Local Resources Advisory Board

5/8/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Matt Shoen, Chair; Britta Tonn, Vice-Chair; Sue Obrien, Secretary; Doug Johnson; Brian Steinmetz City Staff Present: Elaine Wang, Eric Vorwald Guests Present: None Call to Order by: Matt Shoen Meeting Start Time: 5:34 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 5 – 0 Motion by: Sue Second: Doug Sue made a motion to accept the April 08, 2024 Minutes as presented. All were in favor. V. Review of Past Work Related to Historic, Cultural, Architectural, and Archeological Resources Eric introduced this item and stated that it would include a review of a report that was prepared by the firm of VHB to do an analysis and inventory of properties along the City’s three gateways (Malletts Bay Avenue, Main Street, and East Allen Street). He indicated that the review was done to identify any historic resources, including their level of significance. Eric further noted that Britta was the lead author and primary researcher on the project. Eric indicated that this information was being provided to highlight work that has been done related to historic, cultural, architectural, and archeological resources in recent years within the City. Eric began by highlighting specific sections of the report. These included national register districts and listings; and state register listings. These sections of the report were separated into two categories; one for properties in the study area (along the gateways), and the other in the rest of the City. Eric referenced the fact that the City’s Local Register of Historic, Cultural, Architectural, and Archeological Resources was based on the state register. He highlighted the fact that all the properties in the state’s register were included in the City’s register. He also reviewed information related to the age of the surveys that were used to add properties to the state register indicating that the surveys were conducted in the 1970s. He further stated that  districts and listings; and state register listings. These sections of the report were separated into two categories; one for properties in the study area (along the gateways), and the other in the rest of the City. Eric referenced the fact that the City’s Local Register of Historic, Cultural, Architectural, and Archeological Resources was based on the state register. He highlighted the fact that all the properties in the state’s register were included in the City’s register. He also reviewed information related to the age of the surveys that were used to add properties to the state register indicating that the surveys were conducted in the 1970s. He further stated that properties in the current registers may no longer be contributing, and that new properties may be eligible for listings. To this point, he highlighted several properties in the report that no longer exist. After a review of specific properties, Eric provided information from the report on Certified Local Government (CLG) status. He indicated that this was a state designation and if designated, would open up funding for the City to conduct surveys, develop walking tours, create landmark plaques, or similar measures related to historic preservation. The Board discussed the process and Eric identified the steps that needed to be taken to be eligible for CLG status. Eric noted the primary item remaining was to get City Council to approve a resolution authorizing the submission to the state. He further indicated that the majority of the time-consuming tasks were already completed. Those specifically included forming a board or commission; establishing regulations for historic resources, and maintain a list of resources. The Board supported the idea of pursuing CLG status. Eric indicated he would discuss this with the City Manager to determine a path forward with City Council to consider the request. Finally, Eric highlighted a resource inventory form that was included in the report. He noted that the form was generally utilized for submission of properties to the state, but it could be modified for local resources. The Board discussed the need to have the property owner’s consent to prepare and submit an inventory form to the City or to the State. Eric noted that consent of the owner was included with the City’s regulations, therefore it would be required. The Board engaged in a discussion regarding the information in the report, the City’s local register, and the City’s regulations. Eric reminded the Board that these documents were provided to show what work has already been done and that we weren’t starting from scratch for the identification or analysis of properties in the City. The Board also discussed the possibility of creating local districts, with several potential districts included with the report. With no additional discussion, the Board concluded this item. VI. City Updates Eric did not have any specific updates but indicated he would try to answer any questions about issues or concerns from the Board. None were identified. VII. Other Business Eric stated that the next meeting was scheduled for June 12 th at 5:30pm and apologized to the Board for the confusion of the start time for this meeting. Doug indicated he would not be available for that meeting. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Britta Second: Sue Meeting End Time: 6:45 PM