Venice historic board closes nominations, moves to rank 2025 Legacy Award nominees

The Venice Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to proceed with the nominees it has received for the 2025 Legacy Award and directed the city clerk to compile ranking sheets for all board members to complete before the next meeting.

The board met at 9 a.m. and heard from Harry Klinkhammer, the city’s historical resources manager, who told members he had handed out “2 late nominations that came in for the Legacy Award, after the agenda was posted.” Klinkhammer said he also compiled a recommendation list from names suggested by board members and one citizen.

The board discussed extending the nomination period to get a larger candidate pool, but members agreed the nominees on hand were strong and that the clerk should distribute ranking sheets so absent members can participate. Amanda (city clerk) explained the process: she will email applications and ranking sheets, accept returned rankings by phone or paper, and present totals at the next meeting.

John (board member) moved “to proceed with the applicants that have been received and allow city clerk to compile a list in order for the board to rank them accordingly.” Jean Trammell seconded the motion. The board recorded the vote as unanimous; there were no nays.

Board members named in discussion included Chair Beebe and Jean Trammell. Klinkhammer confirmed two late formal applications were for Ralph Twitchell and a nominee listed as Earl Bidlow; an additional application from a Mr. Midlam (received late) was also added to the packet. The board agreed those materials and the compiled rankings will be discussed at the next regular meeting.

The board also approved minutes from its April 24 meeting by voice vote. Jean Trammell moved to approve the minutes and John seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The board did not adopt additional eligibility criteria at this meeting and asked staff to gather any further information board members want before final selection.