FEBRUARY 23, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chair; Ralph Bloom; Betty Booth;
Carol Ann Falasca; William Krummel; Deborah Mathies;
Marvin Suchoff; Gail Wall

STAFF: Susan Gunn, Director

OTHERS: George Bolton; Michael Bromley, Esq.; Colin Gunn, Esq.;
Andrew Glazer

Ms. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

ANDREW GLAZER – WINTHROP HOUSE, ROWAYTON

Mr. Glazer, who is the present owner of Winthrop House in Rowayton, presented his plans to the Commission. Mr. Glazer presented photographs of the home and provided some history of the home.

Mr. Glazer presented renderings of the home as it exists and the proposed changes. Mr. Glazer said that the people of Rowayton are for the most part extremely supportive of his plans.

Mr. Glazer said that they will probably be condos in a generic sense, but each of the four units will be three stories high with its own elevator.

Mr. Glazer explained that he is working his way through Zoning and if he received approval in April or May, it will take about a year to complete. He added that it will be interesting to take the building apart and find what he can find.

Ms. Falasca said that one of the concerns of the Preservation Trust was that the major changes might jeopardize the application to create an historic district. Mr. Glazer said that that encouraged him to renovate or preserve the home, but it does not qualify for a plaque or preservation easement.

Mr. Glazer said that the Rowayton Civic Association supports this project. The Chair of the Rowayton Historical Society is extremely supportive, but others have chosen not to voice their opinion.

Mr. Bloom said that since this is not a demolition, it is a batter alternative. Ms. Falasca said that she is still not sure if it will endanger the historic preservation.

Mr. Kimmel said that he would like to hear from the Rowayton Historical Society about how they feel about these plans. He suggested appointment a sub-committee. The Commission established a sub-committee: Mr. Kimmel; Ms. Mathies and Ms. Bryant. Ms. Gunn will contact the Rowayton Historical Society to schedule a meeting so that they can have a statement by the March 16th public hearing. Ms. Mathies will be the point person.

Mr. Suchoff said that Mr. Glazer builds beautiful projects and is comfortable with him as the builder. Ms. Gunn suggested that there are regulations on historic design that the sub-committee may want to read.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 26, 2005

The following corrections were made to the minutes:

Page 1:
Attendance:

Add under others: Tod Bryant, Ken Olsen, Corrine Stossant

Under Corrections: Delete Reed
Add architectural assessment
Change available to unable

Page 2:

Delete the first sentence in the last paragraph

Page 3:

Under Staff to Commission Report, after the second sentence add: She said they were in poor condition and unsafe for the collections and impractical for the museum office.

Page 4:

Under Chairman’s Report

Add: Mr. Colin Gunn disrupted the meeting regarding Friend’s documents stored at the Norwalk Museum. Attorney to authorize release; legal actions suggested.

Page 5.

Under Old Business:

Add Cap Grant meeting.

Add: Ms. Wall asked Mr. Gunn to identify himself for the record.

** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED
** MOTION PASSED WITH TWO (2) ABSTENTIONS (MS. ROBINSON AND MR. KRUMMEL)

REPORTS – TO HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum – Marjorie St. Aubyn

Ms. Robinson said that Ms. St. Aubyn was on vacation, but would not have had a report, since the Museum is closed.

Ms. Robinson said that she sent out an e-mail asking, when possible, she only wants the information or actions that need motions to be talked about at this meeting. For these reports, she would like to re-institute that they be handed into the secretary and attached to the minutes, and whoever gives the report can highlight what is important.

Ms. Booth added that if someone gives a report, the minutes should note that the report is attached.

Ms. Robinson said that she wants everyone to get a packet mailed to them so that they have time to read the information a day or two before the meeting. Ms. Gunn said that this will cost a lot more paper and they there is no budget. Ms. Robinson said that she will get paper. Mr. Krummel suggested setting due dates for reports so that Ms. Gunn can get the packages out on Thursday or Friday.

Norwalk Historical Society – Gail Wall

Ms. Wall reviewed her written report and noted that they had a plumbing problem at the Town House.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO APPROVE PAYING $276.60 FOR OUTSTANDING PLUMBING AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED

Mr. Suchoff asked if these essential repairs need to be approved by the entire Commission. Ms. Booth said that in the past there have been problems finding the money to make the repairs.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MR. SUCHOFF MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THAT EMERGENCY/NECESSITY TYPE ITEMS BE APPROVED BY THE CHAIRMAN UP TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500.00
** MS. WALL SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. WALL MOVED TO APPROVE AN EXPENDITURE OF $415.00 TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PLUMBING PROBLEM AND THE THREE SHUT OFF VALVES IN THE BATHROOMS
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT

Ms. Gunn highlighted her written report to the Commission. She reported that Susan Sweitzer found in the Zoning regulations that the lease gives the Museum 14 parking spaces, but Zoning does not list those spaces. Ms. Sweitzer had no answer as to why the Museum was not listed and she is working on getting those spaces back.

Ms. Wall asked if in 2001 anyone represented the Museum. Ms. Falasca said that Ms. Gunn was at that meeting. Ms. Gunn said that there is a letter in the file stating that she strenuously objected to that.

** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO SEND A LETTER TO THE NORWALK REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION REQUESTING THE RETURN OF THE FOURTEEN (14) PARKING SPACES.

Ms. Gunn said that Ms. Sweitzer was sending a letter from the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency to Plaza Management instructing them to give back the fourteen parking spaces.

** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn continued highlighting her report and noted that there were two requests to use Museum photographs. The letters requesting those photographs are in the package.

Ms. Wall asked if Commerce Bank has a rate structure for the use of the photographs. Ms. Gunn explained that in the past she has made it imperative that they make a donation. She said that she feels that they should come up with a rate schedule.

Mr. Suchoff suggested that every time an image goes out that the name of the Museum be included. Ms. Mathies suggested that they have a fee in mind before moving forward. She asked if the Museum Association has a fee schedule. Ms. Robinson said that in this particular instance, because of the timeframe, she will go along with what Ms. Gunn has done in the past. Ms. Gunn said that she would e-mail her finding and if ok with the Commissioners will proceed.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE PROVIDING PHOTOGRAPHS TO COMMERCE BANK
** MR. SUCHOFF SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn said that the second request is a memo from the Rowayton Library. They wish to print 1,000 copies of images of the Rowayton Library. They did some preliminary research and were pleased with the type of images available.

** MR. BLOOM MOVED TO ALLOW THE ROWAYTON LIBRARY TO REPRODUCE PHOTOGRAPHS AT COST AND FOR THE NORWALK MUSEUM TO RECEIVE BACK A GIFT OF THE NEGATIVES AND PRINTS
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED

Ms. Gunn explained that there was a discussion about scanning the images, but for the stability of the collection she prefers negatives.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn pointed out that there have been problems with the lights. Mr. Bloom suggested that she approach the management company about replacing the electrical switches. Ms. Gunn said that she has, but has had no response. She asked if the Commissioners want her to locate a UPS or regulator to even out the electricity. She said that the Museum goes through a lot of light bulbs because of the electrical fluctuations with SNEW. Ms. Robinson said that Ms. Gunn should explore that.

Mr. Kimmel suggested that Ms. Gunn explore emergency efficient light bulbs. She said that she spoke with the electric company and they told her that the light bulbs would make no difference; however, she said that she would look into that again.

Ms. Gunn said that there are nine globes in the front and she would like the Commissioners to support her request to accept janitorial services for the Museum. Ms. Gunn said that she was told by Sara LaTourneau that she should not change light bulbs.

The Commissioners agreed to support Ms. Gunn’s request to accept janitorial services.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE VOUCHER FOR SUPPLIES FROM ACCOUNT 01 63005269 FOR $129.66 FOR WOOD, ART SUPPLIES, HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE INDICATOR, TAPE RECORDER AND A LASER POINTER
** MS. SUCHOFF SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn reported that the tenants at Smith Street need to have their exterior lights changed. She also reported that she obtained a quote for work on the HVAC system at the Gate Lodge. Ms. Falasca asked why Tourism didn’t pay for this. Ms. Gunn said that they are angry with the people that they selected to do the air conditioning installation.

The Commissioners agreed to send this item back to the people who negotiated the work. Mr. Bloom suggested returning the bill to Tourism. Ms. Gunn will call Alan Lo, who signed off on the work.

Ms. Gunn announced that a public hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2005 for the operating budget. Ms. Robinson asked who would like to attend. Ms. Gunn will send an e-mail regarding the time.

Financial Report

Ms. Gunn said that she just received the Financial Report this afternoon and had not had time to review it.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Robinson said that she contacted Ms. St. Aubyn at LMMM and told her that she wanted to meet with their Board to review the decision from the Corporation Counsel about what their relationship is with them. Ms. Robinson will let the Commission know when that will take place. Ms. Robinson asked for input from the Commission.

Ms. Gunn said she gave copies of the lease to Ms. Robinson, Ms. Falasca and Ms. Bryant. She asked if anyone else wanted a copy.

Ms. Robinson said that in the package were two letters from Mr. Bromley; one to the Commission and the other to Ms. Bryant. She said that she will follow through with the Corporation Counsel.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Cemeteries – Debbie Mathies

There was no report.

Demolitions – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairman

351 West Cedar Street

Ms. Falasca reported that it is a 1948 home and they may have to let it go.

Public Hearing, 130 – 134 Main Street

Ms. Falasca reported that the public hearing was very successful. There were 12 – 14 speakers in favor of keeping the buildings and 2 against. She said that it was a tremendous turnout for a Friday night. The 90-delay will run out in early March.

Ms. Robinson said that she had a letter from the Norwalk Historical Society addressing the Commission talking about the Main Street properties, opposing the demolition. Ms. Wall said that it was read into the record at the public hearing.

Ms. Falasca said that she would send a letter to Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning and the Mayor’s office opposing the demolition.

And any demolition applications published in The Hour or, received by the Commission as of February 18, 2004

There were none.

LMMM/Mill Hill – Marija Bryant, Chairman

There was no report

Ms. Mathies asked if they Commission wanted to send a letter to the Common Council or the Mayor regarding Fodor Farm. Mr. Krummel suggested that some of the people involved lay out their strategies to create a document to the full Council, probably through its Land Use Committee, which he chairs.

NHRI – Debbie Mathies, Chairman

Winthrop House – Rowayton – Village District

Norwalk Museum – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairman

Ms. Falasca said that they did not meet this month. She asked what was happening with the Friend’s records. Ms. Robinson said that she had an e-mail from Jeff Spahr saying that the Friends can have their records back, if co-mingling was a problem the records could be separated.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO RETURN THE FRIEND’S RECORDS TO THEIR PROPER OWNER

Mr. Suchoff asked if she accepts the direction that Ms. Robinson got about not co-mingling the records. Mr. Krummel said that he was not familiar with the Friend’s records and asked why they were not here at the Museum. Ms. Gunn said that they were founded to support the Museum and assumed that they were left here because of they are the history of the museum. Ms. Falasca told Ms. Gunn that she assumed wrong.

Ms. Wall asked what happens with other organizations that store records at the Museum. Ms. Gunn said that they are boxed and labeled. She explained that when the Norwalk Historical Society stored items they were in boxes and identified. They had an agreement that when they had people doing research they could research under the same guidelines as other people doing research. The deal was that they needed temporary space to store their documents.

Ms. Falasca said that it is the Friend’s group that decides what is historical to the Museum. Ms. Gunn told Ms. Falasca that she did not want her to remove the shelves that belonged to the Friends.

Ms. Robinson said that she has no problem having copies of records. Ms. Falasca said that any group that has anything in the Museum should be able to get to those documents. Ms. Robinson said that no other group is so intertwined with the Museum. Their records all pertain to the Museum.

Ms. Robinson said that they need to get a list of what the Friends wants. Ms. Falasca said that she told Ms. Gunn where everything is. Ms. Gunn said that she was not told. Ms. Robinson suggested that the Friends tell her where everything is. She will contact their president. Ms. Falasca said that they went through the documents year by year and was told that they were clearly marked.

Ms. Falasca asked, per the Friends request that the records be returned to them as soon as possible. Ms. Robinson said that the Friends need to supply her with a list.

** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE (1) ABSTENTION (MR. SUCHOFF)

Norwalk Museum Gift Shop – Betty Booth, Chairman

There was no report.

Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House – Bill Krummel, Co-Chairman

Mr. Krummel said that he was promised an estimate by the end of the week.

OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Robinson said that the Cap Grant report was received last week. Mr. Krummel said that it was a good report and very helpful.

Ms. Gunn said that she wanted to make some corrections to the finished report. Mr. Krummel said that he wanted clarification on an item on page 4 regarding inventory. Ms. Gunn said that she would ask for that clarification.

Ms. Booth said that the Commission asked for an inventory and expected to have a list. Ms. Gunn said that she would get that. Ms. Booth told Ms. Gunn that she gave them numbers of items, but does not know what they are. Ms. Gunn said that she didn’t understand the question that way, because she depends upon volunteers or staff to print out the different collections. She said that she will check, but she believes that 90 – 95% of the framed art work is entered into the inventory.

Ms. Gunn said that in a conversation with Ms. Robinson, she said that it takes time and she wants to provide the information in a form that makes sense. They are now closer to getting the large groups done.

Ms. Robinson said that she sat through two meeting and it seems that after reading the materials and e-mails, the Commission needs tangible results. That would be a world of help. Ms. Gunn said that she is planning to do that in the first week of March.

Ms. Gunn told Ms. Robinson that she provided 50 pages of catalog lists for photographs before she joined the Commission. She added that at the time, the Commission did not seem to value them.

Mr. Krummel said that there are excellent observations in the report. Ms. Robinson said that the Commissioners need to make it a point to go over the report and make comments. Ms. Robinson said that they all have to digest the report. Ms. Gunn said that she asked for an extension in time to respond. She said that the purpose of applying for the grant is to see what they need to care for the collection, but can not afford.

Ms. Falasca said that this building is in better shape than any of the other buildings, and they are lucky to have this building. Ms. Gunn said that is why she wanted to go for a preservation plan.

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Gunn said that she had brochures on the Hartford Antique Show on March 12 – 13th.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

There was no other business

The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services

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