Fiscal Note
No appropriation is required.
Title
Creating an Ad Hoc Landmarks Ordinance Review Committee.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has five local historic districts which constitute under 1% of the land in the city and 182 locally designated landmarks; and,
WHEREAS, these local historic districts and locally designated landmarks provide a physical connection to our past and help us understand who we are today and tell the story of Madison's unique historical development; and,
WHEREAS, much of Madison's architectural diversity and unique and quality construction are in our local historic districts and our designated landmarks; and,
WHEREAS, historic resources are finite and cannot be replaced, making them precious commodities; and,
WHEREAS, historic districts and landmarked buildings are important in many placemaking initiatives and support heritage tourism; and,
WHEREAS, the current Landmarks Ordinance has not had a comprehensive review since its adoption; and,
WHEREAS, review and clarification as to both procedural (Phase 1) and specific historic district criteria (Phase 2) will assist in our goal of preserving our irreplaceable historic resources; and,
WHEREAS, the Landmarks Commission has developed a draft (Phase 1) revising the procedural aspects of the Landmarks Ordinance and such draft is expected to be introduced to the Council prior to July 1, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, upon introduction of its draft revising the procedural aspects of the Landmarks Ordinance (Phase 1), the Landmarks Commission will begin a public engagement process to consider amendments clarifying the substantive standards for the various historic districts (Phase 2); and,
WHEREAS, an ad hoc committee of alders will create a discussion forum that can bring together important perspectives to help address complex issues after introduction of the Landmarks Commission draft amendments to the Landmarks Ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council creates an Ad Hoc Landmarks Ordinance Review Committee (the "Committee") to consider recommendations to the Council regarding changes to the existing city Landmarks Ordinance; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Committee shall consist of the following five Alders appointed by the President of the Common Council and confirmed by the Common Council:
· One Alder from the Landmarks Commission
· One Alder from the Plan Commission
· One Alder from the Economic Development Committee
· Common Council President or designee
· One Alder selected by the Common Council President
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall be staffed by the preservation planner and shall rely on the expertise and resources of other City agencies; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall issue a report containing its considerations and recommendations to the Common Council for Phase 1 no later than October 7, 2014; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Phase 2 recommendations will be introduced to the Common Council and referred to the Committee no later than July 1, 2015; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that vacancies on the Committee shall be filled by the President of the Common Council following the Committee membership requirements outlined in this resolution; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Committee shall hold its first meeting no later than June 1, 2014.