2008-11-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
November 13, 2008
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Deiner-Karr called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:38 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Brackett Room of City Hall, 121 — 51h Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Christine Deiner-Karr, Chair
Rob VanTassell, Vice Chair
Norma Bruns
Andrew Eccleshal
Daniel Kerege
Larry Vogel
Sue Bauer
Jenny Anttila
Michael Plunkett (Arrived at 4:40 p.m.)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning and Development Services Manager (arrived at 4:45 p.m.)
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Rob VanTassell (resigned)
Steve Waite (excused)
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 2008 AS
SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
A discussion regarding the vacant Commission position and nominations for Commission Chair and Vice Chair for 2009
were added to the agenda under "New Business."
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
PUBLIC HEARING
There were no public hearings scheduled on the agenda.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee (Discussion of Properties Ready for Register)
Commissioner Bauer announced that four property owners have returned their consent to be listed on the Edmonds Register
of Historic Places. However, it was discovered that First Congregational Parsonage (610 Dayton Street) was on neither the
State nor National Register, so it must go through a separate review process. The nomination for this property could be
reviewed by the Commission at their December meeting. The remaining three properties have been scheduled on the City
Council's December 2nd Consent Agenda for final approval.
The Commission discussed historic properties that are owned by the City and the Mayor's concern that, as the Commission's
ordinance is currently written, any changes to the properties would require review and approval by the Commission even
though the original structures no longer exist on the sites. Council Member Plunkett indicated he is in the process of
discussing this concern with the Mayor. The Commission emphasized that owners of properties on the Register could opt
out of the program at any point in time. It was discussed that perhaps there should be a separate process for City -owned
properties.
The Commission reviewed each of the applications as follows:
• Parmelee House (1228 — 91h Avenue North). It was noted that this property embodies the distinctive architectural
characteristics of a type, period, style or method of design or construction. Not only is it identified on the National
Register, but the distinct architecture of the home, itself, also meets the qualifications for the Register. In addition to the
exterior of the structure, the National Register has designated the dining room and living room interiors as historic.
• Site of First School in District 15 (233 — 3rd Avenue North). It was noted that while the original structure is no longer
present, this property has historic significance in that it is associated with events that have made a significant contribution
to the broad patterns of local historic and it exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, social,
economic, political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history. It is also associated with the lives of persons
significant in local history. Only the property would be identified on the Register as historically significant.
• International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall (Reliable Floor Building) (542 Main Street). It was discussed that
this property has historic significance because of its association with events that have made a significant contribution to
the broad patterns of national, state or local history. It also exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural,
social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history. In addition, the structure embodies the
distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style or method of design or construction. Not only does the
architecture of the structure have historic value, but the specific events that occurred on the site also add value. Nearly
everyone in Edmonds during the late 1800's and early 1900's was a member of the IOOF and the first public meetings in
Edmonds were held in this location. The Commission summarized that elements of historic value include the entire
exterior facade, although the windows on the west facade were added later. In addition, the history of events that have
occurred on the site add significant value.
The Commission noted that all three of the properties have already been identified on either the State and/or the National
Registers. Therefore, information explaining why the properties are historically significant is already available.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE
THREE PROPERTIES TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION THAT THEY BE APPROVED
FOR INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. COMMISSIONER ECCLESHAL
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Commissioner Bauer announced that at the Commission's next meeting, the Registration Committee may recommend a
different process for nominating properties for the Register. Their goal is to change the process so that owner consent is
obtained earlier in the process.
Education and Outreach Committee
The Commission provided feedback to Commissioner Vogel regarding the two different versions of the draft Commission
newsletter. The Commission agreed that the newsletter could be prepared on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. They further
agreed it would be appropriate to invite local businesses or groups to sponsor the publication. They briefly discussed the
types of information that could be part of the newsletter. They also discussed the need to update their website early in 2009
to make clear information readily accessible to interested individuals.
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Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner Eccleshal advised that the Preservation Planning Committee was not able to meet during the past month.
OTHER REPORTS
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Bruns announced that the next exhibit at the Museum would be "Antique Toys." It should be ready for public
view by November 15th
NEW BUSINESS
Vacant Commission Position
It was announced that Commissioner VanTassell resigned his position effectively immediately. In addition, Commissioner
Bruns' term would expire at the end of 2008. Ms. Cunningham advised that the Mayor's Office has advertised the vacant
positions and interested individuals have been invited to submit applications.
2009 Commission Officers (Chair and Vice Chair)
The Commission appointed Commissioners Bauer and Vogel to participate on a nominating committee. They agreed to
present nominations for both Chair and Vice Chair at the next Commission meeting.
Commissioner Website Maintenance
This issue was discussed earlier on the agenda.
Bettinuer House Status
Commissioner Eccleshal provided an update regarding the Bettinger House. He reported that it appears the project is on hold
as a result of the current economic situation. The Commission discussed the need to encourage owners to want to keep their
historic properties. They particularly discussed the need to point out the benefits of being on the Register. They noted that
property owners on Alder Street have worked hard to maintain the historic character of their neighborhood, and perhaps they
should be publicly commended for their efforts.
I:T6711COMMINDluK
News Article "Then & Now"
Commissioner Vogel reported that he submitted a Then & Now Article to THE EDMONDS BEACON, and he would contact
them to find out when the article would be published. He also agreed to contact a representative from THE ENTERPRISE to
find out if they would be interested in publishing the article, as well.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Deiner-Karr announced that the Creative Retirement Institute would sponsor a "Past, Present and Future" event
presented by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority on December 12tt' at 11:30 a.m. The event is
open to everyone, and would be held at the Tritan Union Building on the Edmonds Community College Campus. She
suggested it might be appropriate for the Commission and the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society to
sponsor this type of public speaker event to help educate the public on historic preservation.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bauer suggested the Commission consider meeting on a twice monthly basis. The Commission discussed that
the purpose of the three committees is to research and review issues and make recommendations for the Commission to
consider as a whole. Therefore, it is important for all three committees to function properly. The Committee members were
encouraged to work during the next month to follow up with issues that are currently on the table and be prepared to discuss
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November 13, 2008 Page 3
their progress at the December meeting. The Commissioners agreed it would be helpful for each committee to better report
their activities to the Commission as a whole. Committees should efficiently delegate the responsibilities so that progress
can be made. If goals cannot be met, then the Commission needs to be informed.
Council Member Plunkett specifically asked the Preservation Planning Committee to report on their efforts to get out in front
of the Bettinger House situation. They also requested a report on whether the Committee has had any discussions about the
concept of creating historic districts in Edmonds. Commissioner Eccleshal reminded the Commission that he would speak
before the City Council on December 2nd regarding lessons the Historic Preservation Commission has learned from the
Bettinger House experience. The Commission suggested that Commissioner Eccleshal ask the City Council for
recommendations on how the City could better approach these situations.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m
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