The Lacey Historical Commission approved its 2026 work plan as amended, adding several items including Lacey’s 60th‑anniversary projects, a historic markers map layer, a 10‑year monitoring item for the Bowker House special valuation agreement, and a special‑projects entry for America’s 250th anniversary programming.

During work‑plan discussion, staff described the proposed edits and explained the timeline: the McKinney parcel assessment remains on the work plan pending council review and other items are targeted for completion in 2026. Commissioners voted to add the America’s 250th project as a special project and then approved the overall work plan as amended by voice vote.

On officers, after an initial motion to retain current chair and vice chair failed in a roll‑call vote, commissioners moved that Kevin become chair and Jim Keogh become vice chair for the coming year. The motion passed by roll call; commissioners recorded aye/nay positions during the two votes. As a result, Kevin will serve as chair and Jim as vice chair for the next year.

Staff also reported council approval of a Bowker House special valuation application and that the certification and agreement have been executed; staff will return to the commission with details on monitoring during the 10‑year period. The city’s museum update said the new Lacey Museum will open officially January 15 with regular hours (Thurs–Fri 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.), volunteer gallery hosts will be recruited, and preview tours are ongoing.

Next steps: staff will present monitoring procedures for the Bowker House, finalize work‑plan scheduling with council, and proceed with volunteer recruitment and public outreach for the museum opening.