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HAPB Minutes 03/20/2026 (Draft)March 20, 2026 Page 1 MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Naples, Florida - March 20, 2026 LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Historical Archaeological Preservation Board met in REGULAR SESSION on Friday, March 20, 2026, commencing at 9:30 a.m., in Conference Room 609, Growth Management Community Development, 2800 N. Horseshoe Dr., Naples, Florida 34104. The following members were present: Chairman Cindy Carroll Zachary Burch Marie O Brian Janice O Connell ALSO PRESENT: Ray Bellows, Zoning Manager for Collier County Timothy Finn (participating online) Amanda Townsend, Museum Director March 20, 2026 Page 2 1. CALL TO ORDER - HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Chair Cindy Carroll. Roll call was conducted and the members present were noted as above. 2. ADDENDA TO THE AGENDA There were no addenda or changes to the agenda. 3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made to approve the agenda as published. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (all in favor; none opposed). 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 20, 2026 The minutes of the February 20, 2026 meeting were reviewed. A correction was noted for the record: Zachary Berch’s last name is spelled B U R C H (not Berk). A motion was made to approve the minutes with the correction as noted. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (all in favor; none opposed). 5. OLD BUSINESS A. HAPB Candidate Applications: James Bennett, Lois Bolin, Matthew Craig, Robin King, John Telischak The Board reviewed the five applications for the one vacant seat (formerly held by Ms. Hansen). Discussion focused on the candidates’ backgrounds and alignment with the Board’s desired representation categories: history (currently represented by Ms. Carroll), archaeology (represented by Mr. O Brian), real estate/land development/finance (represented by Ms. O Connell), architecture/engineering/building construction/landscape architecture, and law/urban planning. Multiple members expressed strong support for John Telischak due to his 20 years of involvement with museums and historical sites and his current role as Director of Museums and Collections at the Naples Historical Society (including work at Palm Cottage). Laura confirmed direct experience working with Mr. Telischak, describing him as dedicated, responsible, extremely passionate about the history of Old Naples, coordinator of volunteers, organizer of school field trips, and active in fundraising and communications. Robin King was also highlighted as an outstanding candidate with strong leadership, communication, and consensus-building skills; one member noted prior professional collaboration with her and described her as an excellent March 20, 2026 Page 3 community leader. All candidates were described as outstanding. After discussion and consensus-building, the Board determined John Telischak as the top choice. A motion was made to recommend Mr. John Telischak to the Board of County Commissioners to fill the open position on the Board. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (all in favor; none opposed). Staff will coordinate with Madison Bird and the County Attorney’s office to place the item on the next available Board of County Commissioners agenda (likely consent/summary calendar). B. Historical Book Guides Amanda Townsrnd, Museum Director, reported that 10,000 copies of the current booklet (printed 2020 but featuring the centennial emblem added later) have been distributed since 2023. The public information office has graphic design capability to recreate the booklet in-house. Required updates include: adding Plots N and W to the Rosemary Cemetery description; updating all websites and email addresses to the new URL; and reviewing for any changes or new sites (e.g., Gore House, Gore Nature Center) since the last printing. Board members (including Miss Burke and others) volunteered to assist Amanda with content review and updates. Suggestions were made to add Collier County Museum logos next to museum sites and appropriate historical society logos (e.g., Naples Historical Society for the bank building) with permission. Tourism will be contacted regarding printing of another 10,000 copies. Any additional input or corrections from Board members should be sent directly to Amanda. Page proofs will be brought back for Board review at a future meeting. 6. NEW BUSSINES A. Site Visit The Board discussed scheduling a site visit. It was decided to hold the May meeting at the Naples Depot Museum (railroad/train depot) on May 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This will allow the Board to tour the completed facility, view progress on the Black History baggage car project (if still under construction), and utilize indoor space (tavern car or back gallery) for the meeting while the museum is open to the public. The April 17, 2026 meeting will remain in Conference Room 609. Ray Bellows will coordinate directly with Lisa Marciano, Museum Manager. 7. REVIEW OF PROJECT AND ACTIVITY LOG Amanda Towns provided the following updates: • Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch – Garden and Grove project nearly complete; ribbon-cutting/grand opening planned for a Saturday with HAPB members specifically invited. March 20, 2026 Page 4 • Marco Island Historical Museum – “The Cat” exhibit on display through April 18, 2026, then returns to the Smithsonian. • Naples Depot Museum – Reopened in January and very popular; Black History baggage car project under construction, anticipated opening late spring/early summer. • Plot N and Plot W cemeteries – Research continuing to identify individuals buried; possible discovery of another undocumented African American cemetery in Collier County. State historic marker for Plot N on hold pending completion of identification research. No fencing planned per neighbor preference; mowing continues. Amanda Townsend announced that this was her last HAPB meeting; she is leaving Collier County after 25 years with the County (10 years at the museums) for a new opportunity. Responsibilities will be handed off; contact Tanya Williams, Director of Libraries, in the interim. Board members expressed appreciation for her service and knowledge. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 9. HAPB COMMENTS One member shared a personal note: his 8-year-old daughter has twice accompanied him to Plot N cemetery and insisted on placing flowers (purchased in bulk from Costco) because “no one else is going to.” Additional comments included thanks and appreciation to Amanda Townsend for her contributions. Amanda encouraged interested parties to apply for open seats on the Friends of the Collier County Museums. Ray Bellows confirmed thank-you letters will be sent to all five candidates; contact information may be shared with the Friends of the Museums for those not selected. 10. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned. FUTURE MEETING DATES: • April 17, 2026 – Conference Room 609 • May 15, 2026 – Naples Depot Museum March 20, 2026 Page 5 COLLIER COUNTY HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVATION BOARD Cindy Carroll, Chair These minutes were approved by the Board/Chairman on , as presented (choose one) , or as amended .