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2004-11-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 9, 2004 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 3:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 51 Avenue North. PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Stephen Waite, Chair Barbara Kindness (excused) Ed Baker Darrell Marmion (excused) Chuck LeWarne Michael Plunkett (City Council Member) 2. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES There was not a quorum present to approve the minutes of October 14, 2004. 3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA No changes were made to the proposed agenda. 4. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no requests from the audience. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings scheduled on the agenda. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Commissioner LeWarne reported that he submitted an application on behalf of the Commission for a grant from the Arts Commission. This money comes to the Arts Commission from the Lodging Tax Commission, and it must be used for projects that have to do with the arts and tourism. The angle the Commission was using for their application was that they would seek $1,500 to print brochures that would stress the arts aspect of historic preservation (architecture). Three letters of support were attached to the application. One was from Chair Waite and another was from Jack Hall, the President of the Edmonds - South Snohomish County Historical Society. The third letter was from Susan Boyle, the consultant that has been working with the City. He said he does not believe the Arts Commission would make their final decision until at least January. He distributed a copy of the grant application packet for the Commission's information. Council Member Plunkett suggested that the Administrative Subcommittee find out when the Arts Commission would be considering the application, and then assign a Commission representative to make a presentation to them. Commissioner LeWarne said he does not recall that a public meeting would be scheduled for the application review, but he would double check. If there is an opportunity for the Commission to provide input on their application, he agreed it would be appropriate for them to appoint a representative. Chair Waite questioned how much grant funding would be available from the Arts Commission. Commissioner LeWarne said his recollection is that the total amount is $9,000, which is less than they customarily have. Council Member Plunkett questioned the date for which the City Council would review the First Baptist Church application. Chair Waite answered that staff has sent a letter to the applicant informing her that the Historic Preservation Commission recommended to the City Council that the church is eligible for placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The letter also advises that the next step would be a public hearing by the City Council, which has been scheduled for December 7'. Council Member Plunkett advised that this item has not been scheduled on the December 71 agenda. Chair Waite asked Council Member Plunkett to schedule this item on the City Council's agenda as soon as possible. Council Member Plunkett agreed to do so. Council Member Plunkett reminded the Commission that someone must help Ms. Hanby, the applicant, present her request to the City Council. He suggested that this could be either a Commissioner or a staff member. The remainder of the Commission agreed. Council Member Plunkett inquired when the consultant would complete the architectural survey and make a presentation to the Commission. Commissioner LeWarne recalled that the project was supposed to have been completed by the end of September, but she asked that she be allowed to have more time. He said he was contacted by the consultant with a request that he review the proposed context statement, but he has not received this document yet. 7. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner LeWarne reminded the Commission that Commissioner Marmion has expressed his concern on numerous occasions that they should have some type of relationship with the Planning Board. He suggested that perhaps the Commission should invite the chair of the Planning Board to meet with them to get acquainted and become familiar with each group's responsibilities. In addition, he suggested that perhaps the City's new Economic Development Director should be invited to meet with the Commission. The remainder of the Commissioners agreed this would be appropriate. Council Member Plunkett pointed out that much of what the Planning Board has to say about historic preservation is identified in their proposed Comprehensive Plan Update that they are currently working on. Chair Waite pointed out that the proposed Comprehensive Plan Update is quite definitive about historic preservation in the context of buildings. In fact, the proposed Comprehensive Plan indicates that buildings in the downtown should have some sort of contextual relationship to the existing historical buildings or buildings that could be considered historical. Council Member Plunkett suggested that since the proposed Comprehensive Plan update is scheduled for completion soon, it would be helpful to meet with the Chair of the Planning Board soon after their review of the Comprehensive plan has been completed. However, if the Commission wants to have an impact before the Planning Board forwards a recommendation on the Comprehensive Plan Update to the City Council, they need to attend the Planning Board meetings now. Council Member Plunkett suggested that because Commissioner Marmion watches the activities of the Planning Board fairly close, perhaps he should be asked to provide his thoughts as to what the Commission should be communicating to the Planning Board. Chair Waite said the Commission could also discuss their specific philosophies that might be of interest to the Planning Board. He questioned if the importance of historic preservation is even a topic discussed by the Planning Board and covered in the guidelines provided to the Architectural Design Board. He said that clearly the Comprehensive Plan guidelines, in relation to the written aspects of historic preservation and historical context, are not being played out in the final products that are being developed in the City. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 10, 2004 Page 2 Council Member Plunkett reminded the Commission that the Comprehensive could be amended every year, so if the Commissioners have some ideas for changes that should be made, they could make an application to amend the Comprehensive Plan accordingly. The Commission concluded that Commissioner Marmion should be asked to work towards building a relationship between the Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission. Council Member Plunkett added that if the historic preservation aspects of the Comprehensive Plan are not being followed, it is important to know specifically what is not being adhered to. Chair Waite said that while he is not suggesting that the Planning Board is not adhering to the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to historic preservation, they are certainly not promoting historic preservation either. Chair Waite said he would contact the City's Economic Development Director and invite her to a future Commission meeting. 8. INTERVIEWS OF CANDIDATES FOR VACANT COMMISSION POSITION Chair Waite explained that the vacant Commission position is for a three-year term, and the Commission meets on a once -a - month basis. Currently, the Commission is comprised of six members. He further explained that over the past year and a half, the Commission's efforts have been focused on establishing an organization and getting familiar with the rules and regulations associated with historic preservation. They are now getting to the point where they are ready to accept nominations for historic buildings. He asked that each candidate share a little about themselves. said she has lived in Edmonds for a little more than three years and moved from the east coast. She has had a varied career, with an undergraduate degree in art history and American studies and a focus on decorative art, architecture and architectural interiors. Her graduate degree was in American and New England studies with the same concentration as her undergraduate degree. As a graduate student, she said she taught in the art history department doing architectural history and American painting and decorative art. One of her main advisors was a very well-known architectural historian named Keith Morgan. pointed out that New England has a long history of historic preservation. Boston University, where she went to graduate school, has a good historic preservation department, and she was able to take courses in that area. Yale is also in the forefront of historic preservation. When she was an undergraduate at Yale University, she did work for the Connecticut Historic Trust for Preservation. She was the person that went out looking for historic places to nominate for the register before they were further destroyed. One of the things she has found interesting since her move to the West Coast is the architecture. She said that she is interested in helping people recognize that there are treasures in Edmonds that must be preserved. Many people do not realize how special Edmonds is, and she would like to be part of an organization that is interested in preserving Edmonds' past instead of just being concerned about what the buildings of the future will look like. concluded by stating that she has a strong background in history and art history. She is also good at research. Chair Waite pointed out that the ordinance that established the Historic Preservation Commission indicates certain positions: a citizen position, a professional position, and an engineering position. He questioned what category the vacant position would fall under. Commissioner LeWarne answered that his understanding is that the vacancy is a citizen position. Ms. said that as a citizen of Edmonds, she would not view her appointment to the Commission as a professional position even though she does have a strong background in historic preservation. Chair Waite inquired if in addition to the regular once -a -month meeting, Ms. 0 would be available to do additional work outside of the meetings. Ms. 0 said her schedule is very open, since she is currently working part-time. Council Member Plunkett inquired if Ms. N has ever participated on a historic preservation commission. Ms. 0 answered that she has not. While she lived back east, she worked full time and didn't really have the time to dedicate to this type of work. Commissioner LeWarne inquired regarding Ms. Es impression of Edmonds. Ms. Q said Edmonds is an active community, and she likes the fact that it has a small town feel, but yet she is only twenty minutes from downtown Seattle. Chair Waite asked her to share any negative aspects she has noticed about Edmonds. Ms. N said she is concerned about all of the Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 10, 2004 Page 3 condominiums that are being developed in downtown Edmonds and as well as the practice of subdividing properties so that houses can be built in the backyard area of existing homes. Council Member Plunkett inquired if Ms. is familiar with the State's Growth Management Act that requires urban areas such as Edmonds to accommodate a certain amount of growth. Ms. P! answered said she is aware of the State requirements. Council Member Plunkett inquired if Ms. N feels there are public policy initiates the City could take to encourage if not outright stop somebody from subdividing a lot or putting up a condominium. Ms. 0 said she wished she could say this would be possible, but she is not sure it is realistic because the land in Edmonds has become so valuable. Council Member Plunkett advised that one of the Commission's goals has been to create incentives for property owners to preserve historic places, such as grandfathering the parking requirements. These types of incentives help property owners maintain the usefulness of historic structures. The Commission has not gotten into a discussion regarding the creation of districts where historic preservation could be enforced. Chair Waite explained that there are currently four applicants for the vacant position. The Commission is in the process of considering the option of asking the City Council to change the ordinance to create a seventh position. However, this would take time. He said the new Commissioner would not likely be appointed until at least next month. The Commission welcomed Eleanor Granmo to her interview. Commissioner LeWarne asked Ms. Granmo to share information about herself and her interest in historic preservation. Mr. Granmo said she was born and raised in Washington and has lived in Edmonds for 20 years. She has participated on the Arts Commission and worked with the Arts Festival for ten years. She has also been quite interested in the Port Commission and has attended numerous Port meetings. She has seen Edmonds grow over the years, and she is quite interested in historic things. Chair Waite inquired regarding Ms. Granmo's view about the historic preservation work that needs to be done in Edmonds. Ms. Granmo said there are a few things that should be saved. When she worked on the Arts Commission, they worked to save the big church, and they had a vision of a building developing behind the church. However, it did not turn out that way. She said that when she first moved to Edmonds there were some odd -looking buildings that would have been interesting to maintain. Now Edmonds is known throughout this part of the United States for its character. They are one of the oldest cities developed along the waterfront. The City has done a good job of developing the waterfront, and this has resulted in a significant boon to the City. She said she was thrilled to be a member of the Arts Commission when the waterfall was installed as part of the sewer treatment plant. Chair Waite inquired how Ms. Granmo learned about the Historic Preservation Commission. Ms. Granmo said she has followed the Commission activities through the newspaper advertisements. She said she was excited to learn of the Commission. Commissioner LeWarne inquired if Ms. Gram -no has any ideas about how Edmonds could preserve some of their old buildings when land values are going up and there are significant demands for new construction. Ms. Granmo said one way would be to not allow people to take buildings down to ground level and replace them with new and different structures. She suggested that the better approach would be to develop the existing buildings into something else. Old buildings can be updated with siding, etc. If a property owner wants to add to a historic building, they should be required to use consistent materials so that the architectural character is not destroyed and the building can blend in with the older buildings that exist in the downtown. Brian 11 was invited to interview with the Commission. Commissioner LeWarne asked Mr. 0 to tell the Commission a little about himself and his interest in Edmonds and historic preservation. Mr. 0 said he is a geotechnical engineer and has lived in Edmonds for the past three years. Prior to coming to the area he lived in Vancouver, B.C. and South Africa. The firm he works with is based in Lynnwood. He said he has always had an interest in historic preservation, which originated during his school years and has developed as he has practiced his trade. He enjoys getting into the history of the projects he works on. He said that, as a citizen of Edmonds, he is interested in studying the history of the City as a part of some of the projects he is working on. He said that, presently, he is working on the project to upgrade the railroad line from Seattle to Everett. He said he has also become involved in a project to preserve some of the Old Brick Road on Ronald Place in the City of Shoreline, where the old Ronald Station used to be located. This has led to his interest in preserving other brick roads that exist Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 10, 2004 Page 4 throughout the region. He is interested in studying and preserving the history of Edmonds during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Commissioner Baker asked Mr. N to share what it is he likes and dislikes about the City of Edmonds. Mr. N answered that he likes the sense of community that exists in Edmonds. The downtown is really unique, and the location near the waterfront is excellent. It is similar to what exists in North Vancouver, B.C., and that is what attracted him to the City. He enjoys that there are no large supermarkets or fast food restaurants in the downtown. He also said the thing he is a little concerned about is the potential for earthquake damage and slope stability issues. As a geotechnical engineer, he said there is a sense of geotechnical uncertainty in Edmonds. He said he doesn't have any other real dislikes about the City, but he really doesn't like Highway 99, particularly the part that goes through Edmonds. Chair Waite pointed out that the Commission meets once a month during the afternoon. He questioned if Mr. P would have a problem attending these meetings as a result of his work schedule. Mr. 0 answered that this should not be a roblem. Chair Waite pointed out that, occasionally, the Commissioners are assigned projects. He questioned if Mr. s work schedule would allow him time to work on special projects in between meetings. Mr. 0 said he does not anticipate this would be a problem, either. Chair Waite explained that the Commission would forward their recommendation regarding who they would like to fill the vacant position to the Mayor. The Mayor is responsible for making the final decision. It would probably be a little over a month before the applicants would be notified of the final selection. The Commission further discussed their previous determination that the Commission could not take action on any items at the meeting because a quorum was not present. Chair Waite noted that because there are only five voting members on the Commission at this time, the three present Commissioners would constitute a quorum. The remainder of the Commission agreed that they should study Commission by-laws to double check this issue. Because the Commission was not confident they could take action with only three voting members present, Council Member Plunkett suggested that the Commissioners present could come to a conclusion on their recommendation to the Mayor without having a formal vote. TI'IISSION DECIDED TO TURN THE TAPE OFF AT T ON. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY FINALLY DECIDED TO DO. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10. REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING'S PROPOSED AGENDA No specific comments were provided related to the proposed agenda for the next meeting. 11. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS 12. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS 13. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at M P.M. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 10, 2004 Page 5