Historic Dis Improve Prog HDPIP
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Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque,org
wwwxityofdubuque,org
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July 19, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Historic District Public Improvement Program
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
INTRODUCTION
The Historic Preservation Commission is recommending the City Council fund two previously-
approved projects submitted for the Historic District Public Improvement Program (HDPIP),
BACKGROUND
In March, 2001, the City Council adopted the Historic District Public Improvement Program
(HDPIP) with a total five-year budget of $500,000, The program has $100,000 budgeted
annually for five years from the City's General Fund. The initial year's allocation was used to
develop the Streetscape and Landscaping Design Guidelines for Historic Districts, The design
guidelines serve as the basis for the expenditure of HDPIP funds in accordance with the
approved HDPIP policy (attached),
HDPIP is intended to provide incentives for public place and streetscape improvements in each
historic district. Eligible projects include landscaping, historic lighting, planters and signs. The
Historic Preservation Commission serves as an advisory design review body to the City Council
for HDPIP applications, The Commission reviews each application, and then provides a
recommendation to the City CounciL
DISCUSSION
The initial round of five applications for HDPIP funds were all recommended by the HPC, and
then approved by the City Council without funding. The funding for that round was used by the
City Council to balance the City budget in FY03.
Three of the five HDPIP applications were later funded with Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds: 1) installation of planters, benches, trash receptacles and trees in the
Jackson Park Historic District; 2) installation of historic street lights in the West 11th Street
Historic District; and 3) installation of planters in the Langworthy Historic District.
The other two HDPIP applications were not eligible for CDBG funds: 1) installation of brick
paver sidewalks in the Jackson Park Historic District, and 2) installation of Historic District entry
signs. Copies of these applications are attached.
5o",i"
People
Integrity
R"poMibility
Innovation
Te=wmk
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Page 2
The FY04 allocation of HDPIP funds had been frozen pending the outcome of the Iowa
Supreme Court decision on the gambling tax. Now that the Court has decided the case in the
City's favor, there is $100,000 in FY04 HDPIP funds available. In addition, there is another
$100,000 for the current fiscal year which began July 1, for a total FY05 balance of $200,000.
RECOMMENDATION
Bya vote of 4 to 0 with one abstention, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends that
the City Council authorized FY04 HDPIP funds to finance the two previously-approved HDPIP
projects: 1) installation of brick paver sidewalks in the Jackson Park Historic District, and 2)
installation of Historic District entry signs.
Sincerely,
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Dave Stuart, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
attachments
cc:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
City of Dubuque, Iowa
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Program Guidelines
The Historic District Public Improvement Program (HDPIP) provides 3:1 matching
grants on a competitive basis to neighborhood associations and neighborhood
groups for streetscape improvements in the City's five historic districts. The
program is intended to enhance the public places and streetscapes in the historic
districts to retain and augment their sense of place.
Program Limits
The program is limited to the boundaries of the Cathedral, Jackson Park,
Langworthy, Old Main, and West 11th Street Historic Districts. Funding will be
distributed among the five historic districts based on the projects selected and
completed. The maximum allocation of program funds per year per historic
district is $100,000.
The minimum grant amount is $3,000. The maximum grant amount is $100,000.
Who can Apply?
Neighborhood Association recognized by the City of Dubuque.
Neighborhood Group (definition: all property owners on both sides of a street).
Individual property owners are not eligible to apply.
Eligible Projects: What is Funded
. Purchase and installation of permanent exterior improvements installed in
public right-of-way or public places, such as parks, in an historic district.
. Architectural and engineering fees associated with the project.
. Streetscape amenities consistent with the City's Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines for Historic Districts, including: decorative paving (such as pavers,
stamped and/or colored concrete), historic street lights, ornamental benches,
decorative railing or fences, tree grates, planters, signs, and landscaping.
What is Not Funded
. Installation of streetscape elements and amenities on private property.
. Costs of work performed prior to signed agreement with the City.
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Page 2
Priority
Priority will be given to projects developed in coordination with the City's public
street improvement program, and similar public improvements in historic districts.
Coordination with the City's project allows the streetscape amenities to be
installed concurrent with the street improvement or other public improvement
project. Accommodations can be made for installation of amenities subsequent
to the street improvement project through the installation of supportive
infrastructure, such as conduit for historic street lights. In general, the priority for
allocation of funds through this program will be as follows:
1. Street Reconstructionllmprovement Projects
2. Sidewalk Inspection Program
3. Major Infrastructure Repairs/Maintenance
4. Neighborhood Association/Neighborhood Group Proposal
5. Historic Preservation Commission - Neighborhood Pilot Project
Evaluation Criteria
The Historic Preservation Commission will review the application, and then
provide a recommendation to the City Council based on the following criteria:
. High visual impact and quality of life improvement for the neighborhood:
Does the project encourage people to walk in the neighborhood? Visit the
neighborhood? Enjoy the neighborhood?
. High community and neighborhood visibility of streetscape improvements.
. Amount of private leverage: ratio of public funds to private funds.
. Continuity with previous/planned public and/or private improvements.
. Percentage of neighborhood/property owner support: minimum 25%, with a
higher rating given for greater neighborhood match.
. Conformance with the City's adopted Streetscape and Landscape Design
Guidelines for the historic districts, and any special urban design plans or
guidelines adopted for the project area.
. Link with Housing Rehabilitation special programs or with Historic
Preservation Homeowner Grant or Revolving Loan Programs.
. Previous assistance from the HDPIP (a higher rating will be given to first-time
applicants over previous recipients).
Public/Private Match
The program covers up to 75% of project costs. Neighborhood associations and
groups are required to provide a 25% match. For example, if applying for a
$75,000 grant, the budget must describe at least $100,000 in eligible costs and
at least $25,000 in private match.
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Page 3
The private match may be obtained from assessments of property owners in the
project area; private fund raising; private donations; in-kind services, or private,
state or federal grants. The entire 25% private match may be in-kind donations.
With the exception of CDBG funds (see description below of CDBG Program),
City funds may not be used as matching share. All matching funds must be cash
expended or in-kind services donated during the grant period, which begins when
the grant agreement is signed by both the applicant and the City of Dubuque.
Architectural and engineering fees associated with the project, up to $10,000 or
10% of total project costs, are eligible grant expenses.
The minimum grant amount is $3,000. The maximum grant amount is $100,000.
Assessments for Streets cape Projects
For historic streetscape projects involving assessments, such as a street
reconstruction project, the neighborhood association or neighborhood group
would be responsible for 25% of the cost of any added assessable cost for
streetscape enhancements.
Property owners would be assessed for a percentage of the costs of public
improvements using the formulas applied to the City's street and sidewalk
programs. For example, the property owners in the project area would pay 100%
of the estimated cost of a standard plain concrete sidewalk as they would with
any assessable project. The HDPIP grant would provide 75% of the additional
costs for the historic streetscape treatments.
Example of Public/Private Cost Share for a Street Assessment Proiect
Estimated cost per lot for standard grey concrete sidewalk
Estimated cost per lot for brick sidewalk
$1,000
$2,000
Increase in cost for streetscape improvement
$1,000
$ 750
$ 250
Amount eligible for HDPIP program
Private match required
Total assessment cost per lot
$1,250
Non-Assessment Streetscape Projects
For some components of streetscape projects, such as an asphalt resurfacing
street project, the City typically would not assess the property owners. For these
non-assessment projects, the neighborhood association or neighborhood group
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Page 4
must provide a private match of 25% of the project costs.
Example of Public/Private Cost Share for a Non-Assessment Proiect
Estimated cost per historic street light
Amount eligible for HDPIP program
Private match required
$5,000
$3,750
$1,250
Application Process
Applications will be accepted during regular business hours by the Planning
Services Department, City Hall, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque. Applicants are
encouraged to review these Guidelines carefully before completing the
application. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-application conference
with the Planning Services Department.
Applications must include all the required infoRmation when submitted.
Applications will be reviewed initially by City staff, who will check for submittal of
required information, coordination with public improvement projects, compliance
with City codes, and consistency with the Streetscape/Landscape Guidelines.
Applications then will be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission for
review and evaluation. After review of the applications, the Commission will
provide a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will select the
projects to be funded.
Neighborhood representatives are expected to attend both the Commission and
Council meetings to present their projects and to answer questions.
CDBG Program
Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the City provides
financial assistance to low and moderate income households. The City provides
a Neighborhood Infrastructure Program and Neighborhood Grants to
neighborhood associations and neighborhood groups in CDBG target areas,
where a majority of households are low and moderate income. These programs
compliment the Historic District Public Improvement Program, and are
coordinated by the Neighborhood Development Specialist.
The Neighborhood Infrastructure Program can be used to pay the special
assessments for low and moderate income households within the project area.
Planning Services Department
City HaIl
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
pIanning@cityofdubuque.org
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July 7, 2003
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Historic District Public Improvement Program
Applicant: Downtown Neighborhood CouncillDoug Stilling sID avid Stuart
Location: Public Right-of-Way at 1105,1470,1472 and 1492 Locust Street
Description: Request for funding to install brick paver sidewalks
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your review.
Discussion
Dave Stuart, member of the Downtown Neighborhood Council spoke in favor of the
request. He indicated that the Downtown Neighborhood Council is proposing to install
brick paver sidewalks in the public right-of-way. He referred to the history of brick
sidewalks in the City of Dubuque and presented photos of existing brick sidewalks. He
noted that the Downtown Neighborhood Council endorses the brick sidewalks as a pilot
project. Mr. Stuart also discussed the width of the sidewalks throughout the districts. He
indicated that he would like to reduce the width of his sidewalk to meet the same width
as the adjacent sidewalk. He stated that since Central High School was demolished
that there is no need for a wide sidewalk. He noted it would provide a larger green
space area in front of his property.
He discussed that several property owners would like to observe the maintenance of the
sidewalks prior to absorbing the addition cost. He stated that the property owner will be
responsible to pay for the cost of a standard Portland cement sidewalk and the funding
will only be used to pay for 75% of the extra cost. He noted they are requesting
$12,155.03 from the Historic District Public Improvement Program.
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens presented the staff report noting that brick
sidewalks are consistent with the adopted City of Dubuque Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines. She noted that brick sidewalk standards will need to be established and the
Engineering Department will need approve the sidewalks.
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P~ple
Integrity
R"poMibillty
InnQ'Otion
T..mwo,k
The Honorable Mayor And City Council Members
July 3, 2003
Page 2
There were no public comments.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the request noting that the request
meets the requirements of the Historic District Public Improvement Program.
Recommendation
By a vote of 6 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City
Council approve funding from the Historic District Public Improvement program to the
Downtown Neighborhood Council to install brick paver sidewalks in the public right-of-
way with the conditions that (1) they receive Engineering Department approval; (2) the
recommendation that the City Council approve the use of narrower sidewalks in the
Jackson Park Historic District based on accordance with the design review guidelines;
(3) the local match to be obtained within six months; and (4) the Historic Preservation
Commission be given authority to authorize an additional six month extension, if
needed.
A simply majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request.
Respectfully submitted,
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Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
cc:
Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Mike Koch, Public Works Director
Mike Felderman, Civil Engineer
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City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563-589-4221
HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
PROJECT COMPONENTS (Check all that apply)
D Historic Street Lights
D Benches
D Trash Receptades
D Planters
D Waysides/Plazas
D Street Trees/Grates
D Landscaping/Plantings
D Decorative Fence/Rail
D Decorative Bollards
D Identification Signs
g Brick Sidewalks
, ~ Brick Crosswalks
D Brick Streets
D Limestone Curbs
D Retaining Walls
D Colored Concrete Sidewalks/Curbs
D Colored Concrete Crosswalks
D Colored Concrete Street Paving
D Other:
D Other:
Please tvpe or print leQiblv in ink
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Type of Applicant: D Neighborhood Group cg Neighborhood Association (Name: c...u"......
Representativ~"7 &l(...., r Phone: 6";Ç"r.-l's;!"",
Address: ()or,.. L-.-'t.. City: f)~f' Stat~ Zip: S..L--:\o-") /
Fax Number:
Mobile/Cellular Number:
Project Description:
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Project location/area:
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Total project cost: S Z I 1(, 72..70
Amount of Grant Request: 's1'2. . I SS. o'!,
CERTIFICATION: I/we, the undersigned, do hereby certify that:
1. The information submitted herein is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and upon
submittal becomes public record;
The undersigned representatives are authorized to sign this application on behalf of the
neighborhood association or group; and
3. All additional required written and graphic materials are attached,
Represen~ y/. ~
Representative: ~ / ~ ...-/
2.
Date: .::; - 9"-r;¡J
Date: 'fJvrv" t.oo'J
~R OF~CE US~NLY - APPLICATION SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST
Received by: (/01\ """D, . ¡- Submittal Date: c:,- 'l-f» HPC Meeting Date:
0 Site/sketch planes) D Petition/Signatures in Support 0 Photos 0 Catalog examples
0 Project description D Budget Documentation 0 Map(s) DOther:
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8 June 2003
Downtown Neighborhood Council
Memorandum of Support
The Downtown Neighborhood Council met on 8 June 2003 to consider two Historic
District Public Improvement Program applications. One for litter receptacles, benches
and planters, the other for brick sidewalks. The completed application packages were
reviewed in detail. Members present voiced their unanimous approval of the packages
and thanked the people who assisted in putting the grant application packages together.
