2016-01-14 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
January 14, 2016
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 — 5"' Avenue North. She read the Commission's Mission Statement.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Emily Scott, Chair
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Sandra Allbery
Chris Deiner-Karr
Eric Livingston
Tim Raetzloff
Steve Waite
Dave Teitzel, City Council Member
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
COMMISSIONER LIVINGSTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 2015 AS
PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
A discussion of the Commission's Guide Brochure was added to the agenda. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as
presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There were no audience comments.
WEB UPDATES
Chair Scott noted that the list of current Commissioners and City Council Representatives needed to be updated.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on Museum Maintenance Items
Commissioner Allbery reported that the Edmonds Museum has designated a new committee in charge of maintenance and
repairs, and the committee has prepared a list of problems and projects that need to be addressed. She provided a copy of the
list for the Commission's information and pointed out the items that would be of particular interest to the Commission. It
was noted that the building is owned by the City of Edmonds, so the intent is to present the list to the City's Public Works
Department. Commissioner Waite agreed to work with the committee and provide direction as to whether or not a Certificate
of Appropriateness would be required for some of the projects on the list. Commissioner Allbery agreed to forward a list of
the Museum's Maintenance Committee Members to Commissioner Waite.
Discussion on Expired Applications and AssiEned Duties
Ms. Cunningham provided a list of properties for which applications have already been prepared, and Chair Scott
recommended that Commissioners review the hard copy applications, update the information, and enter it into an on-line
document that can be easily shared. Chair Scott also invited Commissioners to review the actual application form and
identify potential changes. It was suggested that staff contact the City's IT Department to discuss the option of making the
application form available on line. Commissioners Deiner-Karr and Livingston agreed to review and update the hard copy
applications and convert them into a shareable digital format. The second step will be to create a digital application form and
transcribe the existing applications into word documents that can be altered and updated. They agreed to report their progress
at the next meeting.
Discussion on Interpretive Sianaae Along Sunset Avenue and at Yost Park
Council Member Teitzel said the concept is to set up interpretive signage to celebrate the City's heritage as a logging and
shingle town. Currently proposed is a sign at the south end of Sunset Avenue that would provide a historic picture of the
mills that were located along the waterfront at the turn of the century, along with descriptive information. Another sign is
proposed for Yost Park near a large, old -growth cedar stump that has springboard notches. He has met with representatives
from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, who have indicated support. He has also worked with
representatives from Historical Society to identify old pictures that would work for both locations. The current task is to
prepare information for the text, and Vice Chair Vogel has agreed to write the text as soon as the information has been
collected. Once a draft layout of the two signs has been prepared, he will work with City staff to discuss the next steps.
Geo Caching Event in May to Raise Awareness of Historic Preservation
Commissioner Deiner-Karr reported that she is meeting with a geo cache group in Seattle on January 18'h to talk about the
concept, and then she will pull together a team to put out the caches. The idea is to include properties on the Register, as well
as other historic sites in the City, in a historical hunt. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to prepare a plan and cost estimates
and then report to the Commission at their next meeting.
Guide Brochure
Ms. Cunningham reported that Mr. Chave updated the Guide Brochure, and it has been reproduced. Copies were provided to
each of the Commissioners. It was noted that there is only one box (160) of the 2016 calendars left. Commissioner Deiner-
Karr agreed to distribute a large portion of the remaining calendars.
North Sound Church Nomination for Register
Mr. Chave expressed his belief that the North Sound Church application appears to meet the minimum criteria for listing the
property on the Register based on its condition 50 years ago. While it is not a stellar example of architecture, it has local
significance.
COMMISSIONER RAETZLOFF MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION NOMINATE THE NORTH SOUND
CHURCH FOR INCLUSION ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES BASED ON PAST
DICUSSIONS AND FURTHER REVIEW OF THE MATERIALS PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION.
COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED 6-1, WITH
COMMISSIONER WAITE VOTING IN OPPOSITION.
Commissioner Waite pointed out that the BOLA Report did not find the property to be worthy of inclusion on the Register.
However, the report did indicate that it could be a contributing element of a historic district. He recalled Mr. Lien's previous
presentation regarding the significance and integrity of the structure. While the property could meet some of the criteria,
other criteria could not be met. While he would not be offended by including the property on the Register, he reminded the
Commission that they use the Department of the Interior's Criteria as a guide. Mr. Chave pointed out that in order to comply
with the national guidelines, the Commission would have to conclude that the structure's significance stemmed from its
existence in the 1950s. Commissioner Raetzloff acknowledged that the building was moved from its original location and
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January 14, 2016 Page 2
was substantially remodeled in about 1953. However, he argued that the 1950s was the structure's greatest period of
historical significance, in that the church was a very vital organization at that time. There have only been small changes since
1953, with the exception of the bell tower, and the building has stayed substantially the same for more than 60 years.
The nomination was scheduled for a public hearing before the Commission on February I Ph.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was scheduled on the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
Election of 2016 Officers
THE COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY IN FAVOR OF THE NOMINATIONS MADE AT THE
DECEMBER 10, 2015 MEETING THAT COMMISSIONER SCOTT SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION
AND COMMISSIONER VOGEL SERVE AS VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION IN 2016.
Vice Chair Vogel said one of his goals for 2016 is to work more closely and forge a better bond with the Historical Society.
He would also like more properties to be added to the Register and for the Commission to pursue the concept of creating a
historic district in downtown Edmonds.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Again, Chair Scott stressed the importance of updating the existing applications and creating digital files. Once this has been
done, the intent is to divide the properties amongst the Commissioners to further pursue. The goal is to have the updates
completed by the Commission's next meeting on February 11"'.
Chair Scott reminded the Commissioners to check their City email accounts on a regular basis for communications from her
and staff. Mr. Chave announced that Commissioners now have a log -in and password that accesses a very specific part of the
City's FTE site. It can be used to upload, download and exchange City files. Instructions will be sent to their official City
email account.
Chair Scott said she is looking forward to 2016. She has been working closely with Vice Chair Vogel and Mayor Earling,
and she hopes to work more closely with the City Council on historic preservation, as well. She will also work on the 2017
calendar, using a "midcentury" theme.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the Commission review the work -flow process for applications to help the Commission
get to a conclusion much faster. For example, the Commission should consider early in the application process whether or
not a property is viable for the Register and meets the criteria. Commissioner Waite commented that this would require the
Commissioners to gain a better understanding of the Department of the Interior's criteria. Chair Scott agreed to consider
options for additional training in this regard.
Council Member Teitzel announced that he has been assigned to serve as the City Council's liaison to the Historic
Preservation Commission, and he is pleased to have the opportunity to work with them in 2016.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
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