Ogdensburg approves police overtime payments

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Borough Council unanimously approved $1,337 in overtime payments to the Ogdensburg Police Dept.
The department was involved in the “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” state grant program. Councilwoman Rachel Slater and Councilman and Councilman David Astor were absent.
The program is part of a pending state grant running from Aug. 19 through Sept. 5. The state will pay a total $5,000: $50 for 100 hours of overtime; and the borough will pay the remaining $13 per hour. Thus, the officers will be paid the normal amount for their overtime work.
The catalyst applying for the new program and the previous “Click it or Ticket” grant is Sergeant Joseph Sanfilippo. Sanfilippo told the Council 110 tickets were issued, and one arrest had been made during the previous program.
Mayor Steve Ciasullo commended Sanfilippo for completing an enormous amount of application paperwork and getting grants for the police department.

Resolutions

The council unanimously approved foreclosing held tax title liens and awarded a $9,200 contract, for repairing the front steps and ramp, to Country Chimney Sweeps & Masons. Councilwoman Rachel Slater and Councilman and Superintendent David Astor were absent.
During final hearing, the council also unanimously approved an ordinance appropriating $29,800 from the General Capital-Fund balance. The money will pay for the museum roof, electronic marquis, swim platform, SCBA Cylinders, and gas powered portable pump for the fire department.
The council still waits for the state's approval of the Heater's Pond Dam improvement engineering plan.
After discussion, the council agreed swim badges and boat stickers will be sold out of Borough Hall during business hours. Guest passes can still be bought at the pond for $1 per day, requiring exact change.
Ciasullo said in order to help identify boats, a copy of the boat decals goes to the police department.
The Council also discussed floating Lily Pads and green algae in the swim area after chemical treatments had been completed.
Councilman Peter Opilla said he would like to understand the process because two swim meets are coming, the first of which was scheduled for Tuesday.
Ciasullo said nothing has yet been done in the back of the pond.
Ciasullo also said one garbage company had questions about the borough's bid specifications. However, some of the questions will need to be requested through the Open Public Request Act.
The garbage contract bidding process is still open.
Councilman George Hutnick reviewed Ogdensburg Day, Sept. 10, with rain date Sept. 11. The Council discussed fireworks, the Ogdensburg Grill Master Challenge-showcasing ribs — video game truck, mechanical bull, bungee — joust combo, D.J., and beer truck. Food vendors and craft vendors interested in participating should email: oburg100@yahoo.com
Councilman Robert McGuire said the front stairs should be done within two weeks.
Resident Jean Castimore asked the council to keep garbage and recycling on two different days, or they both end up on one truck.
If garbage and recycling are combined on one truck, Ciasullo suggested calling the Borough Clerk, in order to call the garbage company owner. He explained garbage and recycling should be separated as specified in the garbage contract, because the borough pays tonnage for certain things and receives grants for others.
Resident Pat Sabourin asked about keeping foreclosed properties clean.
Ciasullo explained if there are problems, the borough clerk should once again be called in order for the violation process to begin. He added the borough can cut grass on foreclosed properties at $100 per hour.
Castimore added she is very disappointed with the museum not getting a slate roof.
McGuire said he hopes the rest of the stuff inside will be saved.