(a) Membership. The board shall consist of nine regular members. At least four (4) members must be residents of the City of Lake Wales. Up to four (4) members may be non-residents but must own property within the city limits or hold business tax receipt issued by the city as required by section 2-26 of this chapter. One (1) member shall be a member of the city commission. Up to four (4) ex-officio members who are not residents and do not meet the other requirements of section 2-26 may also be appointed to serve on the board provided they meet the professional qualifications requirement of paragraph (c).
(b) Terms. Of the first regular members appointed, three (3) shall be appointed for two (2) years and five (5) shall be appointed for three (3) years, but thereafter all appointments shall be for three (3) years or until their successors are qualified and appointed. The commissioner member shall be appointed for the duration of his or her term on the city commission. Ex-officio members shall be appointed for three (3) years.
(c) Professional qualifications. To meet the requirements of the certified local government program, as provided in the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended in 1980, PL 96-515, and to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter, the membership of the board shall include, to the extent available, three (3) persons who are educated or who practice in one (1) of the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology or related disciplines. Whenever an individual is nominated to the board, the mayor and the city commission shall consider the professional qualifications of the individual to ensure that the requirements of the certified local government program are met.