Everett Historical Commission

Everett Historical Commission Minutes June 27, 2017 Members Present Members Excused Visitors City Staff Allan White Deb Cooper David Stalheim Andrea Tucker Scott Bader Ross Johnson Arnold Morrison Cheryl Steele Kembra Landry Dave Ramstad Paul Popelka Glenn Hunter Jack O’Donnell Laura Cameron-Behee Neil Anderson Patrick Hall William Vincent Steve Fox CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Haley House, 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair Cameron-Behee called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS Sherry Steele Everett, WA Ms, Steele commented on original bricks from recent improvements along Pacific Avenue, stating she has some bricks and asked for suggestions for donating the material. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Ramstad noted work at 4230 Colby Avenue, currently used as a care facility. He discussed recent tree removal that allowed a more expansive view of the property. Commissioner Hunter reported on the Carnegie Building, commending the brickwork and discussed proposed uses. Commissioner Tucker discussed deconstruction of the Methodist Church on Colby Avenue for Cocoon House. She suggested that pews, brick, and additional materials be preserved since the building is over 50 years old. Planner Popelka will contact John Rivera (Cocoon House) for salvage and asked the Commission to help with storing the materials. Planner Johnson mentioned NEPA requirements for demolition due to federal funding of project, which will allow for review of historic preservation and mitigation. Page 1 of 3 Commissioner Anderson noted a recent UW Alumni magazine mentioned two prominent Everett individuals in its memorials section. Commissioner O’Donnell mentioned 2619, 2621, and 2623 Everett Avenue and 3317 Wetmore Avenue are boarded up for potential demolition. Commissioners discussed regulations on demolition within city limits. Commissioner O’Donnell reported that Steve Bertrand reported about a contact from Propeller Incorporated. They are looking for artifacts to add to their lobby for future use by Alaska Airlines. Commissioner White mentioned attending an Evergreen Cemetery tour. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Cameron-Behee noted one correction. Commissioner O’Donnell moved to approve the May 23, 2017 minutes as corrected. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA Commissioner Hall asked that a Longfellow School update be added to the agenda. Commissioner Ramstad offered to make a brief report on the Everett Museum of History. BANK OF EVERETT (COPE-GILETTE THEATER) Commissioner Fox recused himself from the agenda item. Planner Popelka presented a brief overview of the nomination to the Everett Register of Historic Places: • Building matches 5 out of 10 criteria for nomination • Building associated with events of significant contribution to local history • Designed by well-known architect John Bryant • Building maintains exterior integrity in New Formalism style Based on the criteria, the building is eligible for listing. Staff recommendation is for the Commission to take final action and forwarding a recommendation of approval for the Nomination of the Bank of Everett Building (Cope-Gillette Theatre) to the Everett Register of Historic Places. Chair Cameron-Behee opened the public hearing and asked for testimony from the audience. There was no testimony and she asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Ramstad moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner White seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Following discussion, Commissioner Hunter moved to approve forwarding a recommendation of approval to City Council for the Nomination of the Bank of Everett Page 2 of 3 Building (Cope-Gillette Theatre) to the Everett Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Ramstad seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. EVERETT LIBRARY WINDOW REPLACEMENT Planner Popelka reviewed the City of Everett Facilities proposal to replace windows at the Everett Library that will prevent further water damage. No further improvements to the building are planned at this time. The Library is on the Washington State Register. Work will begin this year. Commission members discussed the need to continue assessments of buildings for local, state, and national register nominations. This item should on every agenda for discussion. Commissioner Fox asked for the Everett Library and the Culmback Building be nominated for the Everett register listing. EVERETT HISTORICAL MARKERS Commissioner Ramstad described images of eighteen historical markers from 1972. The markers are aluminum plated and in usable condition. The Commission discussed reviewing the markers to determine their condition and use. Additional markers may be identified later. PROJECT UPDATES Planner Popelka provided an update on the Mill Town Trail signage program, noting that mile markers at every half mile and the latest graphics. Public Works staff will finalize the graphic and begin installation this summer with priority to adding signs on existing poles. New signs and posts will take more time for installation. He updated work on the 2017 Downtown Building Assessment grant. Public workshop dates were set with potential dates of July 25th and 27th. The workshop will be held in place of the regular Historical Commission meeting for July. Downtown property owners and other interested parties will be invited through various media. He also mentioned that staff made a presentation to DAHP staff in Olympia for the 2018 grant application. Commissioner Ramstad gave an update on the Longfellow School Building. The Museum Board of Directors verified the offer to the School District. Planner Popelka provided an update on the demolition permit status. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items include the Public Workshop for the Downtown Building Assessment, and Commission Work Program projects. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Ramstad moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner White. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:09pm. Page 3 of 3