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2010-05-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES May 13, 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 3' Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 51h Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Andy Eccleshall, Chair Larry Vogel, Vice Chair Jennifer Anttila Sue Bauer John Dewhirst Alan Macfarlane Steve Waite READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Christine Deiner-Karr (excused) Eric Norenberg (excused) Michael Plunkett CHAIR ECCLESHALL MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 2010. COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was changed to add discussions about Historic Preservation Commission Funds and Grant Applications. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FUNDS Mr. Chave explained that there is not a separate fund for donations to the Historic Preservation Commission. All funds donated to the City are comingled, so it is necessary for the Commission to carefully track their donations. He summarized that all funds have been accounted for, and there is $690 remaining in the account. Mr. Chave reminded the Commission that the funds were solicited specifically for the tour guide and brochure. Since that project has been closed, the Commission must take formal action to use the balance of the funds for something else. UPDATE ON GRANT APPLICATIONS Mr. Chave reported that the Commission's grant application was submitted on time. The State indicated they have applications for about $220,000, and they have about $90,000 to award. While the process will be competitive, he is optimistic the Commission's request will be granted. He reminded the Commission that they have already identified properties that should be included in the expanded Historic Survey, and this should save the consultant some time. The Commissioners were encouraged to complete their assignments. The next step would be to hold a work session to organize the information they have collected. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioner Anttila reported that the letter template was revised to make it more personal. She noted that the last paragraph of each letter would be personalized for the individual properties, and she agreed to supply the personalized paragraphs for each of the letters that are ready to be sent out. Chair Eccleshall said the Registration Committee has agreed to personally contact each of the property owners who have not responded to the nomination letters and offer their assistance as well as more information. He said he was able to talk to one property owner out of the seven on his list, the Schumacher Building at 316 Main Street (Chantrelle's), who expressed a desire to move forward with the nomination. He had a brief discussion with her about the benefits of being on the Register. Chair Eccleshall referred to the website, which lists the benefits of being on the Register. He noted that in order to qualify for the special tax exemption, renovations to the property have to reach 25% of the assessed value within two years of the application. The Commission agreed that the language should be changed to clarify when the two-year period would be measured. Commissioner Bauer agreed to seek clarification from the Snohomish County Assessor's Office. Commissioner Waite noted there is another tax exemption that does not require a property to be listed on any register, and he agreed to locate more specific information. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Eccleshall said the Education and Outreach Committee met to discuss opportunities for public outreach and fundraising. Commissioner Dewhirst reported that the committee identified the basic goal of "increasing awareness in the community and raising funds for future activities." They brainstormed ideas such as participating in the summer market, arts festival and waterfront festival to distribute information about historic preservation and perhaps sell items to fund their programs. They also discussed the idea of publishing a calendar or a book about historic properties. The idea was to start by making a list of approximately 30 properties or sites that could be included in the calendar. The Commissioners would then be assigned to collect information, develop graphics and layouts and solicit sponsors. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to obtain a booth at the Summer Market in July. Information regarding historic preservation could be distributed by the Commissioners. Chair Eccleshall agreed to provide artwork that could be sold at the booth as a fundraiser. It would also be appropriate to solicit donations from the community. It was noted that the calendar would not be ready in time for the Summer Market. The Walking Tour Brochure must be updated before it is reprinted so it will not be available to distribute at the Summer Market, either. However, the Commission agreed to prepare an 8" x I I" black and white handout of properties that are part of the walking tour. The following assignments were made: • Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society to arrange a booth for the Commission during the month of July. • Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact Strom Peterson about the possibility of participating in the re -useable shopping bag program. • Chair Eccleshall agreed to prepare some artwork that could be sold and/or raffled off. • Commissioner Antilla agreed to obtain price information for reprinting the postcards to sale at the booth. • Ms. Cunningham agreed to prepare a one -page walking tour handout for the Commission's review at their next meeting. The Commission discussed the need to update and reprint the Walking Tour Brochure. It was noted that the last brochure was funded by donations from local businesses, who were recognized on the brochure. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to approach local businesses with a request to fund the updated brochure, as well. Ms. Cunningham agreed to solicit bids for reprinting the brochure. Preservation Planning Committee Commissioner Waite reported that he spoke with Sue Blalock, who asked if the potential new tenant of the Bettinger House at 555 Main Street would have to meet the same requirements that were placed on her. He assured her that any tenant would be required to go through the same process. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 Page 2 OTHER REPORTS Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Macfarlane invited the Commissioners to visit the Museum to see the fantastic Indian carving display, which will be in place through October 31 s1. He said it is the best exhibit the Museum has had in years. They are also doing preservation of the fire truck. Commissioner Macfarlane reported that the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society is considering the option of producing sets of Historic Edmonds playing cards as a fundraiser. The cards would be high quality, and would feature historic scenes on the back. The full cost of printing 1,000 decks would be $4,400. If the Commission were to pay half this cost, they would receive 500 decks that could be sold to raise funds for their programs. He pointed out that many organizations sell calendars, but they go out of date quickly. Playing cards would not run out of date. The Commission discussed the idea but agreed they are not in a financial position to participate in the fundraiser at this time. s i *1i'/311.`IMM*R Discussion of a Retreat Date for Calendar Development and Potential Properties for Nomination Chair Eccleshall referred the Commissioners to the list of properties that could be included on the calendar. He suggested the Commission narrow the list down to 18 properties, and then start gathering information on each one. In addition to historic structures, the Commission agreed it would also be appropriate to include photographs of historic sites, events, and people such as: the City Park Band on the maiden voyage of the ferry, the Yost Waterway Wier, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe retaining wall, orchards and farmhouses, waterfront pilings, and Native American fishing grounds. The Commissioners agreed to jot down their ideas over the next few weeks and try to locate photograph references for each one. They further agreed to consider the ideas at their next meeting and select a collection of images for the calendar. From there, more specific assignments could be made to move the project forward. Chair Eccleshall advised that the Commission would have further discussion regarding calendar development at a future retreat, which would be scheduled at the next meeting. Discussion on Possible Invitation to Stephen Day, Seattle Attorney and Architect Regarding Historic Preservation Incentives The Commission discussed the idea of extending an invitation to Stephen Day, Seattle Attorney and Architect who specializes in historic preservation incentives. The fee for his service would be $300. They discussed the importance of educating themselves on various issues and processes that will come before them, such as the process and criteria for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness. They must also have a clear understanding of the potential incentives and which properties are eligible. It was noted that the State has been unable to provide information specific to an easement incentive program, and Mr. Day has expertise in this area. They emphasized that the meeting would be open to the public, and property owners who might be interested in historic preservation incentives such as easements would be invited to attend. They agreed to postpone their decision and discuss the issue further at their next meeting. Chair Eccleshall agreed to contact Council Member Plunkett to discuss the idea of approaching the City Council for additional funding for the Commission. Vote to Shelve the Overlay Proiect and Cancel Date of Public Meeting Chair Eccleshall reminded the Commission that at their last meeting, they agreed to refocus their efforts, and postpone further work on the historic overlay project. CHAIR ECCLESHALL MOVED THE COMMISSION SHELVE THE HISTORIC OVERLAY PROJECT AND CANCEL THE DATE FOR THE PUBLIC MEETING. VICE CHAIR VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ACTION ITEMS Potential Property Nominations Chair Eccleshall advised that there are no new potential property nominations at this point. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 Page 3 Updates to Historic Inventory It was noted that the Historic Inventory should be updated to indicate that the Railroad Foreman's House was moved to its current location in 1978. The Bola Report indicates that the move took place in 2002. Ms. Cunningham said that when updates are made to the Historic Inventory in the future, Mr. Chave would like the Commissioners to provide evidence to support the change. The Commission should review the evidence and decide whether a change is warranted. Commissioner Bauer agreed to create a short form that could be used for changes to the Historic Inventory. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS The Preservationist Vice Chair Vogel reported that they had planned to feature the Boys/Girls Club in the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. However, they have been unable to obtain sufficient information to date. If their efforts are not successful, they may feature the Schumacher Building at 316 Main Street, if the property owner is interested. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Vice Chair Vogel pointed out that when the new format for the Commission's website was applied, some of the type came out very small. He said he would correct the situation within the next few days. Commissioner Waite suggested the Commission consider featuring a "Commissioner of the Month" on the website to provide information about the individual Commissioners. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to review their by-laws and consider placing a limit on the number of meetings a Commissioner can miss in a year. It was pointed out that when members are unable to attend meetings, it slows down the Commission's progress. Ms. Cunningham noted that City's Municipal Code may already address this issue, and she agreed to research the code and provide additional information. The Commission agreed to discuss the issue further at their next meeting. Ms. Cunningham provided each Commissioner with a poster created by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 Page 4