Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 7 20 17 Copyrighted
August 21, 2017
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1.
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Cable TV Commission of 8/2; City Council Proceedings of
8/7, 8/14; Civil Service Commission of 8/3; Five Flags Civic
Center Commission of 7/31; Historic Preservation
Commission of 7/20; Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission of 7/19; Zoning Advisory Commission of 8/2;
Zoning Board of Adjustment of 7/27; Proof of Publication
for City Council Proceedings of 8/1 , 8/2, 8/3; Proof of
Publication for List of Claims and Summary of Revenues
for Month Ending 6/30.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Cable 1V Commission Minutes of 8/2/17 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 8/7/17 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 8/14/17 Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 8/3/17 Supporting Documentation
Five Flags Civic Center Commission Minutes of 7/31/17 Supporting Documentation
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of 7/20/17 Supporting Documentation
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission Minutes of Supporting Documentation
7/18/17
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes of 8/2/17 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of 7/27/17 Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
8/1/17
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
8/2/17
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
8/3/17
Proof of Publication for List of Claims/Summary of Supporting Documentation
Revenues for ME 6/30/17
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Room 250, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Christina Monk; Commissioners Emily
Hilgendorf, Leslie Terry, David Klavitter, John McAndrews, Juan Nieto, and Joseph
Rapp.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners Bob McDonell and Al Kopczyk.
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Monk at 5:30 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: Motion Hilgendorf by, seconded by Terry, to approve the minutes of the
June 15, 2017 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp,
Klavitter, McAndrews, Nieto, Terry, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — None
Historic Preservation Forgivable Loan: Application of Mark & Emily Smith for a
Historic Preservation Forgivable Loan to paint the exterior of home and replace fascia
boards, trim and gutters at 540 Wilbur Street in the West 11th Street Historic District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Staff Report. Mark Smith, property owner,
explained they purchased the property two years ago. There is a substantial amount of
work required and the forgivable loan will assist in hiring professional contractors to
make the necessary improvements.
The Commission and applicant reviewed alterations made to the property. The applicant
reviewed the ornamental features.
Motion by Hilgendorf, seconded by Nieto, to approve a Historic Preservation Forgivable
Loan in the amount of$5,000 to Mary and Emily Smith for improvements to their
property at 540 Wilbur Street. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp,
Klavitter, McAndrews, Nieto, Terry, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — None.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Page 2
July 20, 2017
Design Review/1298 Locust Street: Application of Zachery Bries for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to install a solar roof at 1298 Locust Street in the Jackson Park Historic
District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, noting the slate on the roof is original
to the home. He explained the average lifespan of the roof and noted the current roof is
starting to show signs of flaking.
Commissioner Nieto stated he felt the original slate roof should be able to exist for its
entire lifespan. Once it can no longer serve its purpose an alternative material can be
considered. He noted the solar roofs are untested in the Midwest. Mr. Gries asked
whether slate can be salvaged. The Commission stated slate can be salvaged or
purchased new.
Commissioner Klavitter reviewed there is an environmental, historic and economic
incentive to maintain the existing slate roof, noting the historic slate has embodied
energy.
The Commission discussed the lifespan of the new solar tile and the return on
investment. Mr. Gries explained the Tesla tiles have a lifetime warranty and a 30% tax
rebate. He stated the project makes financial sense.
The Commission stated they would like to see an actual sample of the material when
released. The Commission discussed other solar shingle projects, including the County
Courthouse and Engine House Number 1 . The Commission noted the roofs on those
applications were sloped less and original materials were not present.
The Commission encouraged the applicant to allow the slate to live out its life. When the
roof does need to be replaced, the Commission stated they would be open to solar
options, but would like to see an actual sample when that time comes.
The Commission and Mr. Gries discussed the condition of the existing roof. Mr. Gries
explained the roof will need some work but a thorough investigation has not been done.
He mentioned some flaking has started. Staff Member Carstens stated the NPS
Technical Park Services Brief states the traditional threshold for complete replacement
is when 20% or more of the roof is need of replacement.
Commissioner Klavitter explained he would like to know more about the technology and
whether the roof caps can be preserved. He is open to a progressive material as long
as it maintains the character of the building. Commission Nieto stated he would vote no
so long as there is no need to replace the roof. Chairperson Monk reiterated other
comments. Commission Hilgendorf explained she would like to know more information
on the durability of the solar shingles in comparison to the historic material. She asked
how the return on investment compares.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Page 3
July 20, 2017
The applicant requested the Commission table the application to allow time to more
thoroughly assess the condition of the slate and evaluate alternatives. Staff and the
Commission discussed individuals licensed to operate drones to help with the roof
evaluation.
Motion by Hilgendorf, seconded by Rapp, to table the application at the applicant's
request. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp, Klavitter, McAndrews,
Terry, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — Nieto.
Design Review/514 Loras Boulevard: Application of Christopher Winter for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to enclose the storefront and add new windows at 514
Loras Boulevard located in the West 11th Street Historic District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report for the "after the fact" work and
proposed changes. Christopher Winter, property owner, represented the application. He
explained he did not intentionally circumvent any process. He stated he did a lot of
research, and the only economically feasible option was to convert the first floor
laundromat to an apartment. He reiterated, his only error was not getting HPC review.
He explained he purchased the property approximately two years ago. He reviewed
recent events to the property, including the impact of the new laundromat that has
opened on University Avenue. He explained the storefront was replaced twice last year
due to vandalism. He stated he put in a different window the third time it was broken
and it went unnoticed. He stated it was only after speaking with Planning staff that he
realized he needed HPC approval for exterior alterations, and the process was
explained to him. Mr. Winter explained he thought the treatment approach was the best
approach. He stated he felt the scope of work was discussed with City inspectors and
thought everybody was on the same page. He stated it was an error that the exterior
work was not included on the building permit.
He explained the new window on the east side cannot be centered because of the
Rocco Buda concrete wall. He stated it will be painted. He explained on the west side of
the property where there was a window, vent and duct, he wants to install two windows
with a bathroom exhaust and furnace exhaust. He said it will be painted and will match.
He noted the biggest issue is the facade along Loras. He noted the building was in
terrible condition and the Police were called there frequently. The change he made
addresses some of these issues.
He noted a transparent storefront was not practical for an apartment. He stated much of
the wood materials were rotted. Mr. Winter stated the building was the only commercial
style building left on the street, and everything else is residential. He stated the
rehabilitation makes the building more in keeping with the neighborhood. He explained
the efforts made were to make the building viable and stay historic.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Page 4
July 20, 2017
Commissioner Terry asked how much he has invested so far. He explained it is an
approximate $50,000 project. He stated it would be approximately an additional $10,000
if he were to have to restore a storefront. Mr. Winter explained his building is one of the
better buildings on the street after the changes.
Commissioner Nieto stated he was surprised to see how destroyed the building was. He
wishes the error could have been caught earlier. He said a lack of knowledge and
ignorance is not an excuse for the project. The Commission stated that when people
move into historic areas they invest in their properties and the idea that things will be
done properly and the historic fabric will be maintained. The Commission stated the
original building was not the odd building on the block, rather it was a unique,
contributing building to the district. The alteration was disappointing to see.
Mr. Winter clarified all original architectural features removed were lost. He explained all
were in poor condition and could not be salvaged.
Staff Member Carstens noted the permit was for interior work only; therefore, Planning
Services Staff was never contacted about it. Had the work been accurately represented
on the permit, this could have been avoided. Staff Member Carstens also clarified staff
posted on the Assessor's website all properties that are located in historic districts. Staff
Member Johnson also explained many times historic districts are disclosures on real
estate transactions.
The Commission asked whether they can vote on individual components of the
application. Staff clarified they can, but it's important to note the egress window on the
east side of the addition is mandatory for an apartment, and because of the property
and grade, it cannot be located elsewhere. The Commission asked whether the egress
window was located in response to vandalism and noise. Mr. Winter explained it was
the only place an egress window can be located and it will reduce noise.
