2002-09-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
September 12, 2002
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 3:37 p.m. in the 31 Floor Fourtner
Room of City Hall, 121 — 51 Avenue North.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Gregg Arnold, Vice Chair Darrell Marmion, Chair Star Campbell, Assistant Planner
Stephen Waite Karin Noyes, Recorder
Chuck LeWame
Barbara Kindness
Michael Plunkett
Ed Baker
2. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER LEWARNE MOVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2002 AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER BAKER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
Ms. Campbell noted that Agenda Item 8c (Grants: Log Cabin Response re: Lodging Tax Funds) was added to the
Commission's agenda.
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
Vice Chair Arnold recalled that at the last meeting the Commissioners reviewed the Historic Preservation Commission Task
Sheet that was prepared by Chair Marmion listing the four subcommittees and identifying the tasks for each. The
Commissioners requested that staff incorporate the changes that were discussed by the Commissioners at the last meeting and
provide an updated draft of the document for the Commissioner's review at the next meeting. Councilmember Plunkett
suggested that since this document is already on Chair Marmion's computer, staff should contact him and ask him to
complete this task. The Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Kindness recalled that she was given the assignment to research grant opportunities. She questioned which
subcommittee should receive the information that she has collected to date. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this issue
further as part of the subcommittee reports scheduled later on the agenda.
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Administrative Subcommittee
Commissioner LeWarne recalled that at the last meeting the Commissioners requested that the Administrative Subcommittee
present all of the materials that will be submitted as part of the Certified Local Government (CLG) application. Ms.
Campbell advised that she was asked by the Administrative Subcommittee to collect certain items that were to be part of the
application package. She advised that, with the exception of the U.S.G.S. Map, which she is still searching for, she has
provided all of the items requested.
Ms. Campbell suggested that the Administrative Subcommittee draft a letter to the Mayor explaining the contents of the
packet and the steps that need to be taken for submittal. This letter could also explain some of the Commission's recent
activities. A Commissioner should also draft a cover letter that the Mayor could attach to the packet that is submitted to the
State.
Councilmember Plunkett said he was under the impression that the Administrative Subcommittee was going to bring a
complete application packet to the Commissioners for review. Vice Chair Arnold said that was his understanding from the
last meeting, as well. Councilmember Plunkett inquired as to what items are still missing from the application packet.
Ms. Campbell explained that the Administrative Subcommittee asked her to help them prepare the application packet, and
she brought the things she agreed to provide. However, the packet is not complete. Most of the Commissioners still need to
provide their list of qualifications, and this needs to be combined into a single document along with their contact information.
In addition, a cover letter needs to be drafted to accompany the application.
Since the application packet was not complete, Councilmember Plunkett inquired if the Commissioners would like to grant
the Administrative Subcommittee the authority to forward the packet to the Mayor for review as soon as the missing items
are available rather than holding the application until the next Commission meeting.
Vice Chair Arnold said his sense is that the State will be reviewing the application materials for content and not necessarily
for presentation. Therefore, he questioned the need to combine all of the Commissioner qualifications and contact
information into a single document since this will take additional time to complete. He suggested that the Commissioners
should give the Administrative Subcommittee the authority to draft a cover letter that the Mayor could sign and send forward
with the application. They should also draft a letter to the Mayor describing the application package and the process that
must be followed.
The Commissioners briefly reviewed the items that are required to be part of the application packet. They identified that the
following items are already available: a copy of the Advisory Committee's final report to the City Council, copies of the two
ordinances that were passed by the City Council to establish the Historic Preservation Commission, copies of other local
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September 12, 2002 Page 2
ordinances or laws pertaining to the preservation of historic properties, copies of other local laws, bylaws or administrative
rules governing the nomination and development review process, a list of names and addresses of all Commission members,
a statement of qualifications for the professional staff members (Ms. Campbell and Mr. Chave) responsible for directing the
local survey and coordinating the review of National Register nominations, and copies of the minutes of the June and July
meetings of the Commission. They summarized that the following items are still needed: a cover letter and request for CLG
approval from the Mayor, a letter to the Mayor explaining the contents of the packet and the application process, A statement
on each Commission member demonstrating their interest or competence in historic preservation and a statement of
qualifications for the professional members from historical preservation related disciplines, a copy of the list of structures
identified by Chair Marmion as being fifty years old or older, and a U.S.G.S map of the area.
The Commissioners agreed that the format used for the Commissioner qualifications is not really important. Those who had
not done so already agreed to provide their statements of qualification as soon as possible. They directed Ms. Campbell to
contact Mr. Marmion and ask him to send his statement of qualifications as well as the list of historic structures via the e-
mail. Commissioner LeWarne volunteered to write the cover letter for the application packet, as well as a letter to the Mayor
from the Commission. They directed Ms. Campbell to arrange the packet into a binder, using indexes to separate the various
items.
COMMISSIONER KINDNESS MOVED THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE DRAFT A COVER
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR, COMPILE ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS OUTLINED BY THE COMMISSION, AND
FORWARD THE APPLICATION PACKET TO THE MAYOR FOR SUBMISSION TO THE STATE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION OFFICIAL. COMMISSIONER WAITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice Chair Arnold noted that after the CLG Application package has been submitted, the Administrative Subcommittee will
have accomplished their first two Priority A Tasks.
b. Communications Subcommittee
Commissioner Kindness said that she and Chair Marmion were unable to meet over the past month to review the press
release that she has prepared announcing the formation of the Historic Preservation Commission. It identifies the meeting
location and times and that the meetings are open to the public. The press release also states that four subcommittees were
formed and that a chair and vice chair were elected. It suggests that questions be directed to the City office.
Commissioner Kindness inquired if it would be appropriate for the Communications Subcommittee to present the press
release on City letterhead or if the Commissioners wants to create their own letterhead. Councilmember Plunkett suggested,
and the remainder of the Commissioners agreed, that the press release should be presented on City letterhead since the
Historic Preservation Commission is an official body sanctioned by the City Council, and they are trying to gain recognition
in the community. Ms. Campbell indicated that she would provide letterhead to Commissioner Kindness for this purpose.
Commissioner Waite suggested that Commissioner Kindness forward a copy of the press release to Chair Marmion via the e-
mail for his review. Commissioner Kindness agreed that this would enable her to get the press release out as soon as
possible. The Commissioners agreed that as long as the press releases contain only factual information about the
Commission, the Communications Subcommittee should have the authority to send them out without prior Commission
approval.
COMMISSIONER LEWARNE MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION EMPOWER THE COMMUNICATIONS
SUBCOMMITTEE TO SEND OUT PRESS RELEASES THAT CONTAIN FACTUAL INFORMATION ONLY AS THEY
FEEL APPROPRIATE, AFTER FINAL APPROVAL OF THE CHAIR. COMMISSIONER BAKER SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Commissioner LeWarne inquired if there is a City procedure requiring that press releases related to City activities go through
a specific City official. Ms. Campbell said she does not recall any requirement of this type, but she would check with Mr.
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September 12, 2002 Page 3
Chave just to make sure. The Commissioners agreed that the motion should stand as proposed unless the Commission is
otherwise notified by staff.
Ms. Campbell advised that if the press release is going to provide a City contact number, the number should be that of the
Development Services Department (425-771-0220) instead of the main City number.
Commissioner Kindness clarified that if she ever uses quotes from any of the Commissioners in a press release, she would
contact the Commissioner first.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice Chair Arnold suggested that it is important that each Commissioner carefully review the minutes from the meetings
because they will become the formal record that reflects the Commission's intent. Ms. Campbell said she also uses the
minutes to make sure she doesn't miss anything on the list of things the Commissioners wants her to do.
Commissioner Kindness reported that she has been working to collect information on grant opportunities that are available to
the Commission. She provided information she received regarding the National Trust for Historic Preservation and said that
deadline dates for the different grants available have been identified. She questioned which subcommittee would be
responsible for completing and submitting the grant applications. She suggested that there are grant opportunities available
for public education programs such as brochures, etc. She said she has not had a lot of experience in writing grant
applications, and she inquired who would be responsible for this task.
Commissioner Waite suggested that while the responsibilities of the Incentives Subcommittee and the Communications
Subcommittee overlap in this area, it would probably be more appropriate for the Communications Subcommittee to handle
this project as it relates to public awareness and education about historic preservation in general. The Incentives
Subcommittee would not become involved until there are actual sites on the register.
Councilmember Plunkett inquired if Commissioner Kindness is researching grant opportunities for public communication
projects only or for all Commission projects as a whole. Commissioner Kindness answered that she is researching funding
opportunities for Commission projects as a whole such as hiring a preservation or landscape architect to complete a historic
preservation master plan, land use planning, fund raising, community forums to share the vision for the preservation of
historic neighborhoods, etc.
Councilmember Plunkett urged the Commissioners to start working on grant applications now so that funding opportunities
do not slip away. Councilmember Plunkett suggested that it would be appropriate for the Commissioners to identify a
mechanism for determining what they are going to do and how they are going to do it. He suggested that perhaps all of the
grant information should be funneled to the Administrative Subcommittee and they can, in turn, could make
recommendations to the Commissioners as to what types of grants they should apply for.
Vice Chair Arnold suggested that the next significant project that will be required when the City obtains CLG status is hiring
a professional inventory consultant. Councilmember Plunkett agreed, but noted that the State Historic Preservation Office
offers grants to cities for this work to be done.
Commissioner Waite suggested that one of the Commission's first priorities should be to publicize the activities of the
Commission so that the public gains an understanding of their goals and objectives. Councilmember Plunkett agreed that
communication efforts should be one of the Commission's first projects. Commissioner LeWarne noted that the
investigation of potential funding sources is identified as a Priority B Task of the Administrative Subcommittee.
The Commissioners agreed that all information related to funding sources or grant opportunities should be forwarded to the
Administrative Subcommittee. The Administrative Subcommittee would then discuss how the Commission should activate
the information.
Ms. Campbell suggested that in the next press release, the Commission could ask for volunteers from the community for
someone with the expertise to help write grant applications.
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Vice Chair Arnold suggested that grant money could also be used to hire a consultant to help the Commissioners get going.
Councilmember Plunkett said that they already have an outline of what they need to do, and the tasks have been identified.
Vice Chair Arnold agreed and suggested that the subcommittees use the task list as an outline of things they need to be
working on.
C. Historic Register Subcommittee
Commissioner Baker said that he and Chair Marmion were unable to meet together during the past month to review the
inventory of historic buildings. That was the only Priority A Tasks identified on their list.
Councilmember Plunkett asked the Commissioners to remind him of the purpose of reviewing the historic buildings since
they already have an initial survey. He suggested that the next step would be a professional survey. Commissioner Baker
answered that the Historic Register Subcommittee was charged with the responsibility of going through the initial list of
historic buildings and making recommendations for additions and deletions.
Ms. Campbell recalled that at the last meeting the Historic Register Subcommittee was charged with the task of obtaining a
couple of sample inventory forms, which must be included as part of the CLG application packet. She said she
communicated this need to Chair Marmion, but she has not received the documents yet. Councilmember Plunkett suggested
that since all of the necessary information is on Chair Marmion's computer, he should be able to provide this information
quickly.
Ms. Campbell advised that the Commissioners should have the internet link to the sample inventory that was prepared by
Chair Marmion. Since Commissioner Baker indicated that he did not, Ms. Campbell agreed to provide him with this
information.
