For minutes of meetings not listed below please contact Alan Lo
at 203-854-6790 or email at alo@norwalkct.org


CITY OF NORWALK
LAND USE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
JANUARY 17, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Doug Hempstead, Chairman; Laurel Lindstrom;
Mike Geake; Richard Bonenfant; Bill Krummel;
Doug Sutton (7:50 p.m.)

STAFF: Alan Lo, Building & Facilities Manager

OTHER: Marcella Manis; Jim Donahue; Diane Lauricella; Gail Wall;
Tod Bryant; Doug Peoples; Jackie Lightfield

PUBLIC HEARING

Mr. Hempstead opened the public hearing for Item A at 7:05 p.m.

II. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

A. Disposition of City Property at 8 Hamilton Avenue (D2-B53-L9)

Ms. Marcella Manis, of 10 Hamilton Ave, said that she owns the property
with her brother and sister. She said there is a parking issue with her
tenants, and if the property is sold, it would allow them an easement to a
driveway in the back of the property. She said she would be in favor of the
city disposing of the property.

Mr. Hempstead closed the public hearing for Item A at 7:05 p.m.

Mr. Hempstead opened the public hearing for Item B at 7:08 p.m.

B. Disposition of two vacant houses at Fodor Farm (322 Flax Hill Road and House at the end of Pogany Street with no house number)

Mr. Lo presented the plans to the public and explained that the City of
Norwalk acquired the 9.2 acre property in 1997. The City owns 3 buildings
on the property. The Common Council adopted a resolution in 2007 that
said the City would keep all the open space and the cupola house, and
maintain ownership of that property. The public hearing tonight is for the
sale of the other 2 houses on the property.

Mr. Hempstead clarified that the City has interest in selling the two parcels,
and there are deed restrictions for historic preservation.

Mr. Jim Donahue said that he has lived at 15 Pogany Street for 15 years. He
said that the water service is through the farm, not a sewer system. He
has contributed to some of the upkeep of the farm himself, and he felt it would be beneficial to have some money put into farm so that it is properly maintained.

Mr. Todd Bryant of 23 Morgan Avenue said that the Norwalk Preservation
Trust (NPT) is in favor of the City disposing of the property by way of an
RFP and an RFQ process with deed restrictions, which would involve restoration to the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Rehabilitation Standards.

Ms. Gail Wall of 119 Partrick Avenue is the Vice Chair of the Norwalk
Historical Commission. She asked if the Land Use and Building Management Committee had received input from the Planning Commission and the Historical Commission regarding the sale of the Fodor Farm property, as mentioned in agenda item IIIA2. Her concern was that this item would be voted on without the input of those two Commissions.

Mr. Hempstead clarified that with regard to the land disposition, it goes back to the resolution that was passed by the Council in October of 2007. Mr. Lo clarified that comments had not been received from either the Planning Commission or the Historical Commission. After some discussion, it was agreed that the agenda item would be revised to read as follows:

“Authorize the Purchasing Department to proceed with the development of an RFP for the disposal of the two houses at Fodor Farm.”

Ms. Diane Lauricella, a resident and an environmental consultant, thanked the Committee for holding the public hearing, as she was one of the original group of citizens who saved Fodor Farm 8 years ago. She recommended that an ad be placed in specialized journals, magazines, and web sites that relate to this type of restoration. She said that even though the homes are in poor condition now, they are on a desirable street, so they shouldn’t be sold at a lower price. She distributed copies of her communication to the committee members.

Mr. Doug Peoples, 18 Marina Terrace, thanked the committee for coming full circle on something that he started many years ago. He hoped that the houses wouldn’t be sold at an extraordinary price so that the citizens of Norwalk would not be priced out of purchasing them.

III. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING

Mr. Hempstead closed the public hearing for Item B at 7:35 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE LAND USE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.

I. ROLL CALL

II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING -
December 20, 2007

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF
DECEMBER 20, 2007.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Fodor Farm

1. Update by Alan Lo

2. Authorize the Purchasing Department to proceed with the disposition of the two houses at Fodor Farm.

** MR. BONENFANT MOVED THE ITEM AS AMENDED.

Mr. Lo explained that the Planning & Zoning staff had reviewed the proposed lot lines, creating 6 lots. One is park property; one is for the house that the City is keeping; two lots with two houses to be sold; and two other lots will be maintained by the City for the possibility of relocating historic houses in the future. He said that the Parks Department is considering architects for the cupola building, along with proposal for community gardens.

Mr. Krummel mentioned that it is very important for the Historical Commission to have input into the process, and the Land Use & Building Management Committee should hear their recommendations. He said that Ms. Lauricella’s comments regarding the RFP process should be taken into account. Mr. Krummel wanted to remind the committee that the easements that they’ll be considering to preserve it as an historical piece of property could actually be an increase in value to the property.

Mr. Sutton arrived at 7:50 p.m.

Mr. Lo confirmed that he would send the Historical Commission and the Land Use & Building Management Committee a bullet list of all the items that need to be included in the RFP.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY AS AMENDED.

III.B. Surplus Property – 8 Hamilton Avenue

1. Authorize the Purchasing Department to dispose City surplus property at 8 Hamilton Avenue.

** MS. LINDSTROM MOVED THE ITEM.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Andrews Field – Building Reconstruction

1. Review staff recommendation for architectural design services fee proposals and refer the following to the Common Council:
“Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an agreement with Gill & Gill Architects, LLC for architectural design services for the Andrews Field Restroom and Band Storage Facilities for a total not to exceed $24,000 (including $5,000 allowance for additional E&O insurance premium). Acct. (# to be determined).”

** MR. GEAKE MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Bonenfant wished to abstain from voting on this item.

Ms. Lindstrom asked if the committee would be able to review the design plans. Mr. Lo said that it would be possible. Ms. Lindstrom suggested the use of green technology wherever possible and having the students involved as part of the design process.

The building is on parks property but is under the Board of Ed jurisdiction. Some discussion followed regarding the selection of materials, if the building would be used during the winter and need heat, and if a sprinkler system would be installed. Mr. Lo explained that the new band storage building would be built on slab, have two bathrooms and 7,000 square feet of storage. The band doesn’t practice/perform during the winter months. The costs would rise and the project would become more complex should a sprinkler system and other amenities be added. Mr. Hempstead confirmed that the committee would like to see the use of green technology in the design plans, along with an aesthetic-looking building.

** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTAINED (R. BONENFANT)

D. Law Department – Filming Location License Agreement

1. Review draft Standard Form of License Agreement for Filming and refer the following to the Common Council:
“Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute any and all Filming Location-License Agreements to allow applicants for film location permits to use City of Norwalk property in connection with media production, including video, film and still photography. This is a general authorization based on the attached documents entitled: Location Permit Application and License For Filming Locations.”

** MS. LINDSTROM MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Lo said that there is a detailed process involved in getting the proper authorization for filming in Norwalk. Many departments have to sign off on it, and police enforcement and traffic enforcement are needed. When filming at the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum, special care is needed as it is an historic property. Mr. Hempstead wanted to see a general fee/application fee put into place, along with a sub-agreement for historical buildings. Some discussion followed regarding the authorization process.

Ms. Jackie Lightfield offered some information for the committee, saying that the Connecticut Film Commission has a “best practice” book available on guidelines and agreements. She suggested the committee contact the commission for a copy of the book.

Ms. Wall mentioned that film crews usually pay someone on site to monitor activity.

Mr. Bryant suggested that the committee contact the Mayor’s Office of Filming, both in New York City and New Jersey for some guidelines.

The committee decided that in order to establish guidelines, clarify responsibilities, and protect historic property, they would table this item to the next meeting.

** MR. GEAKE MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM TO THE NEXT
REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

A. Board of Education

1. Review proposed book purchases and refer the following to the Common Council for approval:
“Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue purchase order(s) to Pioneer Valley Education Press for the purchase of Literacy Wings reading and writing intervention program, one license for each elementary school, for a total not to exceed $36,476.00. Acct. # 09055010 5777 C0309”

Mr. Lo explained that the representative from Board of Education had been waiting in his office and due to the timing of this item on the agenda, he had to leave but would like to come back for this item at the next Committee meeting.

** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. NFCC Referral

1. Norwalk High School Improvement Project
“Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an amendment to Fletcher Thompson, Inc. architectural/engineering design services contract for a total not-to-exceed $5,000 for providing design services associated with the grease interceptor for the Norwalk High School project, Acct #0904-5010-5777-B0310.”

** MR. BONENFANT MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Lo explained that permits now require that grease interceptors be installed in commercial kitchens. The grease interceptor is already in place at Brien McMahon High School.

Mr. Krummel said he would like to see more information regarding the NFCC referral, and it was agreed that the minutes of the NFCC meeting would be reviewed.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Building Management

1. Roosevelt Center – Land Use and Building Management Committee approval required:

“Authorize to reimburse U.S.A.G., Inc./Tumble Bugs for the installation of new VCT for a total of $9,905.54 with funds from the Reserved for Replacement account.”
** MR. BONENFANT MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Lo confirmed that Council approval is not required, just committee approval. This is a unique lease. The money is put into a special interest-bearing account. The commitment on the City part is to approve the requests for capital improvement as they come up. The City cannot use the money except for their portion of the building, and they won’t fund anymore capital money for their portion of the building. There is approximately $180,000 in the account.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

V. MISCELLANEOUS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. General Information and status update on the following items:
• Norwalk Historical Commission – Norwalk Museum – operating agreement with Friends of the Norwalk Museums

Mr. Hempstead said that he spoke with Mr. Maslin of Corporation Counsel last week regarding this item. He hoped to have a draft ready for the February meeting.

B. Schedule special meeting on energy conservation.

Mr. Hempstead said that this meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m., location TBD. Representatives from Yankee Gas and Northeast Utilities will be on hand to discuss what energy items are available to consumers.

Ms. Wall said that the Mill Hill building was converted from oil to gas heat about 6 or 7 years ago. She said there is a city rate for low use building sites, but they are not seeing efficiency costs improved. Mr. Hempstead said he would look into it.

C. Deed Restrictions Discussion

Mr. Lo mentioned that on Page 2 of the Common Council Action, dated October 9, 2007, Item IIIA1, (d), regarding exterior appearance, it should read “to prevent deterioration in the exterior appearance of all sides”, not “north and west facades.” Mr. Krummel said that a copy of the Secretary of the Interior Standards should be available for the committee to review. It was mentioned that it is available on the National Parks Service website.

Mr. Bryant spoke of the historic period colors, and provided paint brochures from Sherwin-Williams, Brandman’s, and Benjamin Moore.

Ms. Lightfield mentioned that there are guidelines established for the village district. It was confirmed that the Secretary of Interior Standards does not mention colors.

Mr. Bryant reviewed the document further, and provided the following corrections:

Page 1, 1. Scope of Restrictions, item (b), The owner of the Project shall restore the property to a habitable condition pursuant to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.

Mr. Bryant noted that the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards does not specify interior or exterior. He suggested that a notation be made to specify which one.

Page 1, 1. Scope of Restrictions, item (c), “the roofline of such garage to be no higher than the roofline of the existing residence” should read “the roofline of such garage to be lower than the roofline of the existing residence”. He noted that there is no specification on size, although it does have to be approved by the City.

Mr. Bryant mentioned that on Page 3, under 4. Right of Entry, it was very broad and would be worthwhile to restrict it to “interior access only if required to evaluate improvements”. Sentence number 2 should read “Inspections will normally occur outside the residence.”

Some discussion followed regarding phase-ins and incentives to buyers. Mr. Krummel said that in areas of New York City and Brooklyn, there are considerable tax breaks for builders to purchase run-down buildings and rebuild them according to standards.

Mr. Hempstead reminded the committee that the goal is to be less than prohibitive or restrictive towards buyers.

Mr. Krummel mentioned that the first objective is to sell the property and have the houses rebuilt. The longer term objective is the tax incentive. For prospective buyers, the tax break over a period of time could be significant.

Mr. Hempstead mentioned that the Incerto house is still in pieces in trailers, and he thought it might be of interest to have the house rebuilt on one of the two extra building lots on Fodor Farm after the sale goes through.

Ms. Wall gave a brief history of the Incerto house.

Mr. Krummel said that there had been proposals to use the Incerto house as a building technology museum, or a museum for retail enterprise.

Mr. Lo confirmed with the committee that an appraisal doesn’t need to be done on the two properties at Fodor Farm. Mr. Krummel said that he thought it would be helpful to have an appraisal done for guideline purposes. Mr. Bryant suggested that the Committee contact the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for an appraiser who is familiar with historic properties, as opposed to a commercial appraiser.

Mr. Lo will bring a list of Norwalk historical inventory to the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services

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