Cemetery Project Updates, New Assistant Clerk, Pool Wrap-up in Delhi - County Building Sold, Town Revenue Goals Reached

DELHI - Delhi Historian Marianne Greenfield is working to restore the Old Delhi Burial Ground, also known as Cherry Hill Cemetery, located at the intersection of Court Street and High Street. She attended the Town Board meeting on Sept. 8 to provide updates.

Greenfield reported that three stones were reset, including that of an infant. The stone of Alfred Byron Curtis, who died in 1826 at seven weeks old, was moved to avoid damage during tree removal. In the grave of Curtis, Greenfield found a small glass vase that appears to contain human remains. Greenfield plans to reburry the vase and place Curtis's grave stone back in the same location.

Greenfield is also working to preserve official court records dating back to 1883. The case regarding the burial grounds, fought by William Newman and brought to the Supreme Court, was mentioned by Greenfield.

Assistant Clerk

In another discussion, Clerk Elsa Schmitz gave an update on the new Assistant Clerk Liz Ralston. Schmitz said Ralston has initiative and personality, which are essential qualities for a clerk. She noted that Ralston is great with people. Clerks have to have rapport with people, Schmitz said. "She (Ralston) is incredibly intelligent, a really fast learner and amazing with people," said Schmitz, "I like her."

"I think we hit the jackpot," Councilmember Margaret Baldwin said of Ralston. Baldwin noted that the town has now hit the jackpot twice, tipping her hat to Schmitz.

Pool Closed

Pool season is officially over, and Supervisor Maya Boukai said revenues for the year are just shy of $7,000, "which is really good."

New this year were two movie nights at the pool. The last one was held on Aug. 23rd. The council plans to adjust the timing of movie nights for next year, taking into account the weather. While there was good attendance, Boukai noted that both nights were cold. She also said July is not a good month since sunset is so late.

Councilmember Matthew Krzyston thanked the Delhi Community Fund for supporting the movie night and the Rotary Club for purchasing and distributing snacks. He further thanked all the parents who brought their children.

Boukai asked the council to consider shifting the head lifeguard from hourly pay to a stipend. The head lifeguard often pops in to deal with brief issues, and clocking in for that time is onerous, she said.

Other Business

Boukai reported the town has hit revenue goals with four months left in the year. This is due to a conservative interest budget and lower expenditures than anticipated, she said. One of the investment funds has earned roughly $84,000, which should be over $100,000 by year's end, Boukai said.

The former County Public Works building on Page Avenue was purchased. Boukai said the buyers do business in Cooperstown and Florida. She believes they have experience in this field and are looking to add value to the community.

The town pool Facebook page has been rebranded as a town Facebook page. The council is expected to approve a social media policy in the coming months.

Four proposals for contracting to organize an updated town comprehensive plan were received. Two came in over $100,000, and two around $75,000. Boukai asked the board to review the two lower bids to facilitate a discussion at the joint town and village meeting on September 23rd. The council is expected to make a final selection at the October board meeting.

The council entered an executive session to discuss employment history. No decisions were made.

The October board meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, October 6, at 6 p.m. Budget workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.