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| NORWALK HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES |
SEPTEMBER 24, 2003
ATTENDANCE: Diane Rochelle, Chairperson; Marilyn Robinson; Betty Booth; Ralph Bloom; Glenn Iannaccone; Deborah Mathies; Marija Bryant; Linda Fallon; Gail Wall, President; Susan Gunn
GUESTS: Scott Gibson, Friends of Museum; Joe Robidoux, Friends of Museum; Anne Searles; Friends of Museum; Michael Bromley; Terrie Tylo; Art Rochelle; Ed Cossette; Betsy Jewell; George Bottom; Dorothy Bain; Colin Gunn; Mary Gunn
Absent Excused: Carol Ann Falasca; Marjorie St. Aubyn; Kathleen Morrow
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Rochelle called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Ms. Rochelle introduced Marilyn Robinson as a new member of the Commission.
Ms. Rochelle distributed a get well card for Ms. Falasca.
It was noted that on page 1, ‘Sue’ should be ‘Susan’ throughout the minutes
Page 8, change Dunn to Gunn.
Page 2, Mr. Scobo should be ‘Sgobo’
Page 2, it should say ‘fuel bills’ not ‘gas bills’
Page 4, take out the words ‘on the porch’ in second complete paragraph.
Page 4, change ‘Alec Electric’ to ‘Eleck Electric’.
Page 5, second paragraph, change ‘Ms. Booth’ to ‘Ms. Rochelle’
Page 6, First sentence under Rogers-Ritch-Merritt House should belong to previous section under cemeteries.
Page 7, ‘7 Barber Drive’ should read ‘7 Barbara Drive’.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 1
Review Hoffmann Architects, Inc invoice for services through August 31, 2003 (Verandah RooF Project)
Ms. Rochelle said that this invoice of $299.50 completes the cap on the account of $5,990.
** MS. BOOTH MOVED TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT OF $299.50 TO CLOSE OUT THE ACCOUNT FOR HOFFMAN ARCHITECTS CAP OF $5,990.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle said that the Purchasing Dept sent the Commission 3 bills from BP Independent Reprographics totaling $189.61. She said that this payment relates to printing costs associated with bid specs for the Verandah Roof repair and would come out of the print line in the operations budget.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO PAY BP REPROGRAPHICS A TOTAL OF $189.61 FOR PRINTING COSTS RELATING TO VERANDAH ROOF REPAIR.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle said the bid process is complete for the repair contract. She said American Landmark Restoration was the lowest bid at $138,680. She added that there were three alternates with two chosen with the base bid. Ms. Rochelle said that the replacement of wood flooring for $38,800 and inspection of the framing and replace deteriorated framing was $6,400. She said the bid totaled $202,268 with the 10% contingency. Ms. Rochelle said the bid was approved by the Land Use Committee on Thursday and by the Common Council on Tuesday and would now go to the law department for contract review.
Ms. Rochelle said Mr. Lother of Paramount visited the museum last week and is very satisfied with the work that was done.
Ms. Wall reviewed the report for the Commission. She added that the building is in better shape than ever.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 2
Fitch Law office – Moisture and window repairs
Ms. Rochelle said that the rodents and squirrel damage still has to be addressed. Ms Gunn said that she received a quote for $2,225 for extermination. Ms. Rochelle said that 2 written quotes are needed before proceeding with the extermination.
Ms. Gunn said the windows have to be taken out for the Brooklyn, NY company to give a quote on the job. Ms. Rochelle said that it was odd for a company to take out the window to place a quote not knowing if they would get the job.
Ms. Rochelle said this item has to be tabled until the Commission receives two quotes.
Ms. Rochelle said that Mr. Kirker is waiting for the wood roof information from Ms. Gunn.
Ms. Rochelle said she received a bill for $3,225.08 from Eleck and Salvato for temporary power for the exhibit. She said that the bill belongs to Gail Wall and the Historical Society.
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to work with Ms. Wall to address the animal removal of rodents at the museum.
35 Smith Street
Ms. Rochelle said the lease for the two apartments at 35 Smith Street have been approved by the Common Council. She said the lease runs from July 2003 to June 30, 2004. She added that the rent has been increased to $450 per month.
Ms. Rochelle said that Mr. Dowd said there are animals and stray cats living in the Smith Street barn. Ms. Gunn suggested getting an estimate for animal control.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE MS. GUNN TO GET THREE ESTIMATES FOR ANIMAL CONTROL FOR THE THREE PROPERTIES AT SMITH STREET.
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Bryant asked the Commission to please use the most human treatment of exterminating the animals.
Town House Repair
Ms. Rochelle said there is no information available tonight and will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 3
c. Cemeteries – restoration update
Ms. Fallon said that she has tried to begin work on Pine Hill and Mill Hill Cemetery. She said she has spent time at both cemeteries with two companies. Ms. Fallon said the stones have shifted because of weathering and frost. She added that any stone over 20 feet high requires a crane. She said Fairfield Monument gave a flat price of for four stones. Ms. Fallon said Fairfield Monument said it would be additional money for any stone 20 feet or higher. Ms. Fallon said that Mr. Lupinacci gave very detailed descriptions about the work he would perform. She added that Mr. Lupinacci estimated $3,400 for seven stones plus the obelisk. Fairfield Monument gave an estimate of $15,000 for entire project but still gave no detail about what work would be performed.
Ms. Fallon said she would recommend Mr. Lupinacci for the restoration and repair.
Ms. Fallon said that the Selleck family donated $1,000 toward work in that area.
** MS. BRYANT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID PROPOSAL FROM GINO
LUPINACCI FOR CEMETERY STONE RESTORATION NOT TO EXCEED $3,400.
** MR. BLOOM SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Fallon to contact Mr. Lupinacci so that work on the restoration can start before the end of October. She said that she and Ms. Fallon would work together on finding companies that would do brush removal at the cemeteries. Ms. Gunn said that Scout Troop 19 would help with the clean up at the end of September or early October. Ms. Rochelle asked that a thank you note be sent to the troop.
Ms. Rochelle said that this item would be discussed at next month’s meeting. She added that there was a $140 donation from the cemetery tour. She asked the Commission to review the feasibility report for next month’s meeting
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn about an invoice for $51 from The Hour. Ms. Gunn responded that the invoice was paid. Ms. Rochelle said she believed that the invoice was paid but as of September 24 it does not show as paid.
Ms. Gunn said the Museum has been exceptionally busy this summer with 250 new items donated. She said that 750 items have been cataloged and measured since January of this year. She added that volunteer hours totaled 702 for the months of June, July and August.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 4
Ms. Gunn said she received a letter from Plaza realty that they are unable to install a permanent light on the flagpole. Mr. Iannaccone suggested that Ms. Gunn get an estimate from Eleck and Salvato and also ask the tenants to donate money for the installation of the light.
Ms. Rochelle said the next few items would be taken out of order on the agenda.
Mr. Gibson of the Friends of the Norwalk Museum said the museum has donated $25,000 to the Norwalk Museum in the past and said there are two items to discuss tonight. He added that the items are opening the gift shop in the museum and inventory. He added that the Friends would be charged for the removal of the white metal shelves by the Norwalk Musuem. He said that the loaning of the top hat display table belongs to the Friends and a number of art works under City Hall lighting belong to Friends as well. Mr. Gibson said that they were concerned about the location and condition of the artwork.
Discussion took place regarding use of space by Friends of the Norwalk Museum and the Commission. Ms. Gunn said that the Land Use Committee said that any space used by anyone other that the museum would have to go before the Common Council. She added that any dollars the Friends would make would be a loss to the Norwalk Museum.
Discussion took place on whether or not the museum is tax exempt. Ms. Rochelle said that the city is not tax exempt and wanted to see a written ruling that the museum is tax exempt. Ms. Gunn said she had a tax number and files quarterly tax papers. Ms. Rochelle said this is a gray area and should be researched.
Mr. Scott reminded the Commission that the opening of the retail shop by the Curator is another direct opposition to the standing resolution that the Commission was told not to do that. Mr. Gunn explained that in order to not pay sales tax the museum would have to have a sales and use tax certificate. Ms. Rochelle responded that the sales and use tax certificate in terms of purchases is a simple situation but whether or not the museum is tax exempt or a 501 C is another situation. Ms. Fallon asked if the Commission were required to be notified of the gift shop situation. Ms. Rochelle responded that the job description of the curator reports to the Commission.
Ms. Gunn said when she was hired she was charged with getting more people into the museum. She said space is crucial. She also asked Friends where would they have the gift shop. Mr. Robidoux said that the money made in the gift shop would benefit other areas of Norwalk.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 5
Ms. Rochelle suggested tabling this item until it can be further investigated.
Ms. Rochelle said that the inventory is a liability to the City and an inventory should be completed by the Friends to see what belongs to the City and to the Friends.
Ms. Robinson suggested that a department from the city do an inventory of the museum to determine whom the inventory belongs to.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED THAT THE LAW DEPARTMENT DEVISE
A PLAN APPROPRIATE FOR THE TAKING OF THE INVENTORY FOR THE MUSEUM.
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Bryant asked what the issues were with both museums. Ms. Gunn responded that it’s an issue of space and also the Norwalk Museum employees seemed to be working for the Friends of Norwalk Museum because they were absent most of the time. Ms. Mathies said this was a poor use of the curator’s time. Ms. Gunn responded that she has delegated purchasing items and other duties to the assistants of the shop.
Mr. Gibson said that the volunteers for the Friends of the Norwalk Museum quit because of Susan Gunn.
Ms. Rochelle said to table this item until next months meeting. Ms. Bryant suggested having an arbitrator deal with the issues of the two museums.
Mr. Robidoux said that this is systematic of a dysfunctional Commission that has been gutted by the previous Mayor.
Ms. Rochelle said that the curator’s job description is very specific in that the curator will assist the Commission in long term planning for the museum. She said that no new exhibit space should be put into the museum unless the Commission approves it first.
Ms. Fallon suggested that the Commission study the space and design of the museum.
Ms. Rochelle said that the Commission must evaluate changes to any of the exhibit spaces. She asked Ms. Gunn to present a complete plan for any change and use of space in the museum.
Ms. Gunn said she sees a potential conflict with her job and responsibility with the motion that might be passed. Ms. Robinson said the Commission has the charge to make motions for things to be done at the museum. Ms. Rochelle said that Ms. Gunn was hired by verbal agreement and the Commission will go by the job description until it can be changed.
Ms. Robinson said the issues should be addressed one at a time.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 6
** MS ROBINSON MOVED TO HAVE THE COMMISSION EVALUATE ANY SPACE BEING CHANGED IN THE MUSEUM.
** BETTY BOOTH SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Rochelle asked Ms. Gunn to re-establish the financial report each month for the Commission.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO RE-ESTABLISH THE FINANCIAL MONTHLY
REPORTING TO THE COMMISSION BY THE CURATOR.
** MS. FALLON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Gunn said that the museum is paying for Internet services but not receiving Internet services. Ms. Rochelle said that she would write a letter to pursue this matter but need a list of services that are needed by the museum.
Ms. Gunn said there was an issue of getting rid of the white metal shelves at the museum. Mr. Bloom said the shelves belong to the city and must be offered to the city first.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED TO DONATE THE ORGINAL THREE SHELVING UNITS TO C.R. GIBSON
** MS. BRYANT SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
18 Shepherd Street – No deemed file date has been received by the NHC.
Ms. Rochelle said that there is a future demolition at 89 Old Saugatuck Rd but has not come up yet.
Ms. Gunn said that Currie’s Tire has applied for a demolish permit but will wait 90 days. She said that she is talking to a representative from Auto Zone. She added that it would go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ms. Gunn said that the Commission might have some input of the design of the building. Ms. Rochelle said it’s a good opportunity to make an impact on the building style.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 7
Ms. Rochelle said that she would continue with the item of the Gardener’s cottage
Ms. Rochelle said she represented the Commission on September 12 for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the cottage. She said the building looks great and they did an excellent job.
Ms. Rochelle said the Committee is meeting September 30. She said she has asked Mr. Bloom to fill in for Ms. Falasca.
There was no discussion at this time.
Ms. Gunn said that Bruce Gall has properties that he has requested to be made part of the historic district and to establish on the national register.
Ms. Rochelle said that a request for job reclassification analysis questionnaire has been forwarded to the Commission for completion and to forward to personnel.
Discussion took place between the Commission and Ms. Gunn concerning her job description and who her supervisor is. Ms. Gunn said that her description clearly states that her supervisor is the Mayor. She said the NMEA union asked her to fill out the questionnaire. She added that she is owed $45,000 in overtime. Ms. Gunn said the union told her to file for the overtime. Ms. Rochelle said when Ms. Gunn completes the questionnaire; the Commission will evaluate as a Commission then send it to the Mayor. Ms. Gunn said the union would send the copy to Personnel. She added that the union would send a completed copy to the Commission if requested. Ms. Robinson said the Commission should take direction from Personnel. She said they should be able to tell the Commission if the Mayor is Ms. Gunn’s supervisor.
Ms. Rochelle reviewed the proposed budget with the commission. She said that the Commission will go by the pro-forma guidelines and will discuss at next meeting.
Norwalk Historical Commission
September 24, 2003
Page 8
VII NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION: OCT 22, 2003 AT 7:30PM NORWALK CITY HALL, ROOM 101
Ms. Rochelle said she would like a motion from the Commission that the museum is the designated meeting place.
** MS. ROBINSON MOVED TO DESIGNATE THE MUSEUM AS THE MEETING PLACE FOR THE COMMISSION FOR THE MONTHLY MEETINGS
** MS. MATHIES SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Gunn said that she is responsible for the opening and closing of the museum. She said she has had health problems and was unable to attend some of the meetings as well as close the building after late night meetings. Ms. Gunn said it made perfect sense to have the museum meetings at city hall because all other meetings are held at city hall.
** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. FALLON SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Lane
Telesco Secretarial Services
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