Everett Historical Commission

Everett Historical Commission Minutes May 22, 2018 Members Present Members Excused Visitors City Staff Jack O’Donnell Laura Cameron-Behee Jean Satti-Hewat David Stalheim Andrea Tucker Sherry Steele Kembra Landry Arnold Morrison Lori Cummings Dave Ramstad Allan White Glenn Hunter Steve Fox William Vincent Patrick Hall Neil Anderson CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Valey House, 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Chair White called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENTS Jean Satti-Hewat presented concerns to the Commission regarding proposed Metro Everett plan and the Norton Grand Historical Overlay. She asked that the Commission consider a letter to the Planning Commission objecting the changes for Metro, to be presented at their upcoming meeting on June 5th. Discussion ensued regarding the consideration of a letter. Sherry Steele inquired about signage and plaques found in the basement of the Everett Museum. Commissioner Ramstad stated they’re antiquated, many stolen, and many location owners rejected them. They will rest in the Everett Museum. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Hall inquired about a RevitalizeWA summary emailed to Commissioners. Assistant Planner Landry will follow up with sending out a summary. Commissioner Ramstad mentioned activity at 2918 Hewitt Avenue, formerly Gable Furniture, and the new Everett Museum location at 2939 Colby Avenue, Everett Herald home 1913 – 1956. Commissioner Morrison discussed the demolition of the administration building at the new YMCA site at 4730 Colby Avenue. Commissioner Vincent mentioned the article in the Herald regarding Commissioner O’Donnell’s comments. Page 1 of 4 Commissioner Hunter presented updates on homes being sold within Riverside Historical Overlay. Commissioner Anderson mentioned being pleased with the downtown wayfinding signage. Commissioner O’Donnell mentioned the passing of David Dilgard and his significance to Everett’s history. He also discussed windows for recent single family residential projects within historical overlays and presented a need for the Commission to be more aware of window designs during plan review. Commissioner Hall mentioned obtaining training from state staff on historic preservation. Commissioner Fox stated that fixing the standards would also address design concerns. Chair White commended a recent Historic Everett tour led by Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner O’Donnell. He mentioned the June 2nd 125th Celebration and leading a group on the mobile walking tour. He inquired on the status of a house demolished near the corner of Colby Avenue and 24th Street. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner O’Donnell moved to approve the April 24, 2018 minutes. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA Chair White asked that discussion for a Metro Everett letter be added. Commissioner Hall asked that the Park Naming Proposal be moved to be the next item on the agenda. Commissioner O’Donnell asked that a discussion on Clark Park gazebo be added following the Park Naming Proposal. DISCUSSION, PARK NAMING PROPOSAL Assistant Planner Landry provided a brief update on the project and mentioned that the next meeting will be a public hearing at the Wall Street Building. She mentioned that staff will begin collecting public comment and that Communications has created an online form on the city’s website for citizens to submit their ideas. Chair White inquired about the status of the park moving forward. Parks Director Lori Cummings responded to Chair White’s inquiry and provided a brief background on the park’s grant agreement with the City. Parks Commission will be provided a recommendation to the Historical Commission following their meeting on June 12th. Discussion ensued regarding a pool, the park’s relevance in the neighborhood, competition with other parks, and process for next steps for the public hearing. DISCUSSION, CLARK PARK GAZEBO Commissioner O’Donnell inquired about the gated gazebo at Clark Park. Page 2 of 4 Director Cummings stated that the neighborhood has become more focused in activating Clark Park. Dialogue is ongoing regarding the neighborhood steering committee, design of security that is visually appealing, and access. Discussion ensued with Commissioners regarding fence design, lighting, awareness, and feedback from the neighborhood. DISCUSSION, 1927 RUCKER AVENUE Assistant Planner Landry mentioned the draft copy of the nomination that was included in the packet. She provided an update on the recent sale of the property, stating that the property owner who was initially interested in the Register nomination is no longer the current owner. She asked that the Commission revisit the Everett Municipal Code, 2.96.050, which regulates Everett Register nominations as well as consideration to add historical features on the nomination forms. Commissioner O’Donnell provided follow up on contact with the prior property owner and his research on documenting the property. DISCUSSION, EVERETT REGISTER Commissioner Ramstad inquired about letters returned. Assistant Planner Landry stated that letters were sent to the Snohomish County Assessor and addresses in the city’s GIS mapping software. Commissioners discussed having trouble contacting property owners in person for register additions as well as having issues with companies/entities that are listed. Planning Manager Stalheim will pass along property owner information to Commissioner Ramstad. Commissioner O’Donnell provided an update with discussions on downtown property owners and special valuation. Commissioner Hall suggested looking at federal tax credits for properties eligible to be listed on the National Register. CLG WALKING TOUR Assistant Planner Landry inquired about feedback on the tour. She stated that drafts to the state are coming up and work with the selected contractor has picked up. She will resend the link and mentioned passing along a survey for feedback that can be circulated to Commissioners for feedback as well. DISCUSSION, METRO EVERETT LETTER Discussion ensued between Commissioners regarding public notice, compatibility of development with the Norton Grand historic overlay, current code versus proposed code changes, and incorrect information being currently circulated. Commissioners presented concerns providing a letter with incorrect information. Commissioner Tucker made a motion for the Historical Commission to consider and assign a Commissioner to draft a letter to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Fox seconded the motion. Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Ramstad suggested a general letter that focused on the Historical Commission’s mission statement. Commissioner Morrison suggested a letter that presented an opportunity for the neighborhood to have an open dialogue on the topic. Commissioner Hall supported the idea and suggested sending it to the neighborhood group to focus on clarifying the topic. Commissioner Ramstad agreed providing guidance to the neighborhood would be beneficial. Commissioner Fox inquired about concerns for properties adjacent to the historical overlay. Commissioner Hall stated a specific item of change should be included with the letter. Sherry Steele stated that residents feel overwhelmed by the information presented. Commissioner O’Donnell moved to table the letter until the next meeting. Commissioner Tucker seconded the motion. Motion to table the letter was passed unanimously. PROJECT UPDATES There were no project updates. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will focus on the public hearing for the park naming, the Metro Everett letter, discussion on training for the Commission, and discussion for the revision of the Historic Overlay guidelines and standards. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT Chair White moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Ramstad. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 pm. Page 4 of 4