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.
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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.
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