Minutes Historic Pres 5 5 03MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, May 15, 2003
5:00 p.m.
Five Flags Theater
Five Flags Civic Center
401 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Chairperson Chris Wand; Commission Members Mary Loney Bichell, Jim
Gibbs, Terry Mozena, and John Whalen; Staff Members Laura Carstens
and Wally Wernimont.
Commission Member Chris Scheopner.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Wand at 5:15 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Gibbs, seconded by Mozena, to approve the minutes oftheApri116,
2003 Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes as submitted. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand;
Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Charles Peterson for a Certificate of Appropriateness
and Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to replace porch deck frame and
floorboards for property at 648 Chestnut Street located in the W. 11th Street Histodc
Preservation District.
Charles Peterson presented his application to the Commission. He noted that he would
like to restore the front porch located on the structure at 648 Chestnut Street. He
indicated that the existing framework is severely deteriorated and currently falling from
the front of the building. He indicated he would like to remove the existing deteriorated
front porch framing and deck boards. He indicated that the porch roof would be jacked
up and that new a foundation will be poured in order to properly support the proposed
wolmonized wood deck framing. He went on to explain that the deck framing will be
covered with tongue and groove Douglas fir and the railings will be reinstalled. He also
discussed the placing of gutters on the porch roof because of an existing moisture
problem on the north side of the building.
Staff Member Wemimont presented the staff report, noting the existing condition of the
proposed porch. He also explained that the applicant has submitted two bids from
licensed insured contractors and that Mr. Peterson qualifies for the Historic
Preservation Homeowner Grant.
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May 15, 2003
Page 2
Motion by Gibbs, seconded by Mozena, to apProve a Certificate of Appropriateness
and a $5,000 Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant application to construct the front
porch, with the condition that the wood be painted after one year. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and
Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Davis Roofing & Siding/Steve & Jamie Davis for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to install front porch at 643 Chestnut Street (tabled)
located in the W. 11th Street Historic Preservation District.
Steve Davis presented the application. He presented a photo of a porch located on the
rear of the existing structure. He indicated that the proposed front porch would mimic
the design of the rear porch with the exception that the spindles will consist of 2 by 2's.
They explained that the porch Will be constructed of wood and be covered with an
architectural laminated asphalt shingle. The Commission discussed the design ofthe
porch noting that the front porch will mimic the rear porch.
Staff Member Wemimont presented a Staff report, noting that the applicants have
received Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for the setback of the front porch.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Loney Bichell, to approve the application as presented
with the condition that the front porch mimic the rear porch and to allow the use of 2" Dy
2" spindles for the railing. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen,
Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEVV: Application of Robert & Rose Carr for an Application for
Preservation Alternatives (tabled) to side structure with Cemplank for property located
at 1449 Locust in the Jackson Park Histodc Preservation District.
Bob Carr presented his application. Staff Member Carstens noted that based on
information submitted by Bob Carr that no funding is available within the City. Mr. Carr
noted that he has submitted letters from the Housing and Community Development
Department indicating that all rehab funds are being allocated toward the Five Points
area for rehabilitation projects. He also noted that the State Historic Preservation
Office has indicated that there currently is no funding available to assist with the
installation of cemplank. The Commission noted that the State Historic Preservation
Office also sent a letter that indicated that cemplank siding is not an acceptable
substitute for wood siding.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Wand, to approve the application as presented.
Motion was denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay- Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena,
Loney Bichell and Wand.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Robert & Rose Carr for a Certificate of Economic
Non-Viability (tabled) to side structure with Cemplank for property located at 1449
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May 15, 2003
Page 3
Locust Street and located in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Bob Carr presented the application to the Commission. He indicated that the
Commission is very familiar with his request to install cemplank siding.
Staff Member Carstens indicated that a summary report of all the documentation Mr.
Carr has submitted has been included in the packet, and that he has submitted all the
information that was required.
Mr. Carr indicated that he currently rents to Iow income tenants. He noted that he is
not receiving any assistance from the Housing Department to help subsidize the cost of
the rent. Mr. Carr pointed out item F, the current cash flow for the property. He went
on to note that the insurance fees and property taxes have increased for the building.
Mr. Carr indicated that currently all five units are being rented. He reviewed the history
of his tenants and their current paying obligations. Mr. Carr noted that he would like to
insulate the walls because he currently pays all the utilities for the structure. He noted
that the gas bill has increased over the winter. Mr. Cart explained that he would like to
use cemplank siding because he would save approximately $10,000 between the
difference of cemplank to cedar wood. Mr. Carr noted that he doesn't currently charge
for the maintenance he provides to the structure and that if he did, he would have a
negative cash flow. Mr. Carr explained the current condition of the siding, noting that if
you drove a nail through it, it would split because it is so brittle.
Commissioner Mozena noted that Mr. Cart indicated in the previous design review that
the wood on the north and east sides is not in bad shape. He indicated that Mr. Carr
stated that only on the south and west sides are damaged. He went on to explain that
the interior walls can still be insulated by blowing in insulation as has been done in
previous Histodc Preservation Commission rehab projects.
Mr. Carr noted that the price for a square of cedar siding is approximately $300 and the
cost for a square of cemplank siding is approximately $80.
Chairperson Wand noted that the south and west sides were the only areas that Mr.
Cart noted needed to be repaired at the previous meeting.
Mr. Carr explained that the existing cedar shank siding will be replaced with new cedar
shanks.
Chairperson Wand noted that the estimate that was included in the packet for replacing
wood siding only on the west and south facades and the installation of insulation.
Chairperson Wand noted that in the submitted bids, that siding the entire structure with
Cemplank would be approximately $13,000 if you included the labor and material to
paint. He went on to explain that the cost for the west and south sides to be replaced
with wood siding and the labor and paint is approximately $19,000. The Commission
discussed what the amortization of the $6,000 difference over time would be. The
Commission felt that $6,000 could be absorbed over time through rents.
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May 15, 2003
Page 4
Commissioner Mozena discussed that at the previous meeting, Mr. Carr noted that he
wanted to sell the property. Commissioner Mozena went on to note that the
replacement of the siding as indicated by the realtor would add no value to the
property.
Mr. Carr noted that currently he has all the units rented and at this time is not interested
in selling his property. He presented samples of properties that are for sale in the
neighborhood.
Chairperson Wand noted that according to the Secretary of Interior's Standards, he
would prefer to have the south and west sides replaced with new wood and insulate the
remaining sides by blowing insulation in. Commissioner Mozena concurred with
Chairperson Wand in that the property should be restored to the original character.
Commissioner Gibbs noted that currently he is a realtor and that in his opinion,
properties are currently selling better with original materials rather than the alternative
substitute materials.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve the Certificate for Economic Non-
Viability. Motion was denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay - Whalen, Gibbs,
Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Allen & Urbain Architects/St. Patrick's Catholic
Church for a Certificate of Appropriateness to redesign covered entry ramp for property
located at 1425 Iowa Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
John Allen presented the application to the Commission. He described the existing
covered ramp, and noted that it was extremely Steep. He indicated that the church has
recently received a donation from one of its members to help make the ramp more
accessible. Mr. Allen indicated that the ramp will not be located on the main facade,
and will be redesigned in such a way as to be in historic harmony with the existing
structure. Mr. Allen noted that the stone on the structure would match the existing
stone in the church.
Staff Member Carstens referred to the staff report, noting that the church is trying to be
in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the application as presented. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and
Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Allen & Urbain Architects/O'Connor Brooks & Co.
P.C. for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a pitched roof for property located at
1415 Locust Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
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May 15,2003
Page 5
John Allen presented the application. He noted that the current roof is level and is
currently not up to Code. He indicated that the roof is currently leaking. He noted that
in order to solve the water problems, they are proposing to install a hip roof to help
shed the water and make the structure fit with the other styles of structures in the
neighborhood. Mr. Allen noted that the structure will have a metal soffit and the roof
will be covered with asphalt shingles.
