Historical Commission

Meeting Date: First and Third Tuesdays of the month.

Meeting Time: 7:00 P.M.

Meeting Location: City Hall, Council Chamber

Contact: Secretary, 618.463.3532

Description: The Historical Commission conducts a survey of the City to identify and inventory improvements, structures and areas that have historic or architectural significance; recommends to the City Council the designation of landmarks and historic districts within the city; keeps a register of all designated landmarks and historic districts; issues, modifies or denies certificates of compliance for construction or demolition; to issue with or without suggested revisions, certificates of compliance for alteration; advises and assists property owner(s) or prospective owner(s) on technical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, and reuse; adopts guidelines as may be necessary for review of applications for certificates of compliance, demolition or construction; makes recommendations for the recognition of property owner(s) of landmarks or historic district structures by certificates, plaques, markers or other means and for determining an appropriate system of markers to aid the public in visiting landmarks, historic districts or historic sites; informs and educates the citizens of Alton concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the City; solicits and receives funds from federal, state, and private sources for deposit in a special account of the City to be referred to as the preservation fund, which funds shall only be loaned or expended upon recommendation of the Commission for such purposes as are outlined in the City Code; calls upon City officials and employees for technical advice and assistance; advises any City department or commission concerning the effects of the Commission’s proposed action in connection with designated landmarks or historic districts; retains such specialists as may be required, subject to approval of the City Council; encourages the establishment of a library of preservation-related documents and such documents shall be available for public use; assumes whatever responsibility and duties assigned to it by the State under the Certified Local Government provision of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.