Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Summary - April 22, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission met on April 22, 2026, with the Chair presiding. Roll call was taken: Mr. Huff, Mr. Millard, Miss Ditarr, Mr. Bruckner, Dr. Mouse, Dr. Fisher, Dr. Reed Adams, Ms. Proven, Ms. Hong. Absent members were excused by unanimous motion. The meeting covered approval of minutes, budget updates, and discussion items including Memorial Hall, North Heights survey, preservation symposium, local landmark designation, state conference, and a proclamation for Preservation Month.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 17 Meeting Minutes: Approved as corrected (spelling error in Mr. Bruckner’s name and other adjustments). Motion by Dr. Adams, seconded by Dr. Fisher, passed unanimously.
• Excuse Absent Members: Motion by Ms. Ditarr, seconded by Dr. Adams, passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Budget Update: Staff reported that North Heights Phase I survey has been contracted with Urbana Preservation and Planning for $16,000, significantly lower than other Missouri bids ranging from $30,000 to over $50,000. The first expenditure trigger is approximately $8,600 (50% reimbursement). The first public meeting for Phase I is tentatively set for the first week of June.
• Memorial Hall: The initial board meeting will occur next week with founding organizations. A public meeting at the library drew about 40 attendees, including members of Legion 13, with positive feedback and thoughtful questions. A state bill enabling a lodging tax increase for Memorial Hall has passed the House and is in the Senate; members are urged to contact Senator Jill Carter for support to ensure a November 2026 vote.
• North Heights Survey Phase I & II: Phase I is under contract; Phase II hard submission deadline is mid-May, requiring updated photos. A public meeting for Phase I is planned for early June at an accessible location (to be arranged). Staff noted multiple public meetings have already been held regarding this survey.
• May Preservation Symposium: The symposium will be held on May 14, 2026, with a pre-event happy hour on May 13 at Shift and Decker and Silicon. Commissioners are requested to pay $25 to attend (free for presenters). The city will receive a 40-year Certified Local Government (CLG) certificate during the symposium. Members are encouraged to attend.
• Preservation Month Proclamation: At the first city council meeting in May (likely May 4), a proclamation declaring May as Preservation Month will be presented. The chair or designee will speak. Commissioners are asked to provide highlights of the commission’s work via email to Thomas for drafting remarks.
• Local Landmark Designation: A previous local landmark designation passed successfully, with staff noting Councilman Vitar called him a jerk for making council members emotional. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for a building is pending; staff requested more information. A special meeting may be called in May if timing requires.
• State Preservation Conference: The Missouri State Preservation Conference will be held September 14–16, 2026, in Lebanon. The commission decided to attend this instead of the Main Street conference this year. Members are encouraged to attend at least one day.
• Downtown Historic District Survey: A public meeting for the ongoing downtown survey is scheduled for May 12, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at a coffee shop (location to be confirmed).

Key Outcomes

• Meeting minutes approved as corrected.
• Absent members excused.
• Preparation for May 4 proclamation: staff will send email requesting highlights from commissioners.
• Chair will be absent from May 11–21 (travel to Africa); Bill will serve as acting chair during that period.
• Commission plans to attend the State Preservation Conference in September.
• Possible special meeting for COA in May.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously.