OFFICIAL MINUTES
MUSCATINE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 17, 2010
The Muscatine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) met in regular session
on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 5:15 p.m. in the lower level conference room at
Muscatine City Hall. Members present included Jo Ann Carlson, Devin Pettit, Jane
Reischauer Anna Mack and Jim Schmidt. Others present were Jim Rudisill and Michael
Maharry.
The commission reviewed the consent agenda, including the distributed agenda
and the minutes of the regular October 20, 2010 meeting. Pettit requested the minutes
show on page 2 that single-family residences and duplexes are allowed in Rock Island’s
historic districts. He also pointed out on page 3 that the discussion he had with Gregg
Mandsager on TIF funding should have identified the funding as promoting current urban
revitalization efforts, which could include a downtown façade program. Pettit then moved
to approve the October 20, 2010 minutes as amended; Mack seconded; motion passed, all
ayes.
The commission then discussed several Certified Local Government (CLG)
issues.
Reischauer asked Mack if local realtors are aware of the city’s historic districts.
Mack said most realtors were not well informed about the districts. Maharry reminded
the commission of the talk he had given to the realtors association a few months ago.
Mack said that had been a first time experience for many of the realtors.
There was a short discussion on possible links that could be provided to help keep
realtors knowledgeable about the program. Carlson said the library had several links to
historic websites. Mack said the realtors already had links to local schools. She said she
would forward the library site to the realtors.
Maharry also suggested contacts be established with the chamber. He offered to
make contact.
Rudisill reported there were no new developments on the commission’s request
for a $350 appropriation in the FY 12 budget cycle.
The commission next continued a discussion the members started last month on
the possibilities of the commission establishing a review process for building permits.
Reischauer reviewed the previous month’s discussion.
Maharry said a review process would provide an educational opportunity and
increase attention in the districts. Schmidt said he was concerned a review process could
prevent a property owner from doing something on that property. He said even an
informal influence could be a problem.
Reischauer said she did not view any review process as being a restriction as
much as providing increased awareness of the historic district opportunities. Pettit agreed
and suggested HPCs should be able to make recommendations for historic districts. There
was a general discussion on how the Muscatine Planning and Zoning Commission
operates. Pettit said he would like the MHPC to have some review authority to help keep
property conditions up.
MHPC Minutes
November 17, 2010
Page 2
There was also a discussion on the conflict occurring in Davenport between a
property owner wishing to demolish a historic building and the Davenport HPC. Maharry
suggested a letter of support be sent to the Davenport historic commission.
Reischauer asked if the MHPC could request informal notification when a
building permit was issued. Rudisill said he would ask Community Development
Director Steve Boka about the possibility.
The final CLG activity discussion was a reminder from Rudisill about the
upcoming annual report. Some renovation work has been done in the 400 block of
Second Street. Pettit also asked if you would need to complete a revised biographical
sketch for the report.
The commission next discussed issues relating to historic properties and districts.
Rudisill provided an update on the Alexander Clark Heritage District and National
Historic Landmark (NHL) application. He said a subcontractor’s contract with Paul
Finkelman had been finalized and signed earlier in the month.
The contract will cover both the development of the NHL application and its
presentation to the National Park Service. Rudisill reported Kent Sissel is continuing to
coordinate most of the project.
The commission then reviewed progress on acquiring signs for the city’s West
Hill Historic District. Carlson reported there would be an $800 cost to extend street poles.
Reischauer questioned if the cost of signs that would be mounted on street sign poles
would be harder to cover through fundraising efforts than district entrance signs.
Maharry said district entrance signs would be fine with him.
Carlson agreed to redesign the signage proposal and examine installing entrance
signs. She requested Rudisill to learn when the January meeting of the traffic committee
would be scheduled. In the meantime, Reischauer suggested determining a number of
signs that would be needed.
In other discussion involving historic properties or districts, Reischauer asked if
anyone knew what was happening with 715 W. Third. Maharry said he was aware of the
changes occurring there, but it was too early to comment on the work.
Under miscellaneous reports, Maharry said he had talked with the head of
Preservation Iowa at a recent meeting and the person was planning to contact Maharry
about scheduling the group’s annual meeting in Muscatine.
Maharry said he had also talked with Brian Costas about the status of the Jayne
House. There had been some concerns about the lack of progress on finalizing the move.
Carlson agreed with the assessment and urged board members and staff to push forward.
The commission next discussed the upcoming house tour planned for National
Preservation Month. Maharry and others said the current plan by the Friends of
Muscatine Historic Preservation is to identify homes associated with Civil War veterans
to commemorate the 150
th
anniversary of the war’s beginning.
Muscatine HPC
November 17, 2010 Minutes
Page 3
Maharry said Mark LeRette is interested in an antique show, possibly at the 4
th
Street Park
Pettit then recalled the 100
th
anniversary of Muscatine’s Pearl Button Strike
would also occur in 2011. Maharry said because of the limited period of time associated
with the strike, the Friends might reconsider the Civil War tour and look at a button strike
tour.
In general discussion, Pettit said he had not learned anything additional about
plans by Ann and Tom Meeker to revitalize an area of Mulberry Avenue.
The meeting then adjourned at approximately 6:37 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the commission is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 15, 2010 at 5:15 p.m. in the Muscatine City Hall lower level conference room.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Chair