2010-04-08 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
April 8, 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 — 5th Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Andy Eccleshall, Chair
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Jennifer Anttila
John Dewhirst
Alan Macfarlane
Steve Waite
Council Member Plunkett
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Sue Bauer (excused)
Christine Deiner-Karr (excused)
Eric Norenberg (excused)
No minutes were prepared for the March 11, 2010 meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
A discussion about calendar pricing was added to the agenda under New Business. The remainder of the agenda was
approved as presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Chair Eccleshall reported that the Commission received two positive responses from the letters they sent out. The owner of
the house across the street from the Bettinger House on Main Street indicated they would be interested in placing their
property on the Register at some point in the future, but not now. The Edmonds School District also responded that they are
interested in placing the Boys and Girls Club Structure on the Register, but not now. They also received a negative response
from one property owner on Main Street.
The Commission agreed the letter template should be revised by removing the deadline for property owners to respond.
They directed the Registration Committee to review the letter again. It was suggested that the letter is too formal, and could
be made more appealing to property owners. They agreed it would be appropriate to continue to enclose in each of the
letters the latest copy of THE PRESERVATIONIST and other favorable articles related to Historic Preservation in Edmonds.
An updated letter would be presented for Commission review on May 13th
Education and Outreach Committee
Vice Chair Vogel advised that the latest edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST was revised and distributed. The property
owner wanted to be included in the picture that was taken of the structure, and the dates had to be corrected, as well. He
agreed to forward the correct dates to Ms. Cunningham so the BOLA Report could be updated.
The Commission decided that the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST should feature an article on the Boys and Girls
Club.
Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner Waite reported that he was nearly finished preparing the planning document related to the Bettinger House,
and Susan Blalock also has some work to accomplish. He said he hopes to have the work done by the end of April.
OTHER REPORTS
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Macfarlane announced that the current exhibit at the Museum is titled, "A Tribute to Pacific Northwest Native
Art and other Cultural Influences. It will feature the world class artistry and carving of local wood carver, Richard Brown.
There will be totem poles, demonstrations and musical guests throughout the exhibit, which will be open Wednesday through
Sunday every week throughout the end of the summer.
Commissioner Waite announced that the City Council passed a resolution to fund the exterior repairs of the Museum. He
expressed concern that the project be done correctly by specialists who are familiar with historic mortars. He said he would
follow up with staff to discuss the specifications of the project.
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Grant Application
Mr. Chave announced that the grant application is due by the end of April, and should be ready for submittal within the next
week. Chair Eccleshall reminded the Commission that the grant application is to expand the BOLA Report.
Pricing of New Calendar
Commissioner Anttila provided an example of what a Historic Preservation Calendar might look like. If the calendar is
printed on a thicker paper, the cost would be about $2,200 for 250 full -color calendars. A slightly thinner paper would cost
$2,180 for the same number. 2,500 calendars on the thicker stock paper would be about $3,200. The Commission noted that
the intent is to sell the calendars as a fundraiser. This project could also help raise community awareness for historic
preservation.
The Commissioner discussed various options for funding the calendar project, such as selling opportunities for businesses to
advertise on the calendar. They agreed to discuss additional ideas at their retreat.
Possible Invitation to Stephen Day, Seattle Attorney and Architect, Regarding Historic Preservation Incentives
Discussion of this item was postponed until Commissioner Bauer was present to share applicable information.
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Final Clarification of Reviewing Adiacent Properties to Historic Homes
Chair Eccleshall recalled that Commissioner Bauer raised the idea of creating an incentive that would allow owners of
properties on the Register to have some say about what happens on adjacent properties. Commissioner Waite cautioned that
this type of incentive would not be possible unless the property is located within a historic district or overlay. Commissioner
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April 8, 2010 Page 2
Dewhirst and Mr. Chave concurred. The Commission agreed to postpone further discussion until the next meeting when
Commissioner Bauer was present to explain the concept further.
Discussion of Fundraising Options
Commissioner Dewhirst recalled the Commission previously held a brainstorming discussion about fundraising ideas. The
idea was to create a calendar, a book or some other item to sell as a fundraiser. The item could also be used to educate the
public about historic preservation. They also discussed the potential of setting up a table during the Summer Market or the
Edmonds Arts Festival to provide information about historic preservation and collect donations.
The Commission agreed it would be worthwhile to explore these options again at their next meeting, recognizing it would
require an additional time commitment from the Commissioners. A group of Commissioners would meet prior to the next
meeting to brainstorm ideas for the Commission to consider. Council Member Plunkett agreed to attempt to locate the funds
that were previously donated to the Historic Preservation Commission by businesses and citizens in the community. They
agreed the City should reimburse the Commission if the money cannot be found.
Distribution of Existing Brochures
Mr. Chave noted there are a few boxes of existing brochures that need to be distributed. The Commissioners agreed to
distribute the brochures at various businesses throughout the community.
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Potential Property Nominations
Prior to the next meeting, the Registration Committee agreed to personally contact the property owners who have indicated
an interest in placing their properties on the Register.
Commissioner Dewhirst asked if the Frances Anderson Center and the Edmonds Center for the Arts Building have been
considered for inclusion on the Register. Chair Eccleshall answered that Commissioner Deiner-Karr is in the process of
completing the paperwork for the Frances Anderson Center. The Edmonds Center for the Arts Building was nominated, but
the owner, the Public Facilities District, has not responded. The Registration Committee was asked to contact the property
owner prior to the next meeting. The Commission agreed to continue to pursue all the public structures that quality for the
Register.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Eccleshall said his personal situation has recently changed, and he is concerned about not being able to give his
position as Chair of the Commission the attention it needs to move projects forward. He suggested that perhaps another
Commissioner could step up for a time. The Commission discussed that perhaps they have taken on too many projects at the
same time. They agreed it would be appropriate to have a discussion at their retreat to identify the Commission's priorities
and then focus their energies on accomplishing these goals.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
None of the Commissioners provided additional comments during this portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:30.
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