Heater's Pond use application carries insurance requirement

OGDENSBURG — Council President Rachel Slater said on June 26 that this year's Heater's pond facility use application form will include a $1M liability insurance requirement.
Slater said, the borough's insurance representative, George Morville of Morville Agency said the resident badges cover the $1 million liability insurance, because they cover everything — not just swimming.
After reviewing the current ordinances, Slater discovered a purchased badge covers: swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, and picnicking. If a resident plans to do anything at Heater's Pond, a badge is required to cover the insurance.
During official discussion, Councilman George Hutnick said possibly purchasing the badge signifies the borough recognizes someone as a resident using the pond “under our permission.”
Councilman Anthony Nasisi said, as a resident, one's pond membership is paid through dues, and the insurance covers pond accidents.
Mayor Steve Ciasullo said, it is not necessarily the badge, but what the resident signed to get the badge.
Slater said they will have to include some hold harmless information on the badge form itself.
Among some possible scenarios, she explained, business parties at Heater's Pond would require the business's insurance, plus a signed hold harmless agreement.
Ciasullo added, “Unless everyone coming to the party has a badge.”
Slater said, guest badges are $1 a piece, and parties receive the deposit back after returning the badges.
Ciasullo suggested speaking with the insurance representative for more details. If badges become the ultimate, he added, then they can get rid of the boating permits. The badge, he added, would need to be in plain view.
Slater said, the police will need to start checking people for badges who are fishing at the pond.
In addition, Ciasullo encouraged residents to call the police if they see something suspicious at the pond. Per the ordinances, he said: no dog walking or swimming without a life guard; only fishing, hunting, or special requests after dark; and badges are required for the boat and beach.
Hutnick said, the reminder stating badges must be purchased at borough hall is already on the home page of the borough website.
Ciasullo suggested also using the school sign to notify the public.
Slater said, the cost of a beach badge is: $5 per person and $25 per family; three year- old and under: $1; and boat: $5.