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MinutesHistoric Preservation Commission 10 16 08THE CITY OF DUBUQUE Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque All-American City 2007 Draft MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION Thursday, October 16, 2008 5:30 p.m. City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building 350 W. 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa PRESENT: Chairperson Chris Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Michael Knight, Joseph Rapp, Chris Wand, and Bob McDonell; Staff Members Laura Carstens and David Johnson. ABSENT: Commission Members Mary Loney-Bichell and Matthew Lundh. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Olson at 5:42 p.m. AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: The minutes of the August 21, 2008 meeting were approved with one addition regarding the application by Mr. Neuses on page 4, second paragraph, which the Commission asked if he had tried to sell the property and Mr. Neuses said he had no interest in selling the property. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Joseph & Madeline Schlarman for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace lintel above front door for property located at 1599 Bluff Street in the Cathedral Historic Preservation District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report reviewing the addition of the lintel with porch addition. He noted the Jacobsen survey information. Madeline Schlarman, 1599 Bluff Street, stated they will replace the lintel over the door to match others on the house. She stated the lintel will be done in limestone to match. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Knight, to approve the request to replace the lintel above the front door. Motion carried unanimously: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission October 16, 2008 Page 2 NOTE: Commissioner Wand arrived at 5:50 p.m. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Aaron Wenzel for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace limestone retaining wall for the property located at 524 Arlington Street in the W. 11th Street Historic Preservation District. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report and the aerial photo of the retaining wall, as well as photos supplied by the applicant. He reviewed the design guidelines discussion of retaining walls. He explained Dell Street has been closed due to the wall's condition. Aaron Wenzel, 524 Arlington Street, explained his project. Mr. Wenzel provided a catalog, and noted he would be willing to use any of the 5 styles shown. Commissioner Whalen asked if Mr. Wenzel has looked at re-stacking the original stones. Mr. Wenzel said this is his 2"d option. Chairperson Olson asked why he did not want to re-use the original stones. Mr. Wenzel said the stones seem too brittle. Chairperson Olson said she lives in the same neighborhood and has reused stones for a similar wall. She explained that reuse of the original material will retain acharacter-defining feature, will save money, and will meet the recommendations of the Design Guidelines. Commissioners Whalen and Wand agreed that reuse would be less expensive and their preference. Commissioner Rapp asked about the location of the rock wall along Arlington Street. Staff Member Johnson explained the wall is along both Arlington Street, where it is 2 feet, and along Dell Street, where it is much steeper. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve the wall to be reconstructed with the following conditions: 1) reuse the existing stones that are there, 2) regrade and backfill behind the wall, and 3) replacement stones should be the same size, shape and rough surface. Motion approved by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque/Jon Luckstead for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct ADA-accessible ramp and addition located at 1699 Iowa Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, beginning with a review of the Design Guidelines regarding accessible ramps. He reviewed the project and its location. He noted the accommodations that were needed for the ramp to be added at the rear, including a new window and addition. He noted the small north wing is apparently original. He explained the construction details of the addition and the ADA ramp. He noted the age of the building and dates on the Sanborn Maps. Jon Luckstead, PO Box 1024, Bellevue, reviewed the materials in the wing suggest newer construction. He explained the purpose is to provide an ADA accessible ramp and to maintain the historical features of the building. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission October 16, 2008 Page 3 Commissioners discussed the location and construction of the addition and the ADA ramp. Chairperson Olson asked about the addition of the roof. Mr. Luckstead reviewed the peculiarity of the roof of the addition. Commissioners Wand noted that with a 5% slope, this is actually a sidewalk and not a ramp. He also noted the Building Code requires a 4" void maximum for railings. He further noted that a sidewalk does not require a handrail. Commissioner Rapp asked about materials. Mr. Luckstead said it is proposed to use concrete, not limestone for the foundation. Commissioners discussed how visible the ramp is on the rear, and that ADA ramps can appear to be of newer construction. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Knight, to approve the request as submitted to construct an ADA-accessible ramp and addition. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of John Richardson/Miriam Shihata for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the barn structure located at 1163 Highland Place in the W. 11tH Street Historic Preservation District. Commissioner McDonell stated he had customers interested in buying this property and had conducted an inspection. They are no longer interested, so there is no conflict of interest; however, he wanted to make the Historic Preservation Commission aware of this inspection. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Iowa Site Inventory form information with regard to the house and barn, and the date of the Sanborn map. He noted the applicant has provided a report prepared by a preservation consultant. John Richards, 1163 Highland Place, explained it is not economically feasible to maintain the barn structure. He noted he has repaired the barn roof's holes, but the lack of a curb has caused problems with the foundation. He said he has been contacted by the Building Services Department regarding options to repair or remove the structure. Chairperson Olson clarified the request is for a Certificate of Appropriateness and not for economic hardship. Staff confirmed that this Certificate of Appropriateness is the first step. Commissioners discussed the condition of the building has severely deteriorated and noted its contribution to the historic district. They noted the structure could be documented, and also could be rebuilt. Commissioners asked if the applicant plans to demolish the barn. Mr. Richardson stated he wants to get a demolition permit and will probably demolish the barn. He has a potential buyer for the property and felt he needed the demolition permit for any future buyer. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve the request to remove the barn structure Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission October 16, 2008 Page 4 Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jeff Morton /John & Cheryl Whalen for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a conservatory building located at 1105 Highland Place in the W. 11t Street Historic Preservation District. Commissioner Whalen noted he owns this property and will refrain from discussion and vote. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, explaining the details of the project design. John Whalen, 1105 Highland Place, removed himself from the table to present his submitted proposal (Option A). He distributed a second design Option (B) and then reviewed the plans in context with the existing garage as Option C. Dr. Whalen explained the previous features of the house, yard and walls. The Commission discussed the roofing materials and configuration with the applicant. Dr. Whalen explained the hip roof on the porch gets extended to the conservatory. He explained further that he wants the structure to be as shown in Option B, with the roofline shown in Option C. Motion by Wand, seconded by McDonell, to approve the request with the following conditions: 1) Plan per Option A; 2) elevation as per Option C with the appropriate combination of the and glass on roof; 3) roof slope on conservatory to match as closely as possible to the garage roof; 4) approval to change roof over porch; and 5) use of materials as presented for windows, columns, etc. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Knight, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None; Abstain -Whalen. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Chris Olson noted that Pam Cleek, interim Commissioner representing the Langworthy Historic Preservation District, passed away last week. She circulated a sympathy card for Commissioners and staff. Commissioner Wand suggested the Commission review its Historic Preservation Awards for possible recognition similar for the late Ken Kringle, former Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson. ITEMS FROM STAFF: Review of HDPIP Project Allocation Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Historic Preservation Commission and staff recommendations for repair of brick streets. Commissioners discussed HDPIP projects. Chairperson Olson asked if the Four Mounds sign of approximately $4,000 could be shown. She asked if the Grove Terrace wall is under budget, and if HDPIP funds can be used for historic features that were removed. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission October 16, 2008 Page 5 Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to leave HDPIP repair of brick streets as a place holder, and reallocate $30,000 for other projects, and re-allocate any carryovers to brick streets was approved unanimously. Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to instruct staff to have the Engineering Department provide a cost breakdown and to identify any cost savings, so that historic features may be added back in, or the HDPIP funds may be reallocated elsewhere was approved unanimously. Section 106 Review of interior space of former Dubuque Casket Company building, 1789 Elm Street Staff Member Johnson explained this review is outside the Historic Preservation Commission's jurisdiction. He noted this review is at the request of the SHPO for federal funds being used at the site. He said this project is for review of interior changes. Commissioner Wand noted he will abstain from discussion as the architect on the project. He explained the rationale for the interior changes. Chairperson Olson asked what HPC action should take. Staff Member Johnson explained comments can be in the form of a letter to SHPO. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Knight, to.approve the project. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None; Abstain -Wand. Section 106 Review of the Riverside Marina Proiect Staff Member Johnson explained that the tDNR has invited the Commission to review and comment on the proposed Riverside Marina Project, as part of the Section 106 review, due to Federal funds and a Federal permit. Commissioner Wand noted that Durrant will be a sub consultant on the design of the marina. He noted landside improvements will be needed. Commissioners discussed the opportunity to review and comment on the designs, perhaps at the schematic phase. Motion by Knight, seconded by Wand, to request that the City provide opportunity for the Historic Preservation Commission to review and comment on schematic designs, noting the Historic Preservation Commission finds no adverse impacts to historic structures at this time. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Knight, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay - None. Draft Downtown Design Guidelines Staff Member Johnson requested any comments be provided, in writing, so that these could be sent to the consultant by next Monday. Staff Member Wand felt that the use of inappropriate alterations should be added. Staff Member Johnson noted this request was made by DDG Task Force members, too. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission October 16, 2008 Page 6 Staff Member Wand felt that the use of inappropriate alterations should be added. Staff Member Johnson noted this request was made by DDG Task Force members, too. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the input from Jack Porter of SHPO, on the Warehouse District. He also discussed the discussion of character districts in downtown. Staff and Commissioners discussed how these regulations might be implemented. Building Services Dept. -Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement Chairperson Chris Olson reported that she received a call from Terry Mozena about properties he and his brother, Jeff, had identified as problem properties. She said these properties are listed in a chart attached to the Building Services Department report. Staff clarified that not all properties are in a historic district or a conservation district. Commissioners reviewed the lists. Staff Member Johnson reviewed how the Legal Department has been coordinating enforcement efforts. Staff noted these cases can take a long time. Staff Member Johnson noted major changes/updates in the Building Services Department Status Report. 2009 Meeting Schedule The Commission received and filed the schedule without comment. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted F:\USERS1Kmunson1WP16oards-CommissionslHPCUVIinutes~-IPC Minutes 2008UiPC min 10 16 08.doc