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2010-01-14 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES January 14, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Eccleshall called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5`h Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Andy Eccleshall, Chair Larry Vogel, Vice Chair Jennifer Anttila Sue Bauer John Dewhirst Alan Macfarlane Michael Plunkett COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Christine Deiner-Karr (excused) Steve Waite (excused) Eric Norenberg (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services GUESTS Janice Kagley Lionel Kagley COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 2009 AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Jan Kagley advised that she and her husband, Lionel, purchased a home three years ago at 702 — 9th Avenue North, which was built in 1912. While they love their home, substantial remodeling was done before they moved in, and they are not sure the home would even qualify for the Register. Chair Eccleshall indicated that he and Commissioner Waite would conduct a site visit. If the property is deemed eligible, they would forward the application forms to the Kagleys. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioner Bauer reported that the Registration Committee is tentatively scheduled to meet on January 21st. She also distributed a document outlining the benefits and obligations of the local, State and National Registers. She invited the Commissioners to review the document and recommend additional items that should be included. She expressed her belief that it is important for each Commissioner to be knowledgeable about the benefits and obligations of being on a Register. Commissioner Dewhirst suggested that a column be added to describe the types of properties that would qualify for the Register. Commissioner Bauer agreed to consider potential language to address this issue. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Eccleshal reported that he and Chair Vogel visited the properties where plaques were recently placed, and photographs of the events were published in the December 29th issue of THE EDMONDS BEACON. He noted there are currently 13 properties on the Register. The newspaper article has resulted in several inquiries. Chair Eccleshall reported that the Commission obtained twelve additional plaques, which should be sufficient for 2010. The plaques were purchased by the Planning Department at the end of 2009. He also expressed a continued interest in meeting with a representative from the Finance Department in an attempt to locate the funds (about $2,500) that were raised previously by the Commission. Council Member Plunkett agreed to pursue the issue, as well. Commissioner Bauer said Ms. Cunningham provided her with a copy of the entire Bola Report. She suggested Commissioners contact her rather than staff for excerpts from the document. She indicated she would bring the document to future meetings for reference. Chair Eccleshall cautioned that some of the facts in the report are not accurate and should be checked before they are used in press releases and THE PRESERVATIONIST. Preservation Planning Committee Chair Eccleshall invited Commissioner Dewhirst to become part of the Preservation Planning Committee where he background in planning would be valuable. Chair Eccleshall recalled that last year the Commission discussed a proposal that would offer relief from permit fees for properties on the Register. He questioned the best way to move the item forward. Mr. Chave recommended the proposal be forwarded to the City Council's Development Services Committee for review, and Ms. Cunningham agreed to schedule it on their agenda. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Macfarlane announced that the current exhibit at the Museum is Nan Moorehead's collection of "Vintage Paper Dolls" from the late 19th Century. He also announced that the Museum's new model train should be in operation by early February. In addition, he reported that Laura Hall is the Society's newest board member. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Retreat The Commission discussed potential dates and locations for their upcoming retreat. Commissioner Anttila volunteered her home for the meeting. Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact the Commissioners via email regarding available dates and times. A date would be set at the next meeting. The Commission recalled that the purpose of the retreat is to discuss how best to approach owners of properties that are eligible for the Register who have not responded to the Commission's previous contacts. Commission Calendar and Fund Raising Ideas Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 14, 2010 Page 2 Chair Eccleshall recalled that at their last meeting, the Commission discussed Commissioner Norenberg's proposal that the Commission put together a calendar that identifies all of the local events that are coming up, as well as information about things that happened on specific dates in Edmonds. The images on the calendar would be the properties on the Register, and perhaps the property owners would be interested in sponsoring their own pages of the calendar. The calendar could be sold to raise funds for the Commission's on -going work. The Commission agreed it would be worthwhile to pursue the calendar concept. Commissioner Bauer recalled that at the last meeting she pointed out that Section 5 of the Commission's Bylaws implies that one member of the Commission would sit in on Architectural Design Board (ADB) meetings when properties on the Register or properties adjacent to them are under review. Mr. Chave said his interpretation of the bylaws is that the Commission would