PLACEMENT: Board and Committee Appointments
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
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After solicitation of applicants due to terms expiring and a long-time vacancy, the Board is asked to make the necessary appointments to the Historic Preservation Board.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Donna Gordon
Title: Administrative Services Program Coordinator
REQUESTED BY: Elise Raffa, Community Development Coordinator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The Historic Preservation Board has the following powers and duties:
1. Adopt or amend rules of procedures not inconsistent with the Land Development Regulations or Chapter 267, Florida Statutes
2. Designate individual sites, districts, and archeological zones pursuant to Section 4.584, Land Development Regulations.
3. Approve historical markers and issue Certificates of Designation.
4. Establish procedures for the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness and Certificates to Dig.
5. Recommend zoning and building code amendments to the proper authorities.
6. Promote an awareness of the benefits of historic preservation and its benefits to the community.
7. Perform periodic updates to the historic architectural survey.
8. Perform periodic updates to the archaeological survey.
9. Record and maintain records of the Historic Preservation Board's actions and decisions.
10. Provide an annual report to the Board of County Commissioners.
11. Review, develop, and recommend ordinances to the Board of County Commissioners that promote the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings.
12. Seek out worthy projects for matching grants-in-aid from sources which have as their purpose the preservation for public benefit of properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture.
13. Review applications for all buildings, properties, and sites in unincorporated Martin County nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
14. Establish criteria and procedures for the expedited review of certain projects by staff.
15. Seek expertise on proposals or matters requiring evaluation by a professional or a discipline not represented on the Board.
The Historic Preservation Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Each member shall be a Martin County resident. The composition of the HPB shall consist of four designated seats and three at-large seats. There will be a representative of each of the following professions: 1 architect with professional or educational experience related to historic preservation; 1 general contractor with professional or educational experience related to historic preservation; 1 realtor; and 1 person with demonstrated knowledge specifically related to Martin County history. The 3 at-large seats will be comprised of citizens who, by virtue of their profession or business, have demonstrated interest and experience in historic preservation and/or archeological resources; however, appointments shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.
At the December 12, 2023 Board of County Commission meeting, the Board increased the membership of the Historic Preservation Board to nine members - two at-large seats were added for a total of five at-large seats.
The Historic Preservation Board members are appointed for four-year terms. A member’s term shall terminate if the member ceases to be a resident of Martin County. If any member fails to attend three consecutive meetings in one year without cause or prior approval of the Chair, the Historic Preservation Board shall declare the member’s seat vacant. A member may be removed at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners. Any vacancy occurring on the Historic Preservation Board shall be filled by the Board of County Commissioners for the remainder of the unexpired term within 60 days. Members shall be eligible for reappointment and shall hold office until their successors have been duly appointed unless they have been removed from office.
The Historic Preservation Board typically meets monthly, and their meetings are held in the Administration Building at 4:00 PM. Their agendas are published to the County’s web site in a timely manner.
A position on the Historic Preservation Board, architect with professional or educational experience related to historic preservation, has been vacant since February 2024. Staff has been unable to fill this position since February 2024.
The Administration Staff advised Loette Lorion Rice (demonstrated knowledge specifically related to Martin County history), Sherry Lee (Realtor), Rodney Johnson and Douette Pryce (At-Large members) that their terms will expire on February 25, 2026. The incumbents were provided an Application for Appointment to complete and return if so desired.
An Information Release soliciting applicants was emailed via Constant Contact to the Outreach Martin and Local Media email lists which includes local Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, and citizens.
The Administration Staff will advise the applicants of the Commission’s decision which will include Sunshine Law, conflicts of interest law, public records law information, and the financial disclosure form information to the appointed individuals. Chair letters and framed Certificates of Appreciation will be mailed to any members not reappointed. The Chair will sign the letters and certificates.
ISSUES:
The Board is asked to appoint Joette Lorion Rice (demonstrated with knowledge) and Sherry A. Lee (Realtor) to the Historic Preservation Board for terms to begin February 26, 2026 and end February 25, 2030.
The Board is also asked to appoint two individuals as the At-Large Members. The terms will begin February 26, 2026 and end February 25, 2030. A voting sheet is attached.
Terry Dooley Rodney Johnson (incumbent)
Kylie Micciche Douette Pryce (incumbent)
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board appoint one individual per category to this Historic Preservation Board for terms to begin February 26, 2026 and end February 25, 2030
• Architect with Professional or Educational Experience Related to Historic Preservation
• Citizen demonstrated with knowledge specifically related to Martin County history
• Realtor
• At-Large Member
• At-Large Member
Move that the Board authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution of Appointment and any letters/certificates as necessary.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Direct staff accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: