2006-04-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
April 13, 2006
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Hall called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 3:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Brian Hall, Chair
Rob VanTassell, Vice Chair
Steve Waite
Deborah Binder (arrived at 3:31 p.m.)
Norma Bruns
Christine Deiner-Karr
Barbara Kindness (arrived at 3:42 p.m.)
Michael Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
COMMISSIONER BINDER MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF MARCH 9, 2006 BE APPROVED AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The Commissioner added a discussion regarding the possible expansion of the Commission as Item 9c. The remainder of the
agenda was approved as submitted.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings were scheduled on the agenda.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Commissioner Deiner-Karr requested help in her effort to contact all of the owners of historic properties in Edmonds
regarding the possibility of placing their properties on the Register. It was agreed that all three members of the Registration
Committee would work to contact all of these property owners. Council Member Plunkett and Chair Hall agreed to help, as
well.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr expressed her concern that the historic preservation incentives are clearly set up for commercial
properties, and there are no clear incentives for homeowners to be part of the Register unless they are doing significant
improvements. She suggested the Commission consider additional incentives that would benefit owners of historic
residential properties, as well. Mr. Chave noted that the City is quite limited on the types of incentives they can offer to
owners of historic homes, and incentives have typically been limited to commercial properties. He further noted that
residential properties tend to find more benefit in being part of a district, which provides protection and assurance for all of
the homes in the area. There are also incentives available to residential properties that are identified on the National Register.
Vice Chair VanTassell expressed his concern about how difficult it is for a property owner to make improvements to a
residential home within the BC zone. He also expressed his concern about the number of steps involved in the process of
placing a property on the register. Commissioner Waite pointed out that the Building Official has been receptive to the
concept of expediting the permit process for residential properties that are identified on the Register. He also raised the idea
of reducing permit fees for properties that are on the Register, but this would require approval from the City Council. He said
he would continue to work with the staff regarding these additional incentives.
The Commission agreed that in addition to the incentives offered to owners of historic properties, they should also stress City
pride as a reason for placing properties on the Register.
Education and Outreach Committee
Commissioner Binder reported that it would cost between $1,000 and $1,200 to print 5,000 brochures. She asked the
Commission to formally approve this expenditure. The intent is to have the brochure ready for distribution in May, which is
National Historic Preservation Month. She noted that the remaining funds could be used for other projects, as long as the
contributors are recognized.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF
BETWEEN $1,000 AND $1,200 TO PRINT 5,000 BROCHURES. COMMISSIONER BRUNS SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Chave asked that staff be provided with a copy of the final design. Commissioner Binder pointed out that the intent is to
make the brochure available on the Commission's web site, as well.
Commissioner Binder announced that another neighborhood meeting has been scheduled in the Firdale Village area.
However, she would unable to attend. Council Member Plunkett indicated that he would attend the meeting on behalf of the
Commission.
Preservation Planning Committee
Chair Hall said the Preservation Planning Committee was unable to meet during the past month. They plan to get moving on
the Preservation Plan as soon as possible and provide a report to the Commission at their next meeting.
Council Member Plunkett suggested that it might behoove the committee to meet with Commissioner Waite and Mr. Chave
to consider additional incentives as discussed earlier. The remainder of the Commission agreed that this would be
appropriate. Council Member Plunkett said he would be willing to take the Commission's incentive ideas straight to the City
Council for approval.
OTHER REPORTS
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
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Commissioner Bruns reported that the Art Exhibit and contest is currently in progress through the end of April. She
encouraged the Commissioners to attend the event and support the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Historical Homes of Edmonds
Commissioner Bruns advised that representatives from the Museum have expressed interest in working with the Commission
to compile a book of the historic homes in Edmonds. She questioned if the Commission would be interested in working on
this project.
The Commission agreed that while the project would be worthwhile, they have more pressing matters to work on right now.
They further agreed that the Commission could consider the project again later in the year.
Grant Applications
Mr. Chave reported that he submitted two grant applications, but later the State informed him of an unwritten rule that each
City could only apply for one grant. Therefore, he reconfigured the two grant applications into one, since the two projects are
related. The State recently informed him that they only have $70,000 available for grant funding, but they have received
applications for about $180,000. The Commission would not likely know the results of their grant application until at least
the end of June.
Adaptive Reuse Incentives
Council Member Plunkett advised that the Adaptive Reuse Incentives have been forwarded to the Planning Board for review.
Mr. Chave reported that the Planning Board is starting to work on zoning for the various downtown districts, and the
Adaptive Reuse Incentives would be considered as part of their discussion. He said he would provide a report on the
Planning Board's progress at the next Commission meeting.
Brochure Update
Commissioner Binder advised that she already reported regarding the new brochure.
Draft Ordinance
Mr. Chave reported that the Planning Board agreed to hold a public hearing on April 26' regarding the Commission's
proposed ordinance to expedite the process for properties that are already identified on the State Register of Historic
Properties to become part of the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Vice Chair VanTassell indicated that he would attend
the hearing on behalf of the Commission.
Holmes Corner
Commissioner Bruns reported that she attended a meeting at which the concept of nominating Holmes Corner (property
located at the corner of 76t1i Avenue North and 2121 Street) for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places was discussed.
Historic evidence regarding the property was reviewed, and Mr. Underhill was asked to present the concept to the Edmonds
School Board. The representative from the School District who attended the meeting appeared receptive to the idea of doing
something with the property.
Items Raised by the Building Official
Commissioner Waite said he has been working with the Building Official and the Development Services Director to get the
International Existing Building Code adopted by the City. While the State of Washington already has a Historic Building
Code, it is not effective. He said he has been asked to serve on a Technical Advisory Group for the State Building Code
Council, and this has taken a significant amount of his time. The intent of the group is to stress to the State Legislature the
importance of the International Existing Building Code to Washington State. The goal is to get the document adopted by the
State by June of 2007, and City adoption would likely follow. Chair Hall suggested that the City could adopt the document
prior to State adoption, but this would require action by the City Council.
Commissioner Waite reported that he has also been working with the Building Official and the Development Services
Director regarding possible incentive for historic preservation. They have particularly discussed the concept of expediting
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the permit process for properties that are identified on the Register. However, because a reduction in permit fees would
require approval by the City Council, it was not included on the list of items being considered at this time. The Commission
agreed that Commissioner Waite should pursue this concept, as well.
Report to CounciVSprin Open House/Summer Market
Commissioner Kindness suggested the Commission postpone their report to the City Council until they have some specific
properties identified on the Register. She also suggested they postpone the open house for at least a month. The remainder
of the Commission agreed that it would be appropriate to postpone their report to the City Council and their Open House
until the draft ordinance has been adopted and some properties have been identified on the Register.
Commissioner Kindness noted that the Women's Legacy Project is working on a book compilation of women who have had
an impact on the history of Snohomish County over the last 100 years. Louise Lundgren has put together a wonderful display
that could be borrowed and placed in the Edmonds Library or the Museum during the month of May, which is National
Historic Preservation Month. The Commission agreed this would be appropriate.
Commissioner Kindness said they are still working to find a date for the Commission to set up a booth at the Summer
Market. The Commission asked Commissioner Kindness to schedule the booth in either July or August, preferably on July
15'. Commissioner Kindness agreed to email all of the Commissioners as soon as the date is set so they can be prepared to
sign up to participate at their next meeting.
Commissioner Binder asked Commissioner Kindness to submit a press release regarding National Historic Preservation
Month. The new brochure could also be announced as part of the press release. She suggested that she coordinate this
announcement with the Arts Commission staff (Frances White Chapin), since their two brochures complement each other.
Commissioner Kindness advised that she would provide each of the Commissioners with a copy of the final proclamation
that would be submitted to the Mayor regarding National Historic Preservation Month. Some changes need to be made in
light of the Commission postponing their open house.
NEW BUSINESS
Commission Logo/Updating Existing Brochure
Commissioner Binder suggested the Commission postpone their discussion on updating the existing brochure until June,
since it relates to the grant application. In addition, the City Council's decision regarding the Commission's proposed
ordinance would be a key component of the updated brochure. However, Commissioner Binder agreed to start working on
the research aspect of updating the existing brochure now.
Since they would have extra money from their current brochure project, Commissioner Binder suggested that perhaps they
could work on the creation of a Commission logo so it could be incorporated into the plaque program, as well. The cost of
the design would not be significant. The Commission discussed whether or not it would be appropriate to have their own
logo or use the standard logo of the City of Edmonds. They agreed to invite Frances White Chapin, Arts Commission staff to
their next meeting to discuss the benefits of having a separate and distinct logo.
Historic Preservation Commission Retreat
Commissioner Binder expressed her concern that the Commission only meets once a month for a short period of time, and
they do not really have time to discuss issues at great length. She suggested they either lengthen the monthly meetings or
hold a longer retreat meeting once or twice a year. This would allow them break into committees to work on specific.
Council Member Plunkett pointed out that the purpose of forming the separate committees was to allow them to meet outside
of the regular meetings to discuss specific issues they are responsible for.
The Commission discussed the possibility of changing their regular meeting time to later in the afternoon or evening. Many
of the Commissioners indicated that a later meeting time would be better for their schedule.
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The Commission agreed that it would be appropriate to hold an occasional retreat, as long as a productive agenda could be
identified. Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested that one topic for a retreat would be to walk through the nomination
process to address all of the issues and train the individual Commissioners. There is not enough time to do this at a regular
meeting.
Expansion of Commission
Commissioner Waite pointed that the Commission has a significant work load, and perhaps expanding the size of the
Commission would help to ease the situation. It would also help Commissioners fit into positions where they are
comfortable. He noted that the ordinance calls for a Commission of seven members, but this could be changed if the
Commission desires.
The Commission discussed the need for more Commissioners to be trained to take on the responsibility of contacting owners
of historic properties. It was noted that the Registration Committee could not handle all this work on their own. Mr. Chave
pointed out that historic preservation commissions in other cities are given staff time to support their efforts, but the Edmonds
City Council did not grant staff time. He suggested the Commission make a pitch to the City Council to provide them with
staff time. In the meantime, perhaps they could solicit volunteers to help make the initial contacts. The Commissioners
could then focus their time on the property owners who indicate an interest. Council Member Plunkett pointed out that the
Council Members support the efforts of the Commission. If they were to see some benefit for the investment, the City
Council might be willing to approve some staff assistance.
Commissioner Binder suggested it might be helpful to send out a form letter to each of the owners of historic properties in
Edmonds outlining the historic preservation program. This would introduce them to the concept before they are contacted by
a member of the Commission.
There was a lukewarm reception to expanding the Commission, but Mr. Chave agreed to come up with ideas on how to
expand staff time. They agreed to table the issue to a future meeting.
Council Member Plunkett left the meeting at 5:18 p.m.
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION ON PRESENTATIONS FOR REPORT TO COUNCIL
Chair Hall reminded the Commission that they agreed to postpone their report to the City Council until they have several
properties on the Register. Vice Chair VanTassell cautioned that it would take a significant amount of time on behalf of the
Registration Committee to contact the property owners and get them started on the nomination process.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Hall did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None of the Commissioners provided comments during this portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
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