Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 06 03 99
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, June 3, 1999
5:00 p.m.
Conference Room B, City Hall
50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Ken Kringle; Commission Members Duaine Greenfield, Pam
Bradford, Terry Mozena and Jim Gibbs; Staff Members Mark Noble and Laura
Carstens.
ABSENT:
None.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:07 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: The minutes of the May 20,1999 meeting were approved as submitted.
DESIGN REVIEW/623-627 ARLlNGTONIWOOD W. 11TH STREET DISTRICT: Application of
Tim Wood to install vinyl siding at 623-627 Arlington Street in the W. 11 th Street Historic
Preservation District (tabled from previous meeting).
Applicant Tim Wood reviewed the issues from the previous meeting, at which time he was asked
to provide additional estimates for scraping, painting and replacing existing rotted wood. Mr.
Wood explained he would need to remove the tenants when he scrapes the exterior wood and
would lose revenue. In addition, he would lose $10,000 worth of grant money from the Housing
Department, as they want the exterior completely covered, wholly stripped and removed or
replaced in full. He explained that if he has to scrape or strip completely, that it would prove to
be too expensive. He stated that there are a large number of guidelines for contractors to follow
which makes it difficult to hire someone who can do this work. His concern also was that his
insurance agent recommended that he follow the guidelines completely to insure as little liability
as possible.
Mr. Woods indicated that in order to qualify for Housing grant money of $5,000 per unit, he needs
to remove all lead paint from the inside as well as the outside of the structure. Based on his past
experience, he is anticipating $6-7,000 per unit on the inside alone which does not include
relocation of tenants. He said the units rent for approximately $350 per unit plus clean-up costs,
which he estimates at approximately $800. The Commission asked how long he has owned this
property, to which he replied he has owned it for approximately six or seven years. He stated he
did some spot-paint work about two years ago. He said the area where there is some tin covering
the existing wood was on the house before he bought it. The Commission asked if he was aware
that he was in a historic district when he bought the home, and he replied that he was informed.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 3, 1999
Page 2
Commissioner Greenfield noted that he does not think that vinyl siding is appropriate material for
this project. He inquired that if siding were to be placed over the existing building, would it be
feasible to go back later and remove the siding and expose the wood again. Commissioner Gibbs
stated that by covering the wood siding, they are not really solving the problem, rather just doing
a quick fix of the real issue. Mr. Wood stated that it would be foolish to strip the wood siding, and
indicated it should be removed and replaced with new because a large percentage of it is in bad
shape.
The Commission and applicant discussed one bid of $26,000 to replace the wood, plus another
$14,000 for the inside work. The applicant stated this would add a great cost to this property
which he originally bought for $23,000. Commissioner Mozena expressed his belief that
maintaining the home over the past seven years would have helped reduce the number of issues
that the applicant is presently facing on this property and would have alleviated some of those
financial concerns. The applicant said he believes that the problems were there before he bought
the property, and that to spend $30-40,000 on this property is not economically feasible. The
applicant and Commission discussed different design options and costs to renovate according
to those designs. The Commission expressed their concern with the lack of maintenance over
the past several years.
Motion by Greenfield, seconded by Bradford, to approve the request for a Certificate of
Appropriateness as presented. The motion was denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay:
Bradford, Greenfield, Mozena, Kringle and Gibbs.
Commissioners then indicated that they would consider an application for a Certificate of
Economic Hardship, and asked Mr. Wood to contact staff for the application requirements.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Mary Beth Wigginton, 195 Alpine, asked to speak with the Commission. She said she is a
neighbor of the Comptons, and stated they bought their house in 1994 or 1995. She stated she
believes the Historic Preservation Commission is doing a disservice to the community. She
believes the Commission needs to address the issue on lead paint quickly as there is concern to
her children and the Comptons' children as well as numerous other people in the City. Mrs.
Wigginton stated they are approximately 12 feet from the Comptons' house, and she believes
there is no feasible way to tent that residence and contain the lead dust during the removal of the
lead paint. The Commission and Mrs. Wigginton discussed this issue and ways to properly
remove lead paint.
Mrs. Wigginton stated more information should be presented to the property owner up front so
that they know what they are facing when they buy a home in a historic preservation district. She
suggested they provide regulations to the property owners through a Realtor or provide
information to the property owners at the public library. The Commission stated that their directive
is to preserve history and retain the beauty of the city. The Commission and Mrs. Wigginton
discussed putting together a manual to help new homeowners understand the processes they
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Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 3, 1999
Page 3
need to follow, both for removing lead based paint and also with regulations they must follow
when they live in a historic preservation district. She said the manual could also provide
information on funding that is available to help fix buildings in these instances.
DESIGN REVIEW/195 ALPINE/KARLE WIGGINTON/LANGWORTHY DISTRICT: Application
of Karle Wigginton to install seamless steel soffit at 195 Alpine Street in the Langworthy Historic
Preservation District.
Karle and Mary Beth Wigginton reviewed their proposal to install aluminum soffit and fascia,
stating that presently there exists a plywood soffit which is covered on the end by a 1 x 4. They
said that the house was stuccoed in the early 1980s; previous to that, it was wood sided. They
said they would like to remove or cover the plywood, as there is considerable rot and the wood
does not provide vents. Their concern with removing the plywood is the cost, which is
approximately $4,800. By removing the wood, they felt some of the existing stucco work would
be destroyed, with an additional cost to replace it. If they were to place wood right over the
existing wood, they felt they would be adding a considerable amount of weight to that part of the
structure, which is already sagging. They said they would like to install aluminum soffit and have
received a bid from ABC Seamless for approximately $1,600. They said that price is about a third
of the price of wood, and also would not add additional weight to the structure. They stated that
since this is not a decorative soffit, it is not a very important design element to match exactly.
They said they would attempt to match the color, but their concern is its present deteriorated
condition.
Commissioner Gibbs commended the Wiggintons for their past work and renovations. He asked
if they had consulted with contractors, which Wiggingtons replied they had and that wood is three
times the cost. Commissioner Mozena stated he didn't see any value in the existing wood, as it
is basically plywood. Both Commissioners Gibbs and Mozena asked if they looked at other
design options with an architect. The applicants stated they are concerned that the work will be
delayed and will not be completed this year if they research options with an architect.
Commissioner Mozena explained that it seems appropriate that the Commission be given some
time to review this request and look at the options, as this is the first time they have seen this
project. The applicant and Commission discussed the cost to do this project. The applicants
stated they cannot justify the additional cost of wood. The Commission asked that they consult
again with architects who could give them different design suggestions. The Commission and
applicants also discussed the sample aluminum soffit that the applicants had brought to the
meeting. They discussed researching 3" wide metal panels, as that would be more in line with
what probably existed originally on this property. Commissioners indicated that if they could not
find a comparably priced 3" panel, then the Commission would reconsider the proposed panel at
their next meeting.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 3, 1999
Page 4
Motion by Kringle, seconded by Bradford, to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 3" wide
metal panel soffit. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Bradford,
Greenfield and Mozena; Nay - Gibbs.
DESIGN REVIEW/432 BLUFF/KYLE COONEY/CATHEDRAL DISTRICT: Application of Kyle
Cooney to install a permanent sign at 432 Bluff Street in the Cathedral Historic Preservation
District.
The applicant reviewed the proposed sign request, noting where the sign will be placed. He
stated that the sign will project off the front of the building, will be approximately 4' x 1 ~' in area
and will have a bracket that will be fastened to the building. The Commission and the applicant
reviewed the location of the proposed sign noting that it will be located on the southern portion
of the building, as the building owner is going to be installing a porch on the north half of the
building in the near future.
Motion by Kringle, seconded by Greenfield to approve the request. The motion was approved
by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Greenfield, Mozena, Gibbs and Bradford; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW/475 LORAS BOULEVARD/HEARTLAND HOUSING INITIATIVEITIM
CRABBIW. 11TH STREET DISTRICT: Application of Heartland Housing Initiative, represented
by Tim Crabb, to install vinyl siding and soffit at 475 Loras Boulevard in the W. 11th Street Historic
Preservation District.
The applicant reviewed the proposal stating they are having difficulty finding someone who can
repair the slate and may have to locate non-asbestos slate siding replace it with. He noted that
the existing siding is slate that contains both asbestos and lead paint. The applicant stated that
this material is not original to the property and that they believe the original structure and several
additions used clap board, stucco, brick, and asphalt shingles under the existing slate siding.
They are looking into the Lead Paint Abatement Program, which would give them some money
to repair this work; however, they are looking at a cost of approximately $48,000 to remove and
make improvements inside and outside this property, excluding the removal of the slate siding.
