Ogdensburg approves $262K bond ordinance

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Council unanimously adopted a bond ordinance on April 9 appropriating $262K for additional or new equipment, apparatus, vehicle, and public improvements.
Councilman Michael Nardini was absent.
Councilman David Astor said, DPW Supervisor Chris Ross and the Predmore Road. resident opened up the water pipe, which was exposed to the catch basin, and dammed the pipe, so water flows inside. He concluded, everything is now working on Predmore Road.
The council unanimously approved Brian Hart as alternate for the Land Use Board.
Mayor Rachel Slater said they received an email regarding water plant and water supply operator job descriptions and necessary licenses from Councilman Michael Nardini. After the council reviews the requirements with Nardini, she continued, they will begin advertising.
Council President Peter Opilla said the borough health insurance is up for renewal in June, and they will discuss all quotes and options at the next meeting.
Williams, Alexander & Associates President Alan Katz explained, his company is a third party collections agency located in Wayne, which collects unpaid violations for a number of municipalities, including Franklin and Hamburg. He said, the program costs the council nothing, helps the back office with at least one-year-old accounts, and cleans up the books – uncovering whether someone passed away or was incarcerated. His company then supplies the information, Katz continued, to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
Katz also said, the AOC sends accounts directly to them, where his company adds 22 percent above the outstanding amount — mandated by law.
If someone owes $100, he explained, they will receive a letter for $122; and Ogdensburg will receive the $100 payment. The money goes directly to the borough, he added, the courts are notified, and the borough cuts a check for the collections fee.
Astor asked about any negotiation with the person who owes money.
Katz responded, not with the violations, but payment plans are available if necessary.
Councilman Anthony Nasisi asked, how it works with their court clerk.
Katz explained, depending on the violation, someone may pay online, mail, or come to the borough directly.
Attorney Richard Brigliadoro asked if the AOC has to approve the council engaging Katz's collection management service.
Katz said, the AOC approves the contract, letters, and script, which takes about five months before his service starts seeing claims electronically.
Nasisi said, he will remove a Box-elder tree, in order to prevent bugs from feeding on the tree. Currently, he said, he has an estimate of around $613 to also spray inside borough hall, parameter, basement, offices, main floor, cracks, crevices, windows, and place foggers in the drop ceilings. He said, the treatments would be now, in another month or two, and in the fall.
Councilman George Hutnick brought up for discussion how to add money back into the Fireman's budget for the upcoming parade. After discussion among officials regarding possible donations from the Historical Society and the Sterling Hill Mine possibly matching a borough donation, Hutnick said, he will talk with the fire department; and Nasisi suggested the fire department attend the next meeting.