Everett Historical Commission

Everett Historical Commission Meeting Summary March 26, 2019 Members Present Members Excused Guests City Staff Steve Fox Arnold Morrison Sherry Steele David Stalheim Dave Ramstad Laura Cameron-Behee Ross Johnson Karen Stewart Amelia Hieb Glen Hunter Jack O’Donnell Thomas Feeney Andrea Tucker Patrick Hall Neil Anderson CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Everett Historical Commission on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 6:33 p.m. at the VAN VALEY HOUSE, 2130 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Commissioner Fox called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. followed by the Introduction of Commissioners and staff. Several Commissioners had notified staff of their anticipated absence from the meeting. Chair Morrison had arranged with Commissioner Fox to chair the meeting in his absence. David Stalheim introduced Karen Stewart as the new City staff person for the Historical Commission. Karen described herself as a 30-year resident and homeowner in Everett’s View Ridge neighborhood. Karen worked with Neil Anderson at the County for a number of years. Her two (now adult) children attended local schools and Mary Ellen O’Donnell taught both in kindergarten. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no comments. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Ramstad mentioned that there were 6 speakers talking about preserving the Longfellow Building at the recent Everett School Board meeting. He also passed around a couple of copies of Richard Porter’s new book entitled The Spar Tree. Commissioner O’Donnell described a recent visit to California with the City of Anaheim no longer having a downtown or identifiable Main Street. He contrasted this city with Huntington Park that had a downtown with a JC Penneys and Hispanic residents shopping and providing an identity for the area. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Anderson clarified that the book written by Steve Bertrand is titled Modern Everett and then moved to approve the February 26, 2019 minutes. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Tucker. The motion to approve the meeting summary passed unanimously. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA None. Page 1 of 2 DESIGN REVIEWS None. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Karen distributed a memo from the City of Everett requesting the Historical Commission hold a public hearing to consider renaming The Wall Street Building to the “Everett Municipal Building”. The identified reason for the name change is to give the general public an improved understanding that most City departments have their administrative offices in the building. Staff will schedule this item for the next meeting of the Historical Commission on April 23rd. DISCUSSION OF NOMINATIONS FOR 2019 BROWN AWARDS The Brown Awards are given every other year and this year’s awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The ceremony is being coordinated by Historic Everett with Commissioner Tucker and Paul Popelka taking the lead. City staff have reserved the Weyerhauser Room at the Everett Station for the event. Commissioner O’Donnell prepared a list of nominated properties and Commissioner Tucker took photos for review of the group. After a brief overview of the homes or businesses, Commissioner O’Donnell described features that met the criteria for recognition distributed by staff. There are criteria for the Brown awards, letters of commendation, and the lifetime achievement award known as the Morrow Award. Commissioner Tucker stated that the plaques cost about $100 each so a total of ten can be awarded. The other honorees will receive a letter certificate. The Commission discussed several individuals who are under consideration for the “Ed and Betty Morrow Lifetime Achievement Award”. OTHER BUSINESS None. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Ramstad moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Page 2 of 2