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2017-11-09 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING November 9, 2017 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Raetzloff called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 5:55 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5"' Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Tim Raetzloff, Chair Chris Deiner-Karr Emily Scott Larry Vogel Dave Teitzel, City Council Member COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Steve Waite (excused) Sandra Allbery (excused) APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF PRESENT Rob Chave, Development Services Manager Diane Cunningham, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT Brian Moll Christine Striker Lora Johnson David Preston COMMISSIONER SCOTT MOVED THAT THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 12, 2017 BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER VOGEL SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AGENDA ADDITIONS/CHANGES The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Brian Moll, Edmonds, indicated a desire to join the Commission. In light of the Post Office and Marvel Marble buildings being torn down, he would like to work with the Commission to add more teeth to the code to protect more historic buildings before it is too late. Christine Striker, Edmonds, agreed with Mr. Moll. She was heartbroken to see both of the buildings taken down. She would like to discuss what can be done to require the preservation of historic properties as opposed to the current voluntary Register. David Preston, Edmonds, suggested there needs to be more incentive to encourage property owners to preserve historic structures. Lora Johnson, Edmonds, commented that there is significant motivation for redevelopment right now and people are being offered a lot of money for their properties. These two factors make it difficult to encourage people to preserve historic structures. She would like to discuss what can be done to discourage this from happening in the future. Commissioner Vogel commented that the City has a lot of unique heritage, and he felt the community was motivated to preserve it as much as possible. The Commission's role is to build upon that motivation. Ms. Striker suggested the Commission consider creating a Facebook site to provide information to the public. For example, most of the public did not know the Post Office and Marvel Marble Buildings would be torn down until it was already decided. She has spoken with a number of residents who are also concerned, and a Facebook site could have provided a medium for rallying the community to take action. Mr. Chave explained how the public is notified of proposed projects via mailings, notices, and the City's website, but they are not typically posted on the City's Facebook page. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of "Gerdon House" (209 Casners Street) Planue Presentation Chair Raetzloff announced that the plaque presentation for the Gerdon House is scheduled for December 13d' at 11:00 a.m. Status of 2018 Calendar Chair Raetzloff reported that the 2018 Calendar has been finished and sent to the printer. Mr. Chave added that the target is to have the calendars available the day before Thanksgiving so they can be distributed the week following Thanksgiving. A total of 2,500 calendars were ordered this year. Commissioner Vogel recognized the efforts of Commissioner Scott who collected the information and designed the calendar. The Commission discussed that the theme for the 2019 Calendar will focus on transportation, and they need to get started on it soon. ACTION ITEMS Next Steps for Two Yost Properties (536 Pine Street and 658 MaDle Street The Commission compared historic and current photographs and discussed the potential for the properties to qualify for the Register. Commissioner Definer -Karr said she has been working to identify the Yost family members who owned the two homes, but her search has not been successful yet. It was noted that the 658 Maple Street home appears to be eligible for the Register. However, some concern was raised about the addition and windows on the 536 Pine Street property. Commissioners Vogel and Scott agreed to participate in a walkthrough of the two properties, and Ms. Cunningham agreed to make the necessary arrangements. It was suggested that Commissioner Waite participate, as well. Next Step for 645 Fir Street Property Council Member Teitzel pointed out that the house at 645 Fir Street appears to be a Sears kit home, and it is very close to the original structure. The owners are motivated to have the property listed on the Register. He and Commissioner Waite met with the property owners on October 23rd to provide an application and explain the benefits of being on the Register. Due to health issues, the application is on hold for now, but the Commission could continue to do the necessary ground work in anticipation of preparing an application. Council Member Teitzel commented that the current owners have a box full of historic information that was provided by the previous owners. He agreed to contact the property owners to request the information. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to contact Commissioner Allbery to find out where she is in the process of locating historic photographs of the home. Council Member Teitzel agreed to set up a time for Commissioner Vogel to visit the site to take photographs. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2017 Page 2 Lora Johnson, Edmonds, agreed to provide contact information for someone who lives across the street from the 645 Fir Street property. This individual has indicated she has a wealth of information about the historic aspects of the home. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Raetzloff said he receiving viewed a topographical map of the Seattle area, which included Edmonds, that was made in 1897. He learned some interesting things about the early years of the City, and he agreed to provide a link to the map. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Scott provided a card for the Commissioners to sign to thank Kernen Lien for his efforts on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Deiner-Karr noted that the Commission will need to elect new officers for 2018 at their December meeting. Commissioner Vogel said he is working to prepare a press release and talking points for Mayor Earling in preparation for the Gerdon House plaque presentation on December 13'h. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2017 Page 3