Heritage Commission

City Hall City of Olympia 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 Contact: Michelle Sadlier Meeting Minutes 360.753.8031 Heritage Commission Wednesday, September 25, 2013 6:30 PM Room 207 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. 1.A ROLL CALL Present: 7 - Chair Holly Davies, Commissioner Benjamin Helle, Commissioner Luke Howard, Commissioner Garner Miller, Commissioner Rachel Newmann, Commissioner Mark Rentfrow, and Commissioner Nicholas Vann Excused: 4 - Vice Chair Chrisanne Beckner, Commissioner Mary Coacher, Commissioner Dwayne Harkness, and Commissioner Deborah J Ross OTHERS PRESENT Guests: Councilmember Jeannine Roe, Sara Clifthorne Staff: Associate Planner Jennifer Kenny, Principal Planner Todd Stamm, Deputy Director Leonard Bauer 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.A 13-0747 Approval of June 26, 2013 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes The minutes were approved. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT - None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Davies announced that the October meeting will include homeowner attendance for register application for 125 Cushing Street. 6. BUSINESS ITEMS City of Olympia Page 1 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes September 25, 2013 6.A 13-0749 Discussion of new Historic District Ms. Sarah Clifthorne, who lives in the Forest Hills neighborhood, spoke about the interest in her neighborhood of mid-century, modern, historically correct restoration and in keeping the unique neighborhood character. NextDoor, a social media organizing tool website for neighborhoods, has been started in her neighborhood. She showed the Commission the neighborhood on the map and explained the social character of the neighborhood. Defining the boundaries of the neighborhood and applying for historic district status will be the next move for the neighborhood. Questions and discussion: - Difference between historic designation for single houses and neighborhoods . - Designation applies only to exterior of homes. - Staff works hard to inform the public, including realtors, about the importance of historic preservation. - Redfin and Zillow now have a historic designation for listed houses. - The National Register has a different process for applying than city /local. - When an application is received the Commission will visit the area and vote. - Social page articles that document the past would be a good addition if available to provide the Commission. - Contacting the original architect who still lives in Olympia would be beneficial. The discussion was completed. 6.B 13-0748 Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Heritage Chapter There are no substantive changes to the heritage section of the proposed Comprehensive Plan update and the Commission can think about suggestions they want to make to the Council about the plan. The best way to inform the Council is to speak to them in person during public comment. The Heritage Commission will meet in October and discuss. The discussion was completed. 7. REPORTS Downtown Committee The City is looking at developing a community renewal area (CRA) which would be a tool used by public and private entities to develop areas that need economic revitalization. There are 4 or 5 areas considered, including downtown. The Heritage Commission will participate. City of Olympia Page 2 Heritage Commission Meeting Minutes September 25, 2013 Collaboration between departments should be encouraged. An example is the parking meters downtown and how if the Heritage Commission had been consulted, it would have been beneficial. Heritage Review Committee Projects included: Strom house on 17th that intends to build an extension of the dormer, a house on 22nd (near the dentist office) for a garage conversion, and a Westside house application. The 1230 room (4th and Washington) which is characterized by a distinct mid-century bulkhead storefront. Questions raised if the double doors that were installed are appropriate. Were the changes permitted? The Commission has been asked to mitigate the situation. Alley Committee Chair Davies talked about the Alley Project event at the Library. The City has applied for a grant to paint a mural on one of the alley walls. Youth Education Committee - None Outreach Committee Ms. Kenny introduced the new Olympia Area Black Pioneers brochure. Maintenance Committee The Committee discussed the next step in obtaining some grants. Habitat is not pursuing restoring old properties. 8. OTHER TOPICS An example of a historic calendar was exhibited and the Committee discussed the possibility for doing one for Olympia. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for October 23. City of Olympia Page 3