Palatka preservation board tables color-palette code amendments, discusses membership gaps

The Palatka Historical Preservation Board voted to table consideration of proposed preservation color-palette amendments until a full board can consider the item.

Staff reminded the board that the color-palette item had been continued from a prior meeting and suggested waiting until the chair and another excused member were present. A staff member explained that because several members were absent the board should delay formal action. "Since we don't have a full board today, I just want to put your consideration where you want to wait to the next meeting until we have a full board," a staff speaker said.

A motion to table the item to the next meeting was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair announced the motion carried with no opposition. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.

Board members also discussed board composition and recruiting. Staff and members reviewed code language stating appointed members should include an architect, a property owner from the north historic district, a property owner from the south historic district, a representative of the Putnam County Historical Society, a contractor, a real estate broker and an attorney. The board noted it currently lacked members who meet all of those qualifications and said it will raise recruitment and possible reappointments later in the year.

Why it matters: The color-palette and code amendments would guide alteration and paint decisions in Palatka's historic districts; board members said they preferred review by a full panel that includes required specialty seats. Recruiting members who meet code qualifications affects the board's capacity to act on technical preservation decisions.

Next steps: The color-palette item will return to the agenda at the next HPB meeting when a full board is expected. Staff will continue recruiting for members who meet code qualifications.