Everett Historical Commission

APPROVED Everett Historical Commission Minutes April 26, 2016 Members Present Members Absent Visitors City Staff Arnold Morrison Allan White Andrea Tucker David Stahlheim Bill Vincent Mark Soine Dave Ramstad Ross Johnson Bobby Olsen Gail Chism Dale Good Judy Touhy, City Council Glenn Hunter Sherry Steele Jack O’Donnell Laura Cameron- Behee Neil Anderson Steve Fox CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Valey House at 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair O’Donnell called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair O’Donnell noted two corrections and called for action on the March 22 meeting minutes. Commissioner Vincent moved to approve the March 22, 2016 minutes. Motion seconded by Commissioner Olson. Motion passed unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS Andrea Tucker Historic Everett 3330 Wetmore Ave, Everett WA Ms. Tucker noted that at their last meeting, Historic Everett discussed the Mill Town Trail and questioned the status of that trail as there has been no further action or improvements. She encouraged the Commission to get updates on the status of the trail and signage. Dave Ramstad 1301 Pinkerton Ave, Everett WA Mr. Ramstad noted that the Mill Town Trail was approved in late 2014/early 2015 and that signs similar to those installed by the Port of Everett should be installed for the trail, hopefully by early summer. He also noted that there are existing stanchions for mounting signs. Page 1 of 4 He also described sidewalks being built that do not match older sidewalk colors and patterns, particularly at access ramps. This has effects on tourism (e.g. the new sidewalk at the Jackson house at 17th and Grand). COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Anderson shared an article from the Seattle Times (Sunday edition) about the Anacortes Historic District and the Tommy Thompson Trail as good examples for promoting their district. He also shared a guidebook, “Everett Field Guide”, and suggested including other businesses and a downtown map with the Hewitt Historical District in the next edition. Commissioner Fox raised questions about signage on Pacific that directs people to the downtown by way of Rucker and Hoyt. There was discussion that noted confusion about the proper location and directions for these signs, conflicting bike routes, and possible changes to use Colby as the main access to downtown at Hewitt. Guest Andrea Tucker noted that Rucker is being improved as a more walkable street similar to Hoyt, and locating directional signage to downtown may be intended for Rucker as access to downtown. Chair O’Donnell reported on two historic homes. The buildings at 2802 Victor have been demolished (as approved and permitted) for a new home, but the property is now for sale. He also questioned the review and permit status for work at 2022 Grand. There was general discussion about standards and installation of new sidewalks in historic areas that do not match existing walks. A representative from Public Works will be invited to the next meeting. He also discussed the recent tribute to Ed and Betty Morrow, and noted the release of a novel about the Everett Massacre by local author Jim Cuthill titled Sawdust Empire. He also commented on narrower streets in the Wallingford area with parking on both sides of the street which results in slower traffic. This should be considered in Everett to slow traffic on streets in historic neighborhoods and streets like Colby, Rucker and Broadway. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA Commissioner O’Donnell added the Mill Town Trail to the meeting agenda for further discussion. MILL TOWN TRAIL The Commission discussion included questions and comments as summarized below: • Public Works, not Parks, oversees trails in public rights-of-way (streets). • Existing signage includes bike route markers and safety signs (path narrows, etc.); need to identify department and staff to install Mill Town Trail sign markers. • History of trail dates to 1970’s as the Harborfront Trail. • Trail is not on Everett bike route maps or website. • More information and staff presentation at next Commission meeting. Page 2 of 4 NAMING OF RIVERSIDE PARK Chair O’Donnell initiated discussion for naming the park. He reviewed the list of ten names submitted for consideration: Eclipse Park Eclipse Mill Park E.D. Smith Memorial Park Enid Nordlund Park Nordlund Park Getchell Park Getchell Landing Mill View Park Milwaukee Road Park Native American Name Commissioner Fox proposed adding Swalwell Park; he has not received a response from Tulalip Tribes about possible Native American names. Manager Stahlheim reviewed the naming process: 1) sending one or more names to the Board of Park Commissioners for their June meeting; 2) final recommendation in June from Historical Commission to City Council; and 3) final approval by City Council. Commission discussion is summarized below: • Signs with a Native American name could incorporate two languages like signs in British Columbia. • Parks named after people may be an issue if there are descendants living in Everett. • Similar to J.J.Hill Park and Boxcar Park (after the Great Northern), Milwaukee Road Park would recognize that railroad’s service to Everett. • Eclipse Mill ran from the early 1900’s to 1962; possible to include mill logo or brand on sign. • Park may be anchor site for Mill Town Trail. • Possibility of naming park after a woman from Everett’s history. • Proposal to drop the following names from the list: E.D. Smith Memorial Park Getchell Park Getchell Landing Mill View Park Swalwell Chair O’Donnell suggested tabling this agenda item. The Commission will postpone action to the May 24, 2016 meeting. 2017 CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CLG) GRANT PROGRAM AND APPLICATION Manager Stalheim reviewed the grant application submitted to the State. This application would fund a survey of building conditions in the downtown area and workshops to present information on building maintenance and preservation. Page 3 of 4 OTHER BUSINESS Chair O’Donnell and Commissioner Fox discussed their building inventory of the Metro Everett area. Building locations are mapped on Google Map, which can be used to prioritize buildings and show other types of information. Manager Stalheim noted that Bellingham received an award for their downtown walking tour. The Commissioners noted Everett walking tours that have been prepared for downtown and several historic neighborhoods. He also updated the Commission on Metro Everett. There will be a public open house/workshop on May 9 at the Everett Performing Arts Center. Staff will be organizing bus or van and walking tours of historic Everett with support from some Commissioners as tour guides. He has compiled a comprehensive list of planning strategies from various plans prepared over the past ten years. These strategies will be consolidated and prioritized as part of the Metro Everett process. Commissioner Olson initiated a discussion of historic bridges and the importance of saving and/or reusing bridges. The Marysville historic bridges will likely be replaced eventually, and he advocated saving historic bridges for reuse for bicycles and pedestrians. Other examples were noted, including a bridge in Pilchuck saved as part of the Centennial Trail, and in New Zealand. Following discussion, the suggestion was made to prepare a letter to WSDOT about future bridge replacements, the value of historic bridges, and the potential for saving them for bicyclists and pedestrians. Guest Gail Chisum suggested sending a letter of thanks and recognition to Ed and Betty Morrow. Commissioner O’Donnell will prepare a letter for review by the Commission. Commissioner Vincent spoke about the Captain Ramwell collection and the need to organize and recognize the archive. There was discussion about the Commission getting involved and seeing the collection at the Elks Club in July. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Items for the next meeting include park naming, sidewalk standards and Mill Town Trail signage. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Page 4 of 4