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Ogdensburg council selects contingency‑based grant writer, addresses DEP tree ordinance and tank compliance
Summary
Council members favored hiring Bruno Associates on a contingency basis for grant writing, discussed a DEP Tier A tree ordinance required by May 1, and learned that Bullseye notified tank sites must have EDR equipment by December 2024; the council tabled tank decisions pending more information.
At the March 25 meeting, the Ogdensburg Mayor and Council discussed several administrative and regulatory items: selecting a grant‑writing firm, complying with a DEP Tier A tree ordinance, and preliminary action on underground storage‑tank upgrades.
Councilman DeMeo reported the grant‑writer interview committee recommended Bruno Associates because the firm charges only when grants are obtained and has no minimum monthly fee, unlike another bidder that proposed a flat sign‑up fee. Councilman DeMeo said the committee spent substantial time on interviews and felt Bruno’s proposal better fit the borough’s needs; Clerk Robin Hough noted a council resolution will be required to formalize any contract.
Mayor Hutnick and Clerk Hough also explained that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is requiring municipalities to adopt a tree ordinance as part of the DEP’s Tier A process; the ordinance must be adopted by May 1 and will define what tree removal and replacement standards apply. Council members discussed who determines hazard trees and how the ordinance will set minimum standards for replacement species.
On underground storage tanks, Mayor Hutnick relayed an email from Bullseye, the borough’s tank‑management contractor, that all sites must have EDR equipment and compliant spill buckets by the end of December 2024. Councilman DeMeo asked for clarification on what EDR covers; the council decided to table substantive action until staff can gather more information.
Separately, Mayor Hutnick said a First Aid Squad building inspection volunteer, Anthony Nasisi, reported some tree roots in underground piping but no major structural issues; he offered to work with DPW on a closer inspection and may seek to become a listed vendor. The council also approved posting an ad for a potential DPW vacancy once a formal resignation is received.
