Title
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Adopt An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 (“Administration”), Article 23 (“Historic Preservation Commission”) of the Oak Park Village Code Related to Membership of the Historic Preservation Commission.
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Introduction
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This is an Ordinance approving a reduction in the required membership for the Historic Preservation Commission from eleven (11) members to nine (9) members.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
In 2011, the Village Board amended this Chapter of the Village Code by requiring that at least one (1) member of the Commission shall be a homeowner or business owner or representative located in a designated Oak Park Historic District.
Background
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a large citizen-appointed commission consisting of a chairperson and ten (10) members for a total of eleven (11) seats. The commission has had difficulty consistently filling all eleven (11) seats, which leads to cancelling meetings due to the lack of a quorum. Currently, there are three vacancies on this commission. Reducing the membership to nine (9) will bring the membership number more in line with other citizen-appointed commissions, such as the Plan Commission. Most of the commissions have either seven (7) or nine (9) seats.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance reducing the HPC membership from eleven (11) to nine (9).
Advantages:
• Coordinating schedules for 9 commissioners is easier than 11, which will help minimize meeting cancellations.
• This action lowers the threshold needed for a quorum.
Disadvantages:
• Reducing memberships will result in fewer open spaces for residents to join the HPC.
• Losing two seats potentially narrows the range of backgrounds and professional expertise.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• A larger group incorporates a wider variety of professional backgrounds, life experiences, and viewpoints, which could lead to more comprehensive decision-making.
• More opportunity for public involvement.
Disadvantages:
• This action would not solve the issue with vacancies and absent members.
Anticipated Future Actions
No future actions are anticipated for this item.
Prepared By: Mike Bruce, Planning & Urban Design Manager/Village Planner
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance.