2007-07-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
July 12, 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Kindness called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:05 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Barbara Kindness, Chair
Christine Deiner-Karr, Vice Chair
Steve Waite
Brian Hall
Norma Bruns
Rob VanTassell
Michael Plunkett
Deborah Binder (arrived at 4:16 p.m.)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager (arrived at 4:06 p.m.)
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
Commissioner Hall referred to the last paragraph on Page 3 of the draft June 141 Minutes. He suggested the Commission
discussed more than an opportunity to pursue historic identification signs. They also discussed the need to create a policy for
their location, design, etc. The Commission agreed that the last sentence should be changed by replacing "what the signs
should look like," with "what the signs should look like, criteria for signs, where to put signs, etc."
COMMISSIONER VANTASSELL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2007, BE APPROVED AS
CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER BRUNS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
Chair Kindness suggested the Commission add a discussion regarding a grant letter she prepared for the Commission's
review. In addition, she recommended the Commission review the designation staff report that was sent out to the
Commissioners prior to the meeting.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience who expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
File Number HP-06-114 — An Application to Determine the Eligibility of the Bettinger House (555 Main Street) for
Placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
Vice Chair Deiner-Karr invited the Commission to review the application for a single-family home at 555 Main Street
(Bettinger House) to determine if the property is eligible for inclusion on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. She
briefly reviewed the four designation criteria and described how the proposed application would meet each one. She also
reviewed the designation categories and identified those that were applicable to the property. She referred the Commission to
the significant features of the site, which were clearly identified in the application.
Ms. Cunningham read a note staff received from the property's owner, Claude Tate, indicating that he would be opposed to
placing his property on the Register. The letter specifically noted that he was not informed of the application until notice was
placed on his property. He asked that the application be withdrawn from the Commission's consideration.
The Commission discussed that anyone could make application for a property to be designated on the Register, and the
Commission and City Council are responsible for determining whether the property is eligible. However, it was emphasized
that property owners must make the ultimate decision about whether or not a property is placed on the register. Mr. Chave
noted that no action would be recorded on a property's title unless it was actually put on the Register, and this must be done
at the request of the property owner. It was noted that approval of the application would offer Mr. Tate an opportunity to
place his property on the Register, if he so chooses.
Claude Tate emphasized that he never asked to have his property on the Register. He noted his age and suggested that at
some point, neither he nor his wife would be able to access the three flights of stairs in the home. The best option for them
would be to sell the property, and it is likely the house and land have become more valuable as a result of the recent zoning
changes for the downtown area. He said he would be reluctant to place his home on the Register if doing so would limit his
options when he can no longer keep the property. The Commission emphasized that it is possible for a property owner to
take his/her property off of the Register. They also briefly described the benefits and incentives that are available for
properties on the Register. After further consideration, Mr. Tate agreed it would be appropriate for the Commission to
consider the eligibility of his property. He agreed to talk to the Commission and staff after the meeting about possible
incentives available to him if his property were placed on the Register.
Commissioner Binder pointed out that one of the Commission's goals is to point out the special historic structures within the
City and how they contribute to the character of the community. She encouraged Mr. Tate to consider his property's value to
the community. She pointed that, often, properties on historic registers have higher values.
COMMISSIONER VANTASSELL MOVED THAT THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE HEARING BE CLOSED.
VICE CHAIR DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER VANTASSELL MOVED THE COMMISSION FORWARD FILE HP-06-114 AS PROPOSED TO
THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION THAT THEY IDENTIFY THE PROPERTY AT 555 MAIN
STREET (BETTINGER HOUSE) AS ELIGIBLE FOR THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
COMMISSIONER BINDER SECONDED THE MOTION.
Commissioner Hall requested clarification as to how Designation Categories A and D would be applicable to the property.
Mr. Chave explained that the structure is indicative of the early residential homes that were part of the original development
of the downtown core; therefore, it provides a significant contribution to the local history. He further explained that the
house reflects special elements of the City's cultural and social history because a prominent surgeon and his wife lived in the
house for several decades, and the structure is still known by many as the Kretzler home. The Commission discussed
whether this information would be better suited to Designation Category E. They agreed that both Designation Categories D
and E apply to the subject property.
COMMISSIONER HALL MOVED THAT THE MOTION BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE DESIGNATION
CATEGORY E. HE FURTHER MOVED THAT THE COMMENT PROVIDED FOR DESIGNATION
CATEGORY D BE MOVED TO DESIGNATION CATEGORY E AND A MORE APPLICABLE COMMENT BE
CREATED FOR DESIGNATION CATEGORY D. COMMISSIONER VANTASSEL SECONDED THE MOTION
TO AMEND. THE MOTION TO AMEND WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
THE MAIN MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS AMENDED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
July 12, 2007 Page 2
Registration Committee
The Commission discussed how they could make people more comfortable with the concept of historic preservation and
placing their properties on the Register. They agreed it would take one-on-one work with the property owners to make them
more comfortable with the concept. They agreed it is important to help property owners understand that determining a
property is eligible for the Register does not mean the property owner must place the property on the Register. However,
they agreed to continue to be proactive in identifying properties that are eligible for the Register. They discussed that it
would be helpful to send a form letter to the property owners informing them of potential applications, and it would also be
appropriate to invite property owners to visit with the Commission regarding the positive aspects of listing a property on the
Register.
Education and Outreach Committee
Commissioner Binder reported that she received feedback regarding the draft brochure from several Commissioners. In
addition, some of the pictures were changed out and new captions were added. Since no other comments were received, she
indicated she would move forward with getting the brochure printed.
Commissioner Binder said she did not receive a significant amount of support from Commissioners regarding their
participation in the Saturday Market in July or August. Therefore, she suggested the Commission only participate in the
September Market.
Commissioner Binder reported that the initial order for plaques was recently placed. However, she questioned why the new
letterhead has not been prepared yet. She noted that a PDF file was forwarded to staff for inclusion, and Mr. Chave agreed to
contact the designer to obtain a copy of the design.
Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner VanTassell reported on the joint meeting between the Planning Board, the Architectural Design Board, and
the Historic Preservation Commission, which provided an opportunity for the Commission to clarify their intentions for
creating new design guidelines that would only apply to the downtown BD1 zone. Mr. Chave added that the Architectural
Design Board would hold a discussion about the concept and would consider the ideas provided by the Commission as part of
their review.
The Commission discussed their recommendation that two of their members participate in Architectural Design Board
reviews that are related to historic properties. They recognized that this is a touchy issue but agreed they should not back
down on this recommendation. Mr. Chave briefly explained the Architectural Design Board's concern about Commissioners
only participating on some reviews and how this would impact the overall review process. Commissioner VanTassell said
that, at some time in the future, a group of Commissioners would likely be invited to participate in the design guidelines
process.
Commissioner Waite pointed out what appears to be a lack of communication between the three groups. He explained that at
the completion of the last walking tour, he asked questions and solicited ideas from those in attendance. It summarized that
all three groups envision the same basic concepts, but they have not had an opportunity to work together to resolve issues. A
forum has been scheduled for September 15', and representatives from the ACE group, the Planning Board, the Architectural
Design Board, and Historic Preservation Commission would be invited to communicate with each other and find common
ground between the various interests.
Vice Chair Deiner-Karr indicated she is still trying to contact the Chamber of Commerce to coordinate a type of scavenger
hunt of historic properties in the downtown. She said she plans to involve the business owners in the downtown, as well as
the South Snohomish County Historical Society.
OTHER REPORTS
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
July 12, 2007 Page 3
Commissioner Bruns reported that the Summer Market appears to be even more successful this year. Commissioner Binder
expressed her dismay in finding that the Chamber of Commerce Log Cabin was closed on Saturdays, even during the market.
Commissioner Bruna emphasized that the museum is open on Saturdays during the market.
Grant Letter
Chair Kindness distributed copies of a letter she prepared at the request of Mr. Chave to indicate the Commission's support
for a Preserve America grant application he is submitting. Mr. Chave advised that the grant application is for $50,000 in
matching funds for carrying forward the plans for the 4t' Avenue Corridor.
The Commission discussed the idea of requesting an education fund from the City Council that would allow the
Commissioners to attend conferences that are taking place nearby. Mr. Chave suggested the Commission present their
request to the City Council as part of their 2008 Budget review.
No unfinished business was scheduled on the agenda.
WORKSHOP SESSION
Frequently Asked Ouestions
The Commission agreed to discuss frequently asked questions further at their next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was scheduled on the agenda.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Kindness did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Hall announced that he recently accepted a position in Vancouver, B.C. that will take effect sometime in
August. Therefore, he would resign his position on the Commission. The Commission briefly discussed the process for
filling the vacant position. Chair Kindness thanked Commissioner Hall for the time he has spent on the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
July 12, 2007 Page 4