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Smith-Harris House Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 25, 2008
Present: Carol Marelli James Littlefield Denise Russo Gary Lakowsky
Also Present: Mary Cutillo
Chairlady Marelli called the June 25, 2008 Smith-Harris House Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Delegations. There were no delegations.
2. Friends. Mary Cutillo was welcomed as new President of the Friends.
Mrs. Cutillo reported she and Judy Aldrich saw a coyote on the Smith-Harris grounds.
The Founders Day Luncheon and Annual Meeting was well received by all who attended.
On June 14 (State Open House Day) Georgia Lee Littlefield and she demonstrated Open Hearth cooking. She stated it was interesting and fun. Judy Aldrich was busy in the garden and many people were interested in what she was doing. Two items were purchased from the Friends’ table. Refreshments were enjoyed by those attending. Many photos were taken of the event.
Mrs. Cutillo felt there should have been additional guides in the house. Mr. Lakowsky suggested that in the future there be a guide in each room of the house to answer any questions visitors may have. A suggestion was made to have visitors enter through the front door and leave through the back door.
Betty Purvis is accepting donations for the July 18 and 19 Tag Sale. She asked that there be no donations of upholstered furniture, ACs, TVs or clothing.
Garden work is being done at the house every Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Cutillo is trying to have age appropriate flowers in the garden.
Mrs. Cutillo asked if the carpet could be installed by Heritage Weekend? Mrs. Marelli replied it will need to be ordered and made.
Mrs. Marelli will meet with the merchants for a final report on the Holiday Program.
The Friends are willing to finance an appraisal of items in the house.
2a. House Appraisal.
MOTION: Mr. Lakowsky moved to change House Appraisal from this evening’s Agenda from item 12a to 2a. Seconded by Mr. Littlefield. (4-0) Unanimous.
Mrs. Marelli suggested that a few quotes be obtained prior to deciding who will be selected. It also needs to be clear of what should be included in the appraisal.
Mrs. Cutillo reported the individuals who attended the Annual Meeting were interested in a list of who donated each item. Mr. Littlefield stated not every item is displayed. Some are stored. A total inventory and appraisal will be needed. Mrs. Marelli felt this is a worthwhile project for insurance purposes.
MOTION: Mr. Lakowsky moved that the Friends of the Smith- Harris House list the belongings of the house with an appraiser of its choice. Seconded by Mr. Littlefield. (4-0) Unanimous.
3. Ex-Officio Report. There was no ex-officio report.
4. Agenda Additions. There were no additional agenda additions.
5. Approval of Minutes. Mrs. Marelli asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the May 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes of the Smith-Harris House Commission.
MOTION: Gary Lakowsky moved to approve the May 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes of the Smith- Harris House Commission, as presented. Seconded by Denise Russo. (4-0) Unanimous
6. Finance Report.
a. Current Standing. As of today there is $3,122.35 unencumbered and $593.80 encumbered at Rings End. Projected revenue was $750. Actual revenue received is $1,015.
Mr. Littlefield agreed to purchase wood for the porch. It was felt paint was needed for the interior of the house. Plexiglas is needed for the back attic window. Ron Bence agreed to repair it and build a ramp for the barn as well as install shingles to the roof of the corncrib. Mrs. Marelli contacted an exterminator about carpenter bees in the barn. He stated although they are not aggressive, they should be exterminated because they will multiply. She will meet him at the house on June 26. The following items are needed: house supplies, new toilet seats, sweeping compound and brass polish. Contracts are needed for Heritage Weekend.
b. New Reimbursements. Mr. Littlefield presented a bill for $49.93 for food for the Open House.
MOTION: Mr. Lakowsky moved to reimburse Jim Littlefield $49.93 for food for the Open House. Seconded by Denise Russo. (4-0) Unanimous.
7. Chairlady’s Report. There was no report from the Chairlady.
8. Standing Committee.
a. Guide Schedule. Mrs. Marelli asked commission members to be available to lock and unlock the house for student tour guides. All commission members received new guide books.
b. Program Development. Denise Russo felt the Commission should schedule programs in the barn for the summer months.
She booked a speaker for next year’s Open House Day. He is an African American Civil War Soldier who gives a twenty minute presentation then takes questions. He has given his presentation to many groups.
Mr. Littlefield suggested having Chinese soldier, Corporal Joseph Pierce, who was a Civil War soldier from Connecticut.
9. Special Committee’s.
a. Heritage Weekend, September 27 and 28. Mr. Littlefield suggested cutting dead wood at the house and using it for firewood.
b. State Open House, June 14 – follow-up. Mrs. Marelli reported approximately seventy-five individuals attended the Open House. Mrs. Russo observed a number of families who came to it. She suggested a donation box be placed in the barn. She suggested that in the future children’s games or hands on activity should be planned.
c. Holiday Program. Gary Lakowsky suggested asking service clubs to decorate a tree to raffle off. Mrs. Marelli agreed and added that at a wrap-up meeting that suggestion was brought up along with having the ending event be in the daytime family program.
10. Corresponding Secretary’s Report. Mrs. Marelli reported an 1880 washing machine was donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Davies. A thank you note should be sent.
11. Old Business.
a. Loan/Gift Agreement. Beth Hogan was unable to be present, and this matter was tabled.
b. To Do List. This matter was tabled.
12. New Business.
a. House Appraisal. The Friends have agreed to pay for the house appraisal.
13. Outside Meetings.
a. Five Rivers. Mr. MacDonald was not present, and there was no report.
b. Historical Society. Mrs. Prokop was not present, and there was no report.
c. CLG. Mrs. Marelli corresponded with Norm Peck, III concerning the CLG (See attached).
14. Adjournment.
MOTION: Jim Littlefield moved to adjourn the Smith- Harris House Commission Regular Meeting of June 25, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Gary Lakowsky. (4-0) Unanimous
Respectfully submitted, Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary
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