discuss the proposals and submit their written comments to the ADB for consideration during their review. A member of the Commission could also testify at the public hearing before the ADB. Commissioner Bauer suggested a process be established for informing the Commission well before a proposal goes before the ADB so there is ample time for them to review the proposal and prepare a response. Mr. Chave said staff could notify the Commission as soon as an application has been submitted for properties on the Register or adjacent properties. He noted that the SEPA process includes questions about historic properties, as well. Ms. Cunningham agreed to email future ADB and Hearing Examiner agendas to the Commission Members. Potential Prouerty Nominations Chair Eccleshall recalled that at the last meeting, it was suggested the Commissioners review the Bola Survey properties and identify those they want to pursue in their next round of nominations. He reported that he was contacted by an owner of property in Edmonds that used to be the gardner's home for the historic Edmonds Arboretum. She is interested in nominating the property for the Register. He suggested the Registration Committee identify a list of properties to move forward at their next meeting. He invited input from the other Commissioners, as well. Bola Expansion Chair Eccleshall encouraged each of the Commissioners to finish their task of identifying all of the historic properties located on the maps they each received. Next Steps of 4th Avenue Overlav Concept Chair Eccleshall reported that the Commission has received four responses to the letter they sent to property owners on 4th Avenue. He said it is important that the Commission remain firm in their position that they are not attempting to push the concept forward. Instead, they are offering their help if the residents are interested. Chair Eccleshall advised that the new 4th Avenue Overlay Committee met to establish an action item list to move the process forward and identify a date for an open house. A public presentation would be provided to explain the benefits of an overlay and gauge the residents' support for the concept. CHAIR ECCLESHALL MOVED THE COMMISSION SCHEDULE A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE TO DISCUSS THE 4TH AVENUE OVERLAY CONCEPT ON APRIL 8, 2010 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BRACKETT ROOM, FOLLOWED BY A FORMAL PRESENTATION AT 7:00 P.M. VICE CHAIR VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Dewhirst suggested that members of the Planning Board and City Council should be invited to attend the meeting, as well, and the majority of the Commissioners concurred. They also agreed to send invitations to property owners of 4th Avenue and advertise the event in the local newspapers. The Commission emphasized that the public meeting would Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 14, 2010 Page 3 be informational in nature, and the Commission would offer their help if the property owners express an interest in pursuing the concept. ACTION ITEMS The Preservationist Vice Chair Vogel reported that the Education and Outreach Committee is still working on the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST, which will feature the Railroad Foreman's House. Chair Eccleshall and Vice Chair Vogel agreed to meet and finalize the document as soon as possible. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Eccleshall advised that a designer colleague who works for a company that reuses materials from old houses that are being torn apart. He suggested this company be added to the Commission's contact list. While the Commission cannot promote specific companies, he questioned if it would be possible to establish a resource center on the website for owners of historic properties. Council Member Plunkett suggested he contact Mr. Clifton for clarification about the City's policy. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Bauer pointed out that Section 6 of the Commission's Bylaws states that now that the City is a Certified Local Government they should be conducting reviews for the National Historic Register. She asked how the Commission could find more information about how this provision should be applied. Mr. Chave pointed out that all of the properties on the National Register are also on the local Register. Therefore, any changes would require Commission review. Commissioner Bauer said the Bylaws also imply that the Commission would be part of the review process for properties within Edmonds that are seeking to be included on the National Register. She agreed to seek additional clarification from staff. Commissioner Dewhirst asked about the changes that are proposed for the railroad station property, which are scheduled to start later in 2010. Chair Eccleshall reported that he attempted to contact the appropriate individuals to nominate the property for the Register, but he received no response back. He noted that the property was surveyed in the Bola Report. He particularly noted the back portion of the building which house a model train layout that is absolutely amazing. He advised that the public can visit the model train on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m Commissioner Anttila questioned what is planned for the vacant property where the Old Milltown Gazebo was previously located. Council Member Plunkett answered that the site would be developed as a garden area that is maintained by the Edmonds Garden Club. Commissioner Anttila also expressed concern about the vacant space that is currently available at the Old Milltown Building. It was noted that a restaurant is attempting to locate on the bottom floor of the building. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 14, 2010 Page 4