Historic Preservation Commission Prepares for Another Year of Safeguarding Heritage

The Sedona City Council has taken steps to maintain the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) through 2025, following discussions prompted by Vice Mayor Holli Ploog during their meeting on October 8.

Ploog expressed concern over the challenges in filling positions on the HPC, noting, “It seemed to me to be a good time to assess what we should do.” The council had previously reduced the commission’s membership from seven to five in 2023. With the recent resignation of Chairwoman Brynn Unger and the temporary continuation of Commissioner Bob Huggins beyond his term, the commission currently lacks stable leadership.

Outgoing Councilwoman Jessica Williamson raised questions regarding the commission’s duties and necessity, prompting a broader discussion among council members. Community Development Director Steve Mertes highlighted the HPC’s mandated role under the city’s Land Development Code, reinforcing the importance of the commission in landmarking properties.

According to Mertes, the historic property survey is “greatly outdated,” necessitating a review to ensure accurate documentation of eligible buildings. He pointed out that the commission has not landmarked any properties for over a decade until recently, noting significant achievements in the last few months.

“Just this past May, we got back to landmarking properties, where we landmarked the Kiva House and the chapel at Tlaquepaque,” Meyers said, emphasizing the need for an updated resource survey to identify structures qualifying for historical preservation.

Meyers further detailed the HPC’s current initiatives, which include creating an educational driving tour of local landmarks. He indicated, “There are really fun ways we can get this information out to people.”

City Manager Anette Spickard recommended ongoing cooperation with the HPC until the museum contract renegotiation in 2026. She believes this timeline provides a strategic opportunity to evaluate the commission’s effectiveness. “My recommendation is that we work with the HPC through 2025,” Spickard stated.

In response, Councilman Pete Furman questioned whether the HPC’s agreement with the Sedona Historical Society (SHS) needed reassessment. Meyers noted that the upcoming provider contract negotiation would be the appropriate time for such discussions. Ploog supported Spickard’s approach, indicating it would allow the HPC to demonstrate its value under fresh leadership.

Council members expressed optimism about revitalizing the HPC. Furman remarked, “Having an active commission will make recruitment easier,” while Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella warned against altering the current model prematurely, suggesting a one-year evaluation would cater to stability.

Kathy Levin, Chairwoman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, pointed out that the existing historic property survey includes listings of properties eligible for landmarking. She identified specific notable properties worth exploring for preservation.

As of October 8, three candidates—Bobby Woods, Karen Stupak, and Thomas Weis—have applied for the two vacant seats on the commission. The council has directed city staff to facilitate interviews with these applicants, aiming to strengthen the HPC’s capabilities.