Minutes Historic Pres. Comm. 12 15 05
MINUTES
111~romc PR.e~\1tinON C'OJa\lI\I~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thuffiday, December15,2005
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson David Stuart; Commission Members Chris Olson, Mike Coty
(teleconference), Mary Loney-Bichell, Jim Gibbs, and Chris Wand; Staff
Members Laura Carstens, Wally Wernimont and David Johnson.
ABSENT:
Commission Member John Whalen.
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 5:16 p.m.
MINUTES: The minutes of the November 17, 2005 meeting were approved as submitted
by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty, Bichell, Gibbs and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jeremy Wainwright for a Certificate of
Appropriateness and a Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to repair and replace a
two-story roofed porch for the property located at 264 Alpine Street in the Langworthy
Historic Preservation District.
Keisha and Jeremy Wainwright explained they were before the Commission to request
a Certificate of Appropriateness and Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to repair
and replace a two-story roofed porch. Keisha Wainwright explained the porch faces the
rear of the property. She stated they wish to restore the historical significance and
safety of the porch. Staff Member Carstens explained the project had been reviewed
by the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Committee on December 7,2005, who
determined that the project meets all of the grant requirements and recommended the
requested $5,000 in funding.
The Wainwrights stated the porch will be repaired and replaced with materials original
or near original to the structure. Commissioner Olson questioned whether both
contractor bids included preservation of the Yankee gutters. Staff Member Wernimont
explained both bids include the preservation of the yankee gutters. Staff Member
Wernimont stated the repairs will be made in accordance with the bids submitted with
the application and reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. He also
explained the Wainwrights may be eligible for additional Historic Preservation funding
from the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan fund should they wish to pursue it.
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December 15, 2005
Page 2
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness and
$5,000 in Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant funds as presented to repair and
replace a two-story roofed porch provided all new wood must be painted and the built in
gutters on the porch must be retained or rebuilt. Motion approved by the following vote:
Aye - Stuart, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Rudy & Shawn Vera for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to install windows and stucco on front of structure for property located
at 560 Jefferson Street in the W. 11th Street Historic Preservation District.
Rudy and Shawn Vera explained they were before the Commission to receive approval
for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install windows and stucco on the front of their
rental property located at 560 Jefferson Street. Rudy Vera stated the original structure
had an aluminum double-hung window that had been covered up by paneling on the
interior and siding on the exterior of the structure. He explained the window was the
same material, size and location as the double-hung aluminum window they had
installed. He stated the only structural modification made was they built-out the outside
wall containing the window so it would be flush with the exterior of the building.
Rudy Vera stated they added stucco to match the majority of the structure. Shawn
Vera explained approximately 90% of the structure is stucco. She stated they wish to
remove the small portion of aluminum siding on the structure and stucco that as well.
Mr. Vera expressed interest in adding shutters and a cupola to the structure in the
future.
Staff Members Wernimont and Carstens explained shutters do not require a building
permit and therefore would not require approval from the Historic Preservation
Commission. Staff Member Carstens and the Historic Preservation Commission
recommended that the applicant consider the Architectural Guidelines for Historic
Structures should they decide to install shutters. The Commission voiced their
hesitation on installing shutters on double-hung windows on a fagade that size.
NOTE: Commissioner Wand arrived at 5:36 p.m.
Staff Member Carstens explained the history of the building is difficult to detail due to a
lack of permits. She stated the structure was once an outbuilding that has been
converted to an apartment throughout the years. She stated the building is attached to
a two-story structure which contains three apartments and fronts Wilbur Street, and all
residential units share the same address. Staff Member Johnson reminded the
applicants they are required to obtain a building permit after the fact for work done to
the structure. The Historic Preservation Commission stated the future cupola will
require design approval and a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic
Preservation Commission.
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December 15, 2005
Page 3
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness to
allow the double-hung window and stucco provided the stucco be painted. Motion
approved by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Coty, Bichell, Wand, and Gibbs;
Nay - None.
