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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. lel Y 04 -Al I Di'AlKellel 0117.% 11 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 2 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 3 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 4 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 5