REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Sean Joyce, Interim City Manager
VIA: Chris Slama, Director of Community & Library Services
PREPARED BY: Ashley Wysocki, Deputy Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
title
Approve appointments to the Huntington Beach Historic Resources Board (HRB) as recommended by City Council Liaisons Rhonda Bolton and Erik Peterson
body
Statement of Issue:
There is a need to fill two vacancies on the HRB. Per the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) 2.107.010, the Board is “to consist of not less than seven nor more than nine members, to be appointed to serve terms of four years.”
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve the appointment of Austin Edsell to the Huntington Beach Historic Resources Board for a term set to expire June 30, 2026, as recommended by City Council Liaisons Bolton and Peterson; and/or,
B) Approve the appointment of Catherine Johnson to the Huntington Beach Historic Resources Board for a term set to expire June 30, 2026, as recommended by City Council Liaisons Bolton and Peterson.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended appointments, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The HRB is a maximum nine member advisory body to the City Council with a mission to encourage and promote programs and activities that enhance public awareness of community historic resources. The board has seven appointed board members with two vacancies.
The City advertised the vacancies on the City’s website. Three eligible applications were received, with two applicants responding to an interview request. Following this process, City Council Member liaisons Rhonda Bolton and Erik Peterson are recommending the appointment of Austin Edsell and Catherine Johnson. If appointed, their terms would expire June 30, 2026.
Mr. Edsell has been a Huntington Beach resident for 14 years. He states “As the city continues to grow, our community must embrace our past, honor those who came before us and incorporate our history into our current decision-making. My experience facilitating events, coordinating volunteers, and working with others would greatly serve the City of Huntington Beach and the Historic Resources Board.”
Ms. Johnson has been a Huntington Beach resident for 22 years. She states “I’m really interested in the history of Huntington Beach and preservation and awareness of our past. I strongly believe that we can learn so much from the past both in expanding our understanding of events and how they can shape a community, and in applying what we know about the past to our future conduct. I have done multiple research projects that cover parts of Huntington Beach history over the course of my education, and I’m always interested in learning more. I believe I could be an asset to this board in providing my own perspective and research skills, and I think it would be a great opportunity to learn and collaborate.”
Environmental Status:
N/A
Strategic Plan Goal:
Community Engagement
Attachment(s):
1. Austin Edsell application for appointment
2. Catherine Johnson application for appointment
3. Historic Resources Board Roster