2005-05-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
May 12, 2005
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 3'd Floor Conference
Room of City Hall, 121 — 5t1i Avenue North.
PRESENT ABSENT
Stephen Waite, Chair Ed Baker
Brian Hall
Darrell Marmion
Chuck LeWarne
Barbara Kindness
Deborah Binder
Michael Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning and Development Services Manager.
Star Campbell, Planner
COMMISSIONER KINDNESS MOVED THAT THE MINUTES BE APPROVED AS CORRECTED.
COMMISSIONER BINDER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
Ms. Campbell requested that the Commission allow a short presentation by Chris Lund, the Project Manager for the Edmonds
Center for the Arts, which is a Public Facility District's (PFD) Project. The Commission agreed to allow Ms. Lund to make
her presentation as part of "Requests from the Audience."
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ms. Campbell introduced Kjris Lund, the project Manager for the Edmonds Center for the Arts Project.
Ms. Lund said she was present to share a report the PFD commissioned about the history of the building that is going to the
Edmonds Center for the Arts. She advised that the northern portion of the building, which was built in 1909, would be
demolished as part of the new development. As required by the Hearing Examiner, she reported that the PFD was required to
complete a Historic American Building (HAB) survey of the portion that is being torn down. She distributed a copy of the
report that was completed by the consultant the PFD obtained. In addition to the detailed information that was provided in
the report for the 1909 portion of the building, she said she would d to have the same level of information for the 1939
portion of the building that would be preserved.
Ms. Lund explained that the focus of the report is the history of the Edmonds School District, who donated the property. It
also includes the story of the architects who designed the 1909 structure and how it was modeled after the "model school
plan" that the City of Seattle had in place. The report compares this building to school buildings that are still standing in the
City of Seattle that are of the same plan. The report also speaks about the contractors who were involved in the work. She
said she believes the report is an excellent documentation of the history.
Ms. Lund said that, in addition to the report, the PFD is currently working on signing a contract with the contractor. One of
the elements of the contract will be the demolition and what happens to all of the salvageable materials. She said she is not
an advocate of cannibalizing buildings. But at the same time, she doesn't want things to be taken to the dump or sold by the
contractor if the PFD and the community feel they have historic value to the City. She asked the Historic Preservation
Commissioners to participate in a walk through of the 1909 building to identify those elements that they believe should be
retained by the PFD and donated to the museum or used for some other historic preservation benefit.
Ms. Lund advised that PFD Board Member Lindsey Echelbarger has expressed interest in finding a way for the PFD to save
the portico of the front door entrance to the 1909 structure. She pointed out that in the plaza of the Federal Building in
downtown Seattle you can find the doors of the structure that had originally been on the site. She asked the Commissioners
to provide their ideas and suggestions regarding this idea, as well.
Ms. Lund referred to the 1939 portion of the structure, which is the main auditorium that will be saved and stabilized. Once
they complete the bulk of the renovation work, they intend to apply for National Register status for the 1939 structure and the
old gymnasium. They would also like to apply to the Federal program called Save America's Treasures. It is the PFD's hope
that the Commission would join them in their efforts to bring attention to the 1939 structure and elevate it as an important
structure for the City of Edmonds.
Commissioner Marmion pointed out that as a Certified Local Government, the Historic Preservation Commission is required
to be involved in screening applications for the National Register. Ms. Campbell said the Commission has certainly been
given the authority to screen these applications, but she doesn't know if they are obligated to do so. Ms. Lund said the PFD
would definitely want to have the Commission review their application for the National Register to make sure it meets the
City's goals for historic preservation. Commissioner Hall pointed out that the PFD should also pursue a nomination to the
Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
Ms. Lund reported that the PFD is hoping to start work on the project in the summer of 2005. All of the exterior work would
be in conformance with the Secretary of Interior Standards. However, the construction would take place before the building
is placed on the National Register.
Chair Waite asked who had title to the materials from the old high school structure. Ms. Lund answered that the PFD is the
owner, but the contractor typically gives all of the rights to the demolition contractor. However, she would like to work with
the Commission, the Museum and other groups before giving the demolition contractor all the salvage rights. Since they are
hoping to sign the final contract in June or July, it is important that they take stock of what's in the building as soon as
possible.
Council Member Plunkett said he was recently notified by an individual who indicated that the 1909 building contains
plaques for public officials, school board members, etc. He felt these plaques should be preserved. Commissioner LeWarne
pointed out that the plaque that was placed on the building by the Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society
belongs to the Society. He suggested that Ms. Lund check into this matter by contacting Jeanette Wood, the President of the
Society.
Commissioner LeWarne asked if anything from the 1909 building would be incorporated into the auditorium remodel
project. For example, there might be some interesting places to put the slate boards. Ms. Lund answered that the PFD does
not have plans to do this. She explained that there would not be a lot of public space in the remodeled auditorium. She noted,
however, that some of the old school rooms would be retained, including the old slate boards. She further noted that many of
the historic details were taken out of the 1909 structure during previous renovations.
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Commissioner Marmion asked if a hazardous materials assessment has been completed for the 1909 building. Ms. Lund
answered affirmatively. She explained that issues identified in this assessment would be dealt with as the first step of the
demolition work. Commissioner Marmion recalled that Natalie Shippen previously suggested to the Commission that bricks
from the 1909 structure be sold as a fundraiser. The Commission was told that this would not be an option since the bricks
had been coated with hazardous materials. Ms. Lund said the City has the hazardous materials assessment in their
possession, but she has not heard anything about the bricks being hazardous. Chair Waite said the hazardous material would
most likely be related to the mortar that was used between the bricks.
The Commission scheduled the walk through for Thursday, June 2nd at 3:30 p.m. They agreed to meet in the Lobby of the
Auditorium Building.
Ms. Lund suggested that, at some future date, the Commission could invite Susan Boyle to provide an overview presentation
of the PFD's Report on the 1909 portion of the building. Council Member Plunkett suggested that Ms. Boyle be invited to
provide her report at a City Council meeting, since these meetings are televised. He noted that Mr. Chave is trying to
schedule an opportunity for Ms. Boyle to make a presentation to the City Council on the work she did for the Commission.
Ms. Lund agreed that it would be appropriate for her to make her presentation at the City Council level.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings were scheduled on the agenda.
Ms. Campbell introduced Gina Coccia, the City's new planner. She invited each of the Commissioners to introduce
themselves, as well. She advised that Ms. Coccia was previously an intern for the City of Edmonds, and she has recently
worked for the cities of Woodinville and Lynnwood.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative Subcommittee Report
Commissioner LeWarne announced that the grant application that was submitted to the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation
was denied. He said the upshot of this was a meeting with Frances Chapin, Edmonds Cultural Services Manager; Mr. Bader,
President of the City of Edmonds Art Commission; Jeanette Wood, President of the Edmonds -South Snohomish County
Historical Society; and Joni Sein, Director of the Museum. The result of the meeting was that they are somewhat
encouraging the Commission to go ahead with the brochure they want to create. However, they do not want public art
included, since they are currently modifying and revising an old public art brochure. They did suggest that they all work
together in developing a format so that the Commission's walking tour brochure of historic sites would be compatible with
their public arts brochure. Commissioner LeWarne said that both he and Commissioner Binder feel the Commission should
develop a format of their own rather than use the County's, which is rather restrictive. Commissioner LeWarne said that, in
addition, the group made some suggestions for other sources of grant funding.
Commissioner Binder reported that she is pursuing an application for a quick grant from Humanities Washington, and this
application only requires a letter. In addition, Commissioner Binder said a member of the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation
Board offered some suggestions for smaller grant opportunities the Commission could apply for. She said she would
continue to work on this effort so that the Commission could eventually obtain enough funding to hire a graphic designer.
She said she was very disappointed to learn that many of the members of the City of Edmonds Art Commission and the
Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation do not perceive historic architecture as art and part of the City's cultural heritage. She
noted that part of the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation's Mission Statement is to allow the community of Edmonds to share
in the arts and cultural heritage of the community. As a member of both these organizations, she is working hard to convince
them that historic architecture is part of the cultural heritage of Edmonds.
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Commissioner Binder said her goal is for the Commission to create a brochure that not only the Edmonds community would
want to use, but also people who come and want to make Edmonds a destination. They could make an interesting,
entertaining, informative brochure by including some of the quirky, fun public art elements that exist in Edmonds. But
neither the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation nor the City of Edmonds Art Commission wanted to participate with the
Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission in this effort. Council Member Plunkett suggested that these two groups be
referred to the City's Comprehensive Plan, which includes eight items making reference to historic preservation and carrying
forward the historic architecture into the future.
Council Member Plunkett asked if the Commission is in danger of losing the $500 grant funding that has already been
offered to the Commission. Commissioner Binder answered that the $500 would be available to the Commission through the
end of 2005, but it is not really enough to start anything. Council Member Plunkett pointed out that the Commission already
has sample designs for the brochure, and they have computers in house that could be used to create the design. He suggested
that they probably have someone on City staff who could help with this project. He concluded that he is not convinced they
need to spend money to hire a graphic designer. Commissioner Binder expressed her opinion that a graphic designer would
be necessary, especially if the City wants to create a brochure that could be used as a companion piece to the Edmonds Art
Commission's new brochure. She expressed her opinion that creating two brochures would be a waste of money, since a
walking tour brochure could be designed to serve both public art and historic sites.
Mr. Chave said he would talk to Ms. Chapin regarding the timing of the Art Commission's new brochure. He said the City
already has most of the design software that graphic designers use. If the Art Commission comes up with an overall design
template, it could be modified for the Commission's brochure. Commissioner Marmion said that when he set up the
Commission's web page, he incorporated some elements from the Art Commission's web page. He was immediately
notified that the Art Commission did not want the Historic Preservation Commission using their design elements.
Commissioner LeWarne recalled that interest was previously expressed about the possibility of the two Commissions
meeting together. However, he said he does not feel there would be much value to this type of meeting. He pointed out that
Mr. Bader, the President of the City of Edmonds Art Commission, did not even know who the Historic Preservation
Commission was.
Commissioner Binder suggested that if arts educated people are telling the Commission that architecture doesn't have too
much to do with art, the Commission needs to make this a point of information at their June 91 public open house.
Commissioner LeWarne clarified that the Art Commission and Arts Foundation are not necessarily unsympathetic to the
Commission's idea to create a walking tour brochure, but they want there to be two separate brochures.
Commissioner Kindness pointed out that the grant process takes a long time. She recalled that the mailboxes that are
currently located on the 1909 portion of the PFD project were originally going to be used as a fundraiser by the Edmonds
Center for the Arts. She suggested that perhaps the Commission could take this on as a fundraising project, instead. The
Edmonds Center for the Arts has researched and found someone on the east coast who knows how to turn the mailboxes into
collector's items. She suggested that this type of project would fit with the Commission's historic mission and provide them
with a source of income.
Chair Waite asked if there are City guidelines the Commissioners should keep in mind when they write grant applications on
behalf of the Commission. He asked that Commissioners forward copies of any communications they have regarding grant
applications to Ms. Campbell so that they could be compiled into an official binder. Mr. Chave said that if any contracts are
involved with a grant application, they must be reviewed by the City Attorney. He noted that grants from the State Historic
Preservation Commission are probably the most onerous since they are funded with federal dollars and have all kinds of
financial requirements attached to them. He summarized that all grant application requirements are different, so each time
the Commission requests grant funding, the application should be run by the staff so they can identify any specific
requirements that might require authorization by the City Council, etc.
Commissioner Hall suggested that perhaps the Commission could contact some of the local businesses with a request for
funding. The Commission's brochure could then advertise the businesses that provide funding. Commissioner Binder said it
was previously suggested that the Commission approach the developer of the Edmonds Center for the Arts with a request for
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funding. She asked if letters of this type would require City approval before they are sent out. Ms. Campbell said copies of
all letters should be forwarded to her and Mr. Chave. Any document that is sent out by a Commissioner on behalf of the
Commission must become part of the public record. The City is required by law to provide this documentation to the public
upon request. Mr. Chave said it would be best for staff to review the draft letter before it is sent out.
The Commission discussed whether or not it would be appropriate to identify the businesses that provide funding on the
brochure. Mr. Chave said if the Commission receives money from different sources, they must make sure there are no
conflicts. For example, putting a name in the brochure to please one source could run afoul of a grant they are receiving
somewhere else. But normally, he did not think this would be a problem. Ms. Campbell recalled that the first brochure was
created by a graphic designer who actually donated his time, and this is a good example of a private business donating
something to the Commission's brochure effort. The current brochure makes note of who designed the document.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that the Commission attempt to raise funding for the brochure from merchants in the
community. He recommended that the Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee come up with a plan for the
Commission's consideration that would find merchants to participate in the project by providing funding in exchange for
advertising. Perhaps if they offer advertising opportunities, they could end up with a bigger and better brochure.
Commissioner Binder said that she and Commissioner LeWarne have already developed a fundraising letter, and she has a
list of names of people and groups to send it to. She said she would email her list of names to each Commissioner, and they
could provide more suggestions to enable her to come up with a master list. She said she would also forward a copy of the
letter to staff for review and approval. Mr. Chave said he would also research to find out what type of account must be
established with the City's Accounting Office in order for the Commission to accept donated money.
Public Affairs and Outreach Subcommittee Report
Commissioner Kindness reminded the Commission that each Subcommittee was given an assignment for the public open
house on June 9t1i. She distributed a copy of the invitations that have been printed for the event, and reported that she sent out
a press release to all of the media. The Planning and Development Service Office previously approved both of the
documents.
Ms. Campbell advised that the City has three display boards available for the event. She said it is important for the
Commissioners to submit their materials as soon as possible so they can work on placing them on the boards. She suggested
that they spend their regular meeting time on June 91 getting the materials set up for the forum. She said she has identified
various documents that could be displayed on the boards. She asked that the Commission review the list and make any
additions or changes they feel are necessary.
Commissioner Kindness pointed out that rather than just providing written documents for the public to review, visual aids are
important, as well. They will provide a handout describing who the Historic Preservation is and what they are doing, as well
as a handout of frequently asked questions regarding historic preservation. In addition, they will provide a display of the
Preserve America Program. She asked that the Commissioners provide their additional ideas to her as soon as possible.
In addition to the 83 owners of property identified in the survey, Commissioner Binder suggested that invitations be sent to
the Edmonds Art Commission and Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society members, etc. Commissioner
Kindness said she would work over the next few weeks to identify addresses for each of the 83 property owners. She also
asked that Commissioners identify others they would like to invite. In addition, she could forward the invitation on a flyer
type format to each of the Commissioners so they could be sent out via the email. Commissioner LeWarne asked that
Commissioner Kindness provide a list of the people who are already on the invitation list.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that Commissioner Kindness keep an accounting of the funds that are spent for the
event. Perhaps they might be able to get the City to reimburse her for the costs. The Commission all agreed that they would
donate supplies for the refreshments. Council Member Plunkett asked that Commissioner Kindness email each of the
Commissioners regarding the items she needs them to donate. Commissioner Binder suggested that the Mayor also has
discretionary funding that could be used to pay for the event. Again, Council Member Plunkett asked Commissioner
Kindness to keep track of the money that is spent for the event, and he would approach the City regarding possible funding.
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If no City funding is available, the Commission agreed to split the costs amongst themselves. Lastly, Mr. Chave suggested
that once the invitations have been addressed, she could drop them off to staff, and the City could mail them out. In addition,
a copy of the invitation could be posted on the bulletin board if Commissioner Kindness were to approach the City Clerk with
a request. She should contact Linda Carl in the Mayors Office regarding the possibility of advertising the event on the public
television station.
Commissioner Binder expressed her opinion that it is ridiculous that members of a City Commission have to pay for supplies
for a public event out of their own pockets.
Commissioner Kindness said she is still working to arrange a speaker for the event. Susan Boyle has been invited, but she
has not confirmed whether she can attend or not. Another idea is to invite someone who has had his or her property
designated on a historic register to share a success story. Commissioner LeWarne agreed to contact Michael Houser, the
person who handles the registered properties for the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, with a request that he
help them find a person to present a success story.
Commissioner Kindness asked the Incentives Subcommittee to obtain a prototype or sample of the type of plaque that would
be placed on properties that are identified on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Chair Waite said the best they could
do is provide a graphic example only.
Historic Register Subcommittee Report
Commissioner Marmion advised that the Historic Register Subcommittee had nothing new to report to the Commission
regarding their activities.
Incentives Subcommittee Report
Chair Waite recalled that at the last meeting the Incentives Subcommittee presented a rough prototype for the plaque. He
also reported that the price of the plaque would be about $125. At the suggestion of his fellow Commissioners, he has added
the address and year built to the plaque, which raises the price to about $175. He said it was also suggested that the City's
logo be added to the plaque. But after further investigation, he learned that this might be too expensive. Chair Waite
explained that the real cost of the plaque is related to its actual size, and the cost estimates are based on a 5" x 8" plaque.
With a 9" x 12" plaque the cost would increase from $125 to $270. He summarized that the quantity of the lettering is not
the most significant expense, so they could include two or three lines to specifically identify the structure.
Chair Waite suggested that for the open house he could prepare a prototype design for what the Commission is considering
for the plaque. Commissioner Hall pointed out that since the Museum has already been placed on the Edmonds Register of
Historic Place, they could have a plaque made up before the public forum event. Chair Waite said it might be difficult to
have the plaque produced in time. He said that he could bring a sample of the larger plaques used by the Edmonds -South
Snohomish County Historical Society, but then the public might get the impression that the actual plaques would be bigger
than they actually would be.
The Commission reviewed the prototype that was provided by Chair Waite. They discussed that the plaque should identify
the Edmonds Register of Historic Places in order to distinguish from the National Register. Commissioner Binder suggested
that the plaque could also identify the date on which the building was placed on the Edmonds Register. Chair Waite
reminded the Commission that they previously agreed to include the date the building as completed. Commissioner Binder
suggested that since the address of the building would likely already be located somewhere on the building, it might be better
to include the historic name of the structure, instead. Again, Chair Waite said he would come up with a prototype of the
plaque based on the comments provided by the Commissioners. This prototype would at least let the public know about what
they can expect.
Commissioner Binder said that in most of the communities where she has lived, the owners pay for the plaques that are
placed on the buildings. Chair Waite said that when he was in Olympia, he asked this question to many of the people that
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represented Commissions. The City of Olympia pays for the plaques, and they have more than 100 properties on their
register. Their plaques currently cost them $328 each. Everett does not pay for their plaques and does not make it mandatory
that individual property owners have them. Council Member Plunkett said he is not sure the property owners would be
willing to pay for the plaques at this time. But once they get some of them out into the community, they might be more
willing to pay for them.
Strate,aic Planning Subcommittee Report
The Strategic Planning Subcommittee did not provide a report of their activities.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business scheduled on the agenda.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Ms. Campbell stressed that it is important that Commissioners forward all of the items they want to have placed on the
display boards to staff as soon as possible. They should look through the list she provided and make suggestions and changes
as appropriate.
Commissioner Binder inquired if there would be any public handouts at the public event. Ms. Campbell said that Council
Member Plunkett obtained copies of a brochure from the National Association of Realtors, but they don't have very many
left. Commissioner Binder said she would try to locate more copies of this brochure. The Commission agreed that staff
would provide enough copies of the Commission's brochure and the inventory for everyone in the audience to have one. In
addition, they could provide copies of the handout regarding the application process.
Ms. Campbell said the City staff provides handouts for all kinds of permitting procedures in the Planning and Development
Services Office. She used the City's template to create a handout to describe the application process to have a property
identified on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. She distributed a copy of the handout for the Commission to review.
She explained that the handout would be given to people who are interested in placing their property on the Register. It
describes the criteria and nomination process and is a lot less intimidating than the flow chart that was prepared by the
Commission. The flow chart identifies in-house administrative procedures that the general applicant will not likely have to
deal with. Council Member Plunkett agreed that the flow chart could seem intimidating to the general public. Commissioner
Binder said it is important that the information provided at the public event does not scare people away from registering their
properties. They should present the positive aspects of the historic preservation program.
Commissioner LeWarne suggested that it would also be good to display the poster that was put out to advertise Historic
Preservation Month. In addition, the two videotapes that were produced by the Commission would run throughout the event.
Ms. Campbell said she is still lacking information for the incentives board. She said she would like a short document
describing each of the incentives. Council Member Plunkett pointed out that one panel of the Commission's brochure
provides this information and could be enlarged and placed on the incentives board.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that the Building Codes related to historic preservation could be identified on the
incentives board. This could even be made into a handout. Ms. Campbell asked Chair Waite to take responsibility for
putting together all of the codes related to historic preservation.
REVIEW OF NEXT MEETING'S PROPOSED AGENDA
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Ms. Campbell recommended that the entire June 91 meeting be used by the Commissioners to set up the room and post the
materials for the public event that would be held later in the evening. The Commissioners agreed that this would be
appropriate. They also agreed that the meeting should start at 4:30 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Waite did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEMBER COMMENTS
Commissioner LeWarne announced that the tour that Louise Lindgren and the Snohomish County Preservation Commission
is sponsoring is set for June 11' and would begin in Edmonds. Chair Waite would meet with them to talk about the building
he is located in. Commissioner LeWarne said that while he cannot be present at the meeting, someone else from the
Edmonds -South Snohomish County Historical Society would be present to talk about Edmonds' history. He said all of the
Commissioners are invited to attend the tour.
Commissioner LeWarne reported that the State Legislature passed legislation that changed the Office of Archeology and
Historic Preservation to the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, which is quite an upgrade. This means
they would now be an independent agency. Allyson Brooks, the State Historic Preservation Officer, would become the
department head. The legislation was to be signed on Monday and would go into effect 60 days after being signed.
Commissioner Hall reported that he and Chair Waite attended the Historic Preservation Commissioner Conference in
Olympia. They learned a lot of things and met a lot of people. The meetings were very formal and focused on what to do
after a Commission has been established. He obtained good insight about what would happen when a lot of properties are
being listed on the Register. He said it was interesting to learn what others saw as issues. One individual expressed that one
of the biggest problems was that Commissioners do not understand what is in their by-laws. At the meeting, it was
recommended that the chair of the commission write a yearly report to provide a succinct record of the year's work. He said
a binder of information was provided to each of those in attendance, and he suggested that the materials be copied and
distributed to the other Commissioners who were unable to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
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