JULY 27, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chair; Ralph Bloom; Betty Booth;
Marija Bryant (7:42 p.m.); Carol Ann Falasca; William Krummel;
Debbie Mathies; Gail Wall

STAFF: Susan Gunn, Curator

OTHERS: Michael Bromley; Robert Koch, The Hour

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 30, 2005

The following corrections were made to the minutes:

Correct spelling from Dunn to Dunne throughout.

Ms. Bryant arrived at 7:42 p.m.

Page 2: first sentence should read: Ms. Booth loaned Ms. Gunn a copy of the original letter, dated June 15, 2005 requesting all of the missing documents, which were listed, be returned.

Page 5: last paragraph, first sentence – correct grant request to the CAP grant.
Second sentence should read – Ms. Bryan asked if the person that did the survey could come to a meeting or participate in a conference call.

Page 6: under Demolition Permits, third paragraph, second sentence should read – Ms. Bryant said that the Norwalk Preservation Trust is putting in a 90-day delay.
Under Website Update, the first paragraph should read – Ms. Falasca said that there was no meeting held regarding the updating of the website, but that Ms. Bryant was working on it.

Page 7: third motion should read – Ms. Wall moved to have the curator immediately move the Rummler watercolor paintings out of the case in the foyer and return them to the vault.

Page 8: second motion should read – Ms. Wall moved to have the Curator arrange to clear the Merchant’s Court of the sulky and folding chairs and blackboards.
Second paragraph, second sentence – Ms. Wall said to start with the fax machine room in August and the Curator’s office in July, and the larger room to be determined.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE (1) ABSTENTION (MR. KRUMMEL)

REPORTS

When presenting their written reports, Ms. Robinson, urged the Commissioners to highlight only the most important areas.

LOCKWOOD MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM

Mr. Bloom explained that Ms. St. Aubyn was unable to attend tonight’s meeting because she is on her way to Massachusetts. He said that she had one request. Ms. Robinson replied that they know when the Historical Commission meets and they need to come before the Commission with their requests.

NORWALK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ms. Wall said that her report stands as presented.

STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT

NORWALK MUSEUM
STUDENT INTERNS/VOLUNTEERS

Ms. Gunn apologized for not e-mailing her report to the Commissioners. She explained that due to the weather, she had problems with her computer.

Ms. Gunn reviewed her written report and thanked the Friends for their volunteer efforts. She said that the student interns are pleasant, cheerful and will do what is asked of them.

Ms. Gunn explained who holds the master keys. All of the other keys are locked in the office. Ms. LeTourneau has also requested a copy of the keys along with the combination.

Ms. Gunn said that a request was made to extend the architectural assessment report for the CAP Grant. As of today, she has not received a response.

Mr. Bloom talked about the Norwalk Redware plate that will be up for auction in August and suggested that it would be a very important piece to add to the collection. It is only one of three in existence.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO HAVE THE CURATOR CONTACT THE DEALER LOU SCRANTO AND RESEARCH WHETHER HE CAN OPEN A DIALOGUE WITH THE OWNER OF THE NORWALK REDWARE PLATE
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

The Fairfield Bank has requested permission to use a selected group of photographs for their 2006 calendar.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FAIRFIELD BANK’S REQUEST FOR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THEIR 2006 CALENDAR AND TO FOLLOW THE SAME PROCEDURE AS LAST YEAR
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Mr. Richard Miller has requested jpeg photographs of the decorated Redward for possible inclusion in an upcoming article for Ceramics in America. Ms. Gunn will obtain additional information and report back to the Commission next month.

PROPOSED EVENTS

Ms. Gunn reported that the DAR would like to hold two meetings at The Norwalk Museum.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ALLOW THE DAR TO HOLD TWO (2) MEETINGS AT THE NORWALK MUSEUM (SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 AT 7:00 P.M. AND MARCH 9, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.)
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Bryant said that she would like to see a written policy regarding event requests and schedules.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO REQUEST THAT THE CURATOR DEVELOP A DRAFT POLICY FOR THE USE OF THE NORWALK MUSEUM FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR OUTSIDE GROUPS
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Robinson said that she would contact Ms. Switzer at the Redevelopment Agency regarding the clean up after their meeting that was held at The Museum. Ms. Gunn said that she would like to discuss the possibility of having a cleaning crew come in.

DONATIONS

Ms. Gunn said that the Westport Historical Society asked to borrow some Raggedy Ann dolls and Victorian toys for their exhibit “Yesterday’s Toyland”. Ms. Wall said that the building is exposed to daylight and is concerned that the exposure to sunlight would be detrimental to the pieces. She suggested that they may wish to use photographs instead. Ms. Gunn said that she first wants to confirm where in the facility they would be holding the exhibit.

Regarding item 13 – Provide documentation for acceptance of the 350th Celebration collage. Ms. Gunn said that she has records of it being entered into The Museum’s acquisition log along with an exchange of e-mails. Ms. Wall said that the dispute is over who owns the collage. She said that she does not believe that Linda Hays had the authority to donate the collage to The Museum. Ms. Robinson said that she is waiting for Ms. Hayes to find a copy of the letter.

COLLECTIONS

PURCHASE: IMAGES OF CONTENTMENT: JOHN KENSETT AND THE CONNECTICUT SHORE

Ms. Gunn said that she would like to purchase a copy of the book for the archives. The book would cost $41.00 plus tax and shipping and handling and the payment could be made from the proceeds of the donation box.

Mr. Krummel asked Ms. Gunn about item 6 on the list of accomplishments, which was to label all display cases. Ms. Gunn said that three of the cases have been labeled. It is an on-going process. She added that the interns are inventorying the cases before applying the labels.

Ms. Gunn said that item 3 – Pottery removal from offices and obtain appraisal for the pottery plate – which has been requested for the past two years, was delayed because this is a new person who is located in Connecticut.

LAUNDRY

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT NOTHING LEAVES THE NORWALK MUSEUM BUILDING WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION EXCEPT FOR LAUNDRY
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

CONDITION REPORT – L1.344.1, 2

Item #7 – Provide a “condition” report for the damaged Lockwood vase. Ms. Gunn said that she would contact the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum to determine if they have a record of the urn.

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL HAVE THE DAMAGED VASE LOOKED AT AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE COST TO REPAIR
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Booth asked Ms. Gunn when she noticed that the vase was damaged. Ms. Gunnn said that it was damaged when she arrived. Mr. Bloom said that nothing was broken when he left this institution.

The Commissioners discussed the catalogue cards. Ms. Gunn said that she has two sets of cards; one with the subject and the other the accession. She said that she would file the subject card in the vault.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL FILE ONE SET OF ORIGINAL CATALOGUE CARDS IN THE FIRE-PROOF VAULT
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

ACQUISITION OF COLLAGES

Ms. Gunn presented items that had been offered to The Museum. The first was a City Directory from 1910. Mr. Bloom said that there are three complete sets within the City. Ms. Gunn said that they are helpful for people doing research. Ms. Falasca said that she felt that the directory should be accepted.

Ms. Gunn then presented three copies of newspaper clippings that had to do with the flood. She said that they would be good to add to the flood files.

Ms. Flo Bassone, through a friend offered photographs of the Springwood section sports teams from 1925-1928.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PHOTOGRAPHS
** MS. WALL SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn presented a scrapbook that was one of a series compiled by a woman, beginning during the 1930’s. Mr. Bloom said that the newspaper clippings in the scrapbook were not a good material to keep, because the newspaper deteriorates.

Ms. Wall suggested sending the scrapbooks to The Museum committee for further review.

PRESERVATION AND OPEN SPACE FUNDING

Ms. Gunn said that she did not get a clear response and will continue to ask about this.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL EXPLORE THE PROCEDURE TO ALLOCATE NEW STATE FUNDING FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN NORWALK
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

GATE LODGE PAINT REVIEW

Ms. Gunn presented color samples for the addition. Mr. Bloom suggested painting it brown to match the brown trim.

Ms. Falasca expressed her displeasure with the mixed media places in Mathew’s Park.

** MR. BLOOM MOVED THAT A LETTER WILL BE SENT OT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL TO REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT WHO APPROVED THE SCULPTURES AT MATHEWS PARK, WHAT WAS THE PROCEDURE, WHO OWNS THE SCULPTURES, IF THEY ARE INSURED AND HOW LONG THEY WILL BE ON DISPLAY
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED

Ms. Booth said that the sculptures are for sale by the artists. Mr. Krummel commented that this is a “blue collar” town and that passes for art.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

FINANCE REPORT

Ms. Gunn reported that the building budget is encumbered for the hot water tank.

Mr. Bloom needs to be reimbursed $50.00 for the flowers in memory of Mrs. Fay.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Robinson did not have a report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CEMETERIES

Ms. Mathies reported that the RFP’s are due on August 3, 2005.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL OBTAIN THE GPS SURVEY THAT WAS PAID FOR THREE YEARS AGO
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Gunn said that in her last conversation with the surveyor, he had completed 2/3 of the project.

DEMOLITIONS

123 MURRAY STREET – this is a 1948 ranch. The are turning it into a 2-building lot.

AND ANY DEMOLITION APPLICATIONS PUBLISHED IN THE HOUR OR RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSION AS OF JULY 20, 2005

29 Nash Place – Ms. Falasca reported that this dwelling was very run down.

37 Split Rock Road – this is an early contemporary, built in 1960.

Smith House – Mr. Bloom said that the family met with the developer. He said that he would like to see the lightening rod salvaged.

LMMM/MILL HILL

Ms. Bryant did not have a report.

NORWALK MUSEUM

** MS. MATHIES MOVED THAT THE NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION PARTNER WITH THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO WORK ON THE RESTORATION PROGRAM FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO PERMIT THE FRIENDS TO HOLD A TAG SALE AT THE MUSEUM DURING THE FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER 2005
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL PROVIDE PROVENANCE AND THE COST OF THE REVEREND HALL PORTRAIT BY THE AUGUST 2005 MEETING
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE CURATOR WILL HAVE ALL VOLUNTEERS FILL OUT AN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION AND INCLUDE REFERENCES FOR THE COMMISSION’S APPROVAL
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

NORWALK MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

Ms. Booth did not have a report.

ROGERS-RITCH-MERRITT HOUSE

There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Wall asked if the office machines worked. Ms. Gunn said that they all have their quirks. The copier that she uses works the best, but the others do not. Since they were donated, they do not have service contracts. Ms. Falasca asked if City Hall could purchase a copier for the office. Ms. Gunn said that she requested a copier in the last budget cycle. She said that she will again include a request for a copier in this year’s budget.

In response to Ms. Wall’s question about linking the computers to the City, Ms Gunn said that she will contact the City’s IT department.

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Gunn said that she will be on vacation from July 29 through August 9, 2005. Ms. Wall said that she will be on vacation from July 29 through August 7, 2005.

Ms. Falasca asked Ms. Gunn if she had made arrangements to keep The Museum open during her absence. Ms. Gunn said that the interns were originally going to give tours, but the Friends took over that responsibility. The interns have been entering data into the computer and can continue to label.

Ms. Booth told Ms. Gunn that they need to have coverage when she is away. Ms. Bryant said that she is concerned about the lack of communication. Ms. Gunn said that she was given other directions by Ms. LeTourneau. Ms. Booth said that Ms. LeTourneau should not have given her permission for the vacation time without checking with the Commission.

Ms. Wall said that The Museum needs a plan in place to keep the building open during Ms. Gunn’s absence. Ms. Gunn said that is why the assistants were helpful. Ms. Bryant noted that they are not here, and that is whey it is important to have a plan for coverage. Ms. Robinson said that the Volunteers can not run The Museum without supervision.

Ms. Gunn said that she will e-mail everyone notifying them that she will be away and requesting openers and closers.

The Commissioners discussed opening and closing schedules. Mr. Bloom said that it was especially important to have coverage during the SoNo Arts Festival weekend.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

Mr. Bloom said that they accepted the William Pitt sign and it is currently at Rising Sign Company. It fits nicely over the door and it is heavily guilded. There are a lot of pieces of street furniture that can go into the Merchant’s Court.

Mr. Bloom said that the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum will be presenting a doll exhibit this fall and requested that the cabinet that is located downstairs be returned to them as quickly as possible. The exhibit will be a part of their Christmas display this year.

Ms. Bryant said that the developers of the former Gibbs property are requesting a variance to allow additional height. She suggested that the Historical Commission should participate if there is a public hearing.

Ms. Bryant acknowledged receipt of a letter from Attorney Bromley. She said that after reading the letter there are issues that she needs to address and will do so. Ms. Bryant asked Attorney Bromley to send her a copy of his complaint.

Ms. Booth said that they need to respond to the Boy Scout who came in and presented a proposed project to the Commissioners. Ms. Falasca said that the CAP Grant recommends installing weather stripping on the windows and putting up panels. She added that they need to know what the City will permit.

Ms. Gunn will ask the City for guidance as to what they can do to the building. She will also fax a plan to Code Enforcement and Planning and Zoning for their comments. Ms. Booth said that the building does not belong to the City.

Ms. Robinson will send a letter to the Boy Scout informing him that the Commission would like to meet with him to discuss modifying his proposed project.

Ms. Mathies said that they need to think about applying for several grants per year. She asked Ms. Gunn to come up with some ideas for grants they could apply for.

Ms. Falasca asked about the Joye Felice exhibit. Ms. Gunn said that the Law Department said that it was gone.

Ms. Wall said that Mr. Iannacone resigned from the Commission a number of months ago, and they have not presented him with a plaque. Ms. Gunn said that that her e-mail with the wording for the plaque disappeared from her computer. Ms. Bryant noted that the wording will have to be re-created.

Ms. Robinson said that at the June 9, 2005 special meeting, the Commissioners took a no confidence vote. The Personnel Director asked the Commissioners to provide her with specific information regarding the unsatisfactory performance.

Ms. Robinson distributed the document to the Commissioners for their review and said that she and Ms. Wall and Ms. Mathies worked on the document.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO FORWARD THE DOCUMENT TO THE PERSONNEL DIRECTOR
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned a t 11:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services

Back to Previous Page	Back to Home Page