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Ogdensburg debates DPW staffing route, storm-drain cleaning and scout volunteer work
Summary
Council discussed options to fill a DPW vacancy — a provisional hire versus open competitive Civil Service list — authorized advertising for a provisional assistant supervisor, reviewed storm-drain cleaning quotes and considered an Eagle Scout project to spread playground mulch.
Council members spent part of the Sept. 25 meeting addressing public works staffing and maintenance.
Clerk Robin Hough outlined two hiring options for a DPW vacancy: advertise for a Labor 1 provisional appointment or trigger an open competitive Civil Service announcement for an assistant supervisor, which could result in hiring from a state list when it becomes available. Councilwoman Ruitenberg and Attorney McBriar clarified that advertising through Civil Service can take longer and that a provisional hire could be made but might not remain if the open competitive list later produces a different candidate. The council adopted a motion directing the municipal clerk to advertise for the position with the understanding a provisional appointment may be made.
On maintenance, Mayor Hutnick presented quotes for removing hazardous trees on borough property ($800 to $2,400 depending on scope). He also reported a $4,800-per-day contractor quote to clean clogged storm drains and asked the council to consider work not to exceed $5,000; the council discussed scheduling the drain cleaning for action at the Oct. 11 meeting.
Regarding playground surfacing, the council considered a contractor quote and an Eagle Scout volunteer option. Scout leader Mark Bonaparte said his son could use the mulch-spreading work as an Eagle Scout project and that the troop could complete the installation if the borough provides materials. The council authorized up to $4,500 for mulch materials and left implementation choices to Councilwoman Cowdrick.
Next steps: the clerk will publish the DPW job advertisement; the council will consider formal drain-cleaning authorization at the Oct. 11 meeting and Councilwoman Cowdrick will confirm how the mulch installation will proceed.
