Ogdensburg council discusses Heater's Pond options

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg officials said they will pursue three bids for the cost of Hyrdo Raking and dredging Heater's Pond at Monday's council meting.

Mayor Steve Ciasullo and Councilman George Hutnick will pursue the bids, while Councilwoman Rachel Slater said she will head up the proposed Heater's Pond Winter Fest, planned for January 2016.

Ciasullo said he already received one estimate for the Hydro Raking. The initial estimate is a little over $67,000 for four weeks of work, which would include the beach area over to the spillway.

Ciasullo and Hutnick will now write bid specs, have them reviewed by the borough engineer, and then get three actual estimates for Hydro Raking and dredging.

Ciasullo said that once they have the estimates, the Council will make a decision, and move forward.

He also added that vegetation is about 1½ to 2 inches from the top of the water in the pond which may be 4 to 8 feet deep in spots.

Later, Ciasullo brought up a possible Heater's Pond Winter Fest idea, or a “quasi tree burning.” The preparations, headed up by Slater, would include: a Heater's Pond Committee, Fire Department, and First Aid Squad.

Initial ideas discussed at the meeting were: a bonfire, ice skating at night, hot chocolate, and cookies.