Residents press council on Historic Preservation Commission representation as council names two members

Residents and callers pressed the Boulder City council on Jan. 13 to ensure the Historic Preservation Commission includes homeowners who live in the city’s Historic District as the council filled two commission vacancies.

Robin Baker, who identified herself as a Boulder City resident, asked the council to appoint commissioners who "advocate for historic preservation" and to collect data on contributing historic houses to better assess the district. Brandon Smith and another resident repeated that plea later in the public comment period, saying the commission should include at least 50% of voting members who live in the Historic District.

After public comment the council opened nominations for two vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission. For the position filling a term to Aug. 31, 2027, nominees included Don Johnson, Brynn Delormeyer and John David Hancock; Don Johnson received the needed votes and was appointed. For the seat ending Aug. 31, 2028, nominees included David Engleman, Norma Valley and Dave Hancock; initial voting produced a tie between Norma Valley and Dave Hancock, and a run‑off vote resulted in Dave Hancock’s appointment to the 2028 term. Jason Gross, the incumbent on the regional flood districts citizen advisory committee, was reappointed by acclamation.

Councilmembers and staff confirmed that the appointments followed the process in the agenda packet. Residents returning to public comment reiterated their view that the commission lacks sufficient representation from people who live in the district and urged the council to consider that when filling future vacancies.

What the council did: appointed Don Johnson (term to 2027) and Dave Hancock (term to 2028) to the Historic Preservation Commission and reappointed Jason Gross to the regional flood citizens advisory committee.