2005-04-14 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
April 14, 2005
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the 3'd Floor Conference
Room of City Hall, 121 — 5t1i Avenue North.
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT
Stephen Waite, Chair Darrell Marmion Star Campbell, Planner
Brian Hall Deborah Binder
Chuck LeWarne Ed Baker
Barbara Kindness
Michael Plunkett
Commissioner Marmion and Commissioner Binder were excused from the meeting.
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER KINDNESS MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 2005 BE APPROVED AS
AMENDED. COMMISSIONER LEWARNE SECONDED THE MOTION.
Commissioner LeWarne pointed out that the names of the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society and the
Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission should be corrected in the minutes.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
No changes were made to the proposed agenda.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Commissioner LeWarne introduced Jeanette Wood, who is the new President of the Edmonds -South Snohomish County
Historical Society. She is a long-time community activist and former State Senator. She was invited to the meeting to
discuss the Commission's request for a grant from the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation for the production of a brochure in
cooperation with the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society. The brochure would highlight historical sites in
the City, as well as public art and historic architecture.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings were scheduled on the agenda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chair Waite said he was tasked with the responsibility of obtaining preliminary price information for plaques to identify
properties that become part of the Edmonds Register of Historic Places in the future. In order to keep the price down, the
intent was to start with a generic plaque design that would be about 8" by 5". It would include the following information:
"Register of Historic Places, placed by the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission."
Chair Waite said he contacted two foundries. At Ballard Brass, the estimated cost for five of these plaques would be about
$142.00 each. If ten were purchased at the same time, the cost would be about $135 each. The cost estimate from Frasier
Bronze was in the vicinity of $125 each for similar quantities. He suggested that the Commission continue to work on the
artwork and style for the plaques now. They also must decide who would be responsible for purchasing the plaques. He said
he believes that in many municipalities, the property owners purchase the plaques for their own properties.
Council Member Plunkett requested further information regarding the quality of a plaque that could be purchased for $125 to
$140. Chair Waite said the plaques would be made of bronze, and would be very similar to the larger plaques that the
Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society has placed around the area.
Council Member Plunkett expressed his discomfort with the Commission asking the property owners to purchase their own
plaques. He suggested that the initial policy should be for the Commission to purchase the plaques, instead. If they find that
they cannot do this, the policy could be changed. Commissioner Kindness agreed with Council Member Plunkett that the
Commission should come up with the money to purchase the plaques. Council Member Plunkett said he would take
responsibility for finding the necessary funding for the first five plaques. The Commissioners all agreed that this would be
appropriate.
Commissioner Kindness asked if Chair Waite could provide a prototype design for the Commission to review. Chair Waite
said he has a sample of the plaques that are placed by the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society, but the
plaques purchased by the Commission would be smaller. He said he would bring this sample to the next meeting.
Commissioner Hall asked how much more the plaques would cost if each one identified specific information about the
individual property. Chair Waite estimated that it would cost about $30 to $40 per plaque to have the house number or the
walking tour number included on the plaque. Council Member Plunkett suggested that it would also be important to identify
not only the property address, but also when a structure was built. The Commissioners asked Chair Waite to check into how
much it would cost to provide information on the plaques that is specific to individual properties on the Register. Chair
Waite pointed out that this would require each plaque to be made separately. Commissioner Kindness asked Chair Waite to
also find out how much it would cost to include the Edmonds logo on the plaque.
Chair Waite inquired about the possibility of working with the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society to
create a plaque program. Commissioner LeWarne suggested that the plaques from both entities should be in harmony with
each other, since there could be one of each placed on some properties in the area.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative Subcommittee Report
Commissioner LeWarne recalled that Louise Lindgren, Snohomish County Historic Preservation Officer, was going to
conduct a tour of the south county area for members of the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission. However,
the tour was postponed. Several Commissioners had indicated earlier that they would like to participate in the tour, and he
would inform them of the new date.
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Commissioner LeWarne reported that he participated in a tour of historic sites in Edmonds and the surrounding areas with
Louise Lindgren and Kristin Ravetz. He advised that Ms. Ravetz is the former Everett Historic Preservation Officer and is
now doing a survey for the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission, which is similar to the survey Susan Boyle
conducted for the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission. During the tour they visited the building that is often referred
to as the "old hunting lodge" on 220t1i Street Southwest. Apparently, the structure is currently being used as a residential unit.
Ms. Campbell pointed out that this building is located in unincorporated Snohomish County. However, an annexation effort
is currently taking place for that area. Commissioner LeWarne said they also visited the "old Esperance School" that was
built in the early 1900's. This is a small framed building located behind the Esperance Baptist Church. It was moved across
the street years ago. The building has been neglected, and therefore, it hasn't been changed or altered. Ms. Lindgren
suggested that perhaps funds could be made available to preserve this structure.
Jeanette Wood advised that Frances Chapin, Edmonds Cultural Services Manager, has expressed a desire to meet with
representatives of the Commission. She explained that in order to get a grant from the Foundation, the brochure would have
to be directed more toward art. As far as the Foundation is concerned, they do not fund tourism projects. She suggested that
the Commission prepare a draft brochure and then present it to the South County Tourism Bureau with a request for grant
funding.
Commissioner Kindness reminded the Commission that when they first started to discuss the possibility of creating the
existing brochure, she tailored the original mock up more towards tourism in order to receive money from the Arts
Commission. But at that time, the Commission indicated that they did not want a tourism brochure. They wanted something
that explained how to get properties on the Register. Because the original brochure was not related to tourism, the grant
application was turned down by the Arts Commission. She further recalled that Commissioner Binder recently suggested that
the Commission seek grant funding from the City of Edmonds Arts Commission. However, she indicated that the brochure
would have to be tailored to include public art, as well. She agreed with Ms. Wood that the South County Tourism Bureau
also has grant opportunities, but the brochure would have to address tourism.
Commissioner Hall said it appears that the available grant funding opportunities are driving the content of the new brochure.
He suggested that the Commission pursue grant funding from the South County Tourism Bureau first. Commissioner
Kindness suggested that the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee be given the responsibility of preparing a mock up
for the new brochure. Commissioner Hall suggested that since there are two issues involved (the design and the funding)
perhaps they should create a separate subcommittee for the brochure project. Commissioner LeWarne pointed out that the
Administrative Subcommittee has the responsibility of submitting grant applications. He suggested that the Administrative
Subcommittee and the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee work on the project together. The remainder of the
Commission agreed that the two subcommittees should work to move the brochure program forward. The Administrative
Subcommittee would contact the South County Tourism Bureau regarding grant opportunities, and the Public Affairs and
Outreach Subcommittee would prepare a mock up of the brochure for the Commission to review at their next meeting. In
addition, the Administrative Subcommittee could meet with Frances Chapin, Edmonds Cultural Services Manager, to discuss
possible grant funding opportunities.
Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee Report
Commissioner Kindness reported that she met with Ms. Campbell to discuss plans for an event for the public and the 83
property owners whose properties are identified in the survey report. They have tentatively identified May 26r' for this event,
and the Brackett Room has been reserved. She suggested that the title of the event could be "Preserve Edmonds." Invitations
should be sent out to the 83 property owners whose projects are eligible for historic designation, as well as representatives
from the State Historic Preservation Commission and the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society, members of
the press, etc. Because the event would be open to the general public, a press release would be sent to all the newspapers.
Commissioner Kindness reviewed a possible format for the event. There could be stations set up around the room, and
various Commissioners could be tasked with preparing each one. She suggested that the first station could include the
Commission's videotape presentation. They could also have a large board available with the names and pictures of each
Commissioner, as well as a brief statement about what prompted each Commissioner to participate on the Commission. The
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next station could include the survey information such as maps, copies of the survey inventory, and binders with a separate
page for each property. Another station could provide a collage of all of the publicity the Commission has received regarding
their work on historic preservation. An incentive board could be provided at another station to identify the types of
incentives that are available to owners who place their properties on the Register. Another station could describe the steps
involved in the application process for inclusion on the Register.
Commissioner Kindness further explained that refreshments would be provided. She said Commissioner Binder suggested
that the Commission invite a guest from another community that has a historic preservation program to describe the benefits
from their program. She also suggested that Susan Boyle be invited to explain the inventory process. In addition,
Commissioner Kindness said she and Ms. Campbell discussed the possibility of providing a suggestion and question box for
the public to submit individual comments. Another option would be to hold a roundtable discussion or question and answer
period that evening.
Commissioner Kindness said she would be responsible for getting the invitations prepared and sent out. She briefly reviewed
a draft design for the invitation. She noted on the invitation that the event would be open to the public and attendees should
feel free to bring a friend. Commissioner Hall suggested that the invitation also encourage people to come to the event in
order to obtain their free copy of the survey report that was prepared by the consultant. Chair Waite and Council Member
Plunkett suggested that it is also important for the owners of the 83 properties to understand that their properties have been
identified in the survey as eligible for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. If this information were included on the
personal invitation, it could help spark the property owners' interest.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that they should also advertise the public event on the City's public television program.
He also suggested that the colored map that was prepared to identify the historic sites in the City should also be presented as
a separate station. Commissioner Kindness said this map could be displayed as part of the survey report station. Council
Member Plunkett said that because of the cost involved with having the survey consultant attend the event, the Commission
must decide exactly what role she would play. Perhaps it would be better to use her services to present the report to the City
Council, and the City Council meeting would be played on the public television station over and over again for the public to
view. He felt this might be a better use of her time. The Commission agreed that if they must choose, it would be most
beneficial for Ms. Boyle to attend the City Council meeting rather than the Preserve Edmonds Event.
Commissioner Hall said he likes the concept of inviting a guest from another community to describe the benefits of the
historic preservation program. The remainder of the Commission agreed that this would be appropriate. The Commission
discussed whether or not it would be appropriate to run both the Commission video and the video that was produced by Mr.
Proudfoot. They agreed that both of the videos could be presented at the event.
Commissioner LeWarne suggested that at some point during the event, it would be appropriate to introduce the individuals
present and provide a public statement describing what the Historic Preservation Commission is all about. They agreed that
this type of introduction could be presented at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. The Commission agreed that the plans presented by
Commissioner Kindness and Ms. Campbell were good and that they should move forward with the May 26t' date.
Commissioner Kindness indicated that she plans to mail the invitations out on May I". Commissioners should notify her of
individuals they would specifically like to invite. In addition, the event would be advertised in the local newspapers. The
Commissioners asked Commissioner Kindness to email the draft invitation to each of them and allow them a few days to
respond with their comments.
The Commission discussed the budget and possible funding sources for the event. They briefly reviewed the Commissioner
assignments that were proposed by Commissioner Kindness. They also discussed the proposed date of May 261. Council
Member Plunkett advised that he would not be able to attend the event on May 261 since he has another commitment. They
discussed the possibility of postponing the event until June 2nd or June 91. The Commission agreed that if they could be
ready, they should move forward with the May 26' date. Commissioner Kindness said she would oversee the preparations to
make sure each of the assignments are fulfilled. They agreed that if the Mayor is not available on May 26', they should
reschedule it to either June 2nd or June 9t1i
Council Member Plunkett said it is important that when the Incentives Subcommittee prepares the Incentives Station, they
clearly articulate all of the possible incentives. One of the members of this subcommittee must be willing to discuss
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incentives with the public throughout the event. The Commission agreed that each station would be manned by a
Commissioner to directly discuss issues and questions with the public.
Commissioner Kindness said she would check the Mayor's schedule and then get back to the Commission with a firm date
for the event. She said she would also further consider the formal presentations that the Commission agreed should be
offered at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that a new station should be added to allow the 83 property owners to focus in on their
individual properties. Commissioner Kindness pointed out that the Incentives Station would provide two, 3-ring binders with
a separate page for each of the individual properties. Council Member Plunkett suggested that Ms. Campbell would be a
good person to assign to this station. Ms. Campbell said she would likely spend time at the Application Station as well as the
Incentives Station.
Historic Register Subcommittee Report
Neither of the Historic Register Subcommittee members were present to provide a report on their recent activities.
Incentives Subcommittee Report
Chair Waite reported that he spoke with the Building Official regarding the possibility of having her notify the Commission
in the event that an applicant comes in for a demolition permit for a property identified on the survey. He emphasized that
the Commission does not have the authority to contest the demolition, but it would be helpful if they were at least able to
photograph the properties for future documentation before they are demolished. He explained that, typically, a property
owner comes in for a demolition permit only a day or so before the work is to begin. The Building Official has agreed to fax
him this information. If he is available, he would photograph the historic structures. Ms. Campbell asked that Chair Waite
submit a written copy of this process so that it could be included in the document of administrative procedures. Chair Waite
said he could provide a written copy of the procedure that was agreed upon. Ms. Campbell reminded them that she needs
copies of any information that is sent or received by the Commissioners. She said it is important to create a paper trail to
track the activities of the Commission.
Strate-2ic Plannint, Subcommittee
Commissioner Hall reported that the Strategic Planning Subcommittee met recently. They discussed the real objective of the
Commission, which is historic preservation. The subcommittee discussed that the Commission's efforts should be focused
on getting properties on the Register and on creating a historic preservation plan. He pointed out that all of the issues
discussed by the Commission today would fall into one of these two categories. He expressed that the Register is critical, so
it is important to get the survey out to the property owners and encourage them to register their properties. He suggested that
the Commission must establish a goal for the number of new properties they want to have on the register by the end of the
year.
Commissioner Hall further reported that the subcommittee identified four target groups: the 83 property owners, the citizens
of Edmonds, funding groups, and tourists. The proposed historic preservation plan would identify how the program would
all be put together. Chair Waite said the subcommittee also discussed that is important for historic preservation efforts to
have a presence in the goals and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Council Member Plunkett reminded the Commission that eight additional amendments related to historic preservation were
added to the Comprehensive Plan recently. In addition, they are working to two or three more during the next update. He
summarized that they are making progress on the Comprehensive Plan, and Commissioners should identify any additional
amendments they feel are necessary. The next step would be to propose code and design guideline amendments that would
implement the new goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
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Council Member Plunkett asked if the Commission's intent is to create a historic preservation plan by the end of the year. If
so, would this plan lead the Commission in a direction that is different than where they are already going. Commissioner
Hall pointed out that the intent is to identify all of the Commission's policies and goals on one single document. Council
Member Plunkett asked how a historic preservation plan would be different than the sections in the Comprehensive Plan that
speak to historic preservation. Commissioner Hall expressed the importance of the Commission working consistently
throughout the year to prepare for the next Comprehensive Plan update. The historic preservation plan would help the
Commission reach that stage. Chair Waite agreed. He suggested that the Commission discuss the historic preservation plan
further at the next meeting.
Ms. Campbell explained that the codes are the regulatory documents that provide teeth for the Comprehensive Plan policies
and goals. Right now, there is a Historic Preservation Commission code that establishes their goals and purposes. Another
section of the code actually provides regulations related to the criteria for determining whether or not a property would be
eligible to be designated on the Register. She further explained that codes are enacted for their consistency with
Comprehensive Plan documents, which provide the overall guidelines for the development of codes. When the Commission
considers the option of creating a new policy or guiding document, they must keep their eye on the purpose and overall vision
of the goals and policies that are being considered for implementation. Commissioner Hall agreed.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that the Strategic Planning Subcommittee review the existing code and Comprehensive
Plan related to historic preservation. They could then identify necessary amendments to implement the historic preservation
plan. Chair Waite emphasized that any changes would have to be codified by the City Council.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Waite reported that he and Commissioner Hall met with Jennifer Gerend, the City's Economic Development Director.
Commissioner Hall said Ms. Gerend indicated she would be happy to attend a future Commission Meeting. He reported that,
at the meeting, they discussed the issue of economic development versus historic preservation and whether they are mutually
exclusive or not. He referred to a recent newspaper article regarding the Commission being anti -development. He said Ms.
Gerend made the comment that a historic district might not be the best choice to guarantee preservation. They also spoke
about whether or not the Commission should provide input into the design guidelines.
Commissioner Hall reported that Ms. Gerend announced that the City would host an open house event in the fall for property
owners. The Commission could also provide a representative at the event. Ms. Gerend suggested that the prime candidates
for the Commission to talk to would be the owners of the Beeson House, the Edmonds Theater, and the Alaska Publishing
Building. All three of these sites are identified on the survey. She suggested that the Commission approach these property
owners and offer to help them to get through the application process. Council Member Plunkett suggested that this should be
the responsibility of the Historic Register Subcommittee.
Chair Waite said that at the meeting, they also discussed public perception. Ms. Gerend repeated some of the perceptions she
has heard from the public. Both he and Commissioner Hall wholeheartedly agreed that preservation could be part of
economic development. They assured her that the Commission is not anti -development. They discussed that perhaps the
Commission's goals are being confused with citizen efforts regarding changes to the height limit in the downtown. Council
Member Plunkett said that citizens living in the neighborhoods generally do not want taller buildings in the downtown.
However, the business community would like to see a greater height limit, and they tend to see the Commission as anti -
development.
The Commission discussed whether or not it would be appropriate for them to comment on the height issue. They agreed
that a subcommittee should be charged with the responsibility of keeping an eye on the community's perception of the
Commission. They agreed to discuss this issue at the next Commission meeting. Ms. Campbell suggested that rather than
trying to counteract misconceptions, the better approach would be for the Commission to publicize their own information and
intentions. The Commission concurred and suggested that an editorial could be written in conjunction with the special public
event to publicize what the Commission is doing and why. Chair Waite said he would attempt to write this editorial.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ms. Campbell distributed copies of the packet the City received regarding the Preserve America Program and what it means
for the City. This program is an honorary designation program that was implemented by First Lady Laura Bush. The
designation opens the City's eligibility for grants and funding opportunities. She encouraged the Commissioners to review
the document, as well as the websites that are referenced.
Commissioner Kindness inquired regarding information that could be used for promotional purposes. Ms. Campbell said one
benefit of the designation is the ability to use the logo for certain purposes. Commissioner Kindness suggested that the
public could be informed of the designation as part of the public event. The invitation could also include reference to the
designation. The Commission agreed it would be important to tie the Preserve America Designation in with the public event.
REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING'S PROPOSED AGENDA
No specific comments were provided related to the proposed agenda for the next meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Waite did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
There were no Commissioner comments provided during this portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
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