A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the announcement of the Preservation Awards, slated for early March. The Commission is seeking volunteers to serve on the jury, with two commissioners traditionally involved in judging the awards. The exact date for the awards jury session is pending confirmation, but it is expected to occur in mid-February. This event is an opportunity for the commission to recognize outstanding preservation efforts within the community.

The commission also discussed the upcoming elections for officer positions, including chair, vice chair, and secretary. These elections will take place at the next meeting on January 27th. Members were encouraged to consider both re-election and the possibility of new candidates stepping forward to fill these roles. The responsibilities of these positions include overseeing meetings and ensuring the smooth operation of the commission’s activities.

Additionally, the meeting provided updates on ongoing projects and procedural changes. Notably, the commission is moving forward with the African-American context study, with contracts awarded for several National Register nominations. The transition to a new ordinance, effective January 1st, was also addressed, clarifying that applications received before the end of 2025 will still be reviewed under the previous code.

The meeting concluded with announcements about the status of filling a vacant commissioner seat. Although a candidate has been recommended to the city council, the process was delayed due to the council’s end-of-year break and reorganization. Until a new appointment is made, the former commissioner’s name will remain on the agenda, despite their decision not to attend meetings.