Stockton Cultural Heritage Board elects Tom Groom as chair, names Bach vice chair

The Stockton City Cultural Heritage Board elected Tom Groom as chair and Member Bach as vice chair at a meeting called to order at approximately 5:42 p.m.

The nominations were moved and seconded on the floor; Holmes made the motion to elect Groom as chair and Maxwell seconded. Members then conducted a roll-call vote during which all members present voted in favor. The board also approved its 2025 meeting schedule earlier in the meeting by voice vote.

The election follows the board's recent removal of term limits, a change mentioned during public comment by resident Robert Holzer. Holzer praised the board and said he intended to apply for appointment now that term limits were removed. Chair Merlo, who said he is termed out as chair, presided over the officer elections before Groom takes the chair seat starting with the March 5 meeting.

During the roll call for the officer elections, members recorded support for the nominations; the chair announced the motion passed and confirmed that Groom will serve as chair and Bach as vice chair beginning at the next scheduled meeting.

No additional formal actions were taken regarding board membership or term limits during the meeting; members discussed attendance and liaison duties with other bodies during commissioners' comments.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Cultural Heritage Board 2025 meeting schedule: Motion moved by Vice Chair Tom Groom; seconded by Chair Merlo. Voice vote; announced as approved (members present voted aye).

- Election of board officers (chair and vice chair): Motion to elect Tom Groom as chair and Member Bach as vice chair. Motion moved by Member Holmes; seconded by Bill Maxwell. Roll-call vote recorded as unanimous among members present; motion passed.