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Board briefed on proposed changes to historic preservation rules: smaller board, alternates and in-room quorum
Summary
Staff briefed the Historic Preservation Board on draft legislation that would change how COA applications are routed to the board, reduce board membership from nine to seven with two alternates, and raise the quorum requirement to four members physically present in the chamber; the City Commission must approve any ordinance change.
City of South Miami planning staff briefed the Historic Preservation Board on proposed amendments to the city's historic preservation regulations that would alter board composition and quorum rules.
Staff explained the draft legislation would route a broader set of building permit applications to the board for review rather than leaving the initial determinations to the building official. In addition to that procedure change, language proposed by the City Commission would reduce the board from nine members to seven, create two alternates who vote only when a regular member is absent, and change the quorum formula so the board requires four members (50% plus one) present in the chamber to meet quorum instead of the current three-person rule.
"This new proposal would change the composition of your board so that it goes from a 9 member board to a 7 member board with 2 persons serving as alternate members," staff said, adding that alternates would only vote when a regular board member is absent and that quorum would require four people physically present in the room rather than allowing participation solely via Zoom. Staff noted the planning board has already approved the draft language and that the City Commission will need to take two votes to adopt any ordinance change.
Board members asked how many vacant seats currently exist and how reappointments would be handled. Staff said several members had missed three consecutive meetings and would need reappointment by the commissioners to remain on the board; staff said terms are two years and that the clerk or administration typically notifies commissioners when terms expire and when vacancy appointments are needed. Staff also acknowledged the City Commission may delay appointments or make them with the new law in mind, depending on the commission's decisions.
Several board members expressed support for assigning newer board members to alternate roles so experienced members retain continuity on regular seats. Staff said the board does not have authority to vote on the ordinance but was being notified to provide guidance and suggestions to administration and the commission.
No formal action was taken. Staff said they will notify commissioners of open seats and consider the board's input as the commission advances the draft ordinance.