NOTE: Commissioner Bradford left at 6:45 p.m.
The Commission talked about the historical significance of the structure and inquired about what
material would be appropriate. The Commission discussed meeting with the applicant at the site
to look at the layers that are underneath the slate siding, and arrangements were made for
meetings on Tuesday, June 8, at 5:15 p.m. and on Thursday June 10, at 5:00 p.m. at the site to
review what other materials are under the existing slate siding.
Motion by Kringle, seconded by Mozena, to table this item to the June 17th meeting. The motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Mozena, Gibbs and Greenfield; Nay - none.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 3, 1999
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PROCESS FOR REVIEW/UPDA TE OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE:
Staff Member Carstens discussed the process suggested by staff for review and update of the
Historic Preservation Ordinance, as referred by the City Council to the Commission. She said the
ordinance is being reviewed by the Community and Economic Development Department, Legal
and Planning Services staff. Staff Member Carstens reviewed the process and options available
to the Commission. Based on input from City Council, City staff and citizens, she said staff
believe that the Commission should consider the following issues: 1) revision of the appeal
process, 2) options that should be available to applicants, 3) a clearer definition of economic
hardship, 4) the issue of economic hardship for single family home ownership, 5) addressing
problems with the existing ordinance which are causing conflicts, and 6) what limitations are
placed on the Ordinance by the State Code.
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The Commission discussed the process and steps that could be followed to address these issues.
Staff Member Carstens noted that City staff have begun problem-solving steps by reviewing
historic preservation ordinances from other cities as well as incentives used by other cities. She
noted that staff are looking at ways to streamline the current ordinance, reviewing court cases for
definitions of economic hardship and reviewing the Iowa Code pertaining to historic preservation.
Staff suggested meeting with City Council in a work session to test the process and get direction,
clarify problems/opportunities and discuss goals for historic preservation. After meeting with the
City Council, she suggested that a task force be created which could include existing
Commissioners, property owners in historic districts, contractors who work on district properties,
a representative from the Dubuque County Historical Society and a representative from Dubuque
Main Street Ltd.
Staff Member Carstens noted that non-voting members on the task force could be Laura
Carstens, Mark Noble, Pam Myhre and Tim O'Brien, with a facilitator of this process. She said
duties or goals of this task force would be to review data, conduct focus group meetings, develop
recommendations for revisions and incentives, meet with the commission to share the information,
test proposals and then meet with the Council. She said staff also felt focus groups should be
formed which represent neighborhood organizations, residents and property owners in historic
districts, contractors and building supply businesses. She said additional steps would be to
survey design review applicants and past and current Historic Preservation Commission members
to identify perceptions and problems and to review and respond to new changes and incentives.
She also recommends a survey of City staff in various departments, and obtaining input
assistance from the State Historic Preservation Office. After compiling all this information and
conducting these meetings, then modification and ordinance amendment could be brought to the
City Council for discussion at a work session and later, adoption.
The Commission felt that this was an appropriate process, and that a work session with City
Council needs to be scheduled. Staff will prepare a letter to the City Council from the Commission
requesting a work session and confirmation of the process.
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Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
June 3, 1999
Page 6
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
The Commission asked how other City commissions operate. Staff Member Carstens explained
the Zoning Board of Adjustment is similar to this commission, in terms of their applicants. She
noted that the Board is different with respect to appeals of Board decisions, which must be made
to District Court. She also explained the Zoning Advisory Commission is an advisory body that
makes recommendations to the City Council. She recommended that commissioners attend
meetings of the Board and Commission to see how a formal meeting is run.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Staff Member Carstens suggested that the Commission limit design reviews to their second
meeting of each month (on the third Thursday), and use their first meeting of each month (on the
first Thursday) as work sessions to focus on the review and update of the Historic Preservation
Ordinance. The Commission agreed with this schedule, to begin in July.
Staff Member Noble noted that training on historic preservation rehabilitation standards is
scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Library. Staff reviewed the
presenters, and asked for input on potential issues to be addressed. Commissioners Mozena,
Gibbs, and Kringle stated they will attend that meeting. Commissioner Greenfield , who was
unable to attend, asked if it would be possible to have this training session videotaped or
audiotaped for his review at a later date or if the materials could be provided for his review. Staff
Member Noble will contact Commissioner Bradford as to her availability for the training.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark J. Noble, Assistant Planner
Adopted
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