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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
AUGUST 23, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chairwoman; Carol Ann Falasca, Vice Chair;
Gail Wall; Ralph Bloom; Kathryn Martino; Betty Booth;
Bill Krummel; Liz Fenton; John Kurtzman;
Marija Bryant (7:20 p.m.)
STAFF: Susan Gunn Bromley
OTHER: Michael Bromley; Joseph Robideaux; Anne Searles;
Diana Paladino; David Westmoreland
CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. She said that Ms. Matheis had been excused from tonight’s meeting.
Mr. David Westmoreland introduced himself, saying he has been doing preservation work for several years and is currently working on the cemetery at St. Paul’s Church. He also works on National Register nominations. He said he would like to be on the Historical Commission’s agenda in the near future to discuss the work that he does. It was agreed that he would return for the October meeting.
SPEAKERS
A. Tom Cicalese, Raymond Funeral Home Director, 5 East Wall St.
Chairwoman Robinson said that Mr. Cicalese was unable to attend.
B. Diana Paladino, Spring Hill Neighborhood Association, Ferris Avenue/Glenwood buildings
Chairwoman Paladino said that Ms. Paladino will arrive later on in the evening and will address the Commission then.
C. Michael Schaffer, Pier Imaging, Norwalk Museum website
Chairwoman Robinson said that Mr. Schaffer was unable to attend.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meetings – July 26, 2006
The correction to the minutes is as follows:
Throughout the document, change “Todd” Bryant to “Tod” Bryant.
** MS. WALL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 26, 2006.
** MS. FENTON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT
Chairwoman Robinson said that she didn’t have reports on the two topics listed on the agenda, (Village District and Wall Street) but she gave a report on the Foder Farm Historic District, which was scheduled for later on the agenda. She said that she and Ms. Wall met recently with Mr. Krummel and other members of the Committee to accept the finalized report. The purpose of the Special Meeting was to accept the report and put it in the pipeline as is required to the Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission and also to send it on the State. Mr. Krummel noted that the State statutes require a response within 65 days. Ms. Wall said that if anyone would like to speak at the public hearing that will be held, they would be welcome to do so. It was mentioned that the Norwalk Preservation Trust deserves a thank you for the money they funded. Mr. Robideaux, the former Chairman of the Board of the Friends of the Norwalk Museum, said that he knows Mr. Ron Foder and will ask him to attend the public hearing.
Ms. Wall said she, Ms. Matheis, and Chairwoman Robinson met with Ms. Pytleski, the Grants Coordinator, recently and she said that Ms. Pytleski has an interest in preserving historical properties and homes.
Ms. Bryant arrived at 7:20 p.m.
REPORTS: BOARDS
A. Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum – Marjorie St. Aubyn, Executive Director
1. Accept Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum Report including findings on woodwork restoration of but not limited to the North door, Servants’ stair and the Conservatory.
Ms. St. Aubyn was not able to attend.
Some discussion followed regarding the estimate that was provided for the repairs needed, but they need more than one estimate. Chairwoman Robinson suggested that an Ad Hoc Committee be set up to discuss and follow through with the various issues at the Mansion. Chairwoman Robinson, Ms. Wall, Ms. Falasca, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Kurtzman agreed that they would serve on the adhoc committee. There were some concerns raised about the condition of the mansion during and after some recent filming there. Ms. Falasca asked Chairwoman Robinson to request a copy of the by-laws, as she and Mr. Krummel already have a copy of the lease. There has been no response from the Law Department to date about the City’s procedure regarding the Mansion.
Mr. Robideaux mentioned that the gains are not necessarily equal if there
is damage done to the Mansion when rented out for events. He felt it was necessary
to preserve the Mansion, and it was up to the Commission to enforce the Lockwood
Mathews Museum to properly maintain the Mansion.
Ms. Wall suggested that a member of the Historical Commission attend the Lockwood
Mathews Mansion Museum meetings. The ex-officio has been allowed to attend the
board meetings in the past. Chairwoman Robinson is the ex-officio. This will
be discussed further in the Ad-Hoc committee meetings.
B. Friends of the Norwalk Museum – Ralph Bloom
1. Accept Friends of the Norwalk Museum Finance Report
Mr. Bloom said that the new inventory has arrived. There will be new stationery, pictures, and prints. The prints will be sold for $25.00 per print.
Chairwoman Robinson mentioned that the Main Street Merchant’s Block Party will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2006 between Hoyt and Wall Street.
C. Norwalk Historical Society – Gail Wall
1. Accept Norwalk Historical Society Report
Ms. Wall said that the Mill Hill house will be open from 6:00 p.m. – dusk
while the
Main Street Merchant’s Block Party is going on.
She mentioned that the Department of Parks & Recreation removed the two
dead trees.
STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT – SUSAN GUNN BROMLEY
Ms. Gunn-Bromley said she emailed an addition to her report to everyone over the weekend, and she distributed the updated information on the Smith Street old jail apartment problem with the Health Department. She said she has a call in to the Parks and Recreation Department to trim the ragweed and the bushes from around the building; she said this is a concern of the Health Department as well. She met with Assured Environments and reviewed the problem tree. A core sample of the tree would indicate if it is dead or not. It could be a nest of black ants that is causing the rot problem for the schoolhouse, and possibly the tree also. There were nests of wasps and hornets at the gate lodge, and Assured Environments sprayed and eradicated them at no charge. He will provide a quote for the termite problem at the Fitch Law Office. She said he suggested that they go on contract for work to be done quarterly, after the initial work is done. Ms. Gunn-Bromley suggested that the quarterly contract cost be put in the operating budget request. Ms. Bryant asked if there was a concise report on the violations found by the Health Department, and Ms. Gunn-Bromley said there wasn’t. Some discussion followed regarding the amount of repairs and the type of repairs needed, whose responsibility it would be, and whether the direction it was going in would be rental or exhibit. Ms. Gunn-Bromley explained the leak damage, saying that repairs were done every two years for hot water heaters, toilets, and sinks. Three year leases were just signed by the tenants of the apartments.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ALLOW MS. GUNN-BROMLEY TO CONTACT MR. FOLEY TO EVALUATE THE SITUATION AT THE JAIL, AND REQUEST THAT THE APPROPRIATE EXPERTS BE CONTACTED TO COME IN.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
DONATIONS OFFERED TO THE NORWALK MUSEUM
1. Approve the donation of a large redware drap molded dish, pieced together with missing area fabricated to complete the dish. Slip decoration reads “Money Wanted.” This is one of four known “Money Wanted” dishes. Three of the four were founds as shards in Brooklyn and New York. This dish was found in Brooklyn.
An extremely rare gray stoneware ovoid shaped crock with extensive cobalt blue painted and slip decoration, impressed “Smith & Day Norwalk” with wooden lid. Purchased.
Medium size preserve jar, 5 ¾” dia., 7” H., excavated at the southern end of the Smith St. pottery site. Unmarked.
Large preserve jar, 7 1/8” dia., 10 3/8” H., acquired from a Milford, CT. estate. Unmarked.
A 2 gallon crock “Smith & Day manufacturers, Norwalk Con.” Pieced together,
complete. Found at 217 E. 10th St. Manhattan in Oct. 2004.
A small ovoid jug red earthenware, magnesium decorated, attributed to Norwalk,
partially restored. Above offered by Mr. William Asadorian.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley explained some of the items. It was suggested that the information form be presented with the donations to save time. Ms. Gunn-Bromley said she will e-mail the form to them prior to meetings so that the Commissioners can review the donation item information. Some discussion followed regarding the amount of items they wanted to accept and the condition of the items.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FIRST FIVE ITEMS, ASKED THAT PAPERWORK BE DRAWN UP ON THE ITEMS, AND ASKED THAT THE SMALL OVOID JUG BE PUT ON HOLD UNTIL THEY VIEW THE OTHER OVOID JUG IN THE COLLECTION.
** MS. WALL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Paladino arrived at 8:45 p.m.
** MS. WALL MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION NOT ACCEPT ANY MORE ITEMS UNTIL THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH THE PROVENANCE FORM, IN ORDER TO SAVE TIME AND MOVE FORWARD IN AN EFFICIENT MANNER.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Approve the donation of photographs – nine Betts family pictures and local landscapes (most identified), six photos of “The Jones & Hotchkiss Co. Plumbing & Heating” exterior and interior; two large “Prang’s American First-Prize Christmas Cards”, one by Elihu Vedder, the other by Dora Wheeler and trimmed with silk fringe, cord and tassels for hanging and eyeglasses and case marked “Oliver B. Jackson, Optician, 58 Wall St., Norwalk, CT.” condition good to excellent. Offered by E. Betts.
** MS. FENTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DONATION OF PHOTOGRAPHS, NINE BETTS FAMILY PICTURES, SIX JONES & HOTCHKISS CO. PLUMBING & HEATING, AND TWO PRANG’S AMERICAN FIRST-PRIZE CHRISTMAS CARDS.
