June 30, 2005

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

STAFF: Susan Gunn

OTHERS: Michael Bromley; Barbara Amodio; Robert Koch, The Hour; Ryan Jockers, Norwalk Advocate; George Daily, Norwalk Police

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

May 25, 2005 - MINUTES
Corrections: Page 1, paragraph 1, large windows.
Page 3, correct spelling of Sara Letourneau and Jeff Spar.
Page 3, last sentence: because she told the city the commission – Would not accept it unless the commission was in charge of it.
Page 4, correct spelling of Sara Letourneau.
Financial report – paragraph one, delete or out- add ‘would be running out.
Page 4, top paragraph [h, She will put an article in the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Newsletter.
Page 4, Ms. Mathies – Chairwoman of the Ad Hoc Committee.
Page 4, last paragraph, Ms. Bryant will get a quote.
Page 5, Paragraph 2, add shelving units in the basement. Paragraph 5, Poly Ester is two words. Paragraph 1, delete. Paragraph 6, Montelese is correct spelling of name.
Page 6, Paragraph 4, some stones to be repaired by the summer.
For LMMM/Mill Hill- Ms. Bryant –estimates for schoolhouse.
Chairman’s report: Thanks to Mr. Kraus for his help. RRM- waiting for estimates.
B. Amodio – for every redevelopment “could be”.
Page 7, Ms. Falasca moved to approve retu8rn of all return of FNM documents.
Paragraph 3, Asked Scott Gibson: Paragraph 7, delete Chowder ticket: Paragraph 5, add “depending on work he provide a stipend of $2,000.

** MR. SUCHOFF MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES AS CORRECTED
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

June 9, 2005 –Minutes

** MR. SUCHOFF MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 9, 2005
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Booth gave Ms. Gunn a copy of the original letter requesting the document of FNM be returned.

REPORTS – TO HISTORICAL COMMISSION

LOCKWOOD MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM

There was no report tonight.

NORWALK HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPORT

Ms. Wall said that to date there have been over 300 visitors to the museum. Ms. Wall also said that there was a 3D color view of the flood exhibit. She said it received great reviews. Ms. Wall said that the NHS would like to applaud the Norwalk Historical Commission and the Norwalk Museum as well as the Friends of the Norwalk Museum. She added that she is working on other avenues of traffic for the November exhibit such as students and redevelpment.

Ms. Wall said that the advertising for the museum needed to be updated and resolved to attract more visitors and volunteers. She added that there has to be a recruiting process for attracting volunteers for the museum.

MILL HILL LEASE

Ms. Wall said that negotiations have started and are going well. She added that there have been 450 third graders to come through the museum and have received proposals from 2 schools for the fall.

Ms. Booth asked how Ms. Wall proposed to incorporate the Smith Street Barn and the Jail into the lease. Ms. Wall said that she spoke to Mr. Bloom and they thought it would be a good use of space as a tourism visitor office. She added that the barn could be used as an exhibition space. Ms. Wall said that the lease expires June 30, 2005. She said that she has been talking with Alan Lo about a ten-year lease with two five-year extensions. Ms. Wall said that with the ten-year lease they are planning to install an exhibit on early Norwalk that would be hands on. Ms. Wall said that the focus is on Mill Hill to raise grant money or pick up utility costs. She added that the preservation plan was for Mill Hill at this point.

Ms. Falasca said that this was a big responsibility for the Norwalk Historical Society. Ms. Wall said that they have been monitoring the property. She added that during the redevelopment she has been meeting with Mr. DiScala to make him understand the vision of the property and Mill Hill.

Ms. Bryant asked about the plans for the old jail. Ms. Wall said that if the first level were available she would like to use it as visitor space. Ms. Wall said that she wanted Mr. Lo to know what she wanted and to use the plans from the 1970’s. Ms. Falasca said that there has to be a way to get to the top of the hill from Smith Street.

DUNN HARDWARE

Mr. Bloom said that it was 99% ready and might be ready for a July dedication.
Ms. Robinson thanked him for his hard work. Mr. Bloom said that a lot of the credit should go to All Phase Construction.

CURATORS REPORT

Ms. Gunn said that nine students from the Maritime Aquarium visited on Tuesday and came back today as well. Ms. Gunn explained the summer camp that the Maritime Aquarium was running.

Ms. Falasca said that the Lyon’s family birthday cocktail party has been cancelled.

Ms. Gunn said that the Redevelopment Agency would like to set up a tent when using the museum on July 12th. She said that there would be a presentation at 6:30 of projects for the next fiscal year. She added that they are expecting about 100 people. Ms. Wall asked when did Susan Sweitzer first ask to hold this meeting at the museum. Ms. Wall said that Ms. Sweitzer contacted the curator months ago about the reservation date. Ms. Gunn said she did not receive any email from her and that Ms. Sweitzer said she would get back to her with an answer.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO USE THE NORWALK MUSEUM FOR THEIR ANNUAL MEETING ON JULY 12, 2005 PENDING THE CONSULTATION APPROVAL BY PLAZA REALTY.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Gunn said that there has been a request from Connection Tours with a motor coach tour to use the museum on August 17 at 12:30pm.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO OPEN THE NORWALK MUSEUM ON AUGUST 17TH FOR THE CONNECTION TOURS AT 12:30PM.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Gunn said that she continues to place ads for volunteers for the museum. She said that she might have a volunteer taking a temp job and does not know how much time she will have to volunteer. Ms. Gunn said that she has contacted Peter Davenport at the Advocate regarding volunteers.

Ms. Wall asked if donations were given for bookings at the museum. Ms. Gunn said that the donations went into the same account as the gift shop account.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR TO CONTINUE TO SUBMIT ADS RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE NORWALK MUSEUM.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Gunn read the details of the 1955 flood and the Dunn Hardware store. Ms. Wall said that she sent an email June 15 about the flood from 50 years ago but memories remain vivid through the eyes of the ones that were there.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR TO CONTINUE TO UPDATE THE NORWALK MUSEUM ADS LISTINGS TO INCLUDE THE FLOOD EXHIBIT IN THE NORWALK HOUR AND THE NORWALK ADVOCATE BY JULY 1 2005.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. BOOTH MOVED THAT THER NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION SHALL INVITE THE “FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK MUSEUMS” TO TAKE CHARGE OF ALL VOLUNTEER SERVICES FOR THE NORWALK MUSEUM. THE CURATOR SHALL BE RELIEVED OF ALL MATTERS CONCERNING VOLUNTEERS PROVIDING HER WITH ADDITIONAL TIME TO DEVOTE TO OTHER DUTIES. A VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM SHALL BE FORMULATED BY THE “FRIENDS” AND THE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE SHOULD BE MADE UP WELL IN ADVANCE AND POSTED BY THE “FRIENDS”
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Wall asked the Curator to provide confirmation of ads placed in newspapers.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO CONTINUE TO PLACE ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ADS TO REPLACE VOLUNTEERS STARTING JULY 1 2005.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Gunn said that she has quotes for hot water heaters.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE QUOTE OF $978 FROM PAUL THE PLUMBER FOR SMITH STREET TO REPLACE HOT WATER HEATERS WITH A 12-YEAR WARRANTY.
** MS. WALL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Bryant asked about the carriage house doors. Ms. Bryant suggested moving $205 from the postage account to help pay for the carriage doors.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO USE THE REST OF THE OPERATION MONEY OF $3080.00 TO LET TDS HOMELINE REPAIR CARRIAGE HOUSE DOORS.
** MS. WALL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CEMETARY REPORT

Ms. Mathies said that the purchasing department has forms and was moving very slowly. She added that contractors must submit on city forms.

CAP GRANT

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ASK THE CURATOR TO REQUEST AN EXTENSION FOR ONE MONTH ON THE CAP GRANT RESPONSE.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Falasca said that more time was needed for responding to grant requests. She said that she disagreed with several things. Ms. Bryant asked if the person that did the survey come to a meeting or participate in a conference call. Ms. Robinson said that when Ms. Gunn contacts them she could ask that question.
Ms. Falasca said that we should write down all questions and consolidate responses. Ms. Falasca said to have all questions to her by July 20 and she will consolidate for the next meeting and set up a conference call.

Ms. Gunn said she received an invoice from Electrical Wholesalers for the opening. Ms. Wall said that she paid for the spotlight lamps in the amount of $591.19 with her personal credit card. She said that purchased 16 additional lamps from Klaff’s that were needed and paid $48.00 for them with her personal credit card. Ms. Gunn said that money would be in the budget again tomorrow. Ms. Wall suggested donating them to the Norwalk Museum. Ms. Robinson said that the NHS would reimburse Ms. Wall for her expenses regarding the spotlight and lamp purchases placed on her personal credit card.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED TO AUTHORZIE MS. GUNN TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE NHC WITH THE CITY OF NORWALK FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

There was no report tonight.

DEMOLITION PERMITS

Ms. Falasca said that 288 Highland Avenue next to Brian McMahon is almost demolished. She said that 25 Sniffen Street is horrible.

Ms. Falasca said that 32 Crest Rd has 548 square feet of living space and is very small. She said that all of them should be demolished.

Ms. Falasca said that 13 Winfield Street is in a commercial zone. Ms. Bryant suggested putting a 21-day delay on the property.

Mr. Krummel arrived at 9:55pm.

WEBSITE UPDATE

Ms. Falasca said that there was no meeting held regarding the updating of the website.

Ms. Wall said that there are concerns at the museum that needed to be addressed.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE POTTERY FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND PUT THEM INTO THE POTTERY STORAGE ROOM AND TO GET AN APPRAISAL FOR THE POTTERY PLATE, WHICH CURRENTLY IS RESIDING ON THE CURATOR’S DESK AND PLACE THAT IN THE POTTERY STORAGE ROOM AS WELL.
** MR. KRUMMEL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Wall said that the NHC has asked for this appraisal for two years.

Ms. Gunn said that she has not found a proper display for the pottery. Ms. Wall said that the pottery should not be sitting on Ms. Gunn’s desk.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR IMMEDIATELY MOVE THE PROBATE BOOKS FROM THE FLOOR OF THE CONFERENCE ROOM INTO THE VAULT.
** MS. BOOTHY SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR IMMEDIATELY MOVE THE RUMMLER PAINTINGS OUT OF THE CASE IN THE FOYER AND RETURN THEM TO THE VAULT.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR IMMEDIATELY LABEL ALL DISPLAY CASES.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Krummel said that this museum is a self-guided museum and should be labeled as such. Ms. Falasca said that a handout should be given out when a visitor comes into the museum.

Ms. Gunn said that there were several things that were not done prior to her employment at the museum. She added that whatever she said would not make a difference. Ms. Gunn asked why was this brought up at the meeting and why a commission member would not visit the museum to discuss this. Mr. Krummel said that there was a lack of respect for the commission. He added that the instructions should be carried out through the chairman of the commission. Ms. Robinson said that it was not appropriate for the curator to ask why the commission is telling you to do things and not calling you at the office to ask you to do things. She added that the commissioners make a motion and that is why this is being done.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR PROVIDE A ‘CONDITION REPORT’ FOR THE DAMAGED LOCKWOOD VASE.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR ARRANGE TO CLEAR THE MERCHANT’S COURT AND SULKY OF FOLDING CHAIRS AND BACKBOARDS.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Falasca said that this should be done before the Redevelopment Agency meeting on July 12.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR CLEAN THE SINK CLOSET AREA LOCATED IN THE MERCHANT’S COURT AND BE COMPETED BEFORE JULY 12.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE NORWALK MUSEUM VAULT BE LOCKED EVERY NIGHT AT CLOSING.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR CLEAN-UP THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, INCLUDING THE CURATOR’S OFFICE.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Wall said that she was not sure of the time frame for this motion because of the extreme state of upheaval. Ms. Bryant said to start with the fax machine room and the curator’s office. Ms. Wall said that those two small rooms should be cleaned and organized by the end of the August meeting.

Ms. Bryant said that part of cleaning up the offices included setting up systems. Ms. Bryant asked Ms. Gunn if she was capable of setting up the systems. Ms. Gunn responded yes. Ms. Gunn said that she agreed that the museum needed major work as long as she has the time. She asked the commission to review the report that recommended dividing the curator’s job into two positions. Ms. Gunn said that there is too much work for one person.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR MAKE A LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS FOR THE CLEAN UP AND ORGANIZATION OF THE VAULT.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR TO IMMEDIATELY PROVIDE THE DOCUMENTATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE 350TH CELEBRATION COLLAGE.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR INVESTIGATE THE ACCESSION OF THE TWO COLLAGES AND PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION BY THE JULY MEETING.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Wall asked if there were any other items on loan to the museum or from the museum. Ms. Gunn responded no.

Ms. Wall asked if the commission had a collection management policy in place. Ms. Gunn responded that there are some parts of it done. Ms. Bryant asked Ms. Gunn if that should be one of the first things that should have been completed. Ms. Wall said that the documentation should now be in place for that policy. Ms. Gunn said that she has been using other museum management policies as a guide.

NEW BUSINESS

The tape stopped recording at this point of the meeting. There were notes that indicated Mr. Bloom speaking and a motion was made but the notes did not indicate what the motion was or who made the motion.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Lane
Telesco Secretarial Services

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