No preview available
2009-10-08 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES October 8, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Eccleshall called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Andy Eccleshall, Chair Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services Larry Vogel, Vice Chair Jennifer Anttila COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Sue Bauer Christine Deiner-Karr (excused) Alan Macfarlane Steve Waite (excused) Eric Norenberg (excused) Michael Plunkett READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES VICE CHAIR VOGEL MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER ANTTILA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as proposed. REOUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Dinah Gewalt explained that she is just starting the Preservation Certificate Program at the University of Washington, and she was present on assignment to learn more about how historic preservation commissions work. Later this quarter, she has been assigned to work on a Washington Heritage Register nomination, and she would like to work with members of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioner Bauer reviewed that the Registration Committee met with Anne Bullock, the Building Official, who welcomed the Commission's input on interpreting the historic chapter of the International Building Code. Chair Eccleshall said the Committee also brought up the concept of financial incentives (reduced permit fees, etc.), and Ms. Bullock indicated it would not be possible based on the City's current financial situation. However, she suggested they revisit the idea next year. Commissioner Bauer noted that the City of Everett offers non -financial and non -staff -time incentives to property owners in their historic zone. The Registration Committee agreed to consider the concept of non -financial incentives and discuss their ideas with the Building Official. It was noted that once the economy improves, the City and property owners would be more receptive to historic preservation incentives. In the meantime, it is important for the Commission to continue to gather information. The Commission discussed the possible options for saving the Bettinger House. It was noted that Susan Blalock has invested a lot of time and money into preserving the structure, and she has nearly exhausted her resources. The Commission talked about the concept of a fagade easement, which offers the current owner a one-time tax deduction from the IRS. This could allow the property owner to significantly reduce the price of the home so that the property could be purchased and perhaps donated to the City. The Registration Commission was asked to investigate the concept further and report back to the Commission. Education and Outreach Committee Vice Chair Vogel noted that while the Education and Outreach Committee did not meet during the past month, they were able to receive some good coverage in the local newspapers via their press releases. Chair Eccleshall reported that he spoke with Mrs. Nicholson, the owner of the Railroad Foreman's House, to prepare an article for the next edition of "THE PRESERVATIONIST. " However, he noted there are some inaccuracies as to when the structure was built and when it was moved the second time. He said he would continue to research the issue. Preservation Planning Committee Chair Eccleshall reported that the Preservation Planning Committee met to discuss ideas for expanding the BOLA Report. They divided the City into nine sections and prepared maps for each one. The idea is that each Commissioner would be assigned a section to research and identify properties that are not on the BOLA but should be investigated further as part of an expanded study. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner MacFarlane reported that the Society is planning some fun events for Halloween, and they hope to break their record for handing out goodies. He also announced that the current exhibit is titled, "Pulled, Chained and Blocked: Journeys of Mad Fiber Artists from the Pacific Northwest Needlearts Guild." There will be a new exhibit in November and December titled, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Playing with the Past." The January through March Exhibit will be titled, "Vintage Paper Dolls, and the April through June exhibit will be titled, "A Tribute to Northwest Indian Art and Other Influences by David Brown." He advised that the Society has a lot of new members, including a lot of business members. NEW BUSINESS Registry Incentives Used by Successful Cities The Registration Commission advised that they reported on this item earlier as part of their report on their meeting with the Building Official. Ideas for Expanding the BOLA Report Chair Eccleshall noted that he reported earlier on the Preservation Planning Committee's progress in dividing the City into 9 areas and preparing maps for each one. He noted that the Commission's immediate need is funding for the plaque program, but they should also continue to work towards expanding the BOLA Report when funding becomes available. Fundraising Ideas for Plaques/Discussion on Grant Ideas Chair Eccleshall recalled that at the last meeting, the Commission indicated they would be interested in seeking grant funding to purchase more plaques, expand the BOLA Survey, and create a stable budget for printing brochures and "THE PRESERVATIONIST. " He referred to information he emailed the Commissioners regarding potential grant opportunities. He noted that most of the grants would be small, so they would probably not be sufficient to fund the plaque program. Prior Historic October 8, 2009 Page 2 to the next meeting, he encouraged the Commissioners to review the list and identify the amount of work required, and how much money could be obtained. Ms. Cunningham advised that once plaques have been placed on the two properties (Railroad Foreman's House and a house on 3rd Avenue) that were recently approved by the City Council, there will only be seven plaques left. She noted that the plaques cost about $450 each, and the current supply was funded via a grant. She agreed to email each of the Commissioners more information about where the grant funding came from. Commissioner Bauer agreed to prepare a grant application for additional funding from the same source, using the application that was previously submitted as a model. The Commission discussed the possibility of asking the City Council for additional funding to support the plaque program or to copy THE PRESERVATIONIST, and Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact Council Member Plunkett to discuss the option further. Historic Overlay Zone/Letter to 4th Avenue Residents Chair Eccleshall referred the Commission to the draft letter he prepared for property owners on 4th Avenue and explained that it is straightforward and intended to present information only. He emphasized that a map was not provided as part of the letter because the actual boundaries for the historic overlay would be decided as part of the public process. Vice Chair Vogel agreed that rather than promoting the historic overlay concept, the letter would simply inform the property owners of the option and invite them to consider the concept further. The Commission agreed the letter was appropriate, and Chair Eccleshall agreed to meet with Mr. Chave to discuss his concerns prior to the next Commission meeting. Ms. Gewalt asked why the Commission chose 4th Avenue as a potential historic overlay. Chair Eccleshall pointed out that 41h Avenue has already been identified as a Cultural Corridor. Since the idea is already in place, the Commission felt it would be a good place to start. A historic overlay would go hand -in -hand with the intentions of the cultural corridor. Discussion of Recruitment Strategy for Register The Commission briefly discussed the idea of obtaining the services of a full-time grant writer. ACTION ITEMS The Preservationist Vice Chair Vogel announced that he is currently working to prepare the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST, which would feature the Railroad Foreman's House. He noted they have room for more copy, and Chair Eccleshall agreed to attempt to locate more information about the site. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Eccleshall noted that his term as Chair of the Commission would expire at the end of 2009. He invited the Commissioners to share their ideas for the 2010 Chair. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Bauer referred to a pamphlet titled "Do Not Tear Out Your Old Windows" dated March -April, 2009. She said she replaced all of the windows in her historic home at a significant cost. However, the pamphlet outlines better options. She suggested the Commission prepare a mailing to all property owners on the Register, with a nice cover letter and some tips for preserving historic structures. Chair Eccleshall suggested the Commission update their website to make it a resource for property owners on the Register and provide tips for historic preservation. Chair Eccleshall advised that he was recently contacted by an individual whose job was to find homes for materials from a salvage firm who restored historic buildings. He suggested this would also be a great resource to make available to owners of historic properties. Historic October 8, 2009 Page 3 Vice Chair Vogel noted that there is one applicant for the vacant Commission position. He referred to the procedure for appointing new Commissioners, which can often be quite lengthy. He suggested the Commission take action to speed the process up. The Commission agreed they would like an opportunity to interview the candidate and suggested that perhaps a short special meeting could be scheduled for this purpose. Ms. Cunningham said that Commissioner Norenberg has been working with the company "Ghost Hunters" to schedule an event on November 6th from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. They are interested in doing a television segment on Edmonds. They need volunteers to carry and operate equipment, etc. and interested Commissioners should contact her. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Historic October 8, 2009 Page 4