Historic Preservation Commission forms two-member subcommittee to review special taxation application

Coupeville, Washington — At its Jan. 9, 2025 meeting, the Eby's Landing National Historical Reserve Historic Preservation Commission set up a two-member subcommittee to work with staff on evaluating a special taxation application tied to a property within the reserve. Commissioner Marshall Bronson and Commissioner Kay Adams agreed to serve on the subcommittee.

Reserve staff described the subcommittee's role as participating in a short site visit (roughly 35 to 45 minutes) followed by about 45 minutes to an hour and a half of deliberation with staff to identify expenses that qualify for the state special taxation program. Staff said the output is a staff-prepared list distinguishing contributing/qualifying expenses from non-qualifying ones; that list will support the commission's evaluation at the public hearing scheduled for February.

Commissioners volunteered informally; no formal motion was recorded. Reserve staff member Yumi explained the typical workload: "Last time we it was 1 sort of maybe 35 to 45 minute tour... and then, maybe an hour, 45 minutes of deliberation and chitchat. So an hour and a half or so of time." The commission confirmed Bronson and Adams as the two members who will coordinate scheduling with staff and the property owner.

During discussion commissioners clarified the site location (near Highway 20 just past Edie Road, on the south side of the highway) and asked about the expected time commitment. Reserve staff said commissioners need not bring materials and that the visit is primarily for staff and the subcommittee to verify the physical work and expense details that inform the taxation eligibility determination.

Staff will contact Commissioners Bronson and Adams and the property owner to set a date for the site visit and follow-up. The subcommittee's findings will be incorporated into the staff report for the February public hearing.