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FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT
1976-1977
ANNUAL MEETING: TUESDAY. JlA.V 12. 1977 - 8 P.M. AT THE SCHOOL
F.I. CIVIC ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT'S REPORT
FmCO REPORT
CONSERVATION ADVISORV COMMITTEE REPORT ON CONCLUSION fE! NEllI LIJI)DN
DlJ4PIIIG CASE
'TOWN JUSTICE ANO SOUTHDLD TOIllN BOARD MEMBER
RODENT CONTROL
ISlAM) HEALTH PROJECT
F. I. CIVIC ASSOCIATION TREASURER'S REPORT
ISlAND PEOPlES' PROJECT
SlUE CROSS - CMS
FISHERS ISlAND FIRE DISTRICT
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT
FISHERS ISLANO LOBSTERMANS ASSOCIATION
H. L. FERGUSON MUSEUM AND H. LEE FERGlSN BIRD SIUlCTUARV
FISHERS ISLAND HISTORICAL PROJECT
FISHERS ISLAND FERRV DISTRICT
FISHERS ISLAND GARtit.GE AND REFUSE DISTRICT
TOWN,DF SOUTHOLD AND FISHERS ISLAND TAXES 1968-1977
FISHERS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT
OATES TO ~~E~~l7<
WALKATHON- Sona1"1t Dr Isll!lnd Pllopl.s"Pri:ljlGct~ Sunday July 17- 8 AM
ElECTION OF FERRY DISHnCT Cm-1MISSXDNERS Tuesday, Auguat 9th
HEARING FOR 1977/78 ASSESSMENT ROll COMPlAINTS July 19th
TOWN FATHERS MEETING- Wsdnasdey, August 17th (tantativa)
FERRV DISTRIq, BUDGET MEETING- Friday, August 19th
FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE - Sunday, Auguat 21, 11:30 ...1:30 ~
Caval' at' thia isaua preparad by Mra. Rabarta Elwell
NOTE: Plaaa. bring thia REPORT to ..eating aa ret.rance aid in aaking and
underatanding queatiana
i"'k,S.LDJi;NT'S REPOllT
This pa.st yenr there ware 229 f~.'Jlily me"bal'a nll~ &5 sin"l. memberships,a
deoline troll last J~ar.lt is our bope that all euwmer and perllanent reei4ente
will join th(, ASl'locintior: f"rthe v'n::; nominal uues of 13 (individual) and J5
(f".mil,y). Our bank bnlnnce doos not nOli permit <:>f contributione to (lny local
needs found worthy of ~upport.
Our ^Bsooiation'o purpose ie to promote the "eneral weltare of the Islllnd.
ln no sense a part of tas TOiln ..overnm..nt,lI's do serYe as n wa.toh do. on oivio
affairs,aa .. sort of Town meetinl:. At our quarterly "Sonrd "nd public meet inIOn
current notions of 100nl or~nnization8 are explained, questions are posed"
oriticisms voico<i "'"d ne", iLl'ohleme 1'aioud for disnussion.Ad hoo Committees deal
li'ith o:pec1fio mJbjijet:-::. CiJr iO:'tlm O(Hl Hen:let, i'n r~uchi.n~ n.;:rnement on comJ'\unity
action.
dEAL'TH ,\ major f:lrlctiol1 is admini;;;teril1'l for Il<lmbore n llT011p ],..al th inaur;.mce plan.
lnDooemoor hEt.'.!"!:i!> reDvl tad from a 35% hik" in rattl" beoauso of our blld ox-
p$rienca rn.t1n':;t(;lwL;~ hrItn.;.. i'X'tHl'tly ox(~o(J;do(G preUl1.umt:!t. In reepons8 to a que_
tioner expr""si.n" "clI.>:!' j)) the nVll1.lilhiU.ty of " cheaper pl;Jl,.,an nd hoo COlli>-
mittEle inventiila'!:/O" ';"'ll"<JGt.i"ut "nd Now )'01'1; p.lIUlB.Ita ,"port in April stnted rate.
>:er0 eornotim"" 1 OW";, on j ndhTldual. p"Ylllent plllnll but th'lir coveralle Wa.S much
lower and their dlJduotibl",,, "0 !!Iuoh hi.:ber "" to milks Ollr oxint:!.nl/: plfUl preferable.
Con//:atulationa are due the Island Health Proijact for their success in obtaininl/:
tho Bervices of ))1'. An<lr"" ~3'te"'ir'~. l'he F',1'e Distriot reports the imminent arrival
of a new v.mbulFr."1l moatin" Ilr;1I ntnndard", Tho "mor.;eno,y :'\mbul!l.1lce r(>ooue boat;
and the polioe heliooptor ,"vaUabil1 tj, both fHJc',rrlid byth( Fire n.partment;,rounds
out Isl.,nd heal th 861"1100" 10: .oromisinol t,bG sure evacuc,t1on of emer"emcy CQ..
"hich ha. b'Nn "ome"bat UIlC ,ctc:i.!1 sinc" "he Coaat Guard pullout.
'.rll:!;h)~~ard Last autumn t"" A""....'..:<t,'>n "Elil""" to""',, "'~'" ..tat" 1'" "ouId .,;'j"eot1vely end
t~ltl 8o-;!?)ar 'p.J.:'i:~ct,1o~~ -'..u~0.;.l-r ~hlil..;h (,'L?.' ;,rOliJJ;, ~'J\;)< tlL'e hi::t~ ()O\'Jc:'Jrrr;,',.!"t,ly ~erv.d a. a
"'o'm ]3Of;.rd lIlE>mber M1" eliminate Fi.eh'Jl'e 11S11'<"'1 repras.mtaiion 011 thatBoard. Atter
raisino. the question at a Town Board me"ti11oi on 3a''';''-17 Brour .J/lnuary meet-in..- unan-
imously authorized aoti.,,, to "..cur,' continuo!! xapr,./I"tllt,ation.With the support of
the Town Board, tit.. T01fn ." ttorney MI', 'l"'...kel' ably draft"d appropria.te bill. wbioh were
put before the le.isla.tur~ wlth a.sai..tanoe trom Asoa.bl~~an Duryea,Minority leader,
and our Senator LaVall., I.land ::.'toejdenis 11"81'<$ ci:.'ou16rlzed to obtain letters of
.upport. I am very elad to report that; our initinttv8 paid off when Governor Carey
Biped the Fishers Island TOlin Justice bill on 14 JUlie J.9'17, th'-liIJ .ecurinlO con-
tinued representation of Island ~e.i4ent..
;0 &: Navy
gou.in~ Numerous inquiries have been mad. to a.oerta.in the Bt~tU8 of the hoarded up Coast
~uard and NavY .part.ente deolared n~Dlu. bv tho.. O~ niaat10na JusIice Doxen
l1aa in:r:oX'lIlel1 lie .tnut tl>.ey are nOl! in till> l1anil1l of tile (T9~era~ sorvice. amlnietration.
LAW
1(88a~~~~
FDRY
IaLAND
r'UTURB
TAXES
-~-
and that the Town Board hag written it with a view to takinJ over ths buildinee
and uainlr thelll in the best interests of the> Ieland.
Th. Town has provided a Boston Whaler for uae by State Troop.r Campbell and
Con.table. Lawrenoe Horn and Riohard Grebe. AllpIJclal purpo.. is law entoroe-
ment in the intere.t ot our lobetal'll\en. If i..landers Illle ~ Conneotiout re"istered
boat. olammi~ or lobeterinlr in i.land waters,you oan help by phonin~ on. ot thoae
ottlo.re.Juatlo. Doyen has arran&8d tor West BarboI' chann.l buoys to help our Bar-
bormaster Kenneth Edwards maintain orderly llIoorin..
The Chlef ot the County Bureau of Veotor Control,in reply to the As.oola-
tion'. reque.t tor re.toration ot 1ll0IJqUitO oontrol Bervie....tat.. that bu4&et
auaterlty lIa.e that l~raotleal tor a .eoond year runnini but t.bat he wa. re-
que.t~ rein.tate.ant of i.land llloQquito control for 1978.
Th. P.rl'7 Dlstriet report p.rhap. do.. not emphasize enoUib the hazardoua ioe
and tOlr oonditione in the a...r.st winter 8inoe 1918 or the dittioultie. sur-
1lI0unt.4 with volunteer help in dooki~ in He8t Harbor when Silver Bel Pond was
ioe-boun4. S...r&1 near aooidenu,apparently the re.ult ot fault;y na.i"at1on, were
oonsi4ere4 .0 .erioua and 4~ro\18 tor pa..~n~r. that at it. April .e.tin" our
A..ooiation reque.ted an inveetigation ~y the Board of F@~r;y Coaa1.~ion8rs and
appropriate aotion.
Several widely oiroulated ne.. stories dur1n~ thi. paet winter,unfortunate1;y with
Journal..e extra.Alrance. reported on the "obsole.oenoe" ot our 1.18Dd,pointi~
to deoline. in it. pGrIIl8Dent population and in ito eoonom.y. There 1e no d.01- ' ,',
ill4l the population urep trom 508 1n 1960 to 462 in 1970 Md to sOllie 350 now.(no If. "
eXF.o.ct current till\U'e 10 nvailable.) There 1. also no denyin6f thi.t 10001;1 bu. in.....
are hurt1n",to a 18r~e extent from chang&8 in the pattern of ~ite of 8~er re-
eident. on whoa lh.. i..1and ecolJolII,Y is so do:pelluent. W" do m.ed more hOllles bu1lt
and more aervioe requiremente. Read the aooompanyin" 11000 report, I tound it
construoti"" ,oud enoourr"ing. It t.he Ferq COf3l11i..ionel"ll. tind it praotioal to
berth on" r..rry overn1..h t "t the i>lland,oPIiortuni tie. .for work Oll the IlIflinlund
may ofter a partial aolutiona the idea deaerves exploration. The epaoial qualltiea
of F1aherl<i I.land continut) to draw newcomera. the nwaber of Dummer residenta has
not decline4 and each year more visit the island for off-Beavon weekende.The
terriea carriod a record number of 0"0:'11 ("'''0:' thio Memorial DaJ' ,...ekend. All
i.landers may pro~.rly feel concern hut ehoul~.in ay p0~~onal opln1on,not min-
imize the potenti....l of our l'''i.her unique ielan<1.
So much concern has h..cn expreelled OV.' ricin,;; t'>:tCli that I ho.VG cIlInue4 to this
report an analyaill of 1968 to 19'17 't1'xeo bBst)d on tll', lnformution for Taxpayers
sheet that aceo.paniae the ..nnual '1\)wn uu: bill<<, In lilt1lJj':inlil how your ta;r; money
ie apent.keep in mind .h., eff..cts of antJ.a1:1011 ".erywh.,A.-eo and not..,1n particular,
that 'l~ of our total 1976/77 taxes are I'lLi.otwd. to l"h;ru;r.' Illblld SpecicIl Dis-
triot. and the school and Bpent on tb.. ieland.
~7/78 taxes will be baeed on the new &Ssesement roll. opened to view at South-
old Town Hall on .July 1. Town J3on'ti .e.ber }i:t'. Doyen hlil' req1J.oBted the ",,18ter
tor Fiehere Ielan<\ prop~l'tiel!l IInd bope. to 'lave it aVI.l.Uable at his Mobil Static,
ottioe. Notice. have been po"ted .tati~ hearinBB o~ ooupla1n\8 will take plawe
at the Town Hall on 19 July.
For your turther information, tho) new TorI< lflllislature established. in lo.te June
a Commis.ion to study the problems of property a.se8t1mtnt,This m~~n~ d~ferrRl
until 1981 ot the anticipated NIlBseeaDlent of all properties at full mal'ket value
instead of the present fraction thereof'. Such l'eaaS"""lllont lfoulci not increasE'
taxes unle.s present II,'''lesllmenta were found ill9"ui table.
-3-
'::; ;IOOL
The tax tubl.. ShOd that school costs consumed 49 1. of your In{/77 taxes.
The report of the Bo<<rd of r;duolLtion ahows evidence of their own ooncern in
th" small tax rate deduotion effected with difficulty for noxt lifear by atllf! cuts,
The School bud~et udopted ( ~ 634,606 ) i8 "till a beet estimate since ne~otia-
tions for " new salary con tr""t betwe..n the Board f,nd th~ t..ttchera continue "i t)-,
the particip!! tion of A :;ta te fact-finder. Incrol1setl S1;" te aid is not in the ca;~d.
bocause of the hi"h """essed property valuf<tion per inland pupil. ,,>dntonllnce
of " jlOod quality school appears "saenti"l if th., declin!' in islHnd population
~d atudenta ( 78 in the 1976/77 sohool y..ar) is to be rBversed. YGt the more
th'..n 118,000 per student oost is " fRet whi.eh caUEico neriouR cOIloert' notl only
to ~ll t~payere,resident ann non-reaid€nt,but also to the Bonrd of ~ducation
anJ our Principal Dr. Daass. Th.. Il-tter h',v€ milde t.h.,",selvee :wI111Able to
answar qusetions and discuss problem'"
1 Carulot close without oxpresein" ",reat "h,reci(.tlon shown by all inland
or~anizations in submittin~ th"r repo~'s and in phrticipntin, ht our meetin~.
Our island could not function so well without t,hl> de,licHhd vo1untsc.ra who
run them and perform tht, llli'ny t~llko so neceils'u'y to our inl;.ndtla w",,-b.-in...
:telSppctfnlly sllbrr:lttpd.
.Tohn P. a1dlhrd,Presicient
'1'Je~ IlD OF llIIlJ3CTOllJ- 191.0-19'I7
Sally Fer~u.on
Jolm Gr'.illard
i:.Cl..in Horni~, Vice-i>r""ident
.Tolll. ;'<mdl"ton
,'aul :>ea;,;l i u t tl
COIlni.. ilJ it~
~1M.l'Y I-iood
(;Hrol G1111nh. r,';",cr-etary/TrHi\SnrHr
CIVIC ASSOCIATION ADVISORY CO~"MITTF~
Our Civic Association President John Gaillard is giving a full report
bringing you up tn date on the Thames River Dredging outcome. Our NRDC lawyer
Al But.):.l, Tom Parrott, Chris 1"loose'/elt and John have put in many long volunteer
hours assuring the best possible pre-tection against adverse dumping effects. They
have been instrumental in implementine; the first of its kind long range monitoring
of the sludge deposit. In addition a comprehensive environmental study will be made
of all of Long Island Sound. The first phase began this winter with a series of hearings,
one of which was held at Fishers Island to obtain Islanders suggestions.
~ffi thank our membership gratefully for their encouragement, understandiig and
support. We wish there were an economic safe recycling system now for dredged material.
However, National 6rgamizations such as NRDC, LIST merged with the Oceanic Society,
the Audubon Society, and Coastal Management groups have become increasingly active
in Water Resources and we welcome putting our water qual1 ty problems in their capable
hand~,. IIhen all of Long Island Sound is involved.
We continue to be concerned with our Island natural ressources. Lest fall Mr.
John Thatcher gave us a set of aerial survey maps which when joined stretch from one
end of the Utility office third floor to the other. They are marked to indicate marshes,
wetlands, mud flats, etc. l'here is some misliibeliilgbut on the whole give very good
detail. Do take a look at your area. They will become the official wetlands maps
after all corrections are made. Lou Thatcher has been researching safe mosquito control
methods. The problem of course is to save the good bu~s, and to find an inexpensive
simple way to apply control of mosqtito life cycles. Suffolk County does not have the
funds for this.
Serg Doyen recently loaned me the complete edition of thsState Envirornnental
Quality Review Act, 1975 - '77 and our local government law action dated June, 1977.
There appears to be a three month phasing in period to c181lif'y local jurisdiction and
there may be further delay. Essentially the present law anch"liee requil!e every local
New York State government to prepare or cause to be prepared an l!lnvironmental impact
statement on any action which may have a significant effect on the enviroDlllent. Acth-lties
will be divided ihto two categories:
Type 1 _ Actions that ;:are likely to have an effevt on the environment no matter how
insignificant. Hearings will be held and local agencies will determine the advisability.
