NOVEMBER 19, 2003

Ms. Rochelle said that the items would be taken out of order.

II. Reports – Historical Commission

Paramount Location Agreement

Ms. Rochelle said that Paul Loether was guest speaker tonight concerning the Paramount Location Agreement and the Lockwood Mathews Mansion.

Mr. Loether said that the Connecticut Historical Commission cease to exist on August 21^st of this year. He said that the CT State Historical Commission was formed.

Mr. Loether said that the reason for his visit was to discuss the color of the rotunda. He said that the State Commission is the holder of preservation restriction on the building. He also added that preservation restriction gave them a vested interest in the property. Mr. Loether said that this means you couldn’t do anything to the building other than routine maintenance without the Commission’s permission. He said the discussion of the paint color is at hand. Mr. Loether said that the foremost preservation restriction is to protect the historic fabric of the building. He said that the interpretation of the building does have an impact on the fabric retention. Mr. Loether said the primary purpose is not to enforce or give an interpretation of the building. He said that hopefully the organization would work that out.

Mr. Loether said one of the issues at hand in retaining the paint color is that the color was not fully documented as it being the appropriate color. He said that the base color was appropriately documented with the Commission. Mr. Loether said that he is here today to help Ms. St. Aubyn with an agreeable solution to this. Ms. St. Aubyn said that the paint would be allowed to stay for a period of two years. She added that during the two years a proper study would be done to evaluate and raise funds if necessary in order to complete the rotunda as it was intended to be before funds were depleted at the beginning of the restoration by not only repainting to the Lockwood period but also by putting the original stencil back around the walls.

Ms. St. Aubyn said the restoration would be overseen by the Commission and would start with the restoration right away. She added that for now the rotunda would remain the same. Ms. Bryant asked what was in the rotunda during the Mathews period as a temporary display. Mr. Loether said the colors that were in place beforehand had been documented so you’re dealing with interpretation of documentation. He added that the Mathews colors are not fully or properly documented as a permanent fixture.

Ms. St. Aubyn said that Paramount has spent a great deal of money on the furnishings in the rotunda as well as four giant paintings. She said that the value of the pieces were worth well over $100,000 all together. Ms. St. Aubyn said that Paramount is leaving the pieces with the Museum. She said that the Commission could sell the furnishings to receive the money to create the restoration for the Lockwood Mathews Mansion. Ms. St. Aubyn said it was an advantage to keep the pieces for a period of time and it would also enhance the viewer’s experience. Mr. Loether asked if this agreement would be put in writing for the CT Historical Commission. Ms. St. Aubyn said that something was being put together now and would be sent to Mr. Loether for approval. Mr. Loether said that this is the Commission’s approval. He added that the state Commission would accept it pursuant to restrictions on the preservation.

Ms. Falasca said that the Commission could contact Paramount to repaint the rotunda back to the original color. Ms. Rochelle said that if the Lockwood Mathews Mansion wanted the color back Paramount has agreed to do so by contract. Ms. Rochelle said that the color is beautiful with the woodwork and would give the viewer a beautiful experience.

Ms. Bryant asked if this would be a rendition of what the room would have looked like. Ms. St. Aubyn said that that was a very good question. She said that the tour guides explain the walls were done in the tones with massive paintings on the walls. She added that the original paint is preserved under Plexiglas shield.

Ms. St. Aubyn said that this was done specifically for the movie and the rotunda would be taking front stage at the conclusion of the movie where there would be tremendous advertisement. Ms. St. Aubyn said the guides would not say that there was any authentic restoration in any way.

Mr. Loether said that funding might be available to help the Commission with this task. He said he would meet with Ms. St. Aubyn to think of some strategies in fundraising for the restoration. Ms. Bryant said that since the rotunda was redone for the movie purpose could it stay that way. She said that it might be flashy for the viewer. Ms. St. Aubyn said that Paramount did all that they could do in studying the Blue Book for color and to create ambiance from a historical perspective. She said that the viewers would get an idea of how the people lived in that era. Ms. St. Aubyn said that the pictures were from the Lockwood period and not historical of the Mathews period. She added that it is like walking into an exhibit. Mr. Loether said that revisiting an era from time to time is a good thing to do. He said that the interpretation of the structure should be worked out and any change in color needed to be documented. Ms. Bryant said that she expects accuracy but some people visit just for entertainment.

Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission would like a motion to keep the rotunda as is for two years. Ms. Bryant asked what the options are. Ms. Rochelle said that the options were to say yes or no to the motion. Ms. St. Aubyn said that now that the money is available there could be an on going study for restoration for the rotunda.

** MS. MORROW SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. St. Aubyn said that Paramount brought in two original marble statues that would remain with the museum. Ms. Morrow suggested placing a container alongside the statues for donations. Ms. St. Aubyn said that the statues are on pedestals that turn. She added that Paramount has done a lot of good for the City of Norwalk. Mr. Bloom added that the people from Paramount were always very pleasant and nice. Mr. Iannacone said that the NY Firefighters were working on the scene as well.

Veranda Roof Project

Ms. St. Aubyn said the work on the project would begin on Monday. Ms. Rochelle said she met with Alan Lo and went over all the plans. She said the project would continue through spring but would be completed quickly weather permitting.

1. APPROVE MINUTES: OCTOBER 22, AND NOVEMBER 10, 2003

Ms. Booth said the correction of the October 22 minutes on page one should read 250 instead of 750.

Page 5, Mr. Iannacone said that the Commission could ‘ask’ if Grubb and Ellis could handle this.

** MR. IANNACONE SECONDED

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Historical Society Report – Mill Hill Buildings

Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Wall is excused this evening. She said that Ms. Wall sent the report. She added that a tree was cut down over the weekend. Ms. Rochelle said the lock at the Fitch Law office was not working. She said TDS Homeline was called and Homeline opened the door. Ms. Rochelle said that she received a bill for $195 and needed a motion to pay the invoice.

** MS. MORROW MOVED TO PAY THE INVOICE OF $195 TO TDS HOMELINE FOR REPAIR OF A LOCK A FITCH LAW OFFICE.

** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Rochelle said that the original invoice would be given to Ms. Gunn to pay the invoice out of the building budget.

Ms. Rochelle asked what the status was on the squirrel damage repair. Ms. Gunn responded that she had emailed Kirma again today to find out the status on this issue. She said she had left some messages also. Ms. Rochelle asked if Ms. Gunn had received two repair estimates. Ms. Gunn said that she contacted TDS Homeline also.

She said she went over this with Troy a few months ago and it was fine. Ms. Rochelle asked why Ms. Gunn told the Commission last month that two estimates was needed therefore we asked you to get a second estimate. Ms. Gunn responded that she did not understand because it has been in Kirma’s hands but have not seen a check forthcoming. She said that the Commission would be receiving a check for the quote from Homeline minus the $1,000. She added that we do not have to use Homeline. Ms. Gunn said she thought she needed to get the money and then proceed from there. Ms. Rochelle asked if Ms. Gunn if she checked into the status today. Ms. Gunn replied that she sent another email today. She said that she has only had email for about a week. Ms. Booth said that the Commission should review the Homeline qualifications again. Mr. Iannacone said that two estimates are not needed. Ms. Rochelle said that she would like to get this done as soon as possible. Ms. Gunn said that the Historical Society has not gotten back to her with the number of windows. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she ever went over to count the number of windows that needed repair. Ms. Gunn said there were 5 windows, but the Historical Society and Homeline said 6 windows. Ms. Rochelle said that the number of windows has to do with the contractor and the contractor gave a quote for six windows. Ms. Falasca asked when the quote was submitted to Kirma.

Ms. Gunn said she called and left messages. Ms. Booth asked where she called. Ms. Gunn said that she had a number but wasn’t sure of the location of the company that she called.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to have a completed report on the squirrel damage and with Kirma by next month’s meeting. Ms. Gunn said that because the work is not completed it does not imply that she has not done her work.

