07 07 2026 Final HP Meeting Minutes with attachments

HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD 
MEETING MINUTES 
 
       July 7, 2026 
 
      The Historic Preservation Board of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East 
Main Street, on July 7, 2026, at 5:06 p.m. 
 
 
BOARD PRESENT 
BOARD ABSENT 
STAFF PRESENT 
 
James Babos, Chairperson 
None 
Meg Eaton 
Jocelyn Skogebo, Vice Chairperson 
 
Matthew Kriegl 
Jason Ludwig 
Kellie Rorex 
Bruce Nelson 
 
BJ Parsons 
Sarah Prince 
Jeff Welker 
 
 
1. 
Chairperson Babos conducted a roll call. 
 
 
2. 
Introduction of new Boardmember – Sarah Prince. 
 
Ms. Prince shared her background in zoning and land use. She currently works for Pew & Lake in 
Mesa. She is looking forward to working with the Board and staff.  
 
3. 
Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written. 
 
Minutes from the Historic Preservation Board meeting held on May 5, 2026. 
It was moved by Boardmember Welker, seconded by Boardmember Nelson, that the minutes 
from May 5, 2026 Historic Preservation meeting be approved. 
 
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: 
 
AYES – Babos–Skogebo–Ludwig–Nelson-Parsons-Prince-Welker  
NAYS – None 
ABSENT–None 
 
                   
 
 
 
 
Chairperson Babos declared the motion carried unanimously. 
 
 
4. 
Election of Chair and Vice Chair for the Historic Preservation Board. 
 
It was moved by Boardmember Ludwig, seconded by Boardmember Nelson to elect James Babos as 
Chairperson and Sarah Prince as Vice Chairperson.  
 
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: 
AYES – Babos–Skogebo–Ludwig–Nelson-Parsons-Prince-Welker  
NAYS – None  
ABSENT–None.

Historic Preservation Board Meeting 
July 7, 2026 
Page 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairperson Babos declared the motion carried unanimously. 
 
 
5. 
Discussion Items: 
 
5-a. Quarterly Report on Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and Section 106 Reviews 
for January 2026 – March 2026. (attachment 1) 
 
Historic Preservation Officer, Matthew Kriegl presented the quarterly report to the Board and 
provided the totals to date for 2026. (refer to pages 1 through 3 of attachment 1) 
 
In response to a question from Boardmember Nelson regarding the PIRATE project, Mr. Kriegl 
explained they needed a Section 106 Review so the applicant could apply for federal permits 
and comply with federal regulations. 
 
Chairperson Babos requested to view a schematic diagram of the rail spur for PIRATE project 
at a future meeting. 
 
Discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board. 
       
5-b. Discuss the proposed amendments to the Mesa Historic Design Guidelines. 
 
Mr. Kriegl discussed the proposed amendments to the historic preservation design guidelines, 
which were updated with a grant from the National Park Service. The document includes 
chapters on certificates of appropriateness, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, additions, 
new construction, historic signage, and building types and architectural styles. Changes include 
updating architectural context, combining definitions sections, and updating historic districts 
and landmarks. He also shared various stakeholders were involved throughout this process.  
 
Chairperson Babos suggested the Lehi and the Washington Escobedo heritage district 
boundary maps be included as an appendix.  
 
City Archaeologist, Meg Eaton, offered this will now be considered a living document, and 
therefore there’s room for growth and change as different things come up throughout the city. 
 
Mr. Kriegl affirmed the original design guidelines will be reference and both documents will be 
accessible through the historic preservation web page. 
 
Discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board. 
 
 
5-c. Discuss the proposed text amendments to Mesa Zoning Ordinance Title 11, Chapters 23, 
44, 66, 74, and 87 relating to historic preservation. (attachment 2) 
 
Mr. Kriegl presented the proposed text amendments. The amendments aim to improve         
clarity, usability, and organization of historic preservation regulations. Key changes include  
reorganizing historic preservation provisions into a single chapter, clarifying certificate of  
appropriateness procedures, and extending the demolition permit delay to one year. The 
amendments also include provisions for archeological resources and emergency repairs. 
Various stakeholders have been involved throughout this process. A community meeting is 
scheduled for July 21, 2026 from 6 – 7 pm at The Studios.

Historic Preservation Board Meeting 
July 7, 2026 
Page 3 
 
In response to Chairperson Babos request for a 6-month, or even 1 year delay on demo 
permits for items on the supplemental list Mr. Kriegl stated it’s currently not possible to put 
regulations on properties that have not been officially designated as locally historic. He went 
on to describe how the Board may be able to approach owners to give them the information 
needed to apply for official designation for the historic preservation protections to take effect, 
and that the Supplemental List was more of an interim step to protection. 
 
Mr. Kriegl replied to Boardmember Nelson suggestion of including an explanation of a 
historical landmark by stating an enhanced definition could be added to the design 
guidelines, and that has already been updated as part of the Text Amendments.   
 
 
Discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board. 
 
 
6. 
Hear reports from Board Members of current events and education topics related to historic 
preservation. 
Boardmember Welker recently attended the Arizona SHPO certified local government training and 
thought it was excellent training.   
 
7. 
Items from citizens present**: 
 
Mr. Vic Linoff, Mesa Preservation Foundation, 628 N Center St, shared his background and 
previous involvement with the design guidelines. He also discussed the restoration of neon 
signs and the potential acquisition of two significant signs from the Arizona Historical Society. 
 
8. 
Historic Preservation Officer’s Updates*: 
 
 
Mr. Kriegl shared the following items: 
• 
Mr. Kriegl thanked the Boardmembers who attended the first in a series of regional 
meetings, or mini-HP conferences taking place around the state.  The meeting was a 
success as was the following Governor’s Awards and Reception. The Mesa Arizona 
Baseball Museum was recognized and received an award. 
• 
The Board was reminded of the importance of their attendance, especially during this time. 
• 
The draft of the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines will be posted online and sent to the 
Board for review.  
• 
Below is a tentative timeline of the review and recommendation process for both the HP text 
amendments and HP design guidelines: 
o A Community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 6 – 7 pm at The 
Studios. 
o Both of these items will be discussed at the Planning & Zoning Board Study Session 
on July 22, 2026. 
o The Historic Preservation Board will vote on a recommendation to City Council at the 
next meeting, scheduled for August 4, 2026. 
o Recommendation to City Council by the Planning & Zoning Board is tentatively 
scheduled for July 26, 2026. 
o In late September these items are expected to be introduced to City Council and 
potentially proposed for action by City Council in October. 
 
Ms. Eaton shared the details about an event at the Arizona Museum of Natural History titled 
"Arizona Through Time," featuring Dr. Kirk Koston from Mesa Community College. The event is 
scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 6 PM.

Historic Preservation Board Meeting 
July 7, 2026 
Page 2 
 
 
 
9. 
Adjourn. 
 
Without objection, the Historic Preservation Board adjourned at 6:37 p.m. 
 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Historic 
Preservation Board meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on 7th day of July 2026. I further certify 
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
 
 
 
JAMES BABOS, CHAIRPERSON 
 
DMD 
(Attachments – X)

Quarterly Report on 
Certificate of Appropriateness 
(COA) Projects and Section 
106 Reviews for January 2026 
– March 2026
Agenda Item: 5-a  
Historic Preservation Board
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 4

• 5 Section 106 Reviews processed (Q1)
• 5 Section 106 Reviews processed in 2026
Section 106 Reviews – Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar)
No.
Project Name
Type
Findings
Project Location
Date 
Received 
Approval 
Date
1
CP0969 Ellsworth Road 
Improvements
Review
No Historic Properties Affected
Along Ellsworth, between approx. Germann and Ray
1/1/2026
1/9/2026
2
PIRATE Project - Final MOA 
Comment
Concurs with finding of adverse effect
Center of wye, northeast of Rittenhouse Road between 
Power and Sossaman Roads
2/9/2026
2/24/2026
3
Crown Castle Fiber LLC (PHO 
EV211)
Comment
No comment at this time
E. Thornbush Avenue & S. Sorrell
2/4/2026
3/3/2026
4
Phoenix Area FAA 
Modernization
Comment
Concur with APE and methodology
Mesa Gateway Airport / Falcon Field / City of Mesa
2/6/2026
3/5/2026
5
Crown Castle Fiber LLC (PHO 
EV225)
Comment
No comment at this time
South Mountain & Galveston
2/19/2026
3/20/2026
Section 106 Reviews
Quarter 1 (January-March 2026)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 4

• 5 COA Projects processed (Q1)
• 5 COA Projects processed in 2026
Certificate of Appropriateness Projects – Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar)
No.
Project Name
Type
Property Address
Location (HD/LM)
Project Type
Subtype
Description
Approval 
Date
1
ADM26-00075
Administrative
2345 N Horne
Lehi School (LM)
Alteration
Sign
Baseball Museum Sign (non-
illuminated)
01/29/2026
2
ADM25-00700
Administrative
459 N Grand
Evergreen (HD)
Alteration
Garage
Enclose carport to create garage
02/11/2026
3
ADM26-00177
Administrative
246 N Fraser
Fraser Fields (HD)
Alteration
Addition
Addition to detached accessory 
building
03/16/2026
4
ADM26-00183
Administrative
722 N Robson
Evergreen (HD)
Alteration
Fence
Replace chain link fence with gabion 
wall
03/17/2026
5
ADM26-00622
Administrative
515 W Pepper Pl
West Side-Clark Addition (HD)
Alteration
Addition
Rear, one-story addition to house
03/25/2026
Certificate of Appropriateness Projects
Quarter 1 (January-March 2026)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 4

Quarterly Report
Quarter 1 (January-March 2026)
Questions & Discussion
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 4

Discuss the proposed text 
amendments to Mesa Zoning 
Ordinance Title 11, Chapters 
23, 44, 66, 74, and 87 relating 
to historic preservation 
Agenda Item: 5-c  
Historic Preservation Board
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 1 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Background and Purpose
To improve clarity and understanding of historic 
preservation requirements and processes that include:
• Reorganization – related to historic preservation
• Clarity – language and processes
• Consistency – among historic preservation provisions
• Compliance – align with current state and federal 
laws and regulations regarding archaeology
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Reorganization
Related historic preservation zoning provisions have been 
combined and organized
• Chapter 23 (Historic Preservation Overlay) and Chapter 44 
(Historic Signs) moved into Chapter 74 (Historic Preservation 
Procedures).
All Historic Preservation regulations and procedures located in 
one place within the zoning ordinance (Chapter 74)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 3 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Clarity
Expand on the Purpose of HP Procedures
Historic Preservation Overlays
• Processes clarified – including application and review
• Integrated Eligibility Criteria
• Modification of Current Overlay Process
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 4 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Certificate of Appropriateness–Demolition Process Clarified: 11-74-4 (G)
Demo Permits (Within Approved Overlay)
•
May be appealed if Demo Request denied by HPB
•
1 year (365 day) delay on any demo permit from date of HPB denial
•
Work on plan/agreement 
•
No plan or agreement – clearance for demo permit at applicant’s request
Demo Permits (Within Proposed Overlay)
•
For a period of 1 year (365 days) from the date of application for a 
proposed Historic Preservation Overlay
•
If the Overlay is not approved by City Council within 1 year (365 days) – 
demo permit approved
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 5 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Historically Designated Signs (11-74-5)
•
Processes clarified
•
Application
•
Review
•
Eligibility Criteria
•
Mesa Historic Sign Register
•
Maintenance and Repair
•
Revocation Process
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 6 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Terms Defined
•
Certificate of Appropriateness
•
Historic District
•
Historic Landmark
•
Historic Preservation Overlay
•
Historic Resource
•
Historically Designated Sign
•
State of Disrepair
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 7 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Supplemental Inventory List
1.The Supplemental Inventory List is a list of building(s), structure(s), 
object(s), site(s), and district(s), that have been determined eligible 
for inclusion in the Mesa Historic Property Register but not yet 
designated.
2.To be included on the Supplemental Inventory List, Historic 
Resources must meet the eligibility requirements in this Chapter.
3.The Historic Preservation Officer will maintain the Supplemental 
Inventory List and make it available to the public.
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 8 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Consistency
Redundant and unnecessary provisions eliminated
Consistent terminology throughout
References to MZO updated
Public notice requirements for Historic Preservation Overlay to 
conform to MZO processes (11-74-3)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 9 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Compliance
Created archaeological resource requirements for development on 
public and private land 
Aligned with current state and federal laws and regulations 
governing the protection of cultural resources
Archaeological resource assessment to ensure compliance
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 10 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Additional Text Amendments
HPB recommended staff consider adding a maintenance of historic 
resources provision 
Required Maintenance and Repairs provision added as Section 11-74-3(I)
Duty to Maintain
1. The owner of a Historic Resource within a Historic Preservation Overlay shall not 
permit any portion of the Historic Resource to fall into a state of disrepair.
2. The condition of the Historic Resource on the effective date of the Historic 
Preservation Overlay designation shall serve as the standard of reference for 
evaluating whether the Historic Resource has fallen into a state of disrepair. 
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 11 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Additional Text Amendments
HPB recommended staff consider adding a COA review process for 
necessary emergency repairs
Provision added stating that COAs are to be issued concurrently 
with a building permit in emergency situations
Emergency Repairs provision added under Section 11-74-4(F)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 12 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Addition of Archaeological Resources
HPB and SHPO recommended staff consider the importance of 
archaeology and protecting archaeological resources.
Archaeological Resources added as Section 11-74-6 to address:
• Archaeology on Private Land
• Archaeology  on Land under City Ownership or Control
• Archaeological Resource Assessments
• Review of relevant resource databases
• Consultation with SHPO, THPO, and qualified professionals, as 
appropriate 
Align our zoning ordinance with current cultural resource laws
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 13 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
1. Affirm that archaeological resources are irreplaceable community 
assets that represent significant aspects of the past, may retain 
connections to living communities, and merit stewardship for 
future generations; and
2. Enhance the City’s community character and heritage by 
considering archaeological resources during development, where 
appropriate.

In general, all development (private and municipal) shall comply 
with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations 
governing the protection of cultural resources. 
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
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Attachment 2
Page 14 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Text Amendments Outreach
Outreach Dates:
• HPB Study Session – Aug. 01, 2023
• Public Meeting – Aug. 24, 2023
• HPB Meeting – Jul. 07, 2026
• Public Meeting – Jul. 15, 2026
Consultation:
• State Historic Preservation Office
• Tribal Historic Preservation Offices
Additional Review
• Mesa Historical Foundation
• Mesa City Website
Required Review: 
• Planning and Zoning Board
• City Council
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 15 of 16

Historic Preservation
Text Amendments
Questions & Discussion
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
July 7, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 16 of 16