05 05 2026 HP Meeting Final Minutes with attachments

HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD 
MEETING MINUTES 
May 5, 2026 
The Historic Preservation Board of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East 
Main Street, on May 5, 2026, at 5:06 p.m. 
BOARD PRESENT 
BOARD ABSENT 
STAFF PRESENT 
James Babos, Chairperson 
BJ Parsons 
Meg Eaton 
Jocelyn Skogebo, Vice Chairperson 
Jessica Sarkissian 
Matthew Kriegl 
Jason Ludwig 
Charlotte McDermott 
Bruce Nelson 
Kellie Rorex 
Jeff Welker 
1.
Chairperson Babos conducted a roll call.
Chairperson Babos excused Boardmember Nelson from the beginning of the meeting; he
arrived at 5:20 pm.
2.
Introduction of new Boardmember – Jeff Welker.
Mr. Welker is a Mesa native who worked for the City of Mesa for more than 30 years. He is
excited to be on the Board and to help the community preserve its history.
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 Vice Chairperson Skogebo, seconded by Boardmember Ludwig, that the
consent agenda items be approved.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Babos–Skogebo–Ludwig–Welker
NAYS – None
ABSENT–Nelson(arrived at 5:20 pm) –Parsons–Sarkissian
Chairperson Babos declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. 
4.
Discussion Items:
4-a. Quarterly Report on Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and Section 106 Reviews
for October 2025 – December 2025. (attachment 1) 
Historic Preservation Officer, Matthew Kriegl presented the quarterly report to the Board and 
provided the totals for all of 2025. (refer to pages 1 through 3 of attachment 1)

Historic Preservation Board Meeting 
May 5, 2026 
Page 2 
 
       
4-b. Discuss the proposed revised Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines (attachment 2) 
 
Mr. Kriegl introduced the draft of the revised draft guidelines, noting the changes and updates. 
He explained the guidelines aim to provide guidance for planning, designing, and improving 
historic properties.  
 
In response to Chairperson Babos question regarding the inclusion of heritage districts, Senior 
Planner, Kellie Rorex clarified that heritage neighborhoods follow the regular zoning ordinance. 
Mr. Kriegl suggested an additional appendix could be added to address heritage 
neighborhoods. It would be a way to address these neighborhoods so they may be included as 
something important to the city but not subject to these particular rules. (referenced on pages 5 
and 15 of attachment 2) 
 
Vice Chairperson Skogebo inquired what the process would be to add a new appendix. 
Assistant City Attorney, Charlotte McDermott stated these may have been processed via a 
resolution in the past. 
 
In reply to Boardmember Ludwig’s question regarding the ease in which future new historic 
districts could be added, Ms. McDermott stated it could potentially have to go through the 
resolution process. But some resolutions allow for some modifications. It would depend on the 
degree of change that is required and what is stated in the resolution. Later in the conversation 
Ms. McDermott stated language could be added, and that states the appendix may be 
amended/updated as additional historic districts or landmarks are added.  
 
Chairperson Babos inquired if Appendix E is needed in the design guidelines. Mr. Kriegl stated 
if that’s a comment the Board would have it could be discussed further. He also stated there 
are pluses and minus to both. (referenced on pages 5 and 15 of attachment 2) 
 
In response to a question from Boardmember Nelson, Mr. Kriegl explained how historic events 
qualify for preservation. There is a list of qualifications in the Mesa Zoning Ordinance that state 
what the buildings would need to embody in order to be listed on the historic register. Historic 
events typically often fall under the Heritage Neighborhood designation. 
 
Boardmember Welker asked if historic districts and landmarks could be separated in the 
appendices. Mr. Kriegl explained there are concerns about both. Staff know what is protected, 
but are working on getting clarification from the State’s Historic Preservation Office about which 
properties are individually landmarked. We want to be as accurate as possible before we roll 
out the design guidelines. (referenced on pages 5 and 15 of attachment 2) 
 
 
5. 
Hear reports from Board Members of current events and education topics related to historic 
preservation*: 
Boardmember Nelson suggested future recognition by the Board of community members and 
organizations that have contributed to historic preservation.  
 
