Palo Alto Historic Resources Board elects Roman as chair, Willis as vice chair

The Palo Alto Historic Resources Board elected Vice Chair Roman to serve as chair and Board member Carolyn Willis to serve as vice chair by unanimous voice votes during the meeting.

Nominations proceeded under the board’s stated procedure. A board member nominated Vice Chair Roman for chair; Roman accepted the nomination and several board members voiced support. The board conducted a voice vote with all members present and the motion passed unanimously.

For vice chair the board nominated Board member Carolyn Willis and Board member Eagles (alternate nomination), and proceeded with a separate voice vote on Willis. The voice vote was unanimous and the board recorded the appointment of Willis as vice chair. The board noted that the vote was unanimous for the record.

Board members and staff clarified that this is the first meeting since the board’s current full membership was seated, including a recently appointed member, Cadiz Nielensis, and that the chair and vice chair terms were selected to provide leadership as the board moves into the next phase of its work plan.

The board briefly discussed whether the newly elected chair would assume duties immediately; staff said either option was acceptable and Roman took the chair to preside for the remainder of the meeting.

The elections were conducted by voice vote with all board members present and no recorded opposition.