Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 2 20 14THE CITY OF
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Room 223, Historic Federal Building
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Commissioners Present: Chairperson Bob McDonell; Commissioners David Klavitter,
Christina Monk, John Whalen, and Joseph Rapp.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners Chris Olson, Otto Krueger, Mary Loney
Bichell, and Julie Schlamian.
Staff Members Present: David Johnson and Eric Van Buskirk
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson McDonell at 5:32 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 Whalen, second by Klavitter, to approve the minutes of the January
16, 2014 meeting as written. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye: McDonell, Klavitter,
Monk, Whalen, Rapp; Nay — none; Abstain — none.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of David Harris with Community Housing Initiatives for a
Demolition Permit for 395 East 16th Street, located in the Washington Neighborhood
Conservation District. The applicant was not present. Staff Member Johnson
addressed the commission about the project, noting the absence of the applicant from
the meeting, and indicating that the applicant has requested action on the item. He
outlined the architectural features of the house, research on the structure's historic
significance and desire of the applicant to demolish the building because it is
uninhabitable. He further outlined the role of the Commission in the review of
demolitions in conservation districts and the ordinance requirements for determining
whether or not to grant the request.
Commissioners discussed that the historic core of the structure was present, even
though the features have been modified in good taste. Commissioners questioned
whether the rehabilitation of the property would be difficult and were concerned that a
replacement structure would not fit with the character of the neighborhood.
Commissioners asked if the Historic Preservation Commission would have design
review authority over the replacement home. Staff Member Johnson addressed these
concerns, indicating that the interior is in very bad shape and would require a complete
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
February 20, 2014
Page 2
gut of the interior. He explained that if public funds were used in a project, the recently
adopted Architectural Guidelines would be used.
The Commission discussed that while the structure might not be significant because of
the exterior modifications, the building is significant to the vernacular fabric of the
Washington Neighborhood, citing article two and four of the ordinance to support this
position. Commissioners noted that the structure could be made significant again by
removing the exterior alterations that make it non-contributing, and felt that the structure
was able to be repaired. Commissioners inquired about options for the applicant, which
were outlined by Staff Member Johnson. Commissioners asked if it was possible to
see pictures of the interior to get a better understanding of the conditions.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Klavitter, to table the Application for Demolition in a
Conservation District for 395 East 16th Street. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
- McDonell, Klavitter, Whalen, Rapp, and Monk; Nay - none; Abstain - none.
ITEMS FROM THE EDUCATION TASK FORCE:
Commissioner Klavitter outlined the role of the Task Force and the changing role of the
Historic Preservation Commission from regulator to educator, then indicated that the Task
Force needs to be dissolved. He also commended Task Force Member Benjamin Beard
for his dedication and hard work on the Task Force, and asked the Commission to look for
ways that Beard could be involved. Motion by Whalen, second by Monk, to immediately
dissolve the Historic Preservation Education Task Force. Motion carried by the following
vote: Aye — McDonell, Monk, Whalen, Rapp, Klavitter; Nay — none; Abstain — none.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: There were no items from the public.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
CLG Annual Report: Staff Member Johnson outlined the Certified Local Government
Annual Report, which reports on the activities of the Commission over the past year, noting
it was provided to the Commission for information only, and no action was required.
FY2015 Budget: Staff Member Johnson outlined the budget for FY2015, and the budget
adjustments to the current Fiscal Year. He specified that matching funds are still available
in the current year for the Historic Windows Workshop with the Four Mounds Foundation,
and there are some funds available for the Old Town Survey and National Register
Nomination.
Ken Kringle Award Nominations: Staff Member Johnson outlined the Ken Kringle Award
eligibility criteria, process and provided some possible nominations. Commissioners asked
if the properties at Loras and Bluff could be considered, as well as a recognition for the
preservation work done by the Schlarmans or Zimmers. The Commission additionally
nominated 1101 Iowa, 350 West First Street, 5th and Bluff, and 394 East 16th Street.
Motion by Whalen, second by Monk, to approve the nominations. Motion carried by the
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
February 20, 2014
Page 3
following vote: Aye — Monk, McDonell, Klavitter, Whalen, Rapp; Nay — none; Abstain —
none.
Enforcement Report: Staff Member Johnson outlined the updates to the Building Services
Historic Preservation Enforcement Report Update, highlighting the Sheriff's Sale of 1163
Highland Avenue. He noted no information has been updated on new ownership.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Historic Preservation Ordinance Amendments: Staff Member Johnson outlined the
revisions to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, highlighted the primary changes and the
necessary process for adoption by the City Council moving forward. He highlighted the two
part test for demolitions, and the difficulty in determining reasonable financial return.
Commissioners stressed that the changes bring objectivity to the demolition process rather
than relying on subjective opinions about financial returns and rehabilitation potential.
Motion by Whalen, second by Klavitter, to recommend approval of the text amendment
changes to the Historic Preservation Ordinance by the City Council. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye — Whalen, Monk, McDonell, Klavitter, Rapp; Nay — none; Abstain —
none.
Historic Windows Workshop: Staff Member Johnson outlined the Historic Windows
Workshop, highlighting the secured funding for the event through various grants. The
Commission discussed some of the event details and indicated that they are looking
forward to the event.
Annual Work Plan: Staff Member Johnson summarized the goal setting at the January
meeting and highlighted the high priority work plan items identified by the Commission. He
indicated that the Commission needed to begin setting timeframes for work completion and
identifying potential barriers. Commissioners asked if it was possible to set up individual
meetings to discuss the areas for which each commissioner is the champion to get a better
understanding of the issues and needed resources. Staff Member Johnson indicated that
this was possible, and might be a better way to develop the work plan, rather than working
in the full Commission meeting. Chairperson McDonell offered to help Commissioner
Klavitter with the ongoing education goal, Commissioner Klavitter offered to help with
Commissioner Whalen's historic district analysis project, and Commissioner Rapp offered
to help Commissioner Monk with the survey and registration project. Staff Member
Johnson indicated that he would schedule meetings with the Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted