2015-07-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
July 9, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice 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
Emily Scott, Chair (arrived at 6:30 p.m.)
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Sandra Allbery
Katie Bojakowski (arrived at 5:35 p.m.)
Chris Deiner-Karr
Eric Livingston
Tim Raetzloff
Gerry Tays
Dave Teitzel
Kristiana Johnson, City Council Member
Lora Petso, City Council Member
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
Frances Chapin, Arts & Cultural Services Manager
Steve Waite
COMMISSIONER TEITZEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 11, 2015 AS SUBMITTED.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The discussion relative to the Frances Anderson Center Amphitheater was placed after "Requests from the Audience." A
discussion related to an underwater archaeology survey was also added to the agenda, as was a discussion about whether or
not to cancel the August meeting.
COMMISSIONER TAYS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY
SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
DISCUSSION RELATIVE TO THE FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER AMPHITHEATER
Ms. Chapin briefly reviewed the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department's proposal to replace the amphitheater
structure. Mr. Chave explained that because the property is listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places, a Certificate
of Appropriateness will be required. Staff is seeking feedback from the Commission as to whether or not the design concept
presented is appropriate for the site. He explained that if the Commissioners feel they have enough information to accept the
conceptual design now, they could authorize staff to approve the building permit once it is submitted. They could also
postpone action until an actual building permit application has been submitted.
Commissioner Tays pointed out that, although the amphitheater is not listed on the Register, it was constructed in the 1950's
and could have historic value. Ms. Chapin noted that the amphitheater was not part of the original Frances Anderson Center
construction, and it has been modified several times over the years. The Commissioners agreed that the amphitheater would
not meet the criteria for inclusion on the Register. However, they agreed that staff should create of record of the existing
structure before it is demolished. Vice Chair Vogel agreed to take pictures and forward them to Ms. Chapin.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr asked if the project includes changes to the grass area. Ms. Chapin said no changes are currently
proposed for the grass step area, as people are very fond of the current configuration and it works well for the site. She
provided additional details to illustrate how the project would fit on the site and complement the existing building.
COMMISSIONER TAYS MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE STAFF TO DRAFT A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER AMPHITHEATER
PROJECT. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Registration Committee
The Registration Committee did not have any items to report.
Education and Outreach Committee
Commissioner Teitzel pointed out that although there is a small plaque on the Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) property
that identifies the building as historic, there is no plaque to identify the building as being on a historic register. Vice Chair
Vogel explained that the small plaque on the property was part of the Stages of History Project that was funded by a Preserve
America Grant. Ms. Chapin said the public art project was sponsored by the Edmonds Arts Commission, with participation
from the Historic Preservation Commission.
Commissioner Tays reminded the Commission that although the ECA Building is listed on the State's Register of Historic
Places, it has not been added to the local register yet. He reported that he made a presentation to the County board that
oversees the building several months ago, but they have yet to act on the Commission's recommendation that the building be
added to the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
Commissioner Teitzel reported that the Education and Outreach Committee discussed the idea of expanding on the plaque
presentation events, which are covered by the local press and attended by the mayor. For example, Commissioners could
make short presentations at local schools, particularly to students who are studying Washington State History, to share
information about the buildings and explain why they are important to the City's history. The Commissioners expressed
support for the concept to raise awareness and build advocates for historic preservation. Council Member Johnson recalled
that Westgate Elementary celebrated its 50' Anniversary a few years ago. Perhaps the school would be a good candidate for
the Register, as well as an opportunity for some public outreach to students. It was discussed that the interior of the building
has been modified numerous times over the years, but the exterior has remained intact.
Commissioner Teitzel said the Education and Outreach Committee also discussed the concept of having the Historic
Preservation Commission take the lead on putting together "then and now" photos in concert with the Edmonds Museum and
the South Snohomish County Historical Society. The Commissioners discussed the concept further, particularly how the
photographs could be stored and used in the future.
Preservation Planning Committee
The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any items to report.
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South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Allbery announced that brick sales for the plaza area are going well, and they are close to selling out the
perimeter. She also announced that Caitlin Kelly has accepted the position as Director of the Edmonds Museum. Lastly, she
announced that a reception to celebrate the new plaza is scheduled for August 9t' from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Those in attendance
will also have an opportunity to view the display that is being set up by students from the University of Washington.
Vice Chair Vogel announced that the City will celebrate its 125' Anniversary on August 11'. Commissioner Allbery
advised that the museum will be open for the entire afternoon during the event, and they will serve their famous popcorn to
people in attendance.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr thanked the Edmonds Museum for sponsoring the Old Settler's Picnic, which is attended by
descendents.
Vice Chair Vogel announced that the original Edmonds Elementary School Bell has been hung in its new structure at the
plaza. The bell was installed in the original school in 1891. When the school was torn down in 1930, the bell was moved to
the Hughes Memorial Church (5' and Dayton). When the church was demolished in 1959, the bell was put in storage and
brought to the museum in the 1970's. To celebrate the return of the bell, people who purchase tiles for the plaza during the
July 11' Summer Market will be invited to ring the bell.
WEB UPDATES
The Commission discussed the best approach for making web updates on a regular basis. It was noted that no changes are
needed at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Status of Applications for Historic Register
Commissioner Tays said he approached the owner of property at 314 Caspers Street, who has lived in the home for 49 years.
The owner believes the house was built by Anthony Caspers. Although there have been few, if any changes, to either the
interior or exterior of the structure, it was not included in either of the two surveys. The owner said he has considered
placing the property on the Register, but he has never been contacted by the Commission.
Commissioner Teitzel reported that he met with the owner of the home at 209 Caspers Street, and he is amenable to having
the house listed on the Register. However, he asked that the Commission provide him a letter that assures him there will be
no restrictions on his ability to modify the house at some point in the future. The Commission discussed that if proposed
modifications would alter the historic integrity of the structure, the owner could remove the property from the Register at any
time. Although the City cannot guarantee there will be no restrictions if the property remains on the Register, Mr. Chave
agreed to draft a letter outlining the process for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness and/or removing a structure from
the Register, if necessary. The Commissioners also agreed that the letter should offer the Commission's guidance and
expertise in identifying alternatives that maintain the historic integrity of the structure.
Commissioner Teitzel announced that John Pauls has researched the property at 209 Caspers Street and provided historic
photographs. A former resident of the home, James Mueller, was a ceramics engineer who helped design the heat shields for
the space shuttle. Commissioner Allbery also noted that his wife, Betty, taught dance lessons to a large number of local
children.
August Commission Meeting
As a quorum would be available, the Commissioners agreed not to cancel their August 13t' meeting.
Underwater Maritime Archaeology
Commissioner Bojakowski presented a proposal for conducting a survey of the submerged historic piers in Edmonds. The
survey would be conducted by her and her husband at cost as a community service and could be funded by a small grant from
the City Council. She explained that the work could commence in the fall and would result in archeological drawings and
possible 3-D visualization to illustrate the grand scheme of the historic pier. She suggested the Commission sponsor the
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project and forward a request to the City Council for grant funding. The Commissioners agreed that the project ties in with
the Commission's mission, and the piers are related to the City's significant industrial past. Once documented, the
underwater structures could be added to the Register.
COMMISSIONER TAYS MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AGREE TO SPONSOR THE PROJECT TO
SURVEY THE SUBMERGED HISTORIC PIERS IN EDMONDS AS PROPOSED AND TO PURSUE A GRANT
FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO FUND THE WORK. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE
MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Chave agreed to work with Commissioner Bojakowski, Council Member Petso, and Council Member Johnson to place
the Commission's request on the City Council's agenda. Commissioner Bojakowski agreed to present the request to the City
Council.
