Ogdensburg members discuss salt-shed repairs, body cameras, Predmore Road delay and approve $359,097.65 in bills

At the Aug. 24 meeting, the Ogdensburg Borough Council received several operational updates and approved routine bills totaling $359,097.65.

Operational updates: Councilman Nasisi said the contractor for the salt-shed roof delayed the work due to storm-related emergency repairs but that the borough was not in immediate danger; he said he will continue to press the contractor to complete the job before winter. Councilman Alvarez said he must pick up paperwork at borough hall for the body cameras and expects installation to take about 60 days; he confirmed the plan was to outfit all officers and vehicles and to include a spare unit. Mayor Hutnick and Councilwoman Slater discussed Ordinance 07-2020 in the context of enabling a local business to open and obtain required licensing.

Predmore Road work was described as paused because of a bog-turtle issue; the borough must wait for wildlife officials to inspect and advise before the road work can continue. Councilman Nardini said both tank inspections were completed and the council is awaiting written reports in a few weeks; lifeguard-shack exterior repairs are planned after the swimming season ends in mid-September. On water operations, Nardini said a recommended candidate for a replacement operator lacks necessary certification to be a direct employee; the borough may contract with a third-party company to provide day-to-day operator services temporarily.

Event logistics and public amenities: Councilwoman Slater said the annual clam bake is set for Sept. 26 and asked about portable toilet needs; the council agreed to move two portable toilets to the pavilion and have them cleaned. She said the fire department would pay for a soap-and-water hand-washing station for cooks at the pavilion; Mayor Hutnick noted the pond closes Sept. 7. During public session, Advertiser reporter Vera Olinski asked for clarification on the fire-engine down payment, the salt-shed roof and body-camera timing; Mayor Hutnick summarized the council’s earlier remarks.

Finance: Councilman Nardini moved, and Councilwoman Slater seconded, a motion to review and approve payment of vouchers and departmental finance reports. The printed ledger lists multiple fund payments, including a $212,734.00 payment to the Ogdensburg Board of Education and a total of $359,097.65 in current-fund disbursements presented for approval. The minutes record the motion and a roll call in the affirmative (Alvarez, Nardini, Nasisi, O’Dell, Slater).

What’s next: tank-inspection reports and additional procurement/contract details (for the fire engine and water-operator arrangements) were not recorded and remain outstanding; the clerk and staff are expected to follow up and report back to the council.