Minutes Historic Pres. Com. 9 21 06
MINUTES
i11~TORIC PRe~eR\1ti1l0N COfi\MI~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, September 21, 2001 DRAFT
5:30 p.m. .
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library .
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Chris Olson; Commission Members Keisha Wainwright,
Mary Loney-Sichell, Rob McCoy, Matthew Lundh and David Stuart; Staff
Member Laura Carstens.
ABSENT:
Commission Members John Whalen, Mike Coty and Chris Wand.
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 Olson at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Stuart, seconded by Loney-Sichell, to approve the minutes of the
August 17 meeting as written. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson,
Wainwright, Stuart, McCoy, Lundh, Loney-Sichell; Nay- none. Motion by Stuart, seconded
by Loney-Sichell to approve the submitted minutes of the September 12, 2006 meeting
with an amendment to strike "full" from page 2, 2nd paragraph. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye - Olson, McCoy, Lundh, Wainwright, Stuart, Loney-Sichell; Nay-
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dan & Tammy Steffen for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to reconstruct front porch, install synthetic columns, and extend
handrail down steps for property located at 1283 Walnut Street in the W. 11th District.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Loney-Sichell, approved unanimously to move to first
item. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Olson, Loney-Sichell, McCoy,
Lundh, and Wainwright.
The applicants, Tammy and Dan Steffen explained their project. They said they want to
keep the door opening the same size, but will put in a transom if required. They also
stated they would like to move the porch steps in line with the cement steps from the
street. They asked that instead of tongue and groove, they would like to use decking
because the porch deck is not visible from the street and decking is more economical.
They added that they would like to replace the lattice with frame screening under the
porch and would like to use synthetic columns if comparable in price to wood and if the
Commission agrees. They also stated that they would like to use the same styles of
spindles replicating from those that remain. The applicants provided information on
door styles.
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September 21, 2006
Page 2
The Commission and applicants discussed replacement of columns and moving steps,
and matching sidewalk width. The applicants noted they will raise the rail to 36 inches
to meet City code. They clarified that the doors are not original and the transom does
not exist. They stated they also stated they would like to expand the 6 foot porch to 7 -
8 feet in width.
Staff Member Carstens provided the staff report.
The Commission discussed how increasing the porch width would affect the roof. Mr.
Steffens said that the flat roof would be replaced with slight pitch and shingles to match
the house. The Commissioners noted without a 4:12 pitch, shingles won't work and a
membrane roof will be needed. Commissioners noted that achieving a 4:12 pitch isn't
possible with the location of the windows on the second floor. The Steffens indicated
their contractor had not told them this. The Commissioners discussed having a wood
soffit with a drip edge as a new roof profile instead of existing aluminum and proposed
aluminum as replacement. Commissioners stressed the importance of having drip
edge to keep water from rotting the soffit.
Commissioners discussed the columns noting synthetic is preferable to wood, which
tends to rot and the cost is often 15% less for synthetic.
The Commissioners discussed the spindles being raised to 36 inches and matching the
existing spindles. The Steffens clarified that the railing will be wood, with the same
profile as the existing cap, and will be painted. Chairperson Olson noted the cap is very
character-defining, and the Commission expects it to be there. Commissioners
discussed the decking should be either painted or covered with an opaque stain that
looks like paint.
Commissioners discussed that moving the porch steps to line up with the stairs from the
street might look awkward because they won't line up with the door, and may be more
expensive because pilings mayhave to be moved.
Commissioners discussed the condition of existing brick piers. They also discussed if
the porch is widened to 7 or 8 feet, the porch deck may have to be cantilevered and
footings may be needed. They cautioned the Steffens that they will need to work
closely with the Building Department on any widening of the porch.
Commissioners discussed using treated lumber with opaque stain, or a paintable
artificial surface that looks like wood for decking.
Commissioners discussed doors, noting that the Jacobsen survey says the doors are
not original. The Steffens described the doors noting they are severely deteriorated at
the top and bottom. Commissioners discussed exploring the cost for Four Mounds or
another contractor to restore the doors at a possibly lower cost than new replacements,
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September 21,2006
Page 3
and recommended getting opinions on restoration potential for the doors before buying
new doors. Commissioners discussed adding wood screen/storm doors.
Commissioners discussed opening up the transom to show the entire door and adding
storm doors to match the 9 foot door height.
Commissioners discussed that the framed screening to replace lattice under the porch
should be painted regardless of material.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson, to approve the application as submitted with the
following conditions: 1) porch deck up to B feet wide allowed; 2) membrane on porch
roof allowed; 3) porch roof to have a wood soffit with wood molding; 4) paint all wood or
pseudo wood surfaces with exception of deck, which can be covered with paint or
opaque stain; 5) synthetic deck allowed; 6) synthetic columns to match existing allowed;
7) doors be excluded from approval at this time; and B) new or replacement spindles
and railings on porch and street steps allowed provided they are of similar size and
profile to the existing spindles and handrail on porch. Motion carried by the following
vote: Aye - Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, McCoy, Lundh and Stuart; Nay - None.
The Steffens discussed problems they had with getting through the Historic
Preservation Housing Grant and Revolving Loan fund. Staff Member Carstens asked
the Steffens to contact David Johnson in the Planning Services Department for
assistance.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Gerald & Janel Maro for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to enlarge landing at top of stairway, reside using cement board siding
and fish scale siding for property located at 1075 Walnut Street in the W. 11th Street
District.
Gerald Maro presented his project. He stated he wants to expand the area on the 3rd
floor on the back of the building. He added that he wants to extend out 2 feet and
make both the landing and the dormer wider, using cement board siding and vinyl
fishscale to match the siding on the detached garage. Mr. Maro noted that the dormer
windows will be reused.
Staff Member Carstens reviewed the staff report. Commissioners discussed expansion
of the dormer to make it symmetrical and widening of the landing. Mr. Maro said he
thought fishscale siding would dress up the dormer. The Commission noted the dormer
is not original and is a rear fac;:ade feature.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Loney-Bichell, to approve the application with the
following conditions: 1) That the cement board have same reveal as the original design;
2) that the owners be allowed to substitute between the cement board and fishscale
siding on dormer; and 3) that any wood or wood replacement siding must be painted.
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September 21, 2006
Page 4
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, McCoy,
Lundh and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dan & Tricia McDonnell for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to build a 28 foot by 24 foot detached garage for property located at
1057 W. 3rd St. in the Langworthy District.
Dan McDonnell presented his project stating it is a 28 foot by 24 foot detached garage
with a hip roof. He said they decided against cement siding and switched to horizontal
wood cart siding. He provided a sample. He said the doors will be steel raised panel
doors, the soffit will be aluminum, and the entry door also will be steel.
Staff Member Carstens reviewed the staff report. She confirmed with the applicant the
use of three tab asphalt shingles to match those on the house. She noted the location
of the garage in the northeast corner of the lot, at the end of the existing driveway.
The Commission discussed the soffit would be more appropriate as wood with a drip
edge. Mr. Maro noted this garage will be on a floating slab, with red brick color on the
field and white trim. He said the roof on the house is black and the garage will match.
He noted the site is level. Commission discussed that the door should have panels
under the windows. The Commission discussed wood fascia and metal soffitt.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson, to approve the request with the following
conditions: 1) the siding will be 1 foot by 8 foot cart siding; 2) fascia will be wood or
wood substitute that is paintable; 3) all wood or wood substitutes be painted; and 4)
doors have panels to emulate wood doors. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye-
Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, McCoy, Lundh and Stuart; Nay - None.
Note: Commissioner McCoy left the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of David Luchsinger/Susan Keams for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to replace existing Arts & Crafts porch with a new Federal style porch,
and allow use of alternate materials for property located at 1323/1325 Bluff Street in the
Jackson Park District.
Susan Keams distributed two new drawings and explained the project to replace the
existing Arts and Crafts style porch with a narrower Federal style porch for both units.
