Minutes Historic Pres 5 18 06
MEETING MINUTES
tll~TCYR.IC PRe~eR.\?1illot.{ COMJls\l~IOt.{
Thursday, May 1B, 2006 D RAi FT
5:30 p.m. J ~ .
The Mandolin Inn
199 Loras Boulevard, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 . .
Present:
Chairperson Dave Stuart, Commissioners John Whalen, Chris Olson,
Michael Coty and Mary Loney Bichell; Staff Members Laura Carstens and
David Johnson.
Absent:
Commissioners Jim Gibbs and Chris Wand.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
REVIEW OF MINUTES: Motion by Olson, seconded by Bichell, to approve the minutes
of the April 20, 2006 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye-
Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None.
ACTION ITEM: Nomination to National Register of Historic Places/BOO Main Street
(Security Building) To the National Register of Historic Places.
John Gronen addressed the Commission concerning the nomination for the Security
Building at BOO Main Street. He stated that Jim Jacobsen prepared the nomination. He
explained that although it is not required, he will attend Historic Preservation
Commission meetings regarding the update to the fa"ade. He explained that due to
tenants, the front fa~de was not able to be renovated during the time of the original
rehabilitation.
Staff Member Carstens explained the Commission needs to review the nomination and
then comment on whether the Security Building meets the significance criteria A. B, C
or D for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. She also explained that the
Commission needs to make a recommendation to the State Nominations Review
Committee as well as the City Council. She stated that Jim Jacobsen indicates that the
property is significant under Criteria A and C. Criteria A is a property that is associated
with events that have made a significant contribution the broad patterns of our history,
and Criterion C is a property that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master or possesses high
artistic values or represents a significant or distinguishable entity whose components
lack individual distinction.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the application. Commissioner Olson
noted that the zip code for the location of the Security Building appears to be incorrect.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
May 18, 2006
Page 2
The zip code as indicated on the application is 52004 and should be 52001. The
Commission recognized that this is the only location where the zip code was incorrect
and stated that it was merely a typographical error and does not impact the remainder
of the application.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Bichell, to strongly endorse the National Register of
Historic Places nomination for the Security Building with the typographical error
corrected to the City Council and the State Nominations Review Committee. Motion
carried by the following vote: aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay-
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application for Demolition Permit/1737 Jackson Street/Application
Of David Rafoth/lmmanuel Congregational United Church Of Christ To Demolish An
Existing House In The Washington Neighborhood Conservation District
Dawn Lang, Pastor Ed Shepp ley, Robert Smith and Janice Smith were present to
represent the Emanuel Congregational United Church of Christ. Pastor Sheppley
explained the church will be approximately 140 years old next year. He stated that in
December 2005, the church learned that the property abutting their existing off-street
parking lot was going up for sale. Pastor Sheppley stated the church purchased that
property with the hopes of providing additional off-street parking for their congregation.
He explained that IIW Engineering has determined the church can gain an additional 16
off-street parking spaces. He stated at this time, the church has inadequate parking.
He explained it is getting difficult for older congregation members to get to and from
church. He stated approximately 87% of the congregation voted to acquire the lot to
convert it to additional off-street parking. He stated they would like to demolish the
existing building and proceed with converting it to additional parking.
Staff Member Carstens stated the property is in the Washington Neighborhood
Conservation District, and has been identified as anon-contributing structure. She
reviewed the remainder of the staff report. She explained the City Code provides for the
Historic Preservation Commission to review the demolition request and make a
determination as to whether the building has historical or architectural significance to
the community and whether denial of the proposed demolition would prevent the
property owner from earning a reasonable economic retum. She stated that if the
Historic Preservation Commission finds that one or the other of these criteria is not met,
then the Commission must recommend approval of the demolition request. If the
Commission finds that both of these criteria are met, then the Commission must
recommend denial of the demolition request. The Commission's recommendation will
then go to the City Council for final action.
The Commission discussed the application to demolish the building at 1737 Jackson
Street. Chairperson Stuart said he is torn, because now that the siding has been
removed from the structure, the building has become more significant. Pastor Sheppley
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
May 18, 2006
Page 3
said it was not their intent to remove the siding. He explained it was part of the
asbestos abatement. He stated that the only historical features in the building were the
windows and moldings. He stated that those materials were salvaged. He further
explained that unbeknownst to the church, the contractor removed more than was
anticipated as part of the abatement process.
Commissioner Coty explained that the Commission is always hesitant to approve
demolition permits to tear down buildings to provide more parking. He felt that by doing
so, the Commission may be taking away the opportunity for someone to reside
downtown.
The Commission also discussed hesitancy toward establishing a poor precedent.
Pastor Shepp ley stated the most important thing is to keep the church as viable as
possible so the church does not need to relocate and consequently create a vacant
building. He said the church is investing a great deal to stay in the neighborhood. He
stated the church contributes to the well being of the neighborhood. He explained that
additional parking is critical towards maintaining the viability of the church as well as
their influence in the community.
Chairperson Stuart stated there are two factors the Commission needs to look at - 1)
historical significance; and 2) economic non-viability. He stated the neighborhood, in
general, is not that historical. He questioned whether the property contributes to the
neighborhood. He felt that now that the siding is off, it may be.
Commissioner Olson explained how neighborhoods develop systematically. She felt
that knocking out one home may cause blight. She stated that the basic massing is
there. She explained that the porch has been filled in over time and much of the historic
features have also been removed over time.
Dawn Lang stated that another benefit will be that the parking lot will provide additional
parking for the community health center. She stated the church wishes to partner with
other neighborhood organizations to utilize the lot. Pastor Shepp ley explained that
demolition of the house was the last option for the church. He stated that the church
tried to have the house moved elsewhere; however, timing and finances would not allow
it.
The Commission recommended to the applicants that they would encourage partnering
with other neighborhood organizations to utilize the additional parking on a daily basis.
The Commission also recommended that the church maintain the limestone curbing to
the greatest extent possible as well as follow the streetscape and landscape guidelines.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Olson, to recommend approval for the demolition of the
building located at 1737 Jackson Street to provide additional off-street parking for the
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
May 18, 2006
Page 4
Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application for Certificate of Appropriateness/632 Chestnut Street
by Cynthia Alt to construct a screened pergola with fireplace and hot tub in the W. 11th
Street Historic Preservation District.
Steven Ulstad, architect, and Joe Mulgrew, contractor, were present representing Peter
and Cynthia Alt. Steve Ulstad explained the project is to construct a screened pergola
painted white with white EPDM roof to match the house. He stated the pergola will
house a fireplace and a hot tub. He explained no fence is planned because it is only
visible from the alley. He explained that the existing exposed foundation wall will
remain. He further explained a building permit is required due to the size of the
accessory structure.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the style and uniqueness of the property. Staff
Member Johnson noted that the pergola will be very well screened from Chestnut,
Prairie, West 11th and Dell Streets; however, the structure can be viewed from the end
of the alley between Prairie and Chestnut Streets as well as the end of Avon Street. He
added the screened in pergola will be located behind the residence.
The Commission discussed the project materials suggested by the architect and
possible alternatives. The Commission noted the proposed pergola is a freestanding
structure that does not affect the main historic structure and will not be very visible.
The Commission explained that the location of the proposed pergola is the best
possible location for an accessory structure on this property in an historic district.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Bichell, to approve the request as submitted noting wood
Iike-a-Iikes can be substituted for wood provided the smooth side is exposed. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay-
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application by the Center for Public Ministry for a Certificate Of
Appropriateness/Historic Preservation Housing Grant for property located 135 W. 1 ih
Street In The Jackson Park Historic Preservation District requesting $5,000 from the
Historic Preservation Housing Grant to tear off old deck flooring and replace with new
wood tongue and groove deck flooring and replace the handrail on the front porch; and
replace two wood double-hung windows with new wood double-hung windows.
Larry White, Director for the Center for Public Ministry, and Cip Jungberg, Board
Member, were present to explain the level of deterioration of the deck and rails and the
need to replace two storm windows.
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May 18, 2006
Page 5
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He explained the applicants are
seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness and $5,000 from the Historic Preservation
Housing Grant to tear off the old deck flooring and replace with new wood tongue and
groove deck flooring and replace the hand rail on the front porch and replace two wood
double-hung windows with new wood double-hung windows. He referenced the two
bids received and noted both contractors, Jerry Spiegel halter and Roger Merkes of
Quality Construction, propose to repair and replace the existing flooring on the front
porch and paint it. They both propose the face board around the porch to be replaced
and painted as well. Roger Merkes' proposal states the existing porch rails will be
replaced and painted. He provided drawings depicting the design elements of the
railing, which are enclosed in the application. Jerry Spiegelhalter's proposal states the
new porch railing will duplicate the existing porch railing. He explained both contractors
propose two new double-hung windows to replace the existing damaged wood double-
hung windows. He explained the Historic Preservation Housing Grant Review
Committee met on May 9, 2006. The Committee found that the project meets the grant
requirements and recommends funding. He noted that the substantial difference in the
two bids was that Jerry Spiegelhalter's proposal states the new porch railing will
duplicate the existing porch railing, whereas Roger Merkes' proposal merely states that
the porch rails will be replaced and painted.
