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2013-07-11 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING July 11, 2013 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the 3Cd 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 Sandra Allbery Tim Raetzloff Gerry Tays Kristiana Johnson, City Council Member Lora Petso, City Council Member COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Andy Eccleshall (excused) Chris Deiner-Karr (excused) Emily Scott (excused) READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Development Services Director Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT Tarin Erickson, Director, Edmonds Historical Museum Bob Clos, Edmonds Historical Museum COMMISSIONER TAYS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2013 AS AMENDED. VICE CHAIR WAITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 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. PRESENTATION BY THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM COMMITTEE TO RETURN THE UPPER LEVEL TO THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY, UPGRADE THE KITCHEN AND LOWER LEVEL BATHROOM AND IMPROVE THE VENTILATION TO MEET ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MUSEUMS STANDARDS FOR STORAGE AND DISPLAY OF COLLECTIONS IN HISTORICAL STRUCTURES (FILE NUMBER HPC-2003-160) Tarin Erickson, Director, Edmonds Historical Museum, explained that although the exterior of the Carnegie Library Building is very similar to its original design, the interior has been altered significantly. She briefly described the existing condition of the interior of the building and announced that the Edmonds Historical Museum would like to restore it to its original beauty. She provided a picture of the original structure and reminded the Commission that the library was located on the upper floor of the building, and the lower floor was used for a variety of City uses such as City Hall, Police Department, jail, etc. It is one of the most historically significant buildings in Edmonds. Ms. Erickson provided an overview of the proposed project to bring the interior of the structure back to its 1910 appearance to match the beauty of the exterior of the building. She said the Museum has already updated the exterior paint, and made minor interior improvements in the lower level including new paint and carpet, updating the displays, restoring an old jail cell, etc. They are now proposing to remove the walls on the upper floor that were added in the 1970's to create office space. The goal is to mimic the original floor plan of having a symmetrical staircase (a children's reading area on one side, an adult reading area on the other, and the librarian's work space in between. She explained that opening the space up will allow the Museum to accommodate larger exhibits and create an events space. In addition, improvements will be made to ventilation to meet the Association of American Museum's standards for storage and display of collections in historical structures. She briefly explained the Association's accreditation requirements. Ms. Erickson explained that the proposed project would not change anything that is original to the building, but they would like to remove the carpet and restore the floor to the original wood. They also would like to open the rear -facing windows to allow a cross breeze through the building. The original sign that was placed on the front of the library will also be displayed. Chair Vogel asked if the Museum knows how the building was set up originally other than the two reading areas. Ms. Erickson said they do not have any of the original building plans. They are hoping that once the carpet is removed, they will find clues in the flooring to indicate how the building was previously set up. City Council Member Johnson suggested the Museum contact residents of Edmonds who might have memories of going to the original library. Ms. Erickson agreed that would be appropriate. Mr. Chave pointed out that the Carnegie Library in Queen Anne is very similar to the Edmonds library. He suggested that Ms. Erickson visit this site for some clues on how the original library was set up. Again, Ms. Erickson said a significant element of the plan is to address temperature and humidity issues by opening the two rear windows. Rather than replacing the windows, they are proposing to place hinges at the top with a hand crank at the bottom to open and close them to get the cross breeze. They will also convert two of the interior skylights so they can be opened with a pull crank. In addition, they plan to install four roof vents so the air has somewhere to escape to. Ms. Erickson said the Museum is proposing to update the kitchen so they can better accommodate special events. She briefly shared the plans for the updated kitchen. She also said the lower bathroom would be renovated and the upper bathroom would be removed to provide extra space for the kitchen. She noted that the updated bathroom would be ADA accessible. Chair Vogel commented that the Carnegie Library is one of the City's historical gems and something that everyone recognizes. It is evocative of the period and is associated with a lot of history. Vice Chair Waite expressed his belief that it may not be necessary for the Museum to pursue a Certificate of Appropriateness in order to proceed with the proposed changes. He noted that the exterior of the building would not be significantly altered. Mr. Chave agreed that the project would likely be considered maintenance and may not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. He agreed to check the code to make sure that is the case. Vice Chair Waite asked if the Museum has submitted an application for permits to proceed with the kitchen and bathroom updates. Mr. Clos answered that the City's Facilities Maintenance Manager advised that the project should be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission first before submitting permit applications to the City. Vice Chair Waite questioned how the City could help expedite the project. Mr. Chave agreed to let the Facilities Maintenance Manager know that the Commission supports the proposed changes so the Museum can start working on the permit process. The Commission discussed whether or not it would be appropriate to vote on the proposed changes now. This would enable the Museum to move forward without having to wait until the next Commission meeting for approval if it is determined that a Certificate of Appropriateness is necessary. It was agreed that the Commission could voice their approval now. If any additional action is necessary, the proposal could be placed on the Commission's August 8th agenda for approval. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July l 1, 2013 Page 2 CHAIR VOGEL MOVED THAT, BASED ON THE PRESENTATION BY THE SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THE COMMISSION FINDS THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES APPEAR TO BE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE CHARACTER OF THE EXTERIOR OF THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING. COMMISSIONER TAYS SECONDED THE MOTION. Council Member Petso asked about the criteria the Commission uses to make decisions about whether a proposal is appropriate or not. Mr. Chave said they rely on the Secretary of the Interior's standards for historic preservation. Commissioner Raetzloff expressed his belief that the proposal represents more of a restoration than a change, which the Commission should be pleased with. Commissioner Tays encouraged the Museum to use materials that represent the period and style of the original building as much as possible. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Vogel asked Mr. Clos to update the Commission regarding the Museum's plans for providing exterior lighting outside the Carnegie Library. Mr. Clos said the Museum is working on a plan for renovating the grounds that surround the library, and the project will include the installation of four light standards similar to those added on Main Street. One of the lights would be located by the log cabin, one by the alley, and one on each side of the main steps). He noted that the project will not come before the Commission for approval for a while. Mr. Chave commented that because the Museum is listed on both the Edmonds and National Registers of Historical Places, there are opportunities for grant funding for small projects. He agreed to research these options and report back to Ms. Erickson. Chair Vogel asked for an update on plans to relocate the school bell and the veteran's memorial items that are currently located in front of the Museum. Ms. Erickson said these changes are all part of the proposed modifications to the grounds that surround the library. The intent is to open up the space and showcase the building. At this time, they do not have a main entrance, and the Museum is proposing changes to make it obvious that the lower entrance is the main entrance. They have had discussions with the Edmonds School District about the possibility of relocating the bell to the new district office. Chair Vogel recalled that the Planning Board recently conducted a public hearing on proposed names for the SR-104 Mini Park, and there was significant community support to name it Veteran's Memorial Park. The thought was that it would be a good place to relocate the veteran's memorial items that are currently located on the Museum grounds. Mr. Chave said the Planning Board recommended against the name Veteran's Memorial Park for the SR-104 Mini Park, and the Parks Department is actively pursuing other potential locations for a veteran's memorial park. The Commission discussed that if a veteran's memorial park is established, the items currently located in front of the museum could be relocated to the new location. Chair Vogel asked Ms. Erickson to share information about the Museum's August 3rd anniversary event. Ms. Erickson said that flyers and gifts will be given out at the Museum's white elephant booth at the summer market. Someone will also be dressed up to represent George Brackett on the steps of the library. They hope this will draw interest for a number of other events sponsored by the Museum throughout the remainder of the year. Chair Vogel recalled that Commissioner Deiner Karr had agreed to talk with Bill Lambert about the possibility of combining the Museum's August 3rd event with the Commission's event for people with properties on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. He said he is pleased at how the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society and the Commission are starting to collaborate together. Commissioner Alberry reported that the Historical Society will sponsor a special event at the August 3rd Summer Market to commemorate their 40"' Anniversary. She said the museum has done a quick feasibility study on the possibility of sponsoring a "scarecrow" event, similar to the one sponsored by the City of Cambria, California. It is likely that at their next meeting, the Board will task their staff with sponsoring the event in a limited way sometime in October. The event entails businesses or other groups making scarecrows that will be judged, and the community will vote for the winner. The Historical Society will also sponsor a haunted house in October, and their annual dinner is scheduled for November 8d'. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July l 1, 2013 Page 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS Registration Committee Vice Chair Waite reported that he met with a citizen to discuss the status of the Bettinger House. She was particularly interested in what happens when historic buildings are moved. He also reported that he neglected to submit a public records request for additional information regarding the dams that were previously located at Yost Park. Commissioner Raetzloff said he recently learned that a relatively new historical group is claiming to have received a significant state grant to turn an old building into a historical museum. Mr. Chave said the funding would not have come from Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Commissioner Raetzloff said he would forward the information he received to each of the Commissioners and staff. Commissioner Tays reported that he met with John Pauls recently to discuss the historic property at 7th and Daley Street, which is identified in the BOLA report as eligible for the Register. Mr. Pauls provided information he obtained from the Catholic Church, which previously owned the property. However, he has not yet spoken with a representative from the Open Bible Church. Commissioner Tays said he plans to contact the Open Bible Church within the next week. Commissioner Tays said he had nothing new to report regarding the structure at 729 Main Street. He said John Pauls is working with the Museum to obtain additional information, and he plans to finalize his report in the near future. Chair Vogel recalled that Commissioner Deiner-Karr had agreed to research additional historic properties on Sunset Avenue, as well. Education and Outreach Committee Chair Vogel announced that the "Walk Back in Time" Event at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery is scheduled for July 181h at 1:00 p.m. He said a number of people will portray people from Edmonds History. For example, he will portray Mayor James Brady, and John Nordquist will portray George Brackett. Chair Vogel advised that he is working with Frances Chapin on the Cultural Heritage Tour Project. The plan is to place 12 plaques around the City to identify the historic sites included in the tour. He said he has been asked to provide ancillary photographs and text for inclusion in the website, as well. Preservation Planning Committee Vice Chair Waite said the Preservation Planning Committee did not have any activities to report. Funding Committee Ms. Cunningham announced that the Commission's fund currently has a balance of $972.00. She advised that there are still two boxes of 2013 calendars. OTHER REPORTS There were no other reports. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Tays pointed out that the major responsibilities listed in the ordinance that created the Historic Preservation Commission are inconsistent with the Commission's updated Mission Statement. Commissioner Tays agreed to review the enabling legislation and make appropriate recommendations for change. Status of North Sound Church and Properties at 635 Main Street and on Sunset Avenue Commissioner Raetzloff said he has had two more conversations with a representative from the North Sound Church, but the situation has not changed. He said he would continue to work with the church representative. He noted that the church has a fascinating history going back 140 years. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July l 1, 2013 Page 4 Commissioner Raetzloff reported that he has not had further discussions with the property owners at 635 Main Street, but he will continue to work with them to submit an application for the Register. He suggested that the Commission discontinue their effort to get the property at 633 Alder Street on the Register. August Historic Preservation Commission August Meeting The Commission discussed cancelling their August meeting. However, they also discussed that it might be necessary to have at least a short meeting if it is determined that further action is necessary related to the proposed changes to the Carnegie Library. It might also be necessary to have a meeting in August to discuss the Historic Preservation Event that is scheduled to take place in September. The Commission recalled that at their last meeting, Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to pursue the necessary arrangements for a Historic Preservation Event on September 21st or 28th. Chair Vogel said she further agreed to pursue the idea of combining the event with Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society's September event. If the event moves forward, it will be necessary for the Commission to meet in August to discuss the details and various assignments. Chair Vogel agreed to contact Commissioner Deiner-Karr regarding the status of the event. Mr. Chave agreed to contact the Commissioners as soon as possible about whether or not further action on the Carnegie Library proposal is necessary. If an August meeting is needed, staff agreed to contact the Commissioners regarding their availability for August 8th. It was noted that a special meeting might be necessary in order for a quorum of Commissioners to be present. ACTION ITEMS Business Expo Responsibilities There was no discussion about this issue. 2014 Calendar Mr. Chave announced that some modifications were made to the 2014 Calendar, and it has been forwarded to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for final review. He said he anticipates it will be printed in August. ACTION ITEMS No action items were discussed. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Vogel did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Council Member Johnson announced that the Mural Society selected Commissioner Eccleshall's mural. Ms. Cunningham announced that there are no more Edmonds Historic Commission Preservation Guides. The Commission agreed to review the brochure and identify appropriate changes before it is printed again. Commissioner Tays and Vice Chair Waite agreed to review the document and identify the necessary changes. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July l 1, 2013 Page 5