Historic Resources Board narrows design options for certificate program, asks staff to return with refined templates

The Salinas Historic Resources Board reviewed alternative designs for a renewed Certificate of Appreciation program and asked staff and a design subteam to continue refining templates for the Board's consideration at a future meeting.

Bianca (community outreach assistant) and Commissioner Wadsworth presented a set of revised certificate templates developed after earlier discussion. The templates included illustrated and photographic options; some used a city emblem and others emphasized architectural detail images drawn from the Salinas survey. Commissioner Wadsworth and other members said they preferred warmer color palettes and supported retaining the city logo on the document.

Board members debated whether to maintain a single, universal template or to offer two distinct templates (one residential and one commercial). Several commissioners recommended two templates (residential and commercial) to better represent the types of properties the Board might honor. Commissioners also discussed whether certificates should be personalized with a background image of the specific property being honored; some members liked the idea of a unique, project-specific background and a gold Salinas seal as a formal accent, while others raised concerns the option could increase staff time and complexity.

Staff reported the revised templates and color adjustments would be refined and that Bianca, Commissioner Wadsworth, and other commissioners would continue working on the designs and bring updated options back to the Board next month. The committee discussed packaging (framing and ribbon) and noted certificates are expected to be presented during National Historic Resources Month in May.

Ending: Staff will produce revised template examples (including two-template and personalized options) and present them for Board approval at a future meeting.