The one applying will foot the bill in most cases.
Type 2 _ Actions determined not to have significant effect on the environment such
as maintenance repairs, minor construction,;additions and will not have to be dealt with
further.
Check your Island officials for implementation 08 the law.
Respectfully submitted,
Cherry Rafferty, Chairman
Matty Matbaissen,
Penny McKown
Tom Parrott
Chris Roosevelt
lilw Thatcher
I
FISHERS ISLAND DEY1~LOPM):;NT CORPOHATION
lh; Pl,y Tn ~
1977 REPORT TO FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASS,;CiATlON:
As FIDCO owns the FiEiilers Island Country Cll..b gal:! course and the
mortgage on the club building itself, II: Is qu;~.a naturally interested in maintaining
and Increasing the use of these facilities. In part for this purpose and in part to
decrease its tax obligations, FIDCO had over 600 acres of Its land approved and
offered It to members of the Fishers Islan<l Country Club and of the Hay Harbor
Club. Very real Interest developed and almost 20% of these lands have been sold
or have been spoken for. Applicr\tions for club membership have been made by
persons new to the Island who are Interested In purc~lasing property.
,
\
A considerable block of acrceage east of the peninsula road is being
surveyed with the thought that an access road might make possible a lot develop-
ment which would be pleasant and convenient to year-round residents. Preliminary
decisions in this regard will probably be made over the summer.
An Increase In the parkirg area above the path to Isabella Beach has
been completed. With careful par!:ing this should handle all but unusual demand.
This work was done for the convenience of the community. There must be no
parking which blocks the access rOll.d, fire hydrants or driveways.
Detailed plans are being worked Oil during the summer months for a
new Yacht Club facility to be constructed over the winter. Coste will be shared
by FIDCO and the Yacht Club membership.
More work was clone on the cast 011cl slOB ~'oads this ,~prlng and a
further program Is planned for nmd yoar.
We see a growing intercjst jn Fish.H's Is)pnd as a place to vacation in
summer and visit In winter. It Is Gar l;ope that over the >l9X; few years this will
result in the increased COnSb'l.lctiun and Rc'vlce l'"qalrements needed for 8
financially sound per;nanent community.
Again we asl, for ,my !dcr,s which mig;;t malHl Fishers Island a bettcr
place to live.
.
;' /. j)
1U1*~; /GCtftJfl.
(Iansan NOyea.t/r/'
i President
July I, 1977
Condu"ion of Ne""~2~_~.lEE2.9i.n:J ,.:;lflrl tlumping suit
On I, .January ltJ77 Judge Blume"fe}ri of the Unitf,d States
District Court (Connecticut) orderer! dismis"al of the case of
Natural Resources 1pfense Council, our Civic Association, and
other environmental grours against t.he ')epartments of the Army
and Navy and the Environmental Prntection Agency. The order
dissolver! the injunction directed by the ~~cond Circuit Court. of
Appeals in 5eptemhf'!' 1975, pending corrpction by the Navy of
serIous deficiencip5 found in its Fired', Environmental Impact
statement of Decemher 1973, and authnrizer! the Corps of Engineers
to reissue R permit allowing the Navy to disrose of dredged mater-
ial from its Thames River project at the New Landon dump site.
Although t~is decision was a greAt Misappointment, conditions that
the Court ordered be incorporated in the permit and a prior agree-
ment between all plaintiffs and defendants constitute tangible
henefits for the plaintiffs and a positive gain for the environ-
m8ntal r::a.LJS1?
Refore detailing these cnnditions, let me recount some of
the actions t:;i<pn by OIlI Conserved:ion Adliisnry r:nmmlttee since our
1'175/197[, An!'" ,1 Reflort. 8y Uwt rlate our ,~ssoclatJon, our legal
cntJnsf?l ,-llll! thF' En\f1 I'tlflmp.ntal nFp:~rt.rnE"nts of hoth Connecticut. and
I\JE't\l York r',;'Hi ;-].1 J nrl:~spnt.erl at public hparil1qs rriti;::Ql analyses or
the fldvy's '1rnft Supplpmpnt (April 1976) tn it', nrlgina] r.E.1.S.
Th,:}t r'Jrn.ft '3ui'rlpmf?nt. hrld proviclprl much (J1:)U,l inforrngtion on nther
;-1["[';-1 r1red~J.lnq [lrojpr'l:.~ ;:'Inn thl?ir cumu18tivr' eff!?cts, AS IAlell as a
(Intailed evaluation of 15 alternative dumping sitps. Npvertheless,
all the abovp analyses contested thp Supplement's basin conclusion,
the 5~me as in 197~, that the Neill Lc)ndnrl site :~as "the most envirnn-
mpntally accept,abJp" fer dumping nr the NClVY'" npxt incrernpnt of
pollut.p.r:f spnj 1, ann rl?r~nrnrrH?rlf1ed th8t the t;?lst Hnlp ilrpa betlA-Ie.."
Fishers And fllDCk Ir;lAnrh srlolJld he dr'''lrJ"",tprf ;';c; thp preferAhlr>
cnntaj '-1If'l0f1t. S.l tf.? fnr 1 !'2 <ichrr1ulp'1 durnpinc,!.
At <) sF'rif?~ of rrL~ptjn~:j.s hpld frrJf1 ,1111:,/ throuqh October 1975
thp. Conser\Jrlt..i on CnfTlmj t,tpr> ;'''HJr,~pd nn t.I-'IP '1j'~JC'nt flPl?rf to fJress its
position Dn kry 3w~_.hr1r1t';i':'d~ :](1rl nf'r';r:~;}l'~-, h--: frnr," tJ'lP Navy submitt,f?d
its Supplement. in fjrl;~-l rnI"ln. r1r~-:;lt li....tL(,T,.; [JiPrp ~pnt t.o the
,'1egior1;:11 Arinlirdstrnt.or of Ule fJ1/\ ~Hid +,,"; n1r. Pus:.;F-l1 Train, .i.ts ~ll?arl,
urging designatio" Dr U,P r-ast ilt'-i' T')p\, U'PT'P fr',} lIJIMPrl up by
nrranging ;::t me!?tlrl~J in tt-:p EPA (]f;_l:_~p in r3tv'~,Lnn. !Ylf?~3~r. Roosevelt.
Butzel and Bohlen (our sc:ipntific C1,l\lj';DC) we"" ;w'Qrlrj 25 officials
att.l?nding. Thp net. fpr,ul r. L\/a"3 d,i~;Olf]pnjl t.1rl!}1.yin:~o:ir;lusjvPl thr~
EP/~ "u;loulrl nnt. objpr:t, tn thp UC,p <.f [-lithF'r~ It.hr~ ~lr!.l,J 1 fJfldnn or East
Hal r) si tP.."
Our Commi tt,P'P then dpr,i r1pd t'''lt Ou! he"t I"maini nq chAncE'
to reach a favorable settlement, without the further litigation
for I~hich nei ther the N'10C nor our Association had funds avai 1-
able, waS to go to the tOfl. Accordingly, Mr. Fife Symingtnn having
made arrangements with the Secretary of the Navy, he and Messrs.
Roosevelt, Parrott and Gaillard met with the key Navy officials in
',Vashington on 7 Septpmber. [lur refll-eser,tatives '}Jen? given full
opportunity to explain our views to the Admiral responsible for
readying facilities in the Thames for the new submarine class
SSM-6RB. We believe that the meeting was valuable and that nur
arguments had defini te impact. HOI\JPver. the t.Jal/Y' s 18gal counsel
emphasized the near completioo nf the Supplement and that any des-
ignation of the East Hole or nther agreed solution would endanger
the Navy's scheduled deadline for Bctlon. Therefore, we were not
surprised that the r'Jal/Y's final SUflf11 empnt rpcp.!ved in Octoh,O'r
showed on change in its position.
To all our letters the most encouraging reply cami? from
Goveroor Grasso of Cnnnecticut in respnnse to a strong prcsentation
of the eSse by Mr. Roosevelt in his capacity as President of the
Oceanic Society. On 30 October the ::;overnor stated that Connecticut
'~as flrepar8d to take t.he strnngpst appropriate IP.9,1I actioo to oppose
dumping of the dredged sfloil at the New london site on the grounds
that such dumfllng would h~vp an adverse environmental impact on Long
I sland Sound.
