Minutes Historic Pres Com. 2 17 05
MINUTES
f1~TORIC PR.~V'(fllON OO~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, February 17, 2005 0 RA FT
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Dave Stuart; Commission Members Jim Gibbs, Chris Wand,
Mary Loney Bichell, Mike Coty, Terry Mozena, Chris Olson, John Whalen
and Mirdza Berzins; Staff Members Laura Carstens and Wally
Wernimont.
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 Stuart at 5:05 p.m.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER: Commissioner Mirdza Berzins introduced herself to the
Commission. She noted she had been appointed by the City Council to represent the Old
Main Historic District. She described her experience with historic preservation.
MINUTES: Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve the minutes ofthe January
20, 2005 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen,
Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Wand and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Berzins.
I
NOTE: Commissioner Gibbs entered the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
DESIGN REVIEWIHISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Four Mounds Foundation for funds from the Historic District Public
Improvement Program to install directional signage and a kiosk at Four Mounds Estates
Historic District, 4900 Peru Road.
Commissioner Chris Olson excused herself from the table, and said that she would not
be voting on the project because she is Executive Director of Four Mounds Foundation.
Ms. Olson presented the application to the Commission. She indicated that she is
working with Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area on directional and
interpretative signage for the Four Mounds Estates Historic District. She reported that
the Four Mounds Foundation has received a $2,000 grant from Silos and Smokestacks,
which is the match for the HDPIP funds.
Ms. Olson explained that the HDPIP project will involve the production and installation
of 10 signs, one of which would be an informational kiosk. She noted that the other
nine signs will be directional signs directing people to the entrance of Four Mounds
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 2
Estate Historic District and to the parking and hiking areas throughout the site. She
said that the signage will use the original Four Mounds logo. She noted that the sign
will be simply composed of wood and copper. She indicated that one of the directional
signs will be placed on the Four Mounds mailbox and will be approximately two to three
feet wide in order to be seen at night.
The Commission discussed the signage project, and their desire to review the final
design.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve the signage project with the
condition that the applicant brings the final design back to the Commission for final
approval. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Mozena, Coty,
Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Dubuque Main Street Ltd. for funding from the Historic District Public
Improvement Program for sidewalk assessments in the Old Main Historic District.
Commissioner Chris Wand indicated that he would abstain from the vote as President
of Dubuque Main Street Ltd.
Dan LoBianco, Executive Director of Dubuque Main Street Ltd., presented the
application to the Commission. He reviewed the City's Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) project to replace the sidewalks along Main Street from the Locust Street
Connector to Fifth Street with decorative concrete sidewalks that meet the City's
downtown sidewalk standards fro Main Street. He explained that the requested
$100,000 in HDPIP funds would help to offset the sidewalk assessments to the property
owners in the Old Main Historic District, which is from 1st to 4th Streets.
Mr. LoBianco discussed the City's interrelated CIP projects for Main Street from the
Locust Street Connector to Fifth Street. He said that the City has budgeted for asphalt
resurfacing of Main Street as well as replacement of the existing street lights with new
street lights that match the ones in Cable Car Square and at the south end of Main
Street. He noted that this is an ideal time to replace the sidewalks because of the
amount of sidewalk that would be removed for the installation of new street lights. He
explained that there is an assessment to the property owners for the replacement of the
sidewalks. Mr. LoBianco added that the street lights will be spaced properly to make
the sidewalks more functional for sidewalk cafes and maneuverability.
Staff Member Carstens explained that the standard concrete sidewalks will be replaced
along Main Street from 5th Street to the cul-de-sac at the Locust Street Connector, and
that adjoining property owners will be assessed in accordance with City policy. She
noted that the HDPIP funding can be used only to reduce the sidewalk assessments for
the property owners located in the Old Main Historic District, from 1s1 to 4th Streets.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 3
The Commission discussed the application and related CIP projects. The Commission
asked whether there were any other funding sources available to the property owners
along Main Street for streetscape improvements. Mr. LoBianco explained that Dubuque
Main Street Ltd. has no funding available for streetscape projects. He noted that their
funding is primarily for facades and buildings.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen, to approve the sidewalk project with the
stipulation that the final streetscape design and layout be presented to the Historic
Preservation Commission. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye -Whalen,
Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain -
Wand.
DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association/Andrew Brachman for Historic
District Public Improvement Program funds to install landscaping, benches, fencing,
pavers and a historical plaque at the former W. 11th Street Elevator site located in the
W. 11th Street Historic District.
Commissioner John Whalen indicated that he would abstain from the vote because he
is affiliated with Seven Bluffs Landscaping, which is providing a portion of the match.
Andrew Brachman presented the application to the Commission. He noted that he is a
Boy Scout and is working toward his Eagle Scout badge. He indicated that he needs to
complete a community service project and this is his proposed project. He described
the project area and noted that he is proposing to install a bench, a fence and brick
pavers to create a rest area. In addition to this, he said he will install a historic plaque
which will depict the history of the W. 11th Street Elevator and how it originally looked.
He also noted that the patio will be constructed out of pavers with donated materials
and labor from Seven Bluffs Landscaping. He added that he is working with Brannon
Monument on the stone for the historical plaque.
Staff Member Carstens noted that for retaining walls over four feet in height, a building
permit and an engineer's design are required. She added that Leisure Services
Manager GiI Spence has said that the Park Division will take over maintenance of the
rest area after work has been completed.
The Commission discussed the proposed limestone retaining wall and where it would
be located. Mr. Brachman noted that the retaining wall will be constructed out of
limestone. He said will the wall should be less than four feet in height.
The Commission discussed that maybe the City could provide its Purlington pavers for
the project. Commissioner Coty noted that the Bluff Street Neighborhood Association
used Purlington pavers in the parkway in front of the Cathedral. Staff Member Carstens
indicated that the City has a stockpile of these pavers for projects on public property.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 4
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart, to approve the project as presented, to request
that the Engineering Department allow the use of the City's Burlington pavers for this
project, that the retaining wall conform to City Code, and to allow Commission review of
the final design for the plaque. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-
Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None;
Abstain - Whalen.
DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association/Chris Olson for funding from the
Historic District Public Improvement Program to install historic street lights and bury
utility lines along Grove Terrace and Lower Grove Terrace in the W. 11th Street Historic
District.
Commissioner Chris Olson excused herself from the table and indicated that she would
abstain from the vote because she is a property owner in the project area, and was
representing the Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association.
Ms. Olson presented the application to the Commission. She reviewed that the Historic
Bluffs Neighborhood Association previously was approved for HDPIP funding for the
Loras Boulevard Street lighting Project, but that the project ultimately wound up being
funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds due to budget cuts.
She noted that the current HDPIP project will involve the installation of historic street
lights along Grove Terrace. She indicated that the existing overhead lights will be
replaced with the new historic replica lights and that the utility lines will be buried. She
indicated that pedestrian street lights originally proposed along a portion of Grove
Terrace will be removed from the project. She added that cost of burying of the utility
lines should be doubled. She noted that cable, electrical and phone lines will be buried.
Ms. Olson said that the Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association is applying to the
Dubuque Racing Association for a grant and to the City for a CDBG Large
NeighbOrhood Grant, to provide the required match.
Staff Member Wemimont indicated that the Engineering Department feels that there
may not be adequate space between the curb and the retaining walls along Grove
Terrace for the installation of the pedestrian street lights. Staff Member Carstens noted
that the Engineering Department recommends that the cost of burying utilities from the
main line to the homes should be a private cost in accordance with City policy, but that
these costs could be used as a match for the HDPIP funds. She also noted that
volunteer time is not an eligible match.
The Commission discussed the possibility of breaking the project into two phases - one
with engineering and the other with the construction. The Commission discussed the
cost of burying the electrical, phone and cable lines. The Commission discussed that
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 5
the lights would be the same as the other lights located in the neighborhood, on Loras
Boulevard, and in Cable Car Square.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart, to approve the project with the deletion of the
pedestrian street lights and volunteer time and the increased cost for burial of utilities.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Mozena, Coty, Loney
Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Downtown Neighborhood Council/Dave Stuart for funding from the
Historic District Public Improvement Program to install historic replica traffic lights along
Loras Boulevard at the intersections of Bluff Street, Locust Street, Main Street and Iowa
Street located in the Jackson Park Historic District.
Chairperson Dave Stuart excused himself from the table, indicating that he would
abstain from the vote because he is representing the Downtown Neighborhood Council.
Vice Chairperson Chris Olson presided.
Mr. Stuart presented the application to the Commission. He indicated the application is
for the installation of historic stop lights and street lights along Loras Boulevard at the
intersections of Iowa, Main, Bluff and Locust Streets. He indicated that the Engineering
Department currently has funds budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for
replacing the stop lights with standard overhanging lane lights that can be seen better.
He noted that the traffic along Loras Boulevard will have overhead lane lights while
traffic going north/south along Locust, Bluff, Main and Iowa Streets will have the
standard pole lights for traffic signalization. He noted that the Downtown Neighborhood
Council is asking for $80,000 of HDPIP funds for historic replica traffic lights at these
four intersections.
The Commission discussed that the application. They noted that the application does
not meet the HDPIP guidelines for non-City funding as the match requirement. They
also questioned where the $80,000 figure came from. Mr. Stuart noted that the
$80,000 is to upgrade the standard poles historic replicas. He noted that the proposed
historic street lights submitted with the application are just one option, and that the
Engineering Department will pick out the historic replica poles.
The Commission noted that they would like to see the final pole design come back to
them before installation. The Commission also discussed the amount of traffic signage
that would be placed on these poles.
The Commission discussed the funding of the Downtown Neighborhood Council's
application. The Commission noted that they had real concerns that there is no local
match for the HDPIP Funds. The Commission discussed that this is a public
improvement project located in an historic district and that the Engineering Department
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February 17, 2005
Page 6
should follow the adopted Streetscape and Landscape Design Guidelines for Historic
Districts, and to budget accordingly.
The Commission then discussed how to help the Engineering Department and public
utility companies doing work in the public right-of-way to follow the Streetscape and
Landscape Design Guidelines. Consensus was to ask that the Engineering Department
be allowed to attend a work session with the Historic Preservation Commission to
review the Design Guidelines, to help develop a policy for their consistent application
and funding for improvements in the public right-of-way in the Historic Districts.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the historic stop lights and street
lights as submitted with the final design review of the project to be reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Commission. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-
Whalen, Wand, Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, and Gibbs; Nay - None;
Abstain - Stuart.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Coty, to recommend that the City Council direct the
Engineering Department to use the existing capital improvement funds for the three
most critical intersections for upgrades to historic district lights, and to budget in future
the year for the remaining intersection to be upgrade to historic lights as approved by
the City Council. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson,
Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand and Gibbs; Nay - None; Abstain - Stuart.
NOTE: Commissioner Whalen left the meeting at 6:41 p.m.
DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of Downtown Neighborhood Council/Dave Stuart for funding from the
Historic District Public Improvement Program to install decorative fence/rail, brick
sidewalks, and retaining walls at 1105, 1145, 1389, and1470-1472 Locust Street and
1323-1325 Bluff Street in the Jackson Park Historic District.
Chairperson Dave Stuart excused himself from the table, indicating that he would
abstain from the vote because he is representing the Downtown Neighborhood Council.
Vice Chairperson Chris Olson presided.
Mr. Stuart presented the application to the Commission. He indicated the application is
for the installation of decorative fence/rail, brick sidewalks, limestone step, and retaining
walls at five locations in the Jackson Park Historic District.
He indicated that at 1105 Locust Street, the proposal is for continuation of the brick
paver sidewalk previously approved and funded under the HDPIP program. He
explained that at 1145 Locust Street, the proposal is for installation of the same brick
sidewalk pavers and a limestone step to match the new sidewalk grade. He said the
proposal for 1389 Locust Street is to install a brick sidewalk. He indicated that at 1470-
1472 Locust Street, a brick sidewalk was previously approved and funded under the
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 7
HDPIP program. He said the current HDPIP proposal for this property is to install a
retaining wall with a decorative fence/rail that would match a wall with a decorative
fence as shown in a historic photo submitted with the application. He reviewed the
proposal for 1323-1325 Bluff Street is to install a brick sidewalk and a retaining wall
similar to the one proposed at 1470-1472 Locust Street.
Mr. Stuart reviewed how the HDPIP funding for the sidewalks was calculated based on
the additional cost for brick sidewalk over standard concrete, and the HDPIP funding for
the limestone step and retaining walls with decorative fence/rail was based on the 3: 1
split for the entire cost. He explained that the retaining walls would be constructed in the
public right-of-way, with a written waiver from the Engineering Department.
Staff Member Carstens reviewed the staff concerns with funding the limestone step and
retaining walls with decorative fence/rail under the HDPIP program, since these
improvements would be of private benefit but not public benefit. Staff Member
Wernimont explained the staffs suggested budget for the project, to fund just the brick
sidewalks. He added that the retaining walls with decorative fence/rail are eligible
expenses for the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund, even if installed in the
public right-of-way so long as permission is obtained from the Engineering Department.
The Commission discussed the application. They discussed the grade changes
between the existing sidewalks and the new brick sidewalks. They debated whether or
not to include the retaining walls and fencing in the HDPIP program. Commissioner
Olson felt that the walls and fences added to a district's sense of place, but also are
self-serving to the property owner.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Coty, approve the project as submitted. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins,
Gibbs and Wand; Nay - None; Abstain - Stuart.
FUNDING REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
The Commission discussed the funding for each of the HDPIP applications, noting the
available budget of $268,345 and the six proposals totaling $310,464.95 leaves a deficit
of $42,119.95. Commissioners discussed whether to fund the retaining walls.
Commissioners discussed funding residential neighborhoods over commercial areas.
They noted the funding availability for commercial properties.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to approve $5,000 for the retaining walls.
Motion failed by the following vote: Aye -- Berzins; Nay - Coty, Loney Bichell, Wand,
Gibbs and Mozena; Abstain -- Olson and Stuart.
The Commission discussed funding of the traffic lights. Commissioners had concerns
with no neighborhood commitment of matching funds. The Commission discussed the
Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines. A motion that $60,000 in HDPIP funds be
available for traffic lights failed for lack of a second.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 8
Motion by Wand, seconded by Coty, to recommend that the City Council direct the
Engineering Department to use the existing CIP budget to upgrade the three most
critical intersections with historic replica traffic lights, and to budget in a future year for
the remaining intersection to be upgraded with historic replica traffic lights, and to
budget for public improvements in historic districts as approved by the City Council.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Olson,
Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - None.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to recommend that the City Council approve
$6,000 from the Historic District Public District Improvement Program to fund the
signage at Four Mounds Estate Historic District. Motion was approved by the following
vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay -
None; Abstain - Olson.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to recommend that the City Council approve
$3,000 from the Historic District Public District Improvement Program to fund the rest
area at the former West 11th Street Elevator site. Motion was approved by the following
vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay-
None; Abstain - Olson.
Motion by Coty, seconded by Loney Bichell, to recommend the City Council approve
$24,346.95 from the Historic District Public Improvement Program to fund the brick
sidewalks for the Downtown Neighborhood Council's application. Motion was approved
by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand and Gibbs;
Nay - None; Abstain - Olson and Stuart.
Motion by Loney Bichell, seconded by Berzins, to recommend the City Council approve
$90,000 from the Historic District Public Improvement Program to fund the installation
of the lights and burying utilities on Grove Terrace and Lower Grove Terrace. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins,
Gibbs, Wand and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson.
Motion by Coty, seconded by Mozena, to approve $100,000 from the Historic District
Public District Improvement Program to offset property owners' sidewalk assessments
in the Old Main Historic District. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-
Olson, Mozena, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain -
Wand.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Ken Krinale Historic Preservation Awards: Staff Member Wernimont noted that the
Commission needs to nominate and select properties to receive the Ken Kringle Historic
Preservation Award. The Commission discussed several projects that could receive the
award.
.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
February 17, 2005
Page 9
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve Heartland Financial for the rehabilitation
of the Bell Block and Ziepprecht buildings, Fred Bonnet for private investment and
rehabilitation ofthe former Jocille's building; the Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association
for the Loras Boulevard Lighting Project, 1207 Grove Terrace for the construction of the
detached garage and for an award of honor to the City Council for their support of historic
preservation. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Mozena, Coty,
Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
Historic District Entry Sians: The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the logo
designs that had been prepared by Gary Olsen. The Commission noted that they like the
logos for the Cathedral, Jackson Park and Old Main Historic Districts. The Commission
noted that the cupola on the Octagon House does not work for that historic district sign and
they would like to see a new design for the Langworthy House. The Commissioners noted
that they were not in favor of the turret for the West 11 th Street Historic District because of
its association with a business. The Commission suggested using an architectural feature
off of 1207 Grove Terrace.
Commissioner Coty felt that the signs needed to be more ornate. He discussed the
possibility of designing a sign for the historic districts.
Proposed Bill to Increase Property Rehab Tax Credits: Staff Member Wernimont noted
that State Representative Pam Jochum of Dubuque provided Christine Olson with the
attached letter in reference to the increase in the state property rehabilitation tax
credits. The Commission reviewed the letter and noted that they should send a letter to
the City Council requesting that a letter of support be sent to the legislature in support
of any increased funding for historic preservation. They noted that Dubuque has taken
advantage of many of these tax credit projects for rehabilitation.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to send a letter to the City Council requesting that
the City Council send notification to the State Legislature in support of any funding for
historic preservation. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Mozena,
Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
Iowa Historic Preservation AlliancelPreservation at its Best Awards: Staff Member
Wernimont noted that the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance is taking nominations for their
Preservation At It's Best Awards. He noted that typically he prepares nominations for the
properties that are receiving the Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award. The
Commission agreed by consensus to send the Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Awards
on for the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Awards. . ..- ~
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner
Adopted
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