Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 10 15 15 Dubuque PTA
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Christina Monk(Conference Call);
Commissioners David Klavitter, Joseph Rapp, Bob McDonell, John McAndrews and
Emily Hilgendorf (Conference Call).
Commissioners Excused: None
Commissioners Unexcused: Commissioner John Whalen.
Staff Members Present: Dave Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Rapp at 5:34
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
August 20, 2015 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Klavitter, McDonell, McAndrews, Rapp, and Monk; Nay — None; Abstain — Hilgendorf.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install new siding,
trim and fascia for the property at 1090 Melrose Terrace in the Langworthy Historic
District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the Staff report. Mary Messier, 1090 Melrose Terrace,
presented the application. She explained the condition of the siding is poor and it is no
longer feasible or practical to repair the existing siding. She stated she has evaluated
LP SmartSiding, fiber cement board, and new cedar shake siding as replacement
options. Ms. Messier stated the LP SmartSiding is approximately 50% less than the
cedar alternative and the fiber-cement siding is approximately 25% less than cedar.
Ms. Messier reviewed LP SmartSiding, trim and fascia noting it is an engineered wood
product that will look the same when finished. She stated environmentally safe
compounds are added to make the product resistant to mold, mildew and termites. Ms.
Messier noted because of the tree canopy along Melrose Terrace, mold and mildew is a
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October 15, 2105
Page 2
problem for some building exposures.
The Commission discussed the request. They reviewed the existing material noting it is
in poor condition and the proposed LP SmartSiding can achieve a similar appearance
as cedar. The Commission stated the request would be consistent with the guidelines
for allowing alternative materials. The Commission requested Planning Services Staff
maintain a list of properties which have installed alternative siding products so the
Commission can evaluate how those materials have performed over time.
The Commission reviewed the building style noting the existing cedar shake on the
entire exterior is unusual for a Dutch Colonial style home. TheCommissionand Staff
reviewed a Dutch Colonial home would traditionally have shakes in the upper gables
with lap siding on the bottom half of the building. Staff explained research could not
confirm whether the existing siding is original noting the oldest record of the existing
siding dates to 1969. Staff Member Johnson stated it is unlikely the current siding is
original, but cannot confirm the original material or design.
Ms. Messier explained at one time she believed she saw a historic image of her home
and believes the bottom part of the home did have lap siding. The Commission
discussed the possibility of allowing a smooth LP SmartSide lap siding based on Staff
verification through historic documentation.
Motion by McDonell, seconded by Klavitter, to approve the Certificate of
Appropriateness as submitted with the option to install lap siding appropriately based on
historic documentation and after verification by Planning Services Staff. Motion carried
by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell, McAndrews, Rapp, Hilgendorf and
Monk; Nay— None; Abstain — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Dubuque County Office Building Courtesy Design Review: Commissioners Monk and
Hilgendorf noted their firm is involved in the proposal and excused themselves from the
meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Planning Services Staff provided a summary of the request and reviewed the
Commission's role in the project. He clarified the request is for a courtesy design
review.
Staff member Johnson explained the site is not located in a local historic preservation
district or the Historic Millwork District PUD; therefore, design review by the Commission
is not and will not be mandatory. He stated the site is located in the Downtown Design
Guidelines Area which requires all public projects and private projects financed in whole
or in part by public funds to be reviewed and approved by the Commission. He
explained current information is that the building will be privately developed, financed
and later leased and the the intended lessee or potential future buyers are of no
consequence in the design review process. He reiterated if the developer uses any
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October 15, 2105
Page 3
source of local, State or Federal funding for the construction of the project such as the
HPC will need to review and approve the design. If not, HPC review or approval will not
be required. Staff recommended Commissioners use Chapters 2 and 3 of the City of
Dubuque Architectural Guidelines for the courtesy design review.
Tom Kelzer, Platinum Realty and AI Urbain, At Urbain Construction Management Inc.
presented the project. Mr. Kelzer and Urbain reviewed the design and location, noting
they are one of a number of development teams that will be responding to a Request
for Proposal issued by Dubuque County to develop the new office building. They
explained the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors requested the Commission review
and comment on the preliminary design concept.
Mr. Kelzer and Mr. Urbain reviewed the building materials. They explained the primary
materials are red brick and faux limestone which is intended to complement the
courthouse and materials in the downtown. Mr. Kelzer and Mr. Urbain reviewed the
location, setback, mass and scale of the building. They stated the building will be
constructed to the property and will align with other buildings along the block and
neighborhood. They reviewed the mass and scale of the project noting the three story
building will occupy much of the south half of the existing parking lot immediately east
of the courthouse.
The Commission reviewed the project noting the building materials and design appear
to be in general conformance with the City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines. The
Commission suggested increasing the general size of the windows instead of using
many smaller windows next to each other. The Commission also suggested considering
windows which offer more of a storefront effect on the first floor. The Commission was
complimentary that the proposed building does not attempt to be historic or offer a false
sense of history, while still being complimentary to the courthouse and buildings in the
neighborhood.
The Commission reviewed mass and setbacks of the project. The Commission stated
the height, mass, scale and setback appear to be consistent with existing patterns in
the neighborhood and downtown. The Commission was complimentary that the
proposed building will be subordinate to the courthouse.
The Commission discussed the location of the proposed building. Mr. Kelzer and Mr.
Urbain reviewed lease options for Dubuque County noting the Spahn and Rose site
was another location under consideration. Mr. Kelzer and Mr. Urbain stated the
courthouse location was the best fit for Dubuque County's needs. Commissioner
McDonell suggested the building be located on the north half of the existing parking lot
instead of the south so views of the back of the courthouse are not blocked. The
Commission discussed the Spahn and Rose site noting it may be more ideal so rear
views of the courthouse and Old Jail could be preserved.
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October 15, 2105
Page 4
Mr. Kelzer and Mr. Urbain explained some of the functional needs of the building noting
a walkable connection to and from the courthouse is preferred making close proximity
to the courthouse important. Commissioner Klavitter noted as the downtown becomes
more livable and walkable, a government building will not contribute significantly to the
day and evening public and pedestrian environment, suggesting the courthouse
location might therefore be more preferred. He explained the Spahn and Rose site
could be put to a greater, more complimentary use as intended in the Historic Millwork
District. He reviewed the negative effects of introducing office uses into areas intended
to be cultural and entertainment districts.
The Commission thanked Mr. Kelzer-and-Mr.-Urbain fortheirtime and thoughtful
proposal. The Commission also expressed their gratitude to the Dubuque County Board
of Supervisors for considering the Historic Preservation Commission in their design
planning.
Commissioners Monk and Hilgendorf rejoined the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
By-Laws Amendment: Staff Member Johnson reviewed the amendments reflect recent
updates the City of Dubuque has made to all Boards and Commissions and there were no
substantive changes.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by McDonell, to adopt the By-Laws as presented. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye— Klavitter, McDonell, McAndrews, Rapp, Hilgendorfand
Monk; Nay — None; Abstain — None.
Removal of Commissioner: Staff Member Johnson reviewed the letter forwarded to
Commissioner Whalen regarding his attendance on the Commission and his intent in
continuing to serve on the Commission. Staff noted the many contributions Commissioner
Whalen has made to the Commission and preservation in the community, but unfortunately
he has not attended a Commission meeting since October of 2014.
The Commission questioned whether Planning Services Staff received any communication
from Commissioner Whalen in response to the letter. Staff Member Johnson stated no
communication has been received.
The Commission discussed Commissioner Whalen's valued contributions to the
Commission and community. The Commission noted the challenges Commissioner
Whalen's absence has recently created in maintaining a quorum and the Commission's
ability to conduct business. Commissioner McDonell stated he has spoken to Comissioner
Whalen about his attendance, Commissioner Whalen's concerns, as well as the
importance of contributing to the Commission. The Commission stated it will be with great
difficulty they consider the need to recommend City Council remove Commissioner
Whalen; however, there is little other choice. Commissioner Klavitter reiterated
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October 15, 2105
Page 5
Commissioner Whale's service, passion and enthusiasm for historic preservation and
historic architecture.
Motion by McDonell, seconded by Monk, to recommend City Council remove
Commissioner Whalen from the Commission. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye—
McDonell, McAndrews, Rapp, Hilgendorf and Monk; Nay— Klavitter; Abstain — None.
Commissioners Monk and Hilgendorf left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Boards and Commissions Ordinance Update: Staff Member Johnson noted the updates
were made to all-Boards-and Commissionsfor the City of Dubuque and there were no
substantive changes. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the updates provide standard
provisions for all Boards and Commission that are uniform and consistent. He explained
there are no changes to the Commission's powers, role or duties. He stated no action is
required.
Lot — 100 Main Street: Staff Member Johnson stated the letter from the City Clerk which
communicates City Council's unanimous decision to uphold the Commission's decision on
the front balconies has been provided for the commission and no action is required. Staff
Member Johnson complimented the Commission on remaining focused on the Standards
for Review throughout the design review process. The Commission noted the strict
adherence to the process and guidelines was beneficial to Council's review of the appeal.
The Commission expressed their gratitude to City Council for their support.
NRHP District Signs: Staff reviewed the memorandum and background of the historic
district entry signs. He reviewed the parameters for co-locating National Register of Historic
Places identification signs on street signage. Staff Member Johnson noted Planning
Services Staff is recommending the Commission consider a simple, universal sign using
the National Park Service color scheme. Staff requested the Commission provide
clarification on their vision for the signs location and design in order to better estimate
costs.
The Commission noted the project needs to be financially feasible. The Commission
clarified they only desire to locate the identification signs on the perimeter or entrances to
Dubuque's National Register of Historic Places Districts. The Commission also stated they
would like the signs to have consistent colors. The Commission discussed the value of
including specific district names instead of a general reference to historic district. The
consensus of the Commission is to design a sign which reads"Historic District"above with
the name of the historic district immediately below in smaller letters. Staff noted the
Commission may need to evaluate a few of the National Register District names to shorten
them and make them more relatable.
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report: Staff Member Johnson
reviewed the report.
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October 15, 2105
Page 6
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Work Plan Update: Staff Member Johnson provided updates for the Historic
Preservation Commission Work Plan. He explained the City Manager has reviewed the
initial recommendations of the Commission for a Historic Preservation Economic Impact
Study, and was generally supportive of the idea. Staff Member Johnson explained the
City Manager felt the examples provided by the Commission are more reflective of a
planning document than an economic impact study. He reviewed the City Manager is
recommending the commission consider a more in-depth study which addresses
specific financial and incremental impacts which can later be used to inform a Historic
Preservation Plan noting the completed Arts and Economic Prosperity Study as an
example.
The Commission discussed the City manager's recommendations and supported the
approach. The Commission discussed financing the project and potential partnerships.
The Commission noted Heritage Works recently attended a Commission meeting and
indicated an interest in partnering on the economic impact study, as well as other
projects.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by McDonell, seconded by McAndrews, to adjourn the meeting
of October 15, 2015. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell,
McAndrews, and Rapp; Nay— None; Abstain—None. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted
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