On reccoiving notice Or1 1 December of a Navy motion before
the District Court to dl '3501ve the injunction and al low dumpiog
at New London under a Corps of Engineers flermit without any conditions,
Mr. Butz~l, our" legal rnunsrJ, IAJas requ8stect to represent our Assoc-
i~tion. Strenuous negotiations took place in the Governor's office
iO Hartfnrd betwccn thc plaintiffs, nnw including the states of New
York and CnnflPct.j r:ut. ,':1:3 1.fltprvcnDrs, the rlPfC'llflants and ot.hpI' U.S.
agellc i ps.
Fjllally an Agrp81T1Pnt ~,~s rPAcl'lPd or1 78 ~ecembpr anrl signed
by all parties under which the Cnrps nf Engineers agreed. A. Tn
proc2prl as exppclit.ifllJ~11jr :?IS pC19,sJblr to pr'pp;')rfl ;:; cornposit.c' EIS
(CFIS) fnr t.he dlsflnssl nf dredged matprial frnm thp long Island
Sounrl ~rp3 8n[1 r~onsirlpr therrirl r1isron~] sjt~s ir-J Block Islanfi 5rlunrl
and othpr OCP2JrI iJJ8tPI!':-i; 8.. Tn spp!-: funding from Congrpss, !)!it.h thp
support of ~Jev,J Yod< and Conncr:ti.cut, for :-Jd:iitinn2l1 studjps of alter-
nat.ivE' [.fumpiflD sit.es as ,1 t. mjJht rl~p!n npr::?SSi1r,/; C. Tn procp.~ri to
rl~sigf1(1tp an 31 trrl1atp. rlumpj!lld si tC' t.o N~:;l.J LOl'ldnn in ca.SP thel'P :Atprp
arivf?rsp environmlontc.JJ effpcts thPTP and, fInally, n. Tn h'3vn Np.lAl
York and Connecticut Bnd twn representatives of the plaintiffs
includpd at meetings of the Inter-Agpncy Scjentific Advisory 5uh-
CornmIU,el" nn Dcearl ')['pdeJing and S[11111,illg (J3,~'lnr)S).
In Bdditinn, thf? ,~grpeIllPnt providpd for insprting thr' fol-
10",i119 conditions \n the IIumflillg flPrmit authori7f'rJ irl ,1u""ge fllumE'n-
feld's flrder of Di~;mi5,;",1 of II .Iallll'H'y 1977,
A. The Navy ~01l1r1 cnnduct its Phasp IT drpdging in a North/South
direction (so as to cap the more polluted with less polluted
spoil) I
B. Would continue to monitor the effects of such di~posal
of dredged material in accordance with certain criteria, and
C. Would make available up to $500,000 to meet the rR~'
ments of the permit.
Members of the Conservation Committee subscribe to Mr.
Butzel's judgment on the settlement, expressed as followsl
"While the Order and Agreement do not provide the ultimate
relief that we sought at the initiation of this lawsuit in 1974,
they do contribute tangible benefits gained through this legal
action. Moreover, we are pleased that the Navy and the Corps were
forced by the U.S. Court of Appeals, in a landmark decision, to
assess the dumping at New London a secohd time, in a more complete
fashion, despite the fact that they reached the same conclusion. .
While we had initially thought to challenge this conclusion a second
time, it was our ultimate judgment, based in large part on the
assessments of our experts, that such an attempt would not be worth
while. Accordingly, we proceeded along the settlement route which
has resulted in the commitments of the Navy and the Corps described
above."
I cannot conclude without expreSSing my strong conviction
that our Association should express deep appreciation for their
dedication, time and efforts to r;.~. J ~._ . -. " .
effort in 1972, to Cherry Rafferty, her successor as President who
carried on energetically, to Matty Matthiessen, Tom Parrott, Lew
Thatcher, and especially to Chris Roosevelt of our Conservation
Committee. Also, not to be forgotten are Ted Stedman who helped
raise necessary funds, the generous contributors to the cause, Mr.
Albert Butzel and Mr~. Haynes Johnson and the NROC, all public
interest advocates who carried ~he legal burden and costs which our
funds did not come close to reimbursing.
Postscript
Dredging has resumed and in March the Navy held public
hearings, one at Fishers Island, as a step towards meeting their
commitment to designate an alternative site to New London.
JrtHN GAILLARD
On behalf of the Conservation Advisory Committee
REPORT OF F.T. DOYEN-TOWN JUSTICE
Your Town Justice from Fishers Island has the following
to report regarding his office during the past twelve months.
Court cases handled included 14 vehicle and traffic, 6
conservation, and 1 criminal. This represents an all-time low
in cases handled for a similar period. We hope the trend
continues. Town Board activities have included attending
approximately one meeting each month and attendance at an
association of towns program which was very helpful in the
area of civil court proceedings. It should be noted that
New York State has a new Small Claims Procedure under the
Justice court System which makes claims of $500.00 or less,
easier to process.
Your J'ustice was appointed to two Town Coromi ttees namely
the Police Commitee and the Highway Committee. This means that
any questions about highway department matters can be directed
to me at any time. An experiment road covering had been
completed from Whistler Avenue to Harbor Foods. It will be
followed up each year' should it prove to be acceptable. The
experimen~ was made because the process involved is considerably
less costly than conventional road surfacing. At this time,
the matter of your Justice being able to serve in the capacity
of both Judge and Town Board Member appears to be approved by
the state of New York.
As I have previously stated, lam available anytime for
assistance with regard to Justice Court or Town Board matters.
I am also happy to assist in requests for motor vehicle
applica tions.
_......~~
~-J~
Francis T. Doyen
Town Justice
RODENT CONTROL
The control of rodents, particularly on an island
like ours, is the constant responsibility of each
of us. Your Civic Association generously provides
a Warfarin type "bait" without charge. Thi. oy be
obtained by contacting lIle at telephone nUlllber .526.
Also available at the approximate cost of the aat-
erials, are rodent feeder stations. These are box-
like feeders deSigned aa reccollended by the govern-
ment. The advantages of using them are that they
Ml.p attract rodents to the "bait", they can be
moved from place to place,- pets cannot get to the
"bait" and eat it by acoident and they keep the
"bait" dry.
It appears that the garbage area is being controlled
by the continuous covering of the garbage and year
round maintenance of a group of feeder stations
in that area,
A. D. Dawson
ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT. INC.
BOX 344
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
June, 1977
This year, beginning July I, 1977 to June )0, 1978, the Project
has contracted with Dr. Andrew F. Stewart to provide medical
coverage on the Island. Dr. Stewart earned his undergraduate
degree at Trinity College in Hartford and his M. D. from the
Co~lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia university.
He served his internship and residency at Roosevelt Hospital
in New York City. Dr. Stewart, his wife Lindsay and their
two sons, Charles 7 , and Cameren I, are looking forward to
their year on the Island.
.
This summer the Doctor's office hours will be from 9 a.m. to
11 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Please telephone 244 for
appointments. We ask your cooperation in settling your bill
at the time of your visit by check or cash.
To bring you up to date on our liason with Lawrence and Memorial
Hospitals, one of the problems we face in obtaining approval for
the operation of the Fishers Island facility as a satellite
of Lawrence and Memorial is that New York State may attempt
to regulate Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals, including its
budget. Lawrence and Memorial lawyers are talking to the
lawyers of the regulatory authority in New York State about
this problem.
Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals continues its support of the
Island Health Project. Arrangements were made this Spring to
'lend all our lab work to the Lab at Lawrence and Memorial for
ma1Y8is. Mr. Arvid Anderson, Director of Development is most
helpful in all aspects of our relationship with the HospitaL
Dr. Stewart expects to work one evening a week at the emergency
room at Law.ence and Memorial Hospitals in addition to maintain-
ing the office on the Island.
We would like to thank Dr. Hoch for again covering the practice
this past winter and also thank the group of Doctors from
Roosevelt Hospital for their help during May and June of this
year.
A mo~e detailed report, including finances, will be sent to
all resid,mts.
The Board welcomes any comments and suggestions you may have.
Your continuing support is most gratifying to the members of
the Board who continue to work in providing the Island with
medical coverage.
ISLAND HEALTH PROJECT. INC.
BOX 344
FISHERS ISLAND. NEW YORK 083110
Board o~ Directors.
Mr. Henry L. King, President
Mrs. Peter Sanger, Vice President
Mr. William Faulkner, Vice President
Mrs. Richard Ahman
Mrs. Richard Baker
Mrs. H. L. Bogert
Catherine Jenssen, Secretary
Mr. Serge Doyen, Jr.
Mrs. John Evans
Mr. Lawrence Horn
Mr. Stephen O'Neil
Mr. William Wood
FISHERS ISLAND CIVIC ASSOCIATION
FINANCIAL REPORT
1976-1977
Be1snce on hend a8 of July I, 1976
Total Deposits
Dues 11,352.00
Contributions
1,'+09.50
Misce. '+16.00
Total Expensee
Printing end Postage
Blus Cross Custodien
Secretary
Typewriter repair
Annue1 Report
Ve110wpage Ad
Bank Service charge
Rodent Control
Tickets (reimbursed)
Blue CrosB expensee
Balance as of July I, 1977
11,085.29
3,177.50
1,830.72
110.17
400.00
300.00
1'+.55
86.38
32.10
1.89
340.00
'+16.00
129.63
12,'+32.07
Carol O. Gallaher
Secretery/Trsssurer
-
June. 1977
-=/. ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT
Box 523 A
Fishers Island, New York 06390 .
~
On July 11. the Island People's Project Recreational Program
directed by Janet Poeton will begin. This popular activity
is in its tenth year.
This is a summer program encomyassinga recreation. arts and
crafts, swimming, instruction/for fitness/rescue. and sailing
for 4 to 13 year old youths. special areas are open to adults.
We operate 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.. Monday through Friday in
July and August. approximately six weeks. Morning programs
are held at the ballfield. recreation two days a week and crafts
two days a week, alternating for the age groups. We hold the
program on rainy days. indoors. adapting our games and crafts
as necessary.
Some crafts area weaving. rock sculpture, driftwood arrange-
ments. tile craft. mobiles, various games range from softball
to scoop. circle games and quiet games such as chess and checkers.
Fridays are our "Special Activity Day" - events range froml
Summer theater Day, Superstition Day. Sand Castle Building
Contests. Parade on Wheels, Penny Carnival. Kite Flying Contests.
Field Day. Summer Halloween (held on a 31st). Summer Christmas
(held on a 25th), and during 1976 we held a Happy Birthday
America Day.
Tennis lessons are given daily.
Sailing has been offered - we do have a difficult time maintain-
ing the boats due to the cost. We offer the use of the boats to
qualified students. l' waterfront person is always available for
their safety. This is an area in which we would like to expand.
Swimming classes, held at Dock Beach with rafts and swimming
lanes, range from Minis (1-4 years old), to the Red Cross pro-
grams. through the rescue courses. Also offered is Swim for
Fitness. a swim team. and adult swim classes.
An Adult Sports night is held in the local school one night
a week.
Our attendance over the past nine years has increased to a
daily average of 50 for the morning program, up to 100 individuals
for the swim program, up to 29 for the tennis and approximately
18 are involved with sailing.
Local and summer families participate fully in the total program.
especially seen in the support and success of our Walk-a-thons.
-=/. ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT
Box 523 A
Fishers Island~2~ew York 06390 .'
dtJ~
Persons employed have strong backgrounds in recreation, some
are certified Red Cross Water Safe"ty Instructors, and some
hold Red Cross First Aid Certificates.
The Nature Walks by Mr. Edwin H. Horning, Curator of the Bird
Museum, are open to members of all ages and begin at the Museum.
Day and time to be announced.
We will again sponsor a Walkathon. Walkers will be asking for
sponsors and we hope they will have your support. Please watch
for these walkers when you are driving on the day of the Walkathon~.
Also, an important part of the Project is the Island Craft Shop
which provides an outlet for the Island people to show and sell
their handmades. There are over 100 consignees and each con-
signee reoeives 80% on an item sold with the remaining 20% going
toward Shop expenses.
Free lectures will be offered again on various popular topios.
Please watch the bulletin board at the Post Offioe for infor-
mation on these talks.
All the activities are available for everyone on Fishers Island.
In order to take part in our program, a membership for Family,
$15.00 or Individual $10.00 is required. "
We look forward to seeing YOU this summerf
Trustees
Commi ttee
Mrs. Stephen T. Kelsey, President
Mrs. Catherine Jenssen, Vice President
Miss Sally Ferguson, Secretary
Mrs. John C. Evans, Recreation
Mrs. William R. Glendon, Craft Shop
~rs. Michael Wray
Mrs. Ronald Zanghetti, Speoial Events
Mrs. Helen Buckner
Mrs. John C. Evans
Mrs. Catherine Jenssen
Mrs. Stephen T. Kelsey
Mr. Frank Kernan
Mrs. Donald W. Sinclair
Mr. John S. W. Spofford
..
Wslkathon will be held July 17th, 8 AM, starting at the Fire House
An Aerobic Dance class will be conductEd by Connie Ridgwsy in August, Tuea.,
wed., and Thure., 9 AM at the Legion. Any persons intarested in stsrting
a late afternoon clsss, please contact Catherine Jenesen 666.
.-=/. ISLAND PEOPLE'S PROJECT
Box 523 A
Fishers Island, New York 06390 .
FINANCIAL REPORT ~~
&:J~~
-
J976 Expenses
Taxes
Craft Shop
Supplies
Rent
Utilities
N.Y. Sales Tax
P.O. Box rental
Mailing expenses - postage
Easter Egg Hunt
rlalloween Party
Walkathon expenses
(from 1975 party)
Recreation expenses
Supplies, e~uipment, t-sbirts, ribbons
Insuranoe
iNorkman's Compensation
Doherty & Co. - accountants
Turnboard built to specifications
Raft & boat supplies, maintenance a
hurrican servico
Salaries - six employees
Donations for special instruction &
use of Union Chapel building
Total Expenses
*********
1.226 Receipts
Donations
Memberships, sale
Walkat110n
of t-shirts, courses
Total Receipts
********
Balanc e 1976
R':ceipts 1976
Disburssments 1976
Bal~lce to begin 1977
$ 988.03
18.11
480.00
135.98
33.25
4.00
255.25
63.20
Ha:~6
182.26
6)1. 35
244.00
182.00
685.00
900.00
608.53
2,610.61
515.00
$8,689.04
$3,469.50
1,561.00
3,648.55
$8,679.05
$4.8J5.04
8,679.05
8,689.04
$4,825.05
BLUE CROSS AND COONECTICUT lIEDICAL SERVICES
1 9 7 7
Membership in Connecticut Blue Cross and Connecticut lIedical Services is
available to all members of The Fishers Island Civio AlIsooiatioo.
All or June 1st we have 96 Blue Cross members and ,9 (over 6,) members.
We have 94 CIIS members and ,6 (over 6,) members.
Rates are as follcms:
Blue Cross CIIS Totlll
Husband and wife $6).)3 $15.90 $79.23
Husband and wife 63.33 19.6, 62.98
1 or more ohildren
Single 26.05 7.95 34.00
Over 65 5.96 3.50 9.46
ou.r enrollment is down by 21 memberships. This is due to several reasons.
In Januar,y five of our 19 year olds who had separate memberships were able
to go back on parent membership if they were full time students. About
six of our members have left the area and either cancelled or had their
insurance transferred. With the big rate increase in premiums in December
of 76 we lost another three or four memberships. Five members were trans-
ferred into the 6, group. We are sorr,y to sa:y that four at our members have
passed /I:fflf1' this year. However, we have had a few new members.
Blue Cross and ellS are in the process of becaning a single corporatien dedi-
cated to better and more effioient service to all. It will be known as
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Cennectiout. Eventually new identificatien
cards will be issued but our present ones will be in force till that time.
At our Januar,y Civic Association meeting a member requested an investigation
or a cheaper alternative plan, stilting that another island resident was pa:ring
$2,.00 less per month. A sub-committee was appointed and checked various
New York and Connecticut plans. At the April meeting it reported its oonclu-
sien that al\Y cheaper plan lacked the coverage of our present Blue Cross and
OIlS plan. Individual plans were sometimes lower in cost but their coverage
was much lower and involved deductibles not prellent in our plan.
O1r premiUllls are community rated and based on our experience. In the past
several years the amount paid out far exceeded the premiums paid in because
or extraordinary expenses incurred by one or two members in each of those
years. In addition our costs reflect the inflation whioh has affected all
health insurances.
I BIll sure that ever,yone feels the pinch when billing time comes around but
it ill nice to know 1t you have to po into the hospi till that Blue Cross is there
to piok up the tab.
Ths.nlc you.
CUstodian
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
Oomm.I&rio~.:
James A. Pelsholf, Chairman
Richard S. Saker, Sr.
A. John Gada, Jr.
W. Gordon Ahman
Kenneth L. Edwards
Trea8Vref' oM BfJOf'etart/
E. Peny Edwards
Treasurer's Annual Repost Cont1nued:
Summary ot Other Expenses:
Elec't1on Expense
Gasolene and 011
Dues
Ott1ce Expense, 1nclud1ng badges
Inspect10ns
Tra1n1ng Expense
F1re D1stricts jo1nt meet1ng
iJn1torms
Credit Petty Cash Account
Total Other Expense
t153.84
658.96
60.00
223.49
263.20
286.Z7
80.62
4'l7.-.3Q
~
-10.25
J2.193.43
>> C / /
~. ,\ ..-<: "V'r-':1b~...t/c-~u.>/
.~J'reasul'er
{/
A NoUce
Tha rire Department expects delivery of the new ambulance during 1ste
July. It is being purchsssd from the Specialty Ambulance Sslse COrp.
of Roslyn, New York by the Fire District st e cost of Sl~,381.00, which
will bs psid from our Res.rve rund.
FISHERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT
aom~.:
Jamea A. Pelahell. Chairmsn
Richard S. Saker, Sr.
A. John Gada. Jr.
W. Gordon Ahman
Kenneth L. Edwards
TREASURER I S ANNUAL REPORT
For year 1976
RECEIPTS:
Tax Revenue
Rental of P~1ng Place
Rental of Town Just1ce Office
Interest and Earnings
Cert. of Deposit Matur1ty
Petty Cash Refund
F1re Insurance Refund
Total Rece1pts
Balance at Beginning of Year
Total Receipts and Balance
$68,015.94
125.00
500.00
206.25
15,000.00
100.00
718.00
DISBURSEMEN'rS:
Current Expepees:
Personal Servioes
Hydrant Rentals
Insuranoe
Soc1a1 Secur1ty Tax
Medioal Expense
M&R Apparatus and Equ1pment
M&R Bui1d1ng and Property
Telephones and Alarm System
Eleotrio Energy
Fuel
Other Expenses
Total Current Expenses
Purchaso of Eqaipment
Purchase of Certificate of Deposit
$1,020.00
8,956.77
3,432.00
59.73
103.00
3,676.24
3,635.92
2,028.28
1,392.90
2,173.35
2.193.43
Debt Service:
Rectempt1ollC)f Bonds
Interest on Bonds
Total Debt Serv1ce
7'1'eo.tMr.,. mad .eOTftfGt"f!
E. Perry Edwards
$B4,665.19
2.377.91
~ J87.043.10
028,671.62
7,346.93
15.000.00
$8.600.00
1.211.15
10,On.15
Transferred to Reserve Fund
Total Payments from General Fund
Balance at End of Year
Total Payments and Balance
RESERVE FUND:
Balance at Beginning of Year
Transferred from General Fund
Interest ~~Il.rnea
Balance at End of Year
10.000.00
171,029.70
16.013.40
187 .043.10
$21,603.12
10,000.00
J..014.10
J33.217.tj~
Jl'tsl1trP lalanb ljobst~rm~n'.B Associatio.n. .Jut.
Fishers Island, New York 06390
On behalf of the Fishers Island Lobstermen's Association, I would like
to report the following:
The Association had a reorganization meeting on March 8, 1977;
whereupon the following officers were elected for the 1977 year:
Richard Erpenbeck, President, and William Haase, Secretary-
Treasurer. There are fourteen paid members to date. Membership
is open for any individual who also meets the residency requirement
of Fishers Island and for anyone who lobsters in the waters of
Fishers Island. Dues are $10 per year. Associate memberships
are also available for people who are interested in and supportive
of the Association.
The membership is concerned with the matter of increasing violations
of the present conservation laws and the need for more efficient law
enforcement. Particularly, there is a concern of individuals who are
not domicile residents of Fishers Island or New York State and who
have been issued a 1977 lobster license, thus giving them the right
to lobster in Fishers Island waters.
We are looking forward to an active and productive Association.
Res pectfully submitted,
Richard Erpenbeck, President
l=ISHI::RS ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT
fiSHERS ISLAND. New YORK ObJ90
This past year has been a fruitful and reward-
ing one for the Fire Department. Our total Ambulanoe
and Fire Alarms were down by fifty percent compared
with the last three years. There were no major fires.
Much credit for the deorease in fires oan be attributed
to the oommQ~ity being very fire prevention minded.
Training activities, in both fire fighting and
emergency medical care, oontinues with drills and
refresher courses being held at frequent intervals.
We are oonstantly striving to be prepared for any
emergency.
The Fire Department has recently taken t.1 tIe
and plaoe in service an emergenoy ambulance rescue
boat. It was donated under a bargain and sale arrang-
ment by Mr. Lewis Levine of Waterford, Conn. With the
pullout of the U. S. Coast Guard, this will not only
relieve the minds of many residents but will make our
service much more effective. Also, through the help
of Trooper D. Campbell, it has been arranged for the
emergency use of tho Connecticut State Police heli-
copter on an estimated time of arrival notice of
twenty minutes.
This is the Fire Department's 50th anniversay and
we hope you will help us in its observance at our Open
House on August 21 from 11130 t.o 1130.
As a reminder to the community, we ask you to have
your fire extinguishers updated and checked. This may
be done by calling the fOllowing officers of t.he
Department or con~~ctLng any fireman 1
Chief
First Asst. Chief
Second Asst. Chief
R. E. Wall .503
A. R. Grebe 249
W. Doucette 464
THE HENRY L. FERGUSOIII hUSEUM
THE H. LEE FERGUSON BIRD SANCTUATY
The MUSBum Bnd Sanctuary had a good 'leer.
the ectivities of their programs. ThoSE whD live
from off the ISland, are more and mora intereeted
bird watching and just walking in the Senctuary.
persons vieited the Museum.
Progress waB mede in ell
on tha Islend, and visitors
in via!ting the Museum, and
During 1976, over 1,000
There have been some aeditions ~o the birr collection. While many of
the birds which have eve:- been seen on Fiehers Island ere emong the epecimens
in our collection, ~'e are always gla,j to have birde donated, and they may
fill in gepe in what we neve in the collection.
The Ospreys on the ISland are jUdt about holding their own.
there are five neets with two baby Ospreys in each of two nests, and
the fifth. A hSl"k count indicates that tllees birds are increeaing.
This year
one in
The program, carried on by Mrs. Merion FerguBon Briggs, of classif-
ying and dating the collection of artifacts has continued. A copy of Mrs.
Briggs' thesis can be read at the Mueeum, and it provides valuable and inter-
esting date on pre-historic Fishers Island go~ng back over seven thousand
years to whsn it WBS not an islanrl but part of the mainland.
Bird and Nature walks will continue this Bummer approximately one
each wesk. The schedul~; fm: these ~r31ks 1s posted at tile Museum. These
offer valuable help for Bird W!lt:~h8~'s and those intereatod in the Nature
features of our Island.
The Historical Committee plane tt' f.isr;j out; a queetionnaire to certain
of the FIshers Ialono residents in an effort to gat more information about
the older housBs, snd earlV families on the Island. The cDoperation of those
who recDi VB this Idill be greatly apprl:lciated. The historical section of ths
Mus!lum is growing and promisBE' to be Ol1e of cur most interesting collections.
Early documents, maps, plcturrm, phot!J"t'eph:. and any material dealing with
tha pest of the Ielenrl ere slweys most ,,,eleame.
lhe officers of the '~l'scJdm or'[1 Sanct'J<lry 'iro: Henry W. Hobson, Pres.;
Charles B. Ferguson, \Jice-"1'88td,mt; fill !lan; S, e.,'iau', Secretary; E. Parry
Edwards, Trsasurer; F.:dwin H. Horn1",!, CUI'Btl"r. Deher members of the Board of
Trustees are: Mrs. Thomes 13. HU!1band, Shapa1"d 'troch, ,.,iI's. Gornal j us 0' Connor,
Mrs. T. W. Russell, Jr~; nn~ Mrn~ Fetgr Sturtev8nt~ T~'le Custodian 1s Mrs.
"dwin Horning.
Financially the f~uBecm Is sJlvEnt. ThiB l1E\pp~ condition is posaible
because we received $1,894.00 in dGnations anti dues :1.n 1976, and ['JS have
some incoms from the endowment t:~t up by Jansen I\IOY8S, Sr. in memory of Mrs.
Noyea. 118 hopn there are many who wHl want to become memb,,1's of the r"useum
this yesI', end that there liJill be thowe wi'u continue to makn contributions
to either our annual expenses or to our endowment. Cur major Bxpenses arn
t'pkeap of the Museum building, utilities, tho msintemmce and uxpansion of
collections, insurence and providing for tl~e Custodian. We ;,lBnt to avoid
any l~idespread campaIgn for contributions so BS not to edd to the mBny sppeals
which those who live on Fishers Islend receive. lnooe who wish to join, or
donate to the MUE'Bum should speek to the Custodian or any membrJr of the Board
of Trustees.
Muaeum and Bird Sanctuary- Page Two
The Mueeum ia Dpen week daye frDm 10 tD nDDn. Those WhD went tD
visit the Museum at other times may dD so by calling Mr. or Mrs. Edwin
H. Horning (293) to maks an sppointment.
The Museum suffered a severe loss this spring in the dsath of Bstty
Matthiessen. For many years eha has been one of tha most sctive members of
our BDard, and alwaye gave fine leaderehip in both the Museum and Sanctuary
programa. We shall miss her greatly.
Henry W. HDbson
FISHERS ISLAND HISTORY PROJECT
Bscause of Miss PDlly Edmonds' IDvs of Dur ISland, and tha houra of
work given by Dur Principal, Dr. William Haass, the compilation end pre-
servatiDn of Fishera Island memorabilia has baon posaible.
This project is not a histDry (Miss Edmonds' dream) becauas so few
people contributsd historical material. So, when copiee of this materiel
(gathered by Miss Edmonds, collated by me, and prsserved by Dr. Hease) are
placed in the library, museum, and SChD01, remember that even though Miss
Edmonda' dream of a real history did not materialize, her work haa been
preeerved for future generations.
I havs tWD recommsndations:
1. That there be a pl~ce in ths Public Librsry designated "IN THE
MEMORY OF MISS POLLY EDMONDS" and thet a copy Df har work be plsced there,
plue a teble, lamp, and a comfortabls chalr- so rsading snd reeearch csn
be s pleasure.
2. I hope historical material will be added- a continuing proceee-
in her memory, and for our children and grandchildren.
Vsry Sincerely,
Dorothy Burr Hoadley
A notice will be placed on Poet Office bulletin board whan Mise Edmonds'
materisl will be available.
FISHERS J.SLAND F' F:RRY DISTRICT
In spite of the anllual escalation of wage costs under the operating
contract and a reduction ill traffic revenues as a result of ice conditions
during this past winter, the Commissioners aI'''' confident that it will be
possible to continue for the rest of 1977 uncler. the tariff schedule estab-
lished in February, ] 975. Current planning for 1978, moreover, would
require no increase in either the tariff sched'l!n or tax revenue as compared
with 1977.
The laws in Albany permitting the financing of a new ferryboat
to replace the old MYSTIC ISLE were duly signed by the Governor and,
following a public hearing on FisherR Island on January 8, 1977, indebtedness
of $589,000 for this purpose was authorized. The naval architecturll firm
of Sparkman 8< Stephens were retained to assi"t the Commissioners in writing
specifications and evaluating bids. On June J I, 1977, a single bid was received
from Blount Marine of Warren, R.I., the builders of the OLINDA. This bid,
net of the allowance on the MYSTIC ISLE, was higher than the amount
authorized, and higher than the Commission'lrs were willing to recommend
to the community. Subsequent negotiations, however, ha.ve resulted in a
design that will substantially meet the requirements cliscussed at the public
hearing and, together with a higher allowance for the MYSTIC ISLE, will
permit the construction of the new vessel under the existing authorization,
The naval architects were of considerable help in revising the design so as
to make it financially feasible. It is expected that the construction contract
will be signed in the very near future, the bond issue will be dated approximately
August I, 1977, and the new ves sel will be delivered early next winter.
As statecl at the public hearing. the new ferry will ca.rry about 22
a.utomobiles, mostly under cover. The passen!,(er lounge will be on the upper
deck as in the MYSTIC ISLE. The stern-loading design will permit rapid
turn-arounds and the vesslll will be interchangeable with the OLINDA as to
the shipboard personnel requirement. It is hoped that the debt payments
and higher insurance costs (owing to greater vahle insured) will be offset
by lower operating-contract, shipyard-repair and fuel costs, so that the
new vessel will cost approximately the Rame to operate as the MYSTIC ISLE
at the outset and substantially less as the years go by.
The statement in the first paragraph as to the tariff schedule and
tax revenue for 1978 takes into account the expectation that the new vessel
will be in operation and makes allowance for certain one-time costs involved
in the 'switch-over.
Inquiries from potential buyers have been received concerning the
purchase of the MYSTIC ISLE at a higher price than will be allowed by
- 1
Blount Marine, but all such inquiries so far have been for immediate delivery.
The Commissioners have no basis, t'herefore, for assuming that a lower' net
price than that authorized can be achieved, although efforts towards that end
will continue.
A new printed ferry-schedule format has been designed so as to do
away with the need for reading voluminous small print in order to ascertain
when the boats will run. It is hoped that this format, once ferry patrons
become accustomed to it, will reduce confusion. Efforts continue to be
made to schedule trips to connect insofar as possible with AMTRAK trains
from and to New York. It is regretted that this policy necessitated the re-
vision of the schedule in mid-June as a result' of sudden changes in the
AMTRAK schedule. Discussions with AMTRAK in Washington have. resulted
in promises that the Ferry District will receive advance notice of such
changes in the future.
After over two years of negotiation, the Commissioners are advised
that work on the new harbor entrance works at Silver Eel Pond will begin
almost immediately.
Frost damage to the airport apron is scheduled to be repaired without
delay. No further tangible progress has been made in obtaining a govern-
mental grant for repaving the runways, but Fishers Island appears to be slow.
ly working its way toward the top of the list for that purpose.
Proposals that one of the two ferry vt:ssels be regularly berthed over-
night at Fi shers Island continue to receive the attention of the Commissioners.
The value of providing a daily commutation service to and from New London
would be apparent if a reasonable number of people were to use it regularly.
This problem, however, is complex as it involves not only questions of expense
and revenue but also of rnanning and operating "ystems.
The Board expects to turn its attention to a thorough study of the
proposal and would greatly welcome suggestions from the community as to
how some of the practical difficulties might be overcome.
The' Commissioners wish to take this occasion to express their ap-
preciation for the cheerful spirit with which the people of Fishers Island
accepted the transportation rigors of the "ice age"; and also for the help-
fulness of the captains and crews in maintaining the vessels and meeting,
the needs of the community, often at personal inconvenience, during the
past year which included, among other things, that "ice age".
The 1978 Ferry District budget will be presented at a public meeting
on August 19, 1977.
Board of Commissioners
Fishers Island Ferry District
FISHERS ISLAND
GARBAGE AND REFUSE DISTRICT
,
,
FIS~ERS ISLAND, NEW YORK 06390
REPORT OF FISHERS ISLAND GARBAGE & REFUSE DISTRICT
The district has a contract with Quinn & Co. for the collection of
garbage & refuse to be disposed of by the land fill method. This includes
household garbage, cardboard boxes, bottles, newspapers, cans etc. which
should be readied for pick up in suitable containers. Quinn & Co. has a
telephone recol"ding servlcefor residents to call when. service is desired.
The telephone number is 211.
Because of the restrictions on solid waste methods of disposal, all
rnsidents are asked not to take any waste of any kind to the landfill
site. This area is now kept locked and is solely for the use of Quinn & Co.
In order to serve the community with an area that would allow burning of
brush, stumps and demolition material, the district has leased Battery
Butterfield, also known as the gun pits located at Race Point. Burning
which will not occur during the summer months, will conform to state EPA
regulations. These facilities will be made accessible to all residents
and contractors. The district is in the process of i.nstalling a salt
water line for fire fighting purposes which we feel will eliminate the
problem of tying up all of the fire dept. hose in the event of a fire in
that area.
R'3sidents wishing to dispose of old stoVl:1t~, refrigerators, bed springs
etc. may contact Francis Doyen for the use of the auto disposal gun pits.
It is the hope of the commissioners tha-i; every resident will cooperate by
using the proper places mentioned so that no violations to state and
county laws will occur. These facilities are now under constant surveill-
ance by the New York State Department of Conservation and the Suffolk
County Board of health.
Board of Commissioners
Raymond Doyen,
Robert lrJ;lll,
Gordon Ahman,
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD AND FISHERS ISLAND TAXES
74/75 75/76 76/77 76/77
Category 68/69 69/70 70/71 71/72 72/73 73/74 % Taxes
-..--.-=--~~.___.__.....~_~..~,"". "w''-''~___'''''''"''-_ ,~...';""'''''''..'' '~.-'.,..._~~,=".'",-_,"".,__~.,"...~._~,'~,. _ <,"",=".~~~e <"', .~ __,~.~~....
State,County 2,527m 2,365m 2,507m 2,698m 2,639m 2,355m 2,l396m 3 ,200m 3 986m
Town taxes
Town valuation 48 ,143m 6~, 898m 51,74lm 53,61Om 55,695m 59 ,363m 61,17Om 62,828m 64,202m
F.I.va1uation 4,933m 5,074m 5 ,292m 5,694m 5,717m 5,785m 5,753m 5,7$4m 5,905m
County rate 1.720 2.131 2.019 2.200 1. 946 1. 221 1. 723 1. 912 2.603
F.I. share 134,178 108,127 1Dl6,845 124,278 111,363 70,641 99,121 110,584 153,720 l3;t
Town rate 2.352 2.454 2.666 2.661 2.632 2.629 2.856 3.023 3.385
H'ways .843 .943 1. 026 .927 .903 .874 .990 .938 1. 069
Gen.T.Fund .678 .664 .654 .690 .663 .549 .572 .782 .806
Part Town ....831 .847 .986 1. 066 1. 206
Gen'I Fund 1.044 l.294 1. 3 03 1. 510
Tota;)., Town 1,147m 1, 242m 1. 404m 1.452m 1,493m 1,588m 1,702m 1,936m 2,22lm
F.I. share 116,024 124,516 141,085 140,00Om 140,471 152,158 164,300 174,850 199,~01 17%
FI H'way share 41,585 47,848 54,000 52,000 51,624 51,143 56,953~ 54,250 63,130
F, I. Special 21%
Districts
Fire .656 .582 .729 .703 .677 .681 .953 1.176 1. 098
Rate/Total 32,347 29,484 38,530 39,700 38,670 39,000 54,800 68 , 000 64,810
Light .162 .117 113 .111 .145 .115 .138
Rate/Total 3,3..00 2,,300 2,300 2,300 3,070 2,500 3,050
Ferrv 1. 038 .516 .817 .7M .591 1.096 1.335 1. 417 2.311
Rate/Total 51,178 26,182 43,155 44,485 33,768 63,380 76,747 81,928 136,458
~rb~e .562 .573 .601 .623 .676 .762 .910 .526 .811
Rate Total 27,685 29,053 31,803 35,148 38,598 44,054 52,300 30,400 47,900
FI School rate 3.543 4.403 4.569 4.778 7.649 7.340 7.368 9.0S1 9.754
Est.State Aid 26,900 26,959 36,012 40,500 47,334 82,368 87,300 6e, 586 54,34$
Total Tax 174,809 223,383 21t1,500 269,355 437,223* 424,472 423 ,392 524,739 575,058 49%
F.1. Grand
Total taxes 539,000 590,800 605,30e 655,800 80.3,16.3 796,201 873,711 990,501 1,177,847 100%
F.I.Gross rate
per ::'aoo Ass. 11.033 10.766 11. 545 11. 864 14.316 12.844 15.283 19.962
valuation 17.135
NOTES: "m" equals "000"
* indicates first year of new school building
FISHERS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT
EDUCATIONAL SUMMARY 1976-77
This has been a "year of concern" in the Fishers Island School District.
This concern, as will be indicated in this report, could make for a
difficult 1977-78 school year.
ENROLLMENT AND STAFF
Enrollments for the 1976-77 school year were as follows:
Kindergarten - Grade Six
Grades Seven - Twelve
Total
39 students
39 students
78 students
The staff consists of twelve full-time teachers, five part-time teachers,
one business clerk, one part-time office worker, one full-time and one
part-time custodian, and a district principal.
1977-78 BUDGET
There was difficulty in preparing the 1977-78 budget because of the lack
of state aid. State aid is, at best, unsatisfactory and seems to continue
a trend of throwing a heavier burden on the local property owners for the
task of supporting proper public education. On May 10, 1977 the new
bUdget was approved by the voters (88 to 26); this budget reflects a
decreased tax rate of $ .40 per $100 of assessed valuation. This cut
in the tax rate was made possible because the budget was scrutinized
carefully and the reduction of personnel for the 1977-78 school year.
The reduction of staff members was a great concern and a difficult
decision for the Board of Education.
At this time, negotiations are still In progress for the new school year.
The present contract ended on June 30, 1977.
.-
CURRICULUM
Many staff "cuts" were made in order to economize and because of the
decling student enrollment. These position cuts are as follows:
Library/French - 100% to 83-1/3%1 Music - 100% to 60%;
Art - 70% to 50%; Physical Education (2) - 75% to 50%;
one Elementary position eliminated: no Kindergarten classes
for 1977-78; 40% Guidance position eliminated; Part-time
office position eliminated; Speech Therapy-every other week.
The 1977-78 school year is going to be a difficult one because of new
demands imposed upon the reduced staff, which will also have an
effect upon curriculum offerings for individual students. It will be
an interesting year for experimentation with the curriculum.
EXTRA-CURRICUIAR
Many interesting programs occurred dUring the school year. The high
school (Grades 7 - 12) visited Albany (New York State Capitol and
Museum), went to Howe Caverns, and attended a West Point parade
and football game. The high school students also attended the Ringling
Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford. There was a student
council and teacher exchange program with the Montville Public Schools
(Connecticut). The elementary students had an interesting visitation day
to New London where they visited the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, the New
London Library, the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, and Ocean Beach Park.
The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center presented four outstanding programs
for all of our students. All of these programs were funded by an ESEA,
Title IVB grant. Our senior class went on a Caribbean cruise during the
Easter vacation. Other outstanding events were: Gymnastics Show,
Science Fair, Christmas Play, and a Spring Musical and Art Exhibition.
Athletics, as usual, played an important part in the students I lives.
CONCLUSION
Education could only be a challenge, and it is ours to continue and
uphold ..... the people, the Board of Education and the school staff.
The education of our youth 1s one important part for the future of
Fishers Island. Continued support for education in our school district
will provide the opportunity for all of us to succeed.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCANNED
/"e: 1 8 0006
. .'JI.] ,!..JU
Mary L. Strunk, President
Richard G. Ahman, Vice-President
Richard S. Baker, Sr.
Carol O. Gallaher
Elizabeth Peishoff
__Records Management
William R. Haase, District Principal