JANUARY 25, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chairwoman; Carol Ann Falasca; Betty Booth; Liz Fenton;
Ralph Bloom; Bill Krummel; Debbie Mathies; Marija Bryant; Gail Wall

STAFF: Susan Gunn-Bromley, Curator

OTHER: Michael Bromley; Marjorie St. Aubyn, LMMM; Colt Kostowski, Eagle Scout;
Dave Tilly, Mead Point

CALL TO ORDER

Chairwoman Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.

Mr. Colt Kostowski, Eagle Scout spoke about the Merchant’s Courtyard floor project he’s doing at the Museum. He distributed information on the project. The materials to be used are FlexBond Fortified thin-set mortar, Polyblend ceramic tile caulk, and Ultra-Clear waterproof sealer. The work will be done in small sections. He will work on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings when the museum is closed, and Mr. Bloom will supervise him and the other Boy Scouts involved.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROJECT AS DESCRIBED.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Dave Tilley of Mead Point reviewed his presentation for Summer View Place, at West Main Street. Ms. Bryant explained that this is a good solution for the neighborhood. The project doesn’t save all the houses, but it does plan on saving the most significant ones. The proposed development is for 41 units, 25 of which are townhomes. There will be private parking underneath 25 of them. He showed drawings of all aspects of the project, including the green area, the courtyard, the landscaping, and the overall historic look of the project. Almost of the project is a green project. There is almost 30,000 sq. ft. of grass or recreation area planned. The requirement is 8,000 sq. ft. They are trying to achieve a Platinum Leads rating, which is the highest rating. There aren’t any neighborhoods with that rating in the area. The project would be on the cutting edge of energy efficiency, water conservation, irrigation, etc. The project would receive points if they use proper techniques for the recycling of construction debris.

The first house that will be saved is #19, and it will be turned to make it more prominent. That would allow them to build a foundation. The next house is the former funeral home that will have a courtyard developed around it. The project will incorporate iron fences, and each house will have a front and back porch. They are planning to start in the spring, and they would need some variances. The commission suggested that he prepare a 3D model of the project to bring before the respective boards and commissions for approval.

REPORTS – TO HISTORICAL COMMISSION

a. Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum – Marjorie St. Aubyn

Ms. St. Aubyn said that she didn’t have a report, as the museum is closed until 1/26/06. She and Chairwoman Robinson then discussed the meeting schedule, and the necessity of having a representative from LMMM attend them, especially when it relates to the capital budget. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said the next meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2006.

b. Norwalk Historical Society – Gail Wall

Ms. Wall said that her report stands as submitted.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 26 and November 16 Meetings of the NHC

The corrections to the minutes of October 26, 2005 are as follows:

On page 2, the title of “DEMOLITIONS” should be changed to “PUBLIC HEARINGS”.
On page 2, under “PUBLIC HEARINGS”, 2nd sentence, Judy “Caban” should be changed to “Cobin”.
On page 4, 6th and 7th paragraph, the word “sheers” should be changed to “shears”.
On page 5, 8th paragraph, 1st sentence, the word “quilts” should be changed to “quilt”;
4th sentence, the word “quilts” should be changed to “quilt”.
On page 5, 10th paragraph, the word “a” should be changed to “this”.
On page 5, under CHAIRMAN’S REPORT, 2nd sentence, Elizabeth “Benton” should be changed to “Fenton”.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2005 AS AMENDED.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE (1) ABSTENTION (FENTON).

The corrections to the minutes of November 16, 2005 are as follows:

On page 1, Ms. Wall should be added to the Attendance.
On page 1, under GUESTS, Dick “Ventry” should be changed to “Ventre”.
On page 5, under Norwalk Museum Gift Shop, the first motion should be changed to:
“MS. BOOTH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSALS 1-10 AS DISTRIBUTED; THE MINUTES FROM THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 5, 2005 NEED TO BE ATTACHED TO KNOW WHAT WAS APPROVED.”
On page 5, under Norwalk Museum Gift Shop, the words “** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY” should be added before the second motion.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley said that the copy of the November 16, 2005 minutes she provided contains her suggested corrections in italic.

The commissioners decided to postpone the acceptance of the minutes from November 16, 2005.

b. September 21 and October 19 Public Hearing Minutes

** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2005 PUBLIC HEARING.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE (1) ABSTENTION (FENTON).

** CHAIRWOMAN ROBINSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 19, 2005 PUBLIC HEARING.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The public hearing that was held on October 19, 2005 was on the demolition of a house on Stuart Avenue. Some discussion followed at this meeting regarding the demolition permit process, the 90-day delays, and the Fire Department conducting smoke test exercises in the house. There is considerable damage done to the house as a result of the exercises, which undermines the intent of the 90-day delay.

** MS. WALL MOVED THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO SEND A LETTER TO THE FIRE CHIEF REQUESTING THAT NO FIRE EXERCISES BE CONDUCTED ON BUILDINGS DURING THE DEMOLITION APPLICATION PERIOD OR THE 90-DAY DELAY PERIOD.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT

a. Norwalk Museum/NHC

Ms. Gunn-Bromley and the commissioners reviewed her written report.

Mr. Bloom said that on page 4, regarding the vouchers for the urn flowers, that was a donation. There is still money in this year’s budget for next year’s flowers.

On page 4, regarding the mail in the NHC mailbox that could possibly be accessed by someone other than the curator, Mr. Bloom said that it could be due to a postal carrier’s error. It had happened to him on several occasions also.

There was much discussion about the photographs that were returned to the Museum from City Hall. They received a receipt from the City Clerk that outlined 5 pieces of artwork being returned. Ms. Gunn-Bromley only remembers sending 4 photographs over to City Hall. They were photographs of the Silvermine Tavern, the 5 Mile River, the old bank building, and Green’s Ledge Lights. It was determined that the piece in question had a sticker on it, saying “Lockwood House”, which was formerly the Norwalk Museum.

Ms. Matheis said she would like to have the 10th bullet point removed entirely, regarding Ms. Gunn-Bromley’s researching or applying for grants, as she doesn’t remember making that direction.

The commissioners spoke about the GPS survey. Ms. Robinson said that they would write a letter if they didn’t receive a response.

There was some discussion regarding the format of the report. Some suggestions were made to put in different groupings within the report, i.e. Accomplishments/Acquisitions; In Process; and HC Action Needed. Another suggestion was made to include the percentage of time allotted to each task. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said this will be done for both of her positions, but on separate documents.

Ms. Gunn-Bromley spoke about the pottery shards and kiln furniture that were dug up. She then discussed some items that she had for possible donation to the Museum. One of them was a 1931 yearbook from the Hillside School, in addition to newspaper clippings, tickets, invitations, etc. The items will get archived as a group. Mr. Bates bought some of the items on E-Bay, and he would like to donate them to the Museum. He is also interested in offering another copy of the 1939 Norwalk book.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION ACCEPT ALL THE ITEMS FOR DONATION.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Booth said the commission has not reviewed the Mill Hill Lease. Ms. Wall said the lease is what they had discussed and agreed to in the draft that went to the Land Use Committee, and then Corporation Council. There were some minor errors in it, namely that Glenn Iannacone is still listed as the President of the Historical Society. The corrections should be made and it should then be signed. Ms. Booth suggested that they see all the leases.

CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT

Chairwoman Robinson said there was no report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Finance – Liz Fenton, Chairwoman

Ms. Fenton said there was no report. She has been attending the meetings.

b. Demolitions – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairwoman

Ms. Falasca spoke of the Logan Place demolition. They didn’t have the walk through yet. Ms. Bryant said they confirmed that at the public hearing, they agreed to put it in the hands of the Norwalk Preservation Trust. She said that Mr. Bryant has spoken to the owners, and they didn’t know about the public hearing. The house is not salvageable, and their interest is in demolishing the house and building a tasteful one in its place.

The commissioners spoke about 26 Wilson Avenue. Ms. Bryant said she sent an email to everyone about this. There was a delay in the demolition. The attorney is Ms. Amy Livolsi, representing the builder/developer and new owner, Steve Kerschner. There was discussion that the attorney and the developer were awaiting a call back from Ms. Gunn-Bromley. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said that she had received a call from Ms. Livolsi, but she was not sure what the call was regarding. They suggested that they do a walk-through on Saturday morning. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said she will call the attorney to set up the time. Ms. Falasca had some concerns about sending a formal letter; Ms. Matheis suggested sending a letter to request them to come to the NHC. Ms. Bryant volunteered to draft the letter/policy. Ms. Gunn-Bromley asked the commission about the resident that called regarding a property on Flax Hill Road, and should it be on the Henry list. They agreed that she should send the information to Ms. Falasca to followup.

i. 69 Fillow Street Demolition Delay

Ms. Falasca said they put a 90-day delay on this. It is a subdivision involving 3 houses. They can’t save the house, especially with the amount of land in the back. She suggested that they send the owner a letter to invite them to the NHC.

ii. 541 Westport Ave., dfd 1/10/06, 21 ddd 2/1/06

Ms. Falasca said that this is already in progress.

Ms. Falasca said that 23 Point Road, on Wilson Point, is a small, 1952 colonial that sold for $2.2M. It’s not on the waterfront side of the street. It’s on 1.31 acre, and had 4,500 sq ft. The new house to be built will be 6,000 sq. ft. The demolition sign is not there. There are no real estate signs visible in the area. Ms. Wall suggested that the commissioners have identification cards made so they can use them on drive-throughs. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said she will look into it. The commissioners agreed not to put the 90-day delay on 23 Point Road.

iii. And any demolition applications published in The Hour or, received by the Commission as of January 25, 2006

c. Management Committee

Ms. Matheis said her recommendations are to ask for more information about joining the Norwalk Museum task force.

The second recommendation is that the property list, that Council passed in March 2004 to identify historic properties, be updated with the codes. Ms. Gunn-Bromley will send a request to the City Clerk.

She also suggested that they recommend the correction of the omission in the City’s current contract for private building management services with Grubb & Ellis, to include the City’s historic properties when the current contract is renewed on June 30, 2006. The special request shall be made for an appropriation for general building maintenance, non-restoration items. Ms. Bryant said that one of the recommendations for the Planning Principles that the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association (ENNA) submitted should include historic buildings.

** MS. MATHEIS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING THREE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE –
- REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING THE MUSEUM TASK FORCE;
- PROPOSE A REVISION TO CHAPTER 57A OF THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION IN THE CITY CODE TO REFLECT THE COMMON COUNCIL-APPROVED UPDATED LIST OF HISTORIC SITES AND BUILDINGS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION;
- TO EXPLORE THE OMISSION IN THE CITY’S CURRENT CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SERVICES WITH GRUBB & ELLIS;
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. MATHEIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT FROM THE LOCKWOOD COLLECTION ON THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GIFT TO THE CITY OF NORWALK.

It was suggested that an outline letter proposal be prepared giving specific information about the contents of the exhibit, the layout, timeframe, etc.

** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK MUSEUM PUT TOGETHER A PROPOSAL WITH THE ANNIVERSARY DATE OF THE LOCKWOOD COLLECTION, A START DATE TO THE EXHIBIT, AN END DATE TO THE EXHIBIT, AND TO SUPPLY A COPY OF THE LAYOUT WITH THE COLLECTION CHOSEN TO DISPLAY IN THE EXHIBIT.

Some discussion followed regarding the closing of current exhibit, and the possibility of coordinating the opening of another exhibit. It was suggested to not have a fundraiser with the exhibits, but to suggest donations instead. It was agreed that the closing party would be in February, and the proposed opening would be in April 2006, to tie-in with the April 1, 2006 anniversary of the ground-breaking ceremony.

** MR. KRUMMEL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Booth said she didn’t have a Gift Shop Committee report. She said the Friends are sending a report. She read a letter to the commissioners regarding the December sales figures, which grossed $8,022.50. The expenses totaled $2,500, leaving a profit of $5,500.00. More discussion followed regarding items being cleaned out after the Tag Sale so that the Friends can proceed. Ms. Booth said the Friends have agreed to donate the profit to one of the three museums - LMMM, Norwalk, or Mill Hill. Mr. Bloom said that hopefully, the profit would pay for the renovations for carpeting, paint, etc.

** MS. WALL MOVED THE GIFT SHOP COMMITTEE HAVE A MEETING IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO REVIEW WHAT THE GIFT SHOP WILL LOOK LIKE, HOW SOON IT WILL BE OPERATIONAL, INVENTORY CONTROL, ETC.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH TWO (2) OPPOSITIONS (BLOOM, BOOTH).

d. Norwalk Museum – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairwoman

Ms. Falasca said there was no report.

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

Mr. Krummel said there are four new keys to the locks on the trailers, containing the timbers of the RRM house, as the existing locks had been clipped because the keys were lost. He said they have made an impression upon the Mayor that he must consult with the Historical Commission as far as the RRM house is concerned. They still don’t have the plans to move the trailers out of Andrews Field to the Selickson’s property. Mr. Krummel said he has been trying to get in contact with Mr. Felix and Mr. Gould to get the estimates. It was suggested that a fundraiser be held to raise money to get the house back together again. Chairman Robinson offered to call. It was also suggested that they write the letter again. Mr. Krummel suggested that the committee meet as soon as possible.

OLD BUSINESS

a. The Connections Bus Tour Group wanted approval to book August 2, 2006 as their date to use the museum with 35-40 people attending.

** MS. WALL MOVED APPROVAL FOR THE CONNECTIONS BUS TOUR GROUP TO USE THE MUSEUM ON AUGUST 2, 2006 WITH 35-40 PEOPLE ATTENDING.
** MS. MATHEIS SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Martha Stewart Living (MSLO) agreement to use NM photographs for broadcast on their new show

Ms. Gunn-Bromley said there was an agreement that MSLO sent to the museum after they had scanned the photographs. Ms. Jacobson of the Law Department reviewed it, and she will make the corrections. Ms. Jacobson wanted to confirm that she had the commission’s approval to talk directly to the MSLO rep.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE ATTORNEY DIANE BELTZ-JACOBSON TO SPEAK LAWYER TO LAWYER TO MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA (MSLO).
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Demolition Ordinance review with possible resolution addressed to the Common Council for ordinance revision.

Ms. Gunn Bromley said that there was nothing new to report. She will put this on the February agenda.

b. Establish a nominating committee

Chairwoman Robinson said that the two open positions would replace Fallon and Morrow. They need to recommend two names to the Mayor and Common Council. Ms. Wall, Ms. Bryant and Ms. Fenton have agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee. Ms. Falasca will forward one candidate to them, and they would need resumes also.

Mr. Krummel left at 11:20 p.m.

c. Discussion on the Elderhouse, Inc. zoning variance application of the Building Zone Regulations and coastal area management approval for property located at 10 Park St. and 7 Lewis Street.

The commissioners agreed that they weren’t in approval of the proposed zoning variance application for Elderhouse.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

Ms. Bryant said that the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association (ENNA) has a proposal to upgrade Liberty Square. They applied for a neighborhood grant. Redevelopment said they are willing to give the grant of $30,000 to the ENNA if they can come up with matching funds. She called the Connecticut Trust, and they are willing to give a Technical Assistance Grant for $10,000. One of the goals of the proposal is to make Liberty Square a national registered district. She asked if the commission would either support the National Register Listing, or notify Redevelopment to move forward. They will ask ENNA to present the proposal to them at the next commission meeting in February.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED T0 SEND A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE EASTERN NORWALK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION’S IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR LIBERTY SQUARE, WHICH INCLUDES THE PROCESS OF PUTTING IT ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Bloom said that there was a letter received regarding the cemeteries. They are tax-exempt, and they have added two more, for a total of 6. One is located on the Darien line.

Mr. Bloom said he sent a letter to Mr. Paul Kopec, the Project Manager at Plaza Realty, informing him that many of the emergency lights and exit lights are not working. There were several other building and maintenance issues that need attention.

NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION

Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 11:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services

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