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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. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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 Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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 Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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 Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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 Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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