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2017-05-11 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING May 11, 2017 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Raetzloff called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:31 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5d' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Tim Raetzloff, Chair Eric Livingston, Vice Chair Chris Deiner-Karr Steve Waite Larry Vogel Sandra Allbery Christiana Johnson, City Council Member COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Emily Scott Dave Teitzel, City Council Member (excused) APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant COMMISSIONER ALLBERY MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2017 BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was adjusted to add an announcement about the Historic Preservation Month Proclamation and a discussion about updating the list of historic properties that might be eligible for the Register. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. NEW BUSINESS Review of 2018 Calendar The Commission reviewed the draft 2018 Calendar and identified a few minor changes. They agreed it would be fun to add the names of people who are featured in the photos, and Commissioner Allbery agreed to help with that task. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to take the draft calendar to the Old Timers Picnic in August, asking those in attendance to help identify the people in the photographs. The Commissioners also agreed it would be nice to include a historic picture of the Edmonds High School Building. In addition, Chair Vogel agreed to locate a good picture of Robin Hood Lanes to replace the Lynnwood Lanes photograph that is in the draft calendar. Chair Raetzloff cautioned against making too many changes that will further delay printing of the calendar. The Commission discussed that the 2018 calendar might be more popular because it features pictures of actual people. They talked about how many calendars should be printed. It was noted that the budget for the 2017 calendar was never spent, but it was not rolled over for the 2018 calendar, either. The Commission asked Ms. Cunningham to seek feedback from the Finance Director as to whether this funding would still be available so that additional calendars could be printed. They also suggested that the calendar could be made available electronically for people to print their own copies. Commissioner Vogel agreed to assist Commissioner Scott in making the changes, and the Commissioners all agreed to review the calendar portion and note changes that are needed to dates and events. Chanes should be submitted to Ms. Cunningham as soon as possible. The goal was to have the changes completed by the June 81 meeting. Proclamation Chair Raetzloff announced that Mayor Earling read a proclamation recently identifying May as National Historic Preservation Month in the City of Edmonds. He and several other Commissioners were in attendance. The Commissioners agreed that the proclamation should be posted in a visible location at least for the month of May, perhaps as part of the Museum's exhibit. It should also be posted on the Commission's website. At the end of the month, the proclamation could be framed and displayed in the Brackett Room of City Hall, which is where the monthly Commission meetings are held. It was noted that the proclamation was written and submitted by Commissioner Scott on behalf of the Commission. Update on the Edmonds Museum Exhibit Commissioner Allbery reported that there has not been a large crowd of people visiting the new exhibit, "Edmonds in Focus: Capturing our Collective History." However, quite a few people attended Membership Night. The main draw at the exhibit is an enlarged aerial photograph from the 1940's. People are amazed at the small homes and the number of vacant lots. Examples of the types of building materials that have been used historically in the City are also part of the display. Commissioner Waite asked if the Museum is actively pursuing participation by the younger generation. Commissioner Allbery answered that is not a specific focus, but it is something the board talks a lot about. Commissioner Waite noted that a larger number of young families are moving to Edmonds, and many are interested in purchasing the older homes. Perhaps it would serve well to let these people know that the City has a Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner Waite requested an update on the Museum's maintenance project, and Commissioner Allbery reported that the larger maintenance project that was presented previously to the Commission will not likely move forward in the near future. However, Public Works staff is currently working to replace the windows, skylights and doors, which will be funded by a grant. The Commissioners voiced concern that they have not yet approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project. Ms. Cunningham agreed to seek more information about the project and advise of the approval requirement. They agreed that representatives from the Museum and the Public Works Department should be invited to the Commission's June 8th meeting to provide more information. Updating the List of Historic Properties Commissioner Deiner-Karr advised that she is in the process of reviewing and updating the list of historic properties. Once the list has been updated, the Commission indicated a desire to take action by reaching out to the property owners in some way via a mailing and/or a special event. ACTION ITEMS There were no action items on the agenda Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 Page 2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Raetzloff said he was recently contacted by David Preston, who is interested in submitting an application to serve on the Commission. He also reported that he received photographs from the Courood Cemetery in the Five Corners Neighborhood. While he does not believe the owner is interested in placing the property on the Register, it is still important to note this cemetery, as well as the Pioneer and Indian Cemeteries. The Commission had a brief discussion about the best process for locating and identifying the graves in these cemeteries using modern technology and historical information. Chair Raetzloff reported that he had contact with the property owner at 621 Bell Street, but he does not believe she is interested in placing her property on the Register. He said he suspects the property has been considerably changed from its original condition. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Council Member Johnson asked how many properties were added to the Register in 2016. Commissioner Vogel answered that one property was added, and one property was removed from the Register. None have been added thus far in 2017, but they are working on one. Council Member Johnson said that during the last budget process, she raised the idea of hiring additional help (perhaps graduate students in the Historic Preservation Program at the University of Washington), but questions were raised about who would supervise them. The Commissioners indicated a desire to pursue the concept further. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to forward helpful contact information to Council Member Johnson. Commissioners Vogel and Deiner-Karr agreed to pursue historic photographs and other information about Robin Hood Lanes to use in the 2018 Calendar. Commissioner Waite indicated that he could meet with the Public Works Director regarding proposed changes at the Edmonds Museum within the next week. Ms. Cunningham agreed to work with Mr. Chave to pursue the issue further and perhaps set up a meeting time for Commissioner Waite. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 Page 3