Ogdensburg to bond for Heater's Pond dam repairs

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Borough Council unanimously introduced a $452,000 bond ordinance to rehabilitate Heater's Pond Dam.
Councilman Robert Gunderman was absent.
Mayor Steve Ciasullo said it is for the down payment and everything needed to move forward with the project.
Chief Financial Officer Monica Goscicki explained, the engineer estimated the cost to be $452,000; and the down payment for Heater's Pond Dam is $22,000 — 5 percent down. The council already approved a $660,000 maximum loan — 20 year at 2 percent — but they will only borrow the necessary amount based on engineer certified construction invoices.
Other ordinances unanimously introduced were: a $110,700 bond ordinance for public improvements, new or replacement equipment, machinery, new communication and signal systems equipment, and a new automotive vehicle, including original apparatus and equipment; and a general ordinance to appropriate $75,500 currently located within the water capital fund balance.
Councilman Peter Opilla said the Beardslee Hill Drive loop repair estimate was a little higher than the threshold for bid. Now Department of Public Works Supervisor Chris Ross will try to have the DPW supplement as much work as possible, in order to keep costs down within the bid threshold.
After returning out of executive session, the council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a settlement agreement and release regarding litigation bearing docket No. SSX-L-502-16. Mayor Steve Ciasullo said there is no monetary value associated with the resolution.
In order to avoid further litigation and resolve differences with the Plaintiff, the resolution authorizes the mayor and other borough officials to execute the settlement, release, and implement terms. The litigation had been instituted against the Borough of Ogdensburg Police Department and the Borough of Ogdensburg, who deny any liability for the litigation claims.
Ciasullo notified the council, the borough took possession of a retail commercial property lien in the town, not purchased at tax sale – per a decision made by the previous council.
He continued said the borough will be able to start collecting rents to offset owed taxes. Borough Attorney Richard Brigliadoro sent a letter to the property owner specifying the tax amount owed up to April 25, including interest.
Ciasullo said he was expecting to receive a response soon from the property owner. If not, they will take the next steps to start collecting rents from tenants. He said they should know by the next meeting if they are able to collect the rent, or the property owner paid the amount owed.
Ciasullo said it is probably the first time the borough has ever done this.
Officials discussed Ogdensburg Day which will be sometime in September.
Councilman George Hutnick said they will get three bids on all amusements and rides. He added, he is open to new ideas and would like to have local bands play.
Council President Rachel Slater said they would like to get the same heavy garbage and recycling cans for the ball park as they obtained for Heater's Pond through the Clean Communities Grant. She added, each can costs $300 apiece.
Ciasullo suggested they buy two of the same cans for Bridge St. and other field.
Slater said the Cub Scouts, who used to clean for the Memorial Day Ceremony have disbanded.
Councilman David Astor said he would contact the school Green Team for help cleaning.