HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Historian/Archivist Jerry Person Reappointed for four-yCouncil/Agency Meeting Held:
Deferred/Continued to:
'*Appr ve ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied
CI k's S' ature
Council Meeting Date: September 6, 2011
Department ID Number: CK 11-006
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Joan L. Flynn, CIVIC, City Clerk
PREPARED BY: Joan L. Flynn, CMC, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Approve the reappointment of Jerry Person as City Historian/Archivist
for a four-year term commencing August 20, 2011 to August 20, 2015
Statement of Issue: On January 20, 2009, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2009-
01 that established a protocol for the appointment of a City Historian and City Archivist, the
replacement of future historians and archivists, and authorized the City Clerk to administer
funds annually to support the research efforts of the City Historian and City Archivist to store
and reproduce historical records. Four-year terms were adopted for both positions, and
expired on August 20, 2011.
Financial Impact: Costs associated with this process are minimal, and will be absorbed
within departmental operating expenses.
Recommended Action: Motion to:
Reappoint Jerry Person as City Historian/Archivist for a four-year term commencing August
20, 2011, to August 20, 2015
Alternative Action(s): Deny the motion and direct staff accordingly.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 9/6/2011 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CK 11-006
Analysis: At a regular meeting of August 20, 2007, the City Council adopted Resolution
No. 2009-01 that established the non -paid, voluntary positions of City Historian and City
Archivist to collect, manage and maintain original and reprinted historical photography,
documents, maps, books and related publications to assist the public, media and
government bodies in historical research. On that same date Council also appointed Jerry
Person as City Historian, and Joel Watkins as City Archivist, both for four-year terms
commencing August 20, 2007, to August 20, 2011. At the time of applicant
review/interviews, two individuals applied, one with a background in historical photos,
landmarks and written records within the City, the other applicant had a background in
technology and purported to be able to streamline the archival of the records. At that time
Council made the decision to create a new position of archivist thereby ensuring both
applicants had a title and workload. The Archivist position was never fully utilized, and in
fact, with the scanning of Council records, City Staff managed the archival of historical
records without the aid of the archivist. It is being recommended that both positions now be
fulfilled by one individual.
Mr. Watson has no interest in continuing as the archivist, while Mr. Person has indicated a
preference to also do any duties associated with the preservation of historical records. With
the identified terms about to expire, Mr. Person submitted a written request on July 29, 2011,
to be reappointed as the City's Historian/Archivist for an additional four-year term.
Resolution 2009-01 resolves that the positions of City Historian and City Archivist are
renewable with Council approval. The California Legislature's "Maddy Act" also provides
guidelines for informing the public of when a vacancy occurs for positions appointed by the
local legislative body. To comply with Maddy Act guidelines, a Notice of Vacancy for City
Historian/Archivist was posted at City Hall, the Central Library, and the City's website. At the
conclusion of a twenty -day posting period, the City has not received additional applications
for this vacant position.
Environmental Status: Not applicable
Strategic Plan Goal: Improve Internal and External Communication
Attachment(s):
Weft me to
THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
NOTICE OF VACANCY
City Historian/Archivist.
Notice is hereby given that on August 20, 2011 the voluntary position of
City Historian/Archivist will become available for reappointment or
appointment. This position serves a four-year term commencing August
20, 2011 to August 20, 2015.
Persons interested in an application, please contact:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Attn: Robin Lugar
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
For more information about this position, please contact Robin Lugar (Staff
Liaison) by phone (714) 536-5405, or email at rlugar@surfcity-hb.org.
Today's Date:
Filing Deadline:
August 1, 2011
August 20, 2011
Total # of Vacancies: 1
Vacant Position: City Historian/Archivist
Please return completed form to the City Clerk. The Maddy Act requires public
notification and posting of unscheduled vacancies not earlier than 20 days before or not
later than 20 days after the vacancy occurs. Final appointment for the identified position
shall not be made by the legislative body for at least 10 working days after the posting
of the notice in designated locations.
uty of
Huntington
2000 Main Street - Huntington Beach, CA 92648
July 19, 2011
Mayor Joe Carchio
Members of the City Council
Dear Mayor Carchio,
It is an honor to have served the great City of Huntington Beach as its City Historian/Archivist for the
past four years. I am requesting the City Council to consider me for reappointment as the City's
Historian and Archivist for an additional four years.
I have included below just a few of the projects that I have done during the last four years:
I worked with the City Clerk's office in digitizing and uploading photos to the City's public website.
I personally scanned, color corrected and identified some 2,225 photos in the City's archives that are
now on the city's website. Contributed material and corrections to the City's centennial book, "Ebb &
Flow, 100 years of Huntington Beach."
Supplied material for Kai Weisser's book "Huntington Beach Lifeguards," Heritage Montessori and the
Murdy Family [H.B. Magazine Summer 20101, Huntington Beach's first Mayor [H.B. Sands], written
and article about HB's Rich Asian Heritage [The Local News July 15, 2009].
Contributed historical information and photos to the Huntington Beach Independent, Huntington Beach
Wave and the Orange County Register. Answered requests from reporters from those local newspapers,
and emails and phone calls from former and present members of the City's Historic Resources Board.
I have received and responded to many email and phone requests from the public, Council members
and media for information or photos on historical people, events and places that I was able to answer.
I believe my years of experience at the Newland House Museum and my extensive knowledge of his-
torical Huntington Beach and her colorful cast of characters is a unique asset I bring to the position of
City Historian. I would be honored and thankful for your support in my reappointment as City
Historian for another four years,
Sincerely.
Jerry Person