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Ogdensburg council authorizes specs for Brooks Flat water repair as officials weigh sale of water system
Summary
Council directed the borough engineer to prepare specifications for Brooks Flat water‑main repairs after discussing an earlier estimate of about $80,000 and broader consideration of whether to sell the municipal water system; members asked to invite water‑utility representatives for public briefings.
Council members on June 22 authorized the borough engineer to prepare specifications for a repair to a broken water pipe on Brooks Flat and discussed longer‑term options for the Ogdensburg water system, including potential sale.
Councilman Ciasullo reported that conversations with engineers and other towns have produced information on rate impacts when systems are sold. He said an earlier estimate for repairing the broken Brooks Flat pipe was roughly $80,000. Councilman DeMeo moved to have engineer Mike Vreeland start the process to prepare specifications for the Brooks Flat repair; the motion passed unanimously.
Council members discussed options for addressing water‑system needs: continuing capital repairs funded through rate increases, seeking bids for discrete repairs, or exploring a sale or public‑private options. CFO Michel Marceau said he could help coordinate outreach and pointed to Sussex County’s recent experience. Mr. Marceau noted that a referendum is no longer required in some circumstances but that public engagement would be important before any major change.
No formal action to sell the water system was taken. Council members requested presentations from potential buyers or operators (for example, NJ American Water) to provide details on process and projected rates before pursuing a vote or referendum.
The authorization to prepare repair specifications is intended to produce detailed costs and bid documents so the borough can evaluate repair versus larger‑scale options. The engineer was asked to produce specs in time for the next meeting and to include cost estimates to inform a capital‑planning discussion.
