2009-03-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
March 12, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Yd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Jennifer Anttila
Sue Bauer
Christine Deiner-Karr
Alan Macfarlane
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
Andy Eccleshall, Chair
Daniel Kerege
Steve Waite
Michael Plunkett
There was not a quorum of Commissioners present who were in attendance at the February 12, 2009 meeting. Therefore,
approval of the minutes was postponed until the April 9th meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was rearranged to allow visitor, Susan Blalock, to provide a status report on the Bettinger House at the beginning
of the meeting.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Bettinuer House Status Report
Susan Blalock reported that there is now an active non-profit organization to mobilize the community to save the Bettinger
House at 555 Main Street and turn it into a "Center for Creative and Humanitarian Endeavors." She advised that several
events have been held, and she invited each of the Commissioners to a brunch on March 14th. She announced that a
luncheon would also be held on April 19"' at 1:30 p.m., and members of the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical
Society, the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission, and the Senior Center would be invited to attend the event. She
asked that the Commissioners pledge to bring at least 8 people to the luncheon. The purpose of the event is to solicit ideas
beyond the concept paper that has already been prepared and posted on their website. She noted that the organization is
working to establish a mailing list of interested individuals.
Ms. Blalock summarized that the house is on the market for $1.2 million and could be sold at any time. At this time, the
organization is renting it on a month -to -month basis. She explained that donations of less than $1,000 would be used to
cover the monthly expenses of rent, utilities, events, etc. Those who donate more than $1,000 would have the option of
putting the money into a special escrow account for purchase of the home. If the organization does meet their goal and the
house is sold before they can purchase it, the money would be returned to the major donors. She briefly explained the
organization's plans for soliciting funding for the project. She also offered the Commission the use of the Bettinger House
for community events to promote historic preservation.
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The Commission interviewed Eric Norenberg, a candidate for the vacant Historic Preservation Commission position. They
invited him to share his background and expertise, as well as his interest in historic preservation. Mr. Norenberg said that
even if he is not selected to participate on the Commission, he would still like to volunteer to help in any way.
The Commission briefly discussed whether or not Commissioner Macfarlane (Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical
Society Representative) was a voting member of the Commission. Ms. Cunningham reviewed the Commission's by-laws
and informed the Commission that he was a voting member.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Commissioner Bauer reviewed the draft ordinance that was prepared by the Registration Committee for the Brackett's
Landing North property. She summarized that the ordinance identifies the site as the first real landmark and birthplace of the
community. It indicates the City is interested in protecting the sandy beach that existed when George Brackett paddled his
canoe to Edmonds.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE NOMINATION FOR THE
BRACKETT'S LANDING NORTH PROPERTY, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH
A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL FOR INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC
PLACES. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
The Commission had a discussion about what specifically would be protected at Brackett's Landing North if the proposed
ordinance were approved by the City Council. It was discussed that the actual Brackett's Landing North site extends from
the ferry jetty to north of the breakwater. They agreed it would be appropriate to invite a representative from the Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services Department to provide background information to help the Commission better define the
area they want to preserve.
Commissioner Bauer referred to the draft ordinance that was prepared by the Registration Committee for the Edmonds
Memorial Cemetery property. The ordinance describes the transfer of ownership, how the cemetery grew, people who were
buried there, etc. She summarized that the intent of the ordinance is to protect the property in its current state. It was agreed
that any future development on the site should be consistent with the current cemetery use.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE NOMINATION FOR THE
EDMONDS MEMORIAL CEMETERY PROPERTY, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, TO THE CITY COUNCIL
WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL FOR INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF
HISTORIC PLACES. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Chave suggested the Commission review the draft ordinances that are prepared by staff before forwarding the
nominations to the City Council for approval to make sure the Commission's intent is clear. The Commission agreed to
review the draft ordinances at their April 9th meeting. It was agreed that a representative from the Registration Committee
should attend the City Council Meeting when the ordinances are considered.
Commissioner Bauer reported that the Registration Committee has submitted 11 new nomination forms to the City staff.
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Commissioner Bauer Commission discussed the pros and cons of amending their by-laws to require a property owner's
consent before moving a nomination forward to the Commission. Some Commissioners observed that requiring consent
prior to forwarding a nomination to the Commission would save a lot of time on behalf of the Commission and City staff.
However, others expressed concern that while it would be good obtain the support of a property owner early in the process, it
should not necessarily be a requirement in order for the Commission to proceed.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THE COMMISSION AMEND SECTIONS II.A.l.b.2 AND II.A.l.b.3. OF THE
BY-LAWS TO INSERT THE PROPOSED LANGUAGE THAT WOULD REQUIRE OWNER CONSENT PRIOR
TO PROCEEDING WITH A NOMINATION. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Norenberg suggested the Commission consider creating a second category in Section II.A.1, which would allow the
Commission to declare a house to be a significant structure without property owner consent.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED TO AMEND HER MOTION TO ALSO CHANGE THE TITLE OF SECTION
ILA TO READ "PROCEDURES FOR DESIGNATION REVIEW MEETINGS OF SITES AND STRUCTURES
NOT IN A HISTORIC DISTRICT."
Commissioner Bauer pointed out that the amendment would make it clear that nominations for properties within designated
historic districts would not require owner consent before being considered by the Commission. It was pointed out that there
are no historic districts in the City at this time. If districts are created in the future, the by-laws could be amended to be
consistent.
THE MOTION TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. THE MAIN MOTION
WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
Education and Outreach Committee
Vice Chair Vogel reported that the final draft of the first edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST is ready for print. The recalled
that the publicity plan indicates the document should be forwarded to THE ENTERPRISE and THE EDMONDS BEACON
for future publication. In addition, he suggested that copies of the document be provided in the lobby of City Hall.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE THE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
COMMITTEE TO PROCEED WITH PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTING THE PRESERVATIONIST AS
PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Vice Chair Vogel announced that Chair Eccleshall is still working on a "Then & Now" article. He hopes to have a draft
available for the Commission's review soon regarding the Theatre.
Vice Chair Vogel said he recently received an email indicating there is inaccurate information on the Commission's website,
but it was later discovered the person was using the old URL. He reported that when people visit this site, they will now
automatically be forwarded to the current site.
Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner Bauer reported that the Preservation Planning Committee met and reviewed a 25-page article about how to
build support for creating a local historic district. She recalled she previously recommended the Commission proceed with a
series of public meeting to educate the public regarding the concept of historic districts. However, after reading the article, it
became clear the Commission has much to do before they present the concept to the public. She briefly reviewed the process
identified in the article for creating a local historic district. She noted that education is clearly high on the list of priorities,
including education of Commissioners.
Vice Chair Vogel advised that Chair Eccleshall has recommended the Commissioners review the legislation that established
the Commission and its purpose and be prepared to discuss it at their April 9`h meeting.
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Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Macfarlane reminded the Commission that there is a wealth of information available at the Museum. He
encouraged the Commissioners to join the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society so they can take advantage
of this information. He noted the annual cost of membership is only $20. He distributed membership applications to each of
the Commissioners.
Commissioner Macfarlane recalled Mr. Fred Bell's earlier suggestion that the Commission join forces with the Edmonds
South Snohomish County Historical Society since their efforts often overlap. Commissioner Bauer recalled that this
suggestion was related to the plaque program. It is normal to have both historical societies and historic commissions.
Commissioner Macfarlane reported that the current Museum exhibit includes paintings by a Japanese -American artist who
was forced to move with his family to an internment camp away from the Pacific Coast. His collection has traveled
extensively throughout the country since 1991. He invited Commissioners to attend a reception on March 141h from 1:00 to
4:00 p.m. at the Museum.
OTHER BUSINESS
Amend By -Laws
This item was discussed as part of the Registration Committee Report.
NEW BUSINESS
Assembling the Coalition to Form Designated Historic Areas
This item was discussed as part of the Preservation Planning Committee Report.
Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants for 2010
Vice Chair Vogel referred to a recent email from Mr. Chave suggesting that the Commission should not submit grant
applications if they don't have the resources to carry out the identified projects. Mr. Chave announced there may be staff
cuts later in the year, which could call whole city programs into question. Therefore, he cautioned against applying for any
grants that potentially place a new commitment on staffing that may not be available.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested that, at some point in the future, they need to have a discussion about potential grant
application opportunities and how they would be impacted by a reduction in City staff. She also suggested the Commission
explore opportunities for grant funding for Commissioners to attend conferences and events related to Historic Preservation.
The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to identify potential grant opportunities and make application as soon as
possible.
Discussion of City -Owned Properties Nominated for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
This item was discussed as part of the Registration Committee Report.
Bettinger House Status
This item was discussed as part of Requests from the Audience.
ACTION ITEMS
News Article "Then & Now"
This item was discussed as part of the Education and Outreach Committee Report.
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Media Events
It was discussed that plaques were provided to the owners of properties that were recently added to the Edmonds Register of
Historic Places. The Commission recalled their previous decision to take photographs of the properties after the plaques
have been installed and advertise the events in the local newspapers. They discussed ideas for making the plaques more
visible from the street.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Vice Chair Vogel did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None of the Commissioners provided comments during this portion of the meeting.
Ms. Cunningham clarified that she is supposed to set up files for the 11 new applications and send the first letter to the
property owners. Commissioner Bauer pointed out that some would not require letters since the properties are already on the
State's Register.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
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