2016-05-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 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 — 5d' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Emily Scott, Chair
Eric Livingston
Tim Raetzloff
Steve Waite
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair (excused)
Sandra Allbery (excused)
Chris Deiner-Karr
Dave Teitzel, City Council Member (excused)
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
OTHERS PRESENT
Barb Fahey, Edmonds Museum
Dean Averill
COMMISSIONER RAETZLOFF MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 2016 AS SUBMITTED.
COMMISSIONER LIVINGSTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The agenda was amended to add a discussion about the Revitalize Washington Conference, an update on Civic Field, and a
discussion about the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
No one in the audience indicated a desire to address the Commission.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation on Edmonds Museum Maintenance Proiect
Barbara Fahey, Edmonds, presented the Museum's proposed list of maintenance projects as follows:
• Although the replacement windows that were installed in 2000 looked like the original widows, they were different
and could no longer be opened and closed to let air through. The unintended consequences of the new windows is
that the building gets extremely hot in the summer and water builds up under the elevator shaft. This results in
humidity, which is not good for the artifacts that are located in the building. The Museum attempted to remedy the
problem in 2014 by taking two of the stationary windows out of their frames and rehanging them on hinges so they
could open and close. However, the windows are heavy and the hinges were not strong enough to support the
weight. The Museum is considering replacing these two windows with windows that are historically accurate.
However, this raises questions about whether the other windows will need to be replaced, as well. They are in the
process of deciding whether to replace the two windows this year with windows that are historically accurate, or
putting the project off for a time in hopes of obtaining grand funding.
• Long term, the Museum is looking to install a new air -flow system that keeps the humidity constant in the building
year-round. This upgrade is needed to receive national accreditation for the museum to give it more stature and
make it more of an asset to the City. They are currently researching grant opportunities, working with people who
can advise on the best approach, and considering fundraising opportunities for the project to move forward.
• There is a laundry list of maintenance projects that have been postponed. For example, the frames around the
windows she previously mentioned have some dry rot and need to be repaired before new windows can be installed.
It is not likely that the smaller maintenance projects will have implications from a historic preservation standpoint.
Ms. Fahey agreed to provide an electronic version of the maintenance projects. She invited the Commissioners to review the
list and notify the Museum of any issues of concern. They are seeking as much information as possible as they build the
projects to ensure that its historic integrity is maintained and even corrected. She announced that representatives from the
Museum will meet with City's Facilities Manager on May 16th to discuss the laundry list of maintenance projects. Mr. Chave
advised the he and Mr. Lien are scheduled to meet with the Facilities Manager on May 13th to inform him of the City
facilities that are listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
Dean Averill, Edmonds, also encouraged the Commissioners to review the list of projects and provide feedback as
appropriate. He thanked Commissioner Waite for the guidance he has provided to date.
Chair Scott encouraged the Museum to look beyond the cost of projects, and keep in mind the long-term goal of preserving
the building forever. It is always a smart decision to make the proper upgrades instead of the cheaper, faster upgrades. She
reminded her that the Commissioners, and particularly Commissioner Waite, are available to provide input and support as the
projects move forward. There was some discussion about the how the City and the Museum could work together to apply for
grant funding.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott did not have any comments.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
There were no Commissioner comments
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
May 12, 2016 Page 2