Commissioner LeWarne suggested that Ms. Campbell write to the office of Historic Preservation and request copies of the
nomination forms that have been completed for all of the properties in Edmonds that are on the State and National Registers.
The City should have this information in their files anyway, and the information could be used as a reference when compiling
the sample application. He said staff should also request a copy of the meeting minutes from when each of the sites were
considered by the State Historic Advisory Council.
d. Incentives Subcommittee
Commissioner Waite referred the Commissioners to the list he provided outlining the six types of incentives that the
Incentives Committee has identified to date. With the exception of the last item, which is related to education, the remainder
of the incentives listed will come into play as they get further along.
Commissioner Waite said he contacted people from other communities seeking information as to what compels property
owners to participate in the historic preservation program. They all indicated that community pride is just as important as
monetary incentives in encouraging historic preservation. He suggested that perhaps the Commissioners should consider
grant opportunities to provide promotional and educational materials to the public.
Commissioner Waite reviewed each of the following types of incentives that have been identified thus far by the Incentives
Subcommittee:
• Business -to -Business Incentives such as lower bank loans offered by local banks, providing technical
assistance, and providing promotional opportunities would require no involvement with the State or National
Historic Register. Perhaps the City could assist in providing promotional opportunities and technical assistance.
• County Property Tax Assistance is probably the most common type of incentive, wherein tax relief is offered
by the County for improvements to historic sites.
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• Hotel/Motel Tax Revenue funds could be available to help with initial promotion of historic preservation, but
they are still researching exactly how this program would work.
• Creating Historic Overlay Zones is another opportunity for incentives, but it would require that the City
become involved. He noted that one community they researched has historic overlay zones that were actually
drafted into their development ordinance. The Commission has the ability to explore this option, as well.
• Community Development Block Grants have been available for historic preservation for a long time, and the
City of Edmonds may qualify for some of these funds.
• Incentives Through Education should be one of the Commission's goals to encourage property owners to
preserve historic sites because of their sense of community. He noted that education and promotion are just as
important as offering other incentives.
Councilmember Plunkett suggested that the Incentives Subcommittee should come back to the Commission at the next
meeting with some ideas on things the Commission could do now to educate the public and promote historic preservation.
Commissioner Waite agreed, and suggested that when the Administrative Subcommittee reviews the grant information that is
provided to them, they should identify those that could apply to the activities of the Incentives Committee.
Commissioner Kindness questioned how the Commission would approach the property owners of buildings they would like
to have added to the list of historic structures. Commissioner Waite suggested that Ms. Duvall from the State office could be
of assistance in helping the Commissioners get started. Historic preservation is a new concept in Edmonds, and perhaps the
State Official or other professional could help the Commissioners hold some type of open house for property owners who are
interested in participating in the historic preservation program.
Councilmember Plunkett agreed that one of the first tasks before the Commission is that of creating excitement and
awareness in the community. He pointed out that the City of Snohomish has had a lot of success in this regard, and perhaps
their historic preservation commissioners could offer some pointers to the Incentives Subcommittee and identify two or three
initial steps that could be done to build awareness. He emphasized that unless the community is willing to support historic
preservation in Edmonds, the Commission will not be able to get very far.
Commissioner Plunkett suggested that the Incentives Subcommittee could come before the Commissioners at the next
meeting with a proposal related to incentives that could be started now to raise community awareness.
Ms. Campbell pointed out that the Community Services Department comes into contact with numerous property owners each
day. In the past, the Commissioners have discussed the option of creating a flyer that could be offered by the City staff to
generate enthusiasm and let people know what is going on.
Councilmember Plunkett suggested that the Communications Subcommittee should come before the Commissioners at the
next meeting with a proposal for how the could begin the public awareness process.
Vice Chair Arnold said he has been involved in a Chamber of Commerce Subcommittee called TEAM Edmonds for the past
several months. When this group was discussing how they could "sell" Edmonds to the community, there was a strong
feeling amongst the members of the committee that the last thing they wanted to do was talk about anything historical. The
TEAM Edmonds committee feels that Edmonds is seen as a bunch of antique stores, and they want that to change by
becoming more modern. He said that to this point, the community does not have a real sense of vision as to whether they
want to build on the waterfront theme, the historic theme, etc. The Historic Preservation Commission needs to communicate
their vision to the community. Vice Chair Arnold said that from a citizen's viewpoint, he would like to see the downtown
retail businesses succeed.
Commissioner Kindness suggested that the antique stores in the downtown area draw people to the area and help enable the
downtown retail businesses to succeed.
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a. Review of Historic Preservation References in the Comprehensive Plan
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Ms. Campbell referred the Commissioners to the list of historic preservation references in the zoning code and
Comprehensive Plan that was provided by the staff. She said she would be happy to answer any questions the
Commissioners might have regarding the references.
Vice Chair Arnold recalled that this discussions was supposed to be tied in with the presentation from Chair Marmion on the
Advisory Committee's final presentation to the City Council outlining the goals and tasks they accomplished throughout the
year. He said that because he was not part of the Advisory Committee, he would like to see the presentation, but he does not
want to waste the time of the Commissioners who participated on the Committee. He suggested that perhaps this
presentation could be made prior to the next Commission meeting for those Commissioners who are interested.
Ms. Campbell noted that the report that was provided to the City Council from the Advisory Committee was included in the
Commissioner's notebooks. She suggested that the Commissioners should read this document first, and then come back to
the next meeting with any questions they still have. The Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Waite inquired when the 2002 Comprehensive Plan amendments would be considered by the City Council.
Ms. Campbell answered that these amendments have been reviewed throughout the entire year and will be presented to the
City Council later in the year for approval. She noted that proposed amendments for consideration in 2003 must be
submitted by December 31, 2002.
Councilmember Plunkett recalled that Commissioner Waite made a point at the last meeting that they might want to review
the Comprehensive Plan and see if they need to propose any amendments. He noted that, at this time, the Comprehensive
Plan states only that the City should encourage historic preservation. At the last meeting the Commissioners agreed to
discuss possible amendment that could be proposed by the Commission to make the historic preservation references in the
Comprehensive Plan stronger and to increase awareness for historical preservation.
Councilmember Plunkett recalled that when the performing arts center was first discussed by the committee, it was going to
be a convention center only. As a participant of that committee, he pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan states that if any
type of public facility is built in the downtown, it should be a performing arts center. Therefore, the committee had no choice
but to include a performing arts center as part of the plan. The hotel and convention center are no longer part of the equation,
but the performing arts center is.
Councilmember Plunkett suggested that if the Comprehensive Plan references to historic preservation were stronger, then the
Commission would have assurance that historic preservation would get its just due.
COMMISSIONER WAITE MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION REVIEW THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
REFERENCES IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AT THEIR NEXT MEETING. THE MOTION FAILED FOR LACK
OF SECOND.
Councilmember Plunkett inquired how much of the Comprehensive Plan the Commissioners need to have in order to make
sure that historic preservation is mentioned significantly in all of the relevant sections. Ms. Campbell replied that historic
preservation is referenced in several different sections of the Comprehensive Plan. In order to write language for these
sections, the Commissioners would need to have a copy of all of these sections. She suggested that the Commissioners
review the specific sections where historic preservation is referenced and try to decide how important each section is overall.
Councilmember Plunkett agreed, and said the Commissioners will have to rely heavily on the staff to guide them through this
process. The Commissioners agreed and asked that staff provide them each with a hard copy of the Comprehensive Plan
with the references to historic preservation highlighted.
Ms. Campbell said her impression is that the language in the Comprehensive Plan is really encouraging for historic
preservation and provides a strong basis. She said she does not see a problem with the current references to historic
preservation. Councilmember Plunkett agreed, but said that perhaps they could add language referencing the Historic
Preservation Commission and relate it to certain tasks and objectives that they have identified.
