Historic Preservation Commission outlines $65,032 budget request; council OKs $8,857 World War II grant agreement

The Historic Preservation Commission presented its fiscal 2026 funding request to the council and described recent work, including a mid‑century modern survey and outreach for National Historic Preservation Month. Kristen, staff liaison for the commission, said the commission is requesting $65,032 to support projects including design-guideline development tied to a potential 60/40 historic preservation fund grant.

Kristen said the commission had been awarded an American World War II Heritage Cities grant for about $8,857; the staff recommended and the council approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute the grant agreement. The WWII grant is fully reimbursable; staff said it would pay for a seasonal part‑time research assistant to develop content for a GIS story map, support the visitor center with social media and create lesson plans for schools. The council authorized acceptance on second reading.

Kristen also described the commission’s ongoing mid‑century modern documentation (more than 200 properties identified) and a plan to replace worn historic district signs downtown; she said a separate matching historic preservation fund grant (60/40 match) is pending and would require the city to front costs and receive 60% reimbursement.

Council members asked about the exact amounts and reimbursement expectations; Kristen said the historic preservation fund grant would return approximately $32,436 to the city on the portion covered by that grant. The commission will return with more detailed grant and budget implementation plans as required.