Historic Board schedules public working session to consider guideline and ordinance changes

The Madison Historic Board of Review voted on June 17 to hold a public working session to consider proposed changes to the board's rules of procedure, staff approval thresholds and possible amendments to the city's ordinance governing the historic district.

Nicole (staff member) told the board the city attorney — who provides legal input on ordinance language — was unavailable for the meeting and recommended scheduling a publicly advertised working session that would include staff and the city attorney so the board could receive legal guidance while drafting changes.

Board members approved the motion to hold the working session and asked staff to circulate possible dates; staff said a working session requires 48 hours' public notice and that the session should occur before the regular July meeting so any proposals could be returned to the board for formal action. The board and staff discussed aiming for a half‑day session (staff indicated a six‑hour working session as a target) and the possibility of additional sessions or training to address guidance on replacement materials such as siding and porch details.

During discussion members asked staff to gather ordinance history; Nicole said the relevant ordinance section has not been amended since approximately 1982 and that staff will include ordinance language and any suggested amendments for review at the working session. The board voted to schedule the session and authorized staff to work with members and the city attorney to set a date that fits schedules.