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September 12, 2002 Page 7
Councilmember Plunkett agreed with Commissioner Waite that the Commissioners should discuss this issue at the next
meeting. However, he pointed out that this review could take a significant amount of time. He noted that any changes the
Commissioners might recommend must go through a public hearing process before both the Planning Board and the City
Council. He suggested that the Administrative Subcommittee be given the responsibility of moving this task through the
process. Because of the time required for this project, a special meeting might be necessary. The Commissioners agreed
that this task should be given to the Administrative Subcommittee as Priority A task. They asked that staff notify Chair
Marmion of this change.
Ms. Campbell advised that at the next meeting she would provide information regarding the application process for proposed
Comprehensive Plan amendments.
b. Review of the Certified Local Government Application Packet
There was no further discussion amongst the Commissioners regarding this issue since it was discussed earlier on the agenda.
C. Grants: LoL, Cabin/ Response Re: LodginLy Tax Fund
Councilmember Plunkett reported that the Commission received an application form from the chair of the Lodging Tax Fund
Committee. Ms. Campbell circulated the application form amongst the Commissioners for their information.
The Commissioners agreed that they need to identify projects that would qualify for this funding and make an application as
soon as possible. Ms. Campbell noted that the Lodging Tax Fund Committee has expressed that they are interested in
requests for funding for specific projects and not just for general funds. Commissioner LeWarne added that the hotel/motel
tax funds are supposed to be dedicated to projects that promote tourism.
The Commissioners discussed the option of making an application to the Lodging Tax Fund Committee for funding to
publish an informational brochure. Councilmember Plunkett suggested that they could apply for a grant to fund a brochure to
promote historic preservation in the community. He noted that they would not have to provide a draft brochure along with
the application. Since Commissioners Arnold and Kindness deal with these types of issues professionally, Councilmember
Plunkett recommended that they work together to complete the application and provide the proper language. Commissioners
Arnold and Kindness agreed to work on the project together. Ms. Campbell pointed out that if the application is submitted
prior October 10, it woiuld be considered by the committee at their October 10 meeting.
Councilmember Plunkett advised that the Log Cabin Committee has also makes requests for funding to the Lodging Tax
Fund Committee. The Lodging Tax Fund Committee has, in turn, requested that as the Commissioners review the various
grant opportunities, they identify those that could be available for the Log Cabin project. The Commissioners agreed that as
they review the various grant opportunities, they should keep their eyes open for any opportunities that might be available to
the Log Cabin project and communicate the information to the Lodging Tax Fund Committee, as well. Councilmember
Plunkett was asked to write a letter in response to the Lodging Tax Fund Committee's request stating that the Commission
would actively pursue the identification of potential funding sources for the Log Cabin to pursue on their own and provide
this information the Log Cabin Representatives.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ms. Campbell distributed a brochure advertising the Historic Preservation Commissioner and Staff Training Program that
will be held on October 18, 2002 in Issaquah.
10. REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING PROPOSED AGENDA
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The Commissioners directed Campbell to review the minutes from the meeting and identify the items that the Commission
determined should be on the next meeting agenda.
In addition, Councilmember Plunkett said he would like the Administrative Subcommittee to come back with a report on the
issue of amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. He would also like the Communications Subcommittee to come back with
a report on how the Commission can start communicating with the public. The Incentives Subcommittee could come back
with a report as to what incentives could be brought to bear that would increase public awareness for historic preservation.
The Commissioners agreed that each subcommittee should be prepared to report on their assigned activities at the next
meeting.
Councilmember Plunkett reminded the Commissioners to their information for the CLG application to staff as soon as
possible.
11. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Vice Chair Arnold provided no comments during this portion of the meeting.
12. HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEMBER COMMENTS
There were no comments from Commissioners during this portion of the meeting.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to address, the Commission adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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