2006-02-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
February 9, 2006
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Hall called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 3:37 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5' Avenue North.
Commissioners Present
Brian Hall, Chair
Rob VanTassell, Vice Chair (arrived at 4:05 p.m.)
Steve Waite (arrived at 3:38 p.m.)
Norma Bruns
Christine Deiner-Karr (arrived at 3:45 p.m.)
Commissioner Kindness
Deborah Binder
Michael Plunkett
PRESENTATION BY CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL
Staff Present
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Jeannine Graf, Building Official
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
Jeannine Graf, City Building Official, provided background information regarding the 11 State Adopted Historic Building
Codes, which each jurisdiction in the State must comply with. She particularly reviewed the Historic Building Code and
noted that all of the 11 State codes recognize historic buildings and offer some elements that might be less restrictive than a
new building. She explained that in order to use the exceptions or provisions that are designated in the codes, a building must
be formally designated on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. She said it would be helpful if the Building Department
could rely on the Commission to tell them specifically what elements of a building would qualify it as historic.
Next, Ms. Graf reviewed the steps that have been so far to encourage historic preservation. She specifically referred to the
current tri-fold brochure regarding historic preservation and the handout prepared by staff to describe the historic building
permit requirements. In addition, she said staff has worked with the Commission to create another handout to describe the
building permit submittal requirements. A copy of the State Historic Building Code is also available at the front counter for
public use, along with a map of the targeted historic buildings. She explained that when someone who owns one of the
targeted sites comes to the counter, staff would make the property owner aware of the historic building code and the
opportunity to place their property on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Staff would then forward a list of these
individuals to the Commission Chair so the Commission could follow up.
Ms. Graf described a new computer software system that is being implemented by staff, which would allow them to place
special flags on properties identified by the Commission. In addition to flagging the properties identified on the official
survey, the Commission discussed the need to somehow flag the properties identified on the survey completed by former
Commissioner Marmion, but not on the official survey completed by the consultant.
Commissioner Waite recalled that in the past staff has notified him of demolition permits that are submitted for properties
identified on the survey. He typically visits the sites to take picture for the historic record. Ms. Graf agreed to make sure
Commissioner Waite is notified when appropriate. She noted that this would be much easier to do once the new computer
software system has been implemented.
Commissioner Waite reported that John Neff from the City of Lacey would be conducting a seminar on the International
Building Code, which he also has an interest in pursuing on behalf of the Commission. Ms. Graf pointed out that the City
recognizes the International Building Code, and an architect could use the document as part of an alternate design request.
She agreed to provide information to the Commission regarding how the State Building Council is viewing the International
Building Code.
Ms. Graf advised that staff previously provided draft permitting policies for the Commission to consider, which indicate
some possible incentives that could be offered, such as expedited permit review. She emphasized that the most desirable
incentives are those that are directly related to time and money. She agreed to provide Commissioner Waite with a copy of
the draft permitting policies.
Chair Hall summarized that the Commission must review and provide direction to staff regarding the draft permitting policies
and the handout that describes the building permit requirements. He also summarized that the Commission would provide
staff with a copy of the survey completed by former Commissioner Marmion.
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the minutes was postponed until the March 91h meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was amended to add the following items: A Report on the Community Planning Meetings, a Review of Items
Referenced by the Building Official Regarding the Registration Packet and Incentives, and a Report on the Activities of the
Historical Society.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Tracy Tallman, Snohomish County Historic Preservation Council, was present in the audience. She reported that they have
been working to get some structures identified on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, they are working on a
new brochure.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings were scheduled on the agenda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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Upcoming Grant Applications
Mr. Chave reported that the deadline for the next round of State grant applications is March 31, 2006. There is no match
requirement for these funds, but they only have $65,000 for the entire State. He suggested that the Commission should not
anticipate receiving sufficient funds to do an additional survey. Instead, he suggested they submit a grant application for
smaller projects, such as updating and printing the existing brochure or creating a small publication providing specific
information about the incentives that are available for sites on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The incentives
publication could be used as a model for other jurisdictions.
The Commission asked staff to pursue grant applications for both projects as described by Mr. Chave. Mr. Chave said he
would speak with representatives from the State about whether the projects should be submitted as one grant or separately.
The Commission also agreed that the handout referenced earlier by Ms. Graf regarding permitting policies would go hand in
hand with the small publication regarding incentives.
NEW BUSINESS
Claims for Expenses
Ms. Cunningham advised that the Planning Department has some available funds to reimburse the Commissioners for minor
expenses such as cost of postage, copying, etc. She provided each Commissioner with the necessary form that must be
submitted for reimbursement of a claim and emphasized that receipts must accompany the form. Mr. Chave advised that
Commissioners should obtain pre -approval from staff for all expenditures. He said staff would check on whether
Commissioners could still be reimbursed for expenses that were incurred in 2005.
Chair Hall said that, before the next meeting, he would put together a draft operating procedure for Commissioners to follow
when submitting claims for reimbursement. Mr. Chave advised that the Commission could also submit a request to the City
Council later in 2006 for actual funding in 2007.
Website Maintenance
Mr. Chave advised that the Commission's website is not currently being maintained. He explained that the City has
contracted with an individual to maintain the City website. He suggested the Commission allow him to reformat the
Commission's website so that it looks like it is part of the City's website, but retain all of the information. Any future
updates could be forwarded to him via staff, and they would be immediately implemented.
The Commission agreed that it would be appropriate to provide a link to the State and National Historic Preservation
Commission websites. It would also be helpful to provide a link to the current inventory list. The list of Commissioners
should also be updated on a regular basis.
Planned Report to Council/Spring Open House
Commissioner Kindness reported that the Education and Outreach Committee is working to prepare a report to the City
Council regarding recent historic preservation activities. In addition, they are working to schedule another Historic
Preservation Commission Open House. She suggested because May is National Historic Preservation Month, the open house
could be scheduled on May Ill, which is the date of the Commission's regular meeting. The Commission agreed this date
would be appropriate.
The Commission briefly discussed the format that should be used for the public open house. Some suggestions included an
introduction to the Commission's new walking tour brochure, inviting a representative from the State Historic Preservation
Office to attend, and extending an invitation to the entire community. It was decided that the Education and Outreach
Committee would forward a proposed outline for the open house to each Commissioner via email. Commissioners were
invited to send their comments and suggestions back.
The Commission asked the Education and Outreach Committee to consider options for providing some type of historic
preservation outreach as part of the summer market program. They also agreed that the Commission Report to the City
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Council should use a similar format to the one that was used for the last report. They asked the Education and Outreach
Committee to prepare a report outline for the Commission to consider at their next meeting.
Adaptive Reuse Incentives
Council Member Plunkett distributed a draft document outlining possible adaptive reuse incentives for the 4' Avenue Arts
Corridor, which was prepared by the Adaptive Reuse Incentives Subcommittee and staff. The intent was to provide
incentives for the older homes along the corridor to be converted into effective commercial uses, while still maintaining their
historic character. Once approved by the Commission, the document would be forwarded to the City's Economic
Development Director and the 41 Avenue Corridor consultant. He advised that the subcommittee would prepare a final draft,
which would be forwarded to each Commissioner and presented for final approval at the next Commission meeting.
Report on Community Planning Meetings
Commissioner Binder encouraged the Commissioners to review the minutes from the Five Corners and Firdale Village
Community Planning Meetings for an update on what took place. She advised that the Firdale Village meeting was very well
attended and well done. Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that the Five Corners meeting was also very well attended and
interesting. It was agreed that since the plans would not really have an impact on historic preservation, there was no need to
continue the reports at future meetings.
Review of Items Referenced by the Building Official Regarding Registration Packet and Incentives
The Commission agreed that Vice Chair VanTassell would work with staff to complete work on the registration packet, and
Commissioner Waite would work with staff on the document related to incentives for historic preservation.
Report on the Activities of the Edmonds South County Historical Society.
Chair Hall suggested that in order to create better synergy between the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission and the
Edmonds South County Historical Society, it would be helpful if each organization could provide periodic updates on their
activities. This would allow them to consider future opportunities to work together. The remainder of the Commission
concurred.
Commissioner Bruns provided a paste up document outlining the purpose of the Snohomish County Historical Society, as
well as a timeline to illustrate their past activities. She also provided copies brochures that have been published by the
Society. She encouraged all of the Commissioners to become members, which would enable them to receive the monthly
newsletter. She further advised that she and Commissioner Binder would attend a future Museum Guild Meeting to report on
Commission activities.
Commissioner Binder suggested that the Commission and the Society collaborate to provide a monthly walking tour, using
the Commission's new brochure. Commissioner Bruns said she would present this idea to the Society for consideration.
The Commission asked Mr. Chave to find out if the City could sponsor the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission as a
group member of the Society by paying the dues.
COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Commissioner VanTassell reported that the Registration Committee met with the owner of the Reliable Flooring Building,
which is already identified on the State's Register of Historic Places. The Commission discussed whether or not it would be
appropriate to have a different nomination process for properties that are already on the State Register. The majority agreed
there should be a less intense process for the 11 properties that have already been accepted on the State Register. This would
enable them to establish some momentum by bringing these properties onto the Register quickly throughout the year. The
Commission directed the Preservation Planning Committee to work with staff to prepare a draft ordinance to implement this
concept.
Education and Outreach Committee
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The report from the Education and Outreach Committee was postponed until later on the agenda when the walking tour
brochure would be discussed.
Preservation Planning Committee
There was nothing additional for the Preservation Planning Committee to report on.
Arts Corridor Subcommittee
Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported on the recent meeting she attended regarding the 4' Avenue Arts Corridor. She said she
was very impressed with some of the ideas being presented by the consultant. However, she noted that very few residents
along 41 Avenue were in attendance to provide their comments. She expressed her concern that the consultant's presentation
did not include any mention about preservation of the current buildings, and she conveyed this message to staff.
Report on Special Architectural Design Board (ADB) Meeting
Commissioner Waite reported on his attendance at the special ADB meeting that was held to review the draft design
guidelines. He pointed out that while the document is lengthy, there are only two sentences regarding historic preservation.
He questioned how the Commission could provide additional input in this regard. Mr. Chave explained that the design
guidelines are intended for citywide application and do not really target areas or districts that require specific attention.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that an appropriate approach would be for the Commissioners to review the document
and provide their suggestions to him and Mr. Chave so they could be addressed when the document is presented to the City
Council for final approval. Commissioner Waite was asked to provide his comments and concerns to Mr. Chave and Council
Member Plunkett as suggested.
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION ON FINAL DRAFT OF WALKING TOUR BROCHURE
Commissioner Binder provided copies of the final draft of the brochure. She asked the Commissioners to share their
opinions about eliminating some sites in order to increase the size of the photographs. In addition, she said she is not sure
there would be room to provide a list of other historic sites that are outside of the core area. She also asked the
Commissioners to share their opinions regarding the brochure's appearance.
The Commission agreed that the overall appearance of the brochure was beautiful. They agreed that the list of historic sites
outside the core area could be deleted from the brochure and reserved for another brochure such as a driving tour that would
cover a larger area. They also agreed to take out Numbers 8, 18, 19, 28, 29 and 30. Commissioners were asked to share their
additional input with Commissioner Binder within the next week so that she could work with the designer to make the final
changes. She noted that she has drafted a letter that would be sent to each owner of properties identified in the brochure.
Chair Hall asked that Commissioner Binder forward a copy of the letter to each of the Commissioners for their information
before it is sent out.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Hall complimented Commissioner Binder on her excellent work with the new brochure. The remainder of the
Commission concurred.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Cunningham provided copies of the CLG Grant Announcement that was forwarded to the City from the State Historic
Preservation Office. She also provided copies of portions of the application regarding the history of the grant, etc.
Commissioner Definer -Karr provided a gift to Ms. Cunningham to thank her for all the help she has offered.
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ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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