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2023-08-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Summary Minutes of Regular Meeting August 10, 2023 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:30 p.m., read the land acknowledgement, and led the flag salute. Commissioners Present Larry Vogel (Chair) Chris Deiner-Karr David Preston Tim Raetzloff Sam Spencer Commissioners Absent Katie Kelly MINUTES: 1. Approval of June 8, 2023 UPC Minutes Staff Present Michele Szafran, Planner Others Present Dave Teitzel, Edmonds City Council Member Michelle Thompson, Dept. of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) John Needham, resident Patty Fleming, Edmonds in Bloom The June 8, 2023 HPC minutes were approved as presented. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES Chair Vogel commented that they have received interest in listing another home at 904 6th Avenue South. This item was added to New Business. He would also like to talk about the next Preservationist newsletter. This was added to the Continued Discussion under Unfmished Business. Commissioner Spencer asked to add a discussion about Edmonds in Bloom to New Business. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no audience comments. NEW BUSINESS Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 10, 2023 Page 1 of 4 820 Main Street Historic Nomination Public Hearing Ms. Szafran explained that Michelle Thompson was present as professional consultant. Ms. Szafran reviewed the nomination proposal for 820 Main Street and the hearing process. The property owners have signed the authorization form. She reviewed effects of designation and designation criteria. Staff finds it represents the early residential building style of the City. She explained that staff had some reservations about designating the structure due to the additions that were made. The HPC must determine if the residence is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of Edmonds (ECDC 20.45.010 D). They need to define the period of significance for integrity determination and identify how the resident meets criteria ECDC 20.45.010 D. Finally, they must make a recommendation to the City Council regarding eligibility for listing. Ms. Thompson commented that the building was actually built in 1901 before the craftsman style was popular. She believes it was originally built in the saltbox style and that someone probably did an update to it and "craftsman-ized" it in the 19-teens or -twenties. Since that is more than 50 years old now, those alterations can also be considered historic. Chair Vogel said it appears to meet the criterion of being representative of the craftsman style, especially after Ms. Thompson's comments regarding any changes that might have been made in the early part of the last century. He noted that those alterations reflect artistic evolution at that time in the century. It reflects the mood of the country at that time, moving into the modern age. There was consensus that the addition of the dormers in the earlier part of this century does not significantly affect the integrity of the home. The HPC recommends approval by Council for inclusion of 820 Main Street on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. John Needham, applicant/owner, discussed aspects of the home and commented that it was done beautifully. He thanked staff and the commission for their recommendation. There was discussion about the need to order more plaques. 2. Edmonds in Bloom Patty Fleming, Edmonds in Bloom, explained that Edmonds in Bloom is interested in having a garden tour of historical homes in 2025. They are hoping to have houses that are least 100 years old in 2025, and maybe one or two that might be from the 1800s. They recognize that the gardens are not going to be necessarily historical gardens but want to encourage interest in the historical aspect of the city. They normally have six homes on a tour but could do more if the homes are right next to each other. The Commission generally thought this was a great idea and could be good advertising for the HPC. They were very interested in partnering with Edmonds in Bloom on this. Chair Vogel recommended that they start by looking at the Register of Historic Places that is online. There is also a list of houses that have been identified in past surveys as potential historic homes which could be another source. Commissioner Deiner-Karr will Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 10, 2023 Page 2 of 4 provide a copy of that list to Ms. Fleming. Edmonds in Bloom will stay in touch with the HPC about the houses they are interested in. 904 6tn Avenue South Possible Listing Chair Vogel distributed and discussed information related to 904 6tn Avenue South. The Commission unanimously agreed that they should look into this. Commissioner Spencer will follow up. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Continued Discussion of Research, Projects, and Events o The Preservationist — Chair Vogel said he received a draft of the next Preservationist article from Commissioner Spencer. The subject was why you should list your home and how to do it. Commissioner Spencer said he wants to clarify how the HPC's standards on modification to the homes is changing. He is also thinking about adding something about 820 Main. Chair Vogel and Commissioner Spencer will work on a draft in the template and then share it with the full HPC. o Commissioner Deiner-Karr noted that Commissioner Spencer needs a copy of the UPC handbook. She also recommended that the rules and regulations be included on the website. Ms. Szafran noted that they are already there. o Calendar — Commissioner Deiner-Karr recommended veering from the old buildings and try something like, "Did you know?" with interesting tidbits about Edmonds' history. Anyone with ideas should forward them to Commissioner Deiner-Karr. o Commissioner Deiner-Karr said she would love to get the theater on the Register. There was discussion about the theater owners' fear that they would be "entangled" if they get on the Register. Commissioner Deiner-Karr recommended having a conversation with them about their concerns. o There was discussion about how to get more homes on the Register. COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel said he is pleased they are recommending adding another house to the Register. It feels like things are moving, and the new standards are going to work for them. He hopes this is the beginning of a trend. Also, he finally got the okay from Parks to put a newsletter distribution box in Yost Park by the old headworks of the water system. He is checking on it regularly. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Council Member Teitzel gave an update on the lower weir project which has not been able to get traction. They hope to address it with the 2024 budget. Commissioner Deiner-Karr recommended taking the next iteration of the newsletter to Teresa with My Edmonds News so she can publicize and publish a link to it. She expressed concern that the newsletter is not getting the exposure that they want. Commissioner Preston said he was also excited about the calendar and the momentum they have going. He encouraged the group to use catchy headlines to really get interest. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 10, 2023 Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Spencer recommended they start making plans to have a presence in the 4t" of July parade. He has a classic car they can use. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 10, 2023 Page 4 of 4