Everett Historical Commission

Everett Historical Commission Meeting Summary July 23, 2019 Commissioners City Staff Guests Arnold Morrison, Chair Bob Leonard, Parks Catherine Mitchell Steve Fox Karen Stewart, Planning Sharon Brodniak Dave Ramstad Bruce Fabert Laura Cameron-Behee City Council Liaison Daniel Albert Amelia Hieb Liz Vogeli Glen Hunter (excused) Jack O’Donnell (excused) Andrea Tucker (excused) Patrick Hall Neil Anderson Thomas Feeney Meeting convened at 6:30 pm Introductions were made around the room. Commissioner Ramstad made a motion to approve the June meeting summary. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cameron-Behee and approved by all. Clark Park Gazebo—Bob Leonard, Assistant Director with Parks and Community Services Bayside neighborhood has asked for some changes; fenced nearly 20 yrs. ago to discourage improper use of gazebo; adjacent tennis courts now owned by ESD; some blind spots near the gazebo with current location; historic gazebo constructed in 1921; reroofed after fence put up to maintain structure; no recent assessment of structural integrity. 10 yrs. ago much the same discussion with stakeholders to explore options to address on-going problems at gazebo. Currently 4 options under discussion: 1. Leave fence with gate for controlled access 2. Remove fence 3. Remove gazebo 4. Move gazebo—might not be feasible; move closer to corner to make more visible and remove blind spots Some additional options from brainstorming with Historical Commission •Alter gazebo—add moveable panels to allow closing up at night •Dismantle, but leave base as historical structure with interpretation •Construct more attractive fence •Change roof to add openings to discourage camping, etc. •Fence off entire park with only a couple of openings to better control access Bayside wants fence removed (approx. 20 neighbors attended neighborhood meeting); “Clark Park Active” has served as key group holding events at park; monthly activities gazebo Take Back our Park; could use similar approach to reworking land elevation that happened at Harborview Park to eliminate blind spots for people to hide. YMCA redevelopment might increase use of Clark Park as a neighborhood park; Marysville Comford Park (community park w/ spray park) may be a good example. No budget currently, but Bob wants to remove fence and address crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED); need to determine what is plausible and the associated cost. Consensus of Historical Commission is that removal should be last resort; have plan before remove fence; want to review designs of any potential modification. Next steps: Bob will report back to Bayside Neighborhood; Parks discussing limiting use and impose a time limit for shelters and gazebos city-wide; could require permit to reserve for all day use. Special Valuation Review for 2108 Rucker Ave., Hilzinger House Staff presented staff report including hardcopy of slide show. Question about time frame because of incorrect dates included on application. The 24-month time period was from January 2017-January 2019 (date of application). A total of $506,122 of receipts for qualified costs was submitted by the applicant. Receipts for appliances and demolition costs incurred prior to the 24-month period were not allowed. Motion to approve contract for 10 year maintenance of 2108 Rucker Ave. made by Commissioner Ramstad, seconded by Commissioner Feeney. Passed unanimously. Commissioner Hieb requested copy of the contract. Commissioner comments around table; staff comment regarding scheduling design reviews. Discussion of role of Historical Commission in review of single family residences (SFR) in historical overlays when a deviation is proposed. Otherwise, SFRs are reviewed administratively. City Council approved addition of Swartout House to Everett Register of Historic Places. Historical Commission has tradition of touring properties nominated for the Everett Register of Historic Places. Request to schedule tour of Swartout House prior to August meeting. Staff will contact home owner to set up tour. Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 27th. Commissioner Hall will be out-of-town. Will discuss I-5 signage and potentially conduct a design review if revised plans received in time. Motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. made by Commissioner Ramstad, seconded by Chair Morrison, unanimous agreement.