APRIL 26, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chairwoman; Carol Ann Falasca; Bill Krummel; Ralph Bloom;
Kathryn Martino; Gail Wall; Marija Bryant; Liz Fenton; Debbie Mathies (7:30 p.m.)

STAFF: Susan Gunn-Bromley

OTHER: Michael Bromley; Lisa Charnoff, Advocate; Steve Bielitz; Bill Gould; Richard Ventre;
Eagle Scout

CALL TO ORDER

Chairwoman Robinson called the meeting to order at 6.40 p.m.

The Eagle Scout began the meeting by explaining that the project he has undertaken, to correct the flooring in the Merchants Court, has met with complications. The wood flooring needs nailing reinforced. Therefore, he would have to remove the entire floor all at once rather than in sections as originally planned. He would have the project completed by the end of May.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ALLOW THE ENTIRE FLOOR TO BE DONE AT ONCE.
** MS. FENTON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

6:30 P.M. PRESENTATION OF ANALYSIS OF THE ROGERS RITCH MERRITT HOUSE
Steve Bielitz and Bill Gould

A lengthy discussion took place regarding the Rogers Ritch Merritt House. Mr. Bielitz and Mr. Gould presented information on the scope of the work involved and the cost estimates. In an informal discussion among the Commissioners prior to Mr. Bielitz’s and Mr. Gould’s presentation, it was suggested that the trailers be moved to the Mill Hill complex so that they would be in a more visible location, as opposed to the originally planned location on Richards Avenue.

Mr. Krummel said that Mr. Bielitz has been the consultant on the project since its inception 4 years ago, and he said that Mr. Gould has been working with Mr. Bielitz developing cost estimates. Mr. Krummel said Mr. Bielitz’s company is Glastonbury Restoration, and Mr. Gould is from the firm Architectural Preservation LLC. Mr. Gould has had 42 years of preservation experience.

Mr. Gould said he has the full size prints dated 4/9/03 from Mr. Sam Gardner. The information is slightly different than what the Commissioners have, as theirs are dated 1/28/03. He said that a schedule of values had been put together to arrive at a budget number, but it was limited and didn’t reflect the magnitude and scope of the work. He distributed copies of the plans. Mr. Bielitz said that some windows were missing, but it was a minor issue that could be easily remedied. He said Mr. Gould is recommending several changes in the grade, to make it more authentic to the period, as well as more stonework instead of concrete. The handicapped access would remain, but would be changed. Mr. Gould provided copies of the cost narrative to date, but it is not complete due to circumstances in obtaining information from subcontractors providing services. The plans do incorporate the recommendations of the Norwalk Historical Commission. He suggested that they send any changes to him in the form of a memo so that he can incorporate the finished numbers into the Excel spreadsheet.

They discussed the work involved with the plumbing, sewer lines, water lines, etc., in the area. There will be a handicapped lavatory in the basement of the RRM house, and a resident bathroom and a resident kitchen. The total is listed on the cost estimate, but it will be a running total. Mr. Krummel reviewed for everyone that when they started the project, they agreed that they would look at it in stages. The first stage would be the site work, masonry, and enclosure of the structure. That would be a minimum cost to start putting the house together. Mr. Krummel said the Commission is interested in the bare bones, enclosed structure without the additional facilities that are listed on the cost estimate. They discussed the work involved with getting the pieces out of the trailer, doing the necessary site work, and creating the shell of the structure. Additional work would include putting in a chimney, rough plumbing, HVAC equipment, and then the next step would include finishing the interior.

Ms. Mathies arrived at 7:30 p.m.

The Commissioners agreed that they would have to decide on the entire use of the structure, whether it would be for apartments, museum use, etc. It should be in the form of a mission statement and a purpose. By determining that, the project could then move forward to the fundraising stages. The concept has to be complete in order to present it to the public. The townhouse would need to have the electrical system upgraded, from 200 amps to 400 amps, which would double the original estimate. There is a new gas line into the townhouse.

Chairwoman Robinson suggested that the Rogers Ritch Merritt House committee, consisting of Mr. Krummel, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Falasca, and ad hoc Diane Rochelle, schedule a meeting to get the mission statement and purpose formed. Mr. Krummel said he would be willing to continue to chair the group. He will call a meeting. He asked Ms. Wall to be on the committee. He asked Mr. Gould to break out what he thinks are the various costs of the stages of construction.

There are numerous photographs of the house, in the possession of many people. There are documents that are stored at the Mill Hill museum. There is also a videotape of the house.

As this is a Norwalk Historical Commission project, there is a tax deductible special account, The RRM House Restoration Fund, set up for fundraising.

Mr. Gould said he would work with them on the budget after it’s been prepared, if it takes longer than expected to come up with the money. He said they are at an advantage with this project because it’s new construction, so there shouldn’t be any surprises with construction needs or costs. The labor rates and material rates are most likely the only things that will change. He said they could carry a 10% contingency if they wished. The project should come in at just under $1M.

Mr. Bielitz provided some history on the house, and said that different parts of the house are circa 1830-1835. He would like to return the parlor to 1830. There was some discussion on restoring the three-story chimney. The block method was not recommended. All the stone was saved from the original chimney.

Mr. Krummel said for the record that he invited Mr. Gardner to attend this evening’s meeting. Mr. Krummel confirmed that Mr. Gardner’s contract included the drawings and a small amount of money for him to supervise the reconstruction. Mr. Gardner has been paid out.

Mr. Krummel thanked Mr. Bielitz and Mr. Gould. Mr. Gould’s email address is preservation1@mindspring.com.

Ms. Mathies reminded everyone that there is money available for fundraising. Some of it is through Bricks and Mortar.

Ms. Wall told Mr. Krummel that Ms. Martino will be on the RRM House committee.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

A. Regular Meeting – March 22, 2006

CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT

A. REMARKS

Ms. Robinson said she didn’t have a report to present.

REPORTS: BOARDS

A. Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum – Marjorie St. Aubyn, Executive Director

Ms. St. Aubyn was not present, but the report from the Museum was provided. Some discussion followed regarding the status of renting out the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum for different events and the overall condition of the museum. There were many concerns raised about this, and it was decided that the status of the museum and the current situation of it being rented out for major catering events was becoming a problem.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION IS VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT THE USE OF ONE OF THE PRIME ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS OF NORWALK BEING USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES AS A BAR MITZVAH OR A WEDDING, OR ANY OTHER SUITABLE USE, AS IT IS DAMAGING AND COULD BECOME A FINANCIAL LIABILITY TO THE CITY.

A suggestion was made to send a letter to the Mayor with all the concerns outlined. Another suggestion was that the Commission obtain a copy of the contract in order to ensure there is proper use of the museum.

Mr. Krummel will bring up this topic at the next meeting of the Land Use and Building Management Committee, as a complaint of abuse to a city property. The Commissioners will send information to Ms. Falasca and Ms. Mathies before the next Land Use and Building Management Committee on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. so that they can prepare the letter.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THAT THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION DEVELOP A LETTER CITING THE REPORTED ABUSES OF THE USE OF THE IRREPLACEABLE, ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE OF NORWALK.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Friends of the Norwalk Museum – Ralph Bloom

1. Accept FNM Finance Report

C. Norwalk Historical Society – Gail Wall

1. Accept Norwalk Historical Society Report

Ms. Wall said that the previous month’s minutes indicated that Mr. Bloom made reference to the condition of the gallery after the last exhibit. It said that “he explained the one major problem was that the gallery was not left in the condition it should have been. The exhibit was glued to the walls, and they used liquid nails as a filler”. Mr. Bloom confirmed the validity of his statements. Mr. Ventre, the Exhibit Director, was in charge of the entire project and was present to speak to the point. Mr. Ventre explained his point, and exhibited samples of joint compound, glue tubes, and primer sealer. Some of the products had never been opened, but were in a box on the floor in the gallery. The condition of the gallery had 7 areas that required patching and ceiling surfacing to be done. Mr. Ventre said he showed up to do the work, but the museum was closed. When he returned a week later, the work had already been completed.

