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2009-09-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES September 10, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Eccleshal called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the 3'd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Andy Eccleshall, Chair Rob Chave, Planning and Development Services Manager (arrived at 4:45 p.m.) Larry Vogel, Vice Chair Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services Jennifer Anttila Sue Bauer COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Christine Deiner-Karr Daniel Kerege (resigned) Steve Waite Alan Macfarlane (excused) Eric Norenberg Michael Plunkett READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER ANTTILA MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 2009 AS CORRECTED. COMMISSIONER NORENBERG SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The Commission modified their agenda to add the following items: • A discussion about filling the Commission position left vacant by the resignation of Commissioner Kerege. • A discussion regarding a meeting Chair Eccleshall had with Fred Bell, President of the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society, regarding plaque ideas. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience who expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioners Bauer, Norenberg and Anttila reported that the Registration Committee met to discuss ideas for advising property owners on plaque placement, but they did not come to any set conclusions. They talked about alternative methods and guidelines for mounting and displaying the plaques. They are moving towards producing a piece of advisement literature, which could be later incorporated into a "guide to historic property." The Commission agreed the literature should be in the form of guidelines rather than requirements. The Committee agreed to prepare a draft proposal for the Commission's consideration in October. Education and Outreach Committee Vice Chair Vogel reported that a plaque is scheduled to be placed on the bank building on Wednesday, September 16th, and the Mayor has agreed to attend the event. A press release was just issued, and he distributed copies amongst the group. THE EDMONDS ENTERPRISE indicated they would not send a reporter to the event, but they asked him to submit information to run as a story. Commissioner Eccleshall suggested the Commission provide the newspaper with a list of the properties that have been added to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places in 2009. They currently have 11 properties on the Register, and two more are in the process of being added. Commissioner Vogel said he would also forward a copy of the recent edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. Vice Chair Vogel reported that the last edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST has been published. Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the Commission purchase a case of high -quality white paper, and City Staff could copy future editions to save on printing costs. The Commission shared ideas for distributing the document, including the senior center, the museum, the library, the Chamber of Commerce, city offices, etc. Commissioner Vogel advised that he sent the photographs and copy to the local newspapers, as well. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to establish a mailing list of people and organizations who want to receive copies of Commission's press releases, newsletters, updates, etc. via email. It was noted the information is already posted on the Commission's website. Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact Fred Bell, President of the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society, to invite their members to add their names to the mailing list. Preservation Planning Committee Commissioner Waite reported that the Preservation Planning Committee discussed that incentives are somewhat limited and most people will be on the Register out of a sense of pride and community. They suggested the Commission create a website or forum for property owners on the Register to talk to each other about issues such as renovation, etc. The Commission agreed that would be a great idea. Vice Chair Vogel agreed to research ideas and present information to the Commission at their next meeting. OTHER REPORTS Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Macfarlane was not present to report on behalf of the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society. NEW BUSINESS Registry Incentives Used by Successful Cities The Commission discussed an incentive that would allow the City to purchase the fagade of a building to protect its historic character. In exchange, the property owner would receive a large, one-time tax relief. Property owners would be allowed to modernize and make changes to the buildings behind the fagade, as long as the historic character of the fagade was maintained. The Commission discussed potential incentives that offer permit fee relief and expedite the permitting process. They also discussed the idea of offering some relief from building code requirements. Commissioner Waite cautioned that the City Council generally cannot approve incentives that offer relief from the building code requirements, but they do have discretion to offer relief from zoning code requirements. Mr. Chave encouraged the Commission to have a discussion with Building Division staff to clarify what the City can and cannot do in regard to building code relief. The Preservation Planning and Registration Committees agreed to meet during the month to have a deeper discussion regarding incentives that might be advantageous for the Commission to pursue and how to go about implementing the concepts. They agreed to meet with staff following their meeting, and then report back to the Commission in October. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 10, 2009 Page 2 Ideas for Expanding the BOLA Report Chair Eccleshal suggested the idea of approaching the project in house, without additional grant funding. The City could be divided into areas, and each Commissioner could be assigned an area to investigate and identify properties that might be qualified for the Register. Once completed, the Commission could determine whether or not the list is sufficient. If not, the list could be forwarded to a professional consultant for further research. Commissioner Deiner-Karr cautioned that it is easy to identify historic properties, but it is more difficult to complete the historical research. It was discussed that the BOLA Report was meticulous and thorough and complied with the national standards, which would be a difficult task for the Commission to complete in house. However, they agreed they could at least provide a list of prime candidates for the consultants to begin their work. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate for them to complete as much of the work as possible in house. If additional work is needed, the Commission could seek grant funding to hire a consultant. It was suggested that perhaps the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society should be invited to partner with the Commission to complete the project. The Planning Committee agreed to prepare a map that divides the City into sections. At their next meeting, Commissioners could be assigned areas to research. They agreed their short term goal should be to create a list of properties that are historically significant and should be researched further by a consultant to expand the existing survey. The ultimate goal is to expand the Register. Commissioner Bauer suggested the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST could invite citizens to contact Commissioners if they want to nominate a property for the Register or add a property to the survey. They could also place advertisements in the local newspapers. Commissioner Definer -Karr reminded the Commission that the deadline for submitting applications for grant funding in 2010 is fast approaching. Mr. Chave explained the process for submitting grant applications, and the Commission agreed to discuss potential projects and grant opportunities at their next meeting. Historic Overlay Zone/Everett Historic Overlay Neighborhoods Chair Eccleshall referred to the draft letter he prepared for property owners on 4th Avenue to make them aware of the Historic Overlay opportunity and invite them to share their thoughts at a public meeting in early 2010. The Commission agreed the letter would be appropriate and should make it clear that it is up to the property owners to decide how far they want to go with the concept. They further agreed the letter should clearly explain the benefits of a historic overlay. They discussed that providing concrete examples to illustrate the advantages would be helpful, as well. Chair Eccleshall encouraged the Commissioners to review the Everett Historic Overlay documentation and be prepared to discuss it at their October 8th meeting. At that time, the Commission could discuss the process for moving the concept further, including a letter to 4th Avenue property owners and scheduling and preparing for a public meeting. Continued Discussion of Boundaries for 41h Avenue Area Historic Overlay and How to Proceed The Commission discussed potential boundaries for a 4th Avenue Historic Overlay. They agreed that the initial proposal should limit the area to the properties that are part of the 4"' Avenue Corridor, as well as the two properties on the end. They recognized that the area could be potentially be expanded if property owners outside the boundary express an interest. Discussion of Recruitment Strategy for the Register The Registration Committee agreed to discuss this issue at their meeting later in the month and report back to the Commission in October. Discussion of Vacant Commission Position Chair Eccleshall announced that Commissioner Kerege has resigned his position on the Commission. He expressed appreciation for Commissioner Kerege's time and effort, and he said his insight, energy and humor would be missed. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 10, 2009 Page 3 The Commission discussed the process for filling the vacant position, and Commissioners were invited to encourage potential candidates to submit applications. A Discussion Regarding Plaque Ideas The Commission discussed the idea of working together with the Museum to identify how their plaque program and the Commission's plaque program could compliment each other. It was noted that the Commission's plaques are like a "badge of honor" and the Museum's plaques provide more information about the history of the buildings. Properties that join the Edmonds Register of Historic Places could be eligible for a descriptive plaque from the Museum, as well, but this would be subject to the Museum's review. The Commission agreed the idea is intriguing and useful. However, they emphasized the importance of also maintaining a clear separation between the two groups, which are two distinct bodies with different responsibilities. Chair Eccleshall agreed to further define the concept and present it for continued Commission review in the future. Commissioner Anttila inquired if plaques for Brackett's Landing, the Edmonds Cemetery and the Log Cabin have been installed. Ms. Cunningham answered that a plaque has been placed on the Log Cabin, and the Edmonds Cemetery plaque is ready for installation. Commissioner Anttila suggested that a press release be published to announce the plaque installations. Chair Eccleshall recalled the Commission previously agreed to put together a press package with all of the properties that have been registered thus far in 2009. Commissioner Anttila suggested the headline of the press release should read, "I I and counting." ACTION ITEMS The Preservationist Chair Eccleshall commended Vice Chair Vogel for doing a great job of preparing THE PRESERVATIONIST in final form for publication. He reported that the next edition would feature the Railroad Foreman's home. He invited Commissioners to share their ideas for properties to feature in upcoming editions. Vice Chair Vogel announced that the Commission's website has been updated. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Eccleshall thanked the Commissioners for their continued energy. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Vice Chair Vogel suggested that as many Commissioners as possible should the Edmonds Bank Building plaque ceremony September 16t' at 10:00 a.m. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:59 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 10, 2009 Page 4