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2013-06-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING June 13, 2013 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission Meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. in the 3`d Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. He read the Commission's mission statement. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Larry Vogel, Chair Steve Waite, Vice Chair Christine Deiner-Karr Andy Eccleshall Tim Raetzloff Gerry Tays Sandra Allbery Kristiana Johnson, City Council Member Lora Petso, City Council Member STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Development Services Director COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Emily Scott Chair Vogel welcomed Sandra Allbery, who was recently appointed as the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society's representative on the Historic Preservation Commission. He advised that he has agreed to represent the Historic Preservation Commission on the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society's Board. Mr. Chave agreed to review the Commission's Bylaws to determine if the Historical Society representative is a voting member of the Commission. READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER TAYS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 9, 2013 AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Commissioner Tays reported that he recently met with Mr. and Mrs. Paul, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Loos, the current owners of the Bartlett House (729 Main Street). Mr. Paul shared a draft report on the home, which he is preparing on behalf of the Edmonds Museum. Commissioner Tays summarized that he would continue to work on the documentation process necessary to determine if and how the home would fit the criteria for inclusion on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The Commissioner briefly discussed the home's historic features, as well as the alterations that have been made. Commissioner Raetzloff reported that he has not made any progress on the nomination for the North Sound Church, and representatives have not returned his calls. He agreed to make personal visits in an attempt to move the application forward. Commissioners Raetzloff and Deiner-Karr announced that they supplied nomination forms to the owners of the historic properties at 633 Alder Street and 635 Main Street. Commissioner Deiner-Karr said they have also talked to other owners of historic properties regarding potential nomination. At the request of the Commission, they agreed to pursue the historic property at the corner of 7th Avenue and Daley Street and perhaps contact the owners. They indicated they would continue to pursue historic properties on Sunset Avenue, as well. The Commissioners discussed that all properties more than 50 years old are potential candidates for the Register. Vice Chair Waite said he obtained some information from the Edmonds Museum regarding the Yost Park Dam and Reservoir, but there are numerous inconsistencies. He said he has also contacted the City's Public Works and Parks Departments, but found that neither has maps of the previous facility. He noted that information from the Museum makes reference to a purchase of the property, and he plans to contact the City Clerk for more information about that transaction. He concluded that the site is worth pursuing because of its significance in the engineering history of the City. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel reported that he provided a PowerPoint presentation at the Edmonds Museum Guild's Tea, and he has received numerous compliments. He said the Alderwood Terrace Rotary Club has invited him to make a similar presentation. He hopes the presentation can be shown to various groups throughout the community. It was noted that the presentation could also be posted on the Commission's page of the City's website. Chair Vogel said he has, once again, been invited to participate in the Cemetery Board's "Walk Back in Time" event by portraying the role of Mayor Brady. Mr. Chave reminded the Commission that the deadline for presenting a final version of the 2014 calendar to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is June 15th. He noted that the draft of the calendar was provided earlier and no comments were received. The Commission agreed that Mr. Chave should submit the most current draft to meet the deadline. It was noted that changes could still be made before the calendar is printed. Mr. Chave agreed to work with Commissioner Eccleshall to solicit quotes for printing the calendar, which must be done by the end of August. Preservation Planning Committee The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any items to report. Funding Committee The Funding Committee did not have any items to report. OTHER REPORTS Revitalize Washington Conference Report Commissioner Deiner-Karr and Council Member Johnson provided a report on their attendance at the Revitalize Washington Conference, which was sponsored by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Council Member Johnson said she specifically learned that when you tell the story of Edmonds history, it is important to not just talk about buildings. They should also talk about people and take pictures of people in or near the buildings. She said it was also suggested that cities could sponsor tours of specific historic sites in Edmonds that focus on individual properties and provide more personal information about the sites and their previous owners. Council Member Johnson said she also learned that there is value in protecting the entire downtown rather than just the individual components? The Commission recalled their earlier discussions about a historic overlay or historic district for the downtown. Commissioner Deiner-Karr said it was suggested that the best approach for implementing this concept is to contact the property owners first to explain the benefits. Council Member Johnson said that since the conference, she has Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting June 13, 2013 Page 2 researched the concept of using Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as a mechanism for historic preservation. She suggested the City could consider applying the TDR concept to preserve the downtown area. Commissioner Deiner-Karr said she recommended that the State consider having the next conference in Edmonds. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Report Chair Vogel reported on his attendance at the recent Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Board Meeting. He specifically noted that museum visits are up significantly over 2012. Commissioner Allbery noted that the lower portion of the Museum was recently renovated, and new exhibits are in place. They are hoping to eventually make the lower level the main entrance to the Museum and provide more landscaping, etc. She said they are also trying to publicize the Summer Market, which will start soon. Vice Chair Waite requested an update on the historical society's proposal to put additional lighting on the Museum. Commissioner Allbery said the Historical Society is no longer proposing to attach lighting to the Museum structure. However, they will propose some type of lighting for the sign. She noted that the bell will be moved to the Edmonds High School, where it will be stored until a correct location is found. She also shared some of the Historical Society's ideas for renovating the upper portion of the Museum. NEW BUSINESS September Historic Preservation Event The Commission discussed a potential date and location for a September event/open house. The public would be invited to attend, and specific invitations would be sent to owners of historic properties listed on both the Register and on the survey. Commissioner Deiner Karr said she would like to provide pictures and details for each property on the Register. A video of Chair Vogel's PowerPoint presentation could also be displayed continually throughout the open house. The Commission agreed to schedule the event for September 20 or 28"' in the Plaza Room at the Edmonds Library Building. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to pursue the necessary arrangements and report back to the Commission. No unfinished business was scheduled on the agenda. ACTION ITEMS Status of Possible Properties for Historic Register This issue was discussed earlier as part of the Registration Committee's report. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel welcomed Commissioner Allbery to the Commission. He reiterated how pleasing it is to see the Registration Committee pursuing numerous candidates for the Register. He encouraged the Commissioners to review their schedules and be prepared to discuss the availability of a quorum for the upcoming summer meetings. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Vice Chair Waite said he heard good reports by Chair Vogel's presentation at the Edmonds Museum Guild's Tea. He thanked him for representing the Commission well. Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that the Commission's table at the Edmonds Business Expo was successful. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting June 13, 2013 Page 3