It was agreed that the comments, noted above in parentheses, would be stricken from the minutes.

Ms. Wall then presented a draft copy of a flyer for the Norwalk Museum to present a Pottery Exhibit in the Lockwood Gallery in February 2007. It would be a collaborative venture. The concept would be the incorporation of the Norwalk Museum’s collection of stemware and redware. If the Friends had anything they would like to enter into the exhibit, they would welcome that. Some discussion followed regarding the possibility of having concurrent exhibits in both the Norwalk Museum and Mill Hill. It was decided that opening Mill Hill in February might not be feasible.

Ms. Wall confirmed that this was only a preliminary flyer, and there was no need to vote on a decision this evening.

STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT – SUSAN GUNN BROMLEY
NORWALK MUSEUM/NHC

1. Approve the donation by Amanda and Robert Tolles of a very rare 19th Century photograph of the Lizzie A. Tolles, a sloop built in Norwalk c. 1868 and converted in 1905. She sunk in 1962.

2. Approve the donation of Photographs to scan and copy and return, of Pepperidge Farm factory production and Margaret Rudkin, founder of Pepperidge Farms in 1950. Offered by Trudy Morehouse.

3. Approve the donations offered by Joan Marson

a. Two CDs of Norwalk family photographs with descriptions
b. Small Victorian frame from Rubey House on Grumman Avenue
c. Emma Rubey’s 1923 Norwalk High School gold class ring.
d. Norwalk Bulletin, vol. 3, Saturday February 11, 1933 with a photograph of the February Graduating Class of Norwalk High School. Bulletin outlines week’s activity, trolley tables, what is new and has a number of ads.

4. Approve the donation of a Standard sewing machine and table, pedal driven, with original book and attachments, c. 1900. Offered by Frank and Lee DeMilo.

5. Approve the donations offered by Susan and Michael Bromley

a. “Giant Post Card” of “The Jolly Fisherman Restaurant, The Admiral Motel and Marquis Realty located at the Junction Main Avenue, Route #7 and Merritt Parkway at Exits 39 and 40 …”
b. Promo card for “Olden Time Bottling Works, 9 Van Zant Street, E. Norwalk, CONN.” “Drink Chocolate Soldier”
c. Two DVD copies of The Flood of 1955 (Norwalk, Darien, Stamford) Dolly Curtis Interviews. One for the Archives and one for education use.

** MS. FENTON MOVED TO ACCEPT DONATIONS #1, #2, #3, AND #5 LISTED ABOVE. DONATION #4, THE STANDARD SEWING MACHINE, IS NOT APPROVED.

Ms. Gunn-Bromley felt it was beneficial to tell the story of seamstresses. The Commissioners felt that the standard sewing machine was not a Norwalk product and were concerned about where to store it. They agreed to decline the donation of the standard sewing machine.

** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

REPORTS – SUB-COMMITTEES

A. Finance – Liz Fenton

Ms. Fenton said that there wasn’t enough money to pay some of the utility bills. The Commissioners discussed which bills to pay first. They would take the money out of the Utility fund. The surplus money in the Electric and Gas account is now frozen. Ms. Gunn-Bromley will send a note to Mr. Hamilton.

B. Demolitions – Carol Ann Falasca

1. Motion to allow the demolition permit to proceed w/o a delay for 242 Rowayton Ave. dfd 4-17-06; 21 ddd 5-8-06.

Ms. Falasca said the house is ready for demolition. It is in very poor condition.

2. And any demolition applications published in The Hour or, received by the Commission as of April 26, 2006.

Ms. Falasca said that 28 Briar Street, a 1935 colonial, and 8 Oakley Circle, a 1965 contemporary, were published in the newspaper today.

Ms. Falasca said that the Cavanaugh house at 98 Old Saugatuck Road has had a demolition sign on it since January. It is up for sale for $1,095 listed by William Pitt. She said she called the realtor, Mr. Schrum, and confirmed with him that the house was for sale, but that he didn’t know why the demolition sign was there. After some back and forth conversations between all the parties, it appears that the potential buyer from Florida is close to purchasing the house. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said that she will ask the city to remove the demolition sign.

Ms. Falasca said the 1850’s house at 127 N. Taylor Avenue at the intersection of Fillow Street just came on the market. On one side it’s AAA zoning, and on the other side it’s A zoning, which is a 1 acre minimum. There is speculation that someone will try to change the zoning and get three houses built on the lot. She said she will keep a close watch on this.

C. NHRI Committee – Debbie Mathies

Ms. Mathies said that there will be a volunteer clean-up at the cemetery on Memorial Day.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED TO BE AUTHORIZED TO DRAW ON FUNDS FOR SUPPLIES FOR THE WORKDAY AT PINE ISLAND CEMETERY.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. Fodor Farm Historic District Report – Marilyn Robinson

Chairwoman Robinson said they meet every two weeks, and at last night’s meeting, they explored having Mr. James Sexton do the committee report. They expected it to be completed by the end of June. She said the city will sell the three houses with the stipulation that the buyers restore them, and the rest of the land be left as open space. The entire area will be an historic district. Mr. Krummel clarified that the State statutes specify that the establishment of the Historical Commission is a function of the Legislature of the municipality (Council), but with authorization and approval of the Council, the Mayor can appoint the Historical Commission. The Mayor proposed the members of the Commission without a prior authorization by the Council, and the Council approved it. It was mentioned that the Mayor now would like the open space reduced and the historic district removed. The Commission had sent a letter over a year ago stating their concerns regarding this, and they are now interested in sending another letter with the same statements to the Mayor, and with copies sent to the Common Council and Mr. Nolin.

** MS. MATHIES MOVED TO AUTHORIZE TO SEND A LETTER TO THE MAYOR RESTATING THE HISTORIC COMMISSION’S SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT AT FODOR FARM.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Krummel left at 10:15 p.m.

There was some discussion regarding residents on Silvermine Avenue who are proposing an addition to their house. They wanted to be sure that the addition was in compliance with the historic district. After some discussion, the Commissioners realized that they appreciated the residents coming before them with their concerns, but it should go back to the Silvermine Association for review.

E. Norwalk Museum – Carol Ann Falasca

There was no report.

F. Gift Shop Committee – Betty Booth

1. Norwalk Museum Gift Shop Progress Report

The report is listed under the Building Committee.

G. Nominating Committee – Ms. Wall, Ms. Bryant, and Ms. Fenton

There was no report.

H. Building Committee – Marija Bryant

Ms. Bryant said that she emailed the IT Department to ask why the connections for Ms. Gunn-Bromley’s computer to work at new locations haven’t been made yet. She hoped to have a clear answer tomorrow.

Ms. Bryant said that the demolition moratorium is on the next Ordinance Committee meeting agenda.

Ms. Bryant said that the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association (ENNA) is going for a matching grant from the Connecticut Trust to fund the study to have Liberty Square get their name on the National Register.

I. Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House Committee – Bill Krummel

There was no report.

J. Management Committee – Debbie Mathies

** MS. MATHIES MOVED TO REQUEST THAT MR. JOE ROBIDEAUX, FRIENDS PRESIDENT, BE GIVEN A SET OF KEYS TO THE MUSEUM.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (BLOOM).

OLD BUSINESS

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

There was nothing to report on this. Ms. Beltz-Jacobson in the Legal Department has the letter of agreement. It was mentioned that the show has been cancelled.

B. Demolition Ordinance review with possible resolution addressed to the Common Council for ordinance revision including:

1. Letter to notify owners of 90 day delay if imposed by the Historical Commission
2. Amended application to provide guidance on when to contact Historical Commission

C. Discussion of options/actions re demolition of the Police Station Building, Mathews Park, given the removal of the funds requested in DPW Capital Budget for 2006-07.

Ms. Falasca said the cars have been removed from the old Police Station building parking lot.

NEW BUSINESS – ACTIONS

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

Ms. Bryant reminded everyone that there will be a Scan Day on Saturday, May 20, 2006 from 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. where people can bring their photos of Wall Street and have them scanned.

NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION: WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2006 – 7:00 PM

ADJOURNMENT

** MS. ROBINSON MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services

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