March 2026 HRAB Minutes
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Human Relations Advisory Board (HRAB) Minutes March 25, 2026 Meeting Time: 6:00 PM CITY OF MESA HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB) March 25, 2026 Minutes The Human Relations Advisory Board (HRAB) of the City of Mesa met on March 25, 2026 at 6:00pm in Study Session Room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street. MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT GUESTS Christiana Hammond, Chair Abram Ellsworth, Vice Chair Spencer Beck William Campos Sabrina Dobson Chantelle Frazee-Jacobs Rose Hanne Oscar White Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez Perla Sandberg Jane Williams-Cooper Andrea Alicoate Bianca Amin Meg Eaton Elisha Gutierrez Matthew Kriegl Katie Pollak 1. Chair’s Call to Order. Ms. Hammond called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. (1a) Announcement of excused absences. Ms. Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, Ms. Perla Sandberg, and Ms. Jane Williams-Cooper were announced as excused absences for this meeting. 2. Items from Citizens Present. * No citizens wished to speak to the board. 3. Approval of minutes from the February 25, 2026 HRAB meeting. It was moved by Mr. Oscar White and seconded by Mr. Abram Ellsworth that the above- mentioned minutes be accepted as written. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Ms. Christiana Hammond, Mr. Spencer Beck, Mr. William Campos, Ms. Sabrina Dobson, Mr. Abram Ellsworth, Ms. Chantelle Frazee-Jacobs, Ms. Rose Hanne, Mr. Oscar White NAYS - None 4. Hear and discuss a presentation from the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office & Archaeology program including but not limited to historic districts, landmarks, archaeological sites, and applicable cultural resources laws and regulations. Mr. Matthew Kriegl, the City of Mesa’s Historic Preservation Officer, and Ms. Meg Eaton, the City Archaeologist, presented an overview of the division’s programs and services, providing information on how Mesa preserves its historical landmarks, culture, and archaeology. In addition, the presenters provided project updates which included design guidelines in historic Human Relations Advisory Board Page 2 preservation, zoning code text amendments, Downtown façade improvements, along with the National Park Service Historic Preservation Information. Within Mesa, there are 8 locally designated Historic Districts distributed mainly within the Downtown Mesa area. Thirteen Historic Landmarks in the Mesa are registered as a part of the Mesa Historic Property Register (MHPR), with 4 of which also being included within the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Some historic landmarks in Mesa have been classified as Historic Landmark only under the NRHP, which includes the Buckhorn Baths Motel. Properties located within the Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks designation must meet the criteria of Certificate of Appropriateness for any exterior modifications before receiving permits. In addition, the City has locally recognized two neighborhoods, Lehi and Washington- Escobedo Heritage Neighborhoods, as Heritage Neighborhoods. It was crucial for the City to create this local designation in an effort to preserve the unique history associated with those regional parts of Mesa. With consideration of Historic Preservation, the City also has a Historic Preservation Board with the functions of reviewing designs, historic designation, and maintaining properties that are part of the MHPR by providing resources and education to property owners. In Mesa alone, there are over 250 archaeological sites with 520 studies conducted and 4 of them being a part of the National Register. Archaeology in Mesa is important to preserve Mesa’s heritage, encourage respectful collaboration with descendant communities, and strengthen community identity and sense of place. Ms. Eaton and Mr. Kriegl concluded their presentation by addressing the Board questions and feedback. 5. Hear and discuss a presentation about the America 250 Neighborhood Celebration and Volunteer Pledge. Community Engagement Coordinator, Ms. Elisha Gutierrez, and the Citywide Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Katie Pollak, provided presentations to the Board regarding the America250 Neighborhood Celebration and Volunteer Pledge. Mr. Gutierrez invited the Board to be a part of America’s 250th Anniversary celebration by holding a neighborhood celebration in 2026. Any Mesa resident, neighborhood, or organization can commit to hosting an event and entering a drawing for a chance to win two-$250 for their next community event in 2027. Community Engagement has created some resources for hosts, including Party-in-a-box and 25.0 Ideas for Your Pledge. More information can be found on mesaaz.gov/neighbor250. Human Relations Advisory Board Page 3 In addition, the City of Mesa also pledges to engage in contributing at least 100,000 hours of volunteer service. The City is committing to supporting our neighbors and celebrating this historic milestone through meaningful service. More information can be found on mesaaz.gov/volunteer. Ms. Gutierrez and Ms. Pollak concluded their presentation by addressing the Board questions and feedback. 6. Hear and discuss update on the removal of Cesar Chavez honorary signage and plaque. Ms. Andrea Alicoate, the Assistant to the City Manager, provided the Board with an update regarding the removal of the honorary signage and plaque dedicated to Cesar Chavez. Due to the recent allegations pertaining to Cesar Chavez, the City has directed the immediate removal of the honorary Calle Cesar Chavez street signs and the commemorative plaque along Broadway Road. Programs and events that previously acknowledged Cesar Chavez will be adjusted to preserve their purpose while removing association with him. Ms. Alicoate concluded her presentation by addressing questions and feedback from the Board. 7. Scheduling of meetings, future agenda items, and general information. (7a) Next HRAB meeting will be held on April 22, 2026 at 6pm in the Council Study Session Room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ, 85201. 8. Hear reports on conferences and/or meetings attended. Mr. Campos attended a Spring Training game at Sloan Park, the Good Business Summit, and the OneAZ Credit Union’s 3rd Annual Aspirations Event. Ms. Dobson attended a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Mr. Ellsworth attended the Mesa Historical Mew-seum event and the Memorial for Emily Pike. Ms. Frazee-Jacobs is completing a creative project with her students for the Mesa Family Resource Center. Ms. Hammond attended the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum. Ms. Hanne attended the Mesa Arts Foundation Annual Gala featuring Arts in Service. Mr. White attended the ALTFest at the Mesa Arts Center. 9. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Submitted By: Andrea Alicoate, Assistant to the City Manager