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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 11/19/2012 MINUTES CITY OF AMES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Date: November 19, 2012 Bill Malone, Vice-Chairperson 2012 Sharon Wirth, Chairperson 2012 Call to Order: 7:00 p.m. Elaine Dunn 2013 Matt Donovan 2014 Place: Ames City Hall *Ryan Newstrom 2014 Council Chambers Roberta Vann 2014 *Jason Dietzenbach 2015 Adjournment: 8:34 p.m. *Absent ______________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER: Sharon Wirth, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: (Dunn/Donovan) to approve the agenda for the meeting of November 19, 2012. MOTION PASSED: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF October 8, 2012: MOTION: (Donovan/Malone) to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 8, 2012. MOTION PASSED: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) _____________________________________________________________________________ PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. ______________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW OF DRAFT PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE (SHPO) Ms. Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator for the City of Ames, stated that earlier last week an email was sent to Commission members with an attached Programmatic Agreement for their review. She said that the City of Ames is required to have this agreement with the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the administration of our Community Development Block Grant Program. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated that this is a new requirement of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She stated that the City had an initial agreement with SHPO that expired two years ago. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated that HUD has changed the regulations in order to add additional groups of people who will be reviewing the agreement and providing input. She indicated that Indian tribes who might have any claim on any areas in Ames or Story County have been contacted. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated that the Agreement has been sent to those tribes and that she has not received any comments from them within the time frame required. Ms. Baker- Latimer indicated that input is now being taken from the Historic Preservation Commission, Ames Historical Society, Preservation Iowa, and the Mid Iowa Preservation Office. She stated that any feedback received from those organizations will then be taken to SHPO for approval. Ms. Baker - Latimer indicated that there are two main pro grams that use CDBG funds: a Housing Rehabilitation Program, where grant funds are made available to low-income single family homeowners to make repairs to their homes; and infrastructure projects located in low and moderate income census tract neighborhoods that may involve new sidewalks, streets, water, etc. She stated that the main program that will be implemented , due to the number of requests, is the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Ms. Baker-Latimer stated that she feels that the sustainability of neig hborhoods and good 2 infra-structure meets part of the City Council’s vision. She stated that an Agreement needs to be in place for homeowners who qualify and own a property that is 50 years or older and has significant architectural or historical value. Ms. Baker-Latimer stated that HUD has already reviewed the Agreement and has given their blessing . Mr. Donovan inquired as to the timeline for completion of the Agreement review period. Ms. Baker- Latimer indicated that the Indian tribes have been contacted. She stated that she will be meeting with the Preservation Iowa office and the State Historical Society to give them an opportunity to provide comments and feedback. Ms. Baker-Latimer stated that she is hoping to have the process completed by the end of this year or the first of January. She stated that once she has received the support and approval of those agencies the Agreement will go before the City Council for their review and approval. MOTION: (Vann/Donovan) to support the Draft Programmatic Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). VOTE ON MOTION: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) Ms. Baker-Latimer asked Ms. Wirth if she would write a letter of support of the Agreement on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission . Ms. Wirth indicated that she would indeed write a letter of support. _______________________________________________________________________________ CONSIDER SPONSORING ONE LECTURE IN THE AMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY WINTER LECTURE SERIES Ms. Wirth indicated that the Commission members indicated at an earlier meeting that they wanted to support a lecture through the Ames Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series; however, a motion has not yet been made identifying the details and support of the lecture. She indicated that the HPC had said earlier that they wanted to support a lecture to be given by Mr. Jeff Benson on the Lincoln Highway during March or April of 2013. Ms. Wirth indicated that it is her understanding that AHS has already put together the schedule for their lecture series. MOTION: (Malone/Dunn) to consider sponsorship of a Lincoln Highway lecture to be given by Mr. Jeff Benson, in the amount not to exceed $400.00, during the Ames Historical Society Winter Lecture Series. VOTE ON MOTION: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) Mr. Malone asked if the lecture could be scheduled during the road tour that takes place during the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Lincoln Highway. Mr. Benson indicated that the lecture series will begin this Winter and will end during the Spring of 2013. He stated that the road tour will not be coming to the Ames area until late June of 2013. Ms. Dunn asked if the lecture could be televis ed or recorded and replayed in conjunction with the arrival of the Lincoln Highway road tour in Ames during June of 2013. She suggested that the Commission contact Channel 12 and see if this would be feasible. ______________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE ON PARTNERSHIP DISCUSSIONS WITH THE AMES HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ms. W irth asked if the subcommittee, comprised of Ms. Dunn and Mr. Donovan, had met regarding future partnership opportunities with the Ames Historical Society and whether they had a report at this time. Mr. Donovan reported that they felt that the sponsorship of a lecture during the AHS lecture series was a good first step but that the subcommittee has not had any additional 3 discussions recently. He stated that they hope to meet around the end of the year for future opportunities in 2013. _______________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE ON PARTNERSHIP DISCUSSIONS FOR AN EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP SERIES Ms. Wirth stated that she and Mr. Jason Dietzenbach are on a sub-committee looking into possible partnership opportunities for an educational workshop series. Mr. Dietzenbach prepared a brief written report of the sub-committee meeting that was handed out to the HPC members present due to the fact that he could not be present at tonight’s meeting . Ms. Wirth indicated that Ms. Gloria Betcher, representing Preservation Iowa; and Mr. Erv Klaus and Ms. Sue Crull, both representing Smart Growth, also attended this sub-committee meeting. Ms. Wirth stated that a wide range of possible partnership opportunities for an educational series were discussed. Ms. Gloria Betcher, 531 Hayward Avenue, indicated that she is on Preservation Iowa’s State Board. She indicated that this Board is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization charged with advocacy for the State’s historical resources; and their role is to facilitate preservation and education and advocate at state and local levels for funds of various kinds, i.e. tax credit programs and the REAP Program, which supplies funding for HRDP grants. She stated that they want to partner with a City’s Preservation Commission for small educational projects. Preservation Iowa has been holding discussions with Steve Wilke-Shapiro. Ms. Betcher stated that they have been working on preparing education tool kits which consists of information that can be sent to various sites across the State to disseminate their information. She indicated that she is interested in speaking to the City of Ames. Ms. Betcher stated that Ms. Wirth and Mr. Dietzenbach indicated that they were talking about trying something smaller before applying for a grant for a bigger project. Ms. Wirth felt that having Mr. Wilke-Shapiro come to visit about the importance of preservation might be a good presentation. She indicated that possibly combining a presentation with the HPC March 2013 meeting, thus having the presentation broadcast live and later rebroadcast, would be an option. Ms. Betcher stated that Preservation Iowa wanted to be at this meeting to let the Commission know what they might be able to do for this group. She felt that possibly by March there might be some additional citizen involvement that could be included in regards to the Downtown National Register nomination application. Various scenarios for combining the presentation with a future HPC meeting were discussed. Ms. Wirth asked Mr. Ray Anderson, City Planner, for an update on the status of the Main Street National Register nomination application. He said that with the help of a consultant the schedule is being revised. Mr. Anderson feels that the nomination process will be taking additional time and he said that it would probably not be finished by March. Ms. Betcher stated that she had been referring to potential citizen meetings that would be held during the nomination process. Ms. Wirth asked if the National Register application for Downtown would be on the HPC March 2013 agenda. Mr. Anderson stated that it is not likely that they would be ready by March. Ms. Wirth asked about the Chapter 31 Update timeline. Mr. Anderson stated that they will be bringing in outside experts to speak about some of the issues by Spring. He said that draft input from citizens will not be taken until next Fall. Ms. Wirth asked if there would be any conflict in moving with the educational series in conjunction with the HPC March meeting. Mr. Ande rson stated that there would not be any conflict in regards to the National Register project or the Chapter 31 Update project. Ms. Vann stated that they should try to attract those individuals that might not otherwise be aware and informed about Historic Preservation. Mr. Donovan asked if the Commission wanted to sponsor a special meeting or a presentation about historic preservation in both a general nature and as to its relationship to Ames. The Commission discussed various meeting options and timeline s cenarios. 4 Ms. Wirth stated that she and Mr. Dietzenbach would continue to discuss the possible arrangements and timing. Ms. Vann asked Ms. Betcher about how they could go about maximizing their audience. Ms. Betcher stated that they could send out inform ation to neighborhood groups, the Downtown Cultural District, and to the Campustown Action Association. She indicated that she will be meeting with Preservation Iowa’s Preservation Partners (Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Midwest office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation) on November 28th. Ms. Betcher indicated that they will be talking about plans for networking among the organizations for the next year. She stated that these types of partnering opportunities would be something that Preservation Iowa will bring up as part of their input in Preservation Partners discussion s. Mr. Benson stated that once the date is set that information could be placed in various City neighborhood newsletters. He stated that it could also be placed on the City’s website. Mr. Benson stated that if the speaker was willing to do a ten minute video interview that this could be placed on Channel 12. Ms. Betcher stated that possibly they could combine something with the Energy Guy regarding window upgrades, etc. or possibly something in the City Side publication. Mr. Benson mentioned that the Ames Historical Society (AHS) might be willing to place some information on their website. Ms. Wirth asked Ms. Dunn and Mr. Donovan if they would communicate with the AHS and see if they might be willing to become involved with this partnering opportunity also. MOTION: (Vann/Malone) to invite Mr. Steve Wilke-Shapiro to attend their March meeting and present a workshop. VOTE ON MOTION: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) _______________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE ON THE ROOSEVELT SCHOOL SITE Ms. Wirth stated that the Ames Community School District has not yet made a decision as to the use of the Roosevelt School site for the relocation of administration. She indicated that the School District has stated that the Roosevelt site is not their recommended site. Ms. Wirth stated that she recently toured the Roosevelt School. She stated that she has met with a developer group in Ames and will also be attending a future meeting to go over the developer’s plans. This developer has submitted a formal bid to the School District to purchase the property and to repurpose the building into rental housing. Ms. Wirth stated that there is another developer in Ames that is entertaining preliminary thoughts of this also but that they won’t move ahead on this until the School Board outlines the process for Roosevelt School. Mr. Malone asked if the building would be repurposed and turned into housing. Ms. Wirth indicated that both of these developers have proposed to save and repurpose the building. Ms. Wirth indicated that the neighbors have been having discussions about having a park on the property. The School Real Estate Liquidation Committee has not made any additional reports to the School Board. She stated that if the building is to be used for housing it would require a zoning change. Mr. Malone stated that he received an email from Mary Jurenka that outlined her concerns about whether the School Board would preserve the building. Ms. Wirth stated that Ms.Jurenka is very interested in seeing the school remain under the ownership of the School Board and used as the administrative site. Mr. Malone asked about the condition of the building when Ms. Wirth toured the building. She indicated that the building is sound but that it is in need of upkeep. She indicated that it has set empty for six to eight years. She said that she was not discouraged about the co ndition of the building. Ms. Wirth indicated that some of the surrounding property owners have been working 5 on maintaining some of the Roosevelt School grounds. _______________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 31 UPDATE Mr. Ray Anderson, City of Ames Planner, stated that a report of Chapter 31 Issues is included in tonight’s agenda packet. He reported on the demographics of the Chapter 31 Work Group. Mr. Anderson reviewed a report on Iowa City Design Guidelines that was given to the Commission to review. He stated that the Work Group is looking at the Code in additional cities, also. Mr. Benson further explained the content provided in the issue sheets . He stated that a list of options will be listed and feedback and analysis will be received from the Work Group on each option. Mr. Benson stated that the Commission will be provided with options for each issue and recommendations from Staff which will be used to develop draft regulations for public input. Ms. Wirth asked Mr. Benson if they have completed the report on the issues. Mr. Benson and Mr. Anderson stated that there are at least two more topic areas to be reviewed. Mr. Malone inquired about the information that was gained from reviewing other cities’ Codes. Mr. Anderson stated some cities do not have alteration areas and others define them differently. Mr. Malone asked if any particular city’s residents are thrilled by their Code. Mr. Anderson reported that Oklahoma City just rewrote and adopted new design guide lines this Summer that have a great emphasis on sustainability. Mr. Benson stated that a Code is a matter of fit within the Community. He stated that some cities have a tradition of historic preservation. He stated that Iowa City has three different levels of review that are completed by staff while their Commission sets the standards and grapples with major changes. Ms. Wirth asked whether Iowa City had several historical areas. Mr. Anderson stated that they do. Mr. Benson stated those areas were set u p close to twenty years ago. Ms. Wirth stated that property owners need to consider values/restrictions when purchasing property in a historic district. Mr. Benson stated that contributing and compatible structures fit the values of the community at the time the Code was adopted. Mr. Benson stated that property owners need to come to our Planning Department for interpretation of the Code as they find it confusing. Ms. Vann stated that the Work Group does not want to make abrupt changes to the Code that would make it impossible for homeowners to make renovations. Mr. Benson stated that he and Mr. Anderson wanted to hear input from the Commission members on the structure of the process. Ms. Wirth mentioned that she hears about siding and substitute windows from homeowners in the District. Mr. Benson spoke about major themes on siding and windows that were highlighted in several publications. Mr. Malone asked if Ames had contractors locally that could perform Historic Preservation upgrades/work. Mr. Benson stated that one of the options outlined was to do more to engage experts with experience in preservation work. Ms. Vann stated that they hope to reach out to other contractors to encourage them to look into performing this type of work. Ms. Wirth indi cated that she would like to have someone speak about the advantages of rehabbing windows that can be used in the Historic District. She mentioned that the Historic Preservation Commission in Decorah paid a contractor in the area to go to school to learn h ow to rehab windows. Mr. Benson explained the process of determining options and how to apply standards. He stated 6 that the Code outlines type of work, location of work, materials, and substitutions as factors to consider when reviewing a request. Mr. Benson stated that type of work is defined in the Code as repair, alteration, or new construction. He interpreted a decision path diagram with the Commission members present. Mr. Benson stated that they will discuss these diagrams in depth with the Work Group. Mr. Malone stated that there should be basic things/levels that can be decided by the Planning Department that do not need to come before the Commission. Mr. Anderson reviewed the handout of the outline of the Iowa City Design Guidelines. He stated tha t their guidelines classify property in their Historic District as contributing or non-contributing. He stated that repairs can be made without a Certificate of Appropriateness in Ames; however, in Iowa City property owners need a Certificate of No Materia l Effect. Mr. Anderson further explained the current Iowa City Design Guidelines to the Historic Preservation Commission members present and made comparisons to the Ames guidelines that are currently in place . He also compared the differences in the review processes of the two cities. Ms. Wirth asked how Iowa City determines whether a site is a key property to be determined to be eligible to be listed as a landmark. Mr. Anderson stated that he plans to contact planners in Iowa City for additional information. Mr. Benson stated that they interviewed Planners and a Director from Dubuque recently. He stated that they will talk to additional staff in Dubuque as to how they go about making that determination. Mr. Benson stated that the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office is a good resource as well. Mr. Anderson stated that he would send a link to the Iowa City Guidelines to all Commission members. Mr. Benson outlined the upcoming work involving the Chapter 31 Work Group. Ms. Wirth stated that she has been working on research of fences and would be willing to share that information. ______________________________________________________________________________ COMMISSION COMMENTS: Ms. Wirth stated that she has been interested in making updates to the web site. She stated that she wants to speak to Ms. Susan Gwiasda, City of Ames Public Relations Officer, in depth in regards to adding additional Historic Preservation information to the City website. She offered to schedule another meeting with Ms. Gwiasda if the Commission would be interested in exploring this further. Mr. Donovan stated that he had would try and put together some design guideline information that he has obtained from other cities and send that to the Commission members. Ms. Vann stated that she has been surprised on the diversity of the Design Guidelines that are used across the country. ______________________________________________________________________________ STAFF COMMENTS: There were not staff comments. ______________________________________________________________________________ MOTION TO ADJOURN: 7 MOTION: (Malone/Dunn) to adjourn the meeting. VOTE ON MOTION: 5-0 (PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.) The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. _______________________________ _______________________________ Sharon Wirth, Chairperson Lorrie Banks, Recording Secretary Historic Preservation Commission Department of Planning & Housing S:\PLAN_SHR\Council Boards Commissions\HPC\Minutes\2012 Minutes\Minutes-11-19-12.doc