2002-08-08 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
August 8, 2002
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting of the Edmonds Historical Preservation Commission was called to order at 3:37 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Fourtner
Room of City Hall, 121 — 51 Avenue North.
PRESENT ABSENT
Stephen Waite
Darrell Marmion
Chuck LeWarne
Barbara Kindness (arrived at 3:42 pm)
Michael Plunkett
Gregg Arnold
Ed Baker
2. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Star Campbell, Assistant Planner
Karin Noyes, Recorder
The Commissioners made the following changes to the minutes of July 11, 2002:
a. Page 1, first paragraph, delete the word "first."
b. Page 5, fourth paragraph, change to indicate that Commissioner Waite made the motion, Commissioner
LeWarne seconded the motion and Commissioner Arnold abstained from the vote.
COMMISSIONER ARNOLD MOVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2002 AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER WAITE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
Chair Marmion reviewed the proposed agenda. He suggested that the agenda, as proposed be the format used for future
agendas, as well. The Commission agreed.
No changes were made to the agenda as proposed.
4. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one present in the audience.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings scheduled on the agenda.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Review of Subcommittee Tasks. Priorities and Members
Chair Marmion referred the Commissioners to the new list of subcommittee tasks. He recalled that at the last meeting the
Commission requested that he attempt to prioritize the various tasks identified by the Commission for each subcommittee.
He noted that he did not reword any of the tasks, but only moved them around in the priority identified by the Commissioners
at their last meeting. He suggested that the Commission should review the tasks identified for each of the subcommittees and
provide further comments.
Administrative Subcommittee
Councilmember Plunkett said he does not recall the Commission discussing either the Priority B Task, which is to investigate
and report to the Council on use of potential funding sources for historic preservation, or the Priority C Task, which is to
complete the definitions for historic districts. Chair Marmion pointed out that all of the tasks identified in the document
before the Commission were discussed at the last meeting. He reminded the Commissioners that Priority A tasks identify
those items that must be done immediately so that the other tasks can follow, such as setting up the rules and procedures for
the Commission.
Councilmember Plunkett said he still does not recall that the Commissioners agreed that the Administrative Subcommittee
would do Priority Tasks B and C. Commissioner Arnold referred to the third to the last paragraph on Page 3 of the July 11
Commission minutes in which the Commissioners agreed that setting up historic districts should be a Priority C Task. The
Commissioners also discussed the need to receive further education about historic districts before they present the concept to
the public. He suggested that rather than actually creating a definition for historic districts, the Commission's intent was that
Priority Task C should be to further educate the Commission on what historic districts are.
Chair Marmion recalled that there was discussion at the last meeting to move this item from the list of subcommittee tasks.
In the end, the Commissioners agreed that they were not ready to define historic districts yet, but the task should be identified
as a low priority item. Commissioner Waite agreed that the Commissioners placed this task as a low priority issue, but the
intent was to allow the Commissioners to be educated in preparation for discussions with the community.
Chair Marmion pointed out that one task specifically identified in the ordinance establishing the Historic Preservation
Commission is to establish historic districts. That is why the task was identified on the list. At the last meeting, the
Commissioners remanded this issue to the Administrative Subcommittee as a low priority task. Commissioner Arnold
recalled that the Commissioners agreed that the Administrative Subcommittee should educate and help them understand the
task, but defining historic districts is too large a job for a subcommittee to do on their own.
Councilmember Plunkett said he does not recall Priority Task B being assigned to the Administrative Subcommittee, either.
Chair Marmion said this task was identified on the Administrative Subcommittee list that was reviewed at the last meeting.
He emphasized that the document before the Commission for review at this time represents his recollection of their
discussion on July 11. However, the reason it was scheduled on the agenda was to allow the other Commissioners to provide
their comments, questions and changes.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed out that Priority Task B would direct the Administrative Subcommittee to report directly to
the City Council independent of the Commission. The Commissioners agreed that the Administrative Subcommittee should
be charged with investigating potential funding sources and reporting back to the Commission, not the Council.
Councilmember Plunkett clarified that Priority Task C is directing the Administrative Subcommittee to begin to investigate
what historic districts are and then bring this information back to the Commission for further consideration. Commissioner
Arnold agreed that was the intent of the Commission's last discussion. However, Commissioner LeWarne reminded the
Commissioners that at public hearings that were held when establishing the Historic Preservation Commission, there was
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August 8, 2002 Page 2
some interest expressed in establishing historic districts soon. While he agreed that this is not a high priority task, the
Commission could easily obtain a definition of a historic district and what is contained in a historic district from the
Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Commissioner Plunkett recommended that the task of creating a definition of historic districts should be a task of the entire
Commission. He suggested that that Commission should wait to do this task until the community is more comfortable with
the concept of historic preservation and the Commission has accomplished some things to demonstrate their worthiness. The
Commission agreed to remove this task from the list of Administrative Subcommittee tasks and identify it as a Commission
task. Priority Task B would remain as listed, except the subcommittee would report to the Commission and not the Council.
Communications Subcommittee
Chair Marmion advised that the items identified as tasks for the Communications Subcommittee were pulled directly from
the document that was reviewed by the Commissioners at their last meeting. However, he noted that the last task identified
in Priority B Tasks should be changed so that the subcommittee reports to the Commission rather than to the Council. The
Commission, in turn, would advise the Council and Mayor. The Commissioners did not make any other changes to the tasks
identified for the Communications Subcommittee.
Inventorv/Historic Subcommittee
Councilmember Plunkett noted that there are no Priority A Tasks listed for this subcommittee. Chair Marmion once again
reminded the Commission that Priority A items are those tasks that need to be done right away. However, the
Inventory/Historic Subcommittee could start working on their Priority B and C Tasks now.
The Commissioners agreed that it would be helpful for the Commission to review the preliminary inventory that was
completed by Chair Marmion prior to the establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission. This inventory identifies
all of the buildings in Edmonds that are more than 50 years old. Chair Marmion agreed that he could be prepared to review
this inventory with the Commissioners at their next meeting.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed that the survey done by Chair Marmion was a low-level inventory. The Commission will
need to wait until the City obtains Certified Local Government (CLG) status before they start a more serious inventory as
identified in Priority Task B.
Next, Chair Marmion referred to the second Priority C Task and suggested that it is too early for the Commission to become
involved in land use issues such as changes in zoning. However, this task may also have to do with changes to the
Comprehensive Plan. He suggested that even though the Commission is just getting started, they should place themselves on
the list of those people that are notified by staff of changes to the Comprehensive Plan, since these changes could ultimately
have an impact on historic preservation.
Ms. Campbell said she would request that staff place the Commissioners on the mailing list to receive all of the
Comprehensive Plan amendments that are related to land use.
Councilmember Plunkett pointed out that the second Priority C Task should be changed from "City Council" to
"Commission."
Commissioner Arnold said it was his assumption that the subcommittees would have no power to make decisions, and that
the purpose for breaking into subcommittees was to "divide and conquer" to get the work done quicker. The subcommittee
should report to the Commission as a whole so the Commissioners can decide what issues will be presented to the City
Council. The remainder of the Commissioners concurred with Commissioner Arnold's interpretation.
Commissioner Arnold requested that staff provide the Commissioners with their own copy of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Campbell explained that the Comprehensive Plan is similar to the zoning code, but it speaks more to the future direction
of land use. The Comprehensive Plan is an actual document that was adopted by the City Council to provide policy to guide
zoning and land use. She noted that in the binder of information that was provided to each Commissioner, she included a list
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August 8, 2002 Page 3
of Comprehensive Plan citations that are related to land use issues. However, if the Commissioners want their own copy of
the entire document, she would see if she could e-mail them a copy to put on their own computers. If not, she pointed out
that there are copies of the Comprehensive Plan available both in the library and in the City offices.
Commissioner Waite suggested that perhaps it would be appropriate for the Commissioners to review the Comprehensive
Plan at their next meeting and discuss whether or not additional reference to historic preservation is necessary. The
Commissioners agreed that they should review the Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations for any changes they
feel appropriate. Ms. Campbell suggested that the Commissioners start their discussion using the list of references she
provided. They can easily find these references in the Comprehensive Plan, itself, and then decide if they want to
recommend any revisions.
Incentives Subcommittee
Chair Marmion noted that the second item under Priority B Tasks was moved to the Administrative Committee as a Task A
priority.
Commissioner Waite suggested that another task that could be identified is pursuing assistance from the City, financial and
otherwise. He noted that the City has staff members who know how to write grant applications. They probably have staff
with historic preservation background who could help identify incentives the City could offer to encourage historic
preservation. He recommended that the following be added as an additional task, "Review and investigate potential City
incentives and other incentives." The Commission agreed that this task should be identified as a Priority C Task.
Ms. Campbell inquired what other types of incentives, other than those provided by the City, could be offered.
Commissioner Arnold said one example would be for the Commission to become a resource for people who want to preserve
historic sites. They know that there are tax breaks, etc. that can be offered, but there are other incentives that can be offered,
as well. Commissioner Waite agreed, and suggested that the City could become a participant in providing these incentives.
Commissioner Arnold added that in cities he has visited with significant historical preservation, the city governments has
been instrumental in providing incentives. Councilmember Plunkett cautioned that unless these incentives are adopted by
code by the Council, they would not be available for use. Commissioner Arnold agreed, but said the Commission should
make it clear to the City Council that they are looking for them to follow the lead of other successful communities and
become a more active participant.
The Commission agreed that it is important for them to provide ideas for the City Council to consider. Commissioner Arnold
said that either the Commission, as a whole, could make a list of incentive ideas or the subcommittee could make this list and
present it to the Commission for consideration. The Commissioners could then decide what to do with the information. The
idea is to break into smaller groups to do the work and make presentations for the Commission's consideration, as a whole.
The Commissioners continued to discuss the wording for the first Priority B Task. They agreed that the only bullet under
Priority B Tasks should be as follows: "Provide a comprehensive list of existing and potential incentives to the
Commission." Commissioner Kindness added that once the Commission has a list of potential incentives and participation
from the City and others, it will become the Communication Subcommittee's task to provide this information to the public.
Conclusion
Chair Marmion pointed out that the document the Commissioners just reviewed captures all the task identified in the
ordinance, but the subcommittees are certainly not restricted to these items only. However, it is important that that the
subcommittees identify tasks they are working on and report their activities to the Commission at their monthly meetings.
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Chair Marmion advised that subcommittee reports would be a regular item on the Commission's agenda to allow the
subcommittee participants to report their activities to the Commission a whole.
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a. Administrative Subcommittee Report
Commissioner LeWarne recalled that one of the Administrative Subcommittee's charges was to make a checklist or
procedure the Commission should follow to pursue the Certified Local Government (CLG) status. He distributed copies of
the process the subcommittee is proposing, which was created using the procedures outlined by the State. He advised that the
subcommittee recommends the Commission assemble a packet that includes the following:
1. A cover letter and request for CLG approval from Commission Chair Darrell Marmion to Megan Duvall at OAHP.
2. A copy of the Advisory Committee's final report to the City Council.
3. Two copies of the two ordinances passed by the City Council that established the Historic Preservation Commission.
4. Two copies of other local ordinances or laws pertaining to the preservation of historic properties.
5. Two copies of any other local laws, bylaws, or administrative rules governing the nomination and development review
process.
6. A list of names and addresses of all Commission members with a statement on each member demonstrating their interest
or competence in historic preservation, and a statement of qualifications for the professional members from historic
preservation related disciplines.
7. A statement of qualifications for the professional staff members responsible for directing the local survey and
coordinating the review of National Register nominations.
8. A copy of the list of structures identified by Darrell Marmion as being fifty years old or older, along with a U.S.G.S map
of the area.
9. Copies of the minutes of the June and July meetings of the Commission.
Mr. LeWarne advised that Items 2 and 9 are not required but seem advisable. Items 4 and 5 may be redundant or nonexistent.
He suggested that Item 4 could be met using the references to the Comprehensive Plan and other City ordinances that pertain
to historic preservation. He said the only thing he can think of to fulfill Item 5 would be the ordinance that was approved by
the Council to establish the Historic Preservation Commission. Councilmember Plunkett suggested that rules governing
nomination and development review could be found in State code and referenced in the Edmonds documents. Ms. Campbell
noted that Item 5 requires local laws, bylaws or administrative rules. The Commissioners agreed that they should develop
these documents rather than just using those provided by the State. Ms. Campbell pointed out that the example ordinances
she obtained from other jurisdictions provide bylaws related to nomination and review procedures. Perhaps the
Commissioners could use these examples to create their own bylaws.
In order to meet the requirements of Item 6, Commissioner LeWarne suggested that each Commissioner provide a statement
of their interest or competence. Commissioner Arnold pointed out that most of the Commissioners already did this when
they completed their application for participation on the Commission.
Commissioner LeWarne said he would assume that Ms. Campbell and Mr. Chave could fulfill the requirements of Item 7.
Ms. Campbell said she is not sure they would be considered professional staff members. She reminded the Commissioners
that they would likely hire consultants to do the inventory. She said she would talk to Rob about this issue. Even if staff is
qualified, she said she is not sure they have the time and resources available for this work. Councilmember Plunkett
suggested that staff seek further clarification from Megan Duvall.