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Approve the donation of a “Postal Number 5” typewriter with leather case
owned by Judge Franklin, one of the two inventors of this typewriter. It was
introduced in 1902 by the Postal Typewriter Company, NY. The company office
moved to Norwalk in 1904 when Franklin Judge is listed as Sup’t Postal Typewriter
Co., bds. 30 West Ave., N. In 1909 and 1910 Franklin Judge is the proprietor
of the Norwalk Typewriter Co., 20 Knight St. Offered by Roy Hothan, husband
of daughter of Franklin Judge.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley said that the typewriter will arrive in mid-September. She
said it is in perfect shape and had been owned by the inventor, Franklin Judge.
** MS. FENTON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A “POSTAL NUMBER 5” TYPEWRITER ON THE CONDITION OF EXAMINATION WHEN IT ARRIVES AT THE MUSEUM.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley showed the Commission the piece of glass from the Gate Lodge that broke off in a windstorm. Mr. Bloom explained that there are many more pieces of the broken glass from the matching globes and the gasoliers at the Gate Lodge.
** MR. BLOOM MOVED TO ALLOW MS. GUNN-BROMLEY TO REMOVE THE FRAMES FOR THE TWO GASOLIERS FROM THE COLLECTION.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Bloom explained the electric bill from Elick and Salvatoe for the Museum.
It was $141.00 for 1 ½ hours. It was a report of what was found, not
an estimate of what the cost would be. Ms. Gunn-Bromley will ask Elick &
Salvatoe to review the billing, and elaborate on it. There was some discussion
about the original intention of the electrical wiring and the supposed overload.
SPEAKERS
B. Diana Paladino, Spring Hill Neighborhood Association, Ferris Avenue/Glenwood buildings
Ms. Paladino said she was interested in addressing the Commission to report on her meeting with Mr. Paul Lenhart. She was asking the Commission for guidance regarding the properties he owns at Glenwood Avenue and Ferris Avenue. She said he told her that he would be selling the properties to a developer and that he had no say in what would happen to the properties. She said she learned the next day that the 90-day delay deadline had passed the day before. There was some discussion regarding Ms. Paladino’s and the Commission’s concern about the future of the properties. The same situation occurred with the Stuart Avenue townhouses. Some guidance was offered to Ms. Paladino in getting some answers and information about the situation.
** MS. WALL MOVED TO REQUEST THAT THE CURATOR COPY THE SPRING HILL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION WITH APPLICATIONS OF INTENT TO DEMOLISH FOR FERRIS AVENUE AND GLENWOOD AVENUE FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
REPORTS – SUB-COMMITTEES
A. FINANCE – Liz Fenton, Chairwoman
Ms. Fenton said that she didn’t have a report, but she mentioned the telephone budget will be gone before year’s end.
B. DEMOLITIONS – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairwoman
1. For review and discussion, 60 Neptune Ave., enclosed porch, 21 DDD 9-7-06.
Ms. Falasca said that the porch will be removed.
2. For review and discussion, 93 East Ave.
Ms. Bryant said that MPT has filed an FOI complaint with the State about the
way the ZBA was announced. They are awaiting word about it being upheld.
3. For review and discussion, 78 Crooked Trail.
Ms. Falasca said the homeowner had filed for a renovation permit, and then demolished
the house without the proper demolition permit. The Commission decided to send
a letter to Corporation Counsel for the maximum fine of $500.00 to be levied.
4. For review and discussion, 12 Point Rd.
Ms. Falasca said that all the Commissioners had been there, and they had all agreed to let the house go. She said the homeowner asked them to lift the 90-day delay. She said the house doesn’t have the historic value needed to be preserved.
Some discussion followed regarding the possible lifting of the delay, and
if by doing so they would be setting a precedent. The Commission decided not
to lift the delay. They suggested that the homeowner talk to Chairwoman Robinson.
5. For review and discussion, 225 Flax Hill Rd., 21 DDD 8/23/06.
Ms. Falasca said the woman there said that there had been a fire, and it will now be a two-family home, which is permitted.
6. For discussion, 89 Old Saugatuck Rd.
Ms. Falasca said this is still in limbo. She spoke with the woman from Florida who is the potential buyer, who said she hadn’t spoken with Mr. Kavanaugh. It doesn’t appear that there is any activity with any other buyers.
7. And any demolition applications published in The Hour, or, received by the Commission as of July 26, 2006.
C. NHRI COMMITTEE – Debbie Matheis, Chairwoman
Ms. Matheis was not able to attend.
D. FODER FARM HISTORIC DISTRICT REPORT – Marilyn Robinson, Chairwoman
This was discussed earlier in the meeting.
E. NORWALK MUSEUM – Carol Ann Falasca, Chairwoman
1. Gift shop and office carpeting.
2. Coalition of Norwalk of Norwalk Neighborhood Associations.
Ms. Bryant explained that at the last CNNA meeting, they expressed interest in having a social event. She suggested that they talk to Ms. Gunn-Bromley about having it at the Museum.
3. League of Women Voters.
4. Silvermine Community Association with the Friends of the Norwalk Museums Exhibit.
Ms. Falasca said they voted that they can use the museum two weeks before Christmas, ending on December 23, 2006. Ms. Gunn Bromley will email the letter to the Commission. Ms. Falasca said that at the bottom of the agreement letter, she would like to add “The Friends and the Historical Commission” about sponsoring the two week exhibit. She said the Friends agreed to give 30% back to the Friends for the Norwalk Museum. Some discussion followed regarding the money raised, and whether or not the Commission can take money. Chairwoman Robinson said that if the Friends are going to sponsor the exhibit, and the Commission is going to co-sponsor it, then the money raised should go to the Commission, not to the Friends, so that at a later date, the Commission wouldn’t have to approach the Friends, or the Friends wouldn’t have to donate anything to the Museum. Some discussion took place about the staffing of the museum. Ms. Falasca suggested that the Friends make a donation to the Lockwood vase restoration project. Mr. Kurtzman and Mr. Bloom agreed to ask the Friends’ board to dedicate the money to the preservation of the vase, and to make up the difference if the money does not amount to $750.00.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED THAT ANY MONIES MADE GO TOWARDS SPONSORING THE RESTORATION OF THE LOCKWOOD VASE, AND ADD “THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION” TO THE ADVERTISING PIECE AS THE SPONSOR.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Coupon Kangaroo website ad invitation.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley said this is a pre-website promotional item. They will give the Museum three free months of membership, and they would like to have the Museum on the website. Ms. Falasca said she would like to see a sample of it.
F. GIFT SHOP COMMITTEE – Betty Booth, Chairwoman
1. Norwalk Museum Gift Shop Financial Report
Ms. Booth said that the Norwalk Museum Gift Shop Committee will meet between now and the September Commission Meeting to investigate the Curator’s many requests in her August monthly report, and to explore the validity of her questions.
G. BUILDING COMMITTEE – Marija Bryant, Chairwoman
1. Norwalk Museum electrical circuits
Ms. Bryant said this was already discussed, and they are waiting for more information to determine the problem and the costs required to solve it.
2. New City maintenance contract
This item, as well as the Smith Street apartments item, was discussed earlier. The first phase will be to contact Fusco to see what they recommend.
She said they have estimates from TDS Homeline and All-Phase for work on the townhouse. She wanted to confirm that they move ahead with the repair of the trim of the townhouse so that the front of the building looks better. She said that there is $25,000 in the capital budget allocated for this. She recommended TDS Homeline.
3. Smith Street Apartments – Emergency repair work
** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE REPAIR OF THE TRIM ON THE FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE, AND AS MUCH OF THE REST OF THE TRIM AS THE MONEY WILL ALLOW, AND TO USE TDS HOMELINE.
** MS. FENTON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley will send a letter to the Center for Contemporary Printmaking requesting that they move the plants away from the front of the gardener’s cottage by 12 inches, to allow the air to circulate and eliminate rotting.
H. ROGERS-RITCH MERRITT HOUSE COMMITTEE – Bill Krummel, Chairman
Mr. Krummel said he didn’t have a report, but he asked Ms. Wall about the meeting she had with Ms. Pytleski, the Grants Coordinator. She said they talked about the Rogers-Ritch Merritt House, and she said there is up to $200,000 in municipal grant money. The deadline for the grants is September 12, 2006.
I. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – Debbie Matheis, Chairwoman
Ms. Matheis was not able to attend.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Demolition moratorium/zoning, next steps
Ms. Bryant said that Corporation Counsel found that requesting a demolition
moratorium for anything longer than 90 days is not supported by State legislation.
She said that the recent Ordinance Committee meeting minutes, the demolition
moratorium, and the findings of the Corporation Counsel be passed to the Zoning
Commission.
B. Homeowner’s Tax Credit Handbook – Districts
NEW BUSINESS - Actions
Mr. Kurtzman asked about the Wall Street barn, and if it was going to be demolished. Ms. Bryant said there is a 90-day stay on it, and the structural engineer is going to look at it. The owner seems interested in saving it, as it is possible that he could get two units out of it.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION
NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006
ADJOURNMENT
** MS. WALL MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services
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