Ogdensburg council appoints new attorney

OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Council unanimously awarded contracts, Feb. 11, to Van Cleef Engineering Associates and Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP — the borough’s new legal counsel.
The new Principle Attorney, Robert B. McBriar, was awarded the 2019 contract in the amount of $3,000 monthly retainer.
Former Borough Attorney Richard Brigliadoro’s contract was not renewed.
McBriar said he grew up in Sparta, and his office is in Sussex County. In addition, McBriar said, he specializes in local government law, issues and litigation.
McBria also works with Newton, Hopatcong, Franklin, Greene, Vernon and Mansfield townships.
Introducing ordinancesThe council unanimously introduced an ordinance approving a drug free zone map; and the public hearing will be Feb. 25.
Councilman David Astor explained said the land in question from the previous meeting — regarding soccer fields — was updated and added to the zone.
Briar said the drug free zone map becomes prima facie evidence – allowing continuance to trial - of any violation which occurs within that perimeter.
The council next unanimously introduced an ordinance adopting and codifying Chapter 30 Land Development. Public hearing will be held March 11.
Finally, the council unanimously introduced an ordinance to amend and supplement Chapter 7, Traffic Section 7-14, prohibiting parking at all times on certain streets of Ogdensburg’s Code. Public hearing will be held Feb. 25.
Additional business CFO Michel Marceau said the introduction of the 2019 budget will be the first meeting in April, due to the New Jersey's State’s Fast System (Financial Automation Submission Tracking System), which is very slow.
After discussion, officials decided the next budget workshop will be March 4 at 6 p.m.
Councilwoman Rachel Slater said they will give police officer applications to all three of the top candidates. The borough must offer applications to all three, she continued, although they will ultimately hire two officers. She then added, the candidates can begin the Police Academy either April 1 or June 1, which would benefit the 2019 budget.
Astor said Blue Diamond Disposal Inc. forgot to pick up recycling at the recycling center on Friday. He concluded said the council will talk with Franklin about the Blue Diamond issues and develop a plan.
Council President Michael Nardini said the Radon Awareness grant is actually for $2,000. Nardini said he hopes the information about free Radon test kits will be available to possibly include in the spring newsletter. Afterwards, he continued, residents may request kits on a first come, first-served basis because of the limited number. In addition to the process moving forward, Nardini said, bulk orders will be less expensive.