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2021-06-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF VIRTUAL MEETING June 10, 2021 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Commissioner Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:31 p.m. in the 3' Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair Pro Tern Chris Deiner-Karr David Preston Tim Raetzloff COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Emily Scott, Chair Kate Kelly, Vice Chair Steve Waite Kristiana Johnson, Edmonds City Council APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of October 8, 2020 were accepted as presented. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager OTHERS PRESENT The agenda was amended to include an update on the Historic Calendar and a discussion about digitizing the application packet for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no audience comments. NEW BUSINESS Update on Outreach Efforts Commissioner Vogel referred to the Public Outreach Plan that was put together in 2017 to encourage more property owners to place their properties on the Register. He recalled earlier discussions that the criteria used for placing properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places are too prescriptive and discourage owners from placing their properties on the Register. In some cases, they even caused owners to remove their properties from the Register. He explained that the current criteria are based on the criteria that is used for the State and National Registers. However, upon closer examination of the ordinance that created the Commission, they are not required to conform to those standards. He observed that Edmonds has a rich history dating back to the mid century and many of the existing homes and buildings that are part of that heritage are not eligible for the Register based on the current criteria. Not listing or recognizing the structures puts them in danger of loss. Given that the Commission's stated purpose is to safeguard the heritage of the City, he proposed they create another category for structures that don't meet all of the state and national criteria but are important to the local heritage. He further proposed that a subcommittee of Commissioners be assigned to develop criteria for inclusion on the new list. Once the Commission has made a decision, he could prepare a press release to inform the public and invite property owners to submit applications. The Commissioners discussed a list of ideas that were prepared by Commissioner Preston to entice owners to place their properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places or the List of Edmonds Heritage Buildings. Specifically, they discussed the need to do an ongoing campaign in My Edmonds News and The Edmonds Beacon to educate property owners and keep them informed of the opportunity to place their properties on the Register and/or List. In addition to press releases, which are free, Mr. Chave agreed to find out if the calendar funds could be used to purchase space in local newspapers to promote historic preservation. Other opportunities include regular updates in the City's newsletter, as well as a more visible Historic Preservation Commission Page on the City's website. Mr. Chave agreed to make sure the Register that is accessible via the webpage is up-to-date, and he encouraged the Commissioners to review the page and provide suggestions. Before making a final decision on creating a new list, Mr. Chave suggested they assign a subcommittee of Commissioners to talk with representatives from the Edmonds Historical Museum about their existing program that recognizes historic buildings in Edmonds. Perhaps there are opportunities for the Commission to collaborate with the Museum rather than creating a new program or list. Mr. Chave suggested the Commissioners focus their initial effort on the list of ideas provided by Commissioner Preston, such as providing a link on the City's website to the Historic Preservation Commission's page and the Register and providing ongoing education and contact information via local news organizations to promote historic preservation. Once the Commission has discussed opportunities to collaborate with the Museum, they could advertise the additional program for historic properties that do not meet the criteria for the Register. Commissioner Vogel agreed to contact representatives from the Museum to discuss opportunities to collaborate. Mr. Chave agreed to work with Commissioners Preston and Vogel to prepare an article for inclusion in the City's next newsletter. Commissioner Preston stressed the importance of including contact information in the article, and Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to be the contact person. Update on the Historic Calendar Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to collect the calendar information from Commissioners Scott and Kelly and start working on a calendar for 2022. ACTION ITEMS Digitizing the Application Packet for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places Mr. Chave agreed to prepare a digital copy of the application packet and forward it to the Commissioners. Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that she is working with a few property owners to prepare applications. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Commissioner Vogel provided the Commissioners a link to an article that was published in The Everett Herald last October regarding the Edmonds Theater. He reminded them of previous attempts by Commissioners to convince the owners to place the property on the Register. Commissioner Preston said he participated in a telephone meeting with the property owners, who indicated they are very interested in preserving the building, but it doesn't meet the State and National criteria for inclusion on the Register. This is another reason for creating a new category for historic buildings that do not meet the criteria. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 14, 2021 Page 2 Commissioner Deiner-Karr pointed out that the Commission vacancies need to be filled. Mr. Chave said the City is publishing an advertisement seeking applications. He noted that professional members are needed. Commissioner Preston commented that unless the Commission is actively seeking new members and new properties for the Register, there is no reason for them to meet on a regular basis. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 14, 2021 Page 3