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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
January 28, 2004
ATTENDANCE: Carol Ann Falasca, Acting Chairperson; Marilyn Robinson; Ralph Bloom; Glenn Iannaccone; Diane Rochelle; Deborah Mathies; Betty Booth; Linda Fallon (8:30pm)
STAFF: Susan Gunn; Betsy Jewell
OTHERS: Gail Wall, President Norwalk Historical Society
Absent
Excused: Kathleen Morrow; Marija Bryant; Marjorie St. Aubyn
Ms. Falasca called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Page 4 – 4th paragraph. The last word should be Chairman, not members.
Page 5 – last motion –‘Etech and Salvado’ Electric should read Eleck and Salvato.
Page 9 – last sentence, Change the word “Chairperson” should read “new Commission member”.
Page 9 – Third paragraph, second sentence, after ‘the electrical work needed’ should read, ‘ to light the flag pole at the museum’.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
**` MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Booth asked about sending the minutes out earlier than before. Ms. Gunn said that the machine was not installed properly. She said that she sent the minutes by email two times. Ms. Gunn said that the secretarial service sends the minutes to the contact person in the Mayor’s office. She said that she requested that Ms. Telesco email the minutes to her also.
a). Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum
Ms. Falasca said that Mr. Lo and Mr. Kirker were concerned about the color of the deck for the Veranda. She said that the wood was like teak and repels wetness and moisture. Ms. Falasca said that the wood could not be painted for a few years because of the expansion space and the tongue and groove but then after the wood weathered, the wood can be painted every three years. She added that this wood was approved by the state.
b). Mill Hill Buildings
i. Norwalk Historical Society Report
Ms. Wall said that the status was the same as last month regarding the windows at the Fitch Law office. She said that the City received a check from the insurance for the windows.
Ms. Wall said that she received a fax from Mr. Scobo in January concerning the gas bill. She said that the use of the building was low therefore the rate was definitely the lower rate. Ms. Wall said that until the utility rate changes, the present rate would apply. She said that Mr. Scobo suggested asking the City if they can hook up to the gas supply through them.
Ms. Wall said that the temperature was kept a 58 degrees. Mr. Rochelle said that several years ago the bill was $800, then up to $2400. She asked if Yankee Gas can go out and give an energy efficient rating. Ms. Wall said that Yankee Gas does not do that anymore. Ms. Rochelle asked if the attic was insulated. Ms. Wall responded that she did not know. Mr. Bloom said that the cold air was trapped in the basement causing the floors to be very cold. Mr. Iannacone suggested using CIRMA to evaluate the building for efficiency.
Ms. Falasca said that there was $4,381 from 2001 and $21,676 from 2003. She added that the money should be used as soon as possible. Ms. Falasca added that the city wanted the money back if not used.
Ms. Wall said that the surrounding communities formed the Fairfield County Preservation Trust and is on the web-site. She said that this was a giant step for financial support and was also quite an impressive group.
Ms. Gunn asked Ms. Wall about the White Barn. Ms. Wall said that each town has their own critical property at risk and that the web-site was keeping everyone informed.
Ms. Falasca asked about the flagpole light. Ms. Gunn said that she would look into receiving a quote from Eleck and Salvato for a timer.
Ms. Falasca said that the city received a check for $2,775 for the windows but there were two more estimates needed. Ms. Gunn said that she spoke to Dick Riley from Homeline and would update everyone with the estimate.
ii. Mill Hill Buildings – Pest Control.
Ms. Gunn said she would contact the maintenance person at city hall about a quote for pest control. She said that the pest control companies are experts that keep pests out. She also added that pest control was a highly specialized regulated field per the state. Ms. Gunn said that the building must be secured before pests can be controlled.
iii. Smith Street Barn – pest control.
The information for this item was the same information from the above item.
c). cemeteries
Ms. Gunn said that there are five stones from the total that were not restored.
Ms. Falasca said that there was a letter requesting a password for the GPS survey. Ms. Falasca said that a good pitch was made for the cemeteries at the budget meeting last night. She added that the Budget Committee seemed genuinely interested.
Ms. Rochelle said the estimates for restoration should be coming in the spring. Ms. Falasca said that Brookside Cemetery was not on the registry and would talk to Ms. Fallon about that.
9). Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House
Ms. Falasca said that a motion was needed to extend the special permit for another year.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO EXTEND THE SPECIAL PERMITS FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR.
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Fallon arrived at 8:30pm.
Ms. Gunn asked why Ms. Falasca did not sign the vouchers from last week. Ms. Falasca said that she was acting Chairman for the interim and did not fee comfortable signing the vouchers. She added that the Commission has a secretarial service taking minutes to record actions and conversation at the meetings and did not understand why audiotapes had to be purchased. Ms. Gunn responded that taping the minutes was to protect the Commission and it was required by the state to archive the tapes in case something comes up.
Ms. Rochelle said that the meeting was taped only when a secretary was not available. Ms. Gunn said that she found it helpful to clarify something from the tape if she did not understand something from the meeting. Ms. Robinson said that she saw no problem with the taping the meeting as well as the secretary taking the minutes. She said that sometimes someone might want to listen to he tapes for clarity. Ms. Rochelle said to see what was in the operating budget for this item. Ms. Falasca said that a decision could be made at next month’s meeting.
Ms. Gunn said that she would like clarification of signatures on the vouchers. She said that it was difficult to run the museum without having the ability to put through a voucher. Discussion took place on closing the gift shop and the budget for the gift shop. Ms. Gunn said that she raised money from the gift shop. She said that she was able to hire a part time staff from the grant money from the Ettinger Scholarship fund. Ms. Gunn said that her father was able to help with this request because of his association with the scholarship fund. Ms. Falasca said that the gift shop could not sell without a 501 C 3 certificate.
Ms Gunn said that the Ambler account was the city account for all donations to the museum. Ms. Gunn said that some of the donations went into the Friends of Museum account. She added that monies received go into the museum to keep the museum up to date. Ms. Gunn said that she met with Mr. Gilden and he did not have a problem with the sales tax certificate. Ms. Falasca said that this process was done without the Commission’s knowledge. Ms. Falasca said that she needed something in writing to clarify the situation and make it very clear. Ms. Falasca added that she would not sign the vouchers. Ms. Falasca said that the voucher for the pottery was for the amount of $6500. Ms. Gunn said that the pottery was from Norwalk and was authentic. She explained the technique and the decoration to the Commission. Ms. Gunn said that the ‘JG’ mark on the bowl was the most valuable explaining that this piece of pottery was made by a European decorator that moved here. Ms. Mathies said that documentation was needed for the pottery.
Mr. Bloom said that $6500 was too rich for the museum given the tax increases in the City as far as real estate was going on. He said he believed that the taxpayers would be upset if they knew the museum spent $6500 on a single piece of pottery. He said that he believed that it was bad public relations.
Ms. Gunn said that the redware was sold from the museum previously. Mr. Bloom told Ms. Gunn that she was making an accusation and wanted everything that she said in writing. He said that he wanted to see the jurisdiction given to her by city hall. Mr. Bloom said that Ms. Gunn spent $7000 last year for goods for the museum but there was nothing to show for it.
Ms. Falasca suggested asking the donors to buy this piece for the museum. Ms. Fallon suggested having the piece appraised. Ms. Gunn said that if the museum did not sign for this the museum might lose the piece of pottery.
Ms. Rochelle suggested that Mr. Gilden come to a meeting to explain the non-profit tax certificate to the Commission. She said that there should be checks and balances for everyone. She also added that the liability rests with the Commission and the Commission should approve acquisitions to protect future grant requests.
Ms. Falasca said that she would not sign the vouchers until documentation was provided as backup. Ms. Gunn said that she has always sought information from other people if the price was over $150. Ms. Gunn said that she believed that the Commission was not supportive and was also trying to get her fired. She added that the Commission has not accepted that all of the museum’s activities report to city hall and that she reports to the Commission on other certain things.
Ms. Falasca said that the commission was started to protect the collections of the Norwalk Museum and until they are told something differently the Commission would operate as always. She added that there was no one stepping forward to clarify things as a Commission and museum.
Ms. Falasca asked if there was a motion to sign the vouchers tonight. Mr. Iannacone said that he believed that Ms. Gunn knows what she was talking about. He said that he would suggest signing the vouchers.
** MS. ROCHELLE MOVED TO SIGN THE VOUCHER FOR $6650 TO ESTELLE WATSON FOR THE REDWARE CONTINGENT ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT AN APPRAISAL AND DOCUMENTATION COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
** MR. IANNACONE SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE OPPOSTION (MR. BLOOM) AND ONE ABSTENTION (MS. BOOTH).
** MS. ROCHELLE MOVED TO HAVE ACQUISITIONS OVER $500 COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION BEFORE PUCHASE AND ALL GRANTS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY COMMISSION WITH PROPER DOCUMENTATION.
** MR. IANNACONE SECONDED.
*** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO SIGN VOUCHER TO PAY FOR AUDIO CASSETT TAPES.
** MS. ROBINSON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. BLOOM).
Ms. Gunn gave the museum report. She said that she would display the pottery in the window case. She said that she attended the Mayor’s Ball and the Raggedy Ann tea Party was part of the silent auction but did not know the amount of the auction. Ms. Gunn distributed the chart showing the total number of calls since last year.
Ms. Gunn said that she has a letter from the law department that the lease agreement has been changed because of the contact person. She said that she is now the contact person for lease purposes and representing the Commission.
Mr. Iannacone asked about the status of the flagpole. Ms. Falasca said that she contacted the American Legion and no one from the electrical union has come forward with any information. Ms. Gunn said she filed a police report because the flag was missing.
Ms. Rochelle said that she had a conversation with Don Eleck from the electric company to see if there was another way to illuminate the flagpole. Mr. Iannacone said that he would call Mr. Eleck.
Ms. Falasca asked about the security issue concerning the bathrooms. Ms. Gunn said that the other tenants were not happy about locking the bathrooms. She said she also talked to Mr. Smeriglio about leaving the rug in the back because of the break-ins. Mr. Smeriglio said that he wanted the rug to stay because it helps to protect the floors. Mr. Iannacone suggested nailing the rug down so it would not move. Ms. Gunn said she contacted Mr. Smeriglio about the cracked ceilings and walls and the leaky roof also.
f). NHRI & Demolitions
i. 17 Hunt Street
Ms. Falasca said that she has asked Ms. Bryant to look into this location. She said that the inner core might be older than it appears. She said that the original kitchen could have been in the basement and the basement facing Hunt Street could have been the original entrance to the house.
ii. 330 Ely Avenue
Ms. Falasca said that this was a small piece of property with no windows or doors. Mr. Bloom said that he has not seen the location.
Ms. Falasca asked for a motion to vote off 330 Ely Avenue and to table Hunt Street. Ms. Gunn said that she would notify the Commission when the deemed file date is in the paper.
** MS. ROCHELLE MOVED TO VOTE OFF 330 ELY AVENUE AND TO TABLE HUNT STREET UNTIL NEXT MEETING.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. IANNACONE).
Ms. Falasca said that Ms. Bryant said that the old Fats Pizza would be built sympathetic to the area.
iii. And any demolition applications published in The Hour or, received by the Commission as of January 21, 2004.
There were none.
iv. Annual demolition report
Ms. Gunn said that Code Enforcement sent her a copy of all the demolitions in the area.
g). Mathews Park Buildings
i. Gate Lodge Repairs
Ms. Falasca said that American Landmark’s bid came in at $4,780 and Godfrey’s bid came in at $12,250. She said that the bidders had to be called because there were only two chimneys referred to in the bids because Mr. Kirker said the flashing had to be done also.
Ms. Falasca said that the money from the lodge account was surrendered because Ms. Gunn sent a memo to the Finance Director stating that the money wasn’t going to be used by August ’03. Ms. Falasca said that the letter from Ms. Gunn was not approved. Ms. Falasca said that the Commission would vote on the lowest bid but would not be able to get the money back.
Ms. Falasca reminded Ms. Gunn that she was asked to order oil for the Gate Lodge but did not. She said that Mr. Bloom visited the Gate Lodge and found the tank empty and ordered the oil.
a). LMMM Restoration Committee
b). Mathews Park Committee.
Ms. Falasca said that there was no report tonight.
Mr. Bloom said that at last night’s meeting DPW asked for $60,000 for a study to reuse the police department. He said that there are so many homes that don’t have a home base but requesting $60,000 for a study for re-use.
Ms. Falasca said that the Commission missed the Operating Budget meeting.
Ms. Gunn said that she went. Ms. Falasca said that Ms. Gunn should have let the Commission know of this.
Ms. Falasca said that the Commission requested $280,000 for this coming year. She said the Capital Budget Committee asked why some of the line items were not used at this time. Ms. Falasca said she told them that some of the work was outside work and could not be done at this time.
Ms. Falasca said that the Commission was asked to cut the operating budget $15,000 from last year. She said upon the advice of Ms. Robinson, the Commission agreed not to give up any amount from their operating budget. She added that most of the Operating Budget was for utility expenses.
Ms. Gunn said that $1,000 was taken off for computer software upgrade.
Ms. Gunn said she would send a letter to Finance that the expenses would almost all go to utility bills and that there is only one employee and that there are no discretionary expenses. Ms. Falasca said to explain that Norwalk wants tourism and that tourism brings people to Norwalk.
a). Auto Zone site plans.
Ms. Falasca said that the Auto Zone would now be relocated at the old Kia Site.
b). Recommendation to Congressman Shays RE Yankee Doodle song.
Mr. Bloom said that he hand delivered a personal letter to Congressman Shays stating that there was no historical basis of truth for the song. Mr. Bloom said that he did not want congressional action to go into effect validating something that could not be proven. Mr. Bloom said that the artist was not a colonel. He said that documents support that the artist suffered arthritis and could not sit on a horse. Mr. Bloom said that there was poor history on this and nothing in textbooks for finding the truth. He added that this should not be validated. Mr. Bloom said that he spoke with Mr. Shays secretary and she said she was greatful for this information because this has been a problem from the beginnig.
a). Election of Historical Commission Officers.
Ms. Mathies said that the Election Committee voted to have Marilyn Robinson as Chairperson and Ms. Falasca as Vice-Chairperson.
Ms. Falasca asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Ms. Falasca said being that there were none, she closed the nominations from the floor.
The vote was unanimous to elect Ms. Robinson as Chairperson and Ms. Falasca as Vice Chairperson.
b). Friends of the Norwalk Museums
Ms. Falasca said there was no report tonight.
c). White Barn Theater Property.
Ms. Falasca said that there are trust people that are working on this. Ms. Gunn said that sometimes the Commission would like to know why I don’t bring things up earlier. She said that this was worth the Commissions review and update. Ms. Falasca said that the estate wanted to use this building and bring up to code for other use. Ms. Falasca said that this would require selling off some property to developers.
VII. Any other business to come before the Commission.
Ms. Falasca said that the collection items from Joyce Dewees Wehen, the goddaughter to Manice Deforest Lockwood, that were willed to the city arrived broken and incomplete. Ms. Falasca said that the city attorney was looking into this with the attorney for the estate.
Ms. Falasca said that the NHRI list should be updated. Ms. Rochelle said that all of the historical blocks should be listed with a block number.
Ms. Booth said that she would like to make a courtesy motion to thank Ms. Rochelle for being Chairperson of the Commission. She said that Ms. Rochelle has done a wonderful job.
Ms. Rochelle said a motion was needed to have the new Chairperson sign the vouchers.
** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE MARILYN ROBINSON SIGN VOUCHERS FOR THE NORWALK MUSEUM.
** MR. IANNACONE SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UANANIMOUSLY.
VIII. Next meeting of the Commission: February 25 at 7:30pm at the Norwalk Museum Conference Room.
Ms. Falasca said that the next meeting is the same night as the public hearing for the budget meeting. She said that the Commission’s next meeting would be held on February 24th here at the museum at 7:30pm.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Lane for
Telesco Secretarial Services
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