2020-08-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING
August 13, 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. She read the
Commission's Mission Statement as follows:
Promote historic preservation and encourage the owners of historically significant properties to voluntarily add them to the
Edmonds Register of Historic Places in order to raise awareness and appreciation of local history.
Emily Scott, Chair
Tim Raetzloff
David Preston
Larry Vogel
Steve Waite
Kristiana Johnson, Edmonds City Council
Laura Johnson, Edmonds City Council
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Kate Kelly, Vice Chair (excused)
Chris Definer -Karr
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
COMMISSIONER VOGEL MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2020 BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED.
COMMISSIONER RAETZLOFF SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The agenda was amended to add "Preservation Tool Kit" under New Business. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as
presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There were no audience comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Preservation Tool Kit
Chair Scott advised that Commissioner Kelly, who is also the Director of the Edmonds Historic Museum, is currently
working on her Masters Degree, which has topics tied to historic preservation and architecture. She has requested the
Commission's expertise as she works to prepare a Preservation Tool Kit that will help educate and outreach to the
community on historic preservation matters. Chair Scott expressed her belief that the project is good timing, given the recent
comments in the community about the importance of historic buildings and the cost of their upkeep. The toolkit would be
available to the public in a user-friendly format. As the project proceeds, Commissioner Kelly will be attending City Council
meetings to bring the idea forward to the larger public, and she will want to talk with the Commissioners as a group or
individually to solicit feedback, as well.
Update on Historic Signage at Salish Crossin
Council Member Johnson reported that when the City Council discussed extending the 2019 budget into 2020, it decided not
to spend $5,000 of City money on the Salish Crossing Portico Information Panel. At this time, she isn't sure why the Salish
Crossing Portico is on the City Council's extended agenda for additional discussion. She sent a memorandum to the Council
President, but hasn't heard back. She requested that the Commissioners receive a copy of the agenda packet, and she will
request that that the agenda item be carried over until the Historic Preservation Commission has had a chance to review the
information.
Council Member Johnson briefly reviewed the history of the Planning Commission and City Council discussions relating to
the Salish Crossing Portico Project, noting that Mr. Chave recently provided the Commissioners with excerpts from the
discussions that have occurred to date. She recalled that the Commission agreed it was outside of its jurisdiction to be
involved in the project.
Chair Scott summarized that the Commission's role in the project has been sufficiently covered. They are well aware of the
background of the project. Although the portico is not eligible for the Register, the Commission agreed to provide feedback
for the project. Commissioner Kelly has been working with Francis Chapin to draft the sign content to ensure accuracy. Her
understanding is that they will continue to help create content for the sign if the funding is restored.
ACTION ITEMS
Historic Walking Tours of Downtown Edmonds
Due to the pandemic, the Commissioners agreed to postpone this discussion to a later date.
Posting Old Historic Calendar Files On Line
Mr. Chave said it is possible to post the old Historic Calendar files online. However, it becomes a bit more complicated as
City is currently updating its website. He agreed to post one calendar file on the Commission's web page by the next
meeting.
Edmonds Register of Historic Places Information Packets
Chair Scott advised that her office is still closed for the pandemic, so she hasn't had access to a copier to create the packets.
Mr. Chave offered staff s help and City equipment to prepare the packets. Commissioner Preston suggested that the
information and application packets could be made available electronically, as well.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott announced she would attend the August 18' City Council Meeting to comment on upcoming events for the
Edmonds Historical Museum and to raise general awareness of the Historic Preservation Commission. She also reported that
the Summer Market will continue through October 10 ', and the Scarecrow Festival will start in September. She suggested
the Commission should participate in the event.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Preston said he supports the walking tour and other activities that raise awareness of historic preservation.
Now is a good time to figure out ways to engage more people.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
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