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Consideration of amendments to Sec. 24.17.010(D)(2) of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code relative to the composition of the Historic Preservation Commission
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Submitted by:
Tammy Szudy
Department:
Development
A. Background/Options
At the November 12, 2024 Government Affairs Committee meeting, Mayor McBride introduced a proposed ordinance increasing the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) composition in order to add the current Wauwatosa Historical Society Executive Director as a Commission member. The Mayor’s memo and proposed ordinance that was revised after the Government Affairs Committee meeting is attached. Here is the link to the meeting with video:
<https://wauwatosacitywi.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1136730&GUID=1762EBD7-D09C-4766-86C2-79CCC3347F33&Options=info|&Search>=
The Plan Commission reviewed the proposal at the December 9, 2024 meeting and recommended approval 5-0. The required public hearing before the Common Council occurred on January 28, 2025 with no one appearing to comment on the proposal. The Council meeting packet along with video can be found here:
<https://wauwatosacitywi.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7105542&GUID=405F8F85-3CF8-4C8C-8109-C8DE2C779577&Options=&Search>=
B. Staff Comments
Staff suggested keeping the composition at seven members due to voting but more importantly, quorum concerns. Increasing to eight requires a quorum of five and many years ago, the Commission composition was decreased from nine to seven due to quorum difficulties. The attached ordinance provides for a transition of eight members until there is a vacancy upon which the Commission will revert to seven members.
C. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.