Animal Control-Mill Hill Buildings

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she had received the quotes for the animal control for the three buildings. Ms. Gunn said that she has been ill but has tried to keep up with the museum being open and with prescheduled activities. She said she was confused with what to do with the extermination of the animals. Ms. Rochelle asked if Ms. Gunn thought to call the Chair to ask what to do. Ms. Gunn said that she has been very sick. She said that she placed a call to SONICC but Mr. Shockley did not call back. Ms. Gunn said she realizes that he works part time but she could not chase him for a call back. Ms. Falasca said that this has been going on for two months. Ms. Rochelle told Ms. Gunn that she should have started with the quotes. Ms. Falasca said an exterminator could tell you how to clear the building.

Ms. Fallon arrived at 8:30pm.

Ms. Morrow said that someone from Recreation and Parks or DPW could patch the holes in the barn. Ms. Rochelle said that she realizes that DPW or any city department would offer to help fix them. She said that she found a hole in one building but that walking around the building was very difficult. She said she believes that the Commission should find a professional to do the job. Ms. Fallon said that this is pest removal not necessarily extermination.

Ms. Rochelle asked for estimates for the three buildings. She said that they were the Fitch Law office, the Gate Lodge, and the Barn. Ms. Rochelle said that there were two motions on record from previous meetings to get estimates and that should be sufficient.

Ms. Rochelle asked about sealing the foundation of the Fitch Law office. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if there were estimates for repair of the back doors at the Fitch Law office. She also asked Ms. Gunn if there was any information on the trim repair and the two estimates needed for painting on the Townhouse. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to have those estimates at the next meeting. She added that would be everything for the Fitch Law office and everything necessary for the repair of the townhouse and the barn.

Ms. Gunn asked if there was anyone in particular that the Commission wanted to do these jobs. Ms. Rochelle asked the Commission the question for Ms. Gunn. Ms. Gunn said that there were no more rodent problems at the Historical Society. Ms. Rochelle responded that the Commission are not professionals and we made a motion for you to get estimates for pest control and sealing of the foundation. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to get all of the necessary estimates for Mill Hill buildings for the next meeting.

3. Cemeteries – restoration work update

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if the invoice for $3400 from Mr. Lupinacci has been processed. Ms. Gunn said she sent the invoice to City hall. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she has determined if Mr. Lupinacci has to work by vouchers.

Ms. Gunn replied that voucher work couldn’t exceed $500.

Ms. Rochelle said that she and Mr. Moccaie walked Pine Island Cemetery. She said he was very enthusiastic about the work and to assign a crew over the winter to remove the brush and clean around the gravestones. Ms. Rochelle said that he would receive quotes from Bartlett Tree Service for removal of the large trees. She added that there was money in the budget if necessary to pay Bartlett for tree removal at the cemeteries.

Ms. Rochelle said that Mr. Moccia walked her through the Devan playground and lighthouse. She said that it was interactive and busy. Mr. Iannacone said that there was an iron gate at the playground. Ms. Rochelle said that the gate would keep vandals out. She added that this area would come alive in the spring.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if there was any information on the GPS map from NCC. Ms. Gunn said she would take care of it.

4. Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House

Ms. Rochelle said she wanted to clarify the supplemental letter from Ms. Gunn to Ann Twomey on the Operating Budget. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn when the Commission designated the funds from Paramount rental to the Rogers Ritch Merritt House. She asked Ms. Gunn when the Commission made that action. Ms. Rochelle asked the Commission if they interpreted the letter as funds were diverted to the Roger Ritch Merritt House. Ms. Falasca said she asked about that during budget talks. Ms. Rochelle said, at that time, that Paramount made a contribution to the Rogers Ritch Merritt House. Ms. Rochelle said that that was an independent unsolicited contribution of $1,000. Ms. Rochelle told Ms. Gunn that the City gave Paramount explicit use of the Gate Lodge house for a couple of days. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn said in her letter that Paramount rented the Gate Lodge House. Ms. Rochelle said the Paramount never rented the Gate Lodge House. She added that Paramount had permission to us the Gate Lodge House.

Ms. Rochelle told Ms. Gunn to send a clarification of her statement from the letter to everyone that she originally sent the letter to. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn has intimated in her letter that the Commission diverted funds from the rental income to contributions. Ms. Rochelle said the Commission did not divert funds. Ms. Rochelle asked someone from the Commission to clarify this for Ms. Gunn. Ms. Falasca said that Paramount donated $1,000 to the Rogers Ritch Merritt House and also gave a contribution to the Stepping Stones and to the City. Ms. Gunn said she did not understand why Paramount was not asked to pay for the heating of the building. Ms. Rochelle said it was because Paramount was only there for a couple of days. Ms. Rochelle said that was a valid point. She asked if the Lockwood Mathews Mansion could assume some of the heat expense while Paramount was using the Gate Lodge. Ms. Gunn said she thought the implication from the meeting was that Paramount would pay the utility costs. Ms. Rochelle told Ms. Gunn that perhaps she should question her facts before she puts them in writing.

Ms. Rochelle said the Commission does not divert funds from rental income to contributions.

Ms. Bryant said that the press called her about the Rogers Ritch House and that she felt uncomfortable because she did not have all the facts. She said she felt that the Commission should speak with one voice. Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission should have one voice on any project in public. She added that everyone is entitled to a personal opinion but when it comes to the Commission, the Commission should have one voice.

Ms. Bryant said the press asked her if the pieces were numbered. Ms. Bryant said she did not know what to say. Ms. Robinson said that if any of the Commission should receive calls, the calls should be directed to the Chairperson. Ms. Rochelle said that should apply to a staff person as well. She said that the staff person said negative things in her letter to Ann Twomey. Ms. Rochelle said Ms. Gunn wrote a supplement to the operating budget as our staff person. Ms. Falasca said that in the letter there are various phrases explaining why the budget could not be cut by 10%. Ms. Rochelle said Ms. Gunn omitted the $10,000 for the Lockwood Mathews Mansion too. Ms. Robinson said the bottom line is that the press or anything that goes out should be reviewed by the Chairperson. Ms. Booth said that someone also asked her husband what was going on with the Rogers Ritch Merritt house.

Ms. Falasca said that Ms. Gunn was trying to derail this project. She added that a lot of citizens gave money to the museum. Ms. Falasca also said that people go to the museum for information on the maritime history of Norwalk. Ms. Rochelle said that the building was chosen because of the excellent timber frame and not age. Ms. Bryant said the letter Ms. Gunn sent sends a negative message. Ms. Fallon said that any inquiry from the press should be directed to the Public Relations person and the Commission should not react in any way. Ms. Rochelle said that in her personal opinion that everyone has a right to a personal opinion.

Ms. Rochelle added that City employees are not allowed to speak to the press. Ms. Rochelle said that there are proper channels for this sort of thing. Ms. Rochelle said she would bring complete notes for the next meeting.

 

5. Norwalk Museum

Security

Ms. Rochelle said she has not heard from the law department regarding the inventory. Ms. Rochelle said that there was a question about the proper procedure for removal of the shelving units. She said she noticed that they are no longer outside but she does not know who removed them. Ms. Gunn said that she did not know who took them. She said she talked to Edgar from the Plaza Realty and was told that they would be removed. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn who told her that the shelves could be taken. Ms. Gunn said that she then spoke with Rick Ceriglio of Plaza Realty and he told her that the shelves had to be cut up and put in a dumpster. Ms. Gunn said that the removal of the shelves happened when she was not at the Museum.

