Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 4 18 13THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
Extol
rop
2012
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
1EN
Commissioners Present: Chairperson David Klavitter; Commissioners Bob McDonell,
John Whalen, Joseph Rapp, Chris Olson, Mary Loney - Bichell, Christina Monk and Otto
Krueger.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioner Julie Schlarman.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Klavitter at 5:30
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: Commissioner Olson clarified the word, "razed" should be replaced with the
intended use and spelling of the word "raised" on line 10, under Items from the Public.
Motion by McDonell, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2013
meeting as corrected. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell,
Rapp, Olson, Bichell, Monk and Kruger; Nay — None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jonathan Dwight for a Certificate of Appropriateness
to remove a chimney at the property located at 121 Bluff Street in the Cathedral Historic
Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, noting the building's significance, and
the property owner's concerns with the condition of the chimney.
Commissioner Whalen arrived 5:35 p.m.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the project, noting the dimensions and materials of the
existing chimney. He noted bids provided with the application indicate the cost to
remove the chimney is $450, and the cost to rebuild the chimney is a minimum of
$3,200, depending on the condition of the brick once the project begins.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
April 18, 2013
Page 3
were shortened or its dimensions slightly changed. Staff Member Johnson noted if the
dimensions of the chimney were to change, the Historic Preservation Commission
would need to approve that change. Mr. Larson questioned whether design review is
needed should the chimney become non - functional. The Commission noted the
function of the chimney does not matter as it is a character - defining feature to the
exterior appearance of the building and should be maintained. The Commission
explained a non - functioning chimney can be capped. Mr. Dwight requested to table the
application.
Mr. Dwight and Mr. Larson discussed concerns about the condition of surrounding
properties in their neighborhood. Commissioners and staff reviewed the benefits of
using the City website and citizen support center and inquiring and submitting concerns
about properties. Mr. Dwight asked whether there were any neighborhood
organizations to discuss issues and improvements to the area. Staff Member Carstens
suggested contacting Neighborhood Development Specialist Jerelyn O'Connor for
additional information on the Bluff Street Neighborhood Association.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by Olson, to table the application at the request of the
applicant. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell, Whalen,
Rapp, Olson, Bichell, Monk and Kruger; Nay — None.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Minutes from Previous Meeting(s): April 4, 2013: There was no discussion.
Update on Public Outreach and Education Program: Chairperson Klavitter invited
questions and comments. There was no discussion.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Historic Preservation Ordinance Update: Staff Member Carstens updated the
Commission on the proposed amendments to the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
She reviewed the Commission supported creating a stand -alone section for uniform
demolition regulations and criteria in the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance. She
reviewed several questions currently under review by staff.
The Commission reiterated their position that the sale of the property does constitute
the ability to earn a reasonable economic return regardless of the amount a property is
sold for. The Commission explained this has been supported in similar cases
throughout the country. Staff Member Carstens noted it is important that Iowa Law
support the assertion.
The Commission and staff discussed what constitutes demolition and what triggers a
demolition permit. Staff Member Carstens noted Planning Services staff is currently
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
April 18, 2013
Page 5
Commission and Planning Services staff on the pros and cons of the current design
guidelines manual. Staff Member Johnson noted the information obtained from the
Commission and staff will be used to help develop the format for the stakeholder
meeting to be held in May.
Staff Member Carstens reviewed comments from Planning Services staff on the
existing guidelines. The Commission discussed where copies of the new guidelines
could be obtained. Staff Member Carstens explained in the interest of sustainability,
paper copies will not be printed; however, the guidelines will be available to download
from the City's website, free on CD, and paper copies will be provided at a cost upon
request.
The Commission noted the new guidelines manual needs to appropriately blend old
with new. The Commissioner reiterated buildings need to relate. The Commission
noted the excellent article published by the National Alliance of Preservation
Commissions for in -fill projects. The Commission discussed incorporating a matrix of
what projects are reviewed by staff and what projects require review by the
Commission. The Commission requested clarification on what triggers Commission
design review. The Commission noted the new document should address gutters,
downspouts, rain barrels, and cisterns in greater depth as water is a big issue in
Dubuque. The Commission suggested additional information on rooftop decks. The
Commission noted the manual should address the economic, aesthetic, social, and
environmental benefits of preservation.
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report Update: Staff Member
Johnson noted the Committee was not able to meet and therefore an update is not
available at this time. The Commission noted the updates on enforcement activities are
becoming less frequent. Staff Member Carstens reminded the Commission the
Planning Services Department does not have a role other than reporting when it comes
to enforcement in historic districts. Consensus of the Commission was for Planning
Services staff to convey their desire to receive timely updates, perhaps via an online
format, to the other departments.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted