Ogdensburg spends $98K on new backhoe

By Vera Olinski
OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Council agreed unanimously to buy a new backhoe for $89,000 at a recent work session.

Officials also discussed the pros and cons of buying a used backhoe. Mayor Steve Ciasullo said the borough could not find a certified used backhoe.

He also said that the Department of Public Works supervisor Chris Ross said the new backhoe will be able to do almost everything with some limitations. The borough may require a contractor from time to time due to one or two roads with concrete below the asphalt.

Councilman George Hutnick discussed updating their website with a banner and more current pictures. Councilwoman Regina Rizzo offered to take some new pictures. Hutnick also will readdress contact information for the different departments.

Council President Peter Opilla said Franklin is responsible for meters and valves within the development off of Beardslee Hill Road. He will contact Franklin to change a water valve that feeds 22 houses in the development.

Opilla also said that only 18 or 20 curb boxes still need to be replaced with radio frequency water meters.

The mayor and council have almost finished an extensive project to replace all old water meters with new radio frequency meters in order to insure proper readings.

Officials discussed the Veterans' of Foreign Wars property the borough gave the VFW. However, because the assessment and taxes increased, the VFW wanted to give the property back to the town.

The borough will contact Attorney Richard Brigliadoro to discuss different options.

Ciasullo also said that representatives of each department such as the DPW and Fire Department need to be present at future work sessions to help the borough craft a lean budget.