Minutes Historic Pres 7 17 03MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, July 17, 2003
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Chris Wand; Commission Members Mike Coty, Chris Olson, Mary
Loney Bichell, John Whalen and Terry Mozena; Staff Members Wally Wernimont,
Rich Russell and Kay Munson.
ABSENT: None.
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 5:01 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2003
meeting as submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney-
Bichell, and Wand; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson.
BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT: Building Services Manager
Rich Russell reported on five different properties.
970 Grove Terrace - Demolition by Neglect
He noted that he sent a certified letter to Francis O'Hare, owner of the property at 970 Grove Terrace,
for demolition by neglect because the south wall of the house has partially collapsed. He indicated he
asked the property owner to provide him with a plan of action. Mr. Russell indicated that the property
owner contacted him and stated that he is listing the property for sale. Mr. Russell indicated that he will
contact the listing realtor and see if the property has been listed for sale. He indicated the enforcement
will carry over to the new pro. perty owner if not corrected.
970 Olive Street - Window Permit
Rich Russell reported on 970 Olive Street where a window was enclosed without a building permit. He
indicated that the property owners have contacted Staff Member Wernimont and that they are on
tonight's agenda to receive approval for the window configuration.
342 Main Street
Mr. Russell reported on the demolition by neglect case for 342 Main Street (Silver Dollar Restaurant).
He indicated that he has been in contact with the owner's attorney and engineer about plans to stabilize
the soil and the walls of the structure. He indicated he has a meeting scheduled with the engineer on
July 21 st.
NOTE: Commissioner Whalen eptered the meeting at 5:09 p.m.
1163 Highland Place- Demolition by Neglect
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July 17, 2003
Page 2
Mr. Russell reported on the demolition by neglect case for 1163 Highland Place. He reported he sent a
certified letter to the property owner indicating that he would need to receive a plan of action for the
proposed work. He indicated that not much progress has been made and that he will send a registered
letter.
1075 Melrose Terrace - Demolition by Neglect
Mr. Russell reported on the demolition by neglect case for 1075 Melrose Terrace. He indicated that he
sent a certified letter to the property owners discussing the current condition of the roof overhang. He
indicated that he gave them to July 17, 2003 to present a plan of action for the proposed repairs. He
noted that as of 2:00 p.m. today, he had not received a response from the property owner.
Commissioner Mozena thanked Mr. Russell for coming to the meeting. Mr. Russell asked if the
Commission had new concerns regarding enforcement. The Commission discussed the building at
1357 Main Street. They indicated that the property owner has gone ahead and changed the window
opening size of a window that was previously reviewed by the Commission. Mr. Russell indicated that
he will check the violation.
PUBLIC HEARING/FOUR MOUNDS FOUNDATION: Application of Four Mounds Foundation/John
Gronen for a petition for landmark status for the Four Mounds Estate Historic District located at
4900 Peru Road (Four Mounds).
Commissioner Olson removed herself from the table and abstained on the vote so that she could
report on the landmark application. Ms. OIson indicated that she is an employee of the Four
Mounds Foundation. She reviewed the application and noted that the property is owned by the City
of Dubuque. She indicated the property has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and that they are seeking City landmark status. She noted that the property is locally significant for
architecture, agriculture pre-history and archeology. She referred to all the structures and mounds
located on the property. She indicated that it meets the criteria for being listed as a City landmark.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to recommend that the City Council and Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission approve the Four Mounds Estate Historic District being established
as a City Landmark. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Whalen, Loney-
Bichell, Coty and Wand; Nay- none; Abstain- Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Felderman Business Associates for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to change window openings for property located at 107 W. 13th Street in the
Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Bob Felderman, 1179 Iowa Street, spoke regarding the change in the window opening size. He
indicated that there are five windows located on the front of the structure and four located on the
rear of the building. He noted that they are proposing to remove the arch and square off the
windows. He indicated that the structure is part of a brick row house and that all the other row
houses had their windows squared off. He indicated that they will be installing a vinyl double-hung
window. He noted that the storm windows are the only windows that are arched and have mutton
bars on them.
Staff Member Wemimont reviewed the staff report and indicated that this is the first permit that has
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July 17, 2003
Page 3
come before the Commission with a new design guideline referencing window replacement policy.
He noted this is the only brick row house that does not have squared offwindows on this block. He
indicated that the storm windows are the only windows that have mutton bars. He referred to the
architectural guidelines and window replacement policy.
Chairperson Wand spoke regarding the application indicating materials is not the issue in this case
because the Bruce Kriviskey survey does not address this property. Mr. Felderman indicated that
the property was built in 1886. Commissioner Mozena asked if the cost of windows was
investigated. Mr. Felderman indicated that the cost of the vinyl windows is approximately $500 per
window for only the outside storms per Dubuque Glass Company for the double hung combination
windows. Commissioner OIson asked if the wood could be repaired. Mr. Felderman indicated the
tenants would like combination windows so the storms do not have to be replaced with screens
each summer. Commissioner Mozena indicated that removing the arch causes the building to
loose its architectural value and he would like to see additional costs for wood windows.
Commissioner Whalen took note that the other windows have already been replaced.
Commissioner Olson discussed the fiat bar that wilt show up behind the window with the installation
of the wood double hung and that it would still give the appearance of a squared off window.
Mr. Felderman reiterated that the architectural design will be at the top of the window and the other
units already have gone to this style of window. Discussion followed regarding the materials for the
windows as it relates to the new policy. Commissioner Olson indicated that she would like to see a
dimensional sketch and the cost of the proposal. Chairperson Wand asked if the windows could be
measured and an estimate given using both wood and vinyl since they would be custom windows
anyway. He also asked whether the bottom portion of the window could be interchangeable with a
window or screen panel. The Commission requested that Mr. Felderman investigate the cost of a
custom window with the arch and to come back before the Commission at a later date.
Commissioner Mozena asked Mr. Felderman if he could receive a bid from Adams Architectural
Products.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Loney-Bichell, to table the application. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye - OIson, Mozena, Coty, Loney-Bichell, Whalen and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Michelle Mihalakis/Georgia Wagner/Caf~ Manna Java for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to build rear addition for property located at 269 Main Street in the
Old Main Historic Preservation District.
Michelle Mihalakis spoke on behalf of her application. She indicated that her application has
changed somewhat and she presented photos of the proposed walk-in coolers/freezers that may be
placed behind the building instead of the rear addition. The Commission discussed the application,
noting that the coolers would be attached to the building. Commissioner Mozena asked if these
structures are temporary. Ms. Mihalakis indicated that the coolers are not permanent structures
and will be constructed on concrete slabs. She indicated that openings in the brick walls will not be
changed and will only cover the structure temporarily. She indicated the installation of the coolers
and freezers will allow the enhancement of the current operation and allow more space inside. Ms.
Mihalakis showed a plan for the back wall of the building to the Commission. The Commission
asked if the cooler could be a color to blend in with the buildings. The Commission asked if the
door sizes need to be enlarged and Ms. Mihalakis indicated they would not be enlarging the doors.
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July 17, 2003
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Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the cooler/freezers in the alley area with the
following conditions: (1) That the existing original openings not be changed; (2) that the cooler be
painted to match the brick on the building, (3) that the Zoning Board of Adjustment approve the parking
variance at their July 24, 2003 meeting; (4) that if brick needs to be removed, that it be saved for later
use for reconstruction; and (5) that the compressors for the units be screened, if possible. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Whalen, Mozena, Coty, Loney-Bichell, and Wand; Nay-
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Rudy Vera for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install windows
for property located at 970 Olive Street in the W. 11th Street Historic Preservation District.
Shawn Vera, 970 Olive Street, reviewed the proposal asking to replace the small windows with a
large double-hung window. She indicated that two small windows located on the front of the
structure would be replaced with aluminum-clad double hung windows to match the size of the
windows located in the home. She indicated that the two small windows were improperly installed
and are causing extensive water damage to the intedor walls. She indicated that the installation of
the two double-hung windows would give the building more symmetry than what is existing. Staff
Member Wernimont discussed the staff report, noting that the Kriviskey survey indicated that the
stucco is not original, and that the Vera's are trying to renovate the house to be more historically
correct. Commissioner Whalen discussed the history of the house and indicated it was originally an
Italianate style structure. Commissioner Coty asked if this is the property that Building Services
Manager Rich Russell discussed earlier. Chairperson Wand indicated this is the property and that
they are addressing the enforcement concerns.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Loney Bichell, to approve replacing the two to small windows with
aluminum-clad dOuble-hung windows that match the other windows that will be installed because the
other 22 windows were ordered in April before the window replacement policy was in place. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye- OIson, Whalen, Mozena, Coty, Loney-Bichell, and Wand; Nay-
None.
ACTION ITEM:
Warehouse Demolition District: Commissioner Mozena briefed the new commissioners about the
Warehouse Demolition District, He reviewed the discussion that was held at the previous meeting with
the property owners on June 5, 2003. Chairperson Wand spoke regarding actual demolition of
structures. Commissioner Mozena added that the district has been identified as a potential enclave of
historic buildings, and that the buildings need to be saved and allowed to transition into something else.
Chairperson Mozena noted that the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission and Downtown
Planning Committee has hired a consultant to conduct a downtown master plan, which has identified
this area as being an asset to the community. Commissioner Mozena referred to other warehouse
districts located in other cities throughout the country that have been converted to
commercial/entertainment venues.
John Rettenmaier, property owner in the proposed warehouse district, spoke regarding the district. He
indicated that he is well aware of the other cities that have warehouse districts that have been
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Page 5
converted into entertainment venues - specifically ones located in California. He indicated that he has
no objections to the property becoming a demolition district.
Chairperson Wand said that just because the buildings are located in a demolition district that does not
mean that none of the buildings would ever be allowed to be demolished. He indicated that some of the
existing structures are in bad shape or have been modified to the extent that they are not historically
significant. Mr. Rettenmaier asked if the Commission would like to make this area into a historic
preservation district Chairperson Wand indicated that it is not the Commission's intent at this time to
make this area a historic preservation district, and that if it arises, the property owners will be notified
and will be invited to another public hearing to discuss the matter. Commissioner Mozena discussed
the types of funding available to properties that are located in historic preservation districts.
Commissioner Olson stated that some of the districts are even eligible to receive property tax freezes.
Chairperson Mozena indicated that the consultant hired by the Downtown Planning Committee was
amazed at the number of buildings that are still intact and the location between the Port of Dubuque
and the Main Street Renovation.
Staff Member Wernimont offered to mail copies of the Iowa Site Inventory Forms of the Millworking
District (Warehouse Demolition District) to the Retttenmaiers. Staff Member Wernimont noted that
the Commission is also only an advisory body in the review of demolition permits and that the City
Council ultimately makes the final decision as to whether to grant the demolition permit or not. He
stated that Tim McNamara, owner of property in the potential warehouse demolition district, is
coming before the Zoning Advisory Commission with a text amendment to allow residential uses in
industrial districts. He also noted that Vance DeLire is proposing to lease space at the former Eagle
Window and Door facility, which was recently purchased by Lyle Whalen. The Commission also
referred to the letter of support that was sent by John Gronen.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to recommend the City Council approve the establishment
of a warehouse demolition district with the boundaries to be established as suggested by the
Historic Preservation Consultant Jim Jacobsen. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye -
Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney-Bichell, Whalen and Wand; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
340 W. Ist Street - Historic Homeowner Grant
Staff Member Wernimont reported that he received a referral from Housing Services Department from
an applicant who was eligible to apply for a Histodc Homeowner Grant. He indicated that they are
proposing to use the funding to paint aluminum siding at the property at 340 W. 1st Street. The
Commission indicated that the aluminum siding is not an appropriate historic building material and that
painting the aluminum siding is not an eligible cost. They indicated that if the applicant is willing to
remove the aluminum siding and paint the wood underneath, that this would be an eligible cost. Staff
Member Wemimont indicated that the property owner stated that there is brick underneath the
aluminum siding.
Window replacement for 210-214 W. 1st Street
Staff Member Wemimont discussed that Fred Bonnett, owner of the property at 210-214 W. 1st Street is
seeking advice as to whether they should install an arched window. Staff Member Wemimont indicated
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July 17, 2003
Page 6
he investigated the property and provided photos of the windows to the Commission. He noted that on
the interior window, there is a wood header/lintel across the top of the window, and that the window is
indeed a square window. However, on the exterior of the building, there is an arched opening. The
Commission discussed the possibility of maybe at one time there was a square double-hung window
with an arched storm window located on the exterior. The consensus of the commission was that on
the interior of the building, he would be allowed to have a squared window; however, he would need to
install an arched window or storm on the exterior of the building.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Election of Officers
The Commission discussed the election of officers. Motion byWhalen, seconded by Loney-Bichell, to
re-elect Chds Wand as Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion was approved by
the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Coty, Loney Bichell, Olson and Mozena; Nay - None; Abstain -
Wand.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Coty, to elect Chris Olson as Vice Chairperson of the Historic
Preservation Commission. Motion was aPproved by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Whalen, Coty,
Loney Bichell, and Wand; Nay - None; Abstain - OIs0n.
Membership for the Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission discussed the adding of at-large seats to help compensate for the Old Main Historic
Preservation District vacant position. The Commission discussed that they would always need an odd
number of members, and that if in the future, a district is to be added, that an at-large position should be
removed or added. They indicated that a proposed ordinance will need to be sent to the City Council
recommending membership be changed to add the two additional at-large members. Staff Member
Wernimont indicated that he received input from Corporation Counsel Bar~y Lindahl and that staff will
be bringing an ordinance/amendment to the Commission at the August meeting.
The Commission also discussed the State Code membership requirements and noted that property
owners should be added as well as tenant to the language from a Historic Preservation District. Motion
by Wand, second by Whalen, to continue to solicit a change to Iowa Code to state that at least one
resident, tenant or property owner from each of the designated historic areas be allowed to represent
and also to encourage staff to work with other CIG communities to gather support for the proposed
change in State Code. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-Whalen, Coty, Loney-Bichell,
Wand, Olson and Mozena; Nay- None.
Shot Tower
The Commission noted that the Shot Tower has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
as of May 22, 2003.
Historic District Public Improvement Program
The Commission referred to a memo from the City Manager regarding the use of Historic District Public
Improvement Program funding to help balance the budget. The Commission felt that they needed to
draft a memo to the City Manager and City Council regarding the $139,000 designated for the Historic
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July 17, 2003
Page 7
District Public Improvement Program and that it should remain available to the neighborhood
associations that have submitted applications. They indicated that the money is a carryover from Fiscal
Year 2003. They stated that several of the neighborhood associations have put time and effort into
their applications and raised their matches already. They also stated several of the neighborhood
associations have received neighborhood grants to help for their match in funding, and this moneywill
be wasted if they cannot apply for the HDPIP funding. Staff Member Wernimont indicated that the
Commission may be too late to put items on the July 21, 2003 City Council Agenda. He indicated that
the Commission should have an opportunity to address the City Council on Monday, July 21st, about
the budget.
Historic District Signs
Commissioner Coty distributed examples of historic district signs located in Chicago.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell to adjourn the meeting. Motion was approved
by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Coty, Loney-Bichell, Olson, Wand and Mozena. Nay - None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner Adopted