman and such other officers as the members deem necessary. The commission shall adopt rules of procedure and bylaws to govern its operations and shall communicate those rules of procedure and bylaws to the municipality creating the commission. The rules of procedure and bylaws of the commission shall specify what number of members of the commission constitutes a quorum.
(g) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the commission in accordance with the rules and regulations for the reimbursement of expenses adopted by the commission.
(h) The commission may employ such professional, technical, office, and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and responsibilities of the ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter.
(i) The commission shall prepare and file with the municipality creating the commission, and with the Alabama Historical Commission, an annual report of its activities as required by the municipality and the Alabama Historical Commission.
(j) Meetings of the commission shall be public meetings and shall be held at times and places and pursuant to such notices specified in the ordinance creating the commission.
Last modified: May 3, 2021