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2011-08-11 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES August 11, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. in the P Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. He read the Commission's mission statement. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Sue Bauer, Vice Chair Kernen Lien, Planner Jennifer Anttila Christine Deiner-Karr OTHERS PRESENT John Dewhirst Gerry Tays, Citizen Steve Waite Jim Underhill, Citizen Chris Herman, Sustainable Edmonds COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Fred Bell Andy Eccleshall Eric Norenberg Michael Plunkett READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the July 14, 2011 minutes was postponed until the next meeting. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE No one in the audience expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting. PRESENTATION OF 2011 HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY Mr. Chave referred the Commission to the 2011 Historic Resources Survey, which was prepared by The Johnson Partnership. He announced that the consultant, Larry Johnson will provide a formal presentation of the survey results at the Commission's September 8th meeting. He advised that a report must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation by the end of August. He noted that while the contract called for Mr. Johnson to survey a minimum of 80 sites, he actually surveyed 122 sites. Vice Chair Bauer asked how the Commission would address the potential historic sites that are located outside of the City of Edmonds boundaries. Mr. Chave answered that the City cannot actively pursue properties that are outside of the City limits. These properties were included in the survey because they are located in an area identified as part of the City's Urban Growth Area, which means they could become part of the City eventually. He suggested the survey information could be forwarded to Snohomish County, as well. Mr. Chave explained that the new survey is a reconnaissance level survey and does not provide as much detailed information about each site as the BOLA Study required. The consultant's charge was to look at sites and evaluate whether or not they have potential merit as historic properties. However, he noted that Mr. Johnson's report provides more detail than what would typically be found in a recognizance level survey. He summarized that the report provides great information for the Commission to start the nomination process for the properties identified in the survey. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS REPORT — FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION Mr. Lien recalled that, at the City Council's request, Chris Herman, Sustainable Edmonds, approached the Commission in March to obtain input on whether or not they should pursue the Frances Anderson Center Solar Panel installation project. At that time, it was noted that a Certificate of Appropriateness would be required at the building permit stage. He reminded the Commission that they adopted the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67) for reviewing proposals that require Certificates of Appropriateness. Two of these standards are applicable to solar projects: • Criteria 2 — The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. • Criteria 9 — New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. Mr. Lien said staff also considered the National Alliance Preservation Commission's Guidelines for Solar Panels in Historic Districts. The guidelines that particularly apply to the proposed project are: • Flat roof structures should have solar panels that are set back from the edge of the roof. • Mounting panels should be compatible with the roof and as unobtrusive as possible. Mr. Lien reminded the Commission that the Frances Anderson Center is comprised of several parts, which were constructed between 1927 and 1952. While the entire exterior of the building is designated in the Register as significant, the solar panels are actually proposed for the 1947 addition. As proposed, the panels would be set back from the edge of the building and would have a low tilt up to 2'2" above the roofline. Mr. Lien advised that the Commission has three options when considering Certificates of Appropriateness: 1. If the alterations meet the standards, the Certificate of Appropriateness is issued. 2. If the alterations meet the standards with modifications, the Certificate of Appropriateness is issued with Conditions of Issuance. 3. If the alterations fail to meet the standards, the Certificate of Appropriateness is not issued and the recommendation is against the Building Official issuing a permit. Mr. Lien summarized that staff feels the proposal meets the standards and the solar panels would not affect the historic significance of the Frances Anderson Center. The streamlined appearance would be maintained. He explained that the Solar Cooperative is proposing to complete the project in phases. Therefore, staff recommends the Certificate of Appropriateness be approved with the following conditions: 1. Certificate of Appropriateness is for Phase I of the Community Solar Project as depicted in the application materials for the building permit (BLD20110571). 2. Subsequent phases of the Community Solar Project shall be completed in a substantially similar manner as Phase I. If subsequent phases result in panels that rise to a height further above the roof of the Frances Anderson Center than Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 11, 2011 Page 2 panels installed in Phase I, the Community Solar Project shall be further evaluated by the Historic Preservation Commission. If subsequent phases result in installation of panels that are of less or equal height of the panels proposed in Phase I, no further review by the Historic Preservation Commission is required. Vice Chair Bauer asked where the inverter would be located. Mr. Herman answered that the inverter would be located inside the electrical room directly below the Phase I solar panels. Vice Chair Bauer questioned if the initial Certificate of Appropriateness should also include a condition related to the inverters so the issue is adequately addressed for future phases. Mr. Lien explained that the Edmonds Planning Manager, or his/her designate, would determine if subsequent phases are substantially similar to Phase I approved under the initial Certificate of Appropriateness, and this review would include inverters and other mechanical equipment. To address the concern, he suggested that Condition 2 be changed to read: Subsequent phases of the Community Solar Project shall be completed in a substantially similar manner as Phase I. If subsequent phases result in panels that rise to a height further above the roof of the Frances Anderson Center than panels installed in Phase I or inverters are installed on the exterior of the building, the Community Solar Project shall be further evaluated by the Historic Preservation Commission. If subsequent phases result in installation of panels that are of less or equal height of the panels proposed in Phase I, no further review by the Historic Preservation Commission is required. The Commission asked specific questions to understand the proposed project better. Chair Vogel specifically recalled a previous discussion about an interpretive display that would allow passersby to see the output created by the solar panels at any given time. The goal would be to draw public attention to the project. Mr. Herman said that while the Snohomish County Public Utility District will not agree to endorse or help fund the project, they indicated it might be possible for them to pay for the information kiosk. Otherwise, the kiosk will be constructed as part of a later phase when more funding is available. COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST MOVED TO APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER EDMONDS SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION PROJECT WITH THE TWO CONDITIONS PROPOSED BY STAFF, INCLUDING THE AMENDMENT TO CONDITION 2. VICE CHAIR BAUER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. -110VIulYWIDIA R ZI]1711f.`! Registration Committee Commissioner Anttila reported that the Red Barn is still owned by Mr. Wilcox, and his opinion about nominating the structure for the Register is still the same. She met with the minister and secretary of the Church on 4th Avenue, who were initially hesitant to add the property to the Register because they did not want restrictions on how they use the space. Now that they rent space at the Edmonds Convention Center, they appear to be more open. Vice Chair Bauer reported that she is scheduled to meet with them on August 15th to discuss the idea further. Commissioner Anttila reported that she recently spoke with Joseph McIalwain, ECA Executive Director, who invited a Commissioner to make a presentation at the ECA's September 27th Board Meeting. Commissioner Waite agreed to meet with the ECA's Board but indicated he would be unavailable for the September 27th Meeting. Ms. Anttila agreed to contact Mr. McIalwain with a request to postpone the presentation until October 25th Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel announced that the newest edition of THE PRESERVATION has been forwarded to staff for printing. Commissioner Eccleshall provided the paper. Mr. Chave announced that the City's new website may be completed before the Commission's next meeting. The Commission's page has been moved to the new site. The Commission will have to submit information and changes to staff rather than being able to update the site directly. Preservation Planning Committee Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 11, 2011 Page 3 The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any new information to report. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Mr. Bell was not present to provide a report. NEW BUSINESS No new business was scheduled on the agenda. Update on Calendar Commissioners Eccleshall and Norenberg were not present to provide an update on the calendar project. Business Cards Commissioner Norenberg was not present to provide an update on the business card project. The Preservationist Chair Vogel agreed to present ideas for a feature article in the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. History of Edmonds Chair Vogel recalled that the Commission previously discussed that a future edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST should feature a history of the inhabitants of the Edmonds area up to George Brackett, and Vice Chair Bauer agreed to contact the tribes to identify the key contact people who can provide information. Vice Chair Bauer said she has contacted representatives from several Native American Tribes who may be associated with Edmonds History, and they have suggested she send a letter to each tribe, requesting historic information. She agreed to send out letters on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested that Vice Chair Bauer also contact the Indian Studies Department at the University of Washington. Another good contact is Sara Little, a genealogist at the University of Washington. Old Seattle newspapers can also provide a wealth of information. F.Tel 1111010 old K Potential Property Nomination This issue was discussed earlier as part of the Registration Committee's report. Vice Chair Bauer agreed to contact representatives from the Church on 41h Avenue to provide more information about the benefits of placing the property on the Register. Updates to Historic Inventory This issue was discussed as part of Mr. Chave's earlier report on the 2011 Historic Resources Survey. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel reported that he has enjoyed writing articles for the online newspaper, THE EDMONDS PATCH. He is becoming more involved in Edmonds history as a result. He is finding that the real story is not so much in the structures and maps, but in the people and how they interacted with each other. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Gerry Tays asked if the City offers educational opportunities for property owners to learn how to maintain their historic structures. He specifically referred to an educational program provided by the Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 11, 2011 Page 4 While he recognized the Commission does not have funding for educational opportunities, other organizations throughout the stage sponsor small educational workshops, etc. that citizens of Edmonds could benefit from. Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the Commission could post links for the various educational opportunities offered by the State and others on the City's new website. Additional links could also be added to THE PRESERVATIONIST. They agreed to consider opportunities for publishing future editions of THE PRESERVATIONIST on the new website. They could also send out THE PRESERVATIONIST via email. Mr. Chave reminded the Commission that the consultant would present the 2011 Historic Resources Survey on September 8"'. The Commission also agreed to discuss the mural project at their next meeting, if time permits. Commissioner Dewhirst pointed out that some Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for large projects provide in-depth information about Native American activities in the area. He specifically noted the EIS that was done for the Mukilteo fuel depot. Vice Chair Bauer agreed to contact the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to find out how this information could be obtained. Commissioner Dewhirst suggested the Commission consider a different meeting location since the Commissioners sometimes get locked out from the meetings when no staff is available to open the door. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 11, 2011 Page 5