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Ogdensburg council presses DPW employees over CDL requirement as staffing, safety concerns mount
Summary
An extended Jan. 27 council discussion focused on Department of Public Works staffing and whether two recently hired full‑time employees must secure commercial driver licenses (CDLs); employees said they were not told it was mandatory and asked for pay or incentives, while borough counsel noted disciplinary and civil‑service options and the mayor set a one‑week deadline to present compensation requests.
The Borough of Ogdensburg held a lengthy public discussion on Jan. 27 regarding Department of Public Works staffing and the requirement that certain positions hold a commercial driver license (CDL).
Council members said the CDL requirement was included in the job advertisement and the borough had offered to fund training; two full‑time employees, William Yates and Jacob Brush, said they were not told the license was required at hire and that they would obtain a CDL only if the borough offered additional compensation or incentives.
DPW employee William Yates said, "At no point did he say he didn't want to get it." Jacob Brush told the council he would not object to obtaining a CDL and stated he "has no problem getting a CDL," but pushed for a salary increase or incentive similar to neighboring towns.
Borough Attorney Robert McBriar reported that administrative records include a published job proof dated April 2, 2024 that "states 'applicants must be at least 18 years of age and posses a valid Class B commercial driver license (CDL)'." McBriar also reviewed disciplinary and civil‑service options available if a precondition to hire is not satisfied within a council‑set timeline.
Police representatives clarified operational safety standards tied to commercial driving. Sgt. Sanfilippo told the council that alcohol limits differ when driving commercial vehicles — "if you were in a CDL vehicle your alcohol level is a .04; just because you posses a CDL and you’re in your personal vehicle that doesn’t change anything it is still a .08" — and cautioned that federal rules restrict marijuana even where state law allows it.
Mayor George P. Hutnick asked the two employees to submit, within one week, a written proposal stating the compensation or terms they seek; the council said it will consider that request as the borough finalizes staffing needs ahead of budget season. Council discussion noted the operational risk of having a single CDL‑qualified driver during storms and equipment moves and the borough’s interest in a more explicit hiring timeline for CDL attainment going forward.
The exchange was not a formal disciplinary hearing; council members signaled a preference to retain staff if the parties can reach an agreement but discussed progressive steps, including a timeline for compliance, should employees decline to meet the job requirements.
The council did not take a binding personnel vote during open session.
