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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2009
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
350 W. 6t" St., Dubuque
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Commissioners Present: Chairperson Michael Knight; Commissioners Chris Olson,
Mary Loney Bichell, Joseph Rapp, Chris Wand, and Bob McDonell.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners John Whalen, Eli Licht, and Matthew
Lundh.
Staff Members Present: Dave Johnson and Laura Carstens.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Knight 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: In reference to the minutes of the May 21, 2009 meeting, Commissioner Wand
noted he had stated at the meeting that although he is a Durrant employee, he had no
involvement in the Carnegie-Stout Library Entry Plaza project and had no conflict of
interest. He noted that it was Dr. Whalen who had traveled to Boston. He requested that
the statement about bike racks include "as it may not be perceived as a bike rack, and
therefore, be utilized." Commissioner Olson noted on Page 4, paragraph 3, the word
"correct" should be replaced with the word "covered."
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2009 with the
noted corrections. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Knight, Bichell,
Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Matt Weimerskirch/MW Construction for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to construct a 2"d story deck and stairs for property located at 1105
Walnut Street in the W. 11t" Street Historic Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained the applicant would like to
construct a second story deck and stairs. The deck will measures 12 feet by 10 feet and
will be elevated 10 feet off the ground. He stated the applicant is requesting the deck to be
located on the north side of the house and be constructed around the 3-foot by 8-foot side
bay. He stated the applicant would like to remove the center window in the side bay and
replace it with a new door to provide access to and from the upper level of the building. He
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 18, 2009 Regular Session
Page 2
explained the existing stairs and landing built in 1984 on the south side of the building will
be removed due to their poor condition. Staff referred the Commission to the drawings
provided by the applicant. Staff noted the rail design will mimic the separate rail design
enclosed with the application and not the standard rail design depicted with the elevation
view of the deck and stairs. He stated the applicant is requesting the option of not using a
molding piece in the rail design.
The applicant, Matt Weimerskirch, MW Construction, noted he wants to leave the landing
on the south side of the house and remove the stairs only. He explained the landing would
serve as a new balcony. The Commission questioned the rail design. The applicant
explained he can build the railing to match the provided rail design or whatever the
Commission would like to see.
Commissioner Bichell questioned the side bay. Mr. Weimerskirch said he wanted to put a
door in the center of that bay on the second story. Commissioner Bichell referred to the
design guidelines and felt the bay is acharacter-defining feature and should not be altered
as proposed.
The Commission clarified the orientation of the house and bay window in relation to the
streets. Commissioner Olson asked what the motivation was for the project. Mr.
Weimerskirch explained the owner, Steve Cook, wanted to make these changes to reduce
the stair length by moving the stairs and also to create deck space. Mr. Weimerskirch also
noted the stairs on the south side of the building are in poor condition.
Commissioner Wand asked what the stairs serve. Mr. Weimerskirch said he believes these
stairs serve the master bedroom. Commissioner Olson discussed the idea to create
outdoor space for the upper floor with a deck. She stated the deck would change the
appearance of the home and agreed with Commissioner Bichell that the bay window is a
character-defining feature.
Commissioner Olson noted there is an approved handrail design and the trim piece would
be required. Mr. Weimerskirch stated he would use the approved handrail design.
Commissioner Wand suggested if the deck were to be approved, the short fascia board on
the stairs should be moved to the front of the spindles and not behind as shown in the
Menard's sketch and typically found on west end decks.
Commissioner Rapp asked about the number of units on the upper floor. Mr.
Weimerskirch stated he believes there is one unit.
Commissioner Olson noted the door design and material is not specified and should be.
She also noted the deck will have to be painted or covered with an opaque stain. Mr.
Weimerskirch stated he did not have a preference for a specific door design and would
install any door the Commission approves.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 18, 2009 Regular Session
Page 3
The Commission discussed alternative options for the placement of a deck and stairs. The
Commission discussed with Mr. Weimerskirch the possibility of constructing the steps for
the south side stairway in the opposite direction as what currently exists to lead onto a
deck to be located at the rear of the property. Commissioner Bichell asked about moving
the stairs to the rear of the building. Commissioner Wand stated this won't work due to the
stairs accessing the master bedroom. Commissioner Wand added the top landing could
be extended longer along the house and a little wider. Commissioner Olson felt the
Historic Preservation Commission was split on supporting the proposal and that having the
owner present would be helpful. She suggested having the owner come back in 30 days.
Staff Member Johnson confirmed for the benefit of the applicant that the location of the
existing stairs as proposed was not acceptable, and the consensus of the Commission was
to locate a deck towards the rear of the property. Commissioner Wand reiterated options
he was comfortable with for the deck. The Commission noted the design and materials for
the door should be specified. The consensus of the Commission was that a steel door with
lights would be acceptable. The Commission discussed further options for locating and
reconfiguring the stairs and possible deck locations and configurations on the rear of the
home.
Commissioners asked Mr. Weimerskirch whether he would like to table the request to next
month's meeting so the owner could be present to discuss the Historic Preservation
Commission's recommendations. Mr. Weimerskirch asked to table the request.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to table the application per the applicant's request.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Knight, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and
McDonell; Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Mike Muench for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
construct a detached garage located at 322 Jones Street in the Cathedral Historic
Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report and additional email information provided
by Mr. Muench. Staff explained the applicant would like to construct a 14-foot by 28-foot
detached garage to be located on the west side of the house. Staff referred the
Commission to the enclosed site plan.
Staff Member Johnson stated the applicant has explained a need for the garage and due
to sight limitations, he is unable to locate the garage in the rear of the property. Staff
explained the applicant proposes to set the garage back from the primary facade to help
minimize its visual impact. Staff stated the garage roof pitch and trim will match the cross
gable on the front of the building. Staff stated that similar to the house, the garage eaves
will also project beyond the end walls. The roof will have asphalt shingles to match the
existing house shingles and metal box-style gutters will be attached. Staff explained the
applicant is requesting cement board siding with a 4-inch or 5-inch lap width to be applied
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 18, 2009 Regular Session
Page 4
horizontally to the garage. Staff stated small slider windows will be located on the rear and
east side of the garage. He explained the carriage-style overhead garage doorwill have 16
divided lights and vertical and horizontal elements to add architectural interest. Staff
explained the windows on the garage will be vinyl and measure approximately 2 feet by 3
feet on the side and back, and 2 feet by 2 feet on the front. Staff stated that the overhead
door would be wood or composite, and the service door will be wood. Staff stated the
applicant recently received a special exception to build a detached garage 0 feet from the
west side property line with the condition that the Historic Preservation Commission
approves the building design.
Commissioner Olson noted that the application was missing the project description form.
Staff Member Johnson explained in order to better accommodate the applicant, much of
the correspondence was done via email. Commissioner Olson asked Mr. Muench about
the type of shingles. Mr. Muench stated he is planning to match the existing shingles on
the house. Mr. Muench stated he is buying the other half of the house and plans to redo
the entire house roof with an architectural shingle style. He reiterated the garage roof will
match that.
Commissioner Bichell asked about the door design. Mr. Muench explained it will be as
close as possible to the picture shown.
The Commission discussed the garage setback. The Commission discussed whether the
garage should be located in the rear corner of the property consistent with what the
architectural guidelines would suggest. The Commission noted there aren't any actual
sight limitations with the exception of a garden that would prohibit the garage from being
located in the rear of the property. The Commission did note that locating the garage in
the rear of the property would impact the applicant's ability to enjoy and use a good portion
of the rear yard.
Commissioner Wand stated he was satisfied with the photo sketch. He explained he
supported the proposed cement board siding with a 4" or 5" inch lap width. He stated he
appreciated the thought to setback the garage from the primary facade of the house to
minimize the visual impact of the garage, although he felt it would be best set back an
additional 12-14 feet.
The Commission again discussed the garage location and noted the lot size would not
allow the garage to be set back much further without impacting the applicant' s view and
use of the rear yard.
Chairperson Knight asked if there was any exterior lighting proposed on the garage. Mr.
Muench said there are none.
The Commission discussed that the design of the service door is not shown, but should
reflect the design of the garage door.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 18, 2009 Regular Session
Page 5
Commissioner Rapp questioned the cost of constructing a brick garage. Mr. Muench said
the cost of a brick garage would be substantial, and he had talked to staff about the
possibility of using a brick front facade. The Commission felt the garage design was
appropriate as proposed.
The Commission discussed the merits of the garage setback as proposed and if it was set
back further. Staff Member Carstens reviewed the zoning regulations for the district.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Bichell, to approve the project as presented by the applicant
in accordance with the special exception granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment with
the following conditions: (1) All wood be painted; and (2) Follow the proposed design of
the overhead garage door as closely as possible and use a similar design for the service
door. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Knight, Bichell, Rapp, and
McDonell; Nay -Wand; Abstain -None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Boarded Up Windows and Doors Ordinance: Staff Member Johnson explained this item
was placed on the regular meeting agenda as an opportunity to further discuss, provide
direction, or take action on the draft Boarded-up Windows and Doors Ordinance. Staff
reviewed the discussion from the work session. Staff explained the direction from the work
session was to remove the vacant and abandoned buildings portion of the proposed
Ordinance and replace with "and appearance." He stated the revised section of the
Ordinance would read, "Exterior security and appearance in historic and conservation
districts..."
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to direct Planning staff to work with Legal staff to
update the revised language, bring it back to the Commission for final review, and work
with the Building Department on mapping the number of commercial buildings with
boarded-up windows and doors in historic districts and conservation districts. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Knight, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell;
Nay -None.
Demolition by Neglect in Conservation Districts: The Commission discussed the proposed
revised language for Demolition by Neglect in Conservation Districts. Staff Member
Johnson noted the proposed revision to defer the determination of defects to the building
official rather than the City's designated enforcement officer is an effort to eliminate
interpretation issues encountered in the enforcement process. Staff reviewed the other
discussed changes. The Commission supported applying the same demolition by neglect
standards in conservation districts as is applied to historic districts in an effort to improve
enforcement efforts for neglected buildings in conservation districts.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 18, 2009 Regular Session
Page 6
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to direct Planning staff to work with Legal staff to
incorporate the suggested added language, applying the demolition by neglect standards
for historic districts to conservation districts, and support the procedural enforcement
recommendations by the legal staff. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson,
Knight, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay -None.
ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION:
Library Steps: Commissioner Olson reported that after the May meeting, she had viewed
the Library steps and found the work was correctly done. She noted her concerns at the
May meeting were based on a site visit during construction.
Enforcement Report: Commissioners noted that Legal staff had clarified at the work
session today that the Historic Preservation Commission can discuss the enforcement
report, but continue to report possible violations directly to the Building Services
Department on an individual basis.
This Place Matters: Commissioner Rapp asked about the status of the "This Place
Matters" project. Staff Member Johnson reported that the images have been downloaded
to the "This Place Matters" National Trust for Historic Preservation website. He explained
the National Trust for Historic Preservation was so impressed with the participation of
Dubuque's elected and appointed officials they decided to highlight Dubuque's efforts in a
slide show presentation. Staff Member Johnson explained he is sorting out the logistical
details of the project. Once that is completed the National Trust for Historic Preservation
will advertise the efforts. He stated if Commissioners would like to, the draft slide show
and National Trust write-up is available to be viewed on the National Trust for Historic
Preservation website.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted
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