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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
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Here for Sept. 25, 2002 Minutes Click Here for Oct. 23, 2002 Minutes |
Click Here for Nov. 6, 2002 Minutes |
NOVEMBER 20, 2002
ATTENDANCE: Chairperson Diane Rochelle, Deborah Mathies, Betty Booth, Carol Ann Falasca, Linda Fallon, Ralph Bloom, John Federici, Kathleen Morrow, Glenn Iannaccone, Marija Bryant
STAFF: Susan Gunn, Curator
OTHERS: Peter Bondi, Richard A. Booth, Pres. Norwalk Historical Society, Marjorie
St. Aubyn, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairperson Diane Rochelle. Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Hayes if Ms. Gunn had given her the notes of the April NHC meeting to transcribe. Ms. Hayes said she had not gotten them yet. Ms. Rochelle said that the minutes of the April meeting will be tabled until they can be transcribed.
Ms. Rochelle noted that some members of the NHC did not receive Page 7 in their copy of the September 23, 2002 minutes. Ms. Hayes distributed copies of Page 7 to the Commission members who did not have them for their review.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The following changes were made to the Minutes of October 23, 2002:
Page 2 – Approval of Minutes, Page 6: Change Rogers Rich to Rogers Ritch.
Page 2 – Other Business to Come Before the Board: Change "she" to "the City Clerk."
Page 3 – LMMM Report: Delete "sponsored by the Junior League of Norwalk/Darien."
Page 5 – 1st Paragraph: Change "to repair" to read "towards the repair."
Page 5 – 4th Paragraph: Change "Mr. Bloom" to "Mr. Booth."
Page 5 – Mill Hill Cemetery Report: Change spelling of "Gabe DiNero" to "Gabe Denaro"
Page 6 – Rogers Ritch Merritt House, 2nd Paragraph: Add "Fire Marshall" after Mr. Iannaccone’s name.
Page 7 – Hotpoint removal and stove replacement: Change "Hotpoint" to "Hotplate."
Page 7 – Hotplate removal and stove replacement, 2nd Paragraph: Change "Rogers Rich" to "Rogers Ritch."
Page 11 – 1st Paragraph: Change "waterspout" to "water spot."
Page 12 – 2nd Paragraph: Change "October 8" to "November 8."
Page 13 – 3rd Paragraph: After the word "selling", insert "certain educational or municipal publications."
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 23, 2002 AS CORRECTED.
** MRS. MORROW SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
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OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Hayes if she had the capability of emailing minutes to the Commission members, with the exception of Mr. Bloom and Mrs. Morrow, who did not have computers. Ms. Hayes said that she did have that capability and would be happy to email minutes if so required. Ms. Rochelle provided a list of Commission members’ email addresses to Ms. Hayes for that purpose.
Ms. Rochelle welcomed Marija Bryant as a new member of the Historical Commission and introduced her to the rest of the Commissioners. She announced that Ms. Bryant had been sworn in during the previous week.
REPORTS – HISTORICAL COMMISSION
LOCKWOOD MATHEWS MANSION
LMMM report
Marjorie St. Aubyn of LMMM discussed the Antique Show that had been held at the LMMM. She reported that the show was not a smashing success as that Saturday was the day of a tour bus accident which tied up I-95 and may have prevented people from attending. The Junior League held their Winterfair the following week, and Ms. St. Aubyn spoke at length about the difficulties encountered with this rental and the problems with the attitude of the members of the Junior League. She also discussed the decorating of the LMMM for the Christmas season and said that the LMMM had a full schedule of rentals for the holidays. Ms. Rochelle requested a copy of the lease for the Junior League rental of LMMM to review in preparation for a letter to be sent by the Commission to the Junior League.
Hoffmann Contract
Ms. Rochelle stated that the contract had been mailed on Monday, November 18, 2002 and that once plans were completed, repairs estimates must be gotten for the porch. The LMMM will call Port Draper to estimate repairs for the porch and conservatory because the conservatory must have some repairs done as it is in a very fragile state. Committees and restoration at LMMM are being restructured. Ms. Rochelle would like to lighten Ms. Gunn’s workload so she is requesting that other Commission members to assist by obtaining quotes and other information and to review the information with Ms. Gunn and Ms. Rochelle before going ahead with any repairs.
There was no action to be taken at this time.
Ms. Rochelle said that drainage bids would be going to Land Use on November 21, 2002.
Gate Lodge
There was nothing to report.
HISTORICAL CEMETERIES REPORT
It was reported that Dana Laird and Lynn Friedman would be getting estimates on stone repairs. Mr. Booth suggested that this would be the time of year to repair the stones as the monument companies are at a standstill and that he thinks the work should move ahead and not be put off until spring. Ms. Rochelle agreed that some stone repair could be done once the estimates are obtained.
