Minutes Historic Pres. 8 18 05
MINUTES
t1~TORJC PR~VtinON COMMI~IO"
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, August 18,2005
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11 th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Dave Stuart; Commission Members John Whalen, Chris
Olson, Mary Loney Bichell, Mirzda Berzins, Chris Wand and Jim Gibbs;
Staff Members Laura Carstens and Wally Wernimont.
ABSENT:
Commission Member Mike Coty
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 5:06 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the minutes of the July 7,
2005 and July 21,2005 meetings as submitted. Motion was approved by the following
vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, Berzins and Stuart; Nay- None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Larry & Brenda Husemann for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to replace handrail at 1358 Locust Street located in the Jackson Park
Historic Preservation District.
Larry and Brenda Huseman, 483 Peach Street, East Dubuque, Illinois, presented their
request to allow an existing wrought iron handrail to remain at 1358 Locust Street.
They noted that the handrail was installed to meet Section 8 Housing requirements.
They noted that there are similar handrails located on their block.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report, noting the previous 2004 Certificate
of Appropriateness for 1358 Locust Street. The property was owned by Pat and Ann
Schroeder and they received approval to install a handrail that would replicate the
existing handrail on the porch. He noted that a handrail replacement requires a permit.
The Husemans noted that they did not obtain a building permit and were not aware that
the property had a previous Certificate of Appropriateness.
Commissioners discussed the permit process and the previously approved Certificate of
Appropriateness. They noted the appropriate style of handrail for this property is
different from other properties in the neighborhood that had wrought iron railings.
Commissioners discussed the type of handrail that has been approved. They noted
that the inappropriate handrail was installed without a permit. Chairperson Stuart asked
Mr. Huseman if he felt he had the necessary carpentry skills to build the wooden
handrail that would be appropriate. Mr. Huseman said he was able to build the handrail
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
August 18,2005
Page 2
himself, but he did not want to. Mrs. Huseman felt they would need to pursue the lack
of information about the City Code requirements with the seller, Pat Schroeder. Mr.
Huseman said that they contacted the City to see if there was anything against the
property and was told there was not.
Commissioners noted that the January 2004 Certificate of Appropriateness expired in
January 2005, that the Husemans knew the property was in an historic district and that
they failed to get a permit, which would have made them aware of the City's design
guidelines and the Federal standards for exterior changes in historic districts.
The Husemans questioned the lack of enforcement by the Housing Department. Staff
recommended they deal with the Housing Department on this issue. The Husemans
asked what the Historic Preservation Commission's authority was. Commissioners and
staff explained the Historic Preservation Commission's review authority and
responsibilities.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to approve the application as submitted. Motion
was denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell,
Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to authorize staff to sign off on a handrail that
matches the previous Certificate of Appropriateness if submitted by the owner. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, Berzins,
Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of J. Allen Wallis III for a Certificate of Appropriateness
to rebuild front porch and enclose with glass windows at 940 Bluff Street located in the
Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
J. Allen Wallis III, 1175 Arrowhead Drive, presented his project to rebuild and replace
the one-story porch at 940 Bluff Street. He noted that he would like to roof the structure
with a rubber membrane roof. He explained that he is proposing to enclose three-
quarters of the porch with custom-made glass with wood framing to protect furniture on
the porch for the business at this site. He noted the detail of the glass and explained
that this would be duplicated with lead tape versus etching. Mr. Wallis distributed a
photo of a similar glass porch from Charleston, South Carolina.
Staff Member Wernimont presented the staff report. He noted the rubber membrane
roof may not visible because of the roof pitch. He suggested the Commission note
what will be done with the capitals on the posts, railings and columns. He noted a
relevant example of the closed-in framed glass porch located on page 52 of the Design
Guidelines.
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August 18, 2005
Page 3
The Commissioners discussed restoration of the porch first. Mr. Wallis said he has
selected a scamozzi-type capital. He provided a brochure which showed the proposed
capital.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Olson, to approve the restoration of the porch as
discussed with wood scamozzi capitals, wood round columns, wood railings, wood
spindles, wood floor, rubber membrane roof, downspouts, paint any bare wood, and
duplicate any parts that cannot be saved with an appropriate design. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand
and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Gibbs.
The Commissioners discussed the glass enclosure next. Commissioners suggested
less obtrusive plain glass and black or steel gray framing to recede from view.
Commissioners asked if the enclosed porch would be heated. Mr. Wallis said he might
extend the heating duct through the foundation to the floor of the porch. Mr. Wallis had
not selected a glass door yet.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the glass enclosure without
decorative features, maximum glass size, framing to be inset from existing columns,
door to be fully lighted with recommendation that framing be painted so that it appears
to recede. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney
Bichell, Berzins, Wand and Stuart; Nay - None; Abstain - Gibbs.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jim Matheos for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
wrap wood soffit/fascia with aluminum for property located at 1375 Iowa Street and
located in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Jim Matheos, 1375 Iowa Street, presented his proposal for his property. He noted that
his property is part of a row-house and is the third brick unit from the intersection of
Iowa Street and Loras Boulevard. He noted the properties are zoned OR Office
Residential. He requested to wrap the wood soffit/fascia with aluminum to be
consistent with the adjoining properties. He noted existing rot on the front porch. He
explained his renovation floor plans. He noted increasing commercialization of the
neighborhood. He noted the deterioration of the properties and the aluminum that has
been added since 1996. He reviewed his plans for the rear addition.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report, noting the rear addition was
approved last month. He noted that this application is to seek approval to wrap the
fascia and soffit with aluminum.
Mr. Matheos stated he has no problem with the use of wood as long as there is no
replication involved. He said Spahn and Rose and Dubuque Sash and Door have
something similar, but to custom match would be expensive. He said that from an
investment standpoint, the numbers don't work.
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August 18,2005
Page 4
Commissioners discussed the proposal and noted it would be consistently inappropriate
to allow wrapping of wood with aluminum.
Commissioners discussed the use of the available fascia/molding on both the front and
rear. Mr. Matheos was willing to use commercially-available wood soffit that is similar to
what is there. Mr. Matheos discussed the size of the existing columns and the different
smaller options he was able to find locally and through catalogs. Commissioners also
suggested that Mr. Matheos revisit the City's funding programs with the use of wood
soffit/fascia.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart, to approve the application with replacement or
repair of wood rather than wrapped with aluminum, with soffit/fascia in wood in similar
profile and size, and to allow use of wood or synthetic columns in similar tapered shape
and size, minimum of 10-inches in diameter with similar banding at top and bottom.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell,
Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Ted Winders for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
build a deck/carport for property at 493 Hayden Lane located in the Cathedral Historic
Preservation District.
Ted Winders, 493 Hayden Lane, reviewed his proposed addition to his home. He
provided drawings of the proposed railing and noted it is similar to the worker's cottage
example on page 52 of the Design Guidelines. He noted that he would be using cut-out
spindles for the hand railing.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report and proposed deck/carport. He
noted that he is proposing to re-open the original door opening. He reviewed the
changes in grade for accommodation of the deck/carport. He noted that a majority of
the super-structure will be wolmanized wood and the remaining portions will be stained
lumber. He noted the location of the proposed deck/carport will need Zoning Board of
Adjustment approval for the setback.
Commissioners discussed the proposal including impact of changing grade to the
foundation walls, the door styles, addition of shutters and porch overhang.
Commissioner Whalen suggested looking at the back porch at the corner of Chestnut
and Highland Place.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve the application as shown in the
complete hand sketch with pigmented, opaque stain or paint on all bare wood, brackets
similar to what is shown, handrail detail provided at the meeting to be installed, and
contingent on Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for the setback. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, Berzins, Wand,
Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
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August 18,2005
Page 5
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of James Massey & Pamelape Gantz for a Certificate of
Appropriateness construct an attached garage at 450 Bluff Street located in the
Cathedral Historic Preservation District.
Jim Massey, 450 Bluff Street, presented his proposal to construct an attached garage.
He submitted a plan view at the meeting.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report, noting the garage would have a flat
roof to serve as a deck. He noted the proposed materials would include split face block
with a limestone color, cement board lap siding and a parapet wall. He noted the
garage will be 20' wide by 33' deep.
The Commissioners discussed the proposed attached garage with Mr. Massey,
including location, roof pitch and railing on the top for deck space. Commissioners
discussed reducing split block to four feet from six feet, using a 8-12" parapet wall on
each side, a gutter over the garage door and a ~" roof pitch, scuppers with parapet for
water drainage, and a veneer of limestone instead of split face.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Loney Bichell, to approve the application, as proposed,
with the following conditions:
1) Reduce the split block from six feet to four feet in height.
2) Use a railing on top of an 8-12" parapet wall.
3) Proper water drainage off roof of garage.
4) Smooth finish cement board siding with four-inch or less lap exposure.
5) Railing to be opaque stained, painted, or stained to match existing porch railing.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell,
Berzins, Wand, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
1689 Main Street/Reconstruction of porch: Chairperson Stuart noted that the front porch
is larger than what was previously constructed. He stated that the setback is closer to the
street and that the Building Services Department should be notified to issue a stop work
order. The Commission discussed what allows staff to sign off on various projects. He
also noted that the two-story porch was not original to the property. The Commission
discussed having staff sign-off on simple material changes, but not "large" demolition work
involving structural members. They noted that in the future, porch demolition should have
review by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Commission directed staff to work with the Building Services Department for a stop
work order, and submittal of a porch design to the Commission for review.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2005
Page 6
Accessibility of Brick Sidewalks: Staff noted that Chairperson Stuart has provided the
Commission and City staff with information about accessibility of brick sidewalks, and
asked for direction on scheduling a follow-up meeting with Engineering staff. Chairperson
Stuart noted that the Engineering staff who deal with sidewalks were not at the work
session. The consensus was to hold a special meeting to review the City staffs memo and
Chairperson Stuart's research with the appropriate Engineering staff.
Demolition by NeQlect - 352 Bluff Street: The Commission discussed notifying the Building
Services Department of demolition by neglect for Yorkshire Rose located at 352 Bluff
Street for deteriorated rear porch and clapboard siding.
Fences/Tuckpointino: The Commission discussed the possibility of regulating fences and
tuck pointing in historic preservation districts. Staff noted that the fences and tuckpointing
do not require permits now, and adding these items would require an ordinance
amendment and input from the Building Services Department.
Demolition by NeQlect - 560 W. 11 th Street: The Commission discussed demolition by
neglect of the property at 560 W. 11 th Street for deterioration of paint and siding.
W. 11 th Street Elevator Park: Commissioner Olson reported on the completion of the W.
11 th Street Elevator Park.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Buildino Services Department - Monthly Enforcement Report: Commissioners reviewed
the monthly enforcement report for the historic districts provided by the Building Services
Department. Commissioners discussed extending demolition by neglect to conservation
districts.
Update of Zonino Ordinance and Subdivision Reoulations: Staff Member Carstens
reported on the City Council's August 15, 2005 work session on the update of the Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. She noted that the City Council approved
combining these two ordinances into a Unified Development Code, and including the
Historic Preservation ordinance in this new Code.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner
Adopted