2009-08-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
August 13, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:35 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Jennifer Anttila (arrived at 4:37 p.m.)
Sue Bauer (arrived at 4:45 p.m.)
Daniel Kerege
Eric Norenberg
Larry Vogel
Steve Waite
Michael Plunkett (arrived at 4:55 p.m.)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Kernen Lien, Planner, Planning and Development Services
Karin Noyes, Recorder
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Andy Eccleshall, Chair
Christine Deiner-Karr
Alan Macfarlane
COMMISSIONER ANTTILA MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2009 AS
SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER WAITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
No changes were made to the agenda.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
No one in the audience expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION TO DETERMINE THE ELIGIBILITY OF A STRUCTURE LOCATED
AT 533 THIRD AVAENUE SOUTH FOR PLACEMENT ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC
PLACES. THE SITE IS ZONED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-6) (FILE NUMBER HPC-09-35)
Mr. Lien reviewed the staff report and noted that the property owners have signed the authorization form that would allow
the property to be listed on the Register. He described the significant features of the structure and noted that it is situated in a
residential neighborhood just east of City Park. The neighborhood consists of a mix of homes, the majority being
constructed during the latter half of the twentieth century. He referred to the designation criteria the Commission must
consider when reviewing nominations for the Register and noted the application would be consistent with the following:
• Criteria 1 — Significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or cultural heritage of
Edmonds. The house is associated with the residential growth of Edmonds and is a good example of the Craftsman
bungalow residential design.
• Criteria 2 — Has integrity. The building retains its original appearance.
• Criteria 3 — Age at least 50 years old, or had exceptional importance if less than 50 years old. The house was
constructed in 1921.
• Category b — Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style or method of design or
construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
The house is a good example of the Craftsman bungalow residential design, which was a popular residential design of
the time.
Mr. Lien recommended the Commission find the nomination meets the criteria for designation in the Edmonds Register of
Historic Places. The exterior of the structure contains the significant architectural features, not including the garage. He
recommended the property be listed as proposed.
Ryan Stoulil, property owner, explained that while he and his wife are interested in having the property listed on the
Register, they are planning an addition and are interested in learning more about how the designation might impact their
future plans. He said it is his understanding that if the property is listed on the Register, the addition would require
Commission approval. He requested more information about what this process would involve. He also questioned if it
would be possible to remove the house from the Register at some point in the future if he was unable to obtain Commission
approval to move forward with the planned addition. He said he would likely opt out of the tax incentive, since they would
be taxed retroactively if they were to remove the house from the Register.
The Commissioners clarified that the property owner would not be required to apply for the tax incentive, and he would
retain the ability to remove his house from the Register at any point in the future. The Commission and staff reviewed the
process for obtaining a certificate of appropriateness. It was emphasized that if his property were listed on the Register, the
Commission would be eager to assist him with his plans to add on.
Commissioner Bauer pointed out that the City is a newly formed Certified Local Government (CLG), and no one on the
Register has asked for a certificate of appropriateness. She asked what kind of drawings would be required for the
Commission's review. Mr. Lien explained that the Commission would review the drawings that are submitted as part of the
building permit, which would include views from all four elevations. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to
conduct pre -application meetings with property owners to review rough sketches of the proposal and provide a preliminary
recommendation, but the actual certificate of appropriateness could not be issued until formal drawings have been submitted
to the Commission for review.
Commissioner Waite inquired if the detached garage would be part of the designation. Mr. Lien answered that it was not
included in the application or the evaluation. Mr. Stoulil said he would not be opposed to including the garage since they
don't have any plans to alter it at this time. Mr. Lien advised that the BOLA report only identified the significant features on
the house.
Mr. Lien cautioned that the Commission should not forward the application to the City Council unless they are sure the
owner wants to be on the Register. Commissioner Bauer observed that the ordinance does not have a placeholder in the
process flow for someone who is undecided. Mr. Stoulil emphasized that it would be an honor to have his house listed on
the Register. However, if he is unable to obtain a certificate of appropriateness to move forward with his planned addition or
if his ability to obtain financing became impeded as a result of being on the Register, he may decide to withdraw the
property. He is ready to place his property on the Register with the understanding that he can opt out at any time.
Commissioner Waite inquired if the southern porch was added after the house was built. Mr. Stoulil answered that it is the
original porch, but he enclosed it to form a mud room rather than an open porch. The footprint was not changed.
COMMISSIONER WAITE MOVED THE COMMISSION FIND THAT THE EXTERIOR OF THE STRUCTURE
LOCATED AT 533 — 3" AVENUE SOUTH (FILE HPC-09-35) MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION ON
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THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AND FORWARD IT TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A
RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL. COMMISSIONER ANTTILA SECONDED THE MOTION.
Council Member Plunkett said he appreciates the spirit in which Mr. Stoulil brought his property forward for inclusion on the
Register. He suggested this would help build the inventory, making the designation more prestigious and sought after. Vice
Chair Vogel added that he is excited to see such a high level of interest come from a private property owner; this shows that
historic preservation is gaining momentum.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION TO DETERMINE THE ELIGIBILTY OF THE GREAT NORTHERN
RAILWAY FOREMAN'S HOUSE LOCATED AT 1011 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH FOR PLACEMENT ON THE
EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. THE SITE IS ZONED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-
6) (FILE NUMBER HPC-09-100)
Mr. Lien reviewed the staff report, which describes the significant features of the home. He noted that the house is situated
in a residential neighborhood just south of City Park, and the neighborhood consists of a mix of homes with approximately
half of the homes being constructed during the first half of the twentieth century. He referred to the designation criteria the
Commission must consider when reviewing nominations and noted the application would be consistent with the following:
• Criteria 1 — Significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or cultural heritage of
Edmonds. The house was constructed by the Great Northern Railroad as the Section Foreman's house for its personnel.
It was originally located on the east side of the tracks near the present day depot on a site just north of Dayton Street.
• Criteria 2 — Has integrity. The building largely retains its original appearance; however, there has been a single -story
rear addition that is sheltered by an extension of the back roof slope.
• Criteria 3 — Age at least 50 years old, or had exceptional importance if less than 50 years old. The BOLA Report states
the house was constructed in 1917, but the Snohomish County website indicates it was built in 1906 In either instance,
the structure is more than 50 years old.
• Category a — Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state or
local history. The house was originally constructed by the Great Northern Railroad as the Section Foreman's House.
Speculating that the arrival of the Great Northern Railroad would bring economic boom to the city of Edmonds, the
Minneapolis Realty and Investment Company purchased the site of the City from George Brackett for $36, 000.
Although the railroad arrived in 1891, the boom did not materialize and other events drove the Minneapolis Realty and
Investment Company into bankruptcy. George Brackett foreclosed and took back ownership of the town.
• Category d — Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic,
engineering or architectural history. The house was constructed by the Great Northern Railroad as the Section
Foreman's House.
• Category g — Is a building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for
architectural value, or which is the only surviving structure significantly associated with a historic person or event. The
house was originally located on the east side of the tracks near the present day depot on a site just north of Dayton
Street. In 1958 it was moved to a site on Dayton Street where it served as a single-family residence. The house was
saved when the Dayton Street site was developed because of its historic significance and moved to its current location in
1978.
Mr. Lien recommended the Commission find that the nomination meets the criteria for designation in the Edmonds Register
of Historic Places. The exterior of the structure contains the significant architectural features. He recommended the property
be listed as proposed.
Commissioner Bauer inquired if the existing siding is original, and the applicant, Donald Nicholson, answered affirmatively.
Ms. Nicholson added that the house is not as beautiful as many of the other historic homes in Edmonds, but there is a great
history behind it. She said she encouraged her husband to nominate the property to benefit the City of Edmonds.
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Vice Chair Vogel suggested that the story behind this structure would be a great subject for the next edition of THE
PRESERVATIONIST.
Commissioner Waite pointed out that the staff report indicates the house is clad in a rustic type V-groove shiplap siding
rather than d\Dutch beveled siding as indicated by the property owner. He agreed to visit the structure and provide an
accurate description of the siding materials. He said it is important that information related to the house is recorded
correctly.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THE COMMISSION FIND THAT THE EXTERIOR OF THE STRUCTURE
LOCATED AT 1011 — 2ND AVENUE SOUTH (FILE HPC-09-10) MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION
ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AND FORWARD THE NOMINATION TO THE CITY
COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL. COMMISSIONER WAITE SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Commissioner Anttila reported that the Registration Committee unable to meet this past month. They intend to get together
again in early September or late August. She suggested the Registration Committee should meet jointly with the Education
and Outreach Committee to talk about the appropriate approach for meeting with property owners who have not responded to
the Commission's invitation to add their property to the Register.
Education and Outreach Committee
Vice Chair Vogel reported that Chair Eccleshal has forwarded a draft of the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST for the
Commission's review and approval, and he invited the Commissioners to submit their comments and recommendations. The
International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Building is the featured article. He said he was able to locate a picture of the
IOOF's float in the 4 h of July Parade of 1904, and he would incorporate the picture into the article. He noted that a link to
the Commission's website and past issues of THE PRESERVATIONIST was added to the latest edition. In addition, the
website was updated.
COMMISSIONER KEREGE MOVED THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE VICE CHAIR VOGEL TO MOVE
FORWARD WITH PUBLISHING THE SEPTEMBER EDITION OF THE PRESERVATIONIST.
COMMISSIONER BAUER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to feature the newly nominated Great Northern Railway Section Foreman's
House in the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST.
Preservation Planning Committee
The Preservation Planning Committee did not provide a report.
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
There was no report from the Edmonds South Snohomish Historical Society.
NEW BUSINESS
Improving the Visibility of Plaques
The Commission discussed that because the plaques are so small, they are difficult to see from the street when they are
posted on the side of a structure. They discussed possible options for improving their visibility, such as posting them on the
fence or on a free-standing post close to the street. They also discussed ideas for displaying more information about the
historic structures. It was suggested that perhaps it would be appropriate for the Commission to ask for funding from the
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City Council to assist property owners in the placement of the plaques. Some Commissioners agreed that it would be
appropriate to stipulate that the property owners must consult with the Commission regarding the placement of the plaques.
COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT PRIOR TO THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING, THE
REGISTRATION COMMITTEE DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS ABOUT HOW AND
WHERE TO DISPLAY THE PLAQUES. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
The Commission directed the Registration Committee to draft guidelines and speak to property owners about how and where
to install the plaques. They invited Council Member Plunkett to discuss at their next meeting the idea of asking for funding
from the City Council to enhance the educational value of the plaques.
Registry Incentives Used by Successful Cities
Commissioner Bauer referred to the list of possible incentives the Commission could consider to encourage historic
preservation. She provided a brief explanation of each of the following incentive options:
• Investment Tax Credit
• Special Tax Valuation
• Open Space Taxation
• Fagade Easement
• Conditional Use Permit
• Building Code Relief
• Permit Fee Relief
• Landmark Loan Program
• Commercial HR Property — Additional Tax Assessed Valuation Benefit
Commissioner Bauer suggested the Commission identify a list of various incentives they could use to target and attract
specific properties. She expressed her belief that incentives would be the key to persuading property owners to join the
Register. Commissioner Norenberg agreed it would be helpful to have a variety of incentives to offer property owners to
encourage their participation.
Commissioner Waite suggested that Council Member Plunkett gauge whether his fellow City Council Members would
support the concept of offering permit fee relief to properties that are listed on the Register. Council Member Plunkett
indicated he is fairly confident that at least three City Council Members would support the concept. The Commission asked
staff to provide information regarding how this option would financially impact the City. Council Member Plunkett agreed
to discuss the issue with other City Council Members, and Commissioner Waite agreed to write up a formal proposal for the
Commission to consider at their next meeting.
Ideas for Expanding the BOLA Report
Discussion related to this item was postponed to the next meeting.
Historic Overlay Zone/Everett Historic Overlay Neighborhoods
Discussion of this item was postponed to the next meeting.
Continued Discussion of Boundaries for 4th Avenue Area Historic Overlay and How to Proceed
Discussion of this item was postponed to the next meeting. Commissioners were encouraged to review the information
provided by staff prior to the next meeting.
Discussion of Recruitment Strategy
Discussion of this item was postponed to the next meeting.
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ACTION ITEMS
The Preservationist
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Vice Chair Vogel did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bauer suggested that perhaps the Commission Meetings could be held in a different room so they do not have
to vacate at a certain time to accommodate another group.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned 6:06 p.m.
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