The historic preservation commission shall select one of its members as chairperson, one as vice-chairperson and one as secretary of the commission, who shall hold their respective offices for a period of one year. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings and, in the absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson shall act. The secretary shall record and keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the commission. The commission may appoint committees and subcommittees. (Code 1979, § 8-371)