Residents press council on road conditions and staffing gaps; DPW employee seeks clarity on stipend and CDL pay

Residents used the Sept. 22 public comment period to press the Borough of Ogdensburg council about road deterioration, curb needs and inconsistent enforcement of local codes.

David Rivers said streets have been repeatedly patched and lack proper curbs, arguing the work is not lasting and urging the borough to seek grants. Several speakers also raised code‑enforcement concerns and the limited hours of the zoning officer.

Separately DPW employee Jacob Brush told the council a $3,000 stipend approved July 28 for a two‑month acting assistant supervisor role has expired and the borough has not clarified whether the role or continued compensation will persist. He also said he submitted a request on July 7 seeking a salary adjustment after obtaining a commercial driver's license and has not received a decision.

Why it matters: road quality and public‑works staffing affect daily life, safety and property values. Brush advised that in the absence of Council authorization he has performed only his permanent Labor 1 duties since the stipend expired and asked the council for explicit direction on role, compensation and adherence to Civil Service guidelines.

Next steps: the council heard the statements and referred personnel matters to executive session; following executive session the council voted to post the tax collector position and earlier authorized beginning the process to hire two police officers. The council did not announce an immediate decision on the DPW stipend or the CDL pay request at the meeting.