The Norwalk Public Library Board reviewed a draft resolution prepared with city staff and donor input that would accept a conditional bequest from the W. Randall Gar and Laura Coleman living trust and, upon receipt of a qualifying gift, name a children’s reading room in honor of the donor’s mother.

Why it matters: The draft resolution describes the trust and specifies both an estimated gift amount and a naming threshold; board members expressed concern about whether the city should require legal assurances that the restriction cannot be dissolved by heirs or surviving partners before the city accepts the naming condition.

What the draft says: A board member read the trust language into the record, which in the draft states the trust is the W. Randall Gar and Laura Coleman living trust dated 09/19/2001 (as subsequently amended), and that the gift is "currently estimated to be in excess of $300,000." The resolution text presented to the board conditions the naming on receipt of a gift of $100,000 or more and authorizes the mayor to execute agreements the mayor deems necessary to implement the gift’s purposes. The resolution also sets a minimum room size (not less than 200 square feet) and states the city retains discretion on room location and relocation.

Board questions and next steps: Several board members asked how the board and the city would be protected if the investment or trust arrangements change after the donor’s passing — for example, whether a surviving spouse or an heir could alter distribution. Members asked the chair to consult the city attorney (Darren Callahan was referenced) to verify the trust’s enforceability, to confirm whether documentation (a copy of the trust, trustee certificates or a signed agreement) should be required before the city commits to the naming, and whether the draft resolution should include additional legal protections. The board did not vote on the resolution at the Nov. 13 meeting because a quorum was not present; members said the item will be reintroduced when a full board can vote.

Quote from a board member expressing concern: "I'm really concerned about how do you protect that...somebody could dissolve the fund," a board member said, urging legal review.

Next steps: The board will request a legal review from the city attorney, seek confirmation of the trust language and proposed protections, and then schedule a vote at a later meeting or a special meeting when quorum is present. The resolution will follow the land use referral and public hearing process similar to other facility naming actions.