           Chairperson Babos requested this to be a future agenda item.

Historic Preservation Board Meeting 
May 5, 2026 
Page 3 
 
 
6. 
Items from citizens present**: 
 
There were no citizens present at the meeting. 
7. 
Historic Preservation Officer’s Updates*: 
 
 
Mr. Kriegl announced the following items: 
 
• 
The success of the Historic Preservation Month Event with 90 entries and 120 guests. 
Photos of the event have been shared with the Public Information Office and will be 
available online. 
• 
A list of A250 celebration events may be found at www.MesaAZ.gov/activites-
culture/america-250 
• 
The Mayor will be dedicating the restored downtown clock with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, 
May 8, 2026. 
• 
There will be no Preserve Arizona Conference this year but there will be a series of  
regional meetings. The first will be held in Mesa on May 30, 2026 at the old City Council 
Chambers. 
• 
Updates to the code and design guidelines drafts will be posted online and sent to the  
Board for review. 
• 
Mr. Kriegl reminded the Board how importance their attendance is especially during this 
time. 
• 
A Community meeting is being planned to discuss the design guidelines and updated  
city code. That meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 27, 2026. 
 
Chairperson Babos requested an email reminder of these dated be sent for absent board  
members. 
  
8. 
Adjourn. 
 
Without objection, the Historic Preservation Board adjourned at 5:58 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 5th day of May 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) and Section 106 
Reviews for October 2025 – 
December 2025
Agenda Item: 4-a  
Historic Preservation Board
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
May 5, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 3

•3 Section 106 Projects Processed (Q4)
•20 Section 106 Projects processed in 2025
Section 106 Projects – Q4 2025 (Oct-Dec)
No.
Project Name
Type
Type
Findings
Project Location
Date Received 
Approval 
Date
1
Verizon Facility 
(PHO Edgewood)
Sec. 106
Comment Continued monitoring for 
future work
Continued monitoring for 
future work
Near Southern Ave and 
Gilbert Rd
11/15/2025
2
ADM25-00841
Sec.106
Review
No Historic Properties 
Affected
No Historic Properties 
Affected
1041 W Rio Salado Pkwy
12/03/2025
3
PIRATE Project - 
Revised MOA
Sec. 106
Comment
Revisions requested
Revisions requested
Center of wye, northeast of 
Rittenhouse Road between 
Power and Sossaman 
Roads
Section 106 Projects
Quarter 4 (October-December 2025)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
May 5, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 3

Certificate of Appropriateness Projects
Quarter 4 (October-December 2025)
Certificate of Appropriateness Projects – Q4 2025 (Oct-Dec)
No.
Project Name
Type
Property Address
Location (HD/LM)
Project Type
Subtype
Approval 
Date
1
ADM25-00748
Administrative
137 N Robson
West 2nd St HD
New Construction
Fence
10/09/2025
2
ADM25-00692
Administrative
235 N LeBaron
Robson HD
Alteration
Addition
11/13/2025
3
ADM25-00658
Administrative
204 N Fraser Dr E
Fraser Fields HD
New Construction
ADU
11/24/2025
4
ADM25-00904
Administrative
164 W 3rd Pl
West 2nd St HD
Alteration
Garage/Addition
11/24/2025
•4 COAs Issued (Q4)  /  3 In-Progress (Require Revisions) 
•23 COAs reviewed in 2025 (2 Board Approval; 0 Withdrawn)
Historic Preservation Board Meeting
May 5, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 3

