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