Historic Resources Board presses for retreat, inventory update and recruits new members

Board members spent a substantial portion of the meeting urging a retreat to establish priorities, update the historic inventory and set a practical work plan. One member said the inventory is the board's "base level" and urged a retreat to produce a committed sequence of tasks and an improved index that would include details such as date built, landmark status, architect and builder.

Staff (Stephen) recommended timing a retreat after the city completes current recruitment (open through April 8) because incoming members may change the board's composition and priorities. Stephen also noted that the city clerk is handling recruitment and that the administrative code (Title 2) lists the qualifications required for board appointments. He said the city is recruiting an intern in the Planning and Development Services Department who could assist with the inventory and data capture work.

Board members discussed possible timing (mid-summer versus after appointments), formats for an in-person retreat and inviting outside preservation practitioners as guest speakers. There was shared support for a face-to-face retreat in a conference room rather than the council chambers to facilitate detailed discussion. The board did not set a date; staff will follow up on timelines for appointments and consider using a poll to identify possible retreat dates. Separately, a board member announced this would be his last meeting; colleagues thanked him and staff encouraged him to remain seated until a replacement is appointed if feasible, though he said personal reasons prevent that extension.