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Planning Services Department
CitvHall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P lanning@cityofdubuque.org
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July 9, 2003
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Historic District Public Improvement Program
Applicant: City of Dubuque-Historic Preservation Commission
Location: Public Right-of-Way in the Historic Districts
Description: Request for funding to install historic district entry street signs
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your review,
Discussion
Staff Member Laura Carstens reviewed the proposal, which was initiated by the Historic
Preservation Commission last year. She noted that the City Council authorized graphic
design services for these signs to be provided by the budget for the Wayfinding Sign
Program. She added that the cost of production and installation would be funded by the
Historic District Public Improvement Program, noting its linkage to the Wayfinding Sign
Project.
There were no public comments.
The Commission discussed possible sign designs, colors, icons and locations.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the request noting that the project
meets the requirements of the Historic District Public Improvement Program.
Recommendation
By a vote of 6 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City
Council approve $19,500 from the Historic District Public Improvement Program to
install historic district street entry signs in the public right-of-way.
By a vote of 6 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City
Council allocate $4,345.77 from the HDPIP to provide for Engineering Department costs
associated with the program.
5eMce
Poople
Integrity
R"POMibility
tnnovation
Teamwo,k
The Honorable Mayor And City Council Members
July 9, 2003
Page 2
A simply majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request.
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Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
cc:
Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Mike Koch, Public Works Director
Bill Schlickman, Traffic Engineering Assistant
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MEMORANDUM
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June 13, 2003
To:
From:
Historic Preservation Commission
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager~
Historic District Entry Signs Project
Subject:
,.
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum transmits an application for the Historic District Public Improvement
Program to design, produce and install entry signs for all five historic districts as a
Neighborhood Pilot Project. As you will note on the enclosed policy brochure for the
program, a Neighborhood Pilot Project of the Historic Preservation Commission is one
of the priorities of the program.
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The Historic District Entry Signs Project is being developed in connection with the City's
Wayfinding Sign Program.
BACKGROUND
The City Council approved the Wayfinding Sign Program in January 2002. The
Wayfinding Sign Program is a directional sign system to help visitors find their way
through out the community. The intent of this sign system is to enhance the visitor
experience and to compliment the existing highway and street signs throughout the
community.
The Wayfinding Sign Program consists of two systems: a highway sign system and a
tourism district sign system. The Wayfinding Sign. Program divides the community into
the six tourism districts: Downtown, Eagle Point, College Grandview, Port of Dubuque,
South End, and West End.
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Last fall, the City of Dubuque contracted with graphic design consultant Gary Olsen to
design the wayfinding signs for the community. Enclosed for the Commission's review
are the designs approved by the City Council for the highway sign system and the six
tourism districts, as well as an example of a tourism district sign in context with the
streetscape.
Wayfinding Sign Program
Page 2 of 2
DISCUSSION
In 2002, the Historic Preservation Commission requested that the City redesign the
existing entry signs for the historic districts in connection with the Wayfinding Sign
Program. Due to the competitiveness of his bid, the City retained Gary Olsen to
develop a new design for the historic district entry signs. The contract is for Mr. Olsen
to develop three alternative designs for a sign style and an icon to identify all historic
districts. The text on the selected icon and sign design will reflect the name of the
particular historic district where the sign marks the vehicular and/or pedestrian entry to
that district. The design process for this project is as follows:
.:. Review Historic District Design Guidelines and Wayfinding Signs with HPC for
general expectations of size, shape, colors, icons, wording and layout
.:. Develop three (3) alternative designs for district signs
.:. Coordinate with HPC on icon, wording and layout for recommended district signs
.:. Review recommended design with HPC
.:. Submit recommended and alternative designs for City Council review & approval
.:. Prepare production specifications fòr recommended district signs for bidding
.:. Coordinate design and production of district signs as needed
BUDGET
As presented to the City Council last fall, the graphic design services of $1,300 will be
funded through the Wayfinding Sign Program's design budget. The production and
installation of the entry signs will be funded by the Historic District Public Improvement
Program.
The historic district entry signs will be installed on decorative sign posts with finials and
decorative bases by City Operation and Maintenance staff with locations coordinated by
the City Engineering Division. If an entry sign is placed at each of the vehicular and/or
pedestrian entries to each historic district, the total number of signs is estimated to be
65. The estimated production and installation cost of the historic district entry signs is
$300 each. This is a total estimated production cost of $19,500 for 65 signs.
REQUESTED ACTION
The requested action is for the Historic Preservation Commission to review Historic
District Design Guidelines and Wayfinding Signs to provide staff and the consultant with
the following input for the Historic District Entry Signs Project:
1. The Commission's general expectations of size, shape, colors, icons, wording
and layout of the sign design, which will enable the consultant to develop three
alternative designs for a sign style and an icon to identify all historic districts.
2. The Commission's general expectations for locations of the signs, which will
enable City staff to prepare a location map for each sign for installation.
Attachments