Agenda Item Wording:
title
Appoint Jerome Melgar to fill an unexpired term on the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.
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Deadline for Action: 11/6/2023
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Walter Deissler, Chairperson, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
Cristobal Carrillo, Associate Planner, (559) 713-4443, cristobal.carrillo@visalia.city <mailto:cristobal.carrillo@visalia.city>
Paul Bernal, Community Development Director, 713-4025 paul.bernal@visalia.city <mailto:paul.bernal@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) and appoint Jerome Melgar to the Committee to fill an unexpired term which will complete the remaining term of former Committee member Michael Kreps, beginning November 6, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
Summary:
The HPAC currently has six seated members out of seven available positions. The appointment of Jerome Melgar will provide the Committee with a fully seated seven-member panel, which will continue to pursue its mission to protect historical resources in the City of Visalia.
Background Discussion:
The HPAC is a seven-member committee which administers the Historic Preservation Ordinance and encourages property owners to maintain the historic character of their properties. The Committee meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.
The HPAC currently operates with six active members. The HPAC is currently working on a survey of the Historic District and adjacent areas. Appointment of Jerome Melgar will restore the HPAC to a fully seated membership, providing additional assistance to bring the Historic District survey project to completion.
Jerome Melgar is an insurance broker with Primelink Insurance and has resided in Visalia for 17 years. Originally from the Los Angeles area, Mr. Melgar studied for a time at Los Angeles City College. Mr. Melgar has a strong interest in historic homes and is active as a member of Visalia Heritage, a local historical group. Recently, Mr. Melgar has volunteered a significant amount of time assisting the HPAC with the Historic District Survey Project, conducting site visits, documenting conditions, and occasionally conversing with homeowners in the historic district. Mr. Melgar’s other interests include being a “foodie” and volunteering with the Sierra Baptist Church.
The current HPAC membership is as follows:
1. Walter Deissler, Chair - 2nd term
2. Tyler Davis, Vice-Chair - 2nd term
3. Patricia Kane - 3rd term
4. Jay Hohlbauch - 2nd term
5. Jordan Mulrooney - 1st term
6. Karen Ayala - 1st term
7. Vacant (previously filled by Michael Kreps, whose 3rd term was to run from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024).
Due to recent changes made by the City Council, alternates positions are no longer available.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Prior Council Action:
On June 19, 2023, the City Council took the following actions:
• Appointed Karen Ayala to the HPAC for a first two-year term beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025;
• Reappointed Walter Deissler to the HPAC for a second two-year term beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025; and
• Reappointed Jay Hohlbauch to the HPAC for a second two-year term beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025.
Alternatives:
The City Council may direct staff to initiate the recruitment process for Historic Preservation Advisory Committee members immediately.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to appoint Jerome Melgar to fill an unexpired term beginning November 6, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
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CEQA Review:
No environmental review is required for Committee appointments.
Attachments:
1. Historic Preservation Advisory Committee - 2023 Meeting Attendance
2. City of Visalia Committee and Commissions Handbook
3. Jerome Melgar Committee Application