Title
Introductions: The Design Review Board and Heritage Commission
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion between members of both advisory boards to learn more about the work of both boards.
Staff Contact:
Catherine McCoy, Design Review Board Staff Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3776
Michelle Sadlier, Heritage Commission Staff Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Michelle Sadlier, Historic Preservation Officer, will facilitate the discussion
Background and Analysis:
This business item will provide members of the Heritage Commission and Design Review Board to get to know one another better and gain insight into the role each board plays at the City of Olympia. After initial introductions, advisory board members will take part in a facilitated discussion on the work they do.
Background on the Design Review Board
The 9-member Design Review Board (DRB) was established to apply design review requirements and guidelines in the review of public and private projects throughout the city and the Olympia urban growth area in order to preserve the special quality of areas which have a discernible character or are of special historic significance. The DRB meets up to twice a month to review submitted development applications. Associate Planner Catherine McCoy, a current planner with a specialization in design review, is the staff liaison to the DRB.
Current members are:
• Tom Carver
• Duane Edwards
• Robert Findlay
• Jami Heinricher
• Jane Laclergue (Vice Chair)
• Joseph LaValle (Chair)
• Marnie McGrath
• Angela Rush
One seat on the DRB is currently vacant.
Because the DRB’s work is specifically focused on design review, it does not have an annual work plan. For further information on the DRB and the design standards, visit: <http://olympiawa.gov/city-government/advisory-committees/design-review-board.aspx>
Background on the Heritage Commission
The 11-member Olympia Heritage Commission (OHC) was established under the National Historic Preservation Act in 1983 to advise the City Council on matters related to the recognition, protection, enhancement and continued use of Olympia’s historic places and to serve as the City’s primary resource on our community’s heritage. Michelle Sadlier, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer, serves as staff liaison to the OHC.
Current members are:
• Stephen Austin (Vice Chair)
• Holly Davies
• Dwayne Harkness
• Tamara Hayes
• Ben Helle
• Kat Kelly (Chair)
• Garner Miller
• Rachel Newmann
• Suzanna Pratt
• Sheila Swalling
• Nick Vann
To achieve the diverse goals of the annual work plan (Attachment 1), The OHC has three standing sub-committees:
• Heritage Review Committee: By delegated authority under OMC 18.12, evaluates and makes recommendations on building permit, Olympia Heritage Register, and tax incentive applications.
• Outreach Committee: Organizes public programs like annual Historic Preservation Month activities in May.
• Policy, Ordinance & Guidance Committee: Reviews, monitors, and recommends changes to existing City code, policy, and guidance that affect Olympia’s historic places.
For more information on the OHC and the City’s heritage programs, visit:
http://olympiawa.gov/city-government/advisory-committees/heritage-commission.aspx
<http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/historic-preservation.aspx>
Attachments:
1. Draft 2018 OHC Work Plan