Council directs staff to change code so Venice Main Street membership is a preference, not a requirement, for one preservation board seat

The Venice City Council on Oct. 14 directed staff to amend the city code to make Venice Main Street membership a preference rather than a requirement for one seat on the Historic and Architectural Preservation Board and to relist the vacancy after that code change.

Councilmembers said residents had contacted them expressing interest in serving on the preservation board but were precluded by the existing requirement that the seat be held by a Venice Main Street member. The councilmember who moved the change said the amendment would remove a procedural barrier and make it easier for interested residents to apply while still allowing the council to appoint a qualified Main Street member where appropriate.

City manager and staff checked the city's Certified Local Government (CLG) status and advised the proposed change would not affect CLG eligibility. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare the code amendment and relist the seat after the change.

Councilmember comments focused on expanding participation while preserving the council's ability to ensure the board has appropriate expertise; staff retained responsibility to draft the code amendments for future council consideration.