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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-16 Historical Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES May 16, 2012 City Hall 220 Clay Street Cedar Falls, Iowa The Cedar Falls Historic Preservation Commission met on May 16, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Duke Young Conference Room. Commission members present included Daryl Andersen, Rosemary Beach, Cynthia Sweet and David Williams, who was connected via conference telephone. Dr. Connors was absent. City Planner Martin Ryan was present representing the Department of Developmental Services. Carol Lilly was present from Community Main Street (CMS). 1) Chair Sweet noted the Minutes from March 21, 2012. No meeting was held in April. No corrections were suggested. Mrs. Beach made a motion to approve the Minutes as submitted. Mr. Andersen seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. 2) The first topic of was discussion of the City Council committee work session on April 9, 2012 at which time the future disposition of the City Hall Annex building (former post office building) was discussed. The Committee Minutes from that meeting were distributed. Some concerns were expressed regarding the City's commitment to historic preservation goals as outlined in the Ordinance creating the Commission. Ms. Sweet reviewed some of the key Ordinance provisions relating to the duties of the Commission. Discussion followed about "next steps" and how to proceed with City staff in terms of developing a viable plan for future rehabilitation and use of the post office building. Mr. Ryan stated it was staff's intention to draft an RFP (request for proposal) document and share it with the Commission. Mr. Andersen commented at length about terms and conditions that should be contained in such an RFP. There seemed to be agreement that the primary objective is to protect the basic exterior elements and appearance of the building. It is understood that some potential users might need to make radical changes to the interior; however, it was expressed that some key features of the interior of the building should be preserved. Ms. Lilly stated that Main Street has done various market studies to get an idea of potential user needs in the downtown area. Other ideas focused upon getting non-profit organizations interested and engaged in preservation or use of this building. Mr. Andersen stated that the City of Dubuque provides a good model for local government partnership in local historic preservation as an economic development tool. He maintained that the historic registry designation would be most helpful in gaining important tax benefits. Ms. Lilly stated that you do not have to be on the National Register to receive historic tax credits. It was suggested that Dubuque and Keokuk might be able to provide sample RFPs for our use. Ms. Sweet next asked if the Commission should pursue the historic registry nomination of the post office building. Mr. Andersen suggested that we wait to see the City's proposed RFP and the prospect of success on that issue. Mr. Ryan stated that after the Commission agrees to an RFP format it is the City's intention to report back to the City Council with the added recommendation that the TAN inspection should be authorized with funding for travel expenses. Other comments focused upon the historic registry application/nomination process. Some local persons were suggested as possible resources; however, it was decided that it would probably be better to hire a specialist to complete this application. 3) Ms. Sweet next introduced the possibility of doing some local education efforts relating to the benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She stated that the "Power of Place" idea is an excellent beginning point. Sweet passed out for review a draft of an article she has written on this theme and asked for comments at the next meeting, on both the content and whether it should be used as a media release. There was general discussion on this issue with Andersen reiterating Dubuque as an excellent example of taking advantage of this resource. He also noted a Des hAnines Register article (May 13) that focused upon the benefits of historic preservation efforts in western Iowa. There was general agreement that continued public education efforts in this regard would be worthwhile. 4) Mr. Andersen next reported on his attendance at the Decorah training conference on April 27/28. He commented on several sessions and speakers at the conference and stated it was very well done and very beneficial. 5) Andersen and Beach reported on their ongoing efforts to survey "notable homes" in the City with an eye towards creating another public education effort, possibly in January, 2013. They are assembling information on "99 notable houses." Andersen stated that most of the information has been assembled. He is also compiling information along with Dave Whitsett about notable Cedar Heights homes and history. A great deal is being assembled for possible public presentations in the future. 6) Ms. Sweet next asked Mr. Ryan about the progress of IT (computer assistance) and an intern to do the data base inventory. Mr. Ryan stated there has been little progress in this area since staff was unclear what the database needs are and the scope of work for a summer intern. Mr. Williams will be asked to meet with Ms. Saathoff, City IT, to coordinate data exchange in more detail. (Note: Mr. Williams was off the phone call by this time in the meeting). 7) There was a brief discussion regarding Cedar Falls walking tours and other public education efforts, and possible partnerships with Cedar Falls Community Main Street, Cedar Falls Historical Society, and Cedar Falls Tourism. Ms. Lilly will suggest Main Street address for possible plaques; Ms. Sweet will talk to Karen Smith, CF Historical Society about join projects; and it was suggested that possibly the Tourism Bureau grant funds would cover the cost of a brochure. 8) Under general discussion Mr. Ryan reminded the Commissioners to schedule some training during the remaining portion of the year to satisfy the CLG requirements. It was noted that education programs, such as what Daryl presented in January, will satisfy this requirement for those Commissioners who attended. It was noted that only Ms. Beach needs to complete some training in 2012. 9) It was suggested that the Commission consider creating a registry or list of approved contractors for purposes of undertaking historically appropriate construction projects. 10) Following all discussion it was agreed to schedule the next Commission meeting on June 20, 2012, 11) The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. upon motion by Andersen, second by Beach. The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously. Respectfully Submitted by Martin Ryan, City Planner