Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 8 20 15 Dabngve P
mO
lWJu.J �
rHecrrvor Iu('
1�nm�ua
QUE
Masterpiece or! the Mississippi
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Christina Monk; Commissioners David
Klavitter, Joseph Rapp, Bob McDonell and John McAndrews.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioner John Whalen.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and Dave Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Monk at 5:36 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 McDonell, seconded by Klavitter, to approve the minutes of the July
16, 2015 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye— Monk, Rapp,
McDonell, and McAndrews; Nay— None; Abstain — Klavitter.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application by the City of Dubuque for advisory design review of
the proposed Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center signs, 950 Elm Street, in the
Historic Millwork District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Staff report. He explained the City is requesting to
install one internally illuminated monument style freestanding sign with an electronic
message center and one wall mounted digital sign. He explained the role of the
Commission in reviewing this public improvement project is to serve as an advisory
design review body to the City Council.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the size, materials, locations and illumination of the
proposed signs. The freestanding sign will be 23.2 square feet in area and 6' 5" in
height with a 7.4-square foot electronic message sign component. The cabinet will be
made of extruded aluminum painted a pewter color to complement the Intermodal
Transportation Center materials. The lettering will be routed, backed with white acrylic,
and internally illuminated with white LED light. The sign will be located on the southwest
corner of the site near Elm and E. 9th Streets to serve Jule Transit and other services at
the Center. The wall mounted digital sign will be a full-color electronic message sign
that will be 45.9 square feet in area and placed on a pre-cast panel flush mounted to
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 20, 2105
Page 2
the City of Dubuque parking ramp entrance facing 9th Street. He noted the Center's
design, materials, and site were reviewed and supported by the Commission at the
January 19, 2012 meeting.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the plans and Architectural Guidelines which apply to
the project. He noted the Architectural Guidelines do not recommend animated,
message board or internally illuminated signs; however, the Architectural Guidelines
have an overarching policy statement that all new signs should be developed with the
overall context of the building and of the area in mind.
He explained the Commission should consider that the Intermodal Center is a modern
designed structure and not a traditional historic building. He stated it is located in the
Historic Millwork District PUD Planned Unit Development, but it is not located in the
Millwork District National Register Historic District. He reviewed it is also important to
recognize the Center serves a greater public purpose and it is essential the signage be
dynamic to convey schedules and information important to users of the Center. He
stated that traditional signage does not compliment the Center in design or purpose.
Staff Member Johnson explained that while the signs may not be consistent with the
Architectural Guidelines which do not recommend internally illuminated and electronic
message signs, the proposed signs can be considered consistent with the overarching
Policy Statement of the Architectural Guidelines that all new signs should be developed
with the overall context of the building and of the area in mind. He noted that the signs
can also be considered consistent with the goals of the Historic Millwork District Master
Plan as well as the performance standards of the Historic Millwork District PUD.
The Commission asked for clarification on the location and size of the two signs. Staff
Member Johnson stated the wall-mounted electronic message sign will face 9th Street
and the monument electronic message sign will be at the intersection of 9th and Elm
Streets. Commissioners and staff discussed similar electronic message signs for public
building and the requested display area of the proposed signs. The Commission felt the
freestanding sign was appropriate in scale and materials. The Commission discussed
the effectiveness and need for locating the wall mounted sign facing 9th Street, noting
such a large sign is not needed to inform ramp users and few people will benefit from
community messages because of limited visibility from the sign's proposed location.
Director of Transit Operations Candace Eudaley-Loebach arrived at 6:00 p.m. She
explained the freestanding sign will provide Jule Transit information as well as
community and public service announcements. She left the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Rapp, to recommend approval of the monument
style freestanding sign as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Monk,
McAndrews, Klavitter, Rapp and McDonell; Nay — None.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 20, 2105
Page 3
I
The Commission discussed the digital sign's materials, scale, lighting, and type relevant
to the Architectural Guidelines. The Commission expressed concern the wall-mounted
sign on the ramp will flash light on adjacent buildings, impact residential uses, and be a
detriment to neighboring properties and the character of the Historic Millwork District.
Commissioners noted the wall mounted sign is not in keeping with the Historic Millwork
District neighborhood or the Architectural Guidelines. The Commission noted signage
on public buildings in historic districts should be able to comply with the same standards
applied to private entities. The Commission noted the wall mounted sign is too large,
projects too much light, and is not in keeping with the building or district.
Motion by McDonnell, seconded by Rapp, to recommend approval of the wall mounted
digital sign as submitted. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye — None; Nay: Monk,
McAndrews, Klavitter, Rapp and McDonell.
The Commission discussed the need and effectiveness of the proposed wall mounted
sign with regard to cost and visual impact, and then asked staff to clarify their purview.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Commission's purview is to advise City Council
with regard to the sign's size, scale, placement, lighting and type -- but not content.
In response to requests from Commissioners, Staff Member Johnson provided street
views and aerial imagery showing adjacent buildings and development in the Historic
Millwork District and public parking ramps in the downtown. The Commission compared
the proposed wall mounted digital sign to externally illuminated signs and electronic
message signs installed on other parking ramps in the downtown. Commissioners
noted the proposed wall mounted sign would be much larger but less visible. The
Commission stated the proposed wall mounted digital sign's lighting, scale and
materials are inconsistent with the Architectural Guidelines.
The Commission noted it would be important to provide City Council with a sign
alternative that would effectively identify the parking ramp while being more in keeping
with the Architectural Guidelines. The Commission discussed sign alternatives that
would both identify the parking ramp and comply with the Architectural Guidelines. The
Commission discussed externally illuminated sign options as well as backlit sign options
similar to the signs recently installed on the Locust Street parking ramp. The consensus
of the Commission was to recommend an externally illuminated sign in keeping with the
Architectural Guidelines and the Historic Millwork District.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by McDonell, to recommend the wall mounted sign on the
parking ramp be an externally illuminated projecting sign placed perpendicular to 9th
Street over the main entrances of the ramp with lettering on both sides of sign to match
the materials and color of the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center monument
style freestanding sign. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Monk, McAndrews,
Klavitter, Rapp and McDonell; Nay— None.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 20, 2105
Page 4
Commissioners requested Staff provide the Commission with the information that will
be forwarded to City Council.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Commissioner Klavitter excused himself from the table to address the Commission.
Heritage Works: David Klavitter, 1090 W. 3rd Street, explained he is part of Heritage
Works and reviewed its mission and role in the community. He suggested inviting
Duane Hagerty, Executive Director of Heritage Works, to speak to the Commission in
greater detail about Heritage Works and partnership opportunities. By consensus, the
Commission requested Staff invite Mr. Hagerty to the next Commission meeting.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Election of Vice-Chairperson: Staff Member Johnson reviewed at the July 16, 2015
meeting two nominations were made for Vice-Chairperson and both motions failed, so
the Commission requested the matter be placed on the next Commission agenda when
additional members could be present. Staff reviewed the terms and roles of officers.
Commissioner McDonell nominated Commissioner Rapp as Vice Chairperson due to
his extensive historical knowledge of Dubuque. Commissioner Rapp nominated
Commissioner Klavitter. Commissioner Klavitter declined the nomination. Motion by
McDonell, seconded by Klavitter, to nominate Joseph Rapp as Vice Chairperson.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell, Monk, and McAndrews;
Nay— Rapp.
Work Plan Update: Staff Member Johnson explained the status of each work plan goal
is identified on the goal sheet. He reviewed completed and ongoing work plan items.
Staff reported on recent discussions with the City Manager regarding the Commission's
request to pursue a Historic Preservation Economic Impact Study specific to Dubuque.
Staff stated the City Manager was supportive, but suggested developing a more in-
depth economic study which addresses specific financial and incremental impacts. Staff
explained the information can then be used to later inform a Historic Preservation Plan,
which is more similar to the studies the Commission had been reviewing.
Staff explained the City Manager recommended the Commission look at the completed
Arts and Economic Prosperity Study and the in-progress Arts and Culture Master Plan
funded through the National Endowment of the Arts. Staff explained the Commission
will also need to find funding for the project. The Commission discussed checking other
art communities like Santa Fe for studies, and Heritage Works for possible funding.
Commissioners asked when the National Park Service (NPS) will act on the National
Register of Historic Places (NRNP) Nominations. Staff explained the NPS will decide on
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 20, 2105
Page 5
the nominations within the next two months. Commissioners discussed media coverage
and education opportunities. Staff explained once the nominations are official, a media
release will be issued.
NRHP District Entryway Signs: The Commission discussed developing entryway signs
for Dubuque's NRHP Districts. Staff Member Johnson noted once the most recent
nominations are accepted by the NPS, Dubuque will have 16 districts. The Commission
discussed current entryway signs for local districts and their costs. Staff suggested
considering alternative designs that could perhaps be co-located on existing posts such
as street signs which would be a substantial cost savings. The Commission discussed
drafting a letter to the City Council to inform them of their work plan accomplishments,
thank them for their vocal and financial support, and initiate dialogue about entryway
signs for Dubuque's NRHP districts. The Commission requested Staff research the
costs and check with the Engineering Department about co-locating entryway signs.
Commissioner Recognition: The Commission requested Staff prepare letters on their
behalf thanking former Commissioners Chris Olson and Mary Loney-Bichell for their years
of service.
Travel Dubuque Brochures: The Commission discussed including information on
Dubuque's historic preservation program in the Travel Dubuque visitors brochure. Staff
noted Dubuque's history is addressed in general terms, but space in the brochure is at
a premium, making it unlikely more detailed information can be incorporated.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Staff Approvals: Staff Member Johnson reviewed and addressed questions about current
staff design approvals.
Eagle Point Park Update: Staff Member Laura Carstens provided the Commission with an
update on the activities in Eagle Point Park. She explained the NRHP nomination is in
progress and the archeological investigation fieldwork is concluding. She stated a
Resource Enhancement and Protection Grant has been submitted for an environmental
restoration project in the park which will address sediment loss, erosion, and invasive
species that have contributed to stormwater management issues in the park.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by McDonell, seconded by Rapp, to adjourn the meeting of
August 20, 2015. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Monk, Rapp, McDonell,
Klavitter and McAndrews; Nay— None. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted