Bruce Adams Given Key to City of Cortland For 40 Years of Service to City – Presented Proclamation

During Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, the City of Cortland recognized Bruce Adams for 40 years of service to the City of Cortland. Adams has retired from his role as Department Head for the Wastewater Treatment facility. The City of Cortland presented Mr. Adams a proclamation, which was read by City Clerk, Andy Jewett.

Bruce Adams first began working for the City of Cortland at the wastewater treatment facility back in 1985. He would later lead the department in 2011. Throughout the years, Adams dedication towards excellence, public health, and conservation brought him recognition locally and nationally. 

In the proclamation, Mayor Scott Steve noted Adams has been instrumental in automating the plant process, improving overall performance and reducing labor requirements. Adams has worked to strengthen public health as well as keep to his environmental mission by working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the plant. One notable project he oversaw was upgrading the Anaerobic Digestion at the wastewater plant to accommodate extra waste and generate energy.

According to WesTech, Anaerobic wastewater digester systems are a collection of processes by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic digestion, a simple process, can greatly reduce the amount of organic matter that might otherwise be destined to be dumped at sea, dumped in landfills, or burned in incinerators.

After the proclamation, Mayor Scott Steve then presented Mr. Adams with a Key to the City of Cortland. Steve added it was a pleasure to get to know Adams during his time as mayor and enjoyed working with him. Council members all wished Mr. Adams well into his retirement and noted the city has big shoes to fill.