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Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force 1 3 13THE CITY OF DUB Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque All-Amenca City 11111' 2012 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION EDUCATION TASK FORCE Thursday, January 3, 2013 Conference Room B, City Hall o� Committee Members Present: Chairperson David Klavitter, Committee Members Bob McDonell and Benjamin Beard. Committee Members Excused: Julie Schlarman. Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:00 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: Motion by McDonell, seconded by Klavitter, to approve the December 6, 2012 minutes as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Beard and McDonell; Nay — None. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None. ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE: Challenges and Opportunities for advancing the City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Program: The Committee discussed opportunities to raise awareness and promote historic preservation in Dubuque. The Committee noted National Preservation Month as an ideal opportunity to raise awareness and involvement in historic preservation. Preservation Month Activity: The Committee discussed historic preservation- related activities conducted by Dubuque Main Street, the Dubuque County Historical Society and the Old House Enthusiasts in the spring. The Committee noted the Old House Enthusiasts have a house tour in May and Dubuque Main Street conducts Architecture Days in April. The Committee discussed partnering with the Dubuque County Historical Society, Dubuque Main Street and the Old House Enthusiasts for an event in recognition of Historic Preservation Month. Chairperson Klavitter will check with the Old House Enthusiasts and Staff Member Johnson will check with the Dubuque County Historical Society on any planned preservation- related events in the spring. Committee Member McDonell suggested a program in the Historic Millwork District. The Committee suggested the program could tie into a program with the Dubuque Art Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force January 3, 2013 Page 2 Center. The Committee noted the importance for programming to focus on the economic benefits of good design and preservation. Committee Member Beard emphasized impressing upon people the importance of historic buildings and their features as a core principle in the program. Staff Member Carstens noted the Committee and Historic Preservation Commission have recently been discussing contractor education and training. The Committee discussed possible workshops to educate contractors on appropriate treatment approaches for windows, masonry and sustainable building practices. The Committee discussed someday hosting a historic preservation or renovators show similar to the homebuilders show in Dubuque. The Committee noted adding historic preservation or rehabilitation programming and vendors to the existing homebuilders showcase might be more immediately attainable. Chairperson Klavitter suggested consideration of monthly preservation articles prepared by a freelance writer to raise awareness and interest in preservation. The Committee discussed creating a contest that would involve residents researching their own or other historic properties. The Committee noted that the contest would engage the Dubuque community, and that local preservation and information learned from the research can oftentimes be exciting and motivating. The Committee again reiterated the importance of conveying the economic benefits of preservation to the Dubuque community and discussed workshop formats. The Committee and staff noted that Donovan Rypkema of Place Economics is perhaps the most adept at conveying the economic benefits of preservation to a community. Staff Member Carstens explained Mr. Rypkema is currently preparing a tax credit study for Main Street Iowa, and perhaps those findings could be incorporated into a presentation in Dubuque during Preservation Month. Staff Member Johnson noted if the study were not complete, having Mr. Rypkema present the financial benefits of preservation would still be an excellent event to host in recognition of Preservation Month. Staff Member Johnson agreed to investigate when the Main Street Iowa findings will be presented. The Committee next discussed a possible partnership with the Old House Enthusiasts to conduct a tour of porches in the Washington Neighborhood. Staff Member Carstens noted the Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation is currently developing a marketing plan. She explained a tour of homes might be a nice kick -off event. She explained the Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation might be another partner to seek out in preservation programming. Commission McDonell explained the positive visual and sustainable impact the Green Alley Project has had in the Washington Neighborhood. The Committee discussed a ribbon cutting event for the Green Alley Project. Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force January 3, 2013 Page 3 The Committee discussed hosting workshops in historic buildings. The Committee noted presentations made by and directed toward local contractors, craftsmen, and artisans would be an effective means of education over time. The Committee inquired whether a list of accomplished artisans and craftsmen and tradesman are maintained or available by the City of Dubuque. Staff Member Johnson explained no such list is maintained; however, that issue could be looked into further. Staff Member Carstens suggested the Commission consider piggybacking preservation related programming with festivals and shows. ITEMS FROM STAFF: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted