Everett Historical Commission

APPROVED Everett Historical Commission Minutes January 24, 2017 Members Present Members Absent Visitors City Staff Allan White Glenn Hunter Council Member Scott Bader Paul Popelka Andrea Tucker Patrick Hall Ross Johnson Arnold Morrison Sherry Steele Bill Vincent Dave Ramstad 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, January 24, 2017 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 6:34 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair O’Donnell called for action on the November 21, 2016 meeting minutes. Corrections were noted, and Commissioner Ramstad moved to approve the November 21, 2016 minutes as corrected. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously. CITIZEN COMMENTS None COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Fox shared a Port of Everett article about new mile marker signs along their recreation trail, some of which is along the Mill Town Trail. There was general discussion of coordination with the Port, installing the City signage program and having a Public Works representative meet with the Commission about Mill Town Trail and sidewalk issues. Commissioner Anderson met with Harry Stuchell, Eclipse Mill owner, about the park naming project. The family should be invited to the park dedication, and work should be done prior to that dedication for interpretive signage at the park. He also noted that a Port of Everett Commissioner attended the Northwest neighborhood meeting and referenced future trail plans from Lowell around the peninsula to Mukilteo. He also called for an update on the West Hewitt project and pedestrian connections from there to the Pigeon Creek Trail. Page 1 of 5 He reported on a downtown district in Nashville similar to Everett but much more active and successful. He suggested bringing together Everett property owners, business operators and the City to help create a better experience for visitors and energize the Hewitt District. Commissioner Ramstad announced that the Everett Monuments Men, involved in organizing the Everett History Museum collection, are reviewing the ferry boat collection for the City of Mukilteo for displays in the community. Commissioner Tucker called for a brochure to identify and promote the Mill Town Trail after signage is installed. She also noted historic preservation programs need more support and awareness from City Council. Commissioner Vincent has served in an Alternate position and is very interested in serving as a regular member of the Commission at the next opening. Commissioner Fox noted the 125th Anniversary this year of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the 125th anniversary of the City of Everett Charter in 2018. Commissioners White and Tucker noted the effectiveness of Facebook postings for creating interest in historic preservation. Chair O’Donnell introduced Andrea Tucker and David Ramstad, two new Commission members, and Council Member Scott Bader who will be the Council Liaison. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions to the agenda. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair O’Donnell noted that the Vice-Chair has traditionally assumed the Chair’s position and called for a motion. Commissioner White moved to elect Vice Chair Cameron-Behee as Chair. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously. Chair Cameron-Behee called for nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Ramstad nominated Commissioner Vincent for Vice Chair. Motion seconded by Commissioner O’Donnell. Motion passed unanimously. HISTORIC BUILDINGS DISCUSSION Longfellow School - Oakes Ave Chair O’Donnell will be meeting with the Mayor and other City staff about the proposed demolition. The Commission held an extensive discussion about preserving the building as summarized below:  City has no authority over actions by the Everett School District  Discussion of increasing needs for homeless housing and programs despite the ongoing City efforts to address the problems Page 2 of 5   City-sponsored Berkshire housing project, currently in the SEPA/NEPA review process, will not be open until 2018  Everett School District has concerns about homeless people near the stadium and other school activities  Homeless programs or facilities would need to be sponsored by the City or other entity, but not the School District  Building has limited uses with no parking included with the site  Future school building may be required with student growth from the Riverside Development and other area housing projects  Commission members and public should speak out to the School District at their regular School Board meeting(s) Creamery Building - Pacific Ave Commissioner Ramstad summarized his research on the building, noting construction in 1936 for the Gold Star Creamery. The building held various businesses, including West Coast Dairy owned by Elmar Skotdal. The City occupied the building in the 1990’s and has made some exterior modifications. Planner Popelka stated that planning and design for the Public Works Complex involves redevelopment of the current buildings and block on the west side of Cedar. Further discussion is summarized below:  There are currently no plans to sell or demolish the Creamery Building  Everett Transit will be relocating to the Smith St Mill site along 36th St  Further research will be done to help define the potential historic value and significance of the building  Preservation and reuse may be a possibility for another owner, but there is no City authority to prohibit demolition Mission Building - Snohomish County Courthouse Planner Popelka noted that the 1967 Courthouse (north of the Mission Building) has been determined to be eligible for the National Register by Michael Houser from the WA Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). Following general discussion of the courthouse campus and future building programs, he also noted that there are no plans for modifying the Mission Building and it is not threatened. Everett Housing Authority (EHA) - Colby & Pacific Former site of the Antler Hotel, the EHA building was built in 1963 and has been determined to be eligible for the National Register by DAHP. Staff Member Johnson reported that proposed remodeling of the interior and minor exterior work triggered a historic review process with DAHP. 2017 Commission Work Program Planner Popelka reviewed the categories of projects in the 2017 Work Program with brief descriptions. This program will be discussed at the February Commission meeting to finalize projects, set priorities and schedules. Further discussion is summarized below:  Update of 2017 grant for the Hewitt District Building Assessment Page 3 of 5   Discussed I-5 Hewitt District signage, WSDOT issues and potential funding sources, including hotel-motel tax  Commission subcommittee looked into demolition regulations around 2008, staff will check for that information  Past efforts to establish an Everett Register District downtown were not favored by property owners  Discussed several candidate buildings for Everett and/or National Register nominations; Commission to develop list for future action (set this as regular agenda item for monthly discussion)  To promote interest in building register nominations, share with property owners and the public the Hewitt District Building Assessment Handbook to be prepared this year along with other benefits of preservation Commissioners are to bring their top 3-5 priority Work Program projects to the February meeting to determine priorities for 2017. Projects should also include short-term items than can be readily accomplished. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN HISTORIC OVERLAY ZONES Planner Popelka reviewed slides from Commissioner O’Donnell for conditions on 13th Street in the Rucker Grand Historic Overlay Zone. Recent street construction restored the street to its pre-existing condition that had no curb and gravel parking areas between the street and sidewalk. Commissioner O’Donnell discussed lack of proper sidewalk treatments, on-going street improvements for freight corridor work along Rucker/Pacific/Marine View that are impacting pedestrians and removing street trees. He called for historic review of Public Works projects in Historic Overlay Zones A representative from Public Works will be invited to a future Commission meeting. BROWN AWARDS AND SHPO AWARDS Commissioner O’Donnell will coordinate awards and bring a list of candidates to the February meeting for final choices. The last Brown Awards were in 2015. Following discussion of candidates for SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) awards, Commissioner White moved to submit nominations for Watson’s Bakery for Historic Property Rehabilitation Projects; David Dilgard for Career Achievement; and Evergreen Cemetery for Cemetery Preservation. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously. PROJECT UPDATES Commissioner Vincent continues to work on the Warren Overlook project. The Eagle Scout candidate that started a project last year was not able to get approval for his proposal. It was suggested that the neighbors be contacted for help. Page 4 of 5 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future meeting agenda items include the following:  Open Meetings Law Training  2017 Work Program  Mill Town Trail Update  Public Works Standards and Historic Review  Candidate buildings for listing on Everett Register and/or National Register OTHER BUSINESS Patrick Hall introduced himself and expressed interest in joining the Commission. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 pm. Page 5 of 5