2008-05-08 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
May 8, 2008
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Acting Chair Bruns called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd
Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5"' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Norma Bruns, Acting Chair Rob Chave, Planning and Development Services Manager (arrived at 4:45 p.m.)
Andrew Eccleshal Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
Daniel Kerege
Larry Vogel COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Sue Bauer Christine Deiner-Karr, Chair
Michael Plunkett Rob VanTassell, Vice Chair
Steve Waite
Jenny Anttila
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of April 10, 2008 were approved as submitted.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as proposed.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
The Registration Committee did not have any new activities to report.
Education and Outreach Committee
The Education and Outreach Committee did not have any items to report.
Preservation Planning Committee
The Preservation Planning Committee did not report on any items.
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Chair Pro Tem Bruns reported that there is an interesting new exhibit at the Museum on the Edmonds Floretum Garden Club,
which was established 85 years ago.
Property Located at 555 Main Street
Commissioner Eccleshal reported that he spoke with the owners of the property at 555 Main Street regarding the concept of
moving the existing home to the front corner and then building all around in the same style. This would quadruple the size
of the building, but keep it in the same style. The property owners indicated that they originally considered the option, but
later dismissed it because of the significant cost. He suggested it might be helpful Commissioners to be present on the
sidewalk outside the house on Saturday afternoons to provide information to the public about the future of the property. He
noted the property owners would like to resolve the issue by the end of July.
Commissioner Vogel inquired if any additional thought has been given to the concept of creating a historic village near the
Civic Center Playfield. Commissioner Eccleshal recalled that the Commission discussed this option at their last meeting and
agreed it would be best for the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society to pursue this option. The
Commission's role is to preserve the history of the town in its existing location.
NEW BUSINESS
Form -Based Code Concept
Commissioner Bauer suggested that the concept of form -based codes, which was recently discussed by the Mayor's Climate
Protection Advisory Group, could have some significance to the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts. Mr. Chave
agreed and explained the difference between code -based zoning and the traditional zoning that has typically been used in
Edmonds. Form -based codes are less concerned about uses, parking requirements, etc. Instead, they are more interested in a
development's relationship to the streetscape. He noted the BD1 design standards are a type of form -based zoning. Mr.
Chave said staff would be discussing the concept with the City Council and Planning Board in the near future. It may be
possible to implement the concept by the end of 2008.
Historic Preservation Handbook
Commissioner Bauer reported on her visit to Columbus, Ohio, where there is a 225-acre neighborhood preservation district.
She explained that one advantage they had over the City of Edmonds is that most of the buildings were built within a 10-year
period and were made of brick. She said she obtained a copy of their handbook for preserving historic buildings and
suggested it would be helpful for the City of Edmonds to provide a similar handbook. The remainder of the Commission felt
this would be a useful tool to offer owners of historic properties. They agreed to discuss the concept further at a future
meeting.
Goals for 2008
The Commission discussed the progress that has been made on the following goals:
• Create a monthly piece for the local newspaper, probably THE EDMONDS BEACON, which highlights a
particular building or location in Edmonds and describes the history of the site. Commissioner Eccleshall and Chair
Pro Tern Bruns agreed to work together to prepare a monthly piece for the local newspaper, describing the history of the
property at 555 Main Street.
• Create a list of contacts at various newspapers and outlets. Commissioner Vogel presented the latest draft of the
Commission's news release template, which incorporates the suggestions made by the Commission. Upon Mr. Chave's
recommendation, the document was further updated to be more similar to the City's current press release format. With the
exception of identifying City Council Member Plunkett as the City Council Liaison instead of a voting Commissioner, the
Commission accepted the draft template as presented. Commissioner Eccleshal asked that the additional contact names be
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forwarded to Commissioner Vogel so they could be added to the official contact list. Mr. Chave asked that the final list
be forwarded to Ms. Cunningham for the City's record.
• Contact EVENING MAGAZINE inviting them to do a piece on the Bettinger House at 555 Main Street.
Commissioner Eccleshall reported that he contacted the local media regarding this property, but he has not heard back
from any of them. Commissioner Vogel agreed to develop a list of recognizable local celebrities that live in Edmonds and
perhaps contact some of them asking them to get involved in the preservation of the structure.
• Improve the Commission's website. Commissioner Vogel said he still needs to meet with the person in charge of the
City's Information Services. Commissioner Vogel noted that the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission is included
on the League of Snohomish County Historical Organization's contact list, but the information is out of date. Chair Pro
Tem Bruns agreed to talk to the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society to make sure the Commission is a
member of the League. She also agreed to provide them with the Commission's correct information.
• Produce an art poster reflecting and highlighting historically important sites in town. Commissioner Eccleshal
agreed to work on the poster during the next month.
• Strive to make contact with historical societies and other relevant bodies throughout the State. Commissioner
Vogel reported that he is planning to attend the upcoming conference of the National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions in New Orleans.
Planning Board Update by Rob Chave
Mr. Chave reported that the City Council has tentatively scheduled a public hearing on the BD1 Design Standards for July
13th. He suggested the Commission appoint someone to attend the meeting to represent the Commission.
ACTION ITEMS
Review Action Items from Workshop
The Commission felt they had already reviewed the action items as part of their review of the 2008 Goals.
Discussion on Emphasizing with Council Naming of "Heritage" Zone
The Commission discussed whether it would be appropriate to encourage the City Council to rename the BD1. They recalled
their purpose for proposing the new design standards for the BD1 zone was to reflect the historic character and sensitive
nature of the area. The Commission agreed the name of the BD1 zone should be changed, and they further agreed to discuss
possible new names at their June 12th meeting. They concurred that after the June 12th meeting, a letter could be forwarded
to the City Council and a member of the Commission could be appointed to attend the City Council's hearing to voice the
Commission's position.
The Commission briefly discussed the other changes that were made by the Planning Board to their original proposal for the
BD1 Design Standards. Mr. Chave clarified that the Board agreed to forward the basic design standards to the City Council
with a recommendation of approval. However, they indicated their desire to have further discussion with the Commission
regarding those items that are more related to historic preservation. Regarding the Commission's original proposal that one
of their members participate on the Architectural Design Board when proposals related to historic properties are considered,
the Planning Board recommended a better approach would be to allow the Historic Preservation Commission an opportunity
to provide input directly to the Architectural Design Board.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Pro Tem Bruns did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
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Ms. Cunningham provided a plaque for Commissioner Bauer to have installed on her property, which is listed on the
Edmonds Register of Historic Places. She also provided a copy of the City's contract, which must be signed by property
owners. The Commission agreed that installation of the plaque would be an excellent opportunity for a press release related
to historic preservation. Commissioner Vogel agreed to prepare the press release, and he invited Commissioner Bauer to
forward him information regarding the history of the structure. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to invite the
media to attend the event, as well.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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