To fulfill the requirements of Item 8, Commissioner LeWarne suggested that the preliminary survey completed by Chair
Marmion could be used. Ms. Campbell indicated that she should be able to provide the U.S.G.S. map of the area.
Commissioner LeWarne suggested that the Commission submit this packet of information as soon as possible. The
subcommittee could have the packet assembled and ready for the Commission's review at their next meeting.
Ms. Campbell recalled that Megan Duvall indicated earlier that a couple of inventory forms would need to be submitted with
the application. Councilmember Plunkett suggested that this could be part of Item 8. They could obtain this information
from applications that have been recently sent to the State register. Chair Marmion suggested that they use the standard form
from the State and fill it out to illustrate the format the City would be using.
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The Commission authorized the Administrative Subcommittee to proceed with the application for CLG status as presented.
They agreed to review the completed packet at their next meeting.
Ms. Campbell said that at the beginning of August she e-mailed the Commission's proposed by-laws as discussed at the last
meeting. Because none of the Commissioners indicated that they had received the document, the Commissioners agreed to
schedule this review on their next agenda.
Ms. Campbell provided a letter regarding the hotel -motel tax issue, and whether or not there is a potential for obtaining funds
from this source, and this letter was passed around for the Commissioners' review.
Commissioner Kindness said she has applications for several of the funding sources that have been mentioned to date. A few
of them have deadlines of October. She concluded that there are several funding options available.
b. Communications Subcommittee Report
Commissioner Kindness reported that she would like to "beef up" the press release by reporting on the subcommittee
activities. Both she and Chair Marmion agreed to meet over the next month.
C. Historic Register Subcommittee Report
Chair Marmion reminded the Commissioners of their request that he provide a recap of what the advisory committee did as
far as inventory. He said he would provide this report at the next meeting.
d. Incentives Subcommittee Report
Commissioners Waite and Arnold agreed to schedule a meeting before the next Commission meeting.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Chair Marmion advised that because Councilmember Plunkett is an advisory member of the Commission, he is not able to
make motions. Therefore, the nomination of Commissioner Arnold as the vice chair, which was made at the last meeting, is
negated. It is necessary for the Commission to nominate and elect a new vice -chair.
COMMISSIONER LEWARNE MOVED TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER ARNOLD AS THE VICE CHAIR OF THE
COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER KINDNESS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
There were no administrative reports provided by staff.
10. REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING PROPOSED AGENDA
Chair Marmion reviewed that in addition to the standing agenda items, the September 11 meeting would also include a
review of the Comprehensive Plan and a review of the CLG application package.
Commissioner Arnold expressed his opinion that because it is critical that the City obtain CLG status, the Commission
should authorize the Administrative Subcommittee to submit the application as soon as it is complete rather than wait until
the next meeting.
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August 8, 2002 Page 6
COMMISSIONER ARNOLD MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE THE ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE TO SUBMIT THE CLG APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES
PRESENTED. BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SECOND, THE MOTION DIED.
The remainder of the Commissioners agreed that they would like to review the CLG application documents before they are
sent out.
Commissioner Kindness inquired if the City has established incentives for historic preservation. Chair Marmion answered
negatively, but added that there are ideas available from the Historical Society that encourage preservation, and this group
can provide the Commission with a lot of informational materials.
Chair Marmion suggested that at some point, the Commission should provide some type of update to the City Council —
perhaps on a quarterly basis. The Commissioners agreed, and recommended that this should be scheduled on a future agenda
within the next two or three months to allow time to prepare for the presentation.
Commissioner Kindness suggested that the news release should identify that the Commission is applying for CLG status.
The remainder of the Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner LeWarne inquired if Chair Marmion would be able to submit the CLG application on behalf of the
Commission and City or if this application would have to come from the Mayor and City Council. Ms. Campbell said she
would seek input on this issue from Megan Duvall. If the application must be submitted by the City Council, she will outline
the necessary steps for this process at the Commission's next meeting.
Chair Marmion advised that also on the Commission's next agenda would be a review of the proposed by-laws and rules of
procedure, as well as a review of the initial inventory survey.
11. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Marmion provided no further comments during this portion of the meeting.
12. HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEMBER COMMENTS
Commissioner LeWarne announced that every year the Heritage Resource Center sponsors a Washington Heritage
Conference. This year the conference is titled, "Building Bridges to Community" and it is scheduled for October 18 and 19,
2002 at the Bellevue Community College. He noted that the conference would center on historic preservation. He briefly
reviewed the topics on the agenda.
Ms. Campbell suggested that perhaps she could attend some of the sessions of this conference to gather information about
historic preservation.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
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