Salina Design Review Board elects Michael Freeland chair and Jessica Herman vice chair

SALINA, Kan. — At its annual business meeting on Sept. 11 the Salina Design Review Board elected Michael Freeland to serve as chair and Jessica Herman to serve as vice chair for one-year terms.

Planning staff opened the administrative item by explaining the board’s ordinance requires election of a chair and vice chair to one-year terms with a two-term consecutive limit. The board currently has five members: John Nelson, Jessica Herman, Julie Cates, Michael Freeland and 2025 appointee Kuehl, and staff told the board there are three current vacancies (one design professional seat and two citizens-at-large). Staff said they are working with SDI to solicit interest for the open seats.

A motion to elect Michael Freeland as chair passed on a voice vote with no opposition. A subsequent motion to elect Jessica Herman as vice chair also passed unanimously, 4-0. Planning staff noted Andrew Manley served as chair last term and is no longer on the board; Michael Freeland was the vice chair at the start of the meeting and is eligible to serve as chair under the ordinance’s term rules.

Board members discussed chair and vice chair eligibility and then voted; there were no public commenters for this administrative item. Planning staff said the annual business meeting typically occurs at the first or second September meeting and that the board’s next regular meeting may be canceled if no applications are received.