§ 76-2. Landmarks Advisory Committee.

A. 

Jurisdiction and purpose. To effectuate the goals of this chapter, there is hereby created in and for the Town of New Castle the Landmarks Advisory Committee (hereinafter the "Committee").

B. 

Composition and selection.

(1) 

The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Town Board. The Committee shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be Town residents. One member shall be the Town Historian. All members shall have a known interest in historic preservation and architectural development within the Town of New Castle.

(2) 

The Committee members shall serve three-year terms, except that initially two members shall be appointed for three-year terms, two for two-year terms and one member for a one-year term.

(3) 

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee shall be appointed by the Town Board.

(4) 

Vacancies shall be filled by the Town Board.

C. 

Powers and duties. The Committee shall investigate, document and make recommendations, in its discretion, to the Town Board to designate historic properties as New Castle landmarks, pursuant to § 76-3 herein. The Committee shall provide written reports concerning the historic character of designated New Castle landmarks and recommendations for their preservation. The Committee shall also review plans and provide written comments to the Building Inspector for any application involving the proposed moving, exterior construction, alteration, removal or demolition of a New Castle landmark.

(1) 

The Committee, in carrying out the aforementioned duties, shall have the power to:

(a) 

Employ staff and professional consultants, if necessary to carry out the duties of the Committee, to the extent that funds are appropriated and available therefor.

(b) 

Promulgate rules and regulations as necessary for the conduct of its business as set forth in this chapter.

(c) 

Adopt criteria for the identification of significant historic, architectural and cultural structures, sites and areas.

(d) 

Conduct surveys, in consultation with public or private agencies, if appropriate, of buildings for the purpose of determining those of historic, architectural or cultural significance and pertinent facts about them.

(e) 

Identify structures or resources as historic properties and possible New Castle landmarks.

(f) 

Increase public awareness of the value of historic, architectural and cultural preservation by developing and participating in public information programs.

(g) 

Make recommendations to the Town of New Castle concerning the utilization of state, federal or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic properties within the Town.

(h) 

Formulate and publish recommendations concerning the preparation of maps, brochures and historical markers for designated historic, architectural and cultural landmarks, landmark sites and historic properties.

(i) 

Advise owners of historical buildings on problems and benefits of preservation and restoration; assist owners of historical buildings with preservation plans and activities and provide advice as to recommended restoration or choice of appropriate materials, as compatible with the historic nature of the landmark, landmark site and/or historical property and the intent of this chapter.

D. 

The Committee shall meet at least semiannually, but meetings may be held at any time on the written request of any two of the Committee members or on the call of the Chairman or the Town Board.

E. 

A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business or the performance of its functions, and the concurring vote of a majority of those constituting a quorum shall be necessary for the adoption of any recommendations or other acts of the Committee.