Staff outlines downtown historic design‑guidelines RFP, zoning‑code rewrite timeline and plans to honor late chairman Dave Metits

Randy Gries, the Landmarks Commission preservationist, told commissioners the department has released RFPs for a consultant to draft downtown historic design guidelines and expects consultant bids to be evaluated by a selection committee within about a month. "I'm expecting the work to really begin in the spring into summer, and ideally be done and adopted by the end of the year," Gries said.

Gries reported two administrative reviews since the last meeting and that one project received an in‑kind exemption, likely for roof work in the West High area. He said staff is tracking state law reviews in the department database and is preparing standard operating procedures to improve recordkeeping. Gries also said he is planning presentations to educate contractors and property owners, and is pursuing in‑person training opportunities that could include a presenter from the State Historic Preservation Office of Kansas.

Chairman Jim Schrader described the broader zoning‑code rewrite that the Unified Government is restarting. Schrader said the process will likely be two‑staged: background work and advisory input through 2026, with ordinance/code changes expected in 2027 to avoid piecemeal amendments. He cited an example in District 1 where a proposal met current zoning but conflicted with the Northeast master plan, which he said illustrates the challenge of an older code.

Schrader also announced plans for a future commemoration of the late chairman Dave Metits; the commission hopes to invite Metits' widow, Rebecca, and other family members for a special presentation at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioners asked for more training and outreach to help property owners understand preservation requirements. Several members offered to assist with outreach and training logistics. The commission closed the meeting after these reports and announcements.