2010-02-11 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
February 11, 2010
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Eccleshall 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
Andy Eccleshall, Chair
Jennifer Anttila
Alan Macfarlane
Eric Norenberg
Larry Vogel
Steve Waite
Michael Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair (excused)
Sue Bauer (excused)
Christine Deiner-Karr (excused)
John Dewhirst (excused)
The minutes of January 14, 2010 were approved as presented.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
A discussion of the Washington Trust Most Endangered List was added to the agenda as a "New Business" item.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Chair Eccleshall reported that the Registration Committee met to put together a list of new properties the committee would
nominate for the Register (17 in total). The list would be forwarded to staff soon. At their upcoming retreat, the
Commission would discuss how to proceed with those properties that have been nominated but the property owners either
declined or did not respond. Commissioner Anttila suggested, and the remainder of the Commission concurred, that letters
sent to property owners should also contain a copy of THE PRESERVATIONIST. It was also agreed that Commissioners
Bauer and Anttila should update the letter to include a paragraph about the properties that have already been added to the
Register.
Chair Eccleshall thanked staff for obtaining a great deal on the plaques that were recently purchased.
Education and Outreach Committee
Chair Eccleshall reported that he and Vice Chair Vogel met to discuss THE PRESERVATIONIST, which is scheduled as a
discussion item later on the agenda.
Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner Waite reported that he met several times with Susan Blalock, the previous tenant of the Bettinger House, who
is interesting in using the structure for a non-profit use. He also met with the fire chief and plans examiner and was
encouraged by their positive attitude and willingness to work with him on the International existing Building Code. He said
he anticipates moving forward with a permit application in the near future. He noted that Ms. Blalock is still concerned
about the cost of the improvements necessary to obtain the required permits to change the use from residential to public. She
is currently negotiating a lease for the structure.
Commissioner Waite explained that the International existing Building Code is the easiest and best way to approach Ms.
Blalock's situation. It also better addresses the needs of historic structures. While this code would not be formally adopted
by the City until July 2010, they do have the option of using it now. He concluded that once the permits have been obtained,
Ms. Blalock's ability to raise funds for her project should improve. He advised that he would continue to help her through
the process.
Chair Eccleshall reported that the Preservation Planning Committee forwarded a requested to the City Council's Community
Services/Development Services Committee suggesting that the $625 pre -application fee be waived for properties that are on
the Register. The Committee approved the request and forwarded it to the City Council for consideration. Commissioner
Waite recalled that in the past, the Commission also requested a reduction of the permit fee for properties on the Register.
The Commission agreed they might want to follow up with this request at some point in the future.
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Macfarlane reported that the Museum has been inundated over the past month by visitors who were
particularly interested in the paper doll collection that is on display.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Retreat
Chair Eccleshall recalled the Commission previously talked about holding a retreat outside of their regular meeting to discuss
how best to move forward with the property owners that have either not responded or declined the Commission's
nominations for the Register. The Commission agreed to schedule the retreat as part of their March 1 lth meeting rather than
having a separate meeting.
Grant Discussion
Chair Eccleshall announced that the Certified Local Government (CLG) grant applications are due in April. The
Commission discussed the following options for grant funding:
• Bola Report. The Commission agreed it is important to accumulate more information about existing historic properties.
Once properties are surveyed, it is much easier to move forward with nominations, etc. They recalled previous
discussions about expanding the Bola Report beyond the bowl area.
• Literature. The Commission recalled earlier discussions about their desire to improve the quality of their literature,
particularly THE PRESERVATIONIST. They also discussed the option of creating a calendar that could be used as a
fundraiser and preparing a booklet of registered properties.
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Chair Eccleshall agreed to submit a grant application for expanding the Bola Report. He also agreed to contact the Finance
Director to locate the money that was previously raised for historic preservation activities. Council Member Plunkett agreed
to pursue the issue, as well.
Washington Trust Most Endangered List
This item was not discussed by the Commission.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Potential Property Nominations
Chair Eccleshall invited the Commissioners to identify properties they would like to add to the list of potential property
nominations. He noted one home at 645 Fir that was built in 1908 but is not on the tax map. While it is in rough shape, it
appears to be the original home. The new owner is interested in listing the property on the Register, and he offered the
Commission's assistance.
Next Steps of 4th Avenue Overlav Concept
Chair Eccleshall reminded the Commission that a tentative public meeting with the residents of 4th Avenue has been
scheduled for April 8th to describe the overlay concept and invite public feedback. Commissioner Waite pointed out that any
overlay proposal would be put forth by the residents on 4th Avenue. Its purpose would be to provide greater local control
through the creation of specific design standards for the neighborhood.
Chair Eccleshall reminded the Commission that they only have one more meeting to prepare for the public open house. He
shared a punch list he prepared of items that would be needed for the meeting. The Commissioners were assigned to work
on specific items prior to the next meeting as follows:
• Councilmember Plunkett — Oversized map of the 4th Avenue Corridor with an outline of the suggested overlay district.
• Commissioner Norenberg — Information board with a simplified explanation of what an overlay is and how it works.
• Commissioner Norenberg — Information board of design guidelines examples found in other overlays.
The Commissioners were invited to review the information related to historic overlays that was previously provided in
preparation for their continued discussion on March 11`h. It was noted that invitations for the open house would be sent out
prior to the Commission's next meeting. Ms. Cunningham agreed to locate the materials that were used at the Commission's
last open house several years ago.
ACTION ITEMS
The Preservationist
Chair Eccleshall reported that the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST is ready for publication. He agreed to provide a
ream of quality paper for staff to print the document on.
Commissioner Waite expressed concern about Item 6 on the list of benefits of being on the register. He requested more
information about the statement that there would be some protection against work undertaken on adjacent properties that
could negatively impact the registered properties. He also suggested that Item 3 on the list of benefits be reworded to
provide clarification about what is meant by "eligible to undertake non -conforming building restoration." The Commission
agreed it would be appropriate to replace this section with the list of "established benefits" for this edition. Chair Eccleshall
agreed to request an explanation from Commissioner Bauer regarding Items 3 and 6.
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BROCHURE UPDATES
Ms. Cunningham announced that the City is in the process of updating their various brochures, including the one related to
historic preservation. The Commission offered their permission for staff to review and update the document. Commissioner
Waite agreed to review the document once it has been updated by staff.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Eccleshall did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None of the Commissioner provided comments during this portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
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