Discuss the proposed revised 
Mesa Historic Preservation 
Design Guidelines
Agenda Item: 4-b  
Historic Preservation Board
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 1 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Background
Historic Preservation Design Guidelines -2001
•
Two locally-designated Historic Districts
•
218-page document includes several topics not regulated by the MZO
•
Hard copy document
New historic preservation design guidelines reflect changing historic 
resources
•
Six of Mesa's eight locally-designated Historic Districts added since 2001
•
Eight of Mesa’s eleven locally-designated Historic Landmarks added since 2001
• New guidelines can be printed, but will exist primarily as a digital document
•
Wider Distribution
•
PDF format allows for key word searches and embedded links improve user-
friendliness
Historic Preservation Board 
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May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Purpose
Provides guidance for planning, designing, and undertaking improvements 
to Mesa’s historic properties
• Used by property owners/designers/contractors
Improve the design quality of future developments and growth
Assist City staff and the HPB in decision making
• Establishes a basis for determining the appropriateness of construction 
projects
Increase the overall public awareness of Mesa’s historic resources
Protect property values in the districts by discouraging poorly-designed and 
inappropriate projects
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 3 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Design Guideline Organization
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 2 – Certificates of Appropriateness
Chapter 3 – Guidelines for Preservation, Restoration & Rehabilitation
Chapter 4 – Guidelines for Additions
Chapter 5 – Guidelines for New Construction
Chapter 6 – Guidelines for Historic Signage
Chapter 7 – Historic Building Types & Architectural Styles
Appendices:
A, B, C, D, E
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 4 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Design Guideline Organization
Appendices
A – City of Mesa Historic Preservation Program
B – Certificate of Appropriateness Review Standards
C – Character Defining Features
D – Architectural Definitions
E – Locally Designated Historic Districts & Historic Landmarks
Historic Preservation Board 
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Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 1
Introduction
Describes the purpose for creating the document
Outlines the many uses for the document including:
• Evaluating real estate
• Preparing for home improvements
• Design review guidance 
How to use the document
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 2
Certificates of Appropriateness
Explains which projects require a COA and which do not
Explains COAs are not needed for properties exclusively on the National 
Register of Historic Places
Encourages the use of the guidelines for non-locally-designated properties
Provides contact information for the Mesa Historic Preservation Office
Details the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic 
Properties and the Standards for Rehabilitation, which is the basis of our code.  
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 3
Guidelines for Preservation, Restoration & Rehabilitation
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Character-Defining Features
• Materials and Finishes
• Windows
• Doors and Entries
• Porches, Decks, and Balconies
• Historic Roofs
• Exposed Foundations
• Landscaping and Fences
• Painting
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 4
Guidelines for Additions
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Addition Placement
• Addition Design
• Roofs
• Dormers
• Doors and Windows
• Porches
• Fences and Walls
• Mechanical Equipment
• Solar Panels
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 9 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 5
Guidelines for New Construction
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Building Height
• Building Scale
• Building Materials
• Roof Materials
• Doors and Windows – Orientation/Proportions
• Porch Design
• Accessory Dwelling Units – Location/Scale/Design
• Fences and Walls
• Mechanical Equipment
• Solar Panels
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 10 of 15

Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 6
Guidelines for Historic Signage
Provides Guidelines for the following topics:
• Compatible Signage and Streetscape 
Character
• Neon Signs
• Signage Types
• Guidelines for Preservation, 
Rehabilitation, and Design
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Chapter 7
Historic Building Types & Architectural Styles
Highlights common residential building types and architectural styles found 
in Mesa
Each building type/style features a description and a list of typical features
Photos of Mesa homes provided as illustrative examples of each building 
type/style
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix A
City of Mesa Historic Preservation Program
Background of the Mesa Historic Preservation program
Brief overview of the City of Mesa Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks
Information on the Heritage Neighborhood Recognition Program
Explanation of the National Register of Historic Places
Importance of Historic Preservation for the Future
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix B
COA Review Standards
Standards for Alteration, Rehabilitation, and/or Additions to Existing 
Structures
Standards for Detached New Construction
Criteria for Demolition
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
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Historic Preservation
Design Guidelines
Appendix C
Character Defining Features
Appendix D
Architectural Definitions
Appendix E
Historic Districts & Landmarks
Historic Preservation Board 
Meeting
May 5 , 2026
Attachment 2
Page 15 of 15