Discussion on Status of 2016 Calendar
Vice Chair Vogel reported that not a lot of progress occurred on the calendar project over the past month.
Continued Discussion on Historic District -- Downtown
Council Member Petso reported that she met with Council Member Johnson, Mr. Chave and Ms. Hope to discuss the idea of
a downtown historic district. The Commissioners and staff discussed the differences between and the benefits of the Main
Street Program and a downtown historic district. It was specifically noted that the Main Street Program would require the
support of a full-time City employee. While not a requirement, it is likely that a full-time City employee would also be
needed to administer a downtown historic district program. Mr. Chave briefly explained the requirements and costs
associated with administering a mandatory program such as a downtown historic district.
Council Member Petso advised that it would cost between $40,000 and $50,000 to hire a consultant to help the City establish
a downtown historic district. Mr. Chave said another option is to hire an employee to oversee the establishment of the
program, as well as its continued administrative requirements. Commissioner Deiner-Karr recalled that Commissioner Waite
has done significant research on the concept of creating a downtown historic district. The Commissioners agreed to continue
their discussion at the next meeting when they can avail themselves of Commissioner Waite's knowledge and research. They
agreed that in addition to considering the pros and cons of a historic district, the discussion should also include ideas for
obtaining support from property owners.
Status of Commissioner Teitzel's Three Concepts
Commissioner Teitzel recalled the recommendation he made at the last meeting that a diorama be placed somewhere along
the waterfront to depict what Edmonds looked like at the turn of the century. Vice Chair Vogel suggested that the bump out
on Sunset Avenue would be a good location for the diorama. Council Member Johnson recommended that the diorama be
coordinated with one of the current projects in progress such as Marina Beach Park, Senior Center, or Sunset Avenue. As
agreed at the last meeting, Commissioner Teitzel said he discussed the idea with Frances Chapin from the Parks, Recreation
and Cultural Services Department. Ms. Chapin said she brought up the concept at a recent staff meeting, as well as a meeting
of the Edmonds Arts Commission. She suggested the best approach would be to form a committee of representatives from
the Historic Preservation Commission, Edmonds Arts Commission, and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Department to consider the concept as part of a bigger discussion about signage along the waterfront area.
Vice Chair Vogel suggested that the committee could also consider Commissioner Teitzel's previous suggestion about
relocating a tree stump from a large tree in Edmonds to the edge of Yost Park where it would be visible from Main Street.
ACTION ITEMS
Discussion and Recommendation on Changes to the Historic Register Application
Discussion of this item was postponed to the August 13th meeting.
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Plaque Presentation for Profitt/Astell House on July 281h
Ms. Cunningham said she worked with the property owner and the Mayor's office to schedule the plaque ceremony for the
Profitt/Astell House on July 28'h. Vice Chair Vogel agreed to meet with Ms. Cunningham to discuss the details of the event,
and Ms. Cunningham agreed to send additional information to the Commissioners via email.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to contact the property owner on 3' Avenue to retrieve the plaque that was placed on his
home since it is no longer listed on the Register.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott did not provide any additional comments.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Cunningham encouraged the Commissioners to view Andy Eccelshall's new mural above the new bookstore on 4'h
Avenue.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr announced that the Old Settler's Picnic will be on August 16'h. Commissioner Bojakowski has
prepared a poster to advertise the event throughout the community. The Edmonds Museum is sponsoring the event by paying
the park fee, and she has received offers for further sponsorship.
Vice Chair Vogel announced that the Edmonds Cemetery Board is sponsoring another "Walk Back in Time" event on July
16th
Council Member Johnson said she will work with Commissioner Bojakowski to further the Commission's request for grant
funding from the City Council for the underwater inventory. She will also work to move the downtown historic district
concept further through the City Council.
Commissioner Allbery encouraged the Commissioner's to attend the Edmonds Museum's reception on August 91h.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
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