2015-09-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
September 10, 2015
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Scott 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 — 5d' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Emily Scott, Chair
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Sandra Allbery
Eric Livingston (arrived at 5:55)
Tim Raetzloff
Gerry Tays
Kristiana Johnson, City Council Member
Lora Petso, City Council Member
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Chris Definer -Karr
Dave Teitzel
Steve Waite
GUESTSPRESENT
Aaron Anckner, Window World of Puget Sound
Chair Scott announced that Katie Bojakowski has resigned her position on the Commission.
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
VICE CHAIR VOGEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 9, 2015 AS SUBMITTED.
COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The agenda was updated to add discussions about window replacement on the Schumacher Building, the resignation of
Commissioner Bojakowski and the need to find a new professional member, and demolition permits.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
No one in the audience indicated a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT ON SCHUMACHER BUILDING
Aaron Anckner, General Manager, Window World of Puget Sound, Lynnwood, provided drawings and reviewed the
details of the project, noting that the existing windows are not original to the building and were likely replaced in the late
1980's. The proposal is to replace all of the existing upper story windows on all sides of the building with vinyl windows. In
addition to replacing the windows, the property owner is proposing to replace one piece of the wooden trim (in kind) at the
rear of the building because it is rotted past the point of repair.
Commissioner Tays expressed his belief that the windows on the building are character defining from a historic standpoint.
Although the muntins and mullions do not serve a functional purpose, they provide a texture that is character defining. Vinyl
windows have no texture. Mr. Chave noted that the vertical bars were present on the windows of the original building. Mr.
Anckner agreed that the look could be duplicated, but the vertical divider would need to be placed between the panes of glass
rather than on top.
Mr. Chave provided historic photographs to illustrate how the color scheme of the windows has changed over time, but the
pattern and style of windows has always been consistent with the original building. He reviewed the Secretary of the Interior
Standards and explained that the general principle is to maintain the historic character of the structure. He suggested that,
aside from color, the proposed new window design is inconsistent with the historic character of the building. However,
changing the windows as proposed would not do irreparable harm to the historic character of the building, as no changes are
proposed to the openings or wood surrounds and the alteration could be reversed.
Commissioner Raetzloff asked if wood pane windows could be used instead of vinyl. Mr. Anckner agreed that is an option,
but it would be more costly. Vice Chair Vogel asked about the condition of the wooden sashes right now, and Mr. Anckner
answered that the wood components of the windows are relatively sound. Vice Chair Vogel asked if it would be possible to
replace the glass and reseal the windows using the existing frames and sashes, and Mr. Anckner answered affirmatively. This
process is called "reglazing," and it is highly likely that at least some of the muntins in the center dividers would break during
the process. If the existing wood components remain intact, reglazing would be comparable in cost to vinyl windows.
Commissioner Livingstone arrived at the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
The Commission discussed the appropriateness of the proposed window modifications. Ms. Cunningham referred to written
comments relative to the proposed project that were submitted by Commissioner Waite, who was unable to attend the
meeting. The Commission agreed that the windows are an important character -defining feature of the building, and they
were less inclined to support the proposed vinyl windows. Instead, they recommended that the property owner consider other
options, such as reglazing using the existing window frames. Mr. Anckner advised that if the existing wooden muntins are
damaged during the reglazing process, it could cost between $100 and $200 more per window to replace them, and the
property owner is proposing to replace a total of 20 windows. The cost of replacing the windows with new frames to match
the existing windows would be phenomenal (about $2,000 each). At the request of the Commission, Mr. Chave agreed to
research local and state opportunities to provide financial assistance for the more costly options. Commissioner Tays agreed
to have an informal discussion with the property owner regarding the Commission's concerns and potential alternatives.
CHAIR SCOTT MOVED TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SCHUMACHER WINDOW
REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNTIL A SPECIAL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2015. COMMISSIONER
ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Commissioners were encouraged to email their additional thoughts and leads to Commissioner Tays, who would meet
with the property owner to discuss alternatives.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Chair Scott reported that she is scheduled to meet with the property owners of a historic building on Maplewood who are
interested in placing the home on the Register. The structure built in 1955 and is identified on both the 2012 and 2015
surveys. She also reported that Commissioner Teitzel made contact with the owner of a historic home on 216th Street
Southwest who is interested in listing the property on the Register. The craftsman -style home is located on property that was
formerly an orchard. She agreed to continue to pursue the home on Maplewood, and Commissioner Raetzloff agreed to work
further with the owner of property on 216th Street.
Education and Outreach Committee
The Education and Outreach Committee did not have any activities to report.
Preservation Planning Committee
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The Preservation Planning Committee did not have any activities to report.
South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Allbery announced that the scarecrow festival is just getting started, and they are hoping to register 125
scarecrows this year in honor of the City's anniversary. She also announced that the time capsule would be put in place on
September 12th. The Heritage Days Dinner is scheduled for November 13th, and the format will be different this year.
Chair Scott said she plans to make a scarecrow for the Commission's entry, and she encouraged Commissioners to consider
making individual entries, as well.
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Discussion on Adding Tree Stumps to Edmonds Historic Register
Chair Scott said this issue pertains to the Commission's previous discussion on allowing stumps to be listed on the Edmonds
Register of Historic Places as objects. She explained that options include listing stumps on the Register, listing them on a
separate inventory, and/or providing educational signage. She agreed to email information to the Commissioners in
preparation for their continued discussion.
CHAIR SCOTT MOVED TO POSTPONE THE DISCUSSION UNTIL THE OCTOBER MEETING.
COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Filling the Vacant Commission Professional Position
Ms. Cunningham announced that Katie Bojakowski has resigned her position on the Commission. She asked the
Commissioners to provide feedback on the option of reassigning one of the existing Commissioners to serve in the
professional position that was vacated by Ms. Bojakowski. She reminded the Board that Vice Chair Vogel shared a name of
someone who may be interested in filling this position, but she does not live in Edmonds. As per Edmonds City Code (ECC)
10.90, vacancies are filled by the Mayor and Edmonds residency is required with some exceptions. The Commission
directed Ms. Cunningham to advertise the vacant position.
Demolition Permits
Ms. Cunningham reminded the Commission of their previous request that the Building Department give them five days
notice before issuing a building permit that involves the demolition of a historic structure. She referred to a list of demolition
permits that she sent to the Commissioners on August 201h, and asked if any pictures were taken. It was discussed that Vice
Chair Vogel had agreed to take pictures, and Google Maps also provides street views of the properties.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Maritime Cultural Heritage Proiect
It was noted that, in light of Ms. Bojakowski resignation from the Commission, as well as her changing focus, this project
will no longer be pursued. It was suggested that perhaps the project could be included as part of a future survey.
Commissioner Allbery advised that she was recently approached by a diver who wants to locate and identify historic
underwater structures on the south side of the ferry terminal. However, she did not collect his contact information.
Discussion on Historic Survey Presentation
Chair Scott commended the staff and consultant for a fantastic presentation that was well attended by the public. Ms.
Cunningham asked if any Commissioners were contacted by interested property owners after the presentation. No specific
contacts were noted, but the Commissioners agreed to have a discussion at their next meeting about mailing a follow-up letter
to those who signed up on the list of attendees. Mr. Chave agreed to add the presentation to the Commission's website.
Status of 2016 Calendar
Chair Scott reported that she and Vice Chair Vogel are continuing their work on the 2016 calendar, and a draft should be
available by next week. The Commissioners agreed that the calendar should be ready for publication by the end of October
or first of November.
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September 10, 2015 Page 3
Update on Historic Districts
Council Member Petso reported that the concept of Historic Districts was presented to the City Council, and Mr. Chave
identified the first steps. If one or more of the first steps make it into the Mayor's budget, the concept will likely move
forward in 2016. She advised that the biggest stumbling block is the representation that implementing the concept will likely
require the addition of a full-time staff member. Council Member Johnson agreed that the cost of full-time staff may seem
daunting, but she is optimistic that some intermediate steps could be accomplished with modest funds. For example, the
Commission could focus their efforts on getting buildings in the areas that might become historic districts registered, bringing
them one step closer to implementing the concept at some point in the future. Mr. Chave emphasized that you do not have to
establish a district in order to promote historic areas. For example, there could simply be a cluster of identified sites within
historic downtown Edmonds.
Mr. Chave suggested that for the next round of grants, the Commission could submit an application for funding to do a series
of workshops for historic property owners. The Commissioners voiced support for this idea.
Status of Profitt/Astell House Plaque Ceremony
Ms. Cunningham advised that she and Commissioner Tays are still working to schedule the plaque ceremony.
ACTION ITEMS
There were no action items.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott thanked everyone for their participation and said she enjoys working with all of them.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Cunningham advised that a number of Commissioners' terms will expire at the end of 2015. It was discussed that Vice
Chair Vogel and Commissioner Tays would not pursue another term on the Commission.
Commissioner Raetzloff reported that he recently visited Port Townsend and Gig Harbor, where historic preservation has
worked well. He questioned how the Commission could persuade the Edmonds community about the importance of historic
preservation, as well.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
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