1. The City Council finds that the recognition and preservation of historic landmarks is in the public interest and serves to promote the welfare of the community. The purpose of this subchapter is to preserve the historic structures of the community through a voluntary program of owner participation.
2. A “historic landmark” is defined as any site or area of historic or cultural importance or significance as designated by the City Council. Historic landmarks shall include historic structures, sites, districts or areas:
   1. Within which the buildings, structures, appurtenances and places exemplify the cultural, political, economic or social history of the nation, state, region or community;
   2. That are identified with the lives of historic persons or with important historical events; and
   3. That embody the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen as to color, proportion, form, details, materials and craftsmanship.

(Ord. 05-13, passed 8-18-05)

1. There is hereby appointed by the City Council a person to be known as the “Gladewater Historical Preservation Liaison.” The Liaison shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council for a two (2) year term, and may be reappointed to unlimited consecutive terms. The Liaison shall be:
   1. An architect, planner, or design professional; or
   2. A historian, archeologist, or related profession; or
   3. A real estate professional; or
   4. An attorney; or
   5. An owner of historic landmark or property in historic district; or
   6. A member of a local historical or preservation organization.
2. Additionally, the Liaison shall have a demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation within the city.
3. The duties of the Liaison are:
   1. To work with the federal and state governments, City Planning Department, the historical society and other boards or organizations to help coordinate restoration or preservation projects;
   2. To educate the community about its rich historical legacy and to encourage historical preservation as inspiration for future generations;
   3. To study and research the necessity for historical districts for the city;
   4. To conduct comprehensive studies into the field of historical preservation in this community, including programs now being offered, what still needs to be done, and cooperative efforts among various groups which could be effected toward a common goal;
   5. To provide for the community an overall view of historical preservation and provide data for individuals or organizations interested in historical preservation;
   6. To recommend to the City Council historic landmarks, which should be included in the Gladewater Historic Landmark Register;
   7. To thoroughly familiarize himself/herself with buildings, structures, sites, districts, areas, places and lands within the city, which may be eligible for designation as historical landmarks;
   8. To establish criteria and make recommendations to the City Council to be used in determining whether certain buildings, districts, and areas should be designated as historical landmarks;
   9. To establish guidelines and review requests for certificates of appropriateness and certificates of demolition for buildings, structures and sites designated as historical landmarks;
   10. To formulate plans and programs for public and private action for encouraging and promoting the preservation of historical landmarks;
   11. To suggest sources of funds for preservation and restoration activities and acquisitions, including federal, state, local, private and foundation sources;
   12. To provide information and counseling to owners of historical landmarks;
   13. To prepare annual reports to the Texas Historical Commission and City Council that summarize preservation activity during the previous year; and
   14. To prepare design guidelines for review of historical landmarks and districts.
4. The powers and duties of Liaison are:
   1. Act in an advisory capacity and make recommendations to the City Manager, the Planning Board and the City Council concerning establishment of any location, structure, building or area as an official historical site and shall make future recommendations regarding preservation and restoration of such areas or buildings, subsequent to their establishment as official historical sites or districts.
   2. Conduct meetings and research for the purpose of determining the feasibility of recommending to the City Manager, the Planning Board and City Council locations, sites and structures to preserve and restore as official historic sites or districts.
   3. The authority of the Liaison shall be limited to making recommendations, and he/she shall in no way have authority to designate or establish areas, buildings or structures as historical sites or districts.

(Ord. 05-13, passed 8-18-05)

1. There shall be maintained a document designated as the “Gladewater Historic Landmark Register.”
2. A structure, site or area may be nominated by the owner or by any interested third party, but may not be placed on the Gladewater Historic Landmark Register without the express consent of the property owner.
3. An application form shall be required as prescribed by the Liaison. The Liaison shall conduct public meetings to consider applications for inclusion of sites, structures or areas on the Gladewater Historic Landmark Register and shall make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council may designate historic structures, sites or areas for inclusion on the register, after considering the report and recommendation of the Liaison.
4. In considering a structure or place for designation in the Gladewater Historic Landmark Register, the Liaison and City Council shall consider one or more of the following:
   1. Character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or United States;
   2. Recognition as a recorded Texas historic landmark, a national historic landmark, or entered into the National Register of Historic Places;
   3. Distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen;
   4. Elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship, which represent a significant architectural innovation;
   5. Relationship to other distinctive buildings, sites, districts or areas which are eligible for preservation according to a plan based on architectural, historic or cultural motif;
   6. Portrayal of the environment of a group of people in an area of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style;
   7. Exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, ethnic or historical heritage of the city, state or United States;
   8. Location as the site of a significant historic event;
   9. Identification with a person(s) who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city, state or United States;
   10. Value as an aspect of community sentiment or public pride;
   11. Identification as the work of a designer, architect or builder whose work has influenced city growth or development;
   12. Unique location of singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community, or the city; and
   13. Archaeological value in that it has produced or can be expected to produce data affecting theories of historic or prehistoric interest.
5. The Liaison shall cause the designation of any structure, site, area, or district on the Gladewater Historic Landmark Register to be recorded in the Gregg County deed records.

(Ord. 05-13, passed 8-18-05)