Ogdensburg officer credited with saving woman's life

OGDENSBURG — Mayor Steve Ciasullo read a letter at the Ogdensburg Council meeting Dec. 12, detailing how Police Sergeant Joseph Sanfilippo saved the life of a woman who was experiencing cardiac arrest on Sept. 24.
Sanfilippo administered CPR and used a heart fibulator.
Ogdensburg Police Chief Stephen Gordon wrote, “If not for the quick actions of Sergeant Sanfilippo, the patient would have not survived.” He also said the patient recently came to the station to express gratitude for what Sanfilippo had done; and she walked in under her own power without any assistance.
Ciasullo said it was nice to read this in public. He added, so many things go unrecognized by the police department, first aid squad, fire department, volunteers, and paid departments.
Also at the meeting, Ciasullo presented plaques recognizing Councilman Robert McGuire and Councilwoman Regina Rizzo, who are stepping down from council. McGuire completed six years; and Rizzo completed three.
Business as usualCouncilman Peter Opilla said the easement document referred to in a prior meeting is only for leveling, not trenching, digging, or water. He asked Borough Attorney Richard Brigliadoro what their next step should be in order to replace a water line located by two private properties, one on Main St. and another on Beardslee Hill Drive.
Brigliadoro said, without an easement, the borough should first explain the situation to the owners. He continued, in order to do the work, the owners would grant an easement for the length needed, and a formal document would be put together at the court house.
Council President George Hutnick said the Land Use Board would like to have a separate phone line and answering machine. Hutnick will see if another line can be created to “make life easier.”
Hutnick also said Harry from Sam's Deli asked about paving the parking lot next to his facility, which the borough owns. He is interested in using the lot and moving his sign on the other side of his property, because currently people run into it.
Brigliadoro said there would need to be some insurance in order to indemnify the borough.
Ciasullo asked Brigliadoro to put together “a short list” of what is needed before going to the Land Use Board.
The council unanimously approved the resolution to receive a letter of resignation from Court Administrator Aida Cahill. Cahill's last day is Dec. 22.
McGuire explained she would be willing to stay for full-time hours, salary, and benefits.
Ciasullo said the borough only requires a part-time person.
In the meantime, Ciasullo asked Borough Clerk Phyllis Drouin to “reach out to Franklin and Sparta,” in order to find someone to cover the position in the interim. He said, he already called Trenton.
Ciasullo said his goal is to have a temporary person by the next meeting from one of the adjoining towns.
Councilman David Astor thanked the town and Department of Public Works for helping with the school Christmas tree lights.
Per McGuire's comment, Ciasullo will check with the chief financial officer to understand why $6,500 needed to be transferred to cover electric bills.
McGuire handed off the borough codification of statutes, explaining, it is where the borough is after he and Brigliadoro reviewed everything. He added, they identified details which need to be addressed by different borough departments before the code will be complete.