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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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2020 Page 2 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. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 9, 2020 Page 3