2005-03-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
March 10, 2005
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 3'd Floor Conference
Room of City Hall, 121 — 5t1i Avenue North.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Stephen Waite, Chair Star Campbell, Planner
Brian Hall
Ed Baker
Darrell Marmion
Chuck LeWarne
Barbara Kindness
Deborah Binder
Michael Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Marmion pointed out that there is no mention in the minutes regarding his reservations about speaking before
the City Council on the Comprehensive Plan amendments. Commissioner LeWarne also clarified that the original 1909 high
school was not constructed as a WPA project.
COMMISSIONER KINDNESS MOVED THAT THE MINUTES BE APPROVED AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER BAKER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
Chair Waite reminded the Commission that they were unable to have a discussion regarding goals and objectives for 2005 at
their last meeting. He suggested that this discussion be added to the agenda, as well as a discussion on subcommittees and
the option of creating new ones and solidifying the existing ones. Commissioner Binder asked that the Commission also
discuss the concept of creating a new walking tour brochure. Commissioner Marmion pointed out that the Commission
elected new officers for 2005 at their last meeting, so Item 6a should be removed from the agenda. Ms. Campbell recalled
that a Commissioner requested that the 2004 Washington State CLG Annual Report be copied and distributed to each of the
Commissioners. The Commission agreed to add this item to the agenda, as well.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one present in the audience.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative Subcommittee Reuort
Commissioner LeWarne reported that he sent a reply to the Arts Commission Awards Chair stating that the Commission
would likely submit a grant application to do a different brochure than the one that was previously proposed. He asked Ms.
Campbell if she was able to obtain a master copy of the existing brochure so that changes could be made to update its
content. Ms. Campbell said she would attempt to contact Greg Arnold to obtain a master copy. Commissioner Marmion said
he has a PDF version. While it would not be possible to move items around in the brochure, small textual changes could be
made. Ms. Campbell asked that Commissioner LeWarne also send her a copy of the PDF file.
Commissioner LeWarne said he has also spoken with Commissioner Binder, who suggested that the Edmonds Arts Festival
Foundation might be interested in joining with the Commission in creating a walking tour brochure. He provided a copy of
the walking brochure that is distributed by the Edmonds Museum. It was originally done in 1990 by the City's Centennial
Commission, and the Museum staff has made a few changes to update the brochure. Joni Sein said that the Commission
could certainly use this brochure as the basis for something new.
Commissioner Binder said she followed up with the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation as requested at the last meeting. The
grant committee members indicated that they would welcome a letter from the Historical Preservation Commission,
especially if other organizations like the Arts Commission and the Museum support the project, too. She recommended the
Commission move forward by a submitting a letter stating specifically what they are asking for, what the project is about, and
how the Arts Foundation and the Museum would contribute to the effort. She said it would definitely be a strong proposal if
it included not only architecture but public art, as well. She suggested that the Commission request $2,500 from the
Foundation. Commissioner LeWarne said he could write the letter on behalf of the Commission. The Commission agreed
that Commissioner LeWarne should move forward as discussed. Commissioner Binder offered her assistance, as well.
Council Member Plunkett pointed out that whatever the Commission decides to do, they should stay consistent with what has
been projected to the community up to this point.
Commissioner Kindness inquired if the Museum has been reprinting the walking tour brochure since it was turned over to
them after the Centennial Committee was dissolved. Commissioner LeWarne answered affirmatively and said the brochure
is distributed at the Museum.
Commissioner LeWarne reported that the South Snohomish County Historic Preservation Society held their annual meeting a
few weeks ago, at which he provided a brief report of the Commission's activities (the CLG and the survey). He presented
several copies of the survey to them, stressing that it was not quite in final form and had not be officially presented to the
public. Staff offered approval for him to share the document.
Commissioner LeWarne advised that Louise Lindgren, who works on historic preservation for the Snohomish County
Planning Department, is also the staff person for the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission. She is
organizing a day tour of the South County area on March 191 for the Commissioners. They will be visiting Edmonds for
about an hour in the morning. He pointed out that while this group is primarily interested in the unincorporated areas of the
County, they want to visit Edmonds, too. He said he would meet with the group and provide a walking tour of the historic
sites in the City, and he invited other Commissioners to attend the tour, as well. He said he would email details of the
meeting to each of the Commissioners.
Chair Waite asked Commissioner LeWarne to summarize the mission statement of the Museum, and explain how what they
do is different than what the Commission does, and how the Commission and Museum staff could work together in the
future. Commissioner LeWarne said the Museum's charge is to present the history of Edmonds to the Community. They are
not primarily charged with the responsibility of preservation, which is a major difference. They operate a museum, a
newsletter, occasional programs, volunteers, a website, etc. And they do speak out about historical issues within the
community. He pointed out that both Commissioner Marmion and Council Member Plunkett are also active with the
Museum Board.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 2
Commissioner Marmion said one of his frustrations when participating on the Museum Board was that he wanted to focus
more on preservation actions, and that is really not their charge. Commissioner LeWarne agreed that the Museum's interest
is more in education, whereas the Commission's interest is in preservation. Commissioner LeWarne explained that while the
two groups can overlap, it is important to remember that the historical community is interested in education and promoting
the history of the state and the preservation community is interested in property issues.
Council Member Plunkett asked if Commissioner LeWarne was able to meet with the Edmonds -South Snohomish County
Historic Society to gather ideas for plaques for sites that are placed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
Commissioner LeWarne said he has gathered a few ideas for plaques.
Commissioner Binder recalled that, at a previous meeting, the Commission discussed the possibility of having a convention,
with Edmonds being the host city. She suggested that creating a brochure that could be used during this type of event would
be appropriate. She urged the Commission to avoid dragging their feet on this project. Ms. Campbell said that staffs hope
is that if Edmonds were chosen to host a convention, the Commission would be willing to produce a walking tour brochure
for visitors.
Chair Waite commented that the tasks the Administrative Subcommittee has performed over the past year have been
invaluable. He asked if Commissioner LeWarne or Council Member Plunkett feel a need to change the direction of this
subcommittee's efforts. Commissioner LeWarne responded that he does not see a need to change either the title or the
responsibilities of the Administrative Subcommittee. Council Member Plunkett agreed that the Commission would always
have administrative tasks to assign to the committee. Commissioner LeWarne said most of his activity over the past year has
been related to grant applications, and this appears to be the main function of the committee.
Commissioner Marmion recalled that, originally, the Comprehensive Plan review was a task assigned to the Administrative
Subcommittee. He felt it would be appropriate for them to work on this effort throughout the next year. Council Member
Plunkett reported that the majority of the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council. Thanks to Commissioner
Marmion's assistance in gathering Commission and staff input, eight amendments were adopted into the Comprehensive Plan
This effort clearly helped change the direction of the plan from just redevelopment to emphasizing historic preservation. The
City Council really liked the idea presented by Commissioner Marmion that when the City reviews redevelopment proposals,
they should also look at the features from the past that could be applicable to new development so that the past and the future
could be tied together. The details of this concept will be flushed out in the Design Guidelines and the Development Code.
He commended Commissioner Marmion for his efforts in placing amendments related to historic preservation before the City
Council for consideration.
Commissioner Marmion suggested that one of the major goals of the Commission for 2005 should be to digest the survey and
put together a historic preservation plan for consideration as part next year's Comprehensive Plan update. The remainder of
the Commission concurred.
Commissioner LeWarne also commended Commissioner Marmion for doing a good job of organizing the Commission's
thoughts and concerns and presenting amendments to the City Council for consideration. Chair Waite agreed that
Commissioner Marmion did a great job of presenting the concept of historic preservation to the Commission and obtaining
their awareness and support.
Council Member Plunkett said he is working with staff to arrange a date with the consultant to present the Historic Survey
Report to the City Council. It would then be up to the Administrative Subcommittee to determine the best way to move the
report forward into Comprehensive Plan amendments. The plan should also be formally presented to the community.
Commissioner LeWarne asked if it would be permissible to provide a copy of the draft survey to members of the Snohomish
County Historic Preservation Commission when they come for a tour on March 191. Council Member Plunkett said a copy
of the report was provided to the City Council when the Comprehensive Plan amendments were proposed. Therefore, the
document is public and could be distributed to this group.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 3
Commissioner LeWame referred to a ballot he received from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation asking them to
nominate buildings in Edmonds that could be added to their endangered buildings list. While he cannot think of any such
buildings in Edmonds right now, the Commission should keep this opportunity in mind for next year. Chair Waite asked it if
would be possible for the City to create a method for alerting the Commission when historic structures are being proposed for
demolition. Ms. Campbell suggested that this question be directed towards the building official.
Communications Subcommittee Reuort
Commissioner Kindness said the Communications Subcommittee started out with not only the responsibly of advertising the
Commission meetings and activities, they were also charged with the responsibility of putting together brochures. She noted
that one of her assignments was to create a standard thank you letter for guests who attend Commission Meetings. However,
if the Communications Subcommittee is also going to be responsible for putting together public events, perhaps a more
appropriate title would be "Public Awareness. Perhaps the Communications Subcommittee could be responsible for the
routine sort of public awareness functions as opposed to the special public forums, etc.
Chair Waite summarized that Commissioner Kindness has suggested that the Communications Subcommittee's tasks should
include the monthly responsibilities such as notifying the newspaper of meetings and activities. The major public events
could be the responsibility of a new Public Awareness Subcommittee. Commissioner Kindness recalled that the Commission
previously discussed the idea of preparing and presenting a program explaining Historic Preservation and the Commission's
goals with various community groups such as the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. These groups are interested in
presentations of this type, and it is important to keep them groups focused on historic preservation.
Commissioner Kindness reminded the Commission that a National Historic Preservation Week was held in May of 2004, and
posters of the event were distributed throughout the community. She suggested that the Commission consider doing
something within the City to commemorate the event, as well. Chair Waite asked Commissioner Kindness to find out the
date of the 2005 National Historic Preservation Week so the Commission could ask the Mayor to make a proclamation.
Commissioner Kindness said another assignment that was given to the Communications Subcommittee was to contact each
of the 83 owners of property on the historic survey list and invite them to some type of event. However, the Commission has
not provided clear direction about how they want them to proceed. Council Member Plunkett explained that the
Commission is waiting for the Historic Survey Report to be presented to the City Council and then they can present the
document to the public and invite the 83 property owners. He said the Commission has been discussing the public event for
more than a year, and they are still waiting for someone to create a plan for them to consider. Commissioner Marmion
agreed that the Commission has not clearly identified a subcommittee to lay out the plan. He suggested that it could be the
responsibility of the Administrative Subcommittee, and then the Communications Subcommittee could aid them in making
the final preparations for the public event.
Commissioner Kindness said the Communications Subcommittee can make all of the arrangements for the event, but she is
concerned about what type of program would be provided to the public that attends. Commissioner Binder said it would be
wonderful if the consultant could provide a short presentation of the Historic Survey Report, since she does a good job of
helping people understand why their property was designated. This would help property owners feel more special than
threatened about being included in the survey.
Commissioner Hall suggested that the first thing the Commission must do is develop a strategic plan for which the Historic
Survey Report would be one element. He suggested that the first step is to review the subcommittee responsibilities and
make the necessary changes. The next step could be to put a strategic plan together. Council Member Plunkett recalled that
the Commission has had a strategic plan in the past, and the first item in the plan was to create the Commission. The second
item was to become an acting body and conduct a historic survey. The third part of the plan was to implement the survey,
which results in people putting their properties on the Register. The goal of the Commission for 2005 should be to reach out
to the community, especially the 83 owners of properties on the survey list.
Chair Waite suggested that perhaps the Commission should develop a simple mission statement that could be supported from
underneath by the subcommittees. Commissioner Hall agreed that this should be the next step the Commission takes. Ms.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 4
Campbell suggested that the mission statement could be found in the ordinance that created the Commission. Chair Waite
agreed but noted that each Commissioner may interpret the purposes identified in the ordinance differently. Commissioner
Marmion recalled that a few years ago the Commission reviewed the purposes and discussed how they could move forward
with each one. That is how they created the original subcommittees. He suggested that they again review Chapter 10 of the
ordinance, which lays out the Commission's duties. Commissioner Hall added that it would be appropriate to review each of
the purposes in the ordinance in light of the new information contained in the Historic Survey Report.
The Commission discussed the best way to begin planning the public event. Commissioner Marmion suggested that the
Commission to clarify their vision and review the responsibilities of the subcommittees. At the same time, they could begin
to work out the details for the Strategic Plan, the open house and the presentation to the City Council. Commissioner Hall
said that while he does not oppose the idea of moving forward with the technical plans for the event, he does not see a clear
direction for the Commission's presentation to the public.
Ms. Campbell said that staff has experience with conducting public open houses and forums. One thing they like to do is
provide flashy displays and stations for the public to review. The Commission could provide different stations at the public
forum. For example, one station could describe the goals and objections for the Historic Preservation Commission, and
another could provide a collage of newspaper clippings since the Commission was formed and information about the
different milestones that have been reached along the way. The Survey Report could be presented at another station. Council
Member Plunkett agreed that staff has significant experience with presenting public forums. He suggested that the
Communications Subcommittee work with the staff to put together a plan for the Commission to review.
The Commission agreed that Commissioner Kindness should meet with Ms. Campbell to come up with an outline for the
public event to identify tasks that must be done and a theme for the program. The outline could be presented to the
Commission at their next meeting, along with possible dates for the event. They agreed that late May or early June would be
an appropriate time for the public meeting. Commissioner LeWarne commented that it would be helpful to link the public
meeting with the National Historic Preservation Week if it is scheduled for May.
The Commission discussed Chapter 10 of the ordinance, which outlines the purpose and goals for the Commission. They
discussed that some of the goals are related to public awareness, education and getting properties on the Register.
Historic Register Subcommittee Report
Commissioner Marmion reported that work to get properties on the register is still moving forward. The main objective of
the Historic Register Subcommittee is to facilitate the hearings and answer questions to help people submit their applications.
He cautioned that the Historic Register Subcommittee is not responsible to prepare the applications. Their responsibility is to
encourage and help property owners apply, but the remainder of the Commission must help in this effort, too.
Commissioner Marmion reported that he spent some time with representatives from the Masonic Temple, but they have not
submitted an application yet. Council Member Plunkett reported that the Masonic Temple representatives are somewhat
concerned that they would be locked into to certain things if their building were placed on the Register.
Ms. Campbell reported that the City's Economic Development Director speaks with a lot of property owners in the
community, and she has encouraged a small handful of people who own historic buildings to contact staff for further
information on historic preservation incentives and the application process. However, she had not heard from anyone yet.
Chair Waite suggested that he and Commissioner Marmion speak with the Economic Development Director regarding how
they can work together to encourage historic preservation. Ms. Campbell said the Economic Development Director has read
the ordinance that created the Commission, and she has a copy of the inventory. She certainly seems interested in the
Commission's efforts.
Commissioner Kindness pointed out that none of the 83 property owners identified in the survey have been notified yet. She
questioned if it would be appropriate for the Commission to send them all letters informing them of the survey and that their
properties has been designated on the list. They could inform them that the Commission would host a special reception
without providing any specific details at this time. This would give them a heads up that something is coming in the future.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 5
The Commission agreed that it would be appropriate to forward a letter to each of the 83 property owners. They could
enclose a copy of the brochure, as well.
Chair Waite summarized that the historic register is an on -going task of the subcommittee. He asked if they have any
specific goals for 2005. Commissioner Baker said he would like to get a few more properties on the register. Commissioner
Marmion said that rather than being a vision type subcommittee, their responsibility is to help people through the process of
getting their properties on the Register.
Chair Waite suggested that the Historic Register Subcommittee contact the Everett Historic Preservation Commission about
how they approach owners of historic properties. Perhaps they could share their successful techniques with the Commission.
Then perhaps the subcommittee could establish a goal for the number of nomination applications they would like to have
submitted over the next year. He asked Commissioner Hall to look for opportunities to nominate cultural places that are not
necessarily buildings. He noted that the Register is for historic places, which includes both properties and buildings.
Commissioner LeWarne said there are eight to ten buildings in Edmonds that are included on the State's Register of Historic
Places. Perhaps the Commission could focus on these properties first. The remainder of the Commission concurred.
Incentives Subcommittee Reuort
Chair Waite said the largest challenge for the Incentives Subcommittee is getting information out to the property owners
about what incentives are available. While there are physical incentives for taxation, he anticipates that community pride
would be a significant incentive for many people. The Commission needs to come up with a plan to present the concept of
community pride to the property owners, perhaps at the open house. Council Member Plunkett suggested that since a plaque
program would aid in this effort, perhaps the Incentives Subcommittee could take the lead in coordinating a plaque program
with the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society.
