Ogdensburg to auction extra property

The Ogdensburg Council unanimously approved an online auction resolution Oct. 28,to sell surplus property no longer needed for public use.

Council President Michael Nardini was absent.

Borough Attorney Robert McBriar said a number of municipalities use online auctions, and currently, Ogdensburg is selling: a 1996 Ford dump truck, 2000 New Holland backhoe, 1994 GMC sub wagon, and 1987 Beauthling roller engine.

Other business

Councilman Anthony Nasisi said the borough engineer is finalizing borough hall roof specifications in preparation for securing bids.

Councilwoman Rachel Slater said they hope to complete the Employee Handbook draft by December for council review.

Councilman Peter Opilla said the cost of five retirees’ insurance went up 2 percent from $254 to $282 per month due to paying for a mandatory opioid treatment plan, while the cost of current employees’ state insurance will go down.

Opilla also said he will review a possible employee dental and vision plan in order to save the borough money, per Slater’s recommendation.

Mayor George Hutnick said some of the Clean Community Grants will be used to buy residents insulated, green shopping bags saying, “We Choose to Reuse, Borough of Ogdensburg.” He also said the bags are through the N.J. Clean Communities Council and N.J. Food Council. Officials agreed to buy 1,000 bags at around $2.54 per bag.

Hutnick said Chief Stephen Gordon will move quickly to secure a police officer candidate to be trained. He said the borough hopes to have a new police officer by August, if not sooner.

Additionally, Hutnick reported that Gordon said the borough received 61 pounds of medication during the drug take-back program.

Public comment

School Superintendent David Astor asked about an ordinance to ticket people violating the school driving policy of dropping off and picking up students in the horseshoe parking area. Astor said parents should use the north or south parking lot for drop-off and pickup, even if students are late.

McBriar said he would speak with Gordon to develop an ordinance.

Resident Vicki Schroeder said the Haunted Mine Tour was the best ever, and the eighth grade will go to Boston for free. Before receipts were taken out, she continued, they made around $9,500. Schroeder also thanked the town, fire department, first aid squad, police department, and Historical Society. She said it means a lot to have a community event where everyone helps, and next year’s Haunted Mine Tour will be Oct. 23 and 24.

Astor also thanked the council and community for their support of the students. He said it is great to see the town rally behind an event and for the school to partner with the Sterling Hill Mine Museum, “a phenomenal place.” Furthermore, he said the Sterling Hill Mine has been very supportive in working with students, donating to the school, and opening their doors for the students to go to Boston free for three years in a row.

Slater said Brick & Brew will host an all day Thanksgiving Eve dining, in order to donate proceeds toward the seventh grade’s Boston trip next year.