The Michigan City Planning Commission appointed Commissioner Tejeda on Tuesday to serve as the planning commission's representative to the Historic Preservation Commission. The nomination passed by roll call after staff described the commission's duties and schedule.

Skyler York, planning department staff, said the Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly on the last Monday from 6 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. and typically handles certificates of appropriateness for exterior work visible from public view within three downtown historic districts — the Elston district, the Franklin Street Commercial District and the Wabash Commercial District. "They handle petitions, basically similar to what we do, except it's called a certificate of appropriateness that's submitted," York said. York also said the HPC is a seven-member, staffed board, with the public works director (Wendy Vache) and assistant Gianna Gallant providing staff support.

York told commissioners the position is unpaid: "It is an unpaid position," he said, adding that the state long ago eliminated pay for such appointments and that the board may provide reimbursement for travel in limited circumstances. Attorney Hale said the HPC receives a high volume of applications — "probably over a 100 applications for a COA certificate of appropriateness per year" — and that a professional consultant performs technical review and provides recommendations to the commission.

The commission discussed term length; staff said the term is likely one year with the option to reappoint, though York said he would confirm the exact term language. Commissioners voiced support for the appointment. The commission then voted; the roll-call vote was recorded as: Commissioner Bolling — yes; Commissioner Connolly — yes; Commissioner Dabney — yes; Commissioner DeMedici — aye; Commissioner Hoffman — aye; Commissioner Clender — yes; Commissioner Tejeda — yes; Commissioner Warner — yes. Following the vote, a public commenter congratulated Tejeda and urged a practical approach to the historic board's work, saying historic standards should take economic feasibility into account.

The appointment is procedural: it supplies the planning commission's designated member to the Historic Preservation Commission. York and Hale advised that the appointed commissioner should expect monthly attendance, review of certificate-of-appropriateness petitions affecting exteriors visible from public view in the three downtown historic districts, and staff support from the public works director and the planning assistant.