2014-10-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
October 9, 2014
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Tays 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
Gerry Tays, Chair
Tim Raetzloff, Vice Chair
Sandra Allbery
Chris Deiner-Karr
Larry Vogel
Steve Waite
Kristiana Johnson, City Council Member
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Emily Scott (excused)
Lora Petso, City Council Member (excused)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
VICE CHAIR RAETZLOFF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 AS
SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER VOGEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 AS SUBMITTED.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The agenda was rearranged to place the discussion of the 2015 calendar earlier on the agenda.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
ACTION ITEMS
Update of 2015 Calendar
Commissioner Vogel reported that all of the revisions identified by Commissioners thus far have been incorporated into the
current draft of the 2015 Historic Calendar. However, he still needs to provide a general thumbnail history of Edmonds and a
picture for the two blank pages. Commissioners submitted their final comments so the calendar could be finalized and
prepared for printing.
COMMISSIONER VOGEL MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE CALENDAR FOR
PUBLISHING, WITH THE CHANGES AS NOTED, THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY
COMMISSIONER VOGEL, AND MINOR CORRECTIONS AS NEEDED. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR
SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Commission discussed funding options for the 2016 calendar, noting that grant funding was very unlikely. They agreed
to approach the City Council with a budget request.
VICE CHAIR RAETZLOFF MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION SUBMIT A REQUEST TO THE CITY
COUNCIL THAT $5,000 BE ALLOCATED IN THE 2015 BUDGET TO FUND THE 2016 CALENDAR.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Commissioner Deiner-Karr is still researching the Bigalow Property. In a recent visit to the Snohomish County Assessor's
Office, she was able to locate a 1968 plat map for the North Streams Estate, which was originally part of the land grant that
happened in the 1860's. She is working to document the transition of land owners, as well. She provided a brief update of
what she has learned so far and indicated she would continue to research county documents and report back to the
Commission. She agreed to research information related to the Yost Dam, as well.
Education and Outreach Committee
Commissioner Vogel reported that, as requested by the Commission, he wrote an article for the UPDATE EDMONDS
NEWSLETTER about the Schumacher Building and its original owners, William and Roy Schumacher. The newsletter will
be sent out on October 14th
Preservation Planning Committee
Commissioner Waite encouraged Commissioners to take time over the next few months to consider what the Commission's
image should be. He noted there appears to be some disconnection between the public's perception of the Commission and
how the Commission wants to presents itself. He also suggested the Commission make an effort to develop relationships
with other City Commissions and Boards. The Commission discussed the need to focus on clarifying and understanding the
process and clearly conveying it to the public.
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Allbery announced that the Edmonds South -Snohomish County Historical Society and Museum has hired Dr.
Peter Bojakowski as its new director, and his wife has submitted an application to serve on the Commission. The
Commission discussed that, although she does not live in Edmonds, she would be eligible to fill the vacant "professional"
position. Ms. Cunningham agreed to contact the Mayor's Office regarding the appointment.
Commissioner Allbery announced that the scarecrow festival is in progress, and voting begins on October 16th. There are
still tickets available for the October 24th Heritage Days Dinner. Christina Martin, manager of the Summer Market,
approached individual vendors, who donated in excess of $700 of their own product for auction items.
Commissioner Vogel reported that a preliminary concept to remodel the exterior area around the museum is moving forward,
and a preliminary concept will be unveiled to the public on October 24th at the Heritage Days Dinner. He briefly reviewed
elements of the proposed plan. Questions were raised about whether a Certificate of Appropriateness would be required, and
Commissioner Allbery clarified that the proposed changes would not impact the building, just the exterior space in front.
The Commissioners discussed that the setting of the museum is just as significant as the structure. They indicated a desire to
review the plans, and Commissioner Waite agreed to contact a museum representative for additional information. It was
noted that a City permit may be required, as well.
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The Commission discussed that the tender wheel monument that is currently located in front of the Edmonds Museum might
be relocated to the Veteran's Memorial. The Commission expressed support for relocating the monument and noted that it
should be updated and corrected appropriately.
WEB UPDATES
The Commissioners did not identify any necessary changes to Commission's website.
NEW BUSINESS
The Commission indicated a desire to learn more about the Main Street Program, and Chair Tays agreed to contact Michael
Houser at the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation requesting that someone from his
office provide a presentation on the concept.
Walkina Tour
The walking tour was postponed to a later date
ACTION ITEMS
Discussion on Tucson and How to Improve the Process
The Commission held a brief discussion about why the owner of the Tucson House, located at 232 Sunset Avenue, decided to
withdraw her application to add her property to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. It was noted that some people have
significant concern about the public process that is required. The Commission agreed it is important to provide interested
property owners with a clear explanation of the process. They further agreed that the process flow chart could be updated
and perhaps posted on the website.
New Properties
Chair Tays reported that he attended a Board Meeting of the Edmonds Public Facilities District, asking them to consider
placing the old high school portion of the Edmonds Center for the Arts on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
However, they have not had a quorum present at recent meetings to take action on his request. It was noted that an
application has been submitted, but authorization to proceed is still needed.
Commissioner Allbery said she received a request to investigate a home on 9`" Avenue. The family she knew who lived there
previously were relatives of a lady who owned the Olympic Hotel.
The Commission discussed the status of the Mowatt House, which is listed on the National and State Register, but has not
been added to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to identify the current owner of
the property.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Tays reported on his visit to Budapest, Hungary, where he stayed in a 14d' Century hotel.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Cunningham announced that on Monday, November 3`d, the City Council will conduct a hearing on the application to
add the Schumacher Building located at 316 Main Street to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Vogel
agreed to attend the meeting to represent the Commission's recommendation. Several other Commissioners indicated they
would try to attend, as well.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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