Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission Educ. Task Force 11 2THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
'1Il'
2007
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Conference Room B, City Hall
Commissioners Present: Commissioners David Klavitter, Mitzi Krey and Bob
McDonell.
Commissioners Excused: None.
Staff Members Present: Melinda Rettenberger, Planning Secretary.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Klavitter at
12:57 p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: None.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAMMING:
Funding for Historic Preservation Video: Commissioner McDonell reviewed the efforts
of the Committee thus far, and that they would like to continue to explore opportunities
to produce educational videos. Commissioner Krey reported she has identified a
possible grant for funding the videos. It is a grant through the Department of Education
for $40,000, and is to be used strictly for educational purposes. The deadline for
submittal is November 10th. She reported she has contacted the City Manager and is
awaiting his approval before submitting the grant application. She noted we would
know within two weeks of the deadline whether or not the grant would be funded. The
funds would be available after January 1, 2012. Commissioner Krey felt it was
imperative that the City be involved with the grant.
Commissioner Krey suggested that if the grant was approved, the Committee might
want to approach Loras College about incorporating the production of the videos into
their classes, with the option of students getting credit for helping with the development
of the videos. Discussion followed and it was agreed that the Committee would wait to
see if they receive the grant before deciding how to proceed and /or contacting Loras
College.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force
November 2, 2011
Page 2
Coordinating with the Dubuque Old Home Enthusiasts Group: Commissioner Klavitter
reported he has researched both the website and Facebook page for the Dubuque Old
House Enthusiasts to see what type of information was available on historic
preservation. He reported there is not a lot of information on either their website or
Facebook page regarding historic preservation. The group meets monthly and usually
has a speaker at their meetings. Commissioner Klavitter suggested a Committee
member might volunteer to speak at a future meeting. This would provide an
opportunity to provide the group with more information about historic preservation in
Dubuque and also to approach them about posting information on their website as well
as having information available during their annual tour of homes.
Facebook Page Dedicated to Dubuque Historic Homes and Neighborhoods:
Commissioner Klavitter reported he found another Facebook page featuring historic
properties, Dubuque Historic Homes and Neighborhoods he believed was administered
by Gwen Kosel.
Committee members questioned if it would be possible to provide a link between the
City's website and the two Facebook pages and the Old House Enthusiasts website. Is
this something the City can do, or can the Commission and /or individual Commission
members do this? It was agreed that these questions should be given to staff to
answer.
Possible Historic Renovation Workshops: Chairperson Klavitter reported he has
received an informational email from Jack Porter with the State Historic Preservation
Office about training opportunities. In particular, Commissioner Klavitter discussed an
email he received from Robert Yapp regarding workshops that provide hands -on
contractor training opportunities. Chairperson Klavitter reported he has had previous
contact with Mr. Yapp concerning one of the workshops which was a hands -on three
day workshop at a cost of approximately $5,000.
Discussion followed regarding possible funding options for a multiple day workshop. It
was questioned whether the City has any funds that can be used for this type of
training, or if there is another grant or funding source for this type of educational
program. It was suggested that if the Department of Education grant was funded, any
remaining grant funds not used to create the videos could be used to fund a hands -on
training session. Commissioner Krey reported that Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation does award local grants, but she did not know what the requirements were
for this grant. Commissioner McDonell suggested Chris Olson would be a good
resource as Four Mounds recently received a grant from GDDC. Commissioner Krey
will follow -up with Chris Olson.
NEW BUSINESS: Chairperson Klavitter reported Dubuque Main Street recently hired a
Tex Credit Coordinator to help new businesses obtain tax credits as part of their
financing. Chairperson Klavitter reported he spoke with the new coordinator about the
possibility of extending his services to homeowners, which he agreed might be possible.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force
November 2, 2011
Page 3
Discussion followed regarding the use of tax credits to help secure bank loans for
residential properties, particularly in the downtown area. Chairperson Klavitter will invite
the Tax Credit Coordinator to attend the December Task Force meeting.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM THE COMMITTEE: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted