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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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2006 Page 2 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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2006 Page 3 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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2006 Page 4 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2006 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2006 Page 6