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2012-02-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES February 9, 2012 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 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5"' Avenue North. He read the Commission's mission statement. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant (arrived at 6:20 p.m.) Andy Eccleshall Christine Deiner-Karr PROSPECTIVE COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Eric Norenberg Bill Muller Steve Waite Meg Keogh Michael Plunkett, City Council Member Gerry Tays COMMISSIONERS ABSENT John Dewhirst (excused) Fred Bell Council Member Petso READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR MOVED TO APPROVE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2012 AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER ECCLESHALL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The Commission added a discussion on a letter they received regarding Robinhood Lanes as Item B under New Business. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE No one in the audience expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that she has only been able to find basic information about the house at 125 — 3rd Avenue, but she will continue her search for more conclusive information about the structure's history. She said she has learned that a few other houses on the street date back to the early 1900's, and one was owned by Peter Berglund. The Commission discussed that their current policy is to complete the nomination process first and then present the proposals to the property owners. They agreed to continue with the current policy. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel briefly advised that he received well -written notes from Commissioner Dewhirst to summarize his research about Native Americans in the area. He said he would use the notes, and the accompanying illustrations, to prepare an article for an upcoming edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. Preservation Planning Committee There was no report from the Preservation Planning Committee. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Eccleshall reported that Commissioner Bell is once again trying to get the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society to consider a joint plaque program with the City of Edmonds. As currently proposed, the Historical Society would purchase the plaques for properties on the Register, and the City would install them. The Commission discussed liability concerns associated with installing plaques on private properties. Commissioner Eccleshall agreed to invite the Historical Society to submit a letter of request to Mayor Earling to gauge the City's response. NEW BUSINESS Publications in Various Forms Commissioners Norenberg and Eccleshall reported on their recent meeting to discuss options for expanding upon the scope of the Commission's current publications or creating new publications to include information such as: The evolution of Edmonds businesses and the buildings that were constructed to house them. Remnants and relics of historic structures that have been lost. Unusual aspects of historic properties. The Commission agreed to start assembling a master list of items, places and things that could be used for future publications, and then the list could be sorted and assigned to the appropriate publications. Gerry Tays suggested the Commission consider putting together publications on each of the early Edmonds families. Chair Vogel announced that two of the Yost sisters, who are in their 80's, have agreed to be interviewed. Commissioner Deiner- Karr pointed out that students and Teachers at Edmonds-Woodway High School have also been gathering history about the early families. The Preservationist Chair Vogel requested help from other Commissioners to write copy for future editions of THE PRESERVATIONIST. Robinhood Lanes The Commission discussed the current proposal to redevelop the property where Robinhood Lanes is currently located. They particularly discussed a request from citizens about what the Commission could do to prevent the demolition of the structure. Commissioner Waite said he responded by explaining that, as a Certified Local Government of Washington, the City does not have the structure in place to prevent the demolition. The Commissioners provided input for Commissioner Norenberg to write an article about the history of Robinhood Lanes for the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. Meg Keogh agreed to help Commissioner Norenberg collect information for the article. Review of Commission Goals and Obiectives and Strategic Plan for 2012 Chair Vogel pointed out that the document should be updated to accurately reflect the Commission's new mission statement. He also suggested that in addition to the BOLA Report, they should reference the recent windshield survey as a source of information for potential property nominations. The Commission should also review and update the structure of committees and committee assignments. It was particularly noted that additional members are needed on the Registration Committee. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2012 Page 2 Mr. Tays referred to a recent article in THE SEATTLE TIMES regarding plant life and historic trees. He asked if there are any trees of significance in Edmonds. The Commission concluded that most if not all of the significant trees in Edmonds are second growth. Council Member Plunkett announced that the City recently established a "Tree Board" to specifically create code provisions to protect heritage and/or significant trees. The Commission agreed to continue their discussion regarding goals, objectives and the strategic plan at the next meeting as the main agenda item. Ms. Cunningham announced that the City Council is scheduled to review the Commission candidates and make appointments on February 21". She agreed to provide copies of the goals, objectives and strategic plan to the new Commissioners as soon as possible after the appointments have been confirmed. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPLICANT Ms. Cunningham advised that she has been unable to schedule Commission. His phone number and email are no longer working. as soon as possible. There was no unfinished business scheduled on the agenda. ACTION ITEMS No action items were scheduled on the agenda. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS a time for the remaining applicant to meet with the The City will advertise the one remaining vacant position Chair Vogel said he is pleased that there will be new members of the Commission, and he is already impressed by their energy. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Mr. Muller said he is looking forward to getting involved with the Commission. Ms. Keogh pointed out that the prospective Commissioners have varying interests that will serve the Commission well. At the request of Commissioner Norenberg, Ms. Cunningham reported she mailed calendars to the various groups and individuals as discussed by the Commission. The Commission agreed that calendars should also be mailed to owners of properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Ms. Cunningham announced that the City of Everett is offering a free mentoring program for historic preservation commissioners on Saturday, April 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. She agreed to forward the information to the prospective commissioners. Ms. Cunningham advised that Commissioners have been invited to attend the League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations' Heritage Day and Malstrom Luncheon on March 17th. She noted there is a charge for the event. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2012 Page 3