AUGUST 25, 2004
(minutes from tape)

ATTENDANCE: Marjorie St. Aubyn; Carol Ann Falasca; Gail Wall; Debbie Mathies; Betty ?

STAFF: Susan Gunn, Curator

OTHERS: Susan Schweitzer, Redevelopment Agency

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY UPDATE

Ms. Schweitzer said that the Redevelopment Agency reviews all projects. There are different ‘redevelopment sectors’ within the City; work that the Common Council has approved can be viewed on the City’s website. All approved plans are based on a federally-mandated structure regarding development, approval process and implementation. The Agency reviews plan designs, building renovation plans, signage, lighting, window openings and/or replacement and repair, height requirements and limitations, balconies, landscaping, building facades, streetscapes, exterior building treatments, etc. Zoning and the Building department are clued in to Agency processes/procedures.

Ms. Schweitzer said that there are funding sources available for historic buildings that are in a state of disrepair. The inventory of historic buildings contains many assets to the City if they were to become involved in redevelopment. She suggested that the Commission establish an open dialogue to learn more about how historic structures could be integrated into the City’s development plan. The effort should be a collaborative one. She said that there is no ordinance that protects properties against blight. Input from the Health department is very important.

· Wall Street Area – the original plan did not address historic preservation; current plan focuses on restoration and keeping historic structures and incorporating them into the redevelopment process. Minimal development in the area. Lillian August property and Cross Street properties are included in the plan area.

· Webster Street Area – the original did not include design guidelines but did include clearing of the Webster Street property.

· Washington Street Area/South Main Street – the current plan looks at historic restoration and infrastructure of the entire City and its relationship to the Washington Street area. Tremendous public investment in the area. Applicants approach the Agency for guidance. Starwood-Urban discussion.

· Reed-Putnam Plan – looks diligently at design guidelines but has fewer historic structures than other plans. The plan focuses on how new development fits in with old development.

The Chairman read a request letter from Ms. Mathies that the Norwalk Historical Commission be included in the review process of applications that the Redevelopment Agency is considering.

REPORTS

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum

· Museum’s summer camp program for 20 underprivileged children who planted and weeded a garden; children were made members in the Museum. Children’s membership will begin in September.
· Problem with getting approval train show contract. Approval was granted, opening will be September/October. Increase in membership and activity in Museum anticipated.
· Electronic fund raising program approved by Board - $200,000. Phase I rollout ($25,000) end of 2004. January 1 - $174,000 targeted for operating expenses.
· Ben Franklin in Paris historic dinner/play on September 11, 2004.
· Special thanks to Ralph Bloom and Elizabeth Montgomery for their assistance in Chicago at the LeGren-Retfield estate so that the Museum can obtain some of the artifacts from the estate. Process to be concluded before October.

** ? MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT ON THE LOCKWOOD MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM.
** ? SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

July 28, 2004

The following corrections were made:
On page 1, change Absent to Excused
On page 2 at the bottom, last paragraph, last line, add the words “especially any long-term absence”
Under Chairman’s Report, at the end of the paragraph, add the words “of the original pottery building be removed before demolition took place”
Under Demolitions, second paragraph, fourth line, insert the words “state whatever is worth preserving”
Under Norwalk Museum, last line, add “respecting the recommendations and concerns of the committee and presented at the committee’s next meeting if he wishes”
Under Subcommittee Reports/Restoration, change Ms. Fallon to Ms. Falasca
Under Financial Report, regarding the $15,000 that the Mansion receives for the movie contract, change the sentence to state “Ms. Gunn discussed the movie contract.”
On page 5, re clarity of motion, (tape inaudible). Ms. Falasca to add statement at the end of minutes to more clarify what she said earlier.

** ? MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JULY 28, 2004 AS AMENDED.
** ? SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

REPORTS

Norwalk Historical Society

· The winter project has begun with great excitement.
· Held meeting regarding development of a preservation plan to be used by the Norwalk Historical Commission. The commissioners would review it to decide on how they would proceed. Further discussion during next committee meeting.

Curator’s Report on Norwalk Museum

· Update of work on the Gate Lodge
· Work continues with Plaza Management re problems/leaks/repainting/ongoing maintenance of the building/front door lock
· 7,761 catalog sheets now entered into data base. Numbered photographs would aid the inventory process. Inventory proceeding, volunteers working diligently.
· September 14/15 & 22/23 meetings scheduled with commissioners re assessment program/collections program. (tape inaudible) Identify funding, plan of growth strategy for museum collections. Preservation of textiles into acid-free boxes. Structural deficiencies of building which affect preservation of museum articles.
· CAP grant application for collection items. Federal money placed into City account to be used as assessors deem necessary after their review. IMLS grant discussion/funds. Clarification of conservation grant.
· Strategy plan provided by assessors for future projects and how they can be implemented. Architectural assessment provided by assessors.
· Assessment re how to grow the museum.
· Silvermine Art Guild grant for restoration of films. Film studio in New York City will be involved.
· Statistics for log of July events regarding 553 visitors, etc. Activity at Norwalk Green.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

· Copy of lease at Gate Lodge finally received; insurance information not finalized. Unofficial letter to be sent from the Commission regarding the delay in having this resolved.
· Land Use meeting regarding increase in Smith Street apartment rental fees, approved by the Common Council. Meeting with Mr. Lo. Mr. Paganelli to be notified of the Commission’s interest. Meeting with Mayor and others to discuss the Smith Street situation at length. Discussion of news article regarding the meetings. NFCC approval to allow photographs of the pottery building.
· Importance of good communication regarding historic buildings; start up of quarterly meetings between the Norwalk Historical Commission, the Norwalk Historical Society and the Norwalk Preservation Trust. Develop list of buildings.
· Demolition of pottery building structure; expiration of demolition permit. Funding sources, tax deductions for donations of artifacts.
· IMLS applications need to be finalized by October 1, 2004. Possible formation of an ad hoc committee. Paintings, cemeteries might fall into this category.
· Record-keeping at City Hall of land records and research records, etc.
· DVD received from the Commission on Culture and Tourism for the Historical Commission’s review and input regarding ongoing plans. A laptop would be brought to the NHC’s next meeting so that everyone could view the DVD.
· Workshop entitled “Marketing on a Shoe String” to be held September 8 through September 28, 2004.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Falasca reported that the committee is:

· Working on procedures and policies for the Museum, possible use of the Barnun Museum’s procedures as a model.
· Day of the Dead proposal tabled for further review in relation to the two-year plan.
· Protocol form developed for all future requests received from the public for use of the museum.
· Long and short term calendar developed with assistance from Ms. Gunn.
· Museum currently closed for inventory. List of staff from Curator.
· List of Sonitrol contact persons.
· Physical state of the Museum; partial tour today; Curator will provide list of her needs to be addressed. Discussion of hours would remain the same.
· References to Gift Shop to be removed from website, banners, etc.
· Hardware store items; assistance from Mr. Bloom.

Ms. Mathies reported:

· Discussion in committee regarding amendment of demolition delay(s); need to approach Ordinance Committee and pursue the issue with Bill Wrenn. The process is ruled by Connecticut State law. Ms. Gunn to provide copies of the report of previously-demolished properties. Ms. Falasca reminded everyone that public hearings could be held regarding properties slated for demolition. She suggested that commissioners keep a watchful eye out in their travels.
· Ms. Gunn reported an application to put a 750 sq.ft. addition on the NHRI building presented by the Planning and Zoning to the NHC for their review and input. Lengthy discussion among commissioners regarding their response to P & Z. Ms. Mathies would look at the property in question to determine if there is a historical impact.
· Ms. Mathies would look at the oyster house property regarding historical impact on the possible demolition.

Betty reported that:

· Closure of the Gift Shop. Ms. Gunn to provide answers by the October meeting to questions the committee previously posed . Ms. Gunn said that the gift shop has been closed since May; cancellation of the tax ID not yet complete; inventory not complete.

Ms. Falasca reported the following properties slated for demolition:

· 48 Walter Avenue – 1950 Cape Cod. Nothing can be done.
· 15 Ferris Avenue – old house, built approximately 1930s near Post Road. Must go.
· 40 ? Street - Charming doll house still inhabited, small lot, on the water, 1925 Colonial in good condition, incredible views, 1680 sq.ft. living area. Request a 90-day demolition delay and encourage owners to invite the members of the Historical Commission in for a personal viewing. Suggest to owners to enlarge the structure with assistance as appropriate. Property was purchased 12/30/03 for $1,650,000. Commission to send letter to owners and to Building department to request 90-day delay with reasons why.

** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO PASS ON 48 WALTER AVENUE AND 15 FERRIS AVENUE AND PUT A 90-DAY DELAY ON 40 ? STREET.
** ? SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

? Unknown speaker:

· June 26th meeting to discuss Mill Hill – windows being fixed; working on preservation plan. Darien Historical Society to be called. Sent letter to Redevelopment Agency that the Historic Commission wants to be more involved.
· Tour of Lockwood Mathews Mansion
· Gate Lodge lease issue.

NEW BUSINESS

· Discussed issues regarding carriage house: exterior lamp post lights not working, paint peeling on windows. Carriage House is responsible for maintenance of the property; copy of lease requested. Write letter to Department of Recreation and Parks.

FINANCE REPORT

· No dramatic change since last month.
· General historic accounts, cemetery accounts, Rogers Rich Merritt accounts.
· Amber Smith Trust donation expenditures discussed.
· Roger Sherman Branch rentals discussed.
· Gift shop sales before closure.
· Revenue from photographs to be used for saving the archive materials.
· Palisades Education grant funding.

** ? MOVED TO ACCEPT FINANCIAL REPORT.
** ? SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION

· Kiwannis Club letter and donation.

The Chairman ended the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Wiggins for
Telesco Secretarial

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