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