Minutes Historic Pres Com. 3 16 06
MINUTES
tI~Too.IC JYR.~\7tiTION CO~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, March 16,2006
5:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson David Stuart; Commission Members Chris Olson, Mary
Loney-Bichell, Chris Wand and Jim Gibbs; Staff Members Laura
Carstens, David Johnson, Gus Psihoyos and Bob Schiesl
ABSENT:
Commission Members John Whalen and Mike Coty.
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 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES: The minutes of the January 19 and February 23, 2006 meeting were approved
as written.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of David Harris, Housing and Community Development
Director, for a Certificate of Appropriateness to amend a previously approved Certificate
of Appropriateness to allow a third door on the front of the structure located at 1111
Bluff Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director, presented a request to
allow a third door on the front of the structure located at 1111 Bluff Street. He stated
since that time, the applicant learned a code requirement would mandate locating a
third door on the front of the structure to provide an additional means of egress. He
explained that due to topographical limitations, code requirements and the building
layout, the applicant was not able to locate the additional door elsewhere on the exterior
of the building. Staff Member Johnson explained the applicant received a Certificate of
Appropriateness on February 23, 2006 to make alterations to the exterior of the
structure. He presented the staff report and drawings for the proposed door location.
Chairperson Stuart noted that he has had discussions with Building Services staff, who
identified the need for a clear way to exit the building in case of fire.
Commissioner Wand suggested the window in the southernmost opening should be
centered. Motion by Bichell, seconded by Wand to grant a Certificate of
Appropriateness to amend the previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness to
allow a third door on the front of the structure as submitted with the recommendation
that the windows in the southernmost opening should be centered. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
March 16, 2006
Page 2
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dale & Sherry McDonell for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to construct an attached garage and remove existing detached garage
for property located at 115 Alpine Street in the Langworthy Historic Preservation
District.
Dale McDonell explained he would like to remove the existing dilapidated one car
detached garage and replace it with an attached concrete cap garage. Mr. McDonell
also discussed potentially constructing a detached garage with a pitched roof instead of
the attached concrete cap garage. He stated he is receiving bids for a 26' by 26'
concrete cap garage. The concrete cap garage alternative would be flush with the
foundation of the residence. He stated the garage will have cemplank clapboard siding
painted to match the color of the slate-asbestos siding on the house.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained past modifications, the
property's history and that it is a contributing structure to the district.
The Commission discussed the lack of necessary information submitted with the
application. Commissioner Olson explained the Commission needed a detailed plan
and sketch of the property giving complete dimensions and location of the property to
discuss the appropriateness of the proposed garage. She also stated they need
information on the types of materials proposed for the project. Commissioners felt
there was insufficient information to act on a Certificate of Appropriateness.
The Commission encouraged Mr. McDonnell to refer to the Architectural Guidelines for
Historic Structures for direction in constructing a new detached garage. Chairperson
Stuart stated the Commission is for the most part bound by the requirements found on
page A59 of the Architectural Guidelines. He suggested the applicant consider those
guidelines with respect to size, location, form and color. Chairperson Stuart suggested
that a flat concrete cap garage would not be as compatible with those guidelines as a
garage with a pitched roof. Commissioner Olson suggested the proposed garage
should compliment and use design features from the house. The Commission
requested Mr. McDonnell reconsider his proposal with respect to the Architectural
Guidelines and resubmit a new application with detailed plans. The Commission
requested contractor drawings with the same detail needed to obtain a building permit.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson to approve the attached garage and remove the
existing detached garage as submitted. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye -
None; Nay - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Lisa Herrald-Doerschler & Peter Doerschler for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to allow an existing front porch to remain for property
located at 643 Chestnut Street and located in the W. 11111 Street Historic Preservation
District.
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March 16, 2006
Page 3
Peter Doerschler explained that he and his wife purchased the house in July of 2005.
He explained he was unaware of the violation for the front porch when he purchased
the property.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that on May 15, 2003,
the previous owners, Steve and Jamie Davis, received a Certificate of Appropriateness
to construct a front porch with the conditions that the design of the front porch mimics
the rear porch and to allow the use of 2" by 2" spindles for the railing.
Staff Member Johnson stated on August 8, 2003. Mr. and Mrs. Davis received a
building permit to construct the front porch and porch roof with the approved conditions.
The front porch roof was not constructed in conformance with the approved conditions
and the property owners were notified of the violation and required to address the issue.
In the interim, the property was purchased by Peter and Lisa Doerschler in July of
2005. The new owners were notified of the violation and are requesting the front porch
roof be allowed to remain as constructed. He stated the Jacobsen survey identifies the
residence as a contributing structure to the district and the Kriviskey survey depicts the
property as supportive.
Chairperson Stuart explained the Secretary of I nterior's Standards as they relate to the
property and alterations. Mr. Doerschler stated he believes the residence originally
never had a front porch roof. Commissioner Wand explained the front porch roof was
added to eliminate water damage according to the previous owners.
