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Home My WebLink About2026-03-12 Historic Resources Board Agenda PacketHISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD Regular Meeting Thursday, March 12, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 8:30 AM Historic Resources Board meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. Board member names, biographies, and archived agendas are available at https://bitly.com/paloaltoHRB. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/96800197512) Meeting ID: 968 0019 7512 Phone: 1(669)900-6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to hrb@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Board and available for inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for all combined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak on Study Sessions and Actions Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to hrb@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. 1 Regular Meeting March 12, 2026 CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Ten (10) minutes, plus ten (10) minutes rebuttal. All others: Three (3) minutes per speaker. 2.Historic Resources Board Discussion and Review of Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report Covering the 2024-2025 Reporting Period APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Historic Resources Board Draft Minutes of February 12, 2026 BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT OTHER INFORMATION The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. Written public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and available for public inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. A.Public Comment 2 Regular Meeting March 12, 2026 PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to hrb@PaloAlto.gov. 2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Board, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. ◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. ◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. ◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. ◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Board, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Board. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 968 0019 7512 Phone:1-669-900-6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 3 Regular Meeting March 12, 2026 Item No. 1. Page 1 of 1 Historic Resources Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: March 12, 2026 Report #: 2603-6031 TITLE Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Historic Resources Board (HRB) review and comment as appropriate. BACKGROUND Attached is the HRB meeting schedule and attendance record for the calendar year. This is provided for informational purposes. If individual Boardmembers anticipate being absent from a future meeting, it is requested that it be brought to staff’s attention when considering this item.    No action is required by the HRB for this item.  ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2026 HRB Meeting Schedule & Assignments AUTHOR/TITLE: HRB Liaison1 & Contact Information Steven Switzer, Senior Historic Planner (650) 329-2321 Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov Item 1 Item 1 Staff Report Packet Pg. 4 Historic Resources Board 2026 Meeting Schedule & Assignments 1 0 4 3 9 2026 Meeting Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/8/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 2/12/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular Rohman 3/12/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 4/9/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 5/14/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 6/11/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 7/9/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 8/13/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 9/10/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 10/8/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 11/12/2026 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 12/10/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular Item 1 Attachment A - 2026 HRB Meeting Schedule & Assignments Packet Pg. 5 Item No. 2. Page 1 of 3 Historic Resources Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: March 12, 2026 Report #: 2602-6012 TITLE Historic Resources Board Discussion and Review of Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report Covering the 2024-2025 Reporting Period RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Historic Resources Board (HRB) receive the Certified Local Government (CLG) annual report (Attachment A) for October 2024 - September 2025. BACKGROUND The 1980 amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the CLG program to involve local governments in identifying, evaluating, and preserving historic properties. Through the certification process, jurisdictions make a commitment to national historic preservation standards. This commitment is key to America's ability to preserve, protect, and increase awareness of our unique cultural heritage found across the country. Palo Alto has been a CLG since February 11, 1992. The Annual Report is for the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The submittal deadline is April 24, 2026. To qualify for the upcoming CLG grant cycle, the report must be received by the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) before the grant application deadline, which has not yet been published. Though the HRB is not required to approve the CLG report, members are asked to provide a summary of the trainings they received for insertion into the report. CLG rules require that all members of the historic review body and board staff attend at least one relevant training each year, with the CLG determining the relevancy of the training. The CLG annual report template notes that “Pursuant to the CLG Agreement, the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) must have the opportunity to review and comment on ordinance changes prior to adoption. Please communicate directly with the OHP Local Government Unit staff to coordinate the review. Changes that do not meet the CLG requirements could affect certification status.” This is important to remember when contemplating any revisions to the City’s historic preservation ordinance. The annual report template also notes that under California Government Code Item 2 Item 2 Staff Report Packet Pg. 6 Item No. 2. Page 2 of 3 §27288.2, “The county recorder shall record a certified resolution establishing any historical resources designation issued by the State Historical Resources Commission or a local agency, or unit thereof.” ANALYSIS FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The CLG annual report preparation involves basic data collection and resource evaluation, Item 2 Item 2 Staff Report Packet Pg. 7 Item No. 2. Page 3 of 3 which do not significantly impact the environment. Per California Public Resources Code, §21065 the annual report is not a project and therefore not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). ATTACHMENTS AUTHOR/TITLE: HRB Liaison1 & Contact Information   Steven Switzer, Senior Historic Planner     (650) 329-2321   Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov 1 Emails can be sent directly to the HRB at the following email: HRB@PaloAlto.gov Item 2 Item 2 Staff Report Packet Pg. 8 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 1 Complete Se Report Prepared by: __________________________ Date of commission/board review: _________________________ MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION I. Enforce Appropriate State or Local Legislation for the Designation and Protection of Historic Properties. A.Preservation Laws 1.Are you considering amending or revising your certified ordinance this year? ______________________ REMINDER: Pursuant to the CLG Agreement, the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) must have the opportunity to review and comment on ordinance changes prior to adoption. Please communicate directly with the OHP Local Government Unit staff to coordinate the review. Changes that do not meet the CLG requirements could affect certification status. 2.Provide an electronic link to your ordinance or appropriate section(s) of the municipal/zoning code. ___________________ INSTRUCTIONS: This is a fillable PDF with expandable text fields and checkboxes. This form can be saved and reopened. The font, size, and color are set by the text field. •Start typing where indicated to provide the requested information. •Click on the check box to mark either yes or no. •To enter more than one item in a particular text box, just insert an extra line (Enter) between the items. Save the completed form and email it as an attachment to info.calshpo@parks.ca.gov. You can then attach the required documents to that email. If the Steven Switzer March 12, 2026 No https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-74404 Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 9 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 2 B.New Local Landmark Designations (Comprehensive list of properties/districts designated during the reporting. 1.During the reporting period, October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025, what properties/districts have been locally designated? Reminder: Pursuant to California Government Code § 27288.2, “the county recorder shall record a certified resolution establishing an historical resources designation issued by the State Historical Resources Commission or a local agency, or unit thereof.” 2.What properties/districts have been de-designated this past year? For districts, include the total number of resource contributors. Property Name/Address Date Removed Reason C.Historic Preservation Element/Plan 1.Do you address historic preservation in your general plan? ☐ No☐Yes, in a separate historic preservation element.☐Yes, it is included in another element. Provide an electronic link to the historic preservation section(s) of the General Plan or to the separate historic preservation element. _________________________ Property Name/Address Date Designated If a district, number of contributors Date Recorded by County Recorder N/A N/A n https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/4/planning-amp-development-services/3.-comprehensive-plan/comprehensive-plan/full-comp-plan-2030_with-dec19_22-amendments.pdf Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 10 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 3 ☐Some projects are reviewed at the staff level without commission review. What is the threshold between staff-only review and full-commission review? 2.California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) •Explain the historic preservation staff and commission role in providing input to CEQA documents prepared for or by the local government. ________________________________________________________________________________________ •Explain the staff and commission role in reviewing CEQA documents for projects that are proposed within the jurisdiction of the local government. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act •Explain the staff and commission role in providing input to Section 106 documents prepared for, or by, the local government. ________________________________________________________________________________________ •Explain the staff and commission role in reviewing Section 106 documents for projects that are proposed within the jurisdiction of the local government: ________________________________________________________________________________________ D.Review Responsibilities 1.Who takes responsibility for design review or Certificates of Appropriateness? ☐All projects subject to design review go the commission. n Minor alterations versus major alterations. Per Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 16.49.050 (a)(1) item (B), the HRB reviews single-family and duplex residences which are historic structures/sites in the Downtown area or which are significant buildings elsewhere in the city and “Compliance of the property owner with the recommendations shall be voluntary, not mandatory.” Per item (C) the planning staff may review and approve minor exterior alterations pursuant to guidelines which the HRB may adopt. Minor exterior alterations are those alterations which the director of planning and development services or his/her designee determines will not adversely affect the exterior architectural characteristics nor the historical or aesthetic value of the historic structure, its site or surroundings.” Staff is assisted in all reviews of projects set forth in PAMC 16.49.050 item (a) by professional historic preservation consulting firms to perform Secretary of Interior’s Standards reviews (building permits and discretionary reviews). The HRB reviews projects in Professorville and Ramona districts and supports the Architectural Review Board in reviewing projects in the Downtown and Significant properties (local inventory Categories 1 and 2) that are not single-family homes or duplexes where they exist outside the Downtown. The Historic Preservation Planner and planning staff are involved in scoping and reviewing administrative draft CEQA documents involving historical resources, and related technical reports including Historic Resource Evaluations (HRE) and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (SIS) reports. Generally, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) is not involved in the development of draft environmental documents. However, staff seeks historic preservation consultant assistance for CEQA documents for major Architectural Review projects that include properties listed on the local historic inventory or determined California Register Eligible. Draft CEQA documents are made available for public review, including by HRB members. In addition, staff and/or other City bodies may refer draft CEQA documents and/or related technical reports to the HRB for review and comment. The HRB’s role is advisory. In some cases, staff conducts a hearing at the HRB for public review of Environmental Impact Reports for properties containing listed historic resources. The Historic Preservation Planner, with consultant assistance, and/or HRB provide input to Section 106 documents as requested. The Historic Preservation Planner, with consultant assistance, and/or HRB provide input to Section 106 documents as requested. Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 11 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 4 II. Establish an Adequate and Qualified Historic Preservation Review Commission by State or Local Legislation. A.Commission Membership Attach resumes and Statement of Professional Qualifications forms for all members. 1.If you do not have two qualified professionals on your commission, explain why the professional qualifications have not been met and how professional expertise is otherwise being provided. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.If all positions are not currently filled, why is there a vacancy, and when will the position be filled? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name Professional Discipline Date Appointed Date Term Ends Email Address Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz Museum Director 12/13/21; 4/10/23 3/31/2026 HRB@paloalto.gov Christian Pease Architecture/Analytics 12/15/17; 4/10/23 3/31/2026 HRB@paloalto.gov Samantha Rohman Master of Arts in Public History 4/13/2023 3/31/2026 HRB@paloalto.gov Caroline Willis Architecture 3/1/21; 8/12/24 3/31/2027 HRB@paloalto.gov Geddes Ulinskas Architecture 8/12/2024 3/31/2027 HRB@paloalto.gov N/A All positions are currently filled. The next recruitment will occur in 2026 for three positions, or should a member leave the board their vacancy would be filled for a partial term. Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 12 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 5 B.Staff to the Commission/CLG staff 1.Is the staff to your commission the same as your CLG coordinator? ☐ Yes ☐ No 2. If not, please provide the Commission staff member’s contact information. _______________________________________ 3.If the position(s) is not currently filled, why is there a vacancy? ________________________________________________ Attach resumes and Statement of Professional Qualifications forms for staff. C.Attendance Record Commissions are required to meet a minimum of four times a year. If you haven’t met at least four times, explain why. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ D. Training Received It is a CLG requirement that all commissioners and staff to the commission attend at least one training program. It is up to the CLG to determine the relevancy of the training. Please indicate the specific training each commissioner received last year. Commissioner/Staff Name (including method presentation, e.g., webinar, N/A Steven Switzer, Senior Planner Planning Planning and Development ServicesSteven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov N/A Steven Switzer Balancing Housing and Preservation: Policies, Case Studies, and Strategies; Navigating Historic Discretionary Reviews;New State Housing Policies and Their Impact on Historic Resources; 4 Days California Preservation ConferenceMay 7-10, 2025 Alisa Eagleston-CieslewiczIncreasing Growth & Visibility Through Community Partnerships; What Makes an Excellent Program: Recipes of Success from the 2024 Superintendent's Awardees; Somos Bilingual: Building a Toolkit for Dual Immersion Tours; Out With the Old, in With the Older: Creating Exhibitions With Less Waste4 Days California Association of Museums Conference Feb 18-21, 2025 Christian Pease TBD Samantha Rohman TBD Caroline Willis TBD Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 13 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 6 III. Maintain a System for the Survey and Inventory of Properties that Furthers the Purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act A. Historical Contexts: initiated, researched, or developed in the reporting year (excluding those funded by the OHP) Reminder: California CLG procedures require CLGs to submit survey results, including historic contexts, to the OHP. If you have not done so, submit an electronic copy or link if available online with this report. Context Name Description How it is Being Used Date Submitted to the OHP B. New Surveys or Survey Updates (excluding those funded by the OHP) Note: The evaluation of a single property is not a survey. Also, material changes to a property that is included in a survey, is not a change to the survey and should not be reported here. Explain how you are using the survey data: ___________________________________________________________________ Survey Area Context Based- Reconnaissance Properties Completed Submitted to Geddes Ulinskas Accessibility & Historic Buildings 1.5 Hours AIA California (AECKnowledge) Apr 18, 2025 N/A N/A Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 14 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 7 IV. Provide for Adequate Public Participation in the Local Historic Preservation Program A. Public Education Has your CLG undertaken any public outreach, training, or publications programs this year? How were the commissioners and staff involved? Please provide an electronic link to all publications or other products not previously provided to the OHP. Item or Event Description Date ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ANNUAL PRODUCTS REPORTS FOR CLGS During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) how many historic properties did your local government add to the CLG inventory? This is the total number of historic properties and contributors to districts (or your best estimate of the number) added to your inventory from all programs, local, state, and Federal, during the reporting year. This includes the National Register, California Register, California Historical Landmarks, locally funded surveys, CLG surveys, and local designations. Program area Number of Properties added A. Local Register (i.e., Local Landmarks and Historic Districts) Program 1. During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) did you have a local register program to create local landmarks and/or local districts (or a similar list of designations) created by local law? ☐Yes ☐ No 2. If yes, how many properties have been added to your register or designated during the reporting period? __________________________________________________________________ Seismic N/A N/A Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 15 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 8 C. Local Property Tax Incentive Program 1. During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) did you have a Mills Act program? ☐ Yes ☐ No 2. If yes, how many properties entered into a contract during the reporting period? Name of Program Number of Properties Added During 2024-2025 Total Number of Properties Benefiting From Program D. Local “bricks and mortar” grants/loan program 1. During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) did you have a local government historic preservation grant and/or loan program for rehabilitating/restoring historic properties? ☐Yes ☐No 2. If yes, how many properties have been assisted under the program(s) during the reporting period? Name of Program Number of Properties that have Benefited E. Design Review/Local Regulatory Program 1. During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) did your local government have a historic preservation regulatory law(s) (e.g., an ordinance) authorizing Commission and/or staff review of local government projects or impacts on historic properties? ☐ Yes ☐ No 2. If yes, how many historic properties did your local government review for compliance with your local government’s historic preservation regulatory law(s) during the reporting period? ____________________________________ F. Local Property Acquisition Program 1. During the reporting period (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) did you have a local program to acquire (or help to acquire) historic properties in whole or in part through purchase, donation, or other means? ☐Yes ☐ No No City Mills Act Program, but Mills Act Property exists None 1 (900 University Avenue, the Squire House) n N/A N/A N/A Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 16 Certified Local Government Program: 2024-2025 Annual Report (Reporting period is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) 9 2. If the answer is yes, then how many properties have been assisted under the program(s) during the reporting period? Name of Program Number of Properties that have Benefited IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM CLG REQUIREMENT THE OHP IS INTERESTED IN YOUR TRAINING NEEDS If the OHP was able to sponsor free CAMP trainings from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC), would you be interested in attending? ______________________________________________________ The OHP has also hosted training workshops and webinars of our own, and we plan to begin doing so again in the future. What topics you would like to see covered in these trainings? ________________________________________________________ XII Attachments (electronic) ☐ Resumes and Statement of Qualifications forms for all commission members/alternatives and staff ☐ Minutes from commission meetings ☐ Drafts of proposed changes to the ordinance ☐ Drafts of proposed changes to the General Plan ☐ Public outreach publications Email to: info.calshpo@parks.ca.gov N/A N/A Yes. There is interest in attending future CAMP trainings funded by the OHP by both staff and board members. Historic designations and their relation to real estate markets. With our most recent survey update there was a lot of public comments surrounding property valuations changing due to a property being designated on the historic inventory. It would be helpful to have some language/trainings on this topic. Item 2 Attachment A - Draft CLG Annual Report October 2024 - September 2025 Packet Pg. 17 Item No. 3. Page 1 of 1 Historic Resources Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: March 12, 2026 Report #: 2603-6036 TITLE Approval of Historic Resources Board Draft Minutes of February 12, 2026 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Historic Resources Board (HRB) review and approve the attached meeting minutes. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes AUTHOR/TITLE: HRB Liaison1 & Contact Information Steven Switzer, Senior Historic Planner (650) 329-2321 Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov Item 3 Item 3 Staff Report Packet Pg. 18 City of Palo Alto Page 1 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD Regular Meeting February 12, 2026 Council Chambers and Hybrid 8:30 a.m. Call to Order / Roll Call The Historic Resources Board (HRB) of the City of Palo Alto met on February 12, 2026, in Council Chambers and virtual teleconference at 8:30 a.m. Present: Vice Chair Willis, Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz, Board Member Ulinskas, Board Member Pease, and Councilmember Keith Reckdahl Absent: Chair Rohman. Vice Chair Willis welcomed all to the meeting. The clerk called roll and declared there was a quorum. Public Comment There were no requests to speak. Vice Chair Willis requested that future written public comments be incorporated. City Official Reports 1. Historic Resources Board Schedule of Meetings and Assignments Vice Chair Willis asked that Historic Preservation Planner Steven Switzer clarify term limits. Vice Chair Willis welcomed Council Liaison Reckdahl. Councilmember Reckdahl introduced himself and was thrilled to be on the HRB. Historic Preservation Planner Steven Switzer announced that upcoming meetings could be found on Attachment A. Planned absences should be directed to staff’s attention. On February 2, 2026, City Council approved the Work Plans for the HRB, ARB, and PTC. Regarding open recruitment, there were 3 positions up for reappointment and applications should be submitted to the City Clerk by February 18 and the clerk would schedule interviews with Council. Current Board Members about to term out could remain until appointments of successors. The Certified Local Government Annual Report was due on April 24 and Mr. Switzer would send out follow-up emails regarding training. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 19 City of Palo Alto Page 2 Vice Chair Willis requested that anyone who was not planning to remain past their term provide support until the appointment of new Board Members and that those who were not planning to stay past their term let Mr. Switzer know. Action Items Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 20 City of Palo Alto Page 3 timing. When reviewing the semifinal list of awards, there should be information on when work had been done. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 21 City of Palo Alto Page 4 Mr. Switzer added that Board Member Pease’s Residential choices included 2510 Waverley. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 22 City of Palo Alto Page 5 Board Member Ulinskas commented that no drawings were on file for 952 Cowper. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 23 City of Palo Alto Page 6 Mr. Switzer inquired if there was still a desire for the 526 Waverley murals. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 24 City of Palo Alto Page 7 Board Member Ulinskas felt the 1100 block of Ramona should be recognized because the Creamery could be in another category. Motion MOTION: Vice Chair Willis moved that the 1100 block of Ramona, including the Fowler Mansion, be the Board Choice for the 2025 Preservation Award, which would be awarded in 2026. VOTE: Passed 4-0 by voice vote. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 25 City of Palo Alto Page 8 Vice Chair Willis felt that 952 Cowper was more personal than commercial. Vice Chair Willis wanted to settle on the reduced Residential list and take at least a week to review them again and provide Mr. Switzer with the Board’s choices. MOTION: Vice Chair Willis moved, seconded by Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz, that 952 Cowper be acknowledged for a Small Project. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. MOTION: Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz moved, seconded by Board Member Pease, to recommend 215 Fulton for the Residential Preservation category. VOTE: The motion passed 3-0-1 by voice vote with Vice Chair Willis abstaining. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 26 City of Palo Alto Page 9 Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz thought 2510 Waverley and 501 Kingsley were great and wanted to acknowledge both as they were excellent projects in different ways and it would make a great statement related to incorporating ADUs. MOTION: Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz motioned, seconded by Board Member Pease, to recommend 501 Kingsley and 2510 Waverley Street for Rehabilitation awards in the Residential category. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. MOTION: Council Member Ulinskas moved, seconded by Board Member Pease, to recommend 1143 Bryant for the Restoration Award in the Residential category. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. MOTION: Vice Chair Willis moved, seconded by Board Member Ulinskas, that the Peninsula Creamery be listed for Commercial Preservation. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. MOTION: Vice Chair Willis moved, and it was seconded, that the Rehabilitation Commercial Award go to Watercourse Way or the property owner at 165 Channing. Vice Chair Willis thought Watercourse Way had done the work. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. MOTION: Board Member Ulinskas motioned, seconded by Board Member Pease, to recommend 450 Bryant Street for the Adaptive Reuse Award. VOTE: The motion passed 4-0 by voice vote. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 27 City of Palo Alto Page 10 Vice Chair Willis liked the idea of a seismic award but wanted a more dramatic name, such as the Earthquake Country Award or some such. Community members should be reminded that Palo Alto was earthquake country. MOTION: Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Willis, that the HRB acknowledge and appreciate property owners who did a voluntary seismic retrofit during the last decade. VOTE: Passed 4-0 by voice vote. Approval of Minutes MOTION: Board Member Eagleston-Cieslewicz moved, seconded by Board Member Pease, to approve the meeting minutes of January 8, 2026. VOTE: Passed 4-0 by voice vote. Comments, Questions, and Announcements Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 28 City of Palo Alto Page 11 Vice Chair Willis wanted to decide whether the other 2 should be recognized. There should be a list of properties in each of the 4 districts. The website needed to be updated as it was hard to look at a property on the inventory without going to the APN sheets. The national districts should be incorporated as Palo Alto historic districts but it needed to be discussed. Adjournment MOTION: Vice Chair Willis moved to close the meeting. VOTE: Passed 4-0. Item 3 Attachment A - February 12, 2026 Draft HRB Minutes Packet Pg. 29