Minutes Historic Pres 4 18 02MINUTES
IeST01 IC
REGULAR SESSION
PRESENT:
Thursday, Apd118, 2002
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
Chairperson Terry Mozena; Commission Members Ken I~ingl~e~Jim~7
Gibbs, Chris Wand, Suzanne Guinn and Audrey Henson; Staff Members
Laura Carstens, Wally Wernimont and Bill Baum.
ABSENT: None.
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 Mozena at 5:05 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Kringle, seconded by Henson, to approve the minutes of the March
21,2002 Historic Preservation Commission meeting as submitted. Motion was approved
by the following vote: Aye- Kringle, Henson, and Mozena; Nay- None; Abstain: Guinn.
NOTE: Commissioner Wand arrived at 5:06 p.m.
Chairperson Mozena granted Bill Baum's request to move his agenda item to the
beginning of the meeting because of a time scheduling conflict.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Proposed Policy for Tax Rebates for Downtown Historic Buildinqs: Economic
Development Director Bill Baum presented a proposed policy for tax rebates for downtown
historic buildings to the Commission. Mr. Baum discussed the City's history of helping
property owners with rehabilitation of structures located in the downtown area He noted
that the City has provided funding to the Grand Opera House, the Iowa Inn, the Cooper
Wagon Works building, the Town Clock building and Pepper Sprouts through TIF
financing, the Fagade Grant Program and the Downtown Rehab Loans. He explained that
there is an additional cost to rehabbing an historic building than rehabbing a building that
isn't quite as old.
NOTE: Commissioner Gibbs arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Mr. Baum noted that some of these buildings are using tax credits to help offset the
additional cost. He noted that the buildings need to meet the Secretary of Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation, and then referred to the cost of the Bricktown Brewery and
Minutes -Histodc Preservation Commission
April 18, 2002
Page 2
the Town Clock buildings. He discussed the proposed initiatives to offset cost through tax
rebates handled through the City instead of the County. He noted that all applications
would need to have a letter from the State Historic Preservation Officer stating that it meets
the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation before being able to apply for these
tax rebates. The Commission reviewed the requirements of the program and noted that
the application should go to the Economic Development Department rather than the
Planning Services Department. Mr. Baum stated that the Historic Preservation
Commission would have the opportunity to review the applications prior to being approved
for the tax rebate. Mr. Baum noted that he would like to see a letter of recommendation
from the Historic Preservation Commission in favor of the City Council approving the
program.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to send a letter of recommendation to the City
Council to approve the proposed policy for tax rebates for downtown historic buildings.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Guinn, Henson
and Mozena; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of the Fischer Companies for a Certificate of
Appropriateness and Far,~ade Grant to redesign fa(;ade and add landscaping for
property located at 290 Main Street in the Old Main District.
Lynn Quigley, representing the Fischer Companies, presented the application to the
Commission. She stated that the redesigning of the fa(;ade was an attempt to mimic
the exterior fa(;ade of the Chamber building located directly across the street. She
reported they would place awnings on the front of the building and an awning on the
side of the building above their entrance into the main office for the Fischer
Companies. She also stated that the front of the building would be covered with a
dryvet material. She noted that the fence located between the Fischer Companies
building and the Julien Inn will be moved back 15-20 feet in order to provide
landscaping along the sidewalk. She stated that the remaining three sides of the
building would be painted a brick color tO match the dryvet.
Staff Member Carstens presented the staff report, noting that a document entitled,
"Historic Preservation Planning and Design Study for the Lower Main Street Historic
District," that was created by Bruce Kriviskey, stated that one of the recommendations
for the structure was to place fabric awnings on the building and possibly add a second
story to the structure. Staff Member Carstens discussed that the color of the building
would match the existing Cooper Wagon Works Building located across the street and
the Chamber building. She also noted that dryvet was previously approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission to be placed on the Cooper Wagon Works Building.
She also noted in the document created by Kriviskey, it states that the building has no
architectural or historical significance. She stated that the applicant is applying for a
fa~;ade grant from the Economic DeveloPment Department in order to help fund the
exterior changes to the building.
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April 18, 2002
Page 3
Staff Member Wernimont noted that the awnings will be projecting into the right-of-way,
and that the applicants have been working with the Engineering Department to get
approval for that projection.
Ms. Quigley said that they have met with the Main Street architect to discuss the
building and the exterior changes. The Commission had some questions regarding the
cornice. Ms. Quigley described the cornice in detail along the front of the building and
stated that it will wrap around the corner and wilt extend six feet along the Third Street
side of the building. Commissioner Guinn questioned if they had considered any other
material besides dryvet. Ms. Quigley stated that they have looked into concrete brick
pattern; however, that would not have been feasible. Chairperson Mozena asked Ron
Helbing about the possibility of using brick as they had previously discussed. Mr.
Helbing said that use of brick would be cost prohibitive. Chairperson Mozena noted.
that the structure is a gateway building leading into the ice Harbor, and he would have
liked to see a brick veneer on the front of this structure. Ms. Quigley stated that placing
brick on the front of the structure would extend into the public right-of-way.
Commissioner Gibbs asked what the applicants were going to do with the projecting
sign. Ms. Quigley said that there would be a sign located on the side of the building;
however, they have not decided on the design yet. Ms. Quigley said that the cornice
would project six inches from the front of the building. Commissioner Guinn stated that
she does not like the use of dryvet; however, dryvet works with this building because of
the location of the property line and because the building has little or no architectural or
historical significance.
Motion by Guinn, seconded by Wand, to approve the application as submitted. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Guinn, and Henson;
Nay - Mozena.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Pixie Stix, Inc./Tim O'Brien/Blackacre Properties for
a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a sign located at 425 Bluff Street inthe
Cathedral District.
Stacia Brannon presented the application to the Commission. She stated that she
would like to install a sign on an existing post to help advertise her business to be
located on the structure at 425 Bluff Street. The Commission reviewed the application
and noted that the sign meets all the current sign regulations for this district.
Motion by Kringle, seconded by Wand, to approve the sign design as submitted.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Guinn,
Henson and Mozena; Nay- None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Kathleen Freeman for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to construct steps and install hand railing for property located at 653-
655 Bluff Street in the Cathedral District.
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April 18, 2002
Page 4
Kate Freeman presented her application to the Commission. She discussed the design
of the steps and explained that she had previously received Historic Preservation
Commission approval for the porch design. She stated that there will be eight steps
from the sidewalk to the porch. She noted that the first six will be made of concrete,
and then there will be a landing, which wilt provide access to the side yard, and then
two wooden steps from the landing to the front porch. She stated that the hand railing
will be similar to the one shown in the picture contained in the Commission's packet.
She said the hand railing will be in the center of the steps and will extend from the
sidewalk to the porch.
Staff Member Carstens presented the staff reporting, noting that the applicant had
received Historic Preservation Commission approval for the porch. The Commission
questioned whether or not the returns on the retaining wall would remain concrete.
Mrs. Freeman stated that the concrete sidewalls will be removed, and that the
limestone wall will have a return on them to the steps.
Motion by Guinn, seconded by Wand, to approve the application as presented with the
condition that the wood railing mimic the existing porch poles and the side walls be
made of limestone. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs,
Wand, Guinn, Henson and Mozena; Nay- None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of William Alfredo for a Certificate of Appropriateness
to replace synthetic slate roof with asphalt roof located at 1155 Grove Terrace in the
W. 11th Street District.
William Alfredo presented his application to the Commission. He noted that currently
the roof is covered with SupraDur shingles, which is a faulty synthetic slate product.
He noted that the slate cracks with the heating and cooling process, and creates a
hazard with sliding shingles. He presented a sample of the Carriage House shingle to
the Commission as a replacement.
Staff Member Carstens presented the staff report, noting that the Commission has
approved the Carriage House shingle as a replacement to the SupraDur shingle in past
design reviews. The Commission mentioned a property on Fremont Avenue that is
currently using a synthetic slate shingle, and directed staff to seek information about
the product.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Guinn, to approve the application as presented. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Guinn, Henson and
Mozena; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Richard & Judith Henkel for a Certificate of
Appropriateness and Revolving Loan to remove lead paint, repaint and replace roof
with architectural shingle property located at 542 W. 11th Street in the W. 11t~ Street
District.
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April 18, 2002
Page 5
NOTE: Suzanne Guinn left at 6:04 p.m.
The applicant was not in attendance at the meeting. The Commission decided to table
the application to the May meeting.
Motion by Gibbs, seconded by Kringle, to table the application to the May meeting.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kdngle, Gibbs, Wand, Henson and
Mozena; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Histodc Preservation Revolving Loan Fund: Staff Member Carstens referred to a
memo that was included in the Commission's packet regarding the Histodc
Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. She requested the Commission's input
regarding opening up the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund to structures
located in the Old Main Historic Preservation District. She noted because of the
America's River project, a lot of redevelopment has been occurring in the Old Main
District, and currently the other City funding sources have been depleted. She also
discussed the possibility of opening the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund
to landscape treatments, specifically fencing and retaining walls. She also
discussed the possibility of opening the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund
to City landmarks. She noted that the City landmarks are currently publicly owned.
She discussed the possibility of designating the Old Stone Barn located behind 503
Southern Avenue as a City landmark. She stated that currently there is no funding
available from the City that the property owner could secure to help restore the Old
Stone Barn.
The Commission discussed opening the funds to the Old Main Historic District.
Commissioner Wand stated there are funds already available for properties located
in the Old Main Historic District that are not available for any other historic district.
He noted that a lot of the projects located in the Old Main Historic District are large-
scale projects, and will probably use the full $25,000 and thus deplete the loan fund
rapidly. He noted the intent of the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund was
to help private homeowners with restoration to their properties, not businesses. He
stated that business owners have access to TIF funds and other funds that
residential properties do not.
The Commission discussed the possibility of opening funds to landscaping
treatments, such as fences and retaining walls. It was the consensus of the
Commission that since they are providing guidelines for streetscape and landscape
improvements, they should have funding available for those treatments. They noted
that the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund should give preference to the
historic structures first, then the retaining walls and fences second.
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April 18, 2002
Page 6
The Commission discussed the possibility of opening the Histodc Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund to City landmarks. The Commission felt they needed specific
criteria or have a City landmark designated in addition to the regulations already
stated in the Ordinance. They noted that listing on the National Register of Iowa's
Most Endangered Properties, would be an additional criteria to consider.
Historic District Public Improvement Pro,qram: Staff Member Carstens reportea on a
revised draft of the Historic District Public Improvement Program. She reviewed the
program item by item with the Commission. The Commission reviewed the memo
regarding the Historic District Public Improvement Program and was ~n favor of
supporting it.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to send a letter of recommendation along with
the memo concerning the Historic District Public Improvement Program to the City
Manager. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Kdngle, Gibbs, Wand,
Henson and Mozena; Nay - None.
Urban Revitalization Districts: Staff Member Carstens discussed the expansion of
the Urban Revitalization Program. She referred to the memo in the packet and
described the current process for the Urban Revitalization Programs. She
described the four urban renewal districts currently in place and the differences
between them. She noted that currently two of the Historic Preservation Districts
are already urban revitalization areas. The Commission discussed having the
urban revitalization only available for residential properties and not commercial
properties located in the Old Main Historic District. The Commission reviewed the
memo and was in favor of approving the expansion of the urban revitalization
districts to include the Old Main, Cathedral and Langworthy Historic Districts.
Motion by Henson, seconded by Wand, to recommend approval of the expansion of
the urban revitalization districts and that the Urban Revitalization funds only be
used for portions of properties that are 100% residential. Motion was approved by
the following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay - None.
Historic Preservation Week Activities: Staff asked the Commission what type of
activities they would like hold during Historic Preservation Week. Staff Member
Wemimont discussed the possibility of having a meeting between the Historic
Preservation Commission and the Old House Enthusiasts to present a presentation
on the Shot Tower created by IIW Surveyors and Engineers. Staff Member
Wernimont reported that Old House Enthusiasts President Tammy Pfab asked her
club if they would be willing to hold a joint session during Historic Preservation
Week. She stated that she would be unable to have a meeting during this week
because of the Old Home Tour. Staff Member Wernimont reported that the Old
House Enthusiasts are willing to have a joint meeting in June.
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April 18, 2002
Page 7
Commissioners Kringle and Wand stated that they would work with Staff Member
Wernimont to develop some ideas for Historic Preservation Week. Commissioner
Wand discussed the possibility of having the Commission's May meeting at the
Masonic Lodge.
Update on Desi.qn Guidelines and Desi.qn Review Trainin.q: Staff Member Carstens
referred to a handout that was presented to the Commissioners at the beginning of
the meeting. She stated that the handouts are the SHPO's comments about the
architectural portion of the design review guidelines. She stated that staff, Durrant
Group, and the SHPO had a conference carl to discuss the guidelines. Staff
Member Wernimont reported there were some minor and major changes that the
SHPO requested be made to the design review guidelines. He noted that the SHPO
would like to see the guidelines in a portrait layout versus a landscape layout.
The Commission discussed that they are happy with the landscape layout and
decided they would like to leave the guidelines in this format.
Staff Member Wernimont reported that there were several references to the use of
synthetic materials throughout the document. He noted that the SHPO would like to
have some of those alternatives removed, and not mention them at all.
Commissioners agreed to remove the alternatives from the document.
Staff Member Wernimont also noted that the SHPO would like to have the bullets
located on the left hand side of some of the pages to be reordered in the hieramhy
of the Secretary of Interior's Standards. The Commission discussed the reordering
and decided that they would rather see the bullets reordered in the hierarchy. The
Commission suggested that the SHPO be asked to reorder them.
Staff Member Wernimont also noted that the SHPO would like to see the style
section of the document changed. He noted that Chris Morris of Durrant felt that the
changes were appropriate and it would not be a time consuming project to change.
Motion by Kringle, seconded by Wand, to send a letter to the SHPO addressing the
proposed changes to the Architectural Guidelines. Motion approved by the
following vote: Aye - Kringle, Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay - None
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Chairperson Mozena commented on the first demolition by neglect case that has
been presented to the Planning and Building Departments. Staff Member
Wemimont noted that Building Services Manager Rich Russell is currently in the
process of sending out a letter to the applicants notifying them ofthe violation. Staff
Member Wernimont noted that he will include a copy of the letter in the Historic
Preservation Commission's packets.
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April 18, 2002
Page 8
Chairperson Mozena questioned whether there was a Zoning Ordinance or an
ordinance in effect that prevents property owners from leaving buildings vacant.
Staff replied stating that there is an ordinance for vacant and abandoned buildings;
however, if the property is being maintained, there is no ordinance to prevent it from
remaining vacant.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Wand, seconded by Henson, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner Adopted