Ordinance No. 21-04

Introduced: January 11, 2021
Public Hearing: January 25, 2021
Status: Adopted

Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Amending and Supplementing the Municipal Code to Abolish the Historic Preservation Commission

WHEREAS, Township Council of the Township of Vernon (“Township”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Township to abolish the Historic Preservation Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey, that the Historic Preservation Commission is hereby abolished and the municipal code is hereby amended as follows:

SECTION 1

§ 5-13 Boards, bodies, commissions and committees.

1. The following boards and bodies of the Township are hereby continued:
   1. Land Use Board as set forth in Section 330-6.
   2. Environmental Commission;
   3. Open Space Board [reserved];
   4. Historic Preservation Commission (Reserved);
   5. Recreation Committee;
   6. Municipal Alliance Committee; and
   7. Senior Citizen Committee.

SECTION 2

§ 5-94. Historic Preservation Commission.

1. There is hereby created in and for the Township of Vernon a commission to be known as the “Historic Preservation Commission.” The Township of Vernon Historic Preservation Commission in hereby abolished.
2. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven members and two alternates who shall serve without compensation except that the Commission members shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of official business approved in advance by the Township Council.
3. Membership.
   1. The Commission positions shall be filled by persons who are interested in and qualified to contribute to the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites and objects. The Commission shall comprise the following categories:
      1. Class A: persons who are knowledgeable in building design and construction or in architectural history.
      2. Class B: persons who are knowledgeable or have demonstrated an interest in local history.
      3. Class C: persons who are residents of the Township and who hold no other municipal office, position or employment, except for membership on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
   2. There shall be at least one member each from Class A and Class B; three members may reside outside the Township. Both alternates shall meet the qualifications of Class C members.
4. Commission members shall be appointed by the Mayor and shall serve for four-year terms except that, of the first members appointed, two members shall serve for one year, two members shall serve for two years and the three other members shall serve for three years. The alternate members shall initially and thereafter serve two-year terms. All members may, at the expiration of their terms, be eligible for appointment to four-year terms. If a Commission member is also a member of the Land Use Board, the term of membership of such Commission member shall be the term of membership on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner in which the previous incumbent was appointed, and such vacancy appointment shall be only for the balance of the unexpired term.
5. The Commission shall adopt internal rules and procedures for the transaction of its business subject to the following:
   1. The Commission shall elect from its members a Chairman and Vice Chairman.
   2. A quorum for the transaction of all business shall be four members.
   3. All Commission minutes and records shall be public records and all Commission meetings shall comply with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.
   4. The Commission shall employ, designate or elect a Secretary who need not be a member of the Commission. The Secretary shall keep minutes and records of all meetings and proceedings, including voting records, attendance, resolutions, findings, determinations and decisions. All such materials shall be made of public record.
   5. Commission meetings shall be scheduled at least once every month, or as often as required to fulfill its obligations to advise the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment or governing body.
   6. No Commission member shall be permitted to act on any matter in which he or she has directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest.
6. A member of the governing body shall be designated each year as a liaison with the Historic Preservation Commission.

SECTION 3

Sections 5-95, 330-141, 330-142, 330-148, 330-149, 330-150, 330-151, and 330-152 of the municipal code are hereby repealed.

SECTION 4

§ 330-153. Establishment of historic districts; limitations on powers of Comission.

1. The establishment of a historic district in the Township of Vernon shall be initiated and implemented in the same way as for historic landmarks.
2. No duties or powers of the Commission shall supersede or infringe on the powers of other Township boards and committees.

SECTION 5

The Historic Preservation Commission shall forthwith deliver all of its books, collections, and records to the Township Clerk within 10 business days of the passage of this ordinance.

SECTION 6

A final copy of this ordinance shall be provided to the Land Use Board.

SECTION 7

Each section of this ordinance is an independent section, and the holding of any section or part thereof to be unconstitutional, void or ineffective for any cause shall not be deemed to affect the validity of constitutionality of any other sections or parts thereof.

SECTION 8

Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.

SECTION 9

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately as provided by law.

Strikeouts are deletions. Underlines are added material.