The Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 3, 2025, approved certificates of appropriateness for two downtown storefront signs and agreed to place a new historical marker honoring Cape Bernard at City Hall.

In separate votes, the commission cleared HPC application 25-031 for a single 6-square-foot window sign at 210 West Oklahoma Avenue and HPC application 25-032 for a metal projecting sign and matching vinyl window signage at 208–210 West Harrison Avenue. Both sign applications passed unanimously, 4–0, after staff described designs and placement. Suzanne Sanders, who introduced herself as the property manager for the Mark Dale Group, said of the 210 West Oklahoma Avenue proposal: "It's gonna be white" and that the design would use a transparent background and the business logo. Staff said the first application’s sign would not exceed one-third (of the window) and would be about 6 square feet.

Commissioners also discussed a request from the Oklahoma Historical Society to install a marker commemorating Cape Bernard in front of City Hall at 101 North 2nd Street. Matt Pierce, identified in the record as National Register Coordinator, said the Oklahoma Historical Society is paying for the marker and shipment and that "the cost of the marker itself is $3,200." He told the commission that installation will depend on the chosen site and may require the city’s public works crews to set anchors and bolts in concrete.

Commissioners discussed the marker’s placement and preferred a prominent location in front of the building, near the existing City Hall marker, but the final siting was left to be determined. The motion to approve the marker application passed with three yes votes and one abstention: Lisa Kennedy and Steven Harrison voted yes, Nathan Turner abstained, and Valerie Duncan voted yes. Commission staff noted the Oklahoma Historical Society will handle payment and shipping and that the city would likely provide installation assistance; the commission also said it has budget authority in its Historic Preservation fund to help with installation if needed.

Votes at a glance
• Approval of prior meeting minutes — approved, 4–0.
• HPC 25-031 (210 W Oklahoma Ave — single window sign) — approved, 4–0.
• HPC 25-032 (208–210 W Harrison Ave — projecting sign and window decals) — approved, 4–0.
• Historical marker for Cape Bernard (City Hall, 101 N 2nd St) — approved, 3 yes, 1 abstention.

The commission closed the meeting after brief staff remarks and seasonal greetings. No additional staff reports were offered and no date for a follow-up on marker placement was recorded.