The Commission discussed the project as well as the bids. The Commission discussed
the importance of maintaining the railing on the porch with the reproduction to be the
same dimensions as indicated in Jerry Spiegelhalter's bid, not what Roger Merkes has
bid. The Commissioners discussed the type of storm windows proposed and the
second story window with Queen Anne wood muttins. The Commissioners discussed
replacing the aluminum storm windows that were damaged by a storm with wood
windows. Staff Member Johnson noted that since Historic Preservation Housing Grant
Funds are being utilized, the windows will have to be replaced with wood windows.
However, Staff Member Johnson noted since the building is of neighborhood
significance, if the Historic Preservation Housing Grant Funds were not to be used, the
wood windows could be replaced with windows of an alternate material as long as they
were being replaced with windows that were the same style, size, and shape. The
Commission discussed using stains versus painting. The Commission felt that painting
was more appropriate. The Commission and applicant discussed construction
alternatives to help reduce the cost of the front porch rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen, to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness and
$5,000 from the Historic Preservation Housing Grant to replace the two wood double-
hung windows with new wood double-hung windows, porch decking and porch railing
provided that the front porch railing is a faithful reproduction of the top and bottom
railings and spindles. Wood composite is satisfactory for the porch decking. The porch
railing must be wood and painted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen,
Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None.
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May 18, 2006
Page 6
NOTE: Commissioner Whalen left the meeting at 6: 50 p.m.
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Bethany Golombeski addressed the Commission about properties located at 570
Arlington and 1300 Walnut Street. Ms. Golombeski explained to the Commission that
the property on Walnut Street has an existing garage with a flat roof and they would like
to utilize the existing garage and make a hip roof. She also explained they would like to
convert the large picture window with two French doors that open to a deck. Ms.
Golombeski distributed supporting materials, including drawings and photographs of the
proposed work.
The Commission reviewed the pictures, drawings and material list. The Commission
was generally supportive of the proposal; however, Commissioner Olson stated she
would be in favor of an opaque stain on the deck. Chairperson Stuart reminded Ms.
Golombeski that there were absent members who were not able to speak to the
request.
Ms. Golombeski next addressed their property at 570 Arlington. She wanted to know
whether it would be possible to utilize a cemplank or Hardi-plank siding on the building.
Chairperson Stuart stated he felt the Commission already gave approval to allow
cemplank siding under a previous Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Stuart
said if this is not the case, they recognize it is new construction and would not be
objectionable to using cemplank. The Commission requested staff look into the matter
further.
Ms. Golombeski explained she is merely seeking feedback from the Commission prior
to any formal design review on the properties to give her an opportunity to order
materials for the projects.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
Boarded Up Window Policv/Ordinance: The Commission discussed the boarded up
window policy and ordinance that was proposed. Commissioner Coty suggested that
those properties with boarded up windows have to register with the City. Staff Member
Carstens explained that the Historic Preservation Commission has discussed
establishing a policy and ordinance that would not allow boarded up windows and doors
in historic districts as well as conservation districts. She stated the Commission has
indicated in the past that the Ordinance should apply to residential and commercial
structures. She explained the Housing and community Development Department has a
city-wide policy for maintaining building openings on the street side of residential
buildings. She stated this policy provides for the exterior security of vacant or
abandoned residential buildings. It does not allow door and window openings on the
front or street side of a residential property to be boarded up. Instead, they must be
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
May 18, 2006
Page 7
maintained with painted trimmed doors and windows. She explained the proposed
ordinance would prohibit boarded up windows and doors for residential and commercial
structures located in historic and conservation districts. She stated the Ordinance
requires that no building openings on the front or street side of the property may be
boarded or covered. Doors and windows located on the street side must be properly
maintained, painted and trimmed in the same manner as if the building was occupied.
The Commission discussed compliance incentives for properties having boarded up
windows. The discussion was tabled to a future meeting to give other commission
members an opportunity to provide input on the matter.
Individual Historic DesiQnation of Properties/Ordinance: The Commission discussed the
proposed historic designation of properties ordinance. The Commission was in favor of
extending individual historic designation to properties noting that those properties will be
eligible for historic preservation funding. Staff Member Carstens explained that
individually designated historic properties will have to be added to the list of eligible
properties for historic preservation funding. Staff Member Carstens explained that the
historical designation of individual properties will run with the property and not the
property owners. Chairperson Stuart recommended that those properties granted
funding for historic preservation projects be required to remain as individually
designated for the life of the loan. Commissioner Coty stated that the establishment of
individually designated historic properties will help identify historic areas and gain citizen
support for the establishment of historic districts. By consensus, the Commission
approved extending individual designation for historic properties, noting that individually
designated historic properties will be eligible for historic preservation funding and add
individually designated historic properties to the list of eligible properties for historic
preservation funding.
Proposed MillworkinQ Historic District: Chairperson Stuart reviewed the economic
incentives of being in a local historic district as well as a historic district on the National
Register of Historic Places. Chairperson Stuart recognized the difficulties of finding
funding for the National Register Nomination. The Commission discussed funding
opportunities. Chairperson Stuart recommended utilizing historic District Public
Improvement Program funds (HDPIP). He felt allocating HDPIP funds was appropriate
because the money is City money and not federal money. In addition, the Commission
serves as an advisory review body to the City Council and therefore it is within their
authority to make a recommendation to the City Council that utilizing HDPIP funding for
the National Register nomination is within the sphere of the Historic District Public
Improvement Program. Chairperson Stuart recommended that City staff prepare a
recommendation to the City Council that the National Register nomination for the
Millworking Historic District be prepared utilizing HDPIP funding. The Commission
stressed the importance of the National Register nomination as well as the timing of the
nomination. The Commission discussed the amount of available money under the
HDPIP program for this fiscal year. By consensus, the Historic Preservation
Commission recommended to the City Council that the City authorize up to $10,000 in
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May 18, 2006
Page 8
HDPIP funds for the preparation and presentation of the Millworking Historic District
nomination for the National Register of Historic Places, noting this would be a Historic
Preservation Commission pilot project and would not be subject to the requirement for
matching funds.
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Aoenda: Commissioner Olsen noted the Iowa
Historic Preservation Alliance Agenda is scheduled for Friday, September 15, 2006 and
Saturday September 16, 2006. Commissioner Olson distributed a copy of the tentative
agenda for the IHPA conference. She reviewed the tentative agenda with the
Commission and staff. Commissioner Coty recommended a community presentation of
the Downtown Master Plan be included in the agenda for the IHPA conference.
Commissioner Olson stated this could be something that could be included in the
agenda for Friday night. Staff Member Carstens recommended considering having a
keynote speaker for the event. The Commission felt one or two keynote speakers
presenting the Downtown Master Plan would be appropriate. By consensus, the
Commission recommended a community presentation of the Downtown Master Plan.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Buildino Services Dept. - Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson reviewed the status report. The Commission had no comments.
Enoineerino Department - Proiects within Historic Districts: Staff Member Carstens
explained that at the February 28, 2006 HPC meeting, it was requested that the
Engineering Department update the Commission on the capital improvement projects
that affect various historic preservation districts. She reviewed a memorandum from
City Engineer Gus Psihoyos which outlines the projects that will be completed during FY
2007 and its potential impacts to historic districts.
The Commission discussed the 11 th Street steps repair. Commissioner Olson noted .
that the minor step repair has occurred; however, additional steps need to be replaced
and the railing at Grove Terrace is still in disrepair and is unsafe. Staff Member
Carstens suggested the possibility of utilizing HDPIP funding for the steps and railing
which need repair at Grove Terrace. By consensus, the Commission recommended
City Council approve HDPIP funding for the guardrail around the opening and lower two
steps at Grove Terrace.
The Commission next discussed the Loras Boulevard traffic signal replacement. The
project will involve the replacement of four existing pedestal traffic signals at the
intersection of Loras Boulevard, Bluff, Locust, Main and Iowa Streets, all within the
Jackson Park Historic District. Chairperson Stuart generally agreed with all locations,
and then explained the importance of using historic light poles for the traffic lights on
Loras Boulevard. He stated he has an email from an individual which states that
painted historic traffic lights can be provided at a cost for 25% more than what the
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
May 18, 2006
Page 9
regular primed traffic lights would cost; and therefore, he would not be comfortable with
staff making a determination of no material effect for the Loras Boulevard traffic
signalization replacement project. Chairperson Stuart explained he would drop off the
information he has collected regarding the historic painted traffic lights to City Engineer
Gus Psihoyos for his review and consideration. He suggested using HDPIP funding for
the additional cost for painted historic traffic lights. Staff Member Carstens suggested
the HPC make design guidelines for traffic lights in historic districts. By consensus, the
Commission asked Engineering staff to report to the Commission with a cost estimate
and cost differences between the Loras Boulevard traffic signal options.
Staff Member Carstens explained that since the St. Mary's Street Guardrail
Replacement Project falls within the Cathedral Historic District, the Engineering
Department is currently reviewing guardrail alternatives. The Commission discussed
their desire to have attractive and functional guardrails for vehicular protection. The
Commission suggested the possibility of painting the guardrails black. The Commission
stated that they would wait for Engineering to finish researching the guardrail
replacement options and present their findings to the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Date