2016-11-10 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING
November 10, 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
Larry Vogel, Vice Chair
Sandra Allbery
Chris Deiner-Karr
Eric Livingston
Tim Raetzloff
Dave Teitzel, City Council Member
Steve Waite
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant
VICE CHAIR VOGEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2016. COMMISSIONER
RAETZLOFF SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES
The Commissioners agreed to have their regular meeting in December. It was noted that the Commission would elect a new
Chair and Vice Chair at their December meeting. At their December meeting, they also agreed to do a complete assessment
of the Historic Preservation Commission (i.e. its policies, how it fits, what it can and cannot do, expanding its scope,
developing relationships with other historic preservation entities, etc.)
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
Civic Park
Council Member Teitzel reported that the updated Hybrid Master Plan for Civic Park was presented to the Planning Board on
November 9th. The Commission should be aware that the Boys and Girls Club feels that their current structure is too small,
and they would like more space. This could be accomplished by building a structure around the existing building on the east
and norths sides and remodeling the existing building so that both spaces could be used. However, the current building is in
poor condition, and it may not be cost effective to renovate it. Another option would be to demolish the existing building and
build a new structure where the tennis courts are currently located. He recalled that because the building was extensively
remodeled in the late 1980's, the Commission previously determined that the building was not eligible for the Register. The
Commission discussed that the building has a clear connection to Edmonds' history, and it could potentially be reinstated to
its historic condition. Commissioners were encouraged to share their thoughts about the building at the public hearing before
the City Council on November 15tb. Written comments would also be accepted and considered. It was noted that the City of
Lyndon received federal funds to restore a building to its historic condition.
Historical Signs
Council Member Teitzel shared an example of the sign that would be placed in Yost Park to identify the old growth cedar
trees. He also shared an example of the sign that would be placed at the south end of Sunset Avenue, which includes a
historic photograph of the line of mills that were previously located along the waterfront in about 1900. He indicated that he
is putting together a budget request for funding from the City Council's discretionary fund. It was suggested that the
Commission should be recognized on the signs to raise public awareness. Chair Scott asked if there has been any discussion
about placing additional historical signage at the potential Sunset Avenue emergency access ramp that is currently being
considered. Council Member Teitzel answered no, but agreed that is a possibility.
Discussion of "Gerdon House" (209 Caspers Street) for Inclusion on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places
Commissioner Livingston shared his research related to the home that was built in 1922. While he cannot find
documentation to confirm that structure was a "kit" home, he has located similar floorplans in historic catalogues. He noted
that the particular style was very popular on the East Coast but not so much on the West Coast. He provided additional
details about "kit" homes, noting that only about 100,000 of them were built. The Commission agreed to evaluate the home
for possible inclusion on the Register at their January 12th meeting. They asked Commissioners Waite and Vogel to
accompany Council Teitzel on a visit to the home to take photograph and document its historic elements. They also asked
Mr. Chave to provide additional information about the home's eligibility for tax benefits.
Finalize 2017 Historic Calendar
Chair Scott indicated she would continue to work with Mr. Chave to get the calendar printed and ready for distribution. She
agreed to notify the Commission when they are available.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS
Chair Scott reviewed the agendas for upcoming meetings. She also agreed to contact the owner of the Cooper House with a
request to have the sign returned since the property is no longer listed on the Register.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Ms. Cunningham noted that the vacant positions on the Commission have been advertised on numerous occasions, but no
applications have been received to date. The Commission agreed to go through its exercise of revamping the Commission
before advertising the positions again.
Commissioner Allbery reported that the Museum's new exhibit opens on November 19th. The Museum has been very busy
with the art stalk and announcing the winners of the Scarecrow Festival. She also provided a brief update on the proposed
repairs and advised that the Museum is working to renegotiate its lease agreement with the City.
Commissioner Raetzloff said he was recently notified that Sno-Isle Library is building a new location near 1281h Street and
Interstate 5. They requested historical information on the location, which was previously a stop on the Interurban called
Merrill and Ring Siding or M&R. Their intent is to incorporate history into the building's design.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
November 10, 2016 Page 2