Minutes Historic Preservation 8 16 07MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, August 16, 2007
5:00 p.m.
Orpheum Room, Five Flags Civic Center
4th & Main Streets, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT: Chairperson Christine Olson; Commission Members John Whalen,
Keisha Wainwright, Mary Loney-Bichell, Matthew Lundh and Bob
McDonell; Staff Members Laura Carstens and Dave Johnson.
ABSENT: Commission Members 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 5:33 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wainwright, to approve the minutes of the
June 21, 2007 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen,
Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, and Lundh; Nay -None.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER:
Bob McDonell was introduced as the new member of the Commission representing the
Jackson Park Historic District.
VICE CHAIRPERSON ELECTION:
By consensus, the Commission tabled this item to the next meeting when all Commission
members can be present.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Vance & Tricia DeLire for a Certificate of
Appropriateness/Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (HPRLF) to repair and
paint the siding or replace where needed and install a rubber slate roof for property
located at 1921 Madison Street in the Jackson Park Conservation District.
Vance DeLire explained his proposal. He stated where he lives and the condition of his
home. He stated one of the products he would like to use is rubber slate. He stated it
was approved for the Richards House in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
He explained the companies that make the materials and offered sample materials for
the Commission to examine. He stated the slate on the tower will not be replaced. He
explained he chose a gray rubber slate color to match the weathered look of the slate
that will remain on the tower.
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August 16, 2007
Page 2
He explained all the work he has done to the home. He began roofing last December
and learned that the roofing material he was using was no longer under warranty and
had a history of problems. He stopped work on the roof at that time and began to
examine other alternatives. He stated a rubber slate is most appropriate. He explained
previous attempts to paint the house. He stated because of the wood's prolonged
exposure, paint would simply fall off after a year. He stated he consulted with former
HPC members and learned proper preparation techniques for applying paint. He
explained siding must be sanded and epoxy applied to areas to fill in voids so paint will
hold. He explained the rubber slate roof requires more time and attention with
installation than typical asphalt shingles. Mr. DeLire stated work will focus on the front
of the house first. He explained roofing will begin on the front of the house and when
he begins painting that will be at the front of the house as well. He stated the roof will
be installed by next year with the front being completed this year.
Mr. DeLire explained he was incorrectly cited for demolition by neglect and Housing has
given him extensions to work on the house.
Staff Member Carstens read the Staff report. She noted Mr. DeLire has been cited and
fines are pending for demolition by neglect for the roof and siding. The applicant failed
to appear in court and provide a schedule for compliance on February 1, 2007. A
contempt hearing was held in May; he was ordered to submit a schedule for repairs or
provide a purchase agreement for the sale of property by May 31, 2007. The applicant
failed to meet that deadline. A show cause hearing for contempt of court was held July
12, 2007 and the owner failed to provide the schedule. Another court date has been set
in September 2007. She explained to ensure timely completion of the proposed work
based on the citation for demolition by neglect and the lack of compliance by the
applicant, and to assure that the work financed by the HPRLF will not be removed or
replaced or covered by historically inappropriate work. Staff recommends that the
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and the HPRLF shall become invalid unless the
work on the site authorized by such certificate is initiated within sixty (60) days from the
date of the approval; and all required permits be secured and the work physically
commenced within such time (not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the COA
approval) after its issuance and completed within such time as the building official shall
determine is reasonable under all of the circumstances, but not longer than two years
after its issuance. She stated the building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or
more extensions of time, for periods not to exceed 180 days. The extensions shall be
requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated; and the property owner shall
provide the City of Dubuque with a preservation easement for the work on the site
funded by the HPRLF, and said easement shall be recorded with the Dubuque County
Recorder.
The Commission, Staff and applicant discussed the need for a preservation easement.
Staff Member Carstens explained that when the Commission extended HPRLF money
to conservation districts, no mechanisms were put in place to protect the historical
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August 16, 2007
Page 3
features that the historic preservation funding was financing. She explained City Code
only provides for Historic Preservation Commission design review for alterations made
to exterior features of a building in a historic district, city landmark, or Individually
Designated Historic Properties. Staff Member Carstens explained Planning Staff, Legal
Staff and the City Manager and currently exploring a number of preservation restriction
options for properties located in conservation districts that use historic preservation
funding. The Commission discussed the preservation restriction options. Mr. DeLire
stated a preservation easement would likely extend beyond the life of the HPRLF and is
not reasonable.
The Commission discussed the proposed work, materials, and HPRLF and agreed it
was appropriate. Motion by Loney-Bichell, seconded by Whalen, to approve the
Certificate of Appropriateness and request for $25,000 in Historic Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund money as presented with the following conditions: 1) The
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall become invalid unless the work on the site
authorized by such certificate is initiated within sixty (60) days from the date of the
approval; 2) All required permits be secured and the work physically commenced within
such time (not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the COA approval) after its
issuance and completed within such time as the building official shall determine is
reasonable under all of the circumstances, but not longer than two years after its
issuance. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions
of time, for periods not to exceed 180 days. The extensions shall be requested in
writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Motion approved by the following vote: Aye
- Whalen, Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None.
The Commission discussed the preservation restriction options for properties located in
conservation districts that use historic preservation funding. The Commission stated
the Iowa City regulatory model was most likely the best option. Motion by Whalen,
seconded by Wainwright, to refer to staff options for preservation easements and
confer with Legal staff to develop an ordinance for review by the Commission. Motion
approved by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell,
Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Charles Walter & Barbara Zoellner for a Certificate of
Appropriateness/Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund to repair and .paint all
exterior wood elements and windows on the house and garage, iron fence and gates,
picket fence, patio, and fountain and paint the gutters and downspouts, replace the
storm doors, refinish and seal the wood exterior doors, and clean the ashlars stone
retaining wall surrounding the property located at 216 Clarke Drive in the Jackson Park
Conservation District.
Charles Walker and Barbara Zoellner discussed their request. Mr. Walker explained
the majority of the work is to simply repair and paint outside elements of the house. He
explained the stone retaining wall has rust stains that have developed because of the
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August 16, 2007
Page 4
water pooling around the base of the fence posts. He stated the contractor is going to
install collars around the base of the posts to divert water from settling and prevent rust
in the future.
Staff Member Johnson read the staff report noting the scope of work. He stated the
HPRLF Committee has met and discussed the proposed project and costs. The
Committee recommends funding up to $21,000.00 provided underwriting criteria can be
met. HPRLF money shall not be allocated towards repairs to the bird house and post,
cleaning the gutters, outdoor carpeting for the front entry steps and the landscaping.
He stated those aspects of the project are not eligible.
The Commission reviewed the scope of work and discussed the historical features of
the windows. They stated the window on the garage should be repaired instead of
having the option to replace it in kind. The Commission explained that would also save
a significant amount of money.
Barbara Zoellner clarified that new storm doors were not included in the bids provided
by the contractors. She stated that she consulted with Staff and has been searching for
new historic storm doors to replace the existing doors which are need of repair. The
Commission discussed authorizing additional HPRLF money so the property owner has
the opportunity to purchase historic and more appropriate storm doors.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Loney-Bichell, to approve the Certificate of
Appropriateness and up to $25,000 in HPRLF money as submitted with the following
conditions: 1) That the Certificate of Appropriateness shall become invalid unless the
work on the site authorized by such certificate is initiated within one year after its
issuance and completed within two years after its issuance. The building official is
authorized to grant, in writing, one more extension of time, for periods not to exceed
180 days. The extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated; 2) the historic storm doors will require review and approval by the
Commission 3) the garage windows be repaired; and 4) refer to staff options for
preservation easements and confer with Legal staff to develop an ordinance for review
by the Commission. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson,
Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Mark Wahlert for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
rebuild chimney for property located at 490 Alpine Street in the Langworthy District.
Staff Member Johnson explained the Mr. Wahlert was called out of town for work and
Mr. Wahlert requested staff present the request. Staff Member Johnson referenced Mr.
Wahlert's application and the staff report. He stated Mr. Wahlert has a chimney that
needs to be repaired. He stated the brick on the chimney is crumbling at locations and
the applicant is concerned for its stability. He stated Mr. Wahlert explained the brick is
unique and difficult to find. Staff Member Johnson stated the brick is a bright white
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August 16, 2007
Page 5
color with a cut, consistency and texture of a more modern brick instead of the soft
brick typically found in historic Dubuque or Midwest buildings. The Commission
suggested the brick may have a veneer covering on the surface. Staff Member
Johnson stated his inspection of the brick led him to believe the material was consistent
throughout.
Staff Member Johnson stated the applicant weighed two options. He stated Mr.
Wahlert searched for brick to match the existing brick and he also considered
purchasing modern brick and painting it. He stated Mr. Wahlert's preferred choice was
to locate matching brick. He stated Mr. Wahlert's application explained he searched
dealers and salvage companies in Chicago, Iowa City and Omaha for matching historic
brick, but none was available. Staff Member Johnson stated Mr. Wahlert next
considered painted brick but due to maintenance issues he would prefer not to use it.
Mr. Johnson stated the applicant finally located white brick in East Dubuque. Staff
Member Johnson distributed photographs of the proposed brick compared to the
existing brick.
The Commission discussed the proposed brick material noting that it is not the same
size or texture as the existing brick. The Commission felt the irregular surface and
larger size was inappropriate. The Commission discussed alternative options for fixing
the chimney. Chairperson Olson posed the question whether painted brick would be
appropriate. The Commission discussed the location of the chimney noting that it is not
highly visible from a public right-of way. The Commission noted the chimney is visible
though. Commissioner Lundh suggested Mr. Wahlert custom order a run of bricks to
match the chimney. The Commission discussed the cost and benefits of a custom run
of bricks. Commissioner Lundh requested Staff Member Johnson get him the
dimensions of the brick and he would contact companies for prices and the amount of
time to manufacture the brick. Staff Member Johnson stated the applicant has
explained he would like to repair the chimney before winter. The applicant has stated
that pieces of the chimney are falling off.
Motion by Wainwright, seconded by Whalen, to approve the request to rebuild the
chimney as submitted. Motion denied by the following vote: Aye -None; Nay -
Whalen, Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and McDonnell.
By consensus, the Commission agreed if the applicant can obtain brick which matches
the size, profile, and texture of the existing brick Staff can approve the project.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Education/Training
Chairperson Olson suggested if funds were available in the Commission's education
and training budget, they be used for a National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
(NAPC) Camp. She stated it would be a good use of funds since more Commissioners
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August 16, 2007
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and interested people could attend. Staff Member Johnson stated a NAPC Camp is
already budgeted for.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Building Services Dept. -Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the updated items to the Historic Preservation
Enforcement Report. The Commission requested Building staff look into an unsafe porch
situation for the building next to Central School in the 1500 block of W. Locust.
Letter of Support
The Commission reviewed a memo from Laura Carstens requesting a letter of support for
a Certified Local Government grant application for creation of a Downtown Dubuque
Design Guidelines Manual.
Motion by Whalen, Seconded by Wainwright to approve a letter of support for a Certified
Local Government grant application for creation of a Downtown Dubuque Design
Guidelines Manual.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell,
Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None.
SDAT Steering Committee Representative
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the SDAT Program noting the five goals outlined by the
City in the SDAT Application. He explained Dave Stuart was previously the Steering
Committee Representative and that a new representative needs to be elected to take his
place.
Motion by Loney-Bichell, seconded by Whalen, to nominate Chris Olson as the SDAT
Steering Committee Representative for the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Wainwright, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and
McDonnell; Nay -None.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted
F:\USERS\Kmunson\WP\Boards-CommissionsWPCWlinutes\HPC min Aug 16 2007.doc