Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 7 19 12na ano
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Dubuque
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
530 p m
Thursday, July 19, 2012
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
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Commissioners Present Chairperson David Klavitter, Commissioners Otto Krueger,
Many Loney Bichell, Joseph Rapp, and Bob McDonell
Commissioners Excused Commissioners Chris Olson, John Whalen, Chris Wand.
and Mitzi Krey
Staff Members Present Laura Carstens and David Johnson
CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Klavitter at 5 30 p m
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifyingthe
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law
MINUTES Motion by Krueger, seconded by Bichell, to approve the minutes of the June
21, 2012 meeting as submitted Motion carried by the following vote Aye — Klavitter,
Krueger, Bichell, Rapp, and McDonell, Nay — None
DESIGN REVIEW Application of Ronald Conrad 1 KC Investment Team LLC for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to install new windows and overhead door located at 898
Jackson Street in the Historic Millwork District
Staff Member Carstens stated Planning Services staff received a request from the
property owner, Ronald Conrad, to table the application to the next meeting
Motion by McDonell, seconded by Bichell, to table the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness at 898 Jackson Street to the August 17, 2012 meeting as requested by
the applicant Motion carried by the following vote Aye — Klavitter, Krueger, Bichell,
Rapp, and McDonell, Nay — None
DESIGN REVIEW Application of Robert Johnson for a Certificate of Appropriateness
to rehab property located at 1079 Elm Street in the Historic Millwork District
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report He noted the applicant has provided
detailed elevation and floor plan drawings as well as a windows schedule for the
project He explained the project is a Federal Historic Tax Credit Project, and the
approved Part 2 Tax Credit Application and Certification is enclosed for the
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July 19, 2012
Page 2
Commission's review.
Robert Johnson noted the project has been in the planning stages for several years.
He explained the goal is to restore the facade of the building to its original appearance.
He said Angela Scherer of the National Park Service and Jack Porter of the State
Historic Preservation Office have toured the building and have approved replacement
windows that are almost identical to the original windows. He noted all of the original
windows were evaluated and could not be salvaged. He explained they will continue to
work closely with the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office
through the construction phase of the project.
The Commission discussed the project. The Commission questioned the bridge
between buildings located over Washington Street. Robert Johnson explained the goal
is to retain the bridge in some form. He noted they have considered a number of
treatment approaches, including simply removing the asbestos siding and exposing the
iron framing. He noted they have been unsuccessful in finding a historic photograph of
the bridge to date, so there is no evidence of what was on the bridge before the
cladding was applied. He welcomed suggestions from the Commission and noted the
bridge will be addressed in a later phase of the project. The Commission suggested
Mr. Johnson consider using glass if the bridge structure were to be enclosed. Upon
questioning, Robert Johnson confirmed that all the windows will be replaced and the
small metal addition on the building will be removed.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by McDonell, to approve the application as submitted.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Krueger, Bichell, Rapp, and
McDonell; Nay — None.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Update on Public Outreach and Education Program: Chairperson Klavitter and
Commissioner McDonell explained since Commissioner Krey's departure from the
Commission, no new progress has been made on the grant applications.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Economic Guidelines and Review Criteria: Chairperson Klavitter stated he requested the
item be placed on the agenda. The Commission reviewed the demolition permit
application at 1760 Jackson Street. Commissioner McDonell expressed concern over the
potential conflict for an applicant hiring a realtor or appraiser to evaluate the condition of
the building and a building's market value in its current condition, and the value of that
building after it was repaired. The Commission agreed a better process is needed to
assure more accurate and fair appraisals are provided for demolition permit requests. The
Commission suggested a process which mirrors the process the mortgage industry uses
for appraisals. Commissioner McDonell noted the mortgage industry selects from a list of
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
July 19, 2012
Page 3
prequalified appraisers to evaluate a property. He noted neither the bank or loan applicant
controls who is chosen; rather, it is random. The Commission discussed the importance of
using real estate agents and appraisers with experience with historic properties.
The Commission discussed how properties like 1760 Jackson Street fall into such
disrepair. Staff noted that the property at 1760 Jackson was unique in that it was not so
much demolition by neglect as much as it was a failed rehabilitation project. The
Commission discussed the challenges of applying demolition by neglect when there is no
exterior evidence of neglect when the interior is suffering from neglect.
The Commission discussed whether the sale of a property can be considered a criterion for
consideration when determining whether a reasonable economic return can be earned
from the property. Staff Member Carstens noted the Historic Preservation Commission
cannot require someone to sell their property. Staff Member Johnson noted in the case of
1760 Jackson, the real estate agent hired to assess the value of the property determined
the building was not worth anything, and the lot was the only component of the property
that had value. He noted in some instances, a person could argue that a lot may be
considered more valuable if a building were removed, sparing a prospective buyer the cost
of demolition.
The Commission discussed how to prevent interior neglect when such conditions are not
visible from the outside. Staff agreed to meet with the Building, Housing, Health and Fire
Departments to gain a better understanding of how such conditions might be addressed.
Staff agreed to look into whether the sale of a property, regardless of its value, would
constitute a reasonable economic return.
The Commission discussed the property at 1760 Jackson, noting the demolition of that
property actually began well prior to Ted Stackis removal of the roof. They noted
demolition of that property began as soon as the failed rehabilitation project was
abandoned and the interior remained gutted and susceptible to the water damage.
The Commission discussed the Dubuque Bank & Trust buildings recently demolished on
White Street. Staff Member Carstens clarified the Historic Preservation Commission was
not circumvented in terms of reviewing a demolition permit for those properties. She
explained the ordinance was amended during the process of expanding the Washington
Neighborhood Conservation District. She explained that the request was made by
Dubuque Bank & Trust to exclude that half -block containing their buildings after the Historic
Preservation Commission held its public meeting.
The Commission and staff discussed approaches to assure the Historic Preservation
Commission has opportunities to fulfill its duties in protecting and enhancing historic
buildings in the City of Dubuque. The Commission discussed a policy or ordinance that
would allow the Commission an opportunity to advise in response to a request to amend a
proposed ordinance that will affect historic properties.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
July 19, 2012
Page 4
Electronic Agenda Packets: The Commission discussed electronic agenda packets. The
Commission agreed there are advantages to both paper packets and electronic packets.
The Commission noted the electronic packets are more sustainable; however, their role in
design review often requires they have larger size paper and color images that allow them
to clearly review plans and projects.
The Commission suggested an approach to allow some Commissioners to have electronic
packets and some Commissioners to continue to receive paper copies. Staff explained
that the City Council Chambers do not have Internet access and therefore those
Commissioners who would like electronic packets emailed to them would have to download
the information on their individual laptops and bring them to Commission meetings. Staff
explained the Planning Services Department will not be making paper copies the day of
meetings. Commissioners would be required to share packets if they do not have theirs the
day of the meeting.
By consensus the Commission agreed to have everyone receive paper packets for the next
Commission meeting, but also be sent electronic packets via the City's FTP site as a trial.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Election of Officers: Staff Member Johnson reviewed the powers and duties of the officers.
He explained all Commissioners are eligible to serve in either officer position. He noted
David Klavitter is eligible to serve as chairperson for one more term, and Commissioner
McDonell is eligible to serve two consecutive terms as Vice - Chairperson since he is
currently fulfilling the unexpired term of Michael Knight.
Motion by McDonell, seconded by Rapp, to nominate Commissioner David Klavitter as
Chairperson. Commissioner Klavitter accepted the nomination. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Krueger, Bichell, Rapp, and McDonell; Nay — None.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by Rapp, to nominate Commissioner Bob McDonell as
Vice Chairperson. Commissioner McDonell accepted the nomination. Motion carried
by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Krueger, Bichell, Rapp, and McDonell; Nay —
None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted