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2017-02-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING February 9, 2017 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Scott called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:40 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5d' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Tim Raetzloff, Chair Eric Livingston, Vice Chair Steve Waite Larry Vogel Dave Teitzel, City Council Member COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Sandra Allbery (excused) Chris Deiner-Karr (excused) Emily Scott (excused) APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Planning Manager Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT VICE CHAIR LIVINGSTON MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2017 BE ACCEPTED AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was amended to add an update on Commissioner Vogel's walking tour as an item under "New Business." The remainder of the agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. NEW BUSINESS Walking Tour Commissioner Vogel reported that the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Board held its most recent meeting in Edmonds, and he was invited to provide a PowerPoint presentation and walking tour of Historic Properties in Edmonds. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion on HPC Commission Roles and Responsibilities This item was moved to a future agenda. Discussion on Edmonds Heritage Properties Commissioner Vogel reviewed that, at their last meeting, the Commission discussed the concept of creating an alternative way to recognize buildings that are significant to Edmonds' history but do not qualify for the Register for some reason or another. For example, the City could establish a separate list of Edmonds Heritage Properties. Council Member Teitzel reported that he sought feedback from the City Attorney and learned that, as long as there is no compensation scheme attached and the program is simply honorary, there should not be any legal issues. He said he envisions that properties would receive a certificate and public recognition at a City Council meeting. The Commission discussed the pros and cons of creating a separate list for properties that do not qualify for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. It was noted that the Edmonds Snohomish County Historical Society already has a recognition program for historic properties. Perhaps the Commission should approach the Society about the concept of collaborating together to create a joint list and/or recognition program for historic properties that do not qualify for the register. Before creating a new list that will consume the Commission's time and energy, Commissioner Waite suggested that the Commission should carefully evaluate whether it has fulfilled its mission and done everything possible to get eligible properties onto the Register. If not, they should analyze why. The Commissioners recognized that more could be done, and the effort to place properties on the Register should continue. The new list, if created, would be a second tier that is offered to properties that do not meet the criteria. The Commissioners concluded that there are still numerous properties that might be eligible for the Register. However, they agreed that additional staff support is needed to actively pursue these properties. Mr. Chave suggested the Commission should build a case and present a proposal to the City Council that includes a request for more financial support for historic preservation. Offering a college internship project would be a great place to start. Commissioner Vogel agreed to meet with Commissioner Scott to discuss the concept further and present some ideas for the Commissioners to consider. Commissioner Waite suggested that there must be a clear distinction between the two tiers, as well as criteria for determining whether or not a property qualifies for the secondary list. ACTION ITEMS Continued Discussion of "Gerdon House" at 209 Caspers Street for Inclusion on Edmonds Register of Historic Places Council Member Teitzel reported that he met recently with the property owner and received an update on the improvements that are being made. The owner indicated a desire to wait until the project is completed before moving forward with the nomination to include it on the Register. This item was tentatively continued to the next meeting. Commissioner Waite said he previously raised the idea of offering an expedited permit process as an incentive for owners to place historic properties on the Register. He asked Council Member Teitzel to approach the owner of the Gerdon House to find out if this incentive would have encouraged him to place his property on the Register before moving forward with the improvements. The Commissioners indicated support for the concept and asked Commissioner Waite to approach staff to find out the best implementation approach. VICE CHAIR LIVINGSTON MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE COMMISSIONER WAITE TO APPROACH STAFF TO DISCUSS THE BEST APPROACH FOR IMPLEMENTING AN EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PROPERTIES ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2017 Page 2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Raetzloff did not provide any additional comments. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Vogel referred to a copy of the Museum Director's Report, which lists the 2017 exhibit schedule. There is an exhibit coming up called, "Within These Walls," that is supposed to be done in partnership with the Historic Preservation Commission. He reported that he received an email from Commissioner Scott indicating that she is interested in working with the Museum to schedule a few tours in conjunction with the exhibit during preservation month. Council Member Teitzel asked who is taking charge of the 2018 Calendar project. Mr. Chave said the calendar has been completed, but the actual days need to be updated. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 9, 2017 Page 3