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Ogdensburg council authorizes emergency repairs after leaking water well discovered
Summary
The Ogdensburg mayor and council authorized emergency repairs to a water pump and piping after council members reported multiple holes in a well pipeline and an overworking companion well; the council unanimously approved a motion to empower mayor and select councilors to arrange repairs with the CFO and borough attorney.
Mayor George P. Hutnick and the borough council on Feb. 24 authorized emergency action to repair a damaged well pipe after council members reported holes in the line serving the Center Street well.
Councilman Ciasullo reported that crews pulled the pump from the Plant Street well and found multiple holes in the pipe, leaving the borough to rely largely on a single functioning well. CFO Mike Marceau outlined procurement options for an emergency repair, including the state process that can allow for accelerated contracting when an engineer certifies an emergency. Borough Attorney Robert McBriar said an engineer's certification would permit relaxation of standard public contracting rules to address the health and safety issue.
Councilman Ciasullo moved to authorize the mayor, Ciasullo and Councilman Gandarinho to work with the CFO and borough attorney to take the actions necessary to repair the pump for the health, safety and welfare of the borough and its residents; Councilman DeMeo seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with Council members Ciasullo, Cowdrick, DeMeo, Gandarinho, Lame and Ruitenberg voting yes.
The council discussed the scale of needed repairs and budget thresholds: because the borough lacks a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA), the CFO will consult the auditor on the correct procurement path; the transcript cited a borough threshold of $17,500 for certain procedures. The council did not adopt a dollar-limited contract at the meeting but empowered the named officials to proceed under emergency procurement rules after appropriate professional certification.
The council did not set a definitive repair timetable in the public minutes; the CFO and borough attorney indicated they would coordinate next steps with engineers and auditors to comply with state procurement rules and to pursue any necessary emergency declarations.
