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
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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