HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2606-6477CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Wednesday, September 09, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:00 PM
Agenda Item
1.Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Historic Resources Board (HRB); CEQA Status -
Not a Project
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: September 9, 2026
Report #:2606-6477
TITLE
Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Historic Resources Board (HRB); CEQA Status - Not a
Project
BACKGROUND
Recruitment for the Historic Resources Board opened on January 13, 2026, and was extended
until a sufficient number of applications were received. There are three full-term vacancies on
the Historic Resources Board, with terms expiring on March 31, 2029. City Council selected
candidates to interview at the August 24, 2026 City Council meeting. Applications may be
accessed online1.
Each candidate interview is scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidates will have an opportunity to
summarize their experiences, and the remaining time will be allocated to Councilmember
questions. Candidates have been informed of the following:
1. Each interview is scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidates may begin with 1-2 minutes
describing their experience and/or desire to serve. The remaining time will be Q+A with
the City Council;
2. Interviews are located in Council Chambers on the ground floor of City Hall (250
Hamilton Ave) or on Zoom;
3. If joining in person, please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time, and check in
with the Clerk upon arrival; and
4. If joining via Zoom, please log-on 15 minutes before the scheduled time, and make sure
to use your name so the clerk can identify the candidate. Please use this link to join
https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238. The clerk will allow you to unmute and
turn on your video when it’s your turn.
1 August 24, 2026, City Council Staff Report #2605-6350
Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the September 14, 2026 City Council meeting.
Councilmembers will appoint candidates through live voting conducted during the meeting. The
City Clerk will announce the results of the vote.
ANALYSIS
Historic Resources Board (HRB)
3)
HRB Eligibility Requirements4:
Palo Alto residency is not required
All members shall have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of history, architecture
or historic preservation.
Two members shall be professionals in the disciplines of architecture, architectural
history, planning, landscape architecture, or related disciplines, or pre-historic and
historic archeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, or conservation.
o This requirement is currently fulfilled by three members of the commission, two
of which do not have expiring terms. Therefore, this requirement will remain
fulfilled regardless of applicant selection in this recruitment.
At least one member shall possess academic education or practical experience in history
or a related field such as American studies, American civilization, or cultural geography.
3 City Council, May 5, 2025; Agenda Item #11, SR# 2504-4537
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=83381
4 Palo Alto Municipal Code 2.27.010
o This requirement is currently fulfilled by three members of the commission, and
all three have expired terms in this recruitment. At least one new appointment
must meet this requirement.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
None.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
City staff publicized the recruitment through the City’s Uplift Local community newsletter, City
Clerk’s Office newsletters, the City’s website, and the City’s social media channels. The
recruitment was also advertised in both print and online in the Palo Alto Daily Post, as well as
the Palo Alto Weekly print and a LinkedIn online ad. Recruitment information was also posted
at Palo Alto libraries, City Hall, and public facing facilities. Information was also emailed to
previous applicants, community-based organizations, and businesses related to the
commission’s issue areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because it is an organizational or
administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
ATTACHMENTS
None.
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk