HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated February 25, 2025ITEM #:24
DATE:02-25-25
DEPT:P&H
SUBJECT:HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AND 2025 WORK PLAN
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Under the Certified Local Government (CLG) Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO), local governments and their Historic Preservation Commissions (HPCs) are responsible for
submitting an annual report documenting the City’s and Commission’s preservation work during the
previous calendar year. The report documents that the City has met the requirements of the CLG
program and is in good standing. The report also includes a proposed Work Plan for 2025 (see
attached).
SHPO requires that an HPC representative provide details of the HPC's 2024 accomplishments and the
Work Plan for 2025 to the City Council, followed by the Mayor acknowledging completion of this
requirement. The Ames Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on December 9, 2024 and
January 13, 2025, to develop and approve the 2025 Work Plan based upon the Ames Comprehensive
Historic Preservation Plan Goals and Objectives (updated in 2021). The HPC also documented its
accomplishments for 2024.
Attached is the portion of the CLG Report that addresses the accomplishments, successes, and
challenges of the previous calendar year (2024).
With City Council’s approval of the CLG report, the 2025 Work Plan will also be approved. It
does not include any specific requests for funding beyond the annual $1,750 appropriation for
awards, outreach, and education.
The 2025 Work Plan focuses on the following items:
1. Complete the nomination of the Chautauqua Park – Ridgewood Neighborhood National Register
Nomination by the Consultant (NHPA Consultants, LLC) hired to prepare the nomination.
2. Secure a speaker to address tax credit opportunities for historic properties in Ames.
3. Collaborate with the Ames History Museum to host a community "history" event in 2025.
4. Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information.
The historic nomination is already underway and part of the Planning Division workplan and is
administered by staff and a consultant. The other education items are work items for the Commission to
undertake with staff administrative support as needed. None of the proposed workplan items require
prioritization with the Planning Division Workplan.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the 2024 accomplishments of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the
Work Plan for 2025, as described in the 2024 Certified Local Government Report and direct the
Mayor to acknowledge presentation of the report and authorize the report to be submitted to the
State.
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2. Refer the 2024 CLG Report back to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and/or staff for
revisions.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The HPC has documented its accomplishments for 2024 and has developed a 2025 Work Plan
that represents its priorities for the current calendar year. The Work Plan focuses on resources
utilized by the HPC. Completing the historic district nomination is the primary project for the
year. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative
#1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Accomplishments, Successes, and Challenges.
2025 Work Plan
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Attachment A (Portion of the Ames 2024 CLG Report)
8.1 Describe your community’s historic preservation activities in this calendar year.
• 2024 Work Plan – On January 8, 2024, the Ames Historic Preservation Commission approved the
draft 2024 Work Plan for the year. It was approved by the City Council on January 23, 2024.
• Awards Program - In January and February, nominations were received for the 2024 Annual Historic
Preservation Awards Program. The Historic Preservation Commission selected two nominations for
awards. The property owner of the two-story mixed-use building at 501 Main Street received an
award in the Building Award category of “Keeping the Past Alive (Preservation).” Ted Tedesco
received an award in the category of “Significant Achievement in Historic Preservation” for the
preservation of the historic Ames High School building, the restoration of native prairies in the City’s
Ada Hayden Heritage Park, and the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor.
• National Historic Preservation Month Proclamation - On April 23, 2024, the City Council made a
proclamation in observance of May National Historic Preservation Month.
• HPC Budget - The Ames City Council approved a fiscal year 2024/25 budget of $1,750 for historic
preservation activities. The funding is to be used for training and conferences for members of the
Ames Historic Preservation Commission, as well as for the Historic Preservation Annual Awards
Program, tours, brochures, and other educational programs.
• Ames History Museum Funding - Additionally, the Ames City Council funded $50,752 to the Ames
History Museum for the following contracted services for the 2024/25 budget.
8.2 Describe your community’s assistance with preservation issues or projects in this calendar
year. *Please be specific (address(es) of the property(ies), issue(s), and assistance provided).
• City staff reviewed applications for administrative approval of alterations and new construction on
the following properties in the Old Town Historic District:
o Replacement of windows at 811 Douglas Avenue (Alteration);
o Replacement of shingle siding at 803 Burnett Avenue (Alteration);
o New construction of a fence at 307 8th Street;
o New construction of a fence at 811 Kellogg Avenue;
o New construction of a fence at 722 Clark Avenue;
o New construction of a brick fence at 802 Burnett Avenue;
o New construction of a fence at 702 Clark Avenue.
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) was issued by the Planning Department, for each project. A
total of seven Certificates were issued in 2024. The Historic Preservation Commission did not
consider any applications for Certificates of Appropriateness in 2024.
• In 2023, the HPC recommended approval of an amendment to Chapter 31, Historic Preservation, in
support of the implementation of Accessory Dwelling Units into the historic district as detached
structures. The amendment was approved by the City Council in January 2024.
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8.3 Please describe your community's public education programs in this calendar year. *Please provide
specific details such as date of event, description of the event, how many people participated, whether
the commission partnered with other organizations.
• Historic Preservation Commission members participated in the Neighborhood Information Meeting
for the Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Subdivisions held in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at the
Ames Public Library on August 22, 2024. The Consultant, NHPA Consultants LLC presented
educational information regarding National Register nominations and properties. Approximately
thirty people were in attendance.
• Historic Preservation Commission members participated in the Public Engagement Meeting for the
Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Subdivisions held in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at the Ames
Public Library on December 3, 2024. The Consultant, NHPA Consultants LLC presented the draft of
the National Register Nomination for the Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Subdivisions.
Approximately twenty-five people were in attendance.
9. Were there any issues, challenges, or successes your preservation commission encountered or
accomplished this year?
Successes-
• A notable success for 2024, was the receipt of a Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant to prepare
a National Register Nomination for the Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood Additions, which includes
150 properties. The City hired NHPA Consultants LLC, with offices located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to
prepare the nomination. Work on the nomination began on July 1, 2024. The draft nomination was
presented to the State Historic Preservation Office for review and comment on December 9, 2024.
• Additionally,
o The City of Ames continues to provide funding to the Ames Historical Museum for a variety
of services including education and research.
o The City of Ames Historic Preservation Commission had representation by Devon Lewis (HPC
Member) and Ray Anderson (City Staff Liaison to the HPC) at the 202 Preserve Iowa Summit
in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, held on June 6-8, 2024.
o Granting Certificates of Appropriateness. Review of applications resulted in the timely
issuance of seven Certificates of Appropriateness for seven properties.
o The Historic Preservation webpage on the City of Ames website continues to be regularly
updated. It is frequented by the public and the Commission as a tool for public awareness
about historic preservation in Ames and as a resource for information.
Challenges- None
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14. Based on the work plan submitted last year for your commission please provide a self -assessment
of the progress your commission made on the initiatives and programs that were identified last year.
2024 WORK PLAN – [ACHPP” = Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan]
Educate the Public Concerning the Value and Benefit of Historic Preservation. [GOAL #4, ACHPP]
• Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
o Collaborate with the Ames History Museum to host a community “history” event in 2024.
[Objective 4.A, & 1.C, ACHPP].
o Support the Public Engagement Meeting on the draft of Chautauqua Park-Ridgewood
historic district nomination if the project is grant -funded. [Objectives 3C.1 & 2D.1 ACHPP]
o Reach out to Old Town Historic District property owners with educational materials on
preserving and improving historic properties. [Objective 2.C & 4.C, ACHPP]
o Continue to keep the Historic Preservation webpages updated. [Objective 4.B & C, ACHPP]
o Explore hosting a National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) Commission
Assistance and Mentorship Program (CAMP) or Webinar. [Objective 4.A, ACHPP]
• Continue with funding for training of Commission members and developing educational resources
about Ame’s history and historic resources. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Participate in educational opportunities afforded by the 2024 Preserve Iowa Summit, June 6 -8 in
Mount Pleasant, IA. [Objective 5.A, ACHPP]
• Continue Historic Preservation Commission Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program, and
present awards with the Mayor at a City Council meeting in April or May. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Continue to recognize May as Preservation Month with a Proclamation by City Council. [Objective
4.C, ACHPP]
• Continue membership in the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. [Objective 5.A, ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2024:
• Dissemination of Information- The Ames City Council funded $50,752 to the Ames History
Museum for the dissemination of historic preservation information as described in question
8.1.
• The HPC did not collaborate with the Ames History Museum and Ames Chamber of
Commerce to host a community “history” event during Historic Preservation Month (May).
• The HPC did support the Public Engagement Meeting on the draft of the Chautauqua Park-
Ridgewood historic district nomination.
• Training- Funding for HPC training was included in the City budget by the Ames City Council.
Commissioner Devon Lewis and Ray Anderson (City Staff Liaison to the HPC) participated in
the 2024 Preserve Iowa Summit in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, held on June 6 -8, 2024.
• Awards- The 2024 Awards Program honored one property and one individual for their
significant contributions to historic preservation, as described in question 8.1.
• Proclamation- The Mayor and City Council made a proclamation on April 23, 2024, to
recognize May as Preservation Month.
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Promote the Economic Development and Vitality of the City through Historic Preservation. [GOAL #6,
ACHPP]
• Review Tax Credit speaker opportunities for 2024. [Objective 2.B & 4.A, ACHPP]
• Continue granting Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely manner. [Objective 3.E, ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2024:
• The Commission continues to pursue options for a speaker to discuss tax credit
opportunities.
• Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) - The timely granting of COAs continued in 2024 as in
past years as described in question 8.1. City staff has the authority in Chapter 31 to issue a
COA for alterations to existing structures provided the alterations are consistent with the
Design Guidelines and Design Criteria. Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission
is required for all new construction or any building addition that increases the amount of
gross floor area.
Enhance municipal policies to protect historic resources and implement policies through identification,
effective legislation, and efficient regulatory measures. [GOAL #3, ACHPP]
• Continue review of Chapter 31.
• Continue to review and participate in the City’s Climate Action Plan and provide comments on the
role of Historic Preservation actions to support energy savings and renewal. [Objective 6.B, ACHHP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2024:
• Chapter 31 was not reviewed in 2024.
• No action was taken related to the Ames’ Climate Action Plan.
Continue to Use the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan as a Working Document.
[Objective 5.C, ACHPP]
• Review the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report and determine next year’s
priorities and work plan, in November or December. [Objective 5.C.1, ACHPP]
• Obtain approval from the City Council for priorities determined by the Commission following each
review of the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report. [Objective 5.C.2, ACHPP]
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS in 2024:
• In December 2023 and January 2024, the Ames Historic Preservation Commission discussed
and approved the draft 2024 Work Plan, based upon the priorities in the Ames
Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan.
• Approval by the City Council of the 2025 Work Plan, as part of the 2024 CLG Annual Report,
will be on the February 25, 2025, City Council Agenda.
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Attachment B (2025 Work Plan)
2025 WORK PLAN –
[Note: “ACHPP” is the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan]
Educate the Public Concerning the Value and Benefit of Historic Preservation [GOAL #4, ACHPP]
• Facilitate the dissemination of historic preservation information. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
o Collaborate with the Ames History Museum to host a community “history” event in 2025.
[Objective 4.A, & 1.C, ACHPP].
o Reach out to Old Town Historic District property owners with educational materials on
preserving and improving historic properties. [Objective 2.C & 4.C, ACHPP]
o Continue to keep the Historic Preservation webpages updated. [Objective 4.B & C, ACHPP]
• Continue with funding for training of Commission members and developing educational
resources about Ames history and historic resources. [Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
• Participate in educational opportunities afforded by the 2025 Preserve Iowa Summit, June 5 -
7 in Muscatine, IA. [Objective 5.A, ACHPP]
• Continue Historic Preservation Commission Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program,
and present awards with the Mayor at a City Council meeting in April or May. [Objective 4.C,
ACHPP]
• Continue to recognize May as Preservation Month with a Proclamation by City Council.
[Objective 4.C, ACHPP]
Promote the Economic Development and Vitality of the City through Historic Preservation [GOAL
#6, ACHPP]
• Review Tax Credit speaker opportunities for 2025. [Objective 2.B & 4.A, ACHPP]
• Continue granting Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely manner. [Objective 3.E, ACHPP]
Enhance municipal policies to protect historic resources and implement policies through
identification, effective legislation, and efficient regulatory measures. [GOAL #3, ACHPP]
• Continue review of Chapter 31.
• Consider changes to Chapter 31, Historic Preservation, in the Municipal Code to allow
exterior materials on historic structures that would meet the standards and be energy
efficient.
Continue to Use the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan as a Working Document.
[Objective 5.C, ACHPP]
• Review the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report and determine next
year’s priorities and Work Plan, in November or December. [Objective 5.C.1, ACHPP]
• Obtain approval from the City Council for priorities determined by the Commission following
each review of the Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan Report. [Objective 5.C.2,
ACHPP]
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