HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-21-1976Wednesday, January 21, 1976 7:30 P.M. Pg.l
The second regular meeting of the month of the Town Board was held
at 15 Terrace Rd. with Supervisor, Robert P. Blatchley presiding. Board
members present were: Justices, Donald F. Eaton, & Ronald Fish; Councilmen
Sherman Griswold & Ray Miller. Others present were: Town Clerk, Christine
Canestaro; Deputy Town Clerk, Theresa Fortin; Zoning Enforcement Officer,
Don Fowler; Legislators, Shirley Fish, Delmar Palm & Henry Wadsworth;
newspaper reporter, Skip Chapman; Mel Pierce; & Mr. Stupke,
The Town Clerk read the minutes of the meeting of January 7, 1976.
There were no corrections or additions. Motion was made by Councilman,
Miller, seconded by Councilman Griswold that the minutes be approved as
read. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
® Councilman Miller,aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried.
Justice Eaton noted that resolution #4 of the minutes of Jan.7,1976
should be rescinded as Mr. Barth's appointment does not expire until 4/30/76.
RESOLUTION #17: RESCIND RESOLUTION #4, Page 3 of the MINUTES OF JAN.7,1976
RE: APPOINTMENT OF WARREN BARTH TO BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Motion by Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted.
WHEREAS, The term of office of Warren Barth on the Board of Assessment
Review does not expire until April 30, 1976,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, That resolution #4 for the year 1976 be, and it hereby is,
rescinded.
RESOLUTION #18: AMEND RESOLUTION #3 PG.2 OF THE MINUTES OF JAN.7,1976
RELY APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE & ALTERNATE TO 1976 ASSOC. OF
TOWNS MEETING
Motion by Justice Fish, seconded by Councilman Miller
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted.
BE IT RESOLVED, that resolution #3 of the minutes of January 7, 1976 be
amended to designate Supervisor, Robert P. Blatchley as delegate and
Justice Donald Eaton as alternate delegate to the Association of Towns
meeting in New York City.
The Town Clerk read the minutes of the special board meeting held
January 14, 1976 at 1:00 p.m.. There were no corrections or additions.
Motion was made by Justice Eaton, seconded by Justice Fish that the minutes
be approved as read. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman
Mriswold, aye; Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried
The Town Clerk reported she had received a copy of a notice addressed to
Walter J. Tennant, Jr. from Joseph M. Powers, Regional Director of Transportation,
Region #3 acknowledging receipt of a request for lower speed limit on Fisher Ave.
and advising that a formal investigation would be conducted. Motion was made o �(s�✓
® by Justice Fish, seconded by Justice Eaton to receive and file the letter..y�
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried. 11
The Town Clerk reported that she had received a notice that the
Public Service Commission will be holding public hearings on the following
matters:
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. - Electric Rate Increase - Case #26943
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. - Electric Rate Increase
(street lighting) Case #2694.4-
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. - Electric Rate Increase
& Gas Rate Increase Case #2694.5
The Board was interested in the hearing to be held at the War Memorial
in Syracuse on Tuesday 2/10/76 at 10:00 a.m. Motion was made by Justice
Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller to receive and file the notice.
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried.
1, 2
Wednesday, January 21, 1976 Pg•2
The town clerk apprised the board of an advertisement she had received
relative to Revenue Sharing information from the Revenue Sharing
Advisory Service, 1820 Jefferson Place, N.W.; Washington D.C., 2003.
This was read for information only.
The Town Clerk read a letter addressed to the Town Board from
Municipal Consultants and Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 544, Geneva, N.Y.,
advising that their firm was available for the updating of municipal
codes. This was read for information only.
The Town Clerk reported she had received an application for a
renewal permit for C & H Mobile Home Park. She said she had received
this application today and that it was accompanied by a Health Dept.
Permit but the Town Zoning Enforcement Officer had not had time to •
make an inspection of the park. The matter was tabled until the next
meeting.
Justice Eaton made the following report on his justice activities
for the month of December, 1975:
379 cases completed
$5551.50 in fines & forfeitures turned over to the State Comptroller
$1860 being held in pending cases.
Justice Eaton read his annual report to the Board. A copy of the
report is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Motion was made
by Councilman Miller, seconded by Justice Fish that the report be received
and filed. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold
aye; Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye: Motion carried.
DV"
p��'J L)
Justice Fish reported that the highway superintendent had called him
regarding a problem he was having with the steam cleaner. Niagara Mohawk
investigated and found nothing wrong with the electric service, but did
find that the electric wiring to the outlet being used was not adequate
and recommended that a special outlet with adequate wiring be installed.
Mr. Ray Ingraham, husband of Town Historian, Barbara Ingraham,
�✓
read the historianb annual report. A copy of this report is attached to
and made a part of these minutes. Motion was made by Justice Fish,
seconded by Justice Eaton that the historian's report be received and
filed. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried.
Mr. Ingraham was asked to extend the Board's special commendation to Mrs.
Ingraham for a fine report.
, v-� The Supervisor read a letter from Mrs. Brookins, Secretary to the
io�� `'� �' ?'S /'�Cortlandville Planning Board, stating the resolution passed by that board
6,f,n9 TO on 11/3/75, relative to their recommendation to the Town Board to rescind
Aj,;l,iF,,�1tiJ the action taken by the Town Board on 5/6/70 and to reinstate Sec. 2 of
Northwood Development as an R-2 District. Motion was made by Justice Eaton,
ticnr+��1� seconded by Councilman, Miller that the letter be received and filed.
�c� Czo�McN:" Votes: Justice Fish, aye; Justice Eaton, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Motion carried.
Supervisor Blatchley read a letter he had received from Mr.& Mrs. Ferro,
Corner of Aherns Rd. & Pendleton St. Ext., requesting lighting to discourage
parkers and litterers. They also requested some type of markings be
installed to designate the deep drop-offs in that area, as they were being •
plagued, all hours of the night, by people who had not realized the
y� whereabouts of the drop-offs and required towing assistance. After some
discussion, Supervisor Blatchley was authorized to write a letter to Mr. &
Mrs. Ferro advising them that something would be done about the ditches
but not the lights.
Supervisor Blatchley read the following letter from Hoffman & Hoffman,
Attorneys at Law:
To: Robert Blatchley, Supervisor Date: January 12, 1976
Town of Cortlandville
Cortlandville Town Hall Subject: Middle Department Inspection
15 Terrace Rd. Agency, Inc.
Cortland, New York 13045
Wednesday, January 21, 1976
Pg, 3
Dear Mr. Blatchley:
I have been instructed by my client,
Inc., to withdraw its application for the
the Town of Cortlandville, to permit it to
the town.
Middle Department Inspecton Agency,
amendment of the Electrical Code of
make electrical inspections within
I wish to thank you and the members of the Town Board for your courtesy to
me and my client when we appeared before you.
Very truly yours,
EDMUND J. HOFFMAN, JR.
Motion was made by Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller that the
• letter be received and filed. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye;
Councilman Griswold, aye; Councilman, Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye.
Motion carried.
Supervisor Blatchley read a notice from Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. —gin w
listing railroad lines which would be discontinued if a rail service �1 J
continuation subsidy was not offered. Discontinuance of service would take
place at 12:01 a.m. 2/27/76. Motion was made by Justice Eaton, seconded by{l -
Justice Fish to receive and file the notice. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye;
Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye; Councilman Miller, aye;
Supervisor Blatchley, aye; Motion carried.
Justice Eaton reported that he and Highway Supt. Carl Eaton had met
with Mr. Watts, Brockway Representative to go over Brockway bid on the
new Brockway dump truck -snow plow combination. Mr. Watts substantiated
the bid figure by showing them recent price increases on parts and materials.
Justice Eaton said that he and Carl had discussed the matter and felt that
a considerable amount of money could be saved by installing some of the
options themselves.
Attorney Gardner advised that if the specifications were changed, the
Town would have to go to bid again.
The Town Board authorized Justice Eaton and Highway Supt. Carl Eaton
to review the specifications and prepare them for a new bid.
RESOLUTION #19: AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR NEW BROCK4F TWO AXLE
DUMP TRUCK FOR USE OF THE HIGHWAY DEPT.
Motion made by Councilman Griswold, seconded by Councilman Miller.
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted.
RESOLVED, That the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized And
directed to advertise publicly for sealed bids for the furnishing and
delivery of one (1) new heavy duty Brockway, two axle dump truck -snow
plow combination, per the specifications set forth in the "Information
to Bidders". Delivery to be made to the Town of Cortlandville Highway
garage on County Rte. 117, at Polkville, N.Y „ and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That sealed bids received will be opened
at 8:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 15 Terrace Rd., Cortlandville, N.Y.
on February 4, 1976.
® Justice Eaton reported that the Ad Hoc Committee on recreation had met 6' /~ J
on January 13, 1976. At this meeting Legislator, Delmar Palm advised them 7�.C..»�„tea`,
that the County Planning Board has appointed a recreation committee to make
a study of the recreation facilities and needs for the Town of Cortlandville,
which study will be incorporated into the Town's master plan. The Ad Hoc
Committee decided they would hold their investigation in abeyance until the
county study was completed so that there would not be a duplication of effort.
Supervisor Blatchley advised that the State had signed the contract for r�cl
the 701 program. Total cost of the project, he said,is $6,000. The Federal J
Government will pay $4,020, the State Government $1005, and the local Government %i��
t 1005. The County Planning Board, he said, is atempting to set up a 15 member
citizens' advisory committee and asked the town board's cooperation in this, ='
matter. He said they would Like to have 3 Town Board members, 5 Planning Board
members, 1 Zoning Board of Appels member, and at least 6 other citizens.
Wednesday, January 21, 1976
pg. 4-
Supervisor Blatchley appointed Justice Fish and Councilman Miller and
himself as the three members to represent the Town Board on this committee.
Attorney Gardner pointed out that the letter received from the Secretary
of State notes that the work on this project must be completed by 6/30/76. He
also pointed out that the town should have a signed copy of the contract.
Justice Fish noted that both the Federal and State governments were
making cut backs in their budgets and wondered if this program would be
affected. Supervisor Blatchley assured him that monies for this program
have been guaranteed.
Town Engineer, William Rowell reported:
Re: Proposed Sewer Dist.#2 - He has not heard from Mr. Porter since the
last meeting.
•
Re: Negotiations with the Village of Homer for cost of sewer on rte.11
The supervisor and he had met with Mayor Calale and the
Village engineer to discuss further and negotiate some of
the terms of the agreement. Also discussed was the expected
water and sewer service charge for the proposed district for
the Gorman tract.
Re: Water Line Relocation Project: - The change over had been accomplished
on Saturday, 1 17. Late that same evening a failure had
developed in the pipe line. Fred Walker was notified and turned
the water supply off before there was much of a loss. The
job contractor returned to the job and made a temporary connection
so that the water could be turned on. They are presently in
the process of doing some additional work and it is, as yet,
undetermined when the job will be completed.
Justice Eaton noted that this was the second time an emergency had
arisen on this project, which,he felt, was due to the extreme cold
weather and askedc:_if some restrictions could be written intothe contracts
to prohibit work of this nature under certain weather conditions.
Mr. Rowell explained that the emergency last saturday was due to
bolts not being tightened rather than the weather. Normally, he said,
there are no restrictions written into this type of contract as they feel
it is up to the contractor to make the decision on when the work should
be performed.
Supervisor Blatchley reported that on saturday, January 10, he had spent
some time visiting everyone in the Hamlet of South Cortland, except a few
which Mel Pierce had contacted, to get the average income of the residents of
this area. This information was turned over to Walter Spencer who informed
him that the application for the Appalachin funds would be in by 2/1/76.
RESOLUTION #20: APPOINTMENT OF DON FOWLER AS BUILDING INSPECTOR FOR 1976
Motion by Justice Eaton, seconded by Justice Fish.
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted
BE IT RESOLVED, That Don Fowler be, and he hereby is appointed Building
Inspector for the Town of Cortlandville for the year 1976, commencing
1/l/76,and expiring 12/31/76.
Justice Eaton stated that he felt someone should represent the town
at the Public Service Commission hearing regarding Niagara Mohawk Power
Corp. electric rate increase.
RESOLUTION #21: AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO WRITE LETTER OR MAKE SURE TOWN
IS PROPERLY REPRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION HEARING
Motion by Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller
Votes: -Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold, aye;
Councilman Miller,aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Supervisor be, and he hereby is empowered to
write a letter or to see that the town is properly represented at the
Public Service Commission hearing regarding Niagara Mohawk Corp. rate
increase.
Wednesday, January 21, 1976 pg. 5
Mr. Rowell advised that D.E.C. would be holding a hearing on 1/29/76
at which, he thought, the town would also like to be represented. Supervisor
Blatchley said he had planned on attending that hearing.
Justice Eaton requested the supervisor to file, in the town clerk's office,
the letter from Pyramid Investors Management Corp. regarding their granting
the town permission to connect to their water line.
Supervisor Blatchley apprised the Board that he had a letter from
Steve Riford "highly recommending that all town boards go on record of
writing a letter as forcibly as possible, to our state assemblymen and
senators and also our national congressmen, urging the continuation of
per capita state aid and federal revenue sharing". Supervisor Blatchley said
® he had already written to the state assemblyman and senator concerning state
aid, but Mr. Riford felt that a resolution by the Town Board would be more
effective.
RESOLUTION #22: REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF STATE AID & FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING
Motion by Justice Eaton, seconded by Councilman Miller.
Votes: Justice Eaton, aye; Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Miller, aye;
Councilman Griswold, aye; Supervisor Blatchley, aye. Adopted
WHEREAS, A discontinuance of the payment to the Town of state aid
funds by the State of New York and of revenue sharing funds by the
Federal Government would be a financial hardship to the Town, be it
RESOLVED, That the Legislature of the State of New York continue a
provision for state aid to Towns at the highest level possible; and
that the Congress of the United States continue a provision for
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds to the Towns at the highest level possible.
Supervisor Blatchley said that he was in receipt of a letter encouraging
all residents to indicate their place of residence on the Federal form 1040,
as Federal Revenue Sharing monies allocated would be based upon this
information.
Justice Eaton, making reference to the special meeting of the Town Board
held on 1/14/76, said that "after personally reviewing the Town Clerks work,,,,,,,;��
load" and since there is a lack of cooperation on the part of the present
general clerk to help in the Town Clerk's office made a motion to empower
the Town Clerk to hire a full time Deputy Town Clerk, under her direction,
who shall also act as the general clerk for other town offices; and that
$5200 of the salary now being paid the Supervisor's Secretary -Bookkeeper -
General Clerk for general clerk services be allocated for this position. He
indicated further that the supervisor be empowered to hire a part time
bookkeeper for the remaining $2,000.
Supervisor Blatchley called for a discussion before the motion was
seconded. He stated that he thought at that special meeting, the decision
had been made that the general clerk would be under the discretion of the
supervisor. Justice Eaton replied that the general clerk had been under his
supervision for almost a year and she still was not complying with her job.
Supervisor Blatchley stated he did not feel that the town clerk needed a
full time deputy. The town clerk agreed. "However", she said, "there are
_many times when we needed the general clerk's help and did not get it."
The town clerk explained that being a full tinbdeputy, she would also be a
general clerk to help out in the other offices but that most of the work
® load was in the town clerk's office.
Justice Fish stated that it was his understanding that Miss Bilodeau
was going to make up her mind wether she was going to stay on or quit and
asked if a decision had been made. Justice Eaton replied that she had
made applications for employment at other places. Supervisor Blatchley
verified this, and indicated that Miss Bilodeau was going to stay on for some
time.
Justice Fish stated he was not going to vote to hire someone else when
someone was already being paid to do the job. The Town Clerk stated "we are
not getting the help from her we need".
Supervisor Blatchley stated he thought Miss Bilodeau had made a"pretty
good concession" by saying she would work saturdays next year and that she
had not understood this for this year and had made committments.
Justice Fish said that sulppos�iy someone had been hired to work Saturdays.
The town clerk said she would not hire someone when there was someone here
already being paid to do the job and that the pay for the extra person was not
to come., out of the town clerk's budget as she had not budgeted for this item.
1v
Wednesday, January 21, 1976
Pg 6
Justice Fish told the town clerk that if she was directed by the Town Board
to hire someone, she was to do so. The town clerk replied that"she refused
to cheat the taxpayers out of money that they are paying to have a job"done
and it is not being done"and that"she would not be a party to that".
Justice Eaton stated he felt that some decision should be made, noting
that "we are not getting the work where we need it".
Supervisor Blatchley indicated he felt the matter needed further study
before the motion was passed.
Justice Eaton said that"since the clerk had refused to come in
saturday mornings and since she had made the statement that/would not;
and that her personal commitments were more important to her than her job-,
someone should take a good strong hand to correct the situation".
Supervisor Blatchley said that"when she was hired, she specifically •
asked if she had to work saturday and was told by Mr. Krauklis.that she
did not".
Justice Eaton replied "she knows what her job is now and I, as a
Board member and taxpayer resent somebody drawing a salary of $7200 and are
not willing to do their job and a big part of that job is in the town clerk's
office and she doesn't want to work in there".
Supervisor Blatchley replied.that since the special meeting he thought
things had calmed down and "getting along wonderfully well". He claimed that
Miss Bilodeau was putting in lots of hours and would defend her. "As an
indication of her conscientiousness", he said "and a bit of my own management"
in 1975 $20,000 was taken in in interest on investments even though $150,000
of,non budgeted money was spent on the municipal building and well. This is
as much interest as was taken in in 1974, he said.
Justice Fish said that a motion had been made by Councilman Miller at
the special meeting and that he had seconded it and that he felt that it
had been the concensus of the Board, at that time that temporary help be
hired for the Town Clerk's office for saturday mo4ngs and weekdays during
lunch time. Uustice Fish then stated "The Town Board has made a decision
here, that we will abide by and I feel we"re going to abide by. This was
an official meeting. Now as far as where the money comes from, that's up
to the budget director to find the money".
The Town Clerk stated that in transcribing the taped last half of the
meeting, she had been empowered to hire this person and this she refused to
do as she did not want to"cheat the taxpayers". Justice Fish then told her
"its about time we decide who the hell runs this town:". The town clerk
retorted "Fine but I think the taxpayers should be considered ".
Justice Eaton refused to withdraw his motion. There was no second to the
motion.
Justice -Eaton asked permission to buy a new flag and was granted permission
to do so.
Thew being no further business, motion was made by Councilman Miller,
seconded by Justice Fish to adjourn the meeting. Votes: Justice Eaton, aye;
Justice Fish, aye; Councilman Griswold aye; Councilman Miller, aye; Supervisor
Blatchley; aye. Motion carried. .Meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
R ectfully submitted •
CHRISTINE CANESTARO
TOWN CLERK
TOWN JUSTICE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1975 -
1
Ll
JANUARY 17, 1976
FOR MY ANNUAL REPORT TO THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF CORTLAND-
VILLE THE FOLLOWING IS HEREBY RENDTMED FOR THE YEAR OF 1975:
Figures reflect completed cases only
MOTOR VEHICLE
CRIMINAL
CIVIL
TOTAL CASES
4319
427
201.
4766
Figures reflecting increase over previous year (1974)
197
MV Cases 3185
Crim. 356
1975
4319
427
Gain over °74
3.134 Cases
71 ►°
C ivil
9
20
11 01
Total
3550
4766
1216
% of Increase
197 over 1974
35
20
122 %
31.5
At the end of the year the Court isholding $ 1860.00 in pending
cases and has turned over to the State Comptroller $ 81,504.41
in fines and forfeitures for the year 1975•
19?
$ 57,180.50
1975.
$ 81,504.41
Gain over °74
$ 24,323.91
of Increase
42.5
This is to advise the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville
that Town Justice Donald F. ERton hereby.submits the Court
records for audit by the Town Board, persuant to Sec. 105 of
the Town Law.
Be further advised that the Dockets, Ledgers, Cash�:BoQks, Check-
books and files are available for inspection by the Town Board
of the Town of Cortlandville and by any other interested parties
at my office in the Town Hall of said Town at 15 Terrace Road,
Cortland, New York at any reasonable time.
R tf -ly submitted,
�.���..!�
�. `FEAT rr
Town Justica
Town of dortlandville
TOWN Or CORTLANDVILLE'ANNUAL HISTORIANS REPORT FOR'THE YFAR.1975
cc Mr. Robert Blatchley, Town Supervisor
Mrs. Roger Heppell, County Historian
Mr. Louis Tucker, State Historian
The Cortland County Democrate, newspaper
In complyance with the law that states that each town and city
}i-i.storian for the state of New York must file an annual report, I am
submitting this resume of my activities for the year 1975.
.After attending an organizational meeting for a Bioenbennial
Committee for the Town of Cortlandville, I suggested to Mr. Robert
Blatchley, the Town Supervisor, that we organize a charter bus trip
to Concord, Mass. for Patriots Day. ' 75• The trip was to be a
Bicentennial effort on the dart of the town, and also a money maler
for the towns Bicentennial Committee. After much red tape, blood,
sweat, tears and aggrivat ion, we were there, at North Bridge, with.
Pres. Ford, The Peoples Bicentennial Committee, and 1009000 other
later -day patriots. After three days of Concord, The Wayside Inn
and Sturbridge, we came back a little richer - in -history and $400.
richer for the Towns Bicentennial Committee.
With one success under our tricorn hat, our charter bus was at
Fort Ticonderoga for Ethan Allens siege three weeks later. After
two successful historical trips, my husband and I set to work to
help Mr. Blatchley organize a sglid.Bicentenn'ial Committee.
I successfully applied for Bicentennial Community Status for
the Town of Cortlandville, and set toworkto impliment the projects,
laved out by the few active members. With:the ground work layed,
we endeavored to enlarge our numbers to provide people to work on
the several projects.
I organized a group of our staunchest enthusiasts to enter the
area parades as a colonial representat*;on from our town® At just about
t1bis time our fovmer Historian resigned and I accepted her job.
Town of Cortlandvill-e Annual Historians Report Page 2
I made a survey of our towns three oldest cemetaries and
found them in a deplorable state of disrepair. I reported this
to the Town Board, and told a story of broken and leaning stones,
sink holes,, chuck holes, trees iuibing stone walls and markers,
etc. I will try my best to activate some serious repairs to these
sites.
With the Bicentennial Committee numbering almost forty people
.we started taking reservations for our third Historical trip, this
time to Philadelphia.
Having been impressed by the spirit we found in Concord, we
decided to try to bring some of it to Cortland. My husband and 1.
made a return trip to Concord, this time'to talk with the Captain
of the Concord Minutemen about performance of Colonial Muster, and.
music for Cortland in 176. The 'Concord. Minutemen, reconstituted
military unit will appear twice at Little York Park on Sunday,
June 27, 1976, free to the publio, sponsored by the Town of Cort-
landville Bicentennial Committee with the help of the Cortland County
.Legislature.
Our Bicentennial Committee was making plans to put a Colonial
Herb Garden in the County Park, donated from our town to the people
of the county. We loaded and hauled -bricks from a local demolished
landmark to use as paths. AnotY er subcommittee started to work fereting
out the 'towns oldest standing buildings, researching and documenting
them.
I started a scrap book and historical filing system for the
town. After considerable correopondence I have secured a grant
from the New York State -Foundation of the Arts to help present free
of cost to the public, on the-, sane day as .the Minutemen, The Country
i'
I�
1
Town of Cortlandville Annual Historians'Report 1975
Page 3
Song and Dance Society from New 'York City, who will perform Colonial
Dance and music, in costume under the trees at the park. I secured,
'the Black Sheep Handspinners Guild to demonstrate thier craft con
tenuously on June 27th. We are making arrangements to have a
horse shoeing demonstration and possible free pony and cart rides
to area youngsters if our finances allow. ��_.,.�r' r'.• . r `'
I have written an article about the oldest school in Cortland
County which was located in our town. ".This was requested by the
County Bicentennial Committee for future publication in the local A
newspaper and later in book form.
I wrote a program about local history and our town and the
Bicentennial, which was put on by four of our committee members
at several civic meeting.
I have attended all meetings called by the County Historian,
am a member of the Cortland County Historical Society, American
Association for State.and Local History, 'Smithsonian Institution,
Early American Society, and an currently applying for acceptance
in the D.A.R.
I cdlaborated with an artist for the Town on a square in our
County Bicentennial Quilt. I have' cbnfirmbdc,burial of a Revolutionary
War soldier named John Stanbro.in the South Cortland Cemetary and
have added some information on the Stanbro geneology to the files
at the Historical Society., A
1
As the'year draws, to a close, I have plans for an industrial
survey that will take a few years to complete, finishing'our Bicentennial
projects'QYer the next/ few mont)�s` d giving birth to my third child
in the next few weeks. Thus, I remain, slowed down .but never at a
stand still and "in the spirit of ' 76" .
Barbara Ingraham
Town of Cortlandville Hirj' orisn
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