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2017-01-12 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING January 12, 2017 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 Tim Raetzloff, Chair Elect Eric Livingston, Vice Chair Elect Sandra Allbery Dave Teitzel, City Council Member STAFF PRESENT Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Steve Waite (excused) Chris Deiner-Karr (excused) Council Member Teitzel announced that he was reappointed to serve as the City Council's liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission in 2017. APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER ALLBERY MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 2016 BE ACCEPTED AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES Ms. Cunningham requested an update from Council Member Teitzel regarding historic signage. Introduction of a Draft Proposal by Commissioner Vogel was also added to the agenda. The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. ELECTION OF OFFICERS COMMISSIONER VOGEL NOMINATED COMMISSIONER RAETZLOFF TO SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION IN 2017 AND COMMISSIONER LIVINGSTON AS VICE CHAIR. COMMISSIONER SCOTT SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED 4-1, WITH COMMISSIONER RAETZLOFF VOTING IN OPPOSITION. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Commissioner Scott thanked the Commissioners for supporting her as Chair of the Commission over the past two years. She complimented each of them, noting that they all provide valuable skills to the group. The Commissioners thanked her for her service, as well. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Update on Historical Signage Council Member Teitzel announced that the City Council approved funding for two historic signs at the waterfront and Yost Park. Ms. Chapin will take the lead to get the signs produced and installed, using the draft design that Commissioner Vogel helped to create. The cost will be about $5,000 per sign. Historic Preservation Tour Commissioner Vogel announced that the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will hold its winter board meeting in Edmonds on February 3rd and 4th. He was invited to make a presentation on February 3rd from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. regarding the history of Edmonds, followed by a walking tour of historic buildings and sites. He invited Commissioners to attend. Update on Activities of the Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society Commissioner Allbery announced that the Museum would close for three weeks of cleaning and maintenance. The new exhibit is being done in partnership with the University of Washington's Museology Department. She also announced that volunteers from the University of Washington will reinstate and go forward with oral histories, starting with veterans. Commissioner Allbery advised that the Historical Society is currently working on membership renewals, which are coming in quickly. As stewards of history, Commissioner Scott encouraged the Commissioners to become members of the Society. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on Historic Preservation Commission Roles and Responsibilities The Commission had an in-depth discussion about their role and responsibility relative to historic preservation, and how it could be expanded moving forward. The discussion started with a quick review of the responsibilities outlined in the ordinance that created the Commission. As per the ordinance, the Commission's major responsibilities are to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the City's historic resources by initiating and maintaining a Register of Historic Places and reviewing proposed changes to registered properties, raise community awareness of the City's history and historic resources and serve as the City's primary resource in matters of history, historic planning and preservation. The Commissioners shared the following thoughts: • The Commission's criteria may be too stringent and some opportunities to preserve structures important to Edmonds' history have been lost. Their mission should be to preserve historic structures and safeguard the heritage of the City. Placing them on the register provides incentive for owners to maintain their historic condition for future generations. While the Commission should continue its work to get buildings on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places using the same criteria and values that are used for the State and National Registers, perhaps they should also have an alternative way to recognize buildings that are significant to Edmonds' history but do not qualify for the Register for some reason or another. It was noted that the Edmonds Museum is considering a similar recognition program, and perhaps the two groups could collaborate on the effort. Because the City is a Certified Local Government, it must have and maintain a Register that is based on the same criteria that is used for the State and National Registers. However, the City could establish a separate List of Edmonds Heritage Properties for properties that do not qualify for the Edmonds Register of Historic Properties. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 12, 2017 Page 2 • The appearance of a structure should be taken into consideration. Although updates may have been made, as long as a structure still looks old, it should be recognized in some way. Perhaps there could be different tiers for the Register to include those properties that do not meet the strict State and National criteria. • Questions were raised about whether or not a property that does not meet the State and National criteria would still be eligible for incentives, such as tax benefits. It was noted that there is no tax incentive unless a property is significantly revitalized, but a "historic" designation would grant some relief to historic buildings that are nonconforming from certain development and building code requirements. • The Commission should take advantage of opportunities to educate the public and promote interest in the City's history. • The Commission should play a more significant role in preserving and celebrating the history of the City. In that regard, it may be appropriate to change the Commission's name to Edmonds Heritage and Historic Preservation Commission. This change would make it clear that the Commission's focus goes beyond the Register. • In the past, the Commission has focused on buildings that were constructed at the turn of the century. However, there are a lot of mid-century homes that would also qualify. Perhaps they should expand their outreach to let these property owners know their properties could be eligible for the register. • None of the properties on the Register have taken advantage of the tax credit, so it should not be considered a significant incentive. The Commission should think of other benefits that could be made available to historic properties. For example, the Commission could provide resources to property owners who need to make changes, to ensure they are done correctly. • It is important to approach owners of historic properties in a more positive tone. Rather than waiting for property owners to come to the Commission with their ideas, the Commission could be more proactive in providing assistance and encouragement. For example, an article could be published in the City's quarterly newsletter. • If the Commission can work out an arrangement where the calendar costs are split between symbiotic relationships, some of the money that was previously set aside for the calendar could be reallocated for grants to assist homeowners with restoration projects that are historically accurate. It was emphasized that, because the City is a Certified Local Government, it must have and maintain a Register that is based on the same criteria that is used for the State and National Registers. However, the City could establish a separate list for properties that do not qualify for the Edmonds Register of Historic Properties. Commissioners Scott and Vogel were assigned to meet with Mr. Chave to discuss the option further and report back to the Commission. Council Member Teitzel was asked to review the Commission's establishing ordinance and identify any changes that might be needed to move the concept of creating a second list forward. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Continued Discussion of "Gerdon House" at 209 Casuers Street for Inclusion on Edmonds Register of Historic Places Council Member Teitzel provided a brief report on his efforts to get the Gerdon House on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. The owner has been very disappointed that Building Code requirements have cost a lot more than anticipated. The owner recently met with City staff to resolve some issues, and the project is progressing well. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes January 12, 2017 Page 3