Commissioner questions use of outside consultants; colleagues defend SHPO and subject-matter experts
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Summary
Commissioner Jim McCarver said outsourcing preservation opinions can add bureaucracy and cost, citing Ordinance 37-44; Commissioner Michael King and others said SHPO and external subject-matter experts provide necessary technical advice and thanked staff for bringing expert input to the commission.
During general comments at the Nov. 14 meeting, Commissioner Jim McCarver urged the commission to retain decision authority and be cautious about routinely outsourcing opinions to consultants. Citing City Ordinance 37-44, he said "decisions regarding outsourcing opinions should be made by the preservation commission" and expressed concern that consultants can add an extra layer of bureaucracy and potential cost to city decision making.
Commissioner Michael King responded that subject-matter experts — including the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — have a role in providing technical advice for preservation issues. "I just wanna thank the city for bringing in subject matter experts...that includes SHPO as well because we have asked SHPO for advice," King said, noting that who determines consultant engagement was discussed at an Oct. 28 city council study session.
The exchange highlighted a policy question the commission may revisit: when to rely on internal deliberation versus outside technical review. No formal vote or policy change occurred during the meeting.