Loading...
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