2020-07-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL VIRTUAL MEETING
July 9, 2020
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Scott called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Emily Scott, Chair
Kate Kelly, Vice Chair
Chris Deiner-Karr
Tim Raetzloff
David Preston
Emily Scott
Larry Vogel (arrived at 5:45 p.m.)
Steve Waite
Kristiana Johnson, Edmonds City Council
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
OTHERS PRESENT
Approval of the May 14, 2020 minutes was postponed until the next meeting.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The agenda was adjusted to add an update on the historic marker at Salish Crossing. The remainder of the agenda was
accepted as presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There were no audience comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Historic Signau at Salish Crossing
Council Member Johnston recalled that at an earlier meeting, the Commissioners voiced concern about a City -funded non -
historic marker that was proposed for the Salish Crossing property. They also questioned their ability to provide input.
While the City Council had voted not to fund the marker in the 2020 budget, Council Member Laura Johnson has asked that
the City Council reconsider its earlier decision.
Based on her review of Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 10.90.040, which itemizes the powers and duties
of the Historic Preservation Commission, Council Member Johnson expressed her belief that no code changes are necessary
and the Commission already has the authority to provide input should the marker project move forward.
Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes of Special Virtual Meeting
July 9, 2020
Chair Scott recalled that they previously discussed this issue and decided against providing input for a marker on property
that is neither owned by the City nor on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. They also voiced concern that the historic
feature at Salish Crossing is not in its original location. While the Commission supports research and historic signage for
historic objects, features and buildings in the City, they decided that the marker would fall under the purview of the Edmonds
Historic Museum.
Vice Chair Kelly recalled that the Commission voiced support for City Council Member Teitzel's proposal for a marker at
Salish Crossing, and she was working with Frances Chapin to develop text for the marker when funding for the project was
removed from the 2020 budget.
Commissioner Waite cautioned that when considering any code changes to the Commission's enabling legislation (ECDC
10.90.040), the City Attorney must understand the Commission's obligations as a Certified Local Government, as well as its
obligations to the State Historic Preservation Office, the Department of Interior Standards, etc. Mr. Chave clarified that the
City Attorney is not recommending any changes to the ordinance at this time.
The Commission confirmed their previous decision. If money is reallocated to the project, Commissioner Kelly, on behalf of
the Edmonds Historic Museum, would continue to work with Ms. Chapin to move the project forward. Council Member
Johnson agreed to provide an update at the next Commission Meeting, and Chair Scott asked her to provide the
Commissioners with supplemental information to help them better understand what is going on.
Historic Walking Tours of Downtown Edmonds
Commissioner Vogel announced that the City Council has extended the closure of Main Street on weekends to help the local
businesses accommodate patrons in a safe manner during the pandemic. Main Street is the historic core of downtown, and
the closure might help foster more appreciation for it. He suggested that perhaps historic walking tours of the downtown
could be offered on weekends, as well. Chair Scott noted that a digital version of the walking tour is available on the City's
website. However, many of the locations where the pamphlets were distributed are currently closed. Commissioner Kelly
agreed to make copies of the pamphlet available at the Museum's summer market.
The Commissioners discussed updating the walking tour pamphlet. Chair Scott agreed to email the Commissioners a copy of
the current walking tour brochure. She invited them to review it and provide input on potential changes and additions.
Commissioners Kelly, Waite and Vogel agreed to take the lead on this project.
Edmonds Register of Historic Places Information Packets
Commissioner Preston requested information packets to distribute to owners of potential properties for the Register. Chair
Scott agreed to get packets to Commissioners Preston and Deiner-Karr.
2021 Historic Calendar
The Commission had a brief discussion about creating a 2021 Historic Calendar. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to begin
the project, and Chair Scott agreed to send her the template that was used for the 2020 calendar.
Chair Scott asked if the calendars from previous years could be available on the City's website in PDF format for people to
download. Mr. Chave said he would look into this option and report back. Commissioner Vogel cautioned that some of the
photographs used in the calendars belong to the Edmonds Historic Museum, and Commissioner Kelly didn't think there
would be a problem as long as the photos are available in low -resolution rather than publication quality. Mr. Chave added
that a copyright notice could be added, as well. Mr. Chave and Chair Scott agreed to work together on this effort.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
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ACTION ITEMS
There were no action items.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott didn't have any additional comments.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Council Member Johnson announced that the City Council earmarked funding for students to do some historic research, but
this will likely be postponed due to the pandemic. Mr. Chave agreed that the project has been put on hold, and Council
Member Johnson added that the funding might be carried over into 2021.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
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