Commission postpones officer elections and discusses updating design review guidelines, grants and working group

The Historic Landmarks Commission voted on Feb. 9 to postpone officer elections until the next monthly meeting when a newly appointed member is expected to be sworn in, and held a lengthy discussion about updating the city’s design review guidance.

Staff said the planning department is exploring options to change the current, largely descriptive design-review guidelines into clearer, enforceable standards. Staff outlined two main options: hire an outside firm to draft text and supporting materials or form a working group and refine the standards in-house with iterative public review. "We are looking into updating our design review guidelines to make them good rules rather than just vague guidelines," staff member Preston Marple said.

Commissioners discussed budget and process questions, including whether city council has specific directions and whether grant funds exist to support surveys, outreach and possible overlay expansion. One commissioner said hiring a professional could complete the work faster but would be expensive; staff noted grant money may be available and suggested coordinating timing to take advantage of those funds. Commissioners agreed it would be useful to know council priorities before selecting a path and that the commission could form a working group to provide input on scope and goals.

The commission directed staff to provide dates and next steps for review and to explore grant opportunities; elections will be held at the next meeting when the new member is present.