Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 1 17 13Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
rill i
2012
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
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Com m issioners Present: Chairperson David Klavitter and Commissioners Bob McDonell,
Chris Olson, Joseph Rapp, Otto Krueger, Mary Loney Bichell, Christina Monk and Julie
Schlarman.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners John Whalen and Joseph Rapp.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Klavitter called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 Schlarman, to approve the minutes of the
October 18, 2012 as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Schlarman,
Olson, Bichell, Monk Klavitter, McDonell, and Krueger. Nay — None.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NOMINATION: Staff Member Johnson
reviewed the nomination, noting the bridge's current location, history, and method of
construction. He explained the nomination states the property is significant state -wide
under Criterion C, which is a property that embodies distinctive characteristics of a type,
period or method of construction, or represents the work of a master or possesses high
artist values or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
In response to questions, Staff Member Johnson reviewed the benefits for being listed on
the National Register. He explained the Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge had previously been
listed on the National Register but was taken off of the register once it was relocated from
the White Water Creek. He explained relisting the Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge on the
National Register is a requirement of the funding sources provided to the City by the State
to move and rehabilitate the bridge.
The Commission reviewed the nomination and discussed the bridge. The Commission
explained the bridge is an excellent project, and the nomination is very well written.
Motion by Krueger, seconded by McDonell, to recommend the Dunleith and Dubuque
Bridge be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as it has statewide significance
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January 17, 2013
Page 2
under Eligibility Criterion C. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Schlarman, Olson,
Bichell, Monk Klavitter, McDonell, and Krueger. Nay — None.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Update on Public Outreach and Education Program: Chairperson Klavitter stated a
community member Benjamin Beard has joined the task force. He reviewed the task force
has been exploring ways to shift the Historic Preservation Commission's role from regulator
to educator.
Commissioner McDonell explained the Task Force has been discussing forming
partnerships with other groups to hold events during Historic Preservation Month in May.
He noted the annual Old House Enthusiasts House Tour is an opportunity for a partnership
or accompanying program.
Chairperson Klavitter reviewed that the Task Force has discussed education and outreach
activities for Historic Preservation Month in May as well as extended programming. He
noted such programs in the future could include window restoration and re- pointing training
for contractors. He explained the Task Force has discussed programming to reinforce the
economic and social benefits of historic preservation. He noted the Task Force has
discussed partnering with Main Street to host a keynote speaker like Donovan Rypkema.
The Task Force members discussed outreach and expanded partnerships which go
beyond the sometimes more limited capabilities of local government. Commissioner Olson
referenced past minutes and cautioned the Task Force and /or staff from using the word
"advocacy" in regard to the role of the Historic Preservation Commission. She suggested
in the future reference to advocacy be stated as "support or supporters."
Commissioner Schlarman reported that she had been in contact with Charlotte Bonini of
the Green Guild about teaching preservation leadership. She explained she is currently
developing a survey for the Historic Preservation Commission to help prioritize issues and
determine new directions.
Minutes from Previous Meeting(s) The Historic Preservation Commission asked whether
minutes from the January 3, 2013 Education Task Force meeting were distributed in the
HPC packets. Staff explained the policy in the past has been to withhold draft minutes until
the Education Task Force has had an opportunity to review and approve them. The HPC
and staff discussed the policy and agreed to forward minutes of the Education Task Force
to the Commission at the next possible meeting in draft format.
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC: Christine Olson, Old House Enthusiasts Member, reported
that the Old House Enthusiasts will open their annual grant application process on January
18th. She explained there is a total of $4,500 available in funds and grant awards will not
exceed $2,000 per application. She explained the applications are available on -line and
due March 6th. The consensus of the Commission was to refer the grant program to the
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January 17, 2013
Page 3
Education Task Force to develop a request. Ms. Olson reviewed the past grant awards
and recommended requests for funding be less than the $2,000.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Snapshot Iowa: Chairperson Klavitter distributed information on Snapshot Iowa. He
explained Snapshot Iowa is a photo contest for Iowa students grades 7 -12. He explained
photos to be provided showcase students' favorite Iowa architecture. He noted the contest
is sponsored by the Iowa Architectural Foundation and Design Photography of Dubuque.
Staff Member Johnson stated an email will be sent to Dubuque Community School District
Superintendent Stan Rheingans regarding the contest.
Alliance Review: Chairperson Klavitter recommended Commissioners read the Alliance
Review. He explained the Alliance Review is the National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions bi- monthly newsletter. Staff Member Johnson explained the publication
provides information on a number of topics related to historic preservation commissions.
He stated the issue forwarded to Commissioners in their packet addressed additions to
historic properties. Staff Member Carstens explained the Planning Services Department is
an NAPC member and receives the Alliance Review which is forwarded to Commission
members in their packets. The Commission questioned whether the Alliance Review is
available on the NAPC website. Staff will check.
Historic Preservation Ordinance Update: Commissioner McDonell provided an update
on the proposed amendments to the demolition process and criteria in the Historic
Preservation Ordinance. He explained he, along with Planning and Legal Services staff,
have worked together to develop criteria to clarify and strengthen the criteria for evaluating
a demolition permit. He noted he used professionally accepted standards that were tested
with appraisers. He explained the criteria and process will be amended so that they are
the same regardless of whether a property is located in a Historic or Conservation District.
Commissioner McDonell explained the ordinance will be amended so real estate agents
will no longer be allowed to offer or provide economic hardship information. He stated in
the future, such information will be required to be provided by a licensed professional
appraiser. He explained the Legal Services Department is currently working on amending
the ordinance. Staff Member Carstens clarified the Planning Services Department will be
taking over the ordinance amendment in an effort to expedite the process.
Commissioners discussed the importance of the proposed amendments to avoid past
issues and to provide a good framework for the Historic Preservation Commission to make
decisions regarding demolition permit applications. The Commission discussed how to
address properties with limited or no maintenance, noting several properties in the Jackson
Park Historic District.
Carnegie Stout Public Library Signs: Chairperson Klavitter requested Planning Services
staff inquire on the status of the Carnegie Stout Public Library signs. The Commission
noted it has been approximately one year since the City Council outlined the Library
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January 17, 2013
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Board's options to change the signs. Staff agreed.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted