Ogdensburg making progress on borough issues

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Council members reported progress, Feb. 27, regarding different borough projects and issues at their meeting.
Regarding fixing the Beardslee Hill water main loop, Mayor Steve Ciasullo said he, the Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dennis Wottle, and Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor Chris Ross reviewed and insured fire protection was not hindered in any way on the hill. Ciasullo said, Ross will get estimates for a simple DPW repair, which came to their attention after an assisting fire department pumped at a higher elevation hydrant, during a fire, thus, causing a water pressure drop.
Councilman David Astor said, he received a call from another town's council member, who may be interested in a shared garbage service agreement with Ogdensburg.
Ciasullo confirmed the borough's current garbage contract is in effect for the next three years, but he said, the borough would definitely want to listen to them.
After Councilman Anthony Nasisi asked if the other town has a truck, Astor said, they did, were looking to purchase a new truck, and “wanted to know if we possibly wanted to go into it.”
Ciasullo said, “It's interesting...It's definitely worth talking,”
Nasisi reported, he and Councilman George Hutnick have been researching the underground storage tanks outside the firehouse. Nasisi said, the town purchased the tanks, but they were not removed when the heating system was changed.
Nasisi added, generally removing the tanks costs $1,400, plus permits, for a 500–to-550 gallon tank — about one of the firehouse tank sizes. He continued, a 1,000-gallon tank would probably cost a little more to remove. Nasisi said, he put a number in the 2017 budget, allowing for permits and other fees.
Ciasullo said they needed to determine if the borough, fire department, or both will pay to remove the tanks. He said Nasisi should try to get three estimates in writing, if the cost is under the bid threshold, Ciasullo said the borough could move forward.
Hutnick said, former DPW Supervisor Kenny Smith drew an entire map of the town fire hydrants and water flows from memory. He said Smith should present the large map to the council, in order to share his detailed main, hydrant and water flow understanding.
Ciasullo encouraged Astor to create a maintenance program for exercising the hydrants.
Next, the mayor said, he would call the state-run building department head — responsible for state building codes — to discuss resident concerns regarding inconsistency among state building inspectors. He also encouraged council members to refer any borough complaints to Borough Clerk Phyllis Drouin, in order to be resolved quickly.
Ciasullo said he would meet with Elizabethtown Gas, Friday, March 3, to discuss a state incentive package offsetting gas connection costs for residents. He said the gas connections may not be for the whole town, but possibly sections. By the next council meeting, he said, he will give an update of the meeting.
Ciasullo reported, there was no change regarding Heater's Pond Dam — they are still waiting for paperwork to be completed by the state.
He also said, there is a pending sale for the used police car.
Astor confirmed, they do not have a date yet for cleaning streets, due to weather changes.
Council President Rachel Slater said, Winter Fest is not happening due to weather. Officials tentatively chose Saturday, April 22, around 6:30 p.m., to celebrate Spring Fest.
Resident Pat Sabourin said, there will definitely be an Easter Egg Hunt this year. She was still working on the date.