16 U.S.C. § 410cc–31 — Lowell Historic Preservation Commission

(a) Establishment and administrative role; composition of membership This section creates the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission inside the Department of the Interior. The Commission runs the preservation district and provides some services in the park. It has 15 members, all appointed by the Secretary: (1) three members who sit on the Lowell city council, recommended by the mayor; (2) three members recommended by the Lowell city manager who represent labor, business, neighborhoods, and cultural groups, and who are not elected officials; (3) one member recommended by the president of the University of Lowell; (4) three members recommended by the Governor of Massachusetts; (5) one member recommended by the Secretary of Commerce, who must work for the Department of Commerce; (6) one member recommended by the Secretary of Transportation, who must work for the Department of Transportation; (7) one member recommended by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who must work for that department; and (8) two members who know the Department of the Interior's national park and historic preservation programs and who work for the Department of the Interior. (b) Continuation of status as appointed member for member leaving government office or becoming elected official If a member appointed under (a)(1) or (a)(4) as a city council member leaves that office, or if a member who wasn't an elected official becomes one, that person can stay on the Commission for up to 30 days after the change. (c) Terms of office and reappointment of members (1) Except as described in paragraph (2), members serve two-year terms. A member can be reappointed up to three times — or up to four times if they were originally appointed to fill a vacancy under subsection (e)(1). (2) Some of the first members get three-year terms instead: (A) the members appointed under paragraphs (2), (3), and (8); and (B) one member appointed under paragraph (4), chosen by the Secretary based on the Governor's recommendation. (d) Chairman; election by members; term of office The Commission's members elect their own chairman, who serves a two-year term. (e) Vacancies; appointment and term of office; service after expiration of term (1) A vacancy is filled the same way the original appointment was made. (2) A member appointed to fill a vacancy serves out the rest of that term. Any member may keep serving after their term ends until a successor is appointed. (f) Quorum and holding of hearings Eight members make a quorum, but fewer members can still hold hearings. (g) Meetings The Commission must meet at least once a month, called by the chairman or a majority of members. (h) Compensation; travel expenses and per diem (1) Except as described in paragraph (2), members get $100 for each day (including travel time) they spend on Commission work. (2) Members who are already full-time federal, Lowell, or Massachusetts employees get no extra pay for Commission service. (3) When away from home for Commission work, members get travel expenses and a per diem, the same as other government employees who work intermittently, under section 5703 of title 5. (i) Termination The Commission stops existing 17 years after June 5, 1978.