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2017-04-13 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING April 13, 2017 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Scott called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:35 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5d' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Tim Raetzloff, Chair Steve Waite Larry Vogel Emily Scott Sandra Allbery COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Eric Livingston, Vice Chair (excused) Chris Deiner-Karr (excused) Dave Teitzel, City Council Member (excused) APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant GUEST Neill Tibbott, City Council Member COMMISSIONER WAITE MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF MARCH 9, 2017 BE ACCEPTED AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER ALLBERY SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was adjusted to add: interpretive panels in Yost Park and on Sunset Avenue, Boys and Girls Club, and May 9th Proclamation. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. NEW BUSINESS 2019 Historical Calendar Theme The Commissioners discussed using a transportation theme for the 2019 calendar. This could include the history of automobiles, street paving, car companies, ferry system, bus service to Seattle, gas stations and railroad. They agreed that the calendar should focus more on history and less on structures. They selected the theme, "Edmonds on the Go," Commissioners Vogel and Scott agreed to oversee the project. They also discussed that a potential theme for a future calendar could be "Industry in Edmonds" or "Historic Edmonds Residents." May 9`h Proclamation Commissioner Scott reminded the Commissioners that the National Register of Historic Places and the State's Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation have identified the month of May as Preservation Month. She reported that she recently met with the Edmonds Historical Museum Director, Katie Kelly, to discuss the Commission and Museum joining together in a proclamation to designate May as Preservation Month in the City of Edmonds, as well. At the Commission's request, she agreed to work with City staff to prepare the proclamation for the City Council's declaration on May 9t". Update on the Edmonds Museum Exhibit Commissioner Scott announced that she and Katie Kelly, Edmonds Historical Museum Director, are preparing an exhibit titled, "Within These Walls," which will open on May 6th. The exhibit will focus on preserving historic structures in Edmonds and will feature an educational collection prepared by State Architectural Historian, Michael Houser. She noted that some help from Commissioners may be needed to set up the displays. Council Member Teitzel agreed to forward Commissioner Scott a video taken of downtown Edmonds in about 1940 that he created from an 8mm movie reel. Recap of Volunteer Day Chair Raetzloff reported that he manned the Commission's booth at Volunteer Day, where there was a good crowd of people in attendance. A few people indicated a desire to participate on the Historic Preservation Commission, which is looking for additional members. He was also approached by a woman who questioned why the Commission denied her request to put her home at 621 Bell Street on the Register. After some discussion, the Commissioners determined that the owner never submitted an application and the structure is identified on the survey as being extensively altered. Chair Raetzloff agreed to respond to the property owner suggesting she fill out an application if she is interested in pursuing the nomination. Interpretive Panels in Yost Park and on Sunset Avenue At the request of Frances Chapin, Arts and Cultural Manager, the Commission reviewed the proposed design for interpretive panels that would be placed at Yost Park and on Sunset Avenue. The Commissioners indicated support for the design but noted that the 1890 date was incorrect, since the bank building was not constructed until 1907. It was also suggested that the photo of the loggers should be photoshopped to remove one of the axes. In addition, all references to "saw mill" should be changed to "mill," since there were a variety of mills in Edmonds. Commissioner Vogel agreed to forward the Commission's suggestions to Council Member Teitzel, who would relay them to Ms. Chapin. Discussion About the Potential of Creating a Second List of Historic Properties Commissioner Allbery reported that the Edmonds Historical Museum is interested in a joint venture with the Historic Preservation Commission to create a separate register for historic properties that do not meet all of the criteria for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. She referred to a list of historic properties prepared by a committee that was formed by the Edmonds Historical Museum to explore locations for historic plaques. Although the committee no longer exists, she suggested the list could be used as a stepping off spot for creating the separate register. Field House (Boys and Girls Club) The Commission discussed their understanding that the City does not currently plan to save the Field House structure as part of the new Civic Park. Because of significant modifications, it might not be suitable for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places in its current condition. However, it is an historic site and important to the City's identity. They discussed potential opportunities to preserve the building and/or restore it to its original condition. Another idea was to utilize portions of the structure as part of a new park element. It was noted that, although there has been a lot of speculation on its condition, a condition assessment has never been done. Ms. Cunningham reminded the Commission that they tried to place the Field House (Boys and Girls Club) on the Register, but the Edmonds School District, who owned the property at that time, was not interested. COMMISSIONER SCOTT MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION SUPPORT A CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF THE FIELD HOUSE STRUCTURE CONDUCTED BY AN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL. SHE FURTHER MOVED THAT THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BE INVOLVED IN THE CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2017 Page 2 Update on Proiects at the Edmonds Historical Museum Commissioner Allbery said there is no progress to report at this time. ACTION ITEMS There were no action items scheduled on the agenda. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Raetzloff noted that Commissioner Vogel also attended Volunteer Day as a reporter taking pictures. However, he also assisted with the Commission's table. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Vogel commended Chair Raetzloff for his quiet, but forceful leadership. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 13, 2017 Page 3