Loading...
2012-09-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES September 13, 2012 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 — 5`' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair John Dewhirst, Vice Chair Christine Deiner-Karr Meg Keogh Bill Muller Tim Raetzloff Emily Scott Jerry Tays Valerie Claypool, Edmonds Historical Museum Kristiana Johnson, City Council Laura Petso, City Council COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Andy Eccleshall (excused)\ Eric Norenberg (excused) Steve Waite (excused) STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Valerie Claypool introduced herself as the Edmonds Historic Museum's liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. She shared some information about her background and experience. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the minutes of July 12, 2012 was postponed to the October 11`h meeting. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE No one in the audience expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting. DISCUSSION WITH FRANCES CHAPIN ON DOWNTOWN CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR (PRESERVE AMERICA GRANT) Frances Chapin provided a status report on the Downtown Cultural Heritage Walking Tour project, which is partially funded by a matching Preserve America Grant. The project contains two components: the actual physical markers and a website. She described the artist's proposed concept for the markers and noted that the markers would direct visitors to a website to obtain additional information about each site. She provided a list of the proposed sites that would be included in the walking tour and invited the Commissioners to provide feedback about what information should be included on the markers for each site, as well as the accompanying website. She also solicited the Commissioners help with gathering materials for the website. She said she anticipates it will take a year to complete the project. She asked that Commissioners to contact her if they are interested in helping. Chair Vogel noted that the Commission has a picture for one of the proposed sites. He also agreed to provide a link to a video in the KCTS Archives that was done in 1942 to teach people how to respond if there was an attack on the West Coast. In answer to Vice Chair Dewhirst's question, Ms. Chapin said that a paper map of the walking tour would be provided initially, but she cannot guarantee the City would continue to print the map long term. Because the project's goal is to create tourism, Vice Chair Dewhirst suggested it would be better to include sites from throughout the downtown rather than concentrating the sites in one small area. Mr. Chave explained that the grant requires that the walking tour be focused primarily on 4th Avenue South. Ms. Chapin said there may be opportunities to add other sites in the future. Council Member Johnson asked if an audio recording of the tour information would be available via telephone. Ms. Chapin said this concept would be incorporated if the budget allows. The Commission discussed the proposed puppet theater concept that would be used on the pieces that identify the walking tour sites. Ms. Chapin said the intent is to present the information in a way that would engage people differently than a plaque. She said the committee has indicated enthusiasm for the concept. The majority of the Commissioners indicated their support for the proposed concept, as well. Ms. Chapin advised that the artist would provide sketches showing the actual pieces, and she is starting to pursue easements for the pieces they would prefer to be on private property rather than the right- of-way. Once these two components are completed, the proposal will be reviewed by the City's Historic Preservation Consultant and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and History. Ms. Chapin explained that, as part of the Main Street Project, two panels on the sidewalk towards 6th Avenue South that say "George Street" would be removed because they are very worn and hard to read. They will be given to the Edmonds Historical Museum. In order to preserve the history, she suggested that one of the proposed new inlays in this location could contain some verbiage that refers to the fact that Main Street was formally called George Street after George Brackett. The Commission agreed that would be appropriate. It could simply read, "Historic George Street." Commissioners Raetzloff and Scott suggested that an additional sign could be added below the street sign to also identify the street's historic name. Ms. Chapin encouraged the Commission to pursue this additional option with the City's Public Works Department. The Commission discussed the membership of each committee as follows: Registration Commissioner Keogh, Chair Commissioner Deiner-Karr Commissioner Eccleshall Commissioner Raetzloff Commissioner Scott Council Member Johnson Education and Outreach Commissioner Vogel, Chair Commissioner Norenberg Commissioner Eccleshall Commissioner Muller Commissioner Tays Preservation Planning Commissioner Waite, Chair Commissioner Dewhirst Commissioner Eccleshall Commissioner Tays Commissioner Scott Funding Commissioner Muller, Chair Commissioner Keogh Commissioner Tays Commissioner Definer -Karr Registration Committee Commissioner Keogh reported that four property owners have expressed intense interest in placing their properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. In addition, the Registration Committee has created a list of potential candidates who have expressed an interest. They will follow up with these individuals, and it would be helpful to assign individual Commissioners to shepherd property owners through the process. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel provided a rough draft of the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST, which was prepared by Commissioner Keogh. The Commissioners were invited to comment on potential changes. Commissioner Keogh noted that this edition will feature the history of the Edmonds Police Department. An additional article will describe the purpose of the Commission and provide a brief biography for each Commissioner. She invited the Commissioners to forward their finished statements to her Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 13, 2012 Page 2 as soon as possible. She said she will continue to edit the document and forward it to the Commissioners for final review before it is published. The Commission discussed that there are various versions of their mission statement. They agreed that the one provided on their webpage is the correct version to use on Commission documents. Commissioner Tays stated that historically significant places should read "historically significant properties". He further stated that places are a location and property is much broader. The Commission briefly reviewed the mission statement and agreed to discuss it further at their retreat. Commissioner Scott reported that she talked to Dr. Tom Murphy, Chair of the Anthropology Department at Edmonds Community College, regarding the possibility of their Learn and Serve Anthropology Field (LEAF) School students doing work to expand and/or refine the City's inventory of historic properties in Edmonds. He expressed an interest in this work. Preservation Planning Committee There was no report from the Preservation Planning Committee. Funding Commissioner Muller reported that the Funding Committee met with Mr. Chave to discuss the City's policies and procedures related to fundraising. Mr. Chave agreed to guide the Commission through the process of presenting an ordinance to the City Council that would allow the Commission to do fundraising in the future. He said they are particularly interested in raising funds for the 2013 calendar. The committee created a list of activities that fundraising money could be used for. He asked the Commissioners to share their thoughts, as well. Commissioner Deiner-Karr recalled that the Commission has previously discussed the idea of partnering with the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and/or the Edmonds Historical Museum to sponsor a "treasure hunt" of historic properties in Edmonds. She suggested this is an opportunity to bring people to Edmonds, raise public awareness of historic preservation, and provide funding for Commission projects. The Commission agreed they should discuss this opportunity at a future meeting. There were no other reports. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on 2013 Calendar Commissioner Keogh reported that the 2013 calendar is in draft form and would be forwarded to the Commissioners for final comments soon. The goal is to have them available for sale the first week in November. They are currently looking for merchants in the community to sponsor the calendar in exchange for advertising space, and a detailed marketing plan would be prepared for future reference. COMMISSIONER MULLER MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE CITY STAFF TO PURSUE A CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE THAT WOULD ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED, TO THOSE ON THE LIST PREPARED BY THE FUNDING COMMITTEE. COMMISSIONER KEOGH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. F.T401113000040VP Confirm Date and Time of Strategic Plan Workshop The Commission discussed that two tentative dates have been set aside for their strategic plan workshop, October 241h and 25"'. The majority of the Commissioners agreed that the meeting should be scheduled for October 25`h Update on Business Fair in October The Commission discussed that the business fair would only be held once each year. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 13, 2012 Page 3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel said he is pleased to see the new committee assignments come together. He said he anticipates each committee will meet at least one time per month, and more if necessary. Chair Vogel commended Commissioner Eccleshall for his work to prepare the 2013 calendar. He also commended Commissioner Keogh for her efforts to raise funds, publish and distribute the calendar. He also thanked Commissioner Keogh for helping the Education and Outreach Committee prepare THE PRESERVATIONIST. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Council Member Johnson announced that the Edmonds Police Department will hold a public open house on September 16th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate their 100`h anniversary. Visitors will be able to view the murals painted inside the police station by artist Andy Eccleshall. Council Member Petso noted that, as part of the centennial anniversary, the Edmonds Historical Museum is presenting its exhibit "Stick 'Ern Up!" Commissioner Muller suggested that every Commissioner should become a member of the Edmonds Historical Museum. He provided applications. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 13, 2012 Page 4