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2011-06-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES June 9, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. in the P Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. He read the Commission's mission statement. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair Sue Bauer, Vice Chair (arrived at 5:40) Jennifer Anttila Christine Deiner-Karr John Dewhirst Andy Eccleshall Eric Norenberg Michael Plunkett STAFF PRESENT Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Fred Bell Steve Waite (excused) PRESENTATION BY JANET HAWSE, GALLERY NORTH, ON PLEIN AIR Janet Hawse advised that she is president of Gallery North, a community artist co-op. She announced that the 2"a Annual Plein Air Event will begin on June 11`". During this time period artists from around the area will visit Edmonds to paint the beautiful scenery. The subsequent paintings will be part of an exhibition at their store in August. Artists will be invited to visit many places in Edmonds, including historical sites, and they anticipate at least 50 artists will attend. Ms. Hawse also announced that Gallery North is having its 50th Birthday this year, and they are one of the largest art co-ops in the United States. They will be celebrating with special events at every Edmonds Artwalk in 2011. In response to Chair Vogel's question of how the Commission could support the event, Ms. Hawse asked them to help publicize the event. She also asked them to suggest specific places they would like the artists to paint. Perhaps the paintings that are done could even be used by the Commission for promotional activities. Chair Vogel suggested that many properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places would be good subjects. They directed Ms. Hawse to their website, which provides a map of the historic properties. Ms. Hawse further described the event and how it would be promoted. Vice Chair Bauer suggested that Gallery North work with the Commission to schedule a tour of one or more historic structures in connection with the event. Ms. Hawse agreed that would be a great idea. Chair Vogel suggested that artists contact him if they would like photographs of historic structures as a reference. He suggested it would be helpful for Gallery North to provide a handout for the artists to distribute to the public to describe the history of and rationale for the Plein Air Event. Ms. Hawse provided her contact information and invited Commissioners to contact her with any additional suggestions or comments. She also invited the Commissioners to sign up to receive emails from Gallery North. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2011 AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER ECCLESHALL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was modified to add a discussion about the Commission's Mission Statement as part of Unfinished Business. Commissioner Norenberg also asked to add a discussion about the idea of creating business cards for Commissioners. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee The Registration Committee did not have any activity to report. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel announced that the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST is in progress. He also said he is trying to inform the public of the Commission's activities in the weekly articles he writes for THE EDMONDS PATCH Preservation Planning Committee The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any activity to report. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Bell was not present to report on the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society activities. The Commission briefly reviewed the discussion at their last meeting about how the Commission's plaque program could support the Society's program. NEW BUSINESS Business Cards for Historic Preservation Commission Members Commissioner Norenberg brought up the idea of creating Historic Preservation Commission business cards. The cards could contain the Commission's name and logo, as well as general contact information. Individual Commissioners could add their name and contact information on the back of the cards. The cards would offer some legitimacy to the Commission as they discuss historic preservation with members of the public. The Commissioners agreed that business cards would be helpful, and Commissioner Norenberg agreed to design a template and print the cards. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to research printing options. History of Edmonds Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that she has been working to map out downtown Edmonds to identify who lived where using the census from 1900 to 1930. Council Member Plunkett advised that Pleasant Ewell and not George Brackett, owned the first residence in Edmonds. He was a Snohomish County Commissioner who conducted the first Snohomish County Survey. He shared a brief history of Mr. Ewell's life and agreed to provide an article he previously wrote regarding the subject. It was also discussed that the Native Americans were the first people to inhabit the Edmonds area. The Commission agreed that a future edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST should feature a history of the inhabitants of the Edmonds area up Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 9, 2011 Page 2 to George Brackett. They agreed to meet with individuals who can provide historic information about the Native American Tribes. Vice Chair Bauer agreed to contact the tribes to identify the key contact people who can provide the information. Update on Historic Survey Ms. Cunningham reported that a consultant has been selected and has started working to update the historic survey. Commissioner Dewhirst reminded the Commission that the consultant's work must be completed by August 20`h. The consultant is using the list provided by the Commission as a guideline. Grant Application Update\ Ms. Cunningham announced that Mr. Chave was in Olympia today to represent the Commission's request for grant funding. He called to report that his presentation went fine, but competition is high. Update on Calendar Commissioner Eccleshall reported that the photos of all 18 months of the proposed new calendar have been laid out, and about six of the pages have text, as well. He and Commissioner Norenberg will continue to work on the remaining text. They are hoping to have all 18 months completed and available for the Commission's review at their July meeting. He agreed to send an electronic copy of the calendar to each of the Commissioners. Commissioners were invited to share additional information with Commissioner Norenberg via email. Mission Statement The Commission reviewed their current Mission Statement, which was revised at their last meeting. Council Member Plunkett observed that while historic districts are one option the Commission can pursue, they have never identified them as a specific mission of the Commission. To address this issue, they agreed to further change the Mission Statement to read: "The mission of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission is to encourage the owners of historically significant places to voluntarily add their property on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places, promote historic preservation, and raise awareness of local history. " ACTION ITEMS Potential Property Nominations Commissioner Norenberg agreed to respond to the woman who requested historic information about the parsonage, which she is currently renting. It was noted that this property has been added to the Register, so historic information can be obtained from the City. Updates to Historic Inventory This item was not discussed. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None of the Commissioners had comments to provide during this portion of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 9, 2011 Page 3