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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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2006 Page 2 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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2006 Page 3 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2006 Page 4 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2006 Page 5