Chair Waite said the Incentives Subcommittee has a lot of minor tasks, and they plan to keep pushing forward.
Commissioner Binder expressed her belief that at the public open house it is important that the Commission be very clear
about the types of incentives that are available. She felt incentives would be a major concern to the 83 property owners who
are invited to attend. They will want to know the pros and cons of each incentive, and the Commission must clearly outline
each one. It is important that the attendees go away with a positive perspective on historic preservation.
Ms. Campbell cautioned that it is important to make it clear to the property owners that none of the properties on the list have
been designated on the Register. They are only properties that were identified on the inventory as eligible to be nominated.
The Commission discussed how they could stage the presentation in such a way that would both encourage property owners
to nominate their properties and outline the nomination process steps.
Commissioner Kindness said that sometimes people are motivated if a time frame is established. She asked if the City could
offer an additional incentive to property owners who moved forward with a nomination application within a certain time
period. For example, the plaque could be provided at a reduced cost for property owners who submit applications within the
first six months.
Chair Waite said that after the Communications Subcommittee has presented their outline, a special subcommittee could be
formed to plan the event. It should be done fairly quickly after next month's meeting.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Chair Waite asked the Commission to provide their thoughts regarding the established subcommittees and whether any new
ones should be created.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 6
Commissioner Binder said she spoke with Commissioner Kindness about the possibility of changing the name of the
Communications Subcommittee to the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee. This would better reflect thei
responsibilities.
Commissioner Marmion pointed out that Commissioners Hall and Binder have not been assigned to a subcommittee yet.
Commissioner Binder said she would like to participate in public outreach and creating the walking tour brochure. Chair
Waite suggested that Commissioner Binder be assigned to the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee. The remainder of
the Commission concurred.
The Commission agreed that it would be appropriate to form a fifth subcommittee to review the ordinance and create a
Strategic Plan for the Commission to follow. They Commission agreed to form a new subcommittee consisting of Chair
Waite, Commissioner Marmion and Commissioner Hall. Its title would be Strategic Plan Subcommittee.
COMMISSIONER LEWARNE MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION CHANGE THE NAME OF THE
COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TO THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND OUTREACH SUBCOMMITEE,
WHICH COULD CONSIST OF COMMISSIONER BINDER AND COMMISSIONER KINDNESS. HE FURTHER
MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION CREATE A STRATEGIC PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE CONSISTING OF
COMMISSIONER HALL, COMMISSIONER MARMION AND CHAIR WAITE. COMMISSIONER MARMION
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business scheduled on the agenda.
Chair Marmion recalled that at the last meeting, Mr. Chave mentioned the "Preserve America" designation the City recently
obtained. He questioned if the Commission plans to recognize this designation to the public. Ms. Kindness requested that
Ms. Campbell provide more information regarding this designation at the next meeting so it could be reported in the
newspaper and at the public open house.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ms. Campbell distributed copies of the 2004 Washington State Certified Local Government (CLG) Annual Report. It
provides information about what the local CLG's are doing as far as the number of design reviews, the number of special
valuations, additions to their inventory, etc. The document is an interesting tool to measure where the City of Edmonds is
compared to other jurisdictions. She noted that the report shows that the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission was
very successful in their public outreach efforts (newspaper articles, brochure, video presentation).
REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING'S PROPOSED AGENDA
Chair Waite reviewed that at the next meeting, the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee would present a plan for the
public open house. In addition, each subcommittee would provide a report of their past month's activity.
Commissioner Binder also asked that the Commission further discuss ideas for a plaque program. Commissioner LeWarne
said he would talk with the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society about the possibility of partnering with the
City on a plaque program. It was pointed out that the plaques for properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
would be different than the plaques provided by the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society. However, there
might be opportunities to combine their efforts to provide less expensive ones. Ms. Binder suggested that someone on the
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 7
Commission should also contact other historic preservation organizations from throughout the United States to gather ideas
on how the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission could provide an economical sign program.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Waite provided no additional comments.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEMBER COMMENTS
Commissioner Kindness thanked Commissioner Marmion and Council Member Plunkett for their efforts in proposing
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan that encourage historic preservation.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 10, 2005 Page 8