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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
MARCH 24, 2004
ATTENDANCE: Marilyn Robinson, Chairperson; Glenn Iannaccone; Deborah Mathies; Marija Bryant; Carol Ann Falasca; Betty Booth; Linda Fallon; William Krummel
OTHERS: Marjorie St. Aubyn, LMMM; Linda Friedman, Norwalk Historical Society
GUESTS: Filomena Nicolia; Elena Sheehan
Absent
Excused: Kathleen Morrow; Gail Wall, President Norwalk Historical Society; Ralph Bloom
Ms. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The following corrections were made:
Page 3: Under Mill Hill Building, 9th sentence, add ‘ teeth marks in the’ before the word ‘sash’.
Page 3; Under Mill Hill Building, 8th sentence, remove ‘practically gone’ and insert ‘almost damaged’.
Page 4: Under Norwalk Museum, second paragraph, change ‘autographs’ to ‘photographs’.
Page 4: Under Norwalk Museum, first paragraph, remove Ambler Trust and insert Richard & Barbara Sparks.
Page 4; Under Norwalk Museum, second paragraph, change Richard Sparks to Jean Mitchell and add the word ‘approximately’ before $2,000.
Page 4, under Rogers Ritch Merritt House, add ‘Mr. Iannacone also volunteered for the subcommittee.’
Page 5; last paragraph, delete the second sentence and replace with ‘She said that the owner visited today and he informed me that he was also the property owner next door to 52 Rowayton Avenue and that he was stripping the interior and putting it into his present house.’
Page 5; second paragraph, insert ‘she’ in the third sentence after the word ‘but’ and correct the spelling of ‘Baird’ to be ‘Beard.’
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 25, 2004 AS CORRECTED.
** MS. FALLON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. KRUMMEL).
REPORTS – HISTORICAL COMMISSION
a. Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she was very optimistic about the future of the museum and that the museum is now open for tours. She added that the gift shop is open and revamped and beginning May 1st the train exhibit will be open.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that there would be three phases of the train exhibit and four professional train clubs would be coming together from all over the country to recreate LaGrande Lockwood’s holdings. She said that phase one would start in the library and would be a movable exhibit. Ms. St. Aubyn said that it recreates Wilson Point and Norwalk. She added that throughout the holiday season that there would be six decades of trees and six decades of trains with the history of the trains. She said that phase 2 would go into the billiard room and have train manufacturers there. Ms. St. Aubyn said that they are entertaining bids to have the floor restored. She said that phase three is the donation of the historic trolley that would link the Maritime Center and Mathews Park. Ms. St. Aubyn said that there would be a connection with the Danbury line to recreate what Mr. Lockwood founded. She said that with phase one approximately 30,000 new visitors would visit Norwalk.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that the work would be shown that the Movie Company has done for the museum. She said that the antique show would be held on April 27th.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she thought the Stepford Wives movie would premier June 11th.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she had asked Ms. Gunn about the work on the sprinkler system. She said that the quotes are higher than anticipated. Ms. St. Aubyn said that the Board said that they would fundraise for the balance of the money needed.
Mr. Iannacone asked if there were more bids. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she would get other bids once the city gives the figure that they have approved.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she has been working with Mr. Loether. She said that she had gotten permission to use the same procedures to paint the library walls. Ms. St. Aubyn said that Ms. Finley had done the original work on the museum and had selected a celery color. She said that the walls were sanded down with a small section of wallpaper left so that the Docents could give the proper tour with the correct information about the museum. Ms. St. Aubyn said that Mr. Lockwood’s portrait would be brought downstairs to the library with the train exhibit under his portrait.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she was working with the state on the rotunda color. She said that they are undertaking a two-year study of taking the walls back to the original LaGrande Lockwood color. She said that this would involve restoring all of the stencils that would have been in the dome of the rotunda. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she would report back to the commission to determine the money needed.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she has a very bottom line Board and would like to know how to get information and from whom and what meetings that she should attend. She said that Ms. Gunn was not allowed to attend certain meetings. Ms. St. Aubyn asked if the commission represents her. She said that her Board needed answers. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she called city hall and finally reached Ann Twomey for answers. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she asked Ms. Gunn if the LMMM received the $15,000 from the operating budget but Ms. Gunn said she did not have the answer. Ms. St. Aubyn said she needed guidelines and direction from the Commission.
Ms. Robinson said that it was Ms. St. Aubyn responsibility to attend meetings because she may have a specific item that needed an answer from the Council. Ms. Robinson said that Ms. Gunn was not allowed to attend any nighttime meetings until that question was settled. Mr. Krummel said that in the past any work to be done on the mansion was presented to the Land Use and Building Management and should still be done so. He said that the Common Council has the final approval.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that she was here to make sure the sprinkler system was installed because the city cannot afford to lose a historic site. She said that she gave Ms. Gunn the budget information.
Ms. Falasca said that part of the problem was that the staff person did not inform Ms. St. Aubyn of the meeting. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she was very accessible and could be reached at any time. She said that this was a critical juncture to receive the sprinkler system. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she wanted to make sure the report got to the right people.
Ms. Fallon asked if the $250,000 went before the Land Use Committee yet. Mr. Krummel responded that he would check and let Ms. Robinson know.
Ms. Robinson said that the Commission was in a state of flux at this point and would take Ms. St. Aubyn’s request very seriously. Ms. Robinson said that she apologizes for any non-professional treatment that she may have received.
Ms. St. Aubyn said that it was her job to represent the Mansion and would attend any meetings necessary.
c. Mill Hill Buildings-
1. Norwalk Historical Society Report
Ms. Friedman said that Gail Wall was ill tonight so she was present to give the report. She said that they were still trying to repair the squirrel damage at the Governor Fitch Law Office. Ms. Friedman said that someone was meeting with Ms. Gunn with an estimate.
Ms. Friedman said that the busy season was starting. She said that an anonymous donor has donated a flag to the Society because the original flag was destroyed because it hung twenty-four hours a day.
Ms. Friedman said that Ms. Wall contacted the Parks and Recreation Department about the trees. Ms. Bryant said to please not use the same people that cut the trees on Wall Street.
Ms. Friedman said that Mr. Taylor would be retiring and would have to replace him. She said that Ed Cozzette would be taking over the duties of Mr. Taylor. She said that the dehumidifier needed to be installed. Mr. Iannacone asked about the pump. Ms. Friedman said that a pumping system needed to be installed to pump the water out of the building. Ms. Falasca asked if the job needed to be done by an electrician or a plumber.
Ms. Friedman said that she was not sure but the job needed to be done quickly. Ms. Robinson asked who purchased the dehumidifier and determined what kind was needed. Ms. Friedman said that the commission purchased the dehumidifier and that Ms. Rochelle did it on her own.
Ms. Fallon said that she has a system where she can pull out the drawer and empty the water into the sink. Ms. Fallon said that a sum pump was installed to get the water into the sewage pipe. Ms. Friedman said that a pump was needed to take the water some place away from the building.
Ms. Friedman said that a workshop would be held on April 5th with the Connecticut History Organizations. She asked if someone the Commission would like to go. Ms. Friedman said that she strongly suggests that someone go in her place.
Ms. Friedman said that the Society suggests an update for the landmark houses. She added that it was a good idea to update the inventory. Ms. Friedman said that there was a grant available but someone would have to write the grant to receive the resources to update the inventory of landmark houses. Ms. Friedman listed four of the houses: 98 Highland Avenue, 2 Wilson Avenue, Margaret Hoyt Smith Estate and Three River Road. She said that the property for the Smith Estate was endangered to be a sub-division.
Ms. Robinson asked how the commission could help. Ms. Friedman said that by saying yes to an updated inventory. Ms. Fallon said that an inventory was done three years ago. Ms. Falasca said that Mr. Bloom would know how to put the houses on the NHRI list. Ms. Friedman said that you could put the houses on the list by asking permission of the homeowner.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FOUR LISTED NHRI HOUSES PENDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON THE PROCEDURE.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion took place on how a house was put on the resource inventory list. Mr. Krummel asked if it was on the recommendation of the Historical Society. Ms. Friedman said that the house has to have historical significance. Mr. Krummel said that it was important to explain and distinguish why the house should be put on the list. Mr. Krummel said that the Commission could not be accused of discrimination. He said that the houses needed to be identified why it was put on the list from the Historical Society.
iii. Smith Street Barn
Mr. Iannacone said that there was a big difference in the quotes submitted tonight. Ms. Falasca said that the quotes come under the Mill Hill Complex in the budget line item. She said that there was $4,384 left in the 5777 account. Mr. Iannacone said that another quote was needed because this was only one quote.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO RECEIVE A SECOND QUOTE FOR THE SMITH STREET BARN REPAIR OF THE DOORS, HINGES, REPLACE BOARDS WHERE NEEDED, RE-GLAZE WINDOWS, PREP AND PAINT BUILDING WITH ONE COAT OF PAINT OR CUSTOM STAIN AND REMOVE AND REBUILD DECK.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Robinson said that the additional quote would include the items in quote 12704. Mr. Krummel asked why saving the barn was so important. Mr. Iannacone said that there were valuable items in the barn and that the structure has been updated.
Ms. Falasca said that the entire area would be included in the Mill Hill Complex eventually. Mr. Iannacone said that the Commission hoped to restore the jail also. Mr. Krummel said that the Council was under the impression that the tenants would be there forever. Mr. Iannacone said that the restoration would be downstairs and had nothing to do with the tenants.
Ms. Robinson said that the items would be taken out of order.
h. NHRI & Demolitions
i. 28 Camp Street.
ii. 36 Chapel Street.
iii. And any demolition applications published in The Hour, or received by the Commission as of March 24, 2004.
Ms. Sheehan and Ms. Nicolia were present tonight to represent 28 Camp Street.
Ms. Robinson asked about the procedure. Ms. Bryant said that there was a 90-day delay and the Norwalk Preservation Trust was meeting to go through the house.
Ms. Sheehan said that her father had surgery and would not be able to attend tonight’s meeting. She said that they wanted to make the most money for their investment.
Ms. Sheehan said that she has visited Planning and Zoning for regulations and was here tonight for advice. She said that her father has had offers to purchase the house. Ms. Sheehan said that they wanted to demolish or add onto the existing building with apartments. Mr. Bryant said that there was a beautiful barn in the back. Ms. Bryant asked Ms. Sheehan if she spoke to an architect. Ms. Sheehan responded no.
Ms. Bryant said that the neighbors were concerned if the house was to be demolished. She said that the Preservation Trust would be visiting the house on April 3rd.
Mr. Iannacone asked how long the stay was. Ms. Bryant said about two weeks. She said that the Norwalk Preservation’s task was to preserve the neighborhood but for the owners to get the investment that they wanted also.
Ms. Fallon told Ms. Sheehan that the Commission has 90 days to act but that she could take as long as needed.
Ms. Falasca said that 36 Chapel Street was made of stone and was built in 1900 and was the size of a bungalow. She said that there was no demolition sign on the house. She added that the house might be sold as a commercial property.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO PUT 90 DAY DELAY ON 36 CHAPEL STREET UNTIL FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. IANNACONE).
Ms. Falasca said that she visited 52 Rowayton Avenue and that the neighbor was upset about the demolition. She said that there were stained glass winders and the demolition sign was up.
Ms. Robinson asked what the policy was for reviewing the demolition list. Mr. Iannacone responded that three of the Commissioners would drive by the site and report back to the Commission at the next meeting. He said that Ms. Gunn receives the notice from the Building Department and notified the Commission.
Ms. Robinson asked who was on the committee for the NHRI and Demolitions. Ms. Falasca responded that she, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Iannacone.
Ms. Robinson asked if the Commission could authorize the committee to make decision for stay or not. Ms. Robinson asked that the committee make a recommendation if the deemed file date is before next month’s meeting for a stay of demolition. Ms. Robinson said that she would request that Mr. Ireland email the demolition and deemed file date requests to Ms. Gunn. She also said that to make it clear she would ask Ms. Gunn to send a letter on behalf of the Commission.
Ms. Fallon asked who should be notified if a Commission member saw a house with a demolition sign. Ms. Falasca said that to notify the committee.
Ms. Falasca said that a deemed file date needed to be put on the agenda as well as the email. Ms. Falasca said that the 90-day delay could come from anyone
Ms. Falasca also said that it was too late for 17 Hunt Street.
d. Cemeteries
Ms. Robinson said that Ms. Gunn received a four-tax assessment for three of the city owned cemeteries at the Town House and Mill Hill. Ms. Robinson said that there was a note from Ms. Gunn asking what to do. Mr. Iannacone said that it was city owned properties.
Ms. Fallon said that no work has been done because of the winter season. She asked the Commission if she should call Mr. Lupinacci or was Ms. Gunn going to call him to see when he could start the work again. She said that she would call Ms. Rochelle for the updated information.
Ms. Robinson asked Ms. Fallon to call Mr. Lupinacci.
Ms. Booth said that the Curran’s who was a relative of the Selleck’s research group was in town and contacted her husband and he showed them around town and the obelisk in Pine Island Cemetery.
Ms. Robinson said that there was an invoice for $77.95 from Eleck and Salvato for the Norwalk Museum. She added that she has signed off on it already. Mr. Iannacone asked if the invoice should go to the Plaza Realty for building management.
Discussion took place on having committees that report to the Commission so that the Commission did not have to discuss each item in length and detail. Ms. Robinson said that the committees should report to the Commission each month.
e. Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House
There was no report tonight. Ms. Robinson asked who was on this committee. Ms. Falasca said that she, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Iannacone. She added that Ms. Rochelle would be a public participant.
Ms. Robinson said that there should be committees for the items that are listed for reports on the agenda.
f. Norwalk Museum
Ms. Robinson said that this was where Ms. Gunn’s report would be.
Ms. Robinson said that she has a written report from Ms. Gunn for the Commission. Mr. Iannacone said that page three was important because of the purchase of the portrait of Rev. Edwin Hall c. 1830 for $1,400. He said that he thought the limit was $500. Ms. Robinson said that there should be a policy so that it was clear to everyone. Ms. Fallon asked if the Commission would have jurisdiction over the collection if the money for purchases comes from a donation.
Ms. Robinson said that she would request a legal ruling from the Corporation Counsel. Mr. Krummel said that the if the city accepts the donation, then it becomes city property. Ms. Falasca said that no Curator was allowed to purchase any amount without authorization.
Ms. Robinson said that the gift shop would have to charge sales tax because of the state determination. She said that the state auditor was getting back to Ms. Gunn with an answer of whether or not the payment of sales tax would be retroactive.
Ms. Fallon said that this was discussed in November and December. She said that there should be an accounting of the gift shop and the amount of revenue and what sales tax liability the museum has.
** MS. FALLON MOVED TO REQUEST A REGULAR ACCOUNTING AUDIT FOR THE MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP SINCE THE CHANGEOVER FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM AND ALSO A MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE GIFT SHOP.
** MS. FALASCA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Booth said that she would like a copy of the notification from the state and the name of the representative from the state.
Mr. Iannacone said that attention should be given to page four of Ms. Gunn’s report concerning the request to borrow some of the museum’s painting for the exhibit to be held in New Canaan in June and July. Ms. Bryant said that the request should come from the New Canaan Historical Society. Ms. Falasca said that more information was needed before an answer could be given.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO REQUEST THAT THE NEW CANAAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT INSURANCE, APPRAISALS AND VALUES, PAINTINGS AND TRANSPORTATION DIRECTLY TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION REGARDING THE SHOW.
** MS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Booth said that on page three of the museum report Ms. Gunn referred to selling or missing collection pieces the museum. Ms. Robinson said that on page two of the report it states that Mr. Bloom and Ms. Falasca requested a written report about the reference to the collection pieces missing.
Ms. Booth asked for a copy of the lease for the Gate Lodge. She said that she wanted to know who was responsible for repairs, etc. Ms. Robinson asked what the motion would be.
** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE LEASE OF THE GATE LODGE FOR THE COMMISSION’S REVIEW.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
g. WPA Murals (?)
Ms. Robinson said that someone had gone into city hall to research the WPA murals and was told that the murals are in different places. She said that Mr. Bloom was working on the list and telling us where they are or if they were misplaced. Ms. Booth asked who would oversee the murals. Ms. Robinson responded that Mr. Bloom would know.
III. COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no reports tonight.
IV. FINANCE REPORT
Ms. Robinson distributed the report to the Commission. She said that the faxed copies were not clear copies but Ms. Gunn would send out originals to the Commission.
V. OLD BUSINESS
a. Auto Zone / Currie’s property, West Avenue
b. White Barn Theater Property.
Ms. Falasca said that she thinks these items should have been taken off the agenda because there was nothing new to add to this. Ms. Fallon said that there were things on the agenda that did not have a report and said that she also had a tough time following it. Ms. Falasca said that she does not have a report from the Restoration Committee. Ms. Robinson asked what the procedure was for putting the agenda together for the month. Mr. Krummel said that the Chairman has the responsibility to set the agenda. Ms. Robinson said that the agenda would not be as long next month.
Mr. Iannacone said that ADA Architects called him about beams that were taken out of the old Fat’s Pizza building. He said that he mentioned it to Mr. Bloom.
Mr. Iannacone said that they could be stored in the barn.
b. Mathews Park Committee
Ms. Falasca said that she is secretary of the committee and concerning the old police station most people would like to see the area turn back to green. She said that it was the only green oasis in that area. She also said that Mr. Bloom said that the building could be re-fasaded. Ms. Falasca said that the tenants in the area would like to see it green again. She added that it was becoming more asphalt.
Mr. Iannacone asked if there was a stipulation that the land turn back to green when the property was donated by the Lockwoods.
Mr. Bromley gave a history of the property. He said that the city retains ownership of the property by 501 c 3. Ms. Falasca said that the Commission should wait to speak with Mr. Bloom before making a decision. Ms. Fallon said that Norwalk does not have a lot of parks.
Ms. Bryant said that she wanted to share the information that 93 East Avenue. She said that Dr. Stember’s appeal was overturned by the state. She said that the Norwalk Inn could not build on the footprint that they wanted to build.
Ms. Robinson said that this was a good example. She said that Ms. Bryant said that this was something that the Commission should look at. She added that we need to identify things and motions should be made so that procedures could be followed. Ms. Bryant said that she has information that she could provide for next month.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Land Use meeting 3/18/04 – Report.
There was no report tonight.
VII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION
There was none.
VIII. NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Lane for
Telesco Secretarial Services
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