The Lakewood City Council convened on January 6, 2025, to address several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the proposed dissolution of the Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board (LHAB). The meeting began with public comments, where community members expressed strong opposition to the potential disbandment of the board, emphasizing the importance of preserving Lakewood's history and heritage.

One speaker highlighted concerns regarding the city's recruitment challenges for board members, arguing that the issues cited by the council were not sufficient justification for dissolving the LHAB. They stressed that a city's history is vital for its identity and warned against erasing historical narratives, drawing parallels to historical events where regimes sought to eliminate cultural memory.

Glenn Spieth, a member of the LHAB, also voiced his discontent, revealing that he learned about the proposed dissolution only through the meeting agenda. He criticized the city staff for their handling of board meetings, noting that many were canceled due to staff issues rather than a lack of quorum. Spieth underscored his contributions to the city’s historical markers and expressed frustration over the lack of support for the board's activities.

Christina Manetti, vice chair of the LHAB, echoed these sentiments, accusing the city staff of providing misleading information about the board's meeting cancellations. She argued that the city had not engaged the board in meaningful discussions regarding historical preservation, citing the demolition of significant local sites without consultation. Manetti urged the council to postpone the vote on the ordinance to allow for further dialogue with the board.

Following public comments, the council moved to the consent agenda, which included the approval of previous meeting minutes and financial claims. The council adopted the consent agenda without any items being removed for further discussion.

The meeting proceeded to the regular agenda, where the council reviewed Ordinance Number 825, which proposed amendments to sunset the LHAB. City Attorney Heidi Wachter provided an overview of the ordinance, setting the stage for further deliberation on the future of the board.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a community deeply invested in preserving Lakewood's historical and cultural identity, with significant pushback against the proposed dissolution of the LHAB. The council's decision on the ordinance remains pending, with calls for more inclusive discussions with the community and board members.