Meredith McLeod Jolin elected HPC chair; Stephanie Cooper chosen vice chair amid conflict-of-interest questions

The HPC elected Meredith McLeod Jolin as chair and Stephanie Cooper as vice chair following nominations from the floor and a debate over conflict-of-interest rules for officers.

Nominations for chair opened with Stephanie Cooper and Mick Nelson previously accepting nominations; Meredith McLeod Jolin was nominated from the floor and later elected by roll call. The chair announced the ayes carried with one abstention. For vice chair, nominations included Mick Nelson and Stephanie Cooper; after discussion and a show-of-hands and roll call, Stephanie Cooper was confirmed as vice chair, with one abstention recorded.

Members used the nominations discussion to raise governance concerns. Council member Jacob Coopin's potential nomination prompted legal questions about whether council members are permitted to serve as officers of administrative bodies under a city code change. A member formally requested an opinion from counsel. In debate, Council member Erin Evans said she viewed the HPC as having "a lot of power" and urged leadership that could strengthen the group's strategic direction.

Several members also raised conflict-of-interest disclosures tied to contracts and funding relationships; Director Calvin reminded members to complete the annual conflict-of-interest form so public information is available and recusal questions can be handled consistently.

What happens next: New chair Meredith McLeod Jolin and vice chair Stephanie Cooper will assume leadership responsibilities; the executive committee composition and any outstanding legal questions about council members serving in officer roles were left for staff and counsel to clarify.