Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – March 16, 2022
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Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – March 16, 2022
The Sacramento Preservation Commission held a regular teleconference meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, starting at 5:30 p.m. and adjourning at 7:04 p.m. The commission unanimously approved a consent calendar, conducted a public hearing to recommend landmark designation for the Starks-Saucerman House, introduced three new commissioners, elected a Chair and Vice Chair for 2022, and reviewed final accomplishments from a Certified Local Government (CLG) public education and outreach grant project. Commissioner Jacqueline Whitelam was honored for her six years of service at her final meeting.
Consent Calendar
- Item 1 – Approval of December 15, 2021 Meeting Minutes: Passed unanimously.
- Item 2 – Teleconferencing Meetings During COVID-19 State of Emergency (30-Day Finding): Received and filed.
- Item 3 – Official City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgement: Received and filed.
Public Hearing & Testimony
- Item 4 – Ordinance listing 2911 Riverside Boulevard (Starks-Saucerman House) as a Landmark: Staff (Henry Fuse, Preservation Planner) presented the property as a fine example of Spanish Revival architecture and the work of influential architect Leonard F. Starks, recommending eligibility under criteria three and four of the Sacramento Register. The property owner initiated the nomination and expressed support. One e-comment from a member of the public (Ann) was read, expressing neutrality but concern that landmark designation might prevent conversion from a duplex to a single-family home; staff clarified that the listing only regulates exterior alterations consistent with Secretary of Interior standards and does not restrict use. No public speakers appeared via Zoom. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend City Council adopt the ordinance and make a CEQA exemption determination.
Discussion Items
- Item 5 – Introduction of Newly Appointed Preservation Commissioners: Staff introduced three new appointees: Commissioner Justin Wisely (professional archaeologist, 11+ years experience), Commissioner Daniel Herrick (architectural historian and preservation planner), and Commissioner Max Slavkin (co-founder/CEO of Creative Action Network). Each spoke briefly.
- Item 6 – Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for Calendar Year 2022: Commissioner Alice Valania was nominated and unanimously re-elected as Chair (motion by Commissioner Herrick, second by Commissioner Carter). Commissioner Ryan Miller was nominated and unanimously elected as Vice Chair (motion by Commissioner Wisely, second by Commissioner Carter).
- Item 7 – Final Accomplishments: Certified Local Government (CLG) Public Education and Outreach Grant Project: Former Preservation Director Carson Anderson presented the grant outcomes, which included two instructional videos (one for realtors, one for teachers), an electronic postcard for historic property owners, and a report on improving web/social media navigation. The videos were shown during the meeting. Public comment from Barry Boyd requested broader outreach to registered neighborhood associations and community-based organizations, especially in communities of color. Staff responded that videos are currently on YouTube and will find a permanent hosting partner, and that outreach to neighborhood groups is planned.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar items 1–3: Approved unanimously (7-0).
- Landmark recommendation for 2911 Riverside Boulevard: Motion passed 7-0 to recommend City Council approval, including a CEQA exemption (Class 15308).
- New commissioners introduced: Justin Wisely, Daniel Herrick, and Max Slavkin seated.
- 2022 Officers elected: Alice Valania as Chair, Ryan Miller as Vice Chair (both unanimous).
- CLG grant project: Reviewed and commented; staff directed to continue outreach and finalize video hosting.
- Director’s Report: Staffing updates (Henry Fuse as new Preservation Planner, Nicole Johnson as intern); approval of first development in Central Shops Historic District (adaptive reuse of paint shop as 5,000-seat live music venue, targeting 2023 groundbreaking); recognition of Commissioner Jacqueline Whitelam’s service (2016–2022), including leadership on the historic district plans and infill design guidelines that earned a national award from the National Alliance for Preservation Commissioners.
- Commissioner Comments: Chair Valania and staff thanked Commissioner Whitelam for her contributions.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you very much, Chair. We are live and staff is ready when you are. Great, thank you. Commissioners could turn on your video. So uh good evening and welcome to the City of Sacramento's Preservation Commission meeting for March 16th, 2022. Uh first the clerk will take roll. Uh Commissioners, please unmute your mic. Thank you, Chair. Um, excuse me. Commissioner Carter. Is absent this evening. Commissioner Herrick. Here. Commissioner Miller. Here. Commissioner Slavkin. Commissioner Whitelum. Here. Commissioner Wisely. Here. And Chair Velonia. Here. Thank you. We have quorum. Thank you. So for members of the public tuning in, uh, in addition to submitting e-comments, we have the option to join the Zoom meeting from the link on the meeting agenda. And there's additional information there on how to comment using the raise your hand feature as well. So we have a new addition to our introduction. Tonight I will read the land acknowledgement and pledge of allegiance, but I'll delegate those in the future meetings to other commissioners. So if you can uh please rise for the opening acknowledgments in honor of Sacramento's Indigenous People and Tribal Lands. So to the original people of this land, the Nisanam people, the Southern May do Valley and Plains Miwak, Putwin, Wind Toon peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. May we acknowledge and honor the native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather together today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's Indigenous People's History, contribution, and lives. Thank you. And please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. So we will move on to tonight's agenda. There are no changes to the agenda that was published online. The consent calendar, there are three items tonight, approval of the minutes from the December 15th, 2021 meeting, receipt of the continued teleconference meetings during the COVID-19 state of emergency, and the receipt of the official City of Sacramento land acknowledgement. Do any commissioners have any questions or anything they'd like to talk about on the calendar or any edits to the meeting minutes? Oh great. Madame Clerk, are there any uh members of the public wishing to public comment on the consent calendar? Thank you, Chair. I have no members of the public with their hands raised to make comment on the consent calendar. Great, thank you. Uh so then I will ask for a motion. Um I move the consent calendar. Thank you. And do I have a second? Second motion.
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