Staff Member Wernimont presented the staff report, noting the amhitectural guidelines
and the existing water problems with the structure. He noted a previous case for
approval of a pitched roof for a property with a level roof located on West 1st Street.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the application as presented.
Motion wes approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney
Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dorrance Manders for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to side garage with wood panel siding for property located at Lot 4 of
City Lot 601 - Emmett Street in the Cathedral Historic Preservation District.
Dorrance Manders presented his application to the Commission. He indicated he
would like to remove the existing deteriorated siding and install new wood panel siding.
He indicated that he is currently having moisture problems where the concrete meets
the building. The Commission discussed the ways to prevent water damage by
installing gutters.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report. He presented a sample of the wood
siding to the Commission for their review.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness
as presented. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs,
Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Tom & Stacey Downing for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to build a garage for property located at 1028 W. 3rd Street in the
Langworthy Historic Preservation District.
Tom Downing presented his application to the Commission. He explained that they
want to demolish the existing garage and build a larger one. He indicated the design of
the garage would match his home. He indicated that he will use brick to match the
house if he can find a match, or stucco if he cannot.
Staff Member Wemimont reviewed the staff report. He indicated that the applicant
proposed to demolish the old garage and build a new, larger garage in a different
location on the lot. He described the roof and the possibility of adding a dormer. He
noted that the applicant is seeking approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a
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May 15, 2003
Page 6
special exception to build 1-% feet from the side and rear property lines. He indicated
the Building Department stated that the overhang would only be allowed to extend one-
third of the distance from the property line. Staff Member Wernimont noted that this
would only leave a 6-inch overhang and that this may affect the appearance of the
garage. He went on to indicate that the current required setbacks for a detached
accessory structure at this location would be six feet from the side property line and six
feet from the rear property line.
Chairperson Wand indicated that maintaining a one-foot overhang should be possible.
Commissioners discussed how to achieve a one-foot overhang all the way around the
proposed detached garage. Commissioner Gibbs suggested Mr. Downing check his
abstract to make sure there weren't any issues with the shared driveway.
Commissioner Mozena discussed the roof pitch to match the existing home and the
door and window choices that are being proposed. Commissioner Gibbs suggested
checking with Greg Stover on the re-use of the brick from his garage that he is
demolishing. Commissioner Mozena recommended the use of brick over stucco due to
the climate and weather conditions and to mimic the style of the house. Chairperson
Wand suggested the possibility of mimicking the home by using brick and stucco.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Loney Bichell, to approve the Certificate of
Appropriateness as presented, with the use of either door choice #1 or #2 and to
recommend the one-foot overhang be maintained and the use of brick to match the
existing brick in the home or the use of stucco as an alternative. Motion was approved
by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay -
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jeff and Marie Fitzgerald for Certificate of
Appropriateness and Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to repair and restore
front porch for property located at 561 Jefferson Street in the W. 11th Street Historic
Preservation District.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald presented their application. They indicated that they want to
restore the front porch by removing the aluminum fascia and replacing the rotted wood.
They indicated that the metal roof is deteriorating because the gutter wasn't built
correctly to adequately handle the storm water runoff. They stated that the ton
grillwork located in the foundation is currently being redone. They indicated that they
want to go back to the original materials that the porch was constructed from, and that
they plan to paint the house in an historic color scheme. They noted that they will
replace the roof and change the drainage and downspouts in order to keep water off
the porch. They noted that the grant would help finance the roof, eaves, floor and
molding of the front porch. They indicated that they have already paid for the
installation of the railing. They noted that the house will be on the Old House Tour May
17-18 and distributed a brochure with a sketch of the home.
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May 15, 2003
Page 7
Staff Member Wernimont presented the staff report. He noted the proposed work
qualifies for the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve the application and Histodc
Preservation Homeowner Grant as presented. Motion was approved by the following
vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
Following the vote, Staff Member Wernimont indicated that the Fitzgeralds have asked
for guidance from the Commission for the third floor dormer windows located in the
structure. The Fitzgeralds indicated that they would like to install one large double-
hung window where currently two smaller double-hung windows are located in each
dormer. They indicated that the windows will help provide better views to the
Mississippi River.
The Commissioners indicated they understood the desire to open up the third floor for
its views, but this is a very sensitive area because it will be changing the window sizes.
They indicated the matter of aesthetics versus functionality of the windows.
Commissioner Mozena cautioned not to replace the two double-hung windows with one
large double-hung window prior to receiving approval from the Historic Preservation
Commission. Commissioner Mozena said that the Commission would support the
temporary removal of one of the sets of windows and center posts in order to get
materials and furniture up to the third floor and that they would recommend that those
would be replaced as they are. The Commission commended the Fitzgeralds on their
efforts to restore such a large structure.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of David Stuart]Masonic Temple Association for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to rebuild retaining wall for property located at the
Northwest Corner of 12th & Bluff Streets (parking lot) in the Jackson Park Historic
Preservation District.
Dave Stuart reviewed the application. He noted the retaining wall has collapsed. He
indicated the Masonic Temple Association's plan is to rebuild with concrete masonry
with no mortar, and to rebuild the sidewalk and chain link fence. Mr. Stuart indicated
the walls were interior walls of a building that was demolished and that the wall was not
intended to be exposed.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report. He indicated that the limestone wall
is randomly coarse and is over four-foot tall, which requires a building permit to
replace. He indicated that almost a total replacement of the limestone wall would be
made with concrete masonry with no mortar.
Mr. Stuart indicated he has received bids for the limestone walls that are $5,000 more
than concrete. He indicated that the Board has financial constraints and prefers the
lower cost of concrete over the limestone. Mr. Stuart went on to note that he is a board
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May 15, 2003
Page 8
member, but he prefers the use of limestone instead of concrete in this situation. He
indicated that the City has agreed to reconstruct the curbs and gutter.
The Commission discussed the possibility of the neighborhood association or the use
of grants to help finance the wall.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Wand, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness
as presented. Motion was denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay - Whalen,
Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of the Downtown Neighborhood Council/David Stuart
for an Advisory Design Review to place trash receptacles in the public right-of-way at
various locations throughout the Downtown Neighborhood area located in the Jackson
Park Histodc Preservation District.
Dave Stuart presented the staff report. He noted the trash receptacles will be exactly
the same as the trash receptacles located in the Main Street area. He reviewed the
proposed locations of the trash receptacles and noted that the City of Dubuque will
install and maintain the receptacles. He indicated that the Downtown Neighborhood
Council is proposing to use this as a match towards their application for the Historic
District Public Improvement Program. He indicated that lids would be put on the
trashcans in order to prevent water from filling up the can. He noted that the orders for
the trashcans would be piggybacking on a City order in order to hetp reduce the pdce
of the trash receptacles due to quantities.
Staff Member Carstens noted that Neighborhood Development Specialist Jerelyn
O'Connor met with City staff and referred to a memo, which noted that the City's
Operations and Maintenance Department would maintain and empty the waste
receptacles.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to recommend the City Council approve the
use of the waste receptacles. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye -
Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay -.None
ACTION ITEM: Phase III Architectural/Historic Survey/Evaluation - report by
consultant Jim Jacobsen of History Pays!
Jim Jacobsen of History Pays! gave a report On the Phase III Architectural/Historic
Survey/Evaluation of the Downtown. He noted that the city of Dubuque has a wealth of
architectural structures and history. He indicated he has been using documentation
from Larry Summers, Bruce Kdviskey and several other available resources. He noted
that the downtown area has better Sanborn map coverage, photo coverage, newspaper
and demo and renovation permits than the previous two surveys. He also noted that all
the addresses are stable and have not changed over time. He indicated that Planning
Intern Lara Scott has been very helpful and she has probed through many City
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May 15, 2003
Page 9
Directories and created a Sanborn collage that is extremely helpful. Because the
downtown is so well documented, he knows several of the builders and exact dates of
construction for the majority of the buildings. He referred to a map of the survey of the
potential historic districts and National Register properties.
Commissioners discussed the report and the potential historic districts. Staff Member
Carstens noted that the draft report had been distributed, but no public comments had
been received.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to forward a letter to the State Historic
Preservation Office and copy to the City Council recommending support of the
documentation of the survey report. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye -
Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
Jim Jacobsen also discussed with the Commission the possibility of setting up a
reunion of all the historic Preservation consultants that have worked with the City of
Dubuque to discuss the history.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to form a subcommittee to work with City staff
to set up a fall Historic Preservation Symposium geared to public officials and to open it
to the public. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs,
Mozena, Loney Bichell and Wand; Nay - None.
ACTION ITEM: Code Enforcement and Interpretation - report by Rich Russell,
Building Services Manager
Chairperson Wand indicated that Rich Russell apologized that he could not attend the
Historic Preservation Commission meeting, and asked the Commission to review the
report Mr. Russell had given him at the start of the meeting.. Commissioners discussed
that the report did not respond to their requests for updates on enforcement, and that
enforcement had been less than they expected.
The Commission noted that they need to get the Building Services Department to
understand their expectations of the importance of enforcement to all the work that has
been done with updating the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Consensus was for
Chairperson Wand to meet with Rich Russell to discuss a higher level of enforcement,
and having a Building Services Department representative at Historic Preservation
Commission meetings.
The Commission noted the City staff meeting on window sizes. They directed Planning
Services staff to discuss changes in types, shapes, sizes, styles and materials of
windows and doors. Planning Services staff suggested that staff from the Housing and
Community Development Department and a representative from the Historic
Preservation Commission also should attend the meeting. The Commission concurred
and Chairperson Wand agreed to attend.
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May 15, 2003
Page 10
ACTION ITEM: Iowa's Most Endangered Properties - request for nominations from
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance
Staff Member Wemimont indicated that the Iowa Histodc Preservation Alliance is
requesting that they submit nominations for Iowa's Most Endangered Properties. The
Commission discussed that the following buildings should have nominations submitted
for them: H & W building, 1112-1114 Central Avenue, the Betty Jane building, Vy's
Nutrition, the Eagle Window and Door Warehouse and the German Bank Building.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Busted Lift: Commissioner Mozena expressed concerns regarding the rear windows for
the Busted Lift, in that they are not following Historic Preservation Commission approval
Staff indicated that the Building Services Department would need to be notified in order to
enforce the Certificate of Appropriateness.
City Directories: Mary Loney Bichell indicated that when she was doing research for some
previous historic surveys, that directories were vanishing from the bookshelves at the
Carnegie Stout Public Library. The Commission discussed and agreed by consensus that
Library Director Susan Henricks should be notified of better protection of the City
Directodes.
Historic/Architectural Survey Presentation: The Commission discussed the importance of
presenting the Historic/Architectural Survey results to the City Council and the general
public. Consensus was to conduct a panel discussion for the City Council and general
public this fall on the survey and Dubuque's history and architecture.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
June 5th Special Meeting on Warehouse District: Staff Member Carstens discussed the
possibility of not only discussing demolition districts, but also listing property on the
National Register of Historic Places, or the possibility of becoming a local Historic
Preservation District. Commissioners agreed. The Commission also decided by
consensus that based on what Jim Jacobsen presented earlier with a proposed historic
warehouse district, that the Warehouse Demolition Distdct should be based on his
boundaries.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wemimont, Assistant Planner Adopted