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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
DECEMBER 17, 2003
ATTENDANCE: Diane Rochelle, Chairperson; Ralph Bloom; Glenn Iannaccone; Deborah Mathies; Carol Ann Falasca; Betty Booth; Marilyn Robinson; Marija Bryant; Linda Fallon
ABSENT: Marjorie St. Aubyn; Kathleen Morrow
GUESTS: Councilman William Krummel; Gail Wall; George Bolton
Ms. Rochelle called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2003 AND DECEMBER 2, 2003
The following corrections were made to the minutes of November 19, 2003:
Throughout the document: Correct the spelling of any reference to CIRMA.
Page 2, 1st Paragraph, 2nd Sentence: Insert the word “State” before Commission. Last Paragraph, Last Sentence: insert the word “sample” after the word paint.
Page 5, Last Paragraph, Last Sentence: Delete the word “clear” and insert the word “repair”.
Page 7, 1st Paragraph, 1st Sentence: Correct the spelling of the name “Devan” to read “Devon”. 2nd Paragraph, 1st Sentence: Correct the initials “NCC” to read “MCC”.
Page 8, 3rd Paragraph, 7th Sentence: Delete the percentage “10%” and insert “2%”. 4th Paragraph, 2nd Sentence: Insert the initials “RRM” before the word “museum”. 3rd Sentence should read: “Ms. Falasca also said that this museum will be the only one to reflect maritime history.”
Page 9, 1st Paragraph, 7th Sentence: Correct the name “Ceriglio” to read “Smerligio”. 2nd Paragraph, 2nd Sentence: Delete the word “ally” and insert the word “alley”. 3rd Paragraph, 1st Sentence: Delete the words “to re-nominate” and insert the words “to be reappointed” after the name “Ms. Rochelle”.
Page 10, 1st Paragraph, Last Sentence and throughout the minutes: Correct the initials “LWMM” to read “LMMM”.
Page 11, 2nd Paragraph, 3rd Sentence should read: “She said the two issues were the impact of the electric bill and the legality of putting a light on private property.” 3rd Paragraph, 14th Sentence: Add the following to the end of the existing sentence: “…with the opening of the garage”. 28th Sentence: Add the following to the end of the existing sentence: “… which had been used to keep the doors from closing.” 31st Sentence: Delete the word “mace” and insert the words “pepper spray”.
Page 13, 2nd Paragraph, 1st Sentence should read: “Ms. Rochelle said that the museum has a display window in which she would like to change the display. 3rd and 4th Sentences: Delete the words “empty” and insert the words “change”. Throughout the 7th Paragraph: Correct the spelling of the name “Kirker” to read “Crooker”. 9th Sentence: Delete the word “demolition” and insert the words “modern addition”. 10th Sentence: Correct the spelling of the name “Mocchia” to read “Mocciae”.
Page 14, 3rd Paragraph: Delete the one sentence paragraph from the minutes.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
The following corrections were made to the minutes of December 2, 2003:
Page 1, Under Guests: Delete the word “Officer” and the name “Robert Falasca”. 3rd Paragraph, 1st Sentence: Insert the phrase “for participation” after the word “public”.
Page 2, 6th Paragraph: Delete the initials “LWMM” and insert the initials “LMMM” in the 1st and 4th Sentences.
Page 3, 1st Paragraph: Correct the years “06-70” to read “06-07”.
Page 4, 1st Paragraph, 2nd Sentence: Insert the words “… at the LMMM” after “sprinkler system”. 2nd Paragraph, 1st Sentence: Correct the initials “LWMM” to read “LMMM”. 3rd Paragraph: Insert the phrase “… for the Smith Street storage barn” after “last year”.
Page 6, 1st and 2nd Paragraphs: Change both paragraphs from the first to the third person.
Page 8, 3rd Paragraph, 4th Sentence: Delete the word “metro” at the end of the sentence and insert the word “patrimony”.
Page 9, 3rd Paragraph, 1st Sentence should read: “Ms. Rochelle gave out copies of Section 67A-1 of the Code of the City of Norwalk for everyone tonight.”
Page 11, 2nd Paragraph, 1st Sentence should read: “Ms. Falasca said that funds for repairs should not be used to buy museum memberships for the curator.” 2nd Sentence: Delete the word “things” and insert the word “repairs”.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
A discussion ensued regarding the length of the minutes and the amount of time needed to make corrections. It was decided that the minutes would be corrected for any misspellings prior to the meeting night and that the Members would receive a list of those corrections.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED APPROVAL THAT THE CHAIRPERSON OR A DESIGNEE WOULD CORRECT THE MISSPELLINGS OF THE MINUTES, IN WRITING, PRIOR TO THE SUBSEQUENT MEETING.
** MS. FALASCO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Ms. Rochelle noted that she would telephone Ms. Telesco and discuss the lengthiness of the minutes with her. She added that she would type a list of the corrections from tonight’s set of minutes and distribute them at the next meeting.
Mr. Bloom mentioned that he would telephone Ms. Gunn for a listing of the meeting dates for 2004 and he noted that he had not received the budget report by e-mail, regular mail or telephone call.
Ms. Rochelle apologized to the Members for any inconvenience the change of place for this evening’s meeting might have caused anyone. She added that she would suggest a telephone call be made to the Members in addition to an e-mail notice. A brief discussion followed regarding the benefits of having an extra set of keys to the museum made available to the Members.
Ms. Rochelle noted that Ms. St. Aubyn had been excused from tonight’s meeting. She stated that the porch repairs were going along very nicely and she described the renovations. She remarked that Alan Lo was acting on behalf of the City and mentioned that painting was in the contingency of the project price and there was money left over for painting the conservatory. Ms. Rochelle informed the Members that she had requested a written report but was advised by Ms. St. Aubyn that there had not been any recent activity.
Ms. Rochelle stated that a Paramount Pictures Corp. release had to be signed to affirm that the repairs were being performed to the mansion.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL TO ALLOW THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO SIGN THE RELEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWALK AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORP. PENDING APPROVAL BY THE LAW DEPARTMENT.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Ms. Wall distributed her report to the Members. She mentioned that they were focused on inputting their data into the computer. She noted that the fuel bill mailing had been addressed to the City but because fuel usage was low they would not receive the same discounted rate. Ms. Rochelle suggested that the winter gas bill be submitted to the City as well as any repair bills. She also mentioned that they could investigate the cost of new gas burner for better fuel efficiency. After a brief discussion it was determined that Ms. Wall would secure an estimate from Yankee Gas and then go forward and secure a second estimate from another source. Ms. Wall mentioned that she thought that the Building Chairperson was already working on this.
Ms. Wall reported that the status of the windows damaged at the Gov. Fitch Law Office remained unchanged. Ms. Rochelle stated that she was still unclear if a second estimate was needed but she believed it to be so. She noted that Ms. Gunn should be aware of this.
A discussion took place regarding the flagpole fixture on the front lawn and the absence of lighting around it. Ms. Rochelle stated that she had an estimate for $210.00 to replace the lighting photocell and she also thought that a higher stonewall around the entire fixture was needed. She added that the estimate for the flagpole fixture was $500.00.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL FOR ETECH AND SALVADO ELECTRIC INC TO INSTALL A FLAGPOLE FIXTURE FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $500.00 AND TO REPAIR THE LIGHTING FOR A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $210.00.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
It was noted that since there was no information at this time and no exterminator’s estimate this matter would be tabled until the next meeting.
Cemeteries – Restoration Work Update
Ms. Rochelle stated that she did not know the status of the smaller stones being repaired. She distributed a copy of a letter to the Members that had been received earlier this month from Monument Conservation Collaborative LLC. She went on to state that she felt Ms. Gunn would reply to this letter.
Also, the possibility of a having a project for the scouts by way of cataloging the headstones at Kellogg Cemetery was discussed. It was noted that Tim Carney was a very enthusiastic scoutmaster.
Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House
Ms. Rochelle stated that contrary to commentary there was a document available containing the various labeling for this building. She explained the contents of the binder she had before her and added that any Member was welcome to review it. She noted that whomever was reassembling the building would use this book to aid them in recreating the pattern. She added that there were also resource people that could be consulted.
Ms. Rochelle advised the Members that the Commission would have a meeting regarding this issue in mid-January. She noted that construction dollars were needed and for that they needed serious immediate sponsorships since they needed to go to bid next spring. She added that the lowest bid had been $237,000.00 and the highest had been $500,000.00. Ms. Rochelle stated that they should fund raise for at least $100,000.00. She discussed the cost savings found through her meeting with Alan Lo and Mr. Krummel in the summer.
The Members then discussed architectural oversight versus construction management on the project. Ms. Rochelle assured the Members that all the wood in the trailer was labeled. She stated that as they got closer to the start date of the project they would try to refine the plans. She noted that no matter how much they might be able to refine them the project would still cost more than anticipated two years ago.
Mr. Bloom informed the Members of the history of this project. He remarked that this house would fill the maritime gap before the mansion’s time period began and it would bring Mill Hill to completion. Ms. Rochelle interjected that they would again be looking to the State for another Grant. Mr. Bloom pointed out that the construction of the project still had to meet code and added that this building would be unique because it would be the only building on the site to have a basement.
Ms. Rochelle stated that the first question she felt she would be asked would be with regard to the dysfunction they have been working with for the past three years. She added that there was no way to deal with public perception but to go forward.
Norwalk Museum
Ms. Rochelle stated that Ms. Gunn was absent this evening and no financial reports were available on any of the accounts. Mr. Bloom reviewed the vouchers.
NHRI and Demolitions
11 June Avenue
It was determined that none of the Members had a problem with this issue.
And Any Demolition Applications Published in The Hour or Received by the NHC as of December 10, 2003
There were none noted.
Mr. Bloom separated the utility bills from the rest of the vouchers and stated that they could have been paid directly. He went on to state that all the other vouchers were incomplete and unsigned and remarked that as such, Ms. Rochelle could not sign them either. There was a review of the vouchers by Ms. Rochelle and discussion on some of them, which resulted in Ms. Rochelle signing a few of the vouchers. It was noted that two vouchers related to the gift shop were rejected.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED APPROVAL TO REQUEST THE THAT THE CITY AUDITOR AUDIT ALL THE FINANCIAL REPORTS OF THE NORWALK MUSEUM AS WELL AS ALL OF ITS RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.
A discussion took place regarding the lack of financial reports for the museum and the possibility of an in-house audit being performed by the City Controller.
** THE MOTION WAS TABELED AT THIS TIME.
It was mentioned that the many of the Members, as well as the Chairperson, was not in receipt of a copy of the Capital Budget submission. It was also mentioned that the Operating Budget Review might have already taken place in which case no one from the Commission would have been present.
(Side Note: The Auto Zone site plans would be discussed next month.)
LMMM Restoration Committee
There had not been a committee meeting.
Mathews Park Committee
There had not been a committee meeting.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED APPROVAL TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION OF SEPTEMBER 9, 1975, THAT DESIGNATED CITY PROPERTIES AS HISTORIC SITES WITHIN THE AUTHORITY OF NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION AS FOLLOWS: ADD “ALL BUILDINGS” TO MILL HILL HISTORIC PARK, CHANGE NAME OF LOCKWOOD HOUSE TO NORWALK MUSEUM, DELETE WARD HOUSE, ADD “MATHEWS PARK BUILDINGS: GATE LODGE, LAUNDRY/SUMMER KITCHEN, CARRIAGE HOUSE, GARDENER’S COTTAGE.”
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
Ms. Rochelle noted that she had not heard anything from Mayor Knopp with regard to any other Resolutions.
Ms. Falasca stated that she had contacted the American Legion concerning the electrical work needed for the flag. She went on to state that a Member of the legion would like to help but noted that he was a union member and had to make certain it would be all right. Mr. Bloom advised that the gentleman should be made aware that the flag was on private, not City, property. A short discussion followed regarding the labor intensity of this project.
Ms. Rochelle stated that a Nominating Committee needed to be formed. The following Members volunteered to be on the Committee:
Deborah Mathies, Chairperson
Linda Fallon
Kathleen Morrow
Carol Ann Falasca
Ms. Rochelle advised the Committee Members that they would need to render their report in January and elect a Chair for the Commission. She noted that her term would expire on December 31, 2003. She stated that Ms. Falasca would be the Acting Chair of the Commission until a new Chairperson was elected as she; herself would not feel comfortable continuing as Chairperson during an expired term of office. She went on to state that it would not serve this Commission best if she were to serve outside of her appointment. She informed the Members that if the Mayor did not appoint a Chairperson within the next three months the matter would be put before the full Council. Ms. Rochelle stressed that the Commissioners had to maintain their focus and pointed out that the Members of the Commission were its strength.
** MS. ROCHELLE MOVED APPROVAL THAT MS. FALASCA, ACTING AS HER DESIGNEE, HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SIGN ALL VOUCHERS PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION AS OF JANUARY 1, 2004.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH SIX (6) IN FAVOR (MS. MATHIES, MR. IANNACCONE, MS. BOOTH, MR. BLOOM, MS. ROBINSON AND MS. BRYANT) AND TWO (2) ABSTENTIONS (MS. FALASCA AND MS. FALLON).
It was noted by the Members that the commitment of Ms. Rochelle had been incredible.
Ms. Rochelle informed the Members of a letter written by Congressman Christopher Shays regarding the song Yankee Doodle and its relationship to Norwalk, CT and Rensselaer, NY.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL TO SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATION OF CONGRESSMAN CHRISTOPHER SHAYS TO AMEND H. CON. RES. 11 TO APPROPRIATELY HONOR NORWALK, CT AND RENSSELAER, NY REGARDING THE SONG YANKEE DOODLE.
** MS. ROBINSON SECONDED.
Mr. Bloom stated that he did not believe in this Amendment and he would request that documentation be forwarded that substantiated this Bill.
** MR. IANNACCONE WITHDREW HIS MOTION AND THIS ISSUE WAS TABLED UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.
Ms. Rochelle informed the Members of a memo that had been sent to Ms. Gunn on December 9, 2003,from the Chairman of the Planning Commission. Ms. Rochelle stated that she would bring this memo to the Capital Budget Review meeting.
There was none.
NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION: JANUARY 2003 AT 7:30 PM NORWALK MUSEUM CONFERENCE ROOM
There was no date mentioned for the January meeting.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED APPROVAL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
** MS. ROBINSON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY VOICE VOTE.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Marie DeLuca
Telesco Secretarial
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