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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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 13, 2008 Page 2 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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 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 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 13, 2008 Page 4