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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
OCTOBER 22, 2003
ATTENDANCE: Diane Rochelle, Chairperson; Marilyn Robinson; Ralph Bloom; Glenn Iannaccone; Deborah Mathies; Marija Bryant;
Linda Fallon (8:45pm)
GUESTS: Gail Wall, President Norwalk Historical Society; Betsey Jewell, Assistant to Curator, Norwalk Museum; Michael Bromley
Absent
Excused: Carol Ann Falasca; Marjorie St. Aubyn; Kathleen Morrow; Susan Gunn; Betty Booth
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Rochelle called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
Ms. Rochelle said that she represented the Commission at a Chamber of Commerce seminar on October 8th.
Page 1, under Guests, Mr. Bottom should be Mr. Bolton and for attendance Gail Wall and Susan Gunn should be listed under Guests.
Page 3, fifth paragraph, the amount for the bill from Eleck and Salvato should be $325.08, not $3225.08.
Page 3, fourth paragraph, change Mr. Kirker to Mr. Crooker, and delete ‘wood’, change to read ‘town house roof’.
Page 3, second to last sentence on page, ‘human’ should be changed to ‘humane’
Page 3, Motion from Mr. Iannacone should list ‘properties at Smith Street Barn, Fitch Law office and Mathews Park Gate Lodge’ instead of ‘Smith Street’.
Page 4, add, ‘Betty Booth requested the list of 750 items that were donated to the Norwalk Museum.’
Page 5, where ever ‘501 C’ is listed it should read ‘501 C-3’.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 1
Page 5, Mr. Bloom had corrections for the entire page. First paragraph under New Business, a. Friends of the Norwalk Museum should read: Mr. Gibson of the Friends of the Norwalk Museums said the Friends have raised $25,000 a year for the Norwalk Museums in the past and said there were two items to discuss tonight. He added that the items were the re-opening of the gift shop in the museum and the Friend’s inventory. He added that Ms. Gunn notified the Friends that they would be charged for the removal of white metal shelves by the Norwalk Museum and that these shelves did not belong to the Friends. He said that the loaning of the top hat display table that belongs to the Friends and a number of art works in City Hall that are under harsh lighting belong to the Friends as well. Mr. Gibson said they were loaned out by the Curator without Friends consent or even properly signed paperwork and that they (Friends) were concerned about the location and condition of the artwork. He said that it had been one year since the NHC had voted to let the Friends re-open their shop.
Page 5, 2nd paragraph, add the sentence, ‘She stated that she had started her own shop and that she was making $150 a month, which went directly to the NM. She added that she thought it would make more money as time went by.’
Page 5, 4th paragraph under New Business: Mr. Scott to Mr. Gibson and add ‘was recognized by the Chair’ then change it to read; ‘Mr. Gibson was recognized by the Chair and reminded the Commission that the opening of a retail shop by the Curator is another direct opposition to a long standing resolution that the Commission told Ms. Gunn not to do. Ms. Rochelle did not recall this resolution and was reminded that it was last September when Ms. Rochelle was absent and Ms. Falasca was Acting Chair.’
Page 5, 5th paragraph, add before the first line, ‘Mr. Bromley stood up and screamed, "Is he the only one allowed to speak?" At this point Ms. Rochelle stated that Mr. Gibson had the floor and if Mr. Bromley acted this way again he would be asked to leave the room.’
Page 5, 5th paragraph, last sentence, after ‘job description’ add ‘is clear that’ and delete ‘of’.
Page 6, 4th paragraph, change ‘both museums’ to read ‘Norwalk Museum and Friends of Norwalk Museums"
Page 6, 6th paragraph change ‘two museums’ to read ‘two organizations’.
Page 6 6th paragraph, after ‘arbitrator’ add ‘from another town’.
Page 6, 7th paragraph, change Mr. Robidoux to Mr. Gibson’, change ‘has’ to read ‘had’ and add ‘by this one not the backing the Commission’ to the end of the sentence.
Page 6, add at the end of paragraph 7, ‘Mr. Robidoux said that it has been over 3 months since the Mayor’s Committee made its report but there is still no decision by the Mayor.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 2
Page 7, second motion, change to read; "Ms. Robinson moved to contact purchasing for the donation procedure for the three shelving units to the Lockwood Mathews Museum.
Page 7, last paragraph, change ‘demolish’ to ‘demolition’.
Page 9, add to the motion; AND TO PROVIDE KEYS FOR THE MUSEUM TO THE COMMISSION FOR EMERGENCIES.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle said that The Advocate is still listing the meetings at City Hall East Avenue and should be changed.
Ms. Robinson said that Ms. Gunn should at least address the requests from the previous month in writing to the Commission if she is unable to attend the monthly meeting.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED TO HAVE MS. GUNN ADDRESS THE REQUESTS FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH AT THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING IF SHE IS UNABLE TO ATTEND.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle said that the meetings and minutes will be listed on the web-site monthly.
Ms. Rochelle asked the Commission if it was necessary to discuss the operating budget if there was no proforma tonight. Mr. Bloom responded that there should be a special meeting for that one item.
Verandah Roof Project
Mr. Bloom said that Ms. St. Aubyn asked him to give a brief report tonight in her absence. He said that a truckload of furniture has come in and that the stair hallway has been painted and new carpets installed. He added that there are new drapes and Chippendale table. He said that the items that were made to use in the movie would stay at the museum. Mr. Bloom said that there is one original pedestal valued at $150,000. Mr. Iannacone asked when filming would start. Mr. Bloom responded October 29, 30 or 31st. Mr. Bloom added that the moving people were extremely nice.
Ms. Rochelle said that the Verandah Roof Project contract is in the law department at this time.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 3
Ms. Wall reviewed the report for the Commission. She added that the building is closed on Sundays from October until the first of May. She said that with the early frost and early cold weather the fuel bills would be closely monitored.
Fitch Law office – Moisture and window repairs
Ms. Wall said the damaged windows have gone unchanged. She said the dehumidifier has been replaced. Ms. Wall said there has been no rodent activity, but can change along with the season. She said the fireplace is in working order for the upcoming Taste of Thanksgiving scheduled for Sunday, November 16th from 1-4 p.m.
Ms. Wall said that a car apparently backed into the well house and that there were three boards damaged. She said this should be addressed. Mr. Iannacone asked if anyone was contacted about the windows. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn was working on getting estimates. She added that Kirma was working on revision of an estimate. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn needed a second estimate for this item. Ms. Rochelle said she was not sure of the status of the windows because Ms. Gunn was handling this.
Ms. Robinson said that Ms. Gunn should send a report on the status to each Commissioner when she returns to work. She added that if a special meeting is needed then one should be scheduled before the budget next month.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED TO HAVE MS. GUNN PREPARE STATUS REPORT ON ITEMS FROM LAST MONTHS MEETING AND DISTRIBUTE TO THE COMMISSIONERS WITHIN A WEEK OF RETURNING TO WORK.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Robinson asked what the procedure was to hold a special meeting. Mr. Rochelle said that the Commission should notify the City Clerk one week before it is to be held.
Ms. Rochelle said that there was no information concerning the ceilings and foundations
at the Fitch Law office. Ms. Rochelle added that Ms. Gunn is handling that information as well.
Town House Repair
Ms. Rochelle said that two estimates were needed for repair and painting of the trim. She said she did not have a status report on this item.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 4
Smith Street Barn
Ms. Rochelle said this item is not on the agenda.
Ms. Rochelle said that last month there was a motion for Ms. Gunn to get an estimate for animal extermination. Mr. Dowd, tenant at Smith Street, seemed to think the animals were not a problem. Ms. Rochelle said that if the animals are rabid, then there was a problem. Ms. Bryant asked if the animals could be removed and not killed. Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission is in a position to protect the city from liability.
Ms. Rochelle asked for a motion to remove and not exterminate the animals. Ms. Robinson said Ms. Gunn was supposed to contact an exterminator and close up the barn.
Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn said that both tenants have signed the leases and have been sent back to the law department.
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO HAVE MS. GUNN GET THREE ESTIMATES FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SPECIALISTS TO REMOVE ANIMALS FROM THE SMITH STREET BARN AND HAVE THE BUILDING SEALED.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MS. BRYANT).
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Wall if the well house damage would make the well house fall down. Ms. Wall said that there was no structural damage. She said that she has been traveling but would mention it to Ms. Gunn right away. Ms. Rochelle said if the estimate is over $500, then there should be two estimates. Mr. Iannacone said concerning the windows Grubb and Ellis has a contract with the City and should be able to handle this. Mr. Iannacone said that Grubb and Ellis could replace the windows. Ms. Rochelle said she is reluctant to add buildings to the contract. Mr. Iannacone suggested that Ms. Gunn contact Grubb and Ellis to get the work done. Ms. Robinson said that this procedure makes sense because Grubb and Ellis are contracted with the city to do such repairs.
c. Cemeteries – restoration update
Mr. Lupinacci received a purchase order and will begin work on the restoration. Ms. Rochelle said she had a question about the GPS survey of Pine Island, but Ms. Gunn is not present to answer. She said Mr. Slavitt’s letter of august 8th states that he needs an email address. She added that she would like to be added to the email address.
Ms. Rochelle said that the Friends of the Norwalk Museums have donated $10,000. She added that the grant for the feasibility study was written up by the Connecticut Trust in their newsletter.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 5
Ms. Rochelle said the request for the Friends inventory procedure was given to the law department and we asked them for an answer at next months meeting. She added that the question about proper removal of the white shelving units will be answered another time. Ms. Rochelle said the Commission has still not received the keys to the museum.
Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn has not given the Commission any plans to change the museum at this time. Ms. Rochelle said the Ms. Gunn was supposed to find out from the tenants if they were contributing to the light installation on the flagpole and how much it was going to cost. Mr. Rochelle asked if this is something they need in writing from the owners of the building allowing the installation of the light on the flagpole. Ms. Rochelle said the letter of permission was signed by Jewell Sanders. Ms. Robinson said it sounds like the letter is giving permission. Ms. Rochelle said that she had a question about the electrical expense being distributed among the tenants of the building. Ms. Rochelle said that tomorrow she would fax a list of questions to Ms. Gunn from last month and this months meetings. Ms. Robinson asked if the old questions could be answered within a week’s time and the new questions could be answered at next months meeting.
149 South Main Street. Mr. Iannacone said the city could demolish that one.
45 Soundview Avenue. Ms. Bryant said that this is an old gas station building that could be put in place of the demolition on Flax Hill Road, the old Fat’s Pizza building. Ms. Rochelle said that is not deemed filed. She asked if Ms Bryant wanted to delay the demolition of that building. Ms. Bryant responded affirmatively.
** MS. BRYANT MOVED FOR A 90-DAY DELAY DEMOLITION OF 45 SOUNDVIEW AVENUE.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE OPPOSSED (MR. IANNACONE).
83 Wilson Avenue. Ms. Rochelle said that the permit was filed. She said there is no opposition to this.
14 Putnam Avenue. Ms. Rochelle said that this is part of the Reed Putnam project.
45 West Avenue. Ms. Rochelle said that this is also a part of the Reed Putnam project.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 6
252 Soundview Avenue. Ms. Rochelle said that there is a cease and desist order for the former Fat’s Pizza Building. She said that only 25% of the building were to be taken down. Ms. Bryant said that there is some history with the building. Ms. Bryant said that there was a suggestion that the Historical Commission raise an objection with the ZBA. She added that she looked at the minutes of the ZBA and they did not give a variance for the demolition of the building. Ms. Rochelle said she believes under the ruling of the ZBA that a contractor can take down 25% of a building for remodeling. Ms. Bryant said that if the 45 Soundview Avenue building could be used at 252 Soundview Avenue it would be keeping in the character of the neighborhood.
Ms. Rochelle reminded everyone that the Commission is a platform for information and to bring parties together who advocate preservation. She added that we could bring information to the public’s attention. Ms Bryant said that Bill Krauss said that it would be appropriate for the Historical Commission be notified and the Norwalk Preservation Trust which brought the violation to the ZBA waiver to your departments attention to be involved in resolving the matters the best way possible. Ms Rochelle said that most developers go through ZBA and the Planning Commission before they go to demolition because they don’t want to get involved in buying the property or planning if they don’t have the permits in proper order. Ms. Rochelle said that in the past, they have tried to get ZBA to give the Commission information when something comes up, but that has been difficult for them to do. She added that the Preservation Trust should monitor the agendas for the ZBA and the Planning Commission. Ms. Rochelle said if that procedure was followed then we would know what comes up for demolition. Ms. Robinson said that a 90-day delay is a way to get around the Commission and under private rules we would not have any information on the building. Ms. Rochelle asked when this issue would come before the ZBA again. Ms. Bryant said she would find out. Ms. Rochelle said that they could lobby for the developer to conform to neighborhood. Ms. Robinson said this action would put a stake in the ground for the Commission. She added that the demolitions would not be done under the table and would not go unnoticed.
11 McKinley street. Ms. Rochelle said the developer received a $3,000 fine because there was no permit for demolition. She added that this building was demolished over the summer. Mr. Iannacone said he thought the maximum fine was $99.
g. Other Mathew Park buildings
Mr. Bloom said that there is no change in the leak. He said the roof leaks when it rains in a certain direction. Mr. Bloom said he believes it happens in the gable of the roof. He said he would work with Alan Lo of Redevelopment on this. He added that the construction crew came back today and backfilled the site and is preparing to pave the missing piece in the parking lot.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 7
Ms. Rochelle said there are no items to discuss tonight.
a. Operating Budget 2004-05
Ms. Rochelle said that this item would be tabled until next month because there is no proforma available tonight.
Ms. Rochelle said Ms. Gunn submitted an updated financial report for September 19, 2003.
Mr. Iannacone suggested that the city courier stop at the museum to pick up and deliver material.
Ms. Rochelle said she would get a quote print out of the mansion. She said that two payments were made out of the Capital budget that should have been paid out of the Rogers Ritch Account that should be reversed.
Ms. Rochelle said that she would distribute a final report to everyone. She said it is not clear where the sales are deposited and how sales are tracked for the museum. Ms. Rochelle said that the museum was recommended to adhere to general accounting principles. Ms. Robinson asked if the recommendation was adopted. Ms. Robinson asked if the gift shop should still be closed. Ms Rochelle said that there is no sales information and theoretically there should have been an annual statement filed with the city as of 6/30/03. Ms Fallon said that we could not ask for something that does not exist. Ms. Robinson said that a motion should be made to have a report monthly on the gift shop. Ms. Fallon said that a decision should be made by the Commission to support the re-opening of the gift shop. She added that the Commission should ask for receipts or keep it closed.
Ms. Rochelle said that this goes beyond a sales tax issue. Ms. Fallon said there are several issues that are not resolved. She asked if sales tax was being collected and reported. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn has a sales tax number but that does not mean that the gift shop is tax exempt. Mr. Iannacone said the city is not exempt for sales tax. Ms. Fallon said the commission needs clarification from the law department
Ms. Fallon said that the Commission has a responsibility to the city for reporting sales from the gift shop. Ms. Rochelle said that a 501C-3 organization that acts as a museum is tax exempt. She added that the city is not tax exempt and the city does not have a 501C-3 status.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 8
** MS. ROBINSON MOVE THAT THE GIFT SHOP CLOSE UNTIL THE COMMISSION IS SATISFIED THAT THE GIFT SHOP MEETS ALL FEDERAL AND STATE STATUTES AND RECEIVE ALL ACCOUNTING TRANSACTIONS OF THE GIFT SHOP OPERATED BY THE NORWALK MUSEUM TO DATE.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle said that there is no old business to discuss tonight.
Ms. Rochelle said that there is no item on the agenda to discuss tonight.
VII ANY OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION
Mr. Iannacone said that the Fire department responded to a fire at the house on Fodor Farm. He said that a mattress, some antiques and cigarettes were found on the premises. Mr. Iannacone said that he wanted to bring this house to the attention of the Commission to see if they had any interest in it. Mr. Bloom said the house is in very poor condition, but livable condition and he said he went through the house and articles and found nothing valuable.
Ms. Rochelle said that this is the time of year to talk about the Capital budget. She added that the $35,000 was taken out of last year’s request but the Commission will ask for it again this year. Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission would ask for $250,000 for the LWMM again. She said that they were given $10,000 for last year’s budget for the cemeteries. She added that they would ask for $25,000 this year. Ms. Rochelle said that they requested $15,000 for Smith Street building repairs that was rejected last year. She said that they would request money again this year because the building is in need of siding and repairs. Mr. Bloom said that the building has good structure. He added that the walls have been cut and additional doors have been installed.
Ms. Robinson said that the Commission needed the information and backup with next month’s agenda if the Commission is expected to vote on the Capital budget at the meeting.
Ms. Rochelle said that a study needs to be done on the cemetery stone work. She added that all vegetation has to be removed. Mr. Iannacone asked if the Eagle Scouts could help. Ms. Rochelle said that all the information is in the database. She said Mill Hill should be cleared first.
Norwalk Historical Commission
October 22, 2003
Page 9
** MR. IANNACONE MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Lane for
Telesco Secretarial Services
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