Maplewood preservation commission to recruit members, map 24 historic properties after commissioner departs

The Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission was told a sitting member, Laura Koski, will be leaving the commission after moving out of the city, creating two openings. "Commissioner Koski will no longer be on the commission. She's moving out of the city and has to step down," city staff member Joe said, and staff said they will circulate recruitment materials and a flyer to solicit applicants.

Staff asked commissioners to review a 24-property inventory compiled as an interim product while a longer project mapping 100-year-old homes proceeds. Joe asked commissioners to provide edits and scores for those entries by early December so the city’s GIS contractor could produce an interactive map by July. "So if you get something back our way by early December, that would be ideal," Joe said.

Commissioners discussed outreach options and membership priorities, with several urging recruitment of residents newer to Maplewood to bring fresh perspectives. Commissioner Richard Curry also pressed the commission to address a longer-standing context study and to prioritize items the commission has not completed in more than a decade.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the meeting agenda (motion by Commissioner Richard Curry; second by Commissioner Christy Reese) and approved draft minutes from Sept. 18 after a recorded motion and second; two members said they were abstaining on the minutes vote, and the minutes were accepted.

Next steps: staff will push recruitment outreach through social media and Maplewood Living magazine, provide copies of the 24-site packet to commissioners, and prepare mapping support with the GIS firm after members return edits.