Commission to mail owners annually about potential designations; asks parks staff to consider historical resources in conservation easement for Avenger Open Sp

The Historic Preservation Commission directed staff to send an annual mailing to property owners identified in the commission's historic inventory as a way to invite owners to learn about and consider local designation.

Staff and commissioners discussed logistics and scope: the mailing list would start with 22 properties identified in the most recent survey and could include up to 50 addresses depending on targeting choices. The commission reviewed a draft template letter and asked staff to add a clear sentence emphasizing that local designation is voluntary and "is not intended to limit or restrict private property rights," and to include an invitation for owners to meet with commission members and staff to discuss the designation process.

The commission also asked staff to broaden targeted outreach if desired (for example, to specific streets or clusters of properties) and to treat the mailing as an annual notice to keep inventory owners informed. Staff said once the system is set up the annual mailing will be easy to repeat.

Separately, a commission member raised the Avenger Open Space (a city parcel with quarry features and trails) and asked the commission to send a letter to parks staff asking them to consider historical features when drafting a conservation easement. The member recommended the commission provide bullet points describing the open space's historical associations (quarry use, Paradise Ranch trail use) so the parks team can include a sign or plaque provision in the easement if appropriate. The commission directed a staff member to draft that letter for review.

No formal designation actions were taken; the commission provided direction to prepare the mailing and to coordinate with Parks and Recreation on the Avenger Open Space conservation-easement language.