Minutes Historic Pres 11 17 05 .
MINUTES DRAFT
tlle)TQRIC PRee)eR.\'t1TIOli (A)MMI~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, November 17, 2005
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson David Stuart; Commission Members John Whalen, Mary
Loney-Bichell, Jim Gibbs, and Chris Wand (via teleconference); Staff
Members Laura Carstens, Wally Wernimont, and David Johnson.
ABSENT:
Commission Member Chris Olson.
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 5:15 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Whalen, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the minutes ofthe October
20, 2005 meeting as submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-
Whalen, Loney-Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Mary Ransdell for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
construct and redesign a rear porch for property located at 646 Jefferson Street and
located in the W. 11th Street Historic Preservation District.
Ms. Ransdell explained the rear porch at the property located at 646 Jefferson Street
was destroyed by fire. She explained she wished to rebuild the rear porch; however,
did not wish to rebuild the shed roof. She explained the shed roof would significantly
reduce the amount of natural light allowed to enter the building. She stated the rear
porch would otherwise conform to the previous structure.
Staff Member Wernimont referenced photographs and explained the new handrail is
designed to mimic the handrail on the front porch. He explained the application states
the new porch will be constructed of wolmanized lumber and incorporate a double hand
rail system. Mr. Wernimont stated the architectural survey for the property indicated the
shed roof portion of the porch was not original to the structure.
Ms. Ransdell also explained some of the brick must be replaced and cleaned because
of the fire. Chairperson Stuart cautioned the applicant about replacing and cleaning
brick. He strongly encouraged the applicant to reference the National Park Service
Technical Preservation Briefs prior to repair and cleaning.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 17, 2005
Page 2
Chairperson Stuart also suggested the rear porch be painted. Ms. Ransdell expressed
reluctance due to maintenance issues with paint. Upon suggestion from Chairperson
Stuart, she agreed to use a pigment stain. Chairperson Stuart explained painting or
staining the deck will help it blend in with the surrounding character and will make the
deck last longer.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart to approve the application with the following
conditions: 1) to replace and repair the brick; 2) no shed roof replacement; and 3) porch
will be pigment stained. Motion approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Loney-
Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of City of Dubuque/Four Mounds Foundation for a
Historic District Public Improvement Program Application to install signage for property
located at 4900 Peru Road in the Four Mounds Estate Historic District (City Landmark
Site).
Jay Potter represented the Four Mounds Foundation. Mr. Potter addressed the size
and location of the proposed sign. He explained the sign will be spot lighted and
located along the rock wall at the entrance to Four Mounds.
Staff Member Johnson gave a brief overview of the property and explained the
applicants had been previously approved for $6,000 from the Historic Public
Improvement Program for the purchase and installation of directional signs and a kiosk
sign. Four Mounds is now requesting an additional $2,094 to install a 15 foot wide
commemorative sign installed along the limestone wall located at the main entrance.
Mr. Johnson added the Historic Public Improvement Program currently has a balance of
nearly $45,000 available.
Motion by Gibbs, seconded by Whalen to approve the design of the commemorative
sign and additional Historic District Public Improvement Program funds. Motion
approved by the. following vote: Aye - Whalen, Loney-Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and Stuart;
Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
St. Mark's Community Center: Staff Member Wernimont explained representatives from
St. Mark's Community Center were before the Commission to obtain feedback with regard
to work started at the Community Center. He stated the Community Center has begun to
wrap the wood elements around the windows of the building. He further explained the
representatives wanted feedback about the potential to wrap the rafter tails of the building
and replace them with soffit and fascia.
Mike Sisler, member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee for St. Mark's explained they
were unaware building permits were required for windows in Historic Districts and
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 17, 2005
Page 3
therefore did not obtain one. He further explained they were unaware their building was a
historic building. Staff Member Carstens stated the building is located within a Historic
District and is identified as a contributing structure.
Staff Member Wernimont noted that he and a staff member from the Building Services
Department had met with Mr. Sisler and others from the Building and Grounds Committee
for St. Mark's. He noted that wrapping windows in aluminum was not mentioned by the St.
Mark's representatives, only window replacement.
Commissioners Whalen and Gibbs both agreed the request was not an exception the
Commission has approved in the past or would anticipate doing so in the future. The
Commission Members comments were unfavorable towards the existing and proposed
work on the structure. Staff Member Carstens explained considerations for a Certificate of
Appropriateness are made on a case by case basis. Staff Member Wernimont explained
the St. Mark's Community Center was entitled to submit an application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to allow the proposed work.
Creation of Brewery Neiqhborhood Conservation District: Staff Member Carstens
explained she was contacted by John Gronen, a developer who specializes in adaptive
reuse structures, about the process of establishing a Conservation District for threatened
buildings located at the intersection of Jackson Street and East 30th Street. Mr. Gronen
requested a letter of support for the creation of a Conservation District from the Historic
Preservation Commission.
Chairperson Stuart and Commissioner Wand stated they toured the H & W building
Saturday, November 12th. Chairperson Stuart said he was asked by a City Council
member if a conservation district of this size is "spot zoning", and asked that City staff
clarify this issue with Legal staff by the time of the City Council meeting.
Chairperson Stuart explained the property is already eligible for nomination on the National
Register of Historic Places because it was previously on the National Register. He stated
the only reason it is not at this time is because a previous owner had it removed from the
list. The Commission recognized the strong historical importance of the structures to the
City of Dubuque and North End Neighborhood. The Commission recommended a letter be
drafted supporting the creation of the Brewery Neighborhood Conservation District.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand to forward a letter to the City Council supporting the
creation of the Brewery Neighborhood Conservation District and forwarding an Ordinance
approving the creation of the Brewery Neighborhood Conservation District. Motion
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Loney-Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and Stuart;
Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 17, 2005
Page 4
Buildinq Services Dept. - Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Wernimont stated the property owner of 1349 Prairie Street had applied stucco in
an attempt to repair the structure and rectify the violation, but the stucco has since fallen
off. He explained the Building Services Manager, Rich Russell, is adhering to the deadline
date of December 15, 2005 for the repairs to be done.
Staff Member Wernimont informed the Commission that a concerned neighbor had called
about construction at 970 Olive Street. Staff Member Wernimont explained it appeared the
property owner installed double-hung windows and applied stucco. He stated he sent a
letter to the property owner and they are aware they need to apply for a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
Staff Member Wernimont explained the property owner at 1145 Locust Street has been
notified of the concern with the design of the rear addition. . He stated the property owner
has contacted Planning Services staff and is aware a new deadline will be set to apply for a
Certificate of Appropriateness per the Historic Preservation Commissions request.
Staff Member Wernimont stated the property at 1358 Locust Street still does not comply
with the 2 inch by 2 inch spindles as was required by the Historic Preservation
Commission. He said Building Services Manager Rich Russell will send notice of a new
deadline for the installation of the approved handrail.
Staff Member Wernimont informed the Commission there was still discussion between
Gronen Property Management and the property owner with regard to purchasing and
selling the property respectively. The property owner was instructed to notify Rich Russell
with a closing date on the property. Staff Member Wemimont stated if the property is not
going to be sold; the property owner was instructed to send a letter to Rich Russell with
explaining when the required repairs will be made.
Historic Preservation Plannino Session: The Commission discussed holding a public
planning session in February 2006. They stated they wished to discuss issues they have
been working on. Some issues include how the Historic Planning Commission can
become more involved in the early stages of neighborhood planning, preservation
partnerships, and Architectural and Historical Surveys. The Commission discussed
methods to help raise awareness for the importance of historic preservation in Dubuque.
They also asked Staff to explore changes in State Legislation that would allow owners of
property not residing on the property to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission discussed enforcement difficulties related to poorly defined blight. The
Commission stated the Demolition by Neglect section of the Historic Preservation
Ordinance could more effectively be enforced if blight was clearly defined. The
Commission asked Staff to look into developing a definition for blight.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 17, 2005
Page 5
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen to have City Staff investigate the definition of blight.
Motion approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Loney-Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and
Stuart; Nay - None.
Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Proqram: Staff Member Wemimont explained the
Housing and Community Development Director David Harris suggested the Historic
Preservation Homeowner Grant Program be expanded to include non-profit organizations
providing residential facilities to HUD income-eligible tenants. Staff Member Wernimont
stated there are a number of non-profit organizations within Historic Districts that do not
meet the requirements of the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant that could utilize the
money. The Commission determined the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant funds
are CDBG funds and therefore would be in favor of it. Staff Member Carstens explained
an advantage of expanding the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to non-profits is
that the grant money will remain in the historic districts.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Loney- Bichell to recommend changes to the Historic
Preservation Homeowner Grant Program to include non-profit organizations providing
residential facilities to HUD income-eligible tenants. Motion approved by the following
vote: Aye - Whalen, Loney-Bichell, Wand, Gibbs, and Stuart; Nay - None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Adopted