City of Newberg

Historical Preservation Commission

February 27, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m.

Commissioners Present:  

•  Charles Watson

•  Britta Mansfield

•  Bob Woodruff

•  Debbra Buerkle

•  Robyn Wheatley (Ex-Officio)

Staff Present:  Rachel Thomas, City Recorder

Clay Downing, Planning Manager

1. PUBLIC COMMENT

NO PUBLIC COMMENT

2. NEW BUSINESS:

2a. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

2b. COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS:

 Action:  Britta Mansfield as Vice Chair of the Newberg Historical Preservation Commission for a term effective from February 27, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

 Motion:  Commissioner Bob Woodruff

 Second:  Commissioner Debbra Burkle

 Vote:  Unanimous Yes.

 Action:  Bob Woodruff as Chair of the Newberg Historical Preservation Commission for a term effective from February 27, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

 Motion:  Commissioner Debbra Burkle

 Second:  Commissioner Charles Watson

 Vote:  Unanimous Yes

2c. PRESENTATIONS:  Kuri Gill, Grants and Outreach Coordinator and Historic Cemeteries Program Coordinator from Oregon Heritage and Oregon Parks and Recreation.

Gill provided an overview of the Certified Local Government program, a federal program that funds historical preservation projects. Newberg has been active with this program in the past and Councilors expressed interest in applying for the grant in the coming year.

2d. DISCUSSION OF GOALS FOR THE COMMISSION

   Commissioners discussed goals for the Historical Preservation Commission and reviewed the five-year plan for the commission (established in 2021). The commission also discussed meeting cadence and scheduled a strategic planning session in the coming month.

3. COMMISSION BUSINESS:

3a. UPDATE ON STAFF COVERAGE FOR THE COMMISSION

   Clay Downing and Rachel Thomas explained staff coverage for this commission, their backgrounds, educations, and their interest in history and Newberg history, specifically. They also said that City Manager Will Worthey, who also has a history-focused background, may be joining meetings in the future.

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

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 Rachel Thomas, City Recorder

ATTEST:

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Bob Woodruff, Commission Chair