MILL HILL BUILDINGS
Norwalk Historical Society report
This report was distributed to the members for their reading.
Stove Replacement
Ms. Rochelle said that no action was needed as the Commission has already approved the installation of the stove by the City Code.
Water Heater
Ms. Gunn stated that Alan Lo is working on the water heater situation with George Ellis and told Ms. Gunn that he did not want her to be involved as it is a City problem.
Smith Street Leases
Ms. Gunn told the Commission that the second tenant had signed his lease. She also remarked that the repairs of the saddle and stairs have begun. As for the installation of the kitchen units, the situation is back at square one as far as the plumbing situation. The Finance Committee asked Grubb & Ellis to obtain quotes on the units and their
installation as Grubb & Ellis had only given previous quotes on the units alone. Grubb & Ellis said that it was difficult to give quotes on the installation as the amounts cannot be determined until the work has been completed. Ms. Gunn has to return to the Finance Committee to inquire as to how they want to move forward on the kitchen unit installation.
Bell Tower Repair
Ms. Rochelle reminded the Commission that $25,000 is still in the budget to deal with this. She suggested that Mrs. Booth, Mr. Booth and other Commissioners obtain quotes, review them and return to the Commission with the best way to proceed with the repairs. Mrs. Booth requested that the Commission make a motion for her and Mr. Booth to act on this suggestion.
** MRS. MORROW MOVED THAT MR. & MRS. BOOTH DEFINE A PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE BELL TOWER AND OBTAIN QUOTES.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
NORWALK MUSEUM REPORT
Ms. Gunn reported that she had received a fax from Mr. Louis Cicciarello and a letter from Mayor Knopp to approve the $20,000 in funds that Ms. Gunn had raised to pay for her two part time assistants. Ms. Gunn also announced the upcoming events at the Norwalk Museum for the next several weeks, which include a new exhibit by the Urban Artists Initiative that will open on Friday, November 22; the appearance at the Museum of the Crystal Theater Carolers on December 3rd; the Museum’s participation in the SoNo Sparkles Tree Lighting on December 7; a "Build A Gingerbread House" Family Event scheduled for December 14; and the annual Kwanzaa Celebration to be held on December 28.
A discussion regarding the Norwalk Museum’s parking situation concluded with a motion being made to write a letter to Plaza Management asking for the return of the 14 spaces marked for the Museum. Ms. Rochelle asked that the letter be copied to the Redevelopment Department and the City Law Department.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THAT THE LETTER BE WRITTEN AND COPIED PER MS. ROCHELLE’S SUGGESTION.
** MRS. BOOTH SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
NORWALK HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY (NHRI)
93 East Avenue
No new info to report.
Ms. Bryant said that the house is still listed on the Connecticut Register of Historic Properties and must go before the Connecticut Historical Society. She reported that Dr. Stember’s court case regarding the property is still pending.
5 Elmcrest Terrace
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn if her letter to the Norwalk Hospital was ready to review. Ms. Gunn said that it was not ready at this time. Ms. Falasca stated that the letter must be written. Ms. Gunn reported that Mr. John Cehi of Norwalk Hospital had come to the Norwalk Museum to pick up copies of the minutes from the NHC meetings of October 25 and September 23, 2002.
142 Main Street
Mr. Bloom reported that the house has been demolished and that many glass panels and panes were saved for eventual use at the RRM house.
DEMOLITION Report
Ms. Gunn reported that she had had a visit from the Reed-Putnam people. The buildings involved in Reed-Putnam are not on the NHRI and do not need to come before the Commission.
REPORTS – COMMITTEES
LMMM Restoration Committee
The Committee does not meet at this time.
Mathews Park Tenants Committee
Ms. Falasca distributed the report to the members for their reading.
** MR. FEDERICI MOVED TO APPROVE MR. CYR PROCEEDING WITH ROOF REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $650.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
OLD BUSINESS
Carriage House repairs
There was no business to discuss.
Laundry/Summer Kitchen
There was no business to discuss.
Operating and Capital Budgets & Any Recommendations for 2003-04 Operating Budget
Ms. Rochelle stated that the most important page is the #4 Section D. She said she doesn’t think that the Commission will receive any of the items they have requested due to the financial situation in the City. Ms. St. Aubyn said that she had spoken with Jack Miller regarding the budget requests.
Ms. Rochelle stated that the Capital Budget is to be submitted by December 9, 2002. Budget Reviews will be held January 9 through 13, 2003, then the budget will be open to public hearings. Ms. Gunn said that the first priority is the Carriage House roof. She said that she had one quote from American Landmark for a total of $21,000 with a new quote of $26,000 from Walter Construction, which includes removal and disposal of the debris from the current roof. She had also received a quote from Main Roofing. Their quote was $49,900 for a flat roof, and $13, 875 for asphalt shingle. Ms. Rochelle asked were the quotes asking to restore the exterior details as well as the roof. Mr. Bloom suggested that the Commission add $3000 for contingency. He offered that Mr. Dick Bergmann was the architect in charge years ago and his consensus was $35,000 for roofs.
LMMM Sprinkler System
Requested amount: $227,000. Mrs. Morrow asked if this amount came under a private home quote, or other. Ms. St. Aubyn said that Port Draper had provided the quote. Ms. Gunn asked if the Commission should round the quote up to $250,000. Mr. Bloom suggested adding 10% as prices may increase between the time the money is requested and the Commission receives it.
Cemeteries
Ms. Gunn said that the Commission had asked for $10,000 last year and questioned if they should ask for $10,000 or $15,000 this time. Ms. Rochelle said to request $10,000 again and reminded her that there was still $4000 left in the budget. Ms. Falasca asked about the $200 collected from the public at the Pine Island Cemetery Tour and wondered if that could be used as well.
Barn
Requested quote for March 2003: $8,700. This is for a new deck, 2x8 frame, decking, top rail, posts, joists, doors. Ms. Gunn said that the cost would probably go up again as it does not include the costs of painting the barn. Ms. Rochelle suggested the Commission put in a quote of $15,000.
Smith Street
$25,000 had been requested for the 2005-06 budget. Ms. Rochelle recommended that the rent be increased for the apartments, but doesn’t know how it will work. She suggested adding $50,000 in for beyond 2007 for the projected Jail Museum. The Line Item for the Smith Street buildings is $15,000 for the 2003 budget.
Rogers Ritch Merritt house
Ms. Rochelle said that they were going to ask for $60,000 and that in 2004-05 they will look for the same amount.
Budget Items in order of priority:
FY 2002-03 Requests: FY 2005-06 Requests
Carriage House $ Carriage House $
LMMM $302,000 LMMM $375,000
Cemeteries $ 25,000 Cemeteries $ 25,000
Smith Street $ 15,000 Smith Street $ 15,000
Mill Hill $ 25,000 Mill Hill $
Total: $367,000 Total: $415,000
FY 2003-04 Requests FY Beyond 2006
Carriage House: $ 35,000 Carriage House $
LMMM $250,000 LMMM $
Cemeteries: $ 10,000 Cemeteries $
Barn repair: $ 15,000 Smith Street $ 50,000
Total: $310,000 Mill Hill $
Total: $ 50,000
FY 2004-05 Requests
Carriage House $
LMMM $300,000
Cemeteries $ 25,000
Smith Street $
Mill Hill $ 60,000
Total: $385,000
Mr. Bloom asked if the Commission ever resolved the issue of the sewer line going into the Carriage House. Ms. Rochelle said no. Ms. Gunn suggested wall repair. Ms. Rochelle said that the wall was not under the Historical Commission jurisdiction but that the Carriage House is. Ms. Gunn said that the stone columns at the front drive and stone wall there was. Ms. Fallon questioned the request of $675,000 in one year for LMMM and suggested splitting the amount between two years, with a request of $350,000 in FY 2004-05 and $325,000 in FY 2005-06. Ms. Rochelle said that she didn’t know what that was for. Ms. St. Aubyn said that it was for repair of the basement. Ms. Rochelle reminded the Commission that the Gate Lodge still had an allocation of $250,000 that belongs to the NHC.
** MS. FALASCA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE OPERATING BUDGET.
** MRS. MORROW SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Bloom suggested that the Commission tour the eleven properties that they oversee, especially since there is a new member, Ms. Bryant, on the Commission. Ms. Rochelle agreed that a tour should take place, once Mr. Bondi takes his position on the Commission in January 2003.
Ms. Rochelle reminded the Commission that they must establish a Nominating Committee before the close of the meeting, and that nominations of a new NHC Chairperson and Vice Chairperson be made. Mrs. Morrow, Ms. Mathies and Ms. Fallon agreed to become the Nominating Committee. Nominations will take place at the next NHC meeting on December 18, 2002.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION
Mr. Iannaccone suggested that someone from the Rowayton Historical Society be invited to act as liaison to the Commission. Ms. Falasca agreed that the NHC should extend an invitation. Ms. Gunn will write a letter to RHS President Fred Anderson.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda J. Hayes
Assistant to the Curator
Norwalk Museum
Historical Commission
November 20, 2002