The Commission discussed the style and location of the egress window. They noted a
double-hung window aligned vertically on the front facade would be better. Mr. Winter
disagreed, noting the degree of vandalism. The Commission noted an existing window
was already on that wall and can provide necessary egress. Mr. Winter stated a new
double-hung would be disproportionate from the ones above because more space is
needed. Staff inquired whether the units above were occupied. Mr. Winter confirmed
they were. He stated he has a rental license for upstairs so they must comply.
The Commission discussed the request and noted the importance of adhering to the
adopted Architectural Guidelines. The Commission reviewed the alteration on the west
side of the building. Staff clarified there are two new windows and one window that was
boarded-up and has two-vents in it. Mr. Winter confirmed he will paint the wood. The
Commission asked why the new windows cannot fill the entire opening. Mr. Winter said
he felt the smaller windows were better looking. The Commission stated they feel new
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Page 5
July 20, 2017
windows proportionate or matching the openings would look nicer. The Commission
asked whether they were 4/1 windows. Mr. Winter stated they were not.
Motion by Nieto, seconded by Hilgendorf, to approve the west facade windows and
vent, with the condition that two functional windows fill the whole opening and the
boarded-up window be finished to match the adjacent building finish and the two
functional windows be double-hung windows. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
— Rapp, Klavitter, McAndrews, Nieto, Terry, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — None.
The Commission discussed using a faux storefront. Staff Member Carstens noted there
is a property on Rhomberg that accomplishes this. The Commission discussed using
Lexan as a substitute material for glass. It is shatter proof, durable, single-pane, and
can be customized for dimension and thickness. Commissioner Nieto stated there is a
glass substitute that can be used that is transparent.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by Terry, to approve the storefront design as submitted.
Motion failed by the following vote: Aye — None; Nay - Rapp, Klavitter, McAndrews,
Nieto, Terry, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Abstain - None.
The Commission discussed relocating the east facade window to the front facade where
the top of the window meets the top of the current door opening as shown. Mr. Winter
noted that would be ok to add since it wouldn't be paired like the windows above. He
stated placing a window where that door was would look odd. Staff clarified the window
is in a late addition and greater flexibility is given to additions. The Commission noted
the window currently installed should at least be a double-hung window to match the
entire property.
Motion by Rapp, seconded by Hilgendorf, to approve the egress window and infilled
door on the 1999 addition as submitted with the condition the trim be painted red to
match. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp, McAndrews, Hilgendorf, and
Monk; Nay — Nieto, Klavitter, and Terry.
The Commission and Mr. Winter discussed design options for the storefront. The
Commission explained a future application should include an angled recessed entry,
glass or glass-like display windows such as Lexan, transparent or diffused light
transforms, and a general appearance similar to what the storefront was. The
Commission stated they would consider alternative materials to wood for the storefront
such as aluminum clad trim and fiber cement. Staff and the Commission also noted the
Architectural Guidelines would support replicating the original storefront in design and
materials since the original storefront is documented.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Page 6
July 20, 2017
Commissioner Terry left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Election of Officers: The Commission commended Chairperson Monk and Vice
Chairperson Hilgendorf for their service.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by Rapp to nominate Commissioner Hilgendorf as
chairperson. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp, Klavitter, McAndrews,
Nieto, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — None.
Motion by Monk, seconded by Rapp, to nominate Commissioner Nieto as Vice
Chairperson. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Rapp, Klavitter, McAndrews,
Nieto, Hilgendorf, and Monk; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report: Staff Member Johnson
reviewed the enforcement report. The Commission discussed the continued progress
made at 1921 Madison and agreed monitoring is more appropriate at this time than
enforcement. The consensus of the Commission was to remove 1921 Madison Street
from the Enforcement report.
Staff Approvals: None
Oath's of Office: Chairperson Monk's Oath of Office was administered.
Commissioner McAndrews left the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Hilgendorf, seconded by Rapp to adjourn the July 20,
2017 Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Monk,
Nieto, Rapp, and Hilgendorf; Nay — None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted