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2011-09-08 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES September 8, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:35 p.m. in the 3rd 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 Jennifer Anttila Christine Deiner-Karr John Dewhirst Eric Norenberg Michael Plunkett COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Fred Bell (excused) Andy Eccleshall (excused) Steve Waite (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT Joan Bloom, Citizen Mina Williams, The Daily Herald COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2011 AND AUGUST 11, 2011 AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER ANTTILA SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was altered because the consultant scheduled to present the historic survey was not available until later. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Joan Bloom announced that she is running for a position on the Edmonds City Council. She asked questions about the Commission's responsibilities and authority. Chair Vogel said the primary responsibility of the Commission is to build the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Secondarily, they are doing everything they can to raise awareness and appreciation of Edmonds' historical and cultural values. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Chair Vogel requested an update on the Masonic Temple. Ms. Cunningham reported that an application was submitted, which was added to the existing application. Staff is currently preparing a staff report to come before the Commission as a hearing in October. It was discussed that there was some confusion about whether or not the owners of the Masonic Temple are interested in placing the structure of the Register. Commissioner Anttila announced that she contacted Joseph McIalwain, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) Director, to schedule a time for Commissioner Waite to make a presentation about the old school at their October Board Meeting. Vice Chair Bauer reported that she contacted representatives of the North Sound Church on 4th Avenue, who assured her that the Church has no plans to change the historic quality of the church, but they do not feel comfortable joining the Register because of the perceived restrictions. Chair Vogel said he was contacted by a representative from the American Legion Hall, which is the old Congregational Church, to advise that they are considering vacating the building. He advised them that the building is not listed on any historic register. The Commission discussed that while the structure's historic significance has been compromised, some of the original windows and perhaps other portions of the original building might still be in place. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel reported that newest edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST has been printed and distributed throughout the community. It is available via the City's website, as well. He noted that the City is in the process of creating a new website, but the project has not been completed yet. The Commission agreed that the new website should include a link to the articles that Chair Vogel has written for THE EDMONDS PATCH. Preservation Planning Committee Commissioner Waite was not present to report on the activities of the Preservation Planning Committee. Calendar Update Commissioner Norenberg announced that the calendar project is moving slowly forward. He invited Commissioners to review the latest draft and notify him of any changes and/or additional significant dates. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to provide photographs of Edmonds (including people) that were taken during the winter of 1960. It was noted that photo credit information should also be provided. Commissioner Anttila suggested that at their next meeting, the Commission should discuss the type of paper that would be used for printing the calendar. They should also make sure that the hole (used to hang the calendar) is not put through any important elements on the pages. Chair Vogel commended Commissioners Norenberg and Eccleshall for doing a fantastic job preparing and designing the calendar. The Commission discussed the possibility of selling the calendars to at least cover the cost of printing. Any additional revenue could be used to purchase plaques and/or reprint the brochure. They also discussed the best options for handling the money. Mr. Chave agreed to schedule a time for Commissioner Deiner-Karr to meet with the City's Finance Manager and City Attorney to discuss the Commission's financial alternatives. Business Card Update Commissioner Norenberg reported that he anticipates having a draft business template for the Commission's review in just a few days. Brochure Update Mr. Chave said the walking tour brochure is available in a digital format that can be easily updated. He noted that several changes have been made, and the Commission should complete their final proofreading and research printing options Native American History The Commission discussed their attempts to learn history about that Native Americans who may have inhabited the Edmonds area. Vice Chair Bauer recalled that she was asked to send out letters to each tribe on behalf of the Commission, requesting more information from their historians. She said she has not sent the letters out yet. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to contact Megan Duvall from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and Sara Little, a Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September g, 2011 Page 2 genealogist at the University of Washington, for additional information. Commissioner Dewhirst said he would also conduct some research at the Burke Archeological Department. Council Member Plunkett noted there are numerous books written about Native Americans. He specifically referred to a book written by ?? Whitfield. It was discussed that once obtained, the information could become the subject of a feature article in an upcoming edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. PRESENTATION OF HISTORIC SURVEY Larry Johnson, The Johnson Partnership, provided a slide presentation on his recent reconnaissance survey of potential historic sites in and around Edmonds. The project was sponsored by the Historic Preservation Commission and funded by a grant from the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel thanked Larry Johnson for the wonderful presentation and all is hard work on the recent reconnaissance survey. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Cunningham announced that the Commission's agendas and attachments are available on the City's website. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September g, 2011 Page 3