NOTE: Commissioner Coty left the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Visitina Nurses Association: Nan Collin, Executive Director for the Visiting Nurses
Association, requested feedback from the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the
potential demolition of the attached garages on the Visiting Nurses Association building
located at 1454 Iowa Street. Ms. Collin explained the Visiting Nurses Association Board is
in the process of planning for the use of the building. She stated the Board would like to
explore the possibility of demolishing the attached garages to provide additional parking for
employees. She stated additional on-site parking would provide a safer environment for
employees. She questioned the possibility of removing the south garage and replacing it
with matching yellow brick. The Commission recognized the garages were original to the
structure. Commissioner Olson stated the garage is visible from the street and neighboring
church. Chairperson Stuart stated the garages are character-defining features and would
affect the viability of the building. Because of the visibility of the south garage and the fact
it is original to the structure, the consensus of the Commission was that they could not
support the removal of the south garage.
Ms. Collin questioned the potential to remove the attached garage on the east side of the
building. She stated the garage on the east side of the building is not visible from Iowa
Street and faces the alley. The Commission stated it would be less objectionable to
remove the east garage because it does not alter the primary facade; however, they again
recognized the garage is a character-defining feature and original to the structure. The
Commission consensus was that they would not be in favor of the removal of the east
garage. Chairperson Stuart questioned the need to remove the one or both garages.
Commissioner Olson questioned whether the removal of the attached garages would be a
solution to the problem. Commissioner Olson specifically questioned how providing
parking along an alley in the back of a building would be a safer alternative to parking in
the street.
St. Mark's Community Center: Mike Sisler, speaking on behalf of St. Mark's Community
Church, requested to make a different proposal in lieu of the Commissioners' comments
from the November 17, 2005 meeting. He proposed to only wrap the flat panels which
surround the windows on the rectory. Chairperson Stuart stated he would find that less
objectionable since the profile of the window is not being altered. The consensus of the
other Commissioners was that they would not be favorable to wrapping the rafters and
soffit because they are character-defining features. Chairperson Stuart stated St. Mark's
will need to file a formal application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Commission
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December 15, 2005
Page 4
to consider. Staff Member Carstens added they will also be required to obtain a building
permit.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Definition/Determination of Bliaht: Staff Member Carstens referenced her memo
addressed to Tim O'Brien, Assistant City Attorney. She explained she spoke first with Mr.
O'Brien prior to drafting the memo and he agreed to look into the matter. In response to a
question from Chairperson Stuart, Staff Member Carstens stated they may have a
definition by the Historic Preservation Commission's Planning Session scheduled in
February.
Brick Sidewalks in Historic Districts: The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed their
request to the City Manager and Engineering Staff to complete an in depth review of
sidewalk standards. Chairperson Stuart stated he continues to review industry information
regarding brick sidewalks and pavers. He stated based on the information he has
reviewed he believes brick and segmented pavers will be allowed in the future.
Staff Reports: Commissioner Olson requested staff reports incorporate photos of the front
fac;:ade regardless of where the proposed work is to be done. She explained it would help
the Commission to identify the building and the proposed work to be done prior to the
scheduled meeting date.
Character Definina Features: Commissioner Olson requested the Commission consider
what constitutes the alteration of a character defining feature at the February Planning
Session.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Buildina Services Dept. - Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: The
Commission discussed the property located at 1358 Locust Street. Staff Member
Wernimont stated the property owner had contacted him in response to the letter sent by
Building Services Manager Rich Russell. Staff Member Wernimont explained the property
owner will make the approved changes to the handrail.
The Commission discussed the property at 560 Jefferson Street. They felt the issues had
been appropriately addressed at the current meeting, since the property owner will be
required to get a building permit and paint the stucco.
Staff Member Wernimont addressed the property located at 1589 Bluff Street. He stated
Building Services Manager Rich Russell contacted the property owner to determine his
progress with selling the property and sent a letter to that effect. Staff Member Johnson
stated he followed up with Rich Russell regarding the property owner's intentions, and Mr.
Russell explained that the property owner, Mr. Kunkle, still intends to sell the property. He
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December 15, 2005
Page 5
added that the residence is currently listed for sale and if it does not sell by spring, the
repairs will be made at that time. The Commission recognized the great degree of repairs
the residence requires. Commissioner Bichell stated she toured the building. She
explained the interior of the building is historically intact and impressive; however, it needs
work and protection from further water damage. She explained there are holes in the roof
and ceiling as well as missing windows.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs to recommend Building Services Manager Rich
Russell contact the property owner at 1589 Bluff Street and require temporary repairs to
the building to make it water tight and protected from the elements within thirty days.
The Commission discussed.the property at 1349 Prairie Street. Staff Member Wernimont
noted the property owner applied stucco to comply with the order to repair; however, it has
since fallen off. Commissioner Wand stated the material applied to the structure is not
stucco, rather Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) or synthetic stucco. He stated EIFS
is not stucco, and in his experience is inherently problematic if not installed correctly. He
also asked staff to verify that EIFS was an allowed material under HPC review.
The Commission questioned the status of the property located at 643 Chestnut Street.
Staff Member Wernimont explained the property owner had been notified of the concern
with the porch roof design, and since that time, the property has been sold. The
Commission recommended the new property owner be notified of the concern with the
porch and a deadline be established to have the necessary work completed.
Staff Member Wernimont addressed the property located at 1145 Locust Street. He stated
Building Services Manager Rich Russell sent another letter concerning the design of the
rear addition. A deadline of December 16, 2005 was established for the property owner to
contact Planning Services Staff and apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
2006 Meetinq Schedule
The Commission discussed either February 9th or February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. as the date
and time of the Planning Session. The Commission discussed holding the Planning
Session at the Library Board Room. The Commission requested Planning Staff contact the
Commission members to verify the date and time of the Planning Session.
The Commission also discussed changing the time of the regular Historic Preservation
Commission meetings. Commissioners Olson and Wand stated 5:30 may be a better time
to start Commission meetings for the Commission members as well as the public. The
Commission requested staff contact all Commission members to make sure 5:30 p.m. is a
preferable time to start regular meetings.
Update on Brewerv Neiqhborhood Conservation District: Chairperson Stuart stated there is
a north tower and a south tower each owned by different people. He explained the
purchase offer for the north tower ended on November 17, 2005. He said the buyers wish
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December 15, 2005
Page 6
to purchase the north tower to demolish it and salvage the bricks. He stated there is a
back-up offer for the north and south tower for the exact same price offered by the salvage
company should the salvage company not close on the property. He explained the owner
of the south tower does not want to sell, but may be contractually obligated.
Staff Member Carstens referenced her memorandum addressed to the Historic
Preservation Commission dated December 12, 2005. She explained the Conservation
District Ordinance included a City Code amendment which prohibits the issuance of a
building or demolition permit when an application for a conservation district has been filed
with the City Clerk. She explained it is significant because it provides a permit moratorium,
and will avoid the 11 th hour situation the City Council faced with the Brewery Neighborhood
Conservation District.
NOTE: Chairperson Stuart left the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Prooram: Suooested Chanoes: Staff Member
Carstens explained that at the November 17, 2005 meeting, the Commission discussed
and was agreeable to expanding the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Program to
include non-profit organizations providing residential facilities to HUD income-eligible
tenants in historic districts; thus creating the Historic Preservation Housing Grant Program.
She explained the change has been submitted to the Community Development Advisory
Commission because the funding is from the Community Development Block Grant
program. She stated the Community Development Advisory Commission reviews and
recommends an annual plan for the Community Development Block Grant funds. She.
explained the results of the Community Development Advisory Commission's public
hearing on the suggested changes to the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant program
will be placed on a future Historic Preservation Commission agenda for their review. The
Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation will then go to City Council for review
and approval.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted