Minutes_Historic Preservation Task Force 3/7/13Masterpiece on the Mississippi
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Conference Room B, City Hall
Committee Members Present: Chairperson David Klavitter, Committee Members Bob
McDonell, Julie Schlarman and Benjamin Beard.
Committee Members Excused: None.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 1:02 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 February 7,
2013 minutes as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter,
Schlarman, Beard and McDonell; Nay — None.
ACTION ITEMS:
Challenges and Opportunities for Advancing the Historic Preservation Commission
Program: Chairperson Klavitter reported he has yet to coordinate with Dan Becker. He
explained that Mr. Becker is Executive Director of the Raleigh Historic Development
Commission and also was a counselor at the most recent NAPC CAMP. He clarified he
would like to follow -up on a topic at the CAMP about the rewards and challenges of
revising the role of a historic preservation commission from regulatory to education and
outreach.
Committee Member Schlarman reported that the Old House Enthusiasts Grant was
submitted on March 7th. Staff Member Carstens noted the Planning Services
Department is researching HRDP grant opportunities to leverage the Old House
Enthusiasts Grant to complete all directories. She explained Planning Services staff is
also working with the Carnegie Stout Public Library and Loras College Center for
Dubuque History on funding and resource assistance.
Staff Member Johnson reported that he and Staff Member Wernimont will offer another
workshop on researching historic properties. He explained the event has not been
scheduled; however, he anticipates coordinating with the Old House Enthusiasts event
in the Millwork District in the month of May. The Task Force noted the timing
corresponds with Historic Preservation Month.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force
March 7, 2013
Page 2
Staff Member Carstens reviewed Planning Services Staff has discussed hosting a
regional workshop presented by SHPO staff about historic preservation programs
available in Iowa. She also noted a training workshop benefiting architects, contractors,
property owners and artisans are being discussed. She stated a workshop planning
packet has been requested.
Chairperson Klavitter discussed the Renovation Boot Camp sponsored by the Des
Moines Rehabbers Club in 2011. He explained it is a classroom seminar series
designed to give participants a basic understanding of the renovation process from
purchase to project completion. He asked staff to find out more about the camp.
The Task Force discussed the Commission's role in Architecture Days. Committee
Member Schlarman volunteered to give a trolley tour.
Chairperson Klavitter stated that Telegraph Herald Staff writer Eileen Mozinski
contacted him as a follow -up to the editorial piece on the benefits of historic
preservation.
Contractor Recognition: Staff Member Johnson reviewed that the Historic Preservation
Commission and Education Task Force has been discussing approaches to recognize
quality contractors and artisans in Dubuque. He explained initial discussion centered
on certification, training and maintaining a list of contractors qualified to undertake
preservation projects. He explained a principal challenge with some recent
preservation projects has not been because the contractor demonstrated a lack of
knowledge of preservation standards or appropriate treatment approaches; rather, it
has been in the application of those standards. He stated Planning Services staff and
the Task Force has therefore acknowledged that an approach which informs property
owners and promotes contractors proven in their trade is critical to improving
preservation projects in the community. He explained consequently discussion has
moved from a long -term measure of certification programs to an approach which
informs and empowers historic property owners while also promoting contractors with
proven expertise in preservation projects as a short-term measure.
Staff Member Johnson explained that to date, the Task Force has discussed
approaches which include developing lists of contractors who have successfully
completed work on historic buildings with disclaimers. He explained a second point of
discussion was partnering with an agency such as the Old House Enthusiasts to
promote qualified contractors. He stated the third approach under discussion was to
develop a list of contractors that have successfully completed historic tax credit projects
in the City of Dubuque. He explained contractors who have successfully completed
those projects have a demonstrated knowledge of nationally accepted preservation
standards and treatment approaches and are also proven in the application of those
standards and treatment approaches.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission Education Task Force
March 7, 2013
Page 3
The Education Task Force discussed the approaches as well as certification options.
Staff Member Carstens noted the Housing and Community Development Department
has a recognized certification program for lead contractors, noting they may be able to
provide further advice. Staff Member Johnson noted certifying contractors does not
necessarily mean they will apply the standards correctly once work begins. He
explained the only people in the community with the time and ability to manage projects
are the property owners, which is why an emphasis on educating and empowering them
is critical to successful preservation work. Committee Member Beard suggested if a
certification program is developed, property owners should be made aware of it and
encouraged to require proof of certification when submitting bids or proposals to
property owners. Committee Member Schlarman noted it would also be important to
create resources for contractors and artisans. The Task Force discussed the options,
noting a certification program would have benefits and merits greater consideration in
the future.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the limitations for governmental entities in promoting
and recognizing contractors or private businesses. He explained the City of Dubuque
and its boards, commissions, and committees, cannot be in a position to make
recommendations or give the appearance of partiality. He noted identifying contractors
successful in tax credit projects would address that concern because it is factual
information, not promotion. The Task Force added suggested acknowledging
contractors who contributed to projects that received Ken Kringle Awards would also be
a positive and unbiased way of acknowledging and promoting quality work and
craftsmanship. Committee Member Schlarman noted it would also be important
recognize specialists involved in preservation projects, such as preservation
professionals and accountants.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by McDonell, to compile a list of contractors and
specialists that were involved in projects that received historic tax credits and Ken
Kringle Awards in the city of Dubuque. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Klavitter, Schlarman, Beard and McDonell; Nay — None
Committee Member McDonell suggested a series of educational brochures, one of
which on how to chose a contractor. Discussion followed.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Preservation Month Activity: The Education Task Force did not discuss the Historic
Preservation Month activity.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 2:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted