Final 09.02.2025 HP Meeting Minutes
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Historic Preservation Board
Minutes
Mesa City Council Chambers – Lower level, 57 E 1st Street
Date: September 2, 2025 Time: 5:00 pm
MEMBERS PRESENT:
James Babos, Chair
Jocelyn Skogebo, Vice Chair
Bruce Nelson
BJ Parsons
Jessica Sarkissian
Lamont Slater
Jason Ludwig
MEMBERS EXCUSED:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Matthew Kriegl
Kelly Whittemore
Kellie Rorex
Dawn Dallman
CITIZEN SPEAKERS:
Vic Linoff
(*Board members and staff participated in the meeting through the use of telephonic and
audio conference equipment.)
1. Call Meeting to Order.
Chair Babos declared a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 5:06 pm.
2. Introduction of New Board Member – Jason Ludwig.
Summary:
Boardmember Ludwig introduced himself, mentioning his experience with historic boards and
his interest in aerial history.
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEETING
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3. Approval of the minutes from August 5, 2025 Historic Preservation Board meeting
It was motioned by Boardmember Nelson, seconded by Boardmember Parsons, that the
minutes from August 5, 2025 Historic Preservation meeting be approved.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Babos-Skogebo-Nelson-Parsons-Sarkissian-Slater-Ludwig
NAYS - None
EXCUSED – None
ABSENT – None
4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for Historic Preservation Board
It was motioned by Boardmember Parsons, seconded by Boardmember Sarkissian to re-elect
James Babos as Chair and Jocelyn Dkogeno as Vice Chair.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Babos-Skogebo-Nelson-Parsons-Sarkissian-Slater-Ludwig
NAYS - None
EXCUSED – None
ABSENT – None
5. Discussion Items:
5-a.
Discuss the 2026 Mesa Historic Preservation Board Retreat and potential date,
time, venue, and topics for the retreat
Summary:
Matthew Kriegl, Historic Preservation Officer, discussed options for the 2026 Historic
Preservation Board retreat, suggesting various dates, times, and venues. Chair Babos
stated he prefers the retreat to be held offsite. Boardmember Nelson suggested finding a
space in a historical neighborhood and offered to provide a link to his North Town
documentary as well as his upcoming documentary about the Nile Theater. The group
decided the best dates for the retreat will be January 10, 2026 or January 24, 2026.
5-b.
Discuss the May 2026 Historic Preservation Month Student Essay and Visual Arts
contest and potential essay and visual arts contest topics
Summary:
Mr. Kriegl discussed the theme for Historic Preservation Month 2026: "Mesa Through
Time: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future." Various topics for the student essay and
visual arts contest were proposed, including improving historic sites, designing a mural
or sign, juxtaposing Mesa then & now, among other ideas. Board members discussed
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the importance of incorporating “local” history and liked the idea of group projects. Staff
will finalize the topics and then present the selected topics at the next Board meeting.
6. Hear reports from Board Members of current events and educational topics related to
historic preservation.*
Chair Babos inquired about the Board buying a brick to support the Mesa Historical Museum
and requested the topic be added to next month’s agenda. Boardmember Nelson reminds
everyone about the upcoming cemetery tour on October 25, 2025.
7. Items from citizens present.**
Vic Linoff from the Mesa Preservation Foundation, 628 N Center St discussed House Bill 2721
and its potential impact on historic districts. Mr. Linoff also provided updates on the future
operation of the Sirrine House, the acquisition of neon signs, a potential display location for
those signs, and the involvement of the Mesa Preservation Foundation in the America 250
Committee.
8. Historic Preservation Officer’s Updates.*
Mr. Kriegl shared the following items with the Board:
•
Mr. Kriegl provided an update on the art and essay contest, including the anticipated
timeline for distribution and the involvement of other city departments. The event will be held
at The Post on Saturday morning, May 2, 2026.
•
Mr. Kriegl shared information on how to stay informed about all the upcoming events the city
is rolling out in conjunction with the America 250 Celebration.
•
Presentations will be potentially given at the October 7, 2025 meeting on the upcoming
revisions to the Historic Preservation Guidelines and Code Revisions.
•
The next HP Board meeting is expected to be held at the new City Hall building. Staff will
inform Board members of any change of location and encourage Board members to pay
close attention to the location details referenced in upcoming emails from staff.
9. Adjournment.
It was motioned by Boardmember Ludwig, seconded by Boardmember Sarkissian, to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:49 pm.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Babos-Skogebo-Nelson-Parsons-Sarkissian-Slater-Ludwig
NAYS - None
EXCUSED – None
ABSENT – None
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Respectfully submitted,
_____________
James Babos
Historic Preservation Board Chair
* These items are not for Board discussion and no Board action will be taken on the items.
** The public may address the Board on any item. The Arizona Open Meeting Law (ARS § 38-431 et seq.) limits
the Historic Preservation Board to discussing only those matters specifically listed on the agenda.
The City of Mesa is committed to making its public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. For special
accommodations, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (480) 644-3333 or AzRelay 7-1-1 at least 48 hours
in advance of the meeting. Si necesita asistencia o traducción en Español, favor de llamar al menos 48 horas
antes de la reunión al 480-644-2767.
A recording of the meeting is available upon request.
Please contact the Planning Department with questions, 480-644-2385.