She noted that Drawing #1 has single columns with plinth to match column bases and
Drawing #2 has a plinth or pilaster option at columns. She requested synthetic material
as an option for the columns. Ms. Kearns said materials for the porch roof would be
rubber membrane; wood on dentils, brackets and lintels; painted hardwood or synthetic
flooring on deck; synthetic or salvage of existing columns; steps would be wood most
likely rather than stone or concrete due to cost; and lattice would be wood with grid as
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September 21, 2006
Page 5
shown on Drawing #1. She added the porch may have two lights. She said they plan
to have street numbers painted on transoms.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson, to approve the request as modified with new
drawings dated September 20,2006, as follows: 1) allow plinth or pilaster; 2) allow
stone or wooden step, and allow curve to change to a straight design for stair; 3)
membrane roof allowed; 4) synthetic columns allowed; and 5) wood or paintible wood
substitute on deck. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Wainwright,
Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay - None.
Ms. Kearns discussed her desire to use Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund but
the process and program was not user friendly. Staff Member Carstens asked them to
contact Dave Johnson in the Planning Services Department regarding working through
this process.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Heath Hutchinson for a Certificate of
Appropriateness (tabled) to construct stairs, landing and deck to provide ingress and
egress at the rear of the building for a loft apartment and loft office as well as provide
additional seating for a future deli; and to replace the first floor concrete patio and install
a new door accessed from the second story porch for property located at 164/180 Main
Street in the Old Main District.
Consensus was to move this item to the end to allow time for the applicant to arrive.
Chairperson Olson noted there has been a verbal request by the owner who wishes to
withdraw his application and plans to resubmit at a later time. Commissioners noted
that their 60-day review period expires after this meeting, so a vote is necessary now.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Olson, to approve the request for a Certificate of
Appropriateness, noting that the applicant is not present, that the drawings submitted
are not complete, and he has verbally requested to withdraw his application. Motion
denied by the following vote: Aye - None; Nay - Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell,
McCoy, Lundh and Stuart.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Commissioner Wainwright noted concerns with the current ordinance that Certificates of
Appropriateness have one year expiration and asked if this could be extended. Consensus
was for staff to draft an ordinance amendment to allow two extensions up to one year each
to be approved by Planning Services staff.
Commissioner Bichell stated that 1011-1017 Bluff Street is possible a demolition by neglect
for a hole in the front porch. Staff Member Carstens agreed to refer this to the Building
Department to investigate.
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September 21, 2006
Page 6
Commissioners asked about an earlier referral for 10lh & Locust and whether there had
been any response from the Building Department. Staff Member Carstens said she had
not received any report back.
Commissioners discussed recording Certificates of Appropriateness. Consensus was to
ask Legal staff to determine if recording COAs needs to be an ordinance amendment or by
Commission action alone. Commissioners asked if this will require a certification that work
is in compliance. Commissioners also asked if there would be any difference if the
application is filed by person, property or business. Staff Member Carstens agreed to
confer with Legal staff on these questions, and then report back to the Commission.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Buildina Services Deoartment - Status Reoort on Historic Preservation Enforcement:
Commissioners asked to add the property owner's name to 1349 Prairie Street.
Commissioners asked to have German Bank Building put back on the report.
Commissioners noted the Busted Lift is not on the report yet. Commissioners also
discussed the report does not have any dates for when enforcement was initiated.
Villa Street retainina wall-The Commission reviewed the design provided by Engineering.
The Commission authorized a letter to the City Council noting the design is appropriate
and thanking Engineering for asking HPC for an opinion.
Historic Preservation Grants and Loans-Staff Member Carstens discussed reports from
citizens about difficulty accessing the Historic Preservation grant and loan programs.
Commissioners discussed pOSSible options, and their desire to promote these programs.
Staff Member Carstens asked to meet first with Housing and Community Development
staff to discuss how the process might be improved and how Planning Services staff could
assist before any promotional efforts were undertaken.
Note: Chairperson Olson left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
HDPIP: Commissioner Wainwright asked for information on the Historic District Public
Improvement Program (HDPIP) for the Langworthy Neighborhood Association for
streetlights in Langworthy Historic District. Staff Member Carstens agreed to provide this
information, and reported the FY07 budget allocation can be advertised per the Budget
Officer.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Adopted
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager