Public commenter urges smaller board; Stockton staff to agendize attendance policy, leadership terms and Mills Act research

During public comment, resident Robert Holzer urged the Cultural Heritage Board to consider reducing its membership from nine to seven to address vacancies and chronic absences.

Holzer told the board that with one vacant seat and at least one member who has not attended meetings, a reduction from nine to seven would make it easier to achieve quorums. "I think that's a really excellent idea," he said when urging the topic be added to the October agenda.

Board and staff follow‑up: Board and staff members acknowledged the concern and agreed to place related items on a future agenda. Staff said they will present materials at the next meeting on the term of office for chair and vice chair and review the board’s attendance policy; the goal is to provide the board with the information necessary to consider any code or policy changes.

Separately, staff reported ongoing research into establishing a Mills Act program for the city. A staff member said the city is researching the program and will report back when more information is available; the rolls required collaboration across assessor/recorder and other city offices was noted as part of that work.

Why it matters: Changes to board composition, attendance policy, or adoption of a Mills Act program would affect how the city manages historic resources and incentives for private owners to preserve designated properties. The board’s planned review of term lengths and attendance rules will be an agenda item for future consideration.

Next steps: Staff to place materials on the next meeting agenda covering chair/vice chair terms, attendance policy, and an update on Mills Act research.