Ms. Rochelle said that she was concerned about the liability to the museum while the shelves were outside for those months. Ms. Rochelle said that she did not anticipate that Ms. Gunn would put the shelves in the ally when she was asked to dispose of them properly. Mr. Bloom said that the shelves were city property. Ms. Gunn said she was told that the shelves were not city property. Ms. Rochelle said a motion was made by the Commission allowing Ms. Gunn to dispose of the shelves properly. Ms. Gunn said there are three units downstairs. Ms. Rochelle asked if the shelving units that were disposed of was given to the museum by CR Gibson. Ms. Gunn responded no. Mr. Bloom said that those were the units from CR Gibson. Ms. Gunn said that she was told at the meeting a few months ago that the shelves came from the mansion. Ms. Gunn said that George Vogle did not want them back at the mansion. Ms. Gunn said that she was told by the Commission that they were not city property. Ms. Rochelle asked if these were the shelves that would go to the Purchasing Department if the Mansion did not want them. Ms. Gunn said the Purchasing Department told her that they couldn’t imagine anyone wanting the shelves if the museum did not want them. Ms. Gunn said that she would dispose of the shelves if the Commission gives her the authority. Mr. Bloom said that the shelves are city property and would go to a storage holding room. Mr. Bloom said that the shelves should never have been in the alley. He said that the alley is a public right of way. Mr. Boom said that that was not proper procedure.

Ms. Morrow said that she would like to re-nominate Ms. Rochelle as the Chairperson for the Commission. Ms. Rochelle said she would like to continue with the meeting.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn where the keys to the museum were. Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission made a motion two months ago for extra keys to be made. Ms. Gunn said she would respond in writing. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she would be mailing the keys to her.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if there was a problem with complying with the motion made by the Commission. Ms. Gunn said she would respond in writing and added that she does not have keys to the LWMM. Ms. Gunn said that the Commission did not receive keys when the locks were changed at the LWMM.

Ms. Rochelle said that is correct and the Commission would not receive keys to the LWMM.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if there were any changes in the museum plans or change in space. Ms. Gunn replied that the space is being used as museum space. Ms. Rochelle said the Commission made a motion a few meetings ago to have Ms. Gunn present her plans if the space was to be changed in the museum. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she had a problem complying with the motion that was made by the Commission. Ms. Gunn said she did not understand why if the blueprint was not being changed.

Ms. Rochelle said that in July the Commission asked Ms. Gunn for a report on the inventory and an example of the method being used to document the items. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if there was problem with supplying that information to the Commission. Ms. Gunn said that she had reports due but wanted to do the earlier ones first. Ms. Gunn said she has not had enough time.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she would have the time to do the reports for next month. Ms. Gunn responded that she would try.

Ms. Rochelle said there was an invoice from Eleck and Salvato for the installation of the permanent light on the flagpole for $1,200.

Ms. Rochelle asked if the Commission needed written consent from the owners to put something on the building. Ms. Rochelle said Ms. Gunn received a letter from the owners that the Commission would install at our own expense. Ms. Rochelle asked how the additional electric costs would be shared with all the tenants of the building. Ms. Gunn said she looked at panels and spoke with Rick Ceriglio about where to put the panel. Ms. Gunn said Mr. Ceriglio said that it was not a problem. Ms. Rochelle said that the light should be on a timer. Mr. Bloom said the building should be on a timer because of the darkness in the front of the building. Ms. Gunn responded that the timer seems to control the front lights and the back parking lot. Mr. Iannacone said that the area was not illuminated properly. Mr. Iannacone suggested calling the Plaza realty about the illumination of the property. Ms. Falasca suggested calling the VFW to see if anyone there could install the light for a lesser cost than $1,200. She added that the Commission does not have the money for this and should ask the tenants to share in the cost.

Ms. Gunn said that the Palace does not want work done in their space. She said that the electrician would have to cut through the brick. Mr. Bloom said that the space did not belong to the Palace. Mr. Bloom said that the wiring was in the ceiling downstairs.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to find out what the cost would be to divide the meter. Ms. Rochelle said that there were two issues. She said the two issues were the impact of the electric bill and to have the light on all night. Mr. Iannacone said that the museum would pay more for the common areas.

Ms. Gunn said she had concerns with the security at the museum. She said that there have been break-ins into the museum space. She said that additional bolts have been installed on the doors. Ms. Gunn said that there is a space between the doors downstairs. Ms. Gunn said someone could reach in and open the doors. Ms. Gunn said the alarm would go off and the Police Department would come. She added that the burglar would open the doors, get the cash box and run off before anyone could arrive here to catch them. Ms. Gunn said that she was trying to build a case each time the alarm went off. She said the burglar would be gone by the time they arrived. Ms. Gunn said that a purse was found on a Monday morning from a break in. She said someone knew how to get in the building. Ms. Gunn said an employee scared off an intruder at 9:15am. Ms. Gunn said that according to Officer Ramerez the clients from the methadone clinic next door wanted quick cash. Ms. Falasca said that there would be increased activity here also. Ms. Gunn said the police suggested installing a gate at the foot of the stairs going toward the front of the building. She said the problem is the bathroom area at the front of the building. Ms. Falasca said that the use of the bathrooms should be limited. She said perhaps have people ask for a key to use the bathroom. Ms. Rochelle said that the key issue for the bathroom was a good point. She said that every tenant has access to his or her own bathroom. Ms. Gunn said that the doorway to the common area is how the tenants get to their bathroom. She said the door is constantly opening and closing all day. She added that there are many places in the building to hide. Ms. Gunn said she would like to change the procedure. Ms. Gunn suggested opening the side door and not the front door. Ms. Gunn said that there was an incident where the door had been locked at night but was unlocked when the employee came in at 7:30 in the morning. Ms. Falasca said that Ms. Gunn should keep a record of these incidents. She also suggested removing the ladders and rugs. Ms. Falasca asked why Plaza Realty was not addressing this issue. She suggested a buzzer for the door and added that may help the situation. Mr. Iannacone suggested keeping a mace bottle around also.

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to follow up on the intercom buzzer system for the back door, and locks for the bathroom for the door and the rugs too. She added that this should help the situation.

Ms. Rochelle said that last month the Commission asked that the gift shop be closed. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if the gift shop was closed. Ms. Gunn responded no and that she wrote a letter to the Commission addressing why she did not close the gift shop. Ms. Rochelle said she was aware of Ms. Gunn’s letter. Ms. Rochelle said the gift shop was not to be closed because of the sales tax issue. She said that it should be closed until the Commission could review all of the accounting journals and sales tax reports of the 2002-03. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she had those reports available. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she had a problem giving those reports to the Commission. Ms. Gunn said that a yes or no was not a way to respond to that question.

Ms. Rochelle asked if the Commission wanted to make a motion to close the gift shop. Ms. Fallon said that the motion was already made in earlier meetings. Ms. Rochelle agreed. Ms. Fallon asked if Ms. Gunn could ignore the motions made by the Commission. Ms. Gunn said she listens to the motions but said that she was told when she was hired that she reported to the Mayor concerning the museum and space. Ms. Rochelle said that the former Mayor is no longer with the City. Ms. Gunn said that the Commission and she could go round and round about this issue.

** MS. FALLON MOVED THAT THE CHAIR FIND OUT FROM THE CORPORATION COUNSEL WHAT AUTHORITY THE COMMISSION’S MOTIONS HAVE ON THE STAFF.

** MS. ROBINSON SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE AGAINST (MS. BOOTH).

Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if she would close the gift shop. Ms. Gunn responded no.

Ms. Rochelle asked if there was anything to add to the Norwalk Museum. Ms. Gunn said that the opening of Silvermine Art, Phase one was done. Ms. Gunn said that the next phase would be before Christmas. Ms. Gunn said that there was a wonderful letter in The Hour about it.

Ms. Gunn said the Raggedy Ann Tea went very well and that there were 20 children that attended the tea. Ms. Gunn said that about 20 people from the DAR came to tour the museum and learn about the history of Norwalk. Ms. Gunn said the Sons of the American Revolution would be visiting for a luncheon meeting.

Ms. Rochelle said that the museum has a display window that she would like to put displays in. Ms. Gunn said that she wanted to do that also. Ms. Rochelle asked for a motion to have Ms. Gunn empty the display. There was no motion made. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to empty the display.

Ms. Gunn distributed the financial report of the operating budget for the museum.

She said that the 10,000 number for the Rogers Ritch Merritt house was not on the first report and the 240 was.

Ms. Rochelle said if any one had any questions to bring them to next month’s meeting. Ms. Gunn said she would fax a completed package to everyone.

6. NHRI & Demolition- any demolition applications published in The Hour or received by the NHC as of November 12, 2003, including but not limited to the following: (this office has not received any new applications of intent to demolish that have not already exceeded their mandatory 21 day waiting period as of November 12, 2003.)

There were no demolition applications to discuss this month.

7. Mathews Park Buildings

Ms. Rochelle said that she visited the Gate Lodge on Tuesday and that Glen Kirker would be giving an estimate for the chimney work. She said Gunta and Prizzi rebuilt the chimney. Ms. Rochelle said that if both chimneys were done then the company missed about half of the chimney because you can see gaping holes in the mortar on the center chimney. She said that only the twin chimney needed to be redone. Ms. Gunn asked what part of the chimney had to be done. Ms. Rochelle responded that the flashing or the pointing of the chimney. Ms. Rochelle said that the ceiling is also falling down on the second floor in the hallway. Ms. Gunn reiterated that the flashing had to be done first and then the repair of the ceiling. Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission would have to look into the demolition at the next meeting. Mr. Mocchia said that there is a possibility of a new tenant going into the building. Ms. Rochelle said that the demolition could be removed before the tenant moved in. She said that Mr. Kirker is giving her at least one estimate for demolition. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to call the oil company to check if the building is on a scheduled delivery each month. She added that the last delivery was in May. Ms. Rochelle said to give the mansion the oil bill to pay.

1. Finance report

1. Capital Budget 2004-05

Ms. Rochelle said that there is no information tonight on the capital budget. She said that a special meeting might be necessary. Mr. Bloom asked when the budget was due. Ms. Rochelle said there is usually a two-week window.

Ms. Rochelle said that the special meeting for the Capital Budget would be held at the museum on December 2^nd at 7:30pm.

Ms. Gunn distributed the colors that were chosen for the building.

1. Old Business

Ms. Bryant said that the Norwalk Preservation Trust contacted Redevelopment about the Soundview Avenue building. She said that the building might be able to be made into a clam shack.

Ms. Rochelle asked what the status was on Curry’s Barn. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn said she was working on it. Ms. Bryant said she talked to the architect about the building. She said he commented that they were planning on leveling the building for parking. Ms. Bryant said that new plans were filed with Planning and Zoning. She said that it was not a traditional Autozone because of the area.

Ms. Rochelle said that the building should be photographed for the files.

Ms. Bryant said that Planning and Zoning is working with the architect for the Fat’s Pizza building to create a building for that area.

2. New Business

1. Executive Session

Ms. Rochelle said that she asked Ms. Gunn if she would like the Executive Session to be open to the public or closed to the public. Ms. Gunn said she would rather have a regular open meeting.

Ms. Rochelle said that she had a conversation with someone from The Hour because that person heard that there was going to be something going on at tonight’s Commission meeting.

Ms. Rochelle suggested having the Executive Session at the special meeting on December 2^nd due to the late hour. Ms. Booth said that she agreed with Ms. Gunn to have the meeting open to the public to be able to participate in open session.

Mr. Iannacone said that there was an employee that had an open session at the Fire Department. He said that the employee spoke at that open session.

Ms. Rochelle said that she would like a motion to table this item until the special meeting on December 2^nd.

** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MS. BOOTH).

1. Any other business to come before the Commission.

There was none.

2. Next meeting of the Commission: December 17, 2003 at 7:30pm at the Norwalk Museum Conference Room.

** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING

** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Lane for

Telesco Secretarial Services

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