Thompson Memorial Library

XXI. HISTORICAL COMMISSION

2-149 Establishment.

Under the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 8D of the Massachusetts General Laws, there is established a historical commission for the City, hereinafter in this part referred to as the commission. (Prior Ch. 9-B sec.1).
 

2-150. Organization.

A. The commission shall consist of seven members, who shall be appointed by the Mayor for a term of three years each.

B. Any member of the commission so appointed may, after a public hearing, if requested, be removed for cause by the Mayor. A vacancy otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.

C. The commission shall organize annually for the purpose of electing a chairman, vice-chairman and a secretary from among the membership. (Prior Ch. 9-B sec.2).
 

2-151 Powers, duties and responsibilities.

A. The commission shall be responsible for the preservation, protection and development of the historical assets of the City. For the purpose of protecting and preserving such places, the commission may make such recommendations as it deems necessary to the City Council and, subject to the approval of the City Council, to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, that any such place be certified as a historical landmark.

B. The commission shall conduct researches for places of historic value.

C. The commission may hold hearings, may enter into contracts with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission's program; may enter into contracts with local or regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the commission's program; may accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations, and from federal, state or other governmental bodies for the purpose of furthering the commission's program.

D. The commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require.

E. The commission may acquire in the name of the City by gift, grant, bequest, lease or otherwise the fee or lesser interest in real or personal property of significant value and may manage the same.

F. The commission shall administer the Loammi Baldwin Mansion and certain sections of the Old Middlesex Canal.

G. The commission shall be responsible for the National Register of Historic Places within the City.(Prior Ch.9-B sec.3).
 

2-152 Records of meetings--Annual report.

The commission shall keep accurate records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report which shall be published in the annual report of the City. (Prior Ch. 9-B sec.4).