Commissioners noted the extended period of enforcement with no action taken, and
asked staff to continue to work with Building Services staff to ensure HPC decisions are
followed and enforcement is not delayed for several years like it was in this case.
The Commission discussed that the Doerschlers inherited the mistakes of the previous
property owner. Commissioner Olson stated because of the situation, she could not
hold the current owner to the same standards and requirements as the previous
owners. Chairperson Stuart stated he would not normally allow the straight roof.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell to allow the front porch roof to remain as
constructed with the understanding this is a unique circumstance. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dick Landis/St. Mark Community Center for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to wrap wood window trim with aluminum for the property
located at 391 W. 1ih Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
John Pesetski, Vice-Chair for the St. Mark Community Center Board, spoke on behalf
of the community center. He explained the Community Center would like to wrap wood
window trim with aluminum. Mr. Pesetski stated the work has already begun because
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March 16, 2006
Page 4
they were unaware a building permit was required for wrapping windows in Historic
Districts.
Staff Member Carstens explained the applicant has been before the Commission
previously on two occasions to receive feedback about the proposed project.
Referencing the minutes from November 17, 2005, she explained work was started on
the windows without design review by the Commission. She stated there was a
meeting between Planning and Building Services staff members and St. Mark's
representatives prior to work on the community center; however, no mention was made
by the applicants about wrapping windows in aluminum at that meeting. She noted that
the only work discussed was for window replacement that was the same size, shape
and material as the current windows.
Commissioner Olson questioned the need to wrap the wood window trim. John
Pesetski stated the wood is in poor condition. He explained it is a cost saving measure
for the long term maintenance of the building. He stated aluminum trim would require
less maintenance. Commissioner Olson felt wrapping the windows would only make
them worse. She explained the aluminum wrap traps moisture and the wood will
deteriorate faster than if it were painted and allowed to breathe. Chairperson Stuart
added that paint on aluminum does not last any longer than paint on wood.
Commissioner Wand stated he would prefer the applicant repair or replace the wood
and repaint it to avoid rapid deterioration of the trim. Chairperson Stuart suggested
considering using a cement board material which would take paint well and last as long
as aluminum until it needed painting. The Commission explained in the long run it is
more cost and time effective to repair or replace the deteriorated wood and paint it.
Commissioner Olson stated she does not believe the alteration would save money, use
better materials or demonstrate consistency with Commission standards. She
expressed concern that approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for the wrapping of
windows could establish a poor precedent. The Commission discussed allowing the
applicant to wrap those windows surrounded by brick only.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson to allow the applicant to wrap those windows
surrounded by brick only. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay-
Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Wand to allow the applicant to wrap the windows in the
dormer and those areas not enclosed by brick. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye
- None; Nay - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Historic Preservation Desiqn Review Application Packets: Commissioner Olson expressed
concern about the quality of design review applications received as of late. The
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March 16,2006
Page 5
Commission specifically felt applications lacked detail with regard to project materials and
drawings. Commissioner Wand felt the design review application should require the items
on the design review checklist instead of merely urging people to submit the information.
Commissioner Olson suggested examples of model projects be made available to
applicants. Staff Member Carstens suggested requiring the same construction drawings
that would be required to obtain a building permit. She stated Planning Staff will work with
Building Staff to research building permit requirements in an effort to improve the quality of
design review applications.
Review of Excavation Permits in Historic Districts: Bob Schiesl and Gus Psihoyos from the
Engineering Department were present to help address Historic Preservation Commission
review of excavation permits in historic districts. Chairperson Stuart questioned Staff
Member Carstens' assessment that the Historic Preservation Commission previous vote
which required that original materials be used in the repair or replacement of streets and
sidewalks is inconsistent with the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for Historic
Districts. Staff Member Carstens explained that the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines
for Historic Districts set out recommended, acceptable, and not recommended options, but
not requirements.
The Commission discussed their capacity to review projects in the public right-of-way in
historic districts. Staff Member Carstens explained the Commission is an advisory design
review body for these projects, and makes recommendations to the City Council. She
noted that the City Council can decide to accept, change or ignore that recommendation.
The Commission stated they wish to have brick streets repaired or replaced with brick, and
agreed that they cannot require something as an advisory board.
The Commission discussed review processes and accommodations that must be made in
emergency repair situations. Chairperson Stuart explained the only instance in which he
anticipated the Commission's involvement is when brick that is in good or relatively good
condition is torn up with no intention of replacing it. He stated staff could also sign off on
those projects determined to be a no material change in effect in an effort to expedite the
repair process. Commissioner Wand stated he would have no objection to temporary
asphalt patches in brick streets as long as the patches were replaced with brick once the
contractor has an opportunity or the weather improves.
The Commission discussed the replacement of limestone curbs. They discussed how
limestone curbs are often times cost prohibitive and suggested colored concrete as a
preferred alternative. Commissioners Bichell and Wand expressed interest in creating an
inventory of brick streets located in historic districts. Staff Member Schiesl stated the
Engineering Department has an inventory of brick streets.
Staff Member Psihoyos explained to the Commission that the cost difference between
repair and replacement with brick versus asphalt or concrete is substantially less for the
property owner. The Commission requested staff research the cost issue further. The
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March 16, 2006
Page 6
Commission discussed utilizing Historic District Public Improvement Program funding to
make brick replacement more affordable to a property owner. Staff Member Psihoyos
asked the Commission if they would like an opportunity to review the five-year Capital
Improvement Plan to identify planned City projects in the right-of-way. The Commission
asked that it be submitted in the form of a memorandum outlining applicable projects.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson to refer the matter back to City Staff to further
research cost differences for brick, concrete, and asphalt repair and replacement and
report back by the April 2006 Historic Preservation Commission meeting and to clarify
that the Commission's previous vote to require that original materials be used in the
repair and replacement of streets and sidewalks was inconsistent with the Streetscape
and Landscape Guidelines and was meant to be a recommendation. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
Steps between Lower and Upper Grove Terrace: Engineering Staff and
Commissioners Olson and Bichell discussed requested repairs to the stairs and railing
between Upper and Lower Grove Terrace.
Demolition by NeQlect in Conservation Districts: The Commission discussed the proposed
ordinance which would extend Demolition by Neglect to Conservation Districts.
Chairperson Stuart stated both Historic Districts and Conservation Districts were adopted
by the City Council because those resources are important to the City of Dubuque and its
character. Conservation Districts were established to protect potentially significant
structures from being demolished. He explained those same potentially significant
structures should also be protected from being demolished over a period time through
neglect. The Commission recognized some Conservation Districts do not have financial
resources and incentives from the City to help people make the necessary repairs.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson to recommend the ordinance amending section 11-4
Demolition Permits in Conservation Districts to extend Demolition by Neglect to
Conservation Districts. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Wand,
Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Statewide Conference: Commissioner Olson
requested a meeting with staff to discuss the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance's
Statewide Conference to be held in Dubuque. Staff Member Carstens suggested also
meeting with Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce staff.
Commissioner Olson encouraged other commissioners to participate in planning the
conference.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
BuildinQ Services Department - Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson explained the condition of the property located at 1349 Prairie Street has
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March 16, 2006
Page 7
not changed. He stated the deadline for compliance remains April 27, 2006. He stated the
issues at 643 Chestnut were addressed at the current meeting. He sated there has been
no change in the progress at 1145 Locust Street, 1358 Locust Street and 1589 Bluff Street.
He explained all deadlines for compliance remain in effect for those properties.
Commissioner Stuart stated the property owner at 1589 Bluff Street has accepted a
purchase offer to buy the building. He stated he has been hired by the new owners to
manage the property and explained the repairs will begin as soon as they gain possession
of the building.
The Commission directed staff to look into demolition by neglect for the Yorkshire Rose
building located at 352 Bluff Street. The Commission specifically had concerns with the
siding between buildings and the rear porch, and asked for referral to Building staff.
Commissioner Bichell stated 483 Bluff Street has boarded up windows facing the street.
She requested the matter be forwarded to the Housing and Community Development
Department. The Commission also discussed issues at 1596 Iowa. The Commission
stated it is open to the elements and requested the Housing and Community Development
and Building Departments be asked to follow up on the condition of the building.
Commissioner Wand updated the Commission on repairs to the German Bank building.
He stated progress is being made. He explained once John Gronen's Upper Main Street
project is finalized, he will be able to concentrate more of his efforts on the German Bank
building.
Commissioner Olson stated the bungalow at 950 Spruce Street has a limestone block
foundation that has mortar missing. She stated the limestone foundation needs to be
repaired and made watertight again.
National Preservation Month 2006: In recognition of National Preservation Month, the
Commission discussed holding the May Historic Preservation Commission meeting at the
Mandolin Inn, Platinum Building or the Old Jail. Chairperson Stuart stated he would follow
up on the arrangements. The Commission discussed lists of activities for celebrating
National Preservation Month. Commissioner Wand suggested organizing a work project to
help Main Street with their downtown cleanup.
Nominations for Timmv Awards: The Commission discussed nominations for the annual J.
Timmy Anderson Awards for excellence in Historic Rehabilitation.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell to nominate the east side of Main Street between
10th and 11 th Street known as the Upper Main Street project, to incorporate the North and
South Cooley Buildings with the provision that staff can adjust the buildings incorporated in
the nomination based on when they were finished. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye - Stuart, Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
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March 16, 2006
Page 8
Nominations for Ken Krinale Historic Preservation Awards: The Commission discussed
nominations for the 2006 Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Awards.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart to nominate 2046 Washington, the Mandolin Inn,
Platinum Building, North and South Cooley Buildings, and the Old Jail for the 2006 Ken
Kringle Historic Preservation Awards. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Stuart,
Olson, Wand, Bichell and Gibbs; Nay - None.
Architectural Davs Restoration Workshop: Staff Member Carstens stated Architectural
Days Restoration Workshop will be held April 11 th and 1 ih in partnership with Dubuque
Main Street, Ltd. She explained the tentative itinerary and speakers for those two days.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted