Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee Memorandum
TO: MAYOR’S NOMINATING AND SCREENING DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2022
COMMITTEE
FROM: CITY CLERK’S OFFICE WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ISSUES:
Appoint two new members to the Historic Preservation Fund Committee for the current historic preservation organization seat vacancies.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee:
Review applications for consideration for appointment to two vacant seats designated for City residents affiliated with separate Riverside-specific historic preservation organizations; and Appoint two new members to the Historic Preservation Fund Committee historic preservation organization seats for terms ending March 1, 2024.
BACKGROUND/LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Section 20.30.30 of the Riverside Municipal Code establishes a Historic Preservation Program to provide funding for the conservation, preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of cultural resources. The Code further provides that the Historic Preservation Fund shall be administered by a Historic Preservation Fund Committee consisting of five members serving two-year terms.
The Cultural Heritage Board designates two of its members to serve as representatives and the Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee selects the City Council representative. The remaining two seats are designated for City residents affiliated with separate Riverside-specific historic preservation organizations appointed by the Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee.
The roster below reflects the current composition of the Committee and terms of office:
NAME
AGENCY
APPOINTED
CURRENT
TERM
Erin Edwards
City Council
8/3/2021
8/3/2023
Steve Lech
Riverside Historical Society
7/10/2018
3/1/2022
Vacant
Representative of a Riverside specific historic preservation organization 3/1/2024
Chuck Tobin
Cultural Heritage Board
10/18/2017
3/1/2023
Natasha Ferguson
Cultural Heritage Board
3/21/2021
3/1/2023
On August 3, 2021, the City Council approved Councilmember and Mayor appointments to the regional organizations including the Historic Preservation Fund Committee reappointment of Councilmember Edwards as recommended by the Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee on July 20, 2021.
Member Steve Lech, representing the Riverside Historical Society, wishes to complete his term and resign effective March 1, 2022.
The following applicants have submitted applications for consideration to serve on the Historic Preservation Fund Committee as a representative of a Riverside specific historic preservation organization as listed:
APPLICANT
RIVERSIDE SPECIFIC HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORGANIZATION
Nereyda Gonzalez
None
Maria Sagara
Save Our Chinatown Committee
Nanci Larsen
Old Riverside Foundation
Dave Stolte
Old Riverside Foundation
Jennifer Gamble
Old Riverside Foundation
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee appointing and reappointing members to the Historic Preservation Fund Committee contributes to the City Council’s Envision 2025 Strategic Plan Priorities and Goals:
High Performing Government -
Goal 5.3 - Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
The appointment and reappointed of members to the Historic Preservation Fund Committee aligns with the 5 Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Riverside is transparent and makes decisions based on sound policy, inclusive community engagement, involvement of City Boards and Commissions, and timely and reliable information. The City’s involvement with the appointment process is transparent and serves the public interest, as these interviews are conducted in a public meeting.
Equity – Riverside residents are encouraged to apply to the Historic Preservation Fund Committee. The City supports racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and is committed to advancing equity through fair treatment and recognition of rights. The demographics section of applications is removed to promote a fair and unbiased selection process by the committee.
Fiscal Responsibility – Riverside is a prudent steward of public funds and ensures responsible management of the City’s financial resources while providing quality public services to all. There is no funding associated with this report. However, maintaining an active Historic Preservation Fund Committee ensures that quality services are provided to all with fiscal responsibility as a priority.
Innovation – The appointment process prepares Riverside for future initiatives through collaborative partnerships with new members. These members bring new perspectives and ideas to Riverside, helping to meet the community’s ever-changing needs.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Riverside is committed to meeting the present needs without compromising the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to persevere, adapt and grow during fluctuating times alike. It is essential to keep an active and engaged Historic Preservation Fund Committee to maintain sustainable and resilient programs and services and monitor and promote innovation for a more sustainable future.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Board/commission/committee recruitment and selection are absorbed annually in the City Clerk’s Office Budget.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments: Roster
Applications
Historic Preservation Fund Committee - Page 2