From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments- Open Session prior to Closed Session Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:09:39 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members and Staff,
I AM Submitting the Following Comments Related to Closed Session
1. I think that Pamela Christian has Done a Terrific Job as the City Clerk, she would make sure that the council Agendas are Out for the Public in a Timely Manner
2. Dave Aleshire has done a Fantastic Job as the City Attorney, Updating the Council on Items that are Pending for Approval
Sincerely
Cordell
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments-Open Forum
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:16:34 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members and Staff,
I AM Submitting the Following Items for the Record;
1. for the April 23 Agenda, The Council Should Invite DR Ana Alverez to present on the 30x30 Initiative from east Bay Regional Park District
2. Also To Direct Staff to Work with WCCUSD Staff on Scheduling a Joint Meeting between the City and the School District
3. Also to Consider Reinstating the Standing Committees to Address the Fiscal Budget Sincerely
Cordell
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Public Comments-W.1 Budget Session
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:23:47 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Hello Mayor Martinez, Council Members and Staff,
I do Not have any Objection to the Budget
and I would Like to see the Council to Provide direction to Staff Sincerely
Cordell
From: Joann Pavlinec
To: City Clerk Dept User
Subject: Mid-Term Budget Review -HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF FUNDING - February 27, 2024 City Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 11:33:06 AM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Dear Council Members,
Please use the Mid-term budget to provide for a full-time Historic Preservation Staff position. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is currently without any staff, not even a half-time designated staff position.
While the City proudly cites the historic significance of Richmond, the HPC is without staff to support our continued work to enhance and maintain this honor that markedly enhances Richmond's image.
Please read the recent below request to City Planning Management regarding the filling of the vacant position with a full- time, historic preservation staff position, filled by a person with knowledge, experience and interest in moving Historic Preservation forward in the City.
Thank you,
Joann Pavlinec, Chair
Historic Preservation Commission
E-Mail
Hi Lina and Hector,
Thinking about the current open planning staff position which will include filling of the vacancy staffing the HPC, I'd like to share a few thoughts for your serious consideration.
Most of the recent (I've been on the HPC for the last 10 years) focus of the HPC has been on projects coming through the City for permits that involve a historic resource - in essence, a permit application generated review commission, rather than a dual approach that includes a proactive work program to move historic preservation forward in the city. We've recently had some proactive HPC activity due to initiation by HPC members, including the Rooted in Richmond app and developing implementation of the already adopted Mills Act. Staff has been supportive of these projects, but it is clear that they have very limited time to lead the HPC in moving forward with more proactive historic preservation policy, programs, looking and developing new approaches to current roadblocks such as more local Landmark designations (I don't believe there's been any landmark designations recently), outreach to other city groups where there is definitely room for crossover goals (we have required by Conditions of Approval that the demolitions retain demolition material that might be incorporated into city art projects), among other ways Historic Preservation can become a more integral, vital, active force in Richmond.
The current HPC is an exemplary group with professional knowledge and experience and a resource that could be better utilized in assisting and working with a designated staff position filled by someone with historic preservation knowledge and experience at the local, state and federal level including rules, regulations, policies and opportunities and with someone who has a focused interest in leading the city forward in the historic preservation area. I understand that the Arts Commission has a full time staff support position. Richmond's historic resources are an important and equal component of Richmond's cultural resources and there is much crossover to be tapped with the city's Arts Commission, and groups outside such as the History Museum and other local preservation focused organizations.
In addition there are many historic resources and neighborhoods that still need to be recognized with landmark designation and utilized as an economic generator in the city. While we do have wonderful and amazing World War II era resources, and there's also awareness of the historic significance of Point Richmond, other areas of the city have not been tapped for their richness. With the Mills Act to be implemented soon, there is also the question of how we expedite and streamline local designation so that more properties can take advantage of the Mills Act.
The Mills Act should be viewed as an easily accessible neighborhood revitalization tool as much as it is also a historic preservation tool. Also, Governor Newsom's new fully funded $50 million program (SB451) State historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit application process is soon to be announced and Richmond should be staffed to participate.
I hope you will consider modifying the open position description to a full- time, historic preservation staff position, filled by a person with knowledge, experience and interest in moving Historic Preservation forward in the city.
As I was drafting this, I did receive your email indicating that the city is considering such a position. I hope the above will add further support for this to take place soon.
Thank you,
Joann Pavlinec, Chair
Richmond Historic Preservation Commission
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