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2006-05-11 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES May 11, 2006 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Hall called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 3:39 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 3:39 p.m.) Steve Waite Deborah Binder Norma Bruns Michael Plunkett COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Commissioner Kindness Commissioner Deiner-Karr STAFF PRESENT Duane Bowman, Development Services Director Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Frances White -Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Diane Cunningham, Planning and Development Services Commissioners Kindness and Deiner-Karr were excused from the meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The Commission changed the agenda by adding an update on the Firdale Village Neighborhood Plan and an update on Historic Overlay Zones. In addition, they rearranged the agenda so that Item 8.d (Commission Logo) and Item 9.a (Frequently Asked Questions) could take place at the beginning of the meeting. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. COMMISSION LOGO Commissioner Binder recalled that at their last meeting the Commission discussed the idea of creating a Commission branding or logo, primarily so they would have an attractive piece to use for their plaques. At the request of the Commission, Ms. White -Chapin was invited to share the pros and cons, from the Arts Commission's perspective, of having their own logo. Ms. White -Chapin explained that the advantage of having a separate logo is that it gives the Commission a more distinct identity, but the disadvantage is that it can create massive confusion amongst the general public. Because they have a separate logo, the community tends to thinks of the Arts Commission as being non-profit and separate from the City. The public does not have a clear understanding that the Arts Commission is part of the City. Whatever they decide to do, they should avoid further confusing the citizens. The Commission discussed the option of using the basic City logo, but augmenting it to make it distinct for the Historic Preservation Commission. Vice Chair VanTassell agreed to contact a graphic designer who lives in the area to see if he would be willing to volunteer his time to create some draft designs for the Commission to consider. Mr. Chave suggested that Commissioner Binder contact Mayor Haakenson and the City Council President to solicit their comments, as well. Commissioner Waite was asked to contact companies that manufacture plaques to find out if costs would differ based on design. FREOUENTLY ASKED OUESTIONS Chair Hall recalled that at the last meeting, the Commission discussed the idea of creating a document titled, "Frequently Asked Questions." He advised that Mr. Bowman was invited to the meeting to share his ideas related to this concept. Mr. Bowman provided a draft document outlining how the "Frequently Asked Questions" handout might be arranged. He said that after talking with Chair Hall and Council Member Plunkett he agreed that it would be appropriate for the Commission to create some type of "Frequently Asked Questions" Brochure that could be handed out when Commissioners approach property owners regarding historic preservation. He emphasized the importance of getting a list of Frequently Asked Questions together quickly, so it could be used as a reference for the Commission. The Commissioners agreed to email their questions to Council Member Plunkett so that he could formulate them into a draft document for the Commission to consider at their next meeting. Additional questions could be added as they come forward. The Commission further discussed that the document could be folded and inserted into the Commission's current brochure. HISTORIC OVERLAY ZONES Mr. Chave briefly described the difference between a "historic overlay zone" and a "historic district." He pointed out that historic districts are typically formed around a group of historic buildings, and a more detailed survey must be done to establish the boundaries and identify historic and contributing buildings or structures. He briefly described what would be required to establish a historic district in the City of Edmonds. Mr. Chave advised that a historic overlay zone is a more general approach that establishes specific design parameters intended to preserve the character of the neighborhood. Typically, the historic overlay concept is used when there are not enough historic properties to justify the formation of a historic district. He noted that, right now, the City does not have a process for establishing historic districts. The Commission discussed whether historic overlay zones or historic districts would be appropriate for areas in downtown Edmonds. They also discussed the process that would be used for each. Council Member Plunkett reminded the Commission that the City Council's Community Services Committee asked them to review the non -conforming provisions and whether or not it would be appropriate to grant relief so property owners could maintain the buildings' economic viability and historic integrity. A historic overlay zone would be one way to address the issue of non -conforming buildings. VICE CHAIR VANTASSEL MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION SET UP A COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A HISTORIC OVERLAY AND/OR HISTORIC DISTRICT IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE OF EDMONDS. COMMISSIONER BRUNS SECONDED THE MOTION. Council Member Plunkett suggested that rather than establishing another committee, this assignment could be given to the Administrative Committee. VICE CHAIR VANTASSEL AMENDED HIS MOTION TO MOVE THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE BE ASSIGNED THE TASK OF EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A HISTORIC OVERLAY ZONE AND/OR HISTORIC DISTRICT IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE OF EDMONDS. COMMISSIONER BRUNS SECONDED THE MOTION TO AMEND. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2006 Page 2 Commissioner Waite said he believes that a historic overlay zone and/or historic district could have a positive economic impact on the City. While many property owners might see them as more regulations, the new regulations would actually offer relief and incentives. The Commission must sell the positive aspects of the concept to the property owners. Ms. White - Chapin pointed out that the Streetscape Plan speaks to the idea of creating design standards for the 4t' Avenue Corridor to help maintain the street's character. 1011�I:11u10401101l7u[GI[4W1k1.'J.VVR99CZ11101la M.1101u[1111,Mwo The Commission agreed that because of the heightened awareness of issues in the downtown, now is a good time to bring the concept forward for public consideration. Vice Chair VanTassell accepted the assignment to chair the Administrative Committee's work. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER BINDER MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2006 BE APPROVED AS AMENDED. VICE CHAIR VANTASSEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMITTEE REPORTS Chair Hall announced that he made changes to the committee assignments. He moved Vice Chair VanTassell from the Registration Committee to the Preservation Planning Committee. He added himself to the Registration Committee, along with Commissioner Waite and Commissioner Deiner-Karr. He would step down as chair of the Preservation Planning Committee, and Commissioner Waite would take his place. Registration Committee Chair Hall referred to the written report that was provided by Commissioner Deiner-Karr outlining the contacts she has made with owners of historic properties. She specifically reported that an application for registration was submitted to staff by Steve Burnheim for property located at 216 — 4r' Avenue. A public hearing on the application would likely take place at the June 8' Commission Meeting. Chair Hall said Commissioner Deiner-Karr has asked that the Education and Outreach Committee create a template letter to send to property owners on the survey, using City letter head and noting specific information about the structure. Ms. Binder agreed to create the letter template. Commissioner Binder said she would like more information from Commissioner Deiner-Karr explaining why some property owners decided to pass up the opportunity to be on the Edmonds Register of Historic Properties. The Commission agreed this information would be helpful. Education and Outreach Committee Commissioner Binder reported that the final brochure should be back from the print shop soon. They only spent $1,620 to design and produce 5,000 brochures so they have $2,480 left for other projects. However, they need to make sure those who made contributions are acknowledged in whatever way the Commission uses the money. She advised that she would send a thank you letter and a copy of the brochure to all those who contributed money. She also agreed to contact Commissioner Kindness about submitting a news release to announce the new brochure. Chair Hall reported that no progress had been made regarding the Report to Council/Spring Open House. He said he would ask Commissioner Kindness to move forward with this work in light of the new application that has been submitted. Preservation Planning Committee Chair Hall reported that the Preservation Planning Committee met with staff regarding the concept of creating a "Frequently Asked Questions" document. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2006 Page 3 Council Member Plunkett reported that the Commission's recommendations regarding "adaptive reuse" have been forwarded to the Planning Board for review as part of their work on the 4' Avenue Corridor. Mr. Chave announced that the Planning Board would hold an initial hearing on the downtown zoning proposal on May 24" Council Member Plunkett requested a report on the Commission's proposed ordinance to "fast track properties" that are already on the State and/or Federal Registers. Mr. Chave reported that the Planning Board has recommended approval, and the issue would appear on the City Council's agenda for final adoption sometime in June. Commissioner Waite recalled that he represents the Commission on the State Building Code Council, which meets twice a month to discuss the International Existing Building Code and whether or not the State should adopt it. He would provide periodic reports to the Commission as progress is made. He noted that the Edmonds Building Official has indicated that Edmonds would not adopt the document until the State has done so. However, it could be used under an exception. EDMONDS SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPORT Commissioner Bruns encouraged the Commissioners to visit the new exhibit that opened on May 6't'. The exhibit provides a history of the Edmonds School District. The Garden Market also opened on May 6' and would continue to be open every Saturday until the regular Summer Market opens on July 1 ". She provided newsletters for each of the Commissioners, too. HOLMES CORNER Commissioner Waite said he has been working with Jim Underhill, who is heading up a project to designate the high school property at 21211 Street and 76't' Avenue as Holmes Corner. He has proposed three ideas: adding the name Holmes Corner to the stadium, creating plaques for the school site to identify Holmes Corner, and placing a sign next to the identifying street sign at 212' Street and 76' Avenue. Commissioner Waite said he has contacted several City Departments regarding the feasibility of the proposed options, and Mr. Underhill plans to present his ideas to the Edmonds School District. Mr. Chave said he previously pointed out to Mr. Underhill that designation on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places is voluntary, so this property could only be part of the Register if the school district agrees. Commissioner Binder suggested that if the Commission is looking for additional properties to put on their Register, they should also consider opportunities for adding the historic sites in Edmonds that have already been designated on the State and Federal Registers. REPORT TO COUNCIL/SPRING OPEN HOUSE/SUMMER MARKET Commissioner Kindness was not present to provide a report, but Chair Hall agreed to contact her regarding her progress. UPDATE ON FIRDALE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Council Member Plunkett reported that he was unable to attend the Firdale Village Neighborhood Plan Meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Hall acknowledged Commissioner Deiner-Karr for all of her hard work contacting owners of historic properties. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2006 Page 4 Commissioner Binder said she would email all Commissioners when the new brochures are available. She asked that they look for opportunities to distribute them throughout the community. Commissioner VanTassell said it would be helpful for staff to provide information about how the City's downtown zoning project relates to what the Historic Preservation Commission is doing. As the various Commission Committees work on projects, Council Member Plunkett reminded them they should run their ideas by Mr. Chave before they move forward. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2006 Page 5