NOVEMBER 15, 2006

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

GUESTS: George Bolton; Michael Bromley

Ms. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. She announced that Ms. Gunn-Bromley was absent because she was not feeling well. Ms. Martino and Mr. Krummel were also absent.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - October 25, 2006

There was no action taken, because the minutes were not available.

CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Robinson distributed a letter she had received from the Corporation Counsel She also distributed a letter from Marcia Powell, a Splash Committee member asking for permission to refurbish a wall display for a dedication display. Ms. Bryant said that she did not have a problem with the request.

Mr. Bloom suggested re-vamping the present cabinet. He said that the case came from Benjamin Franklin School and was used to honor those who died during World War II. After discussing the request, the Commission decided that Ms. Robinson will contact Ms. Powell and let her know that the Commission recommends that she contact Mr. Bloom.

The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the opinion letter from the Corporation Counsel dated November 7, 2006. Ms. Bryant said that the letter is an interpretation of the law and that this Commission needs a lawyer. Ms. Wall suggested taking time to do more research and look at other cites and how they address the same situation.

Ms. Bryant agreed that they needed to do more research. Mr. Bloom suggested emphasizing that the Commission does not make decisions; only recommendations. Ms. Wall said that the public hearing was for people to express their opinion, pro or con and that is the purpose of the demolition delay ordinance.

It was agreed that Ms. Robinson will send a letter to the Corporation Counsel in response to her opinion letter to the Commission.

Ms. Bryant announced that a tour of the homes on Maple Street and Lynes Street has been arranged for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED THAT THE CHAIR WILL DRAFT A RESPONSE TO THE CORPORATION COUNSEL’S OPINION LETTER RE-AFFIRMING THE COMMISSION’S RIGHT TO INVOKE A 90-DAY DEMOLITION DELAY
** MS. WALL SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Robinson said that the Capital Budget was not ready for the December 1st deadline. The Finance Committee has to meet when Ms. Martino is available.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED THAT THE CHAIR WILL SEND A LETTER TO THE CORPORATION COUNSEL ASKING THEM TO CLARIFY THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS USING OTHER PROPERTIES THE CITY LEASES
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

The Silvermine Artists are scheduled to come to the Museum on December 8th.
Ms. Gunn-Bromley received a package from the Corporation Counsel’s office stating that this group needs insurance coverage for the event. Ms. Falasca asked if the event could be covered under the Friend’s insurance. Mr. Bloom suggested talking with Scott Gibson, President of the Friends of the Norwalk Museum.

REPORTS: BOARDS

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum

There was no report this evening because there was no representation by the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum.

Friends of the Norwalk Museum

Mr. Bloom reported that they were on schedule for the merchandise tag sale. He said that a lot of good quality items have come in.

Norwalk Historical Society

Ms. Wall read and reviewed her written report. The electrical project at the Town House has been broken down into three phases. She suggested holding a meeting at the Town House to discuss the carpentry and the balance of the work to be done.

** MS. WALL MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FOR PHASE I TO BRING NEW SERVICE INTO THE TOWN HOSE, CAPITAL BUDGET # 0906630105777 C0374 FOR $2,950
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. WALL MOVED TO APPROVE THE PHASE TO BRING NEW AMP SERVICE INTO THE OFFICE, CAPITAL BUDGET # 0906630105777 C0374 FOR $3,920
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

STAFF TO THE COMMISSION REPORT

Ms. Gunn-Bromley was absent and there was no report presented.

Ms. Wall asked what Ms. Gunn-Bromley’s schedule looks like for December. Ms. Robinson said that she and Mr. Hazelcamp are trying to get together to sort of the days. She said that even though a motion was made and passed last month that the Curator would follow a Wednesday – Sunday schedule effective November 1st, she has not followed that directive yet. Ms. Robinson said that she did not believe that Ms. Gunn-Bromley had any intention of working this weekend

REPORTS – SUB-COMMITTEES

FINANCE

There was no report this evening.

DEMOLITIONS

Ms. Falasca reported on the following demolitions.

5 Farm Creek Road – This was a huge ranch on the corner of Flax Hill Road.

445 Westport Avenue – This is a commercial property from 1967.

431 Rowayton Avenue is not old enough.

Ms. Falasca updated the Commissioners on the Cavanaugh property.

PUBLIC HEARING REPORTS – Stays of Demolitions Imposed

93 East Avenue

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO SUBMIT THE MINUTES OF THE 93 EAST AVENUE PUBLIC HEARING TO PAUL LOETHER OF THE COUNSEL FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Ms. Bryant said that the Norwalk Preservation Trust attorney called the Attorney General’s office, but a decision has not been made. She said that it is very rare for the Attorney General to step in. Ms. Wall said that Hartford felt this was the strongest case they have seen. Ms. Falasca said that this was the most important demolition that has come before them.

1 Maple Street and 18 Lynes Place

Ms. Falasca said that there was not a big turnout and the tour, but no one there supported the demolition. There was a lot of discussion about the streetscape. Ms. Bryant said that heritage tourism is the fastest growing portion of tourism .

NHRI COMMITTEE

Ms. Mathies reported that Councilman Coffey received her e-mail with the pictures and will let her know what the Common Council can do.

FODOR FARM HISTORIC DISTRICT REPORT

Ms. Robinson said that there was a hearing on Monday night. About 4 – 5 people from Westport spoke about their historic district and how well it works. Ms. Falasca commented that it is a shame that Norwalk as the sixth largest city in the State does not have one historic district.

Ms. Bryant said that one speaker talked about creating a community garden at Fodor Farm. Ms. Wall said that there were a number of new faces at the hearing.

GIFT SHOP COMMITTEE

There was no discussion on this item this evening.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Ms. Falasca asked if it was necessary to have pest control every month at Mill Hill. Ms. Bryant said that generally there is no food at the building to attract rodents. She said that the Health Department requested that the Jail have monthly pest control.

Ms. Bryant said that she would like to take the estimates for repairs to Mr. Lo and ask him to explain how she can get the work done.

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO REPLACE THE NON-HISTORICAL DOOR AT THE TOWN HOUSE WITH A METAL 6-PANNEL DOOR USING LINE # 5266
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO AUTHORIZE TDS TO REPAIR THE WELLHOUSE AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $600.00 USING LINE # 5266
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

NORWALK MUSEUM

Ms. Falasca asked the Commissioners if they wished to advertise in the Ct. Vacation Guide. Ms. Wall said that she wanted to know what would be included in the ad before it is placed. Mr. Bloom said that it is published once a year.

ROGERS-RITCH-MERRITT HOUSE COMMITTEE

There was no discussion on this item this evening.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

There was no discussion on this item this evening.

OLD BUSINESS

Review and Discussion on the 2007 – 2008 Capital Budget Requests

There was no discussion on this item this evening.

NEW BUSINESS

Mathews Park Plan, Bike Path

Ms. Falasca reported that this bike path is part of the Ice T grant from the State. She described the location of the path and said that it would cut in front of the Mansion lawn and out to Oyster Shell Park. The objection is that there is so little parkland left.

Mr. Bloom said that the only way this would work is if the bike path followed the roadway to come out by the tennis courts, but that would be a night mare. Ms. Falasca said that part of the grant is to reconfigure the intersection in front of the Mansion.

Ms. Robinson suggested that the Commission go on record opposing the bike path cutting through the Mansion lawn. Ms. Falasca will provide further information to the next meeting.

Ms. Mathies pointed out that they have not had a report from the Mansion in five months. They need to be reminded that this is budget time and they need to provide their input. Ms. Robinson said that she will e-mail Mr. Cooke to inform him that she needs to meet with him to go over the capital budget and that she wants him to meet with the Finance Committee.

Ms. Falasca suggested that Ms. Robinson contact Mr. Cooke first, but if he does not respond that she contact the Land Use Committee and ask to be put on their agenda to discuss her concerns. Ms. Falasca will break down the concerns into bullet points.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

Ms. Bryant said that there was an issue with storm windows at the Gate Lodge and asked if anyone knew what had been used before. She said that there are internal storms that can be used for historic buildings.

Ms. Wall said that she noticed that there was modern track lighting in the Gate House. Mr. Bloom said that they were installed when the space was open to the public. There was no approval granted to install that lighting.

The Commissioners wished each other a happy Thanksgiving.

NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION – Wednesday, December 27, 2006

ADJOURNMENT

There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services

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