As a matter of policy, the Town Board of the Town of Southampton hereby
declares that it is in the community interest to adopt the following chapter
pursuant to the provisions of Article 5, § 96-a, of the General
Municipal Law of the State of New York and of Article 4, Subdivision 17-a,
of § 64 of the Town Law. The first settlement of an English-speaking
community in the State of New York, there exist numerous documents, instruments,
deeds, patents, charters, writing and other objects having a special character
and exceptionally special historic interest and value, all of which form the
basis for and contribute to the cultural heritage, education, pleasure and
general welfare of the people of the Town and foster pride in the legacy of
achievements and beauty of the past. All of these tangible assets provide
a sense of identity and place of Southampton as the first English-speaking
colony. The same should be restored, preserved, perpetuated, conserved, protected
and enhanced as a public necessity and in order to promote the general welfare
of the Town and of its inhabitants. Therefore, it is the purpose and policy
of the Town Board to establish by this chapter the special conditions, restrictions
and implementation for the accomplishment of the above-stated aims and intents,
with the powers and authority hereby granted, all of which is found to be
necessary to safeguard these documents, instruments, deeds, patents, charters,
writings and other objects heretofore referred to in a proper and appropriate
manner.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
HISTORIC DOCUMENTS
Manuscripts, documents, instruments, deeds, patents, charters and
other writings having a special character and significance in recording the
founding and development of the community and its organization or government
and relating to the acquisition of titles to land areas in the Town, including,
without limitation, deeds, instruments and patents and including, without
limitation, those writings and instruments dated between the years 1639 and
1704.
The Town Clerk shall investigate, study and authenticate all historic
documents, as hereinabove defined, and, after determining their relevance,
shall investigate the means and cost of restoring, preserving or reproducing
and displaying the same, as well as the cost of making microfilm and exact
or enlarged copies thereof for display or distribution and shall make written
reports to the Town Board.