Historic Preservation Commission

TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 1 CONVENE: 6:31 p.m. PRESENT: Chair David Shipley and Commissioners Dave Nicandri, Don Trosper, Alex Rossiter, Renee Radclift Sinclair, and Marnie Slakey. Absent: Commissioner Jeremy Barclay. Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney, Parks and Facilities Manager Stan Osborn, and Recreation Manager Todd Anderson. CHANGES TO A report on the Tumwater Fall Festival, the Oregon Trail resolution, AGENDA: the Olympia Tumwater Foundation new facility, the new City logo, and the Pioneer Union Cemetery was added to the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2022 MINUTES: APPROVAL OF JUNE 16, 2022 MINUTES: MOTION: Councilmember Nicandri moved, seconded by Commissioner Slakey, to approve the minutes of April 21, 2022 and June 16, 2022 as presented. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. PARTNERSHIP Assistant Director Megan Ockerman, Olympia Tumwater Foundation, UPDATE – OLYMPIA briefed the Commission on the five-year planning effort for the TUMWATER Brewmaster’s House. FOUNDATION Next year, the focus is on It’s the Water – And a Lot More exhibition. In 2024, efforts will focus on deaccession of items in the collection followed by temporary displays during 2025, seminquincentennial (250 years) exhibits in 2026, and temporary displays in 2027. Current efforts include cleaning the interior of the house and assessing and removing damaged or unneeded archival materials, purchasing display cases, and preparing the house for exhibits in 2023. Preparations for 2023 exhibits opening in June through July include a focus on the last 20 years since the brewery closed. Dependent upon the level of available volunteers, the house would be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays over an eight-week period. Through some informal conversations, Ms. Ockerman advised that she TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 2 has begun collaborating with different groups that could sponsor exhibits in the Brewmaster’s House during 2026. Different themes from each organization would be featured. Other efforts include updating the mission statement for consideration by the Commission next year. The mission statement and the collections policy were last updated in 2008. The Brewmaster’s House was previously known as the Henderson House. Additionally in conjunction with the update of the mission statement, a deaccession plan will be prepared to address duplicate archival materials or textiles from the 1950s that are not reflective of the history of Tumwater. Both updates will be presented to the Commission for its consideration, as well as finalization of a draft emergency preparedness/disaster recovery plan. Ms. Ockerman presented the Commission with a budget proposal for the Brewmaster’s House for the exhibition:  2 40” TVs & wall mounts - $1,000  iPad for oral histories + audio editing - $1,500  Archival materials - $1,000  Update outdoor interpretive sign - $6,000  Printing brochures - $500 Director Denney noted that the Commission’s budget includes $10,000 of its annual allocation that would not be allocated to the old brewhouse. The City Council is scheduled to approve the Commission’s annual budget allocation on December 6, 2022. The intent is not allocating the entire budget to the old brewhouse and to allocate some funds for other types of expenditures. Commissioner Sinclair asked whether the It’s the Water exhibition would be focused entirely on advertising. Ms. Ockerman explained that each room in the house would feature a different exhibit with the front room featuring a permanent display of the overall history of the brewery. The kitchen will feature an exhibit on how beer is produced. An upstairs room will focus on employees of the brewery and their reflective experiences. Another room will feature brewery advertising. A small room used currently as an office will serve as a place for visitors to document their memories of the brewery. Commissioner Rossiter asked whether any of the exhibits feature interaction or hands-on opportunities. Ms. Ockerman advised that the exhibit of employees will feature an iPad and oral histories. The advertising exhibit would not be an interactive display other than a TV would be featured of rotating commercials. Another option includes a TV in the kitchen exhibit to play a 12-minute video produced by the brewery on how beer is produced. The one small office exhibit would TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 3 include an interpretative feature enabling visitors to share memories. Commissioner Rossiter inquired about the possibility of offering visitors a keepsake or some kind of token. Ms. Ockerman said she could include some options with the proposed budget for consideration by the Commission in January. Discussion ensued on the different kinds of archival items currently existing. Commissioner Nicandri asked how the Foundation allocates funding from donors. Ms. Ockerman explained that if a donor specifies the donation for a particular project, the Foundation honors the donor’s funding request. Chair Shipley asked whether the Brewmaster’s House would have consistent open hours or only during special exhibits. Ms. Ockerman advised that at this time, the house would only be open during exhibits. During 2024 deaccession activities, no exhibits have been planned at this time, which could change, such as including workshops or other types of activities that would be appropriate to host within the house. However, deaccession activities would likely require most of the house to complete. Discussion ensued on efforts to decorate the Brewmaster’s House for Halloween. CROSBY HOUSE Director Denney reported staff identified a number of projects for the PROJECTS UPDATE: Crosby House as part of a budget request for 2023-2024. Of the three major projects over the next two years, staff bundled the projects as one budget proposal and received approval utilizing some reserve funds to allocate $200,000 to complete the projects. Manager Osborn reviewed details of the projects. He conveyed appreciation for the Commission’s support in the department’s request for funding some projects. Staff is seeking bids from three companies to complete the work with a goal to commence work on the Crosby House in January. Because the house has been closed for nearly three years, facilities and maintenance staff did not focus on any interior repairs. The most important project is isolating the problems associated with the foundation of the house to prevent future cracking of walls. Approval was received to replace the gutters on the Crosby House. The City has installed security features to include cameras. The 160-year old house is a City landmark. Funds were also allocated for repairs to the Brewmaster’s House, such as replacement of doors on the first floor, which have been vandalized as TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 4 people attempt to enter the house illegally. Manager Osborn reported projects planned at the Crosby House in 2023 include the selection of a foundation contractor to repair the foundation followed by replacement of the roof, gutters, siding, and painting. Landscaping will be installed away from the structure. Commissioner Nicandri asked about the source of revenue for maintaining the structure. Director Denney replied that some funding is included in the City’s Capital Facilities Plan. The City also has a reserve fund to address emergency repairs and other kinds of emergencies. Manager Osborn reported on a volunteer group’s efforts to complete landscaping of the hillside on the north side of the Crosby House facing the Historical Park picnic shelter. The three-phased plan included a selection of plantings attracting pollinators and butterflies to include adding several trails and benches. A girl scout troop is working on plantings to establish pollinator gardens around the house and the hillside. Chair Shipley recommended formally thanking and recognizing different volunteers and organizations for their efforts. Staff advised of current efforts by the City to recognize volunteers. Director Denney shared information on the elimination of the Volunteer Coordinator position during the pandemic and assumption of those duties by Manager Anderson and staff. The City Council approved adding a new volunteer position within the 2023-2024 budget to expand volunteer programming. Manager Anderson acknowledged other staff members for their efforts to support the City’s volunteer program. ARTS AND Manager Anderson reported on the recent addition of a half-time Arts PROGRAMS: Specialist and a full-time Recreation Coordinator. Following acceptance of the Arts Strategy by the City Council, the Commission will receive a presentation by the Arts Specialist. The Tumwater Falls Fest was organized from meetings between staff and Foundation representatives on the desire to host more events at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. The concept surrounded a community event focusing on salmon, history, and art. The first Falls Fest was held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brewery Park. The event featured 13 art vendors, the Olympia Symphony, jazz and folk bands, art activities comprised of face painting, balloon making, relief print designs, fiber arts offered by the Tumwater Historical Association (bracelet making, loom craft weaving, printed quilt squares), and three food vendors. The City offered food compost and recycling through a partnership with the TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 5 City’s Water Resources and Sustainability Department. The Stream Team hosted a scavenger hunt along the river with 500 youths participating. Commissioner Slakey asked about the number of visitors to the event. Manager Anderson said the best estimate is 1,500 to 2,000 people attended the fest. Several Commissioners commented on the popularity of viewing returning salmon and the walkability of the trail system throughout the park and adjacent to the falls. Manager Anderson shared some of the positive feedback received by vendors and community members after the event. Staff is considering scheduling the event in early September next year as the event conflicts with other community events. The department is expanding adult recreation programming. The Tumwater Cornhole League is expanding into the summer season. Other adult programs include Kickin’ It, a kickball league, and an Outdoor Sand Volleyball League at Pioneer Park in June. Additionally, in partnership with Collette Vacations, several trips both local and abroad will be offered to include Painted Canyons of the West and Spotlight on Tuscany. More information can be obtained about the trips during a meeting at the Old Town Center. The Olympia Tumwater Foundation and the City of Tumwater have revamped the history talks program and are offering History Pubs at Heritage, a new series of history talks at the new Heritage Distilling Company. The talks are offered once a month. Registration for the talks is offered by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and the City of Tumwater. The City plans to offer more history programs, tours, and events at the Brewmaster’s House in cooperation with Olympia Tumwater Foundation. The goal is to offer one new event each quarter. Manager Anderson reported he and Arts Specialist Brittany Bowman are working on the arts strategy. Once adopted by the City Council, the strategy will guide programs and events offered by the City. Specialist Bowman is also adding art components to existing programs and events by featuring an art tent at each City event. During a Screen on the Green event, youths were able to construct and decorate lamps using glass jars with flameless candles. Screen on the Green movies were featured at several City parks during the summer as well as at the golf course. Another art program to be offered is the Middle School Intramural Youth Sports & Fitness program at Tumwater Middle School. TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 6 OTHER UPDATES: Manager Anderson reported on a meeting with representatives from Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park to discuss interest by representatives of offering offer tours of the Pioneer Cemetery. Representatives hosting the tours will dress in period clothing and offer tours. City staff authorized the representatives to begin offering tours. Chair Shipley reported he had planned to attend a tour at 4:30 p.m. on October 1, 2022. Ms. Ockerman noted that also met with officials from Mills & Mills about the tour. The individual responsible for organizing the tour was not able to offer the tour and rescheduled the tour on October 29, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Chair Shipley said he arrived at the cemetery on October 1, 2022 with many other individuals arriving seeking information on the tour and the tour guide. At least 10 people arrived to participate in the tour. One of the individuals was employed by Jolt, who contacted Mills & Mills and was connected to an answering service. Manager Anderson added that another tour of the other cemetery has been scheduled as well. Ms. Ockerman said the tour is scheduled on October 27, 2022 and is being promoted by the City. Commissioner Nicandri inquired about the status of the Oregon Trail resolution. Director Denney advised that he forwarded the resolution for inclusion within the Council meeting agenda not realizing the resolution required a review by the City Attorney. Commissioner Nicandri recommended the Council consider and act on the resolution in either January or February 2023 when the Legislature is in session. Commissioner Nicandri inquired about the status of the new facility design by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation at Brewery Park, as the Commission has not approved the design of the building although the Executive Director during his presentation inferred that the building design was approved. Director Denney shared that on several occasions he has expressed concerns to Foundation Executive Director Freedman about the lack of the Commission’s approval to include reviewing some excerpts of the Commission’s meeting minutes depicting the Commission’s support of the design in concept while acknowledging the design of the facility does not meet current program standards. In this particular situation, the Commission has the authority to approve the design, which cannot be overruled by the Council. The Foundation should present a final design concept to the Commission for consideration early next year. Commissioner Nicandri commented on the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the numeric federal highway naming system in the United States creating Old Highway 99. Many federal highways originated in the TUMWATER HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF HYBRID MEETING October 20, 2022 Page 7 early 1900s and were named, such as the Pacific Coast Highway. In 1925, the federal system was adopted using the numeric naming system. He suggested an interesting display could be featured in 2025 to coincide with an historic Old Highway 99 marker to be installed at the south end of Capitol Boulevard during a major construction project. Director Denney advised that he, City Administrator Doan, and Communications Manager Cook discussed the suggestion and recommended development of a plan depicting the benefits of the proposal. Chair Shipley inquired on the status of developing a new City logo. Director Denney said the City is considering a draft of a new logo. The Communications Department recently briefed the General Government Committee on design options for a new logo. The existing logo is difficult to reproduce in printed materials and is not representative of Tumwater today. Some design principles include simplifying the logo and possibly pursuing the development of a line drawing. The General Government Committee suggested including depictions of the river, trees, and some type of reference to brewing (iconic brewery tower). Commissioner Rossiter suggested consideration of a new tagline of “Gateway to the Olympics” as depicted on a freeway sign as a way to generate some design ideas. Director Denney advised that the Communications Department is spearheading design ideas. He encouraged Commissioners to contact Manager Cook with any input. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, November 17, 2022. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Nicandri moved, seconded by Commissioner Slakey, to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. A voice vote approved the motion unanimously. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net