O-Burg council selects $380K bid for Heater's Pond project

By Vera Olinski
OGDENSBURG — The Ogdensburg Borough Council unanimously awarded Aug. 14 the Heater's Pond Dam armoring bid to Ron-Jon Construction Corp., of Butler, in the amount of $379,998. Ron-Jon Construction was the lowest of six bidders ranging to over $1 million.
Engineer Peter W. Olieman, of Cherry, Weber & Associates, said, the contractor will probably start lowering the pond water shortly after Sept. 15, put up a temporary dam and pump the water past the dam. Due to a tree removal restriction, Olieman continued, trees cannot be cut down until sometime in November. If the weather cooperates, he added, the contractor could finish armoring the dam in December. However, it may take a little longer.
In light of the discussion, Mayor Steve Ciasullo recommended contacting Solitude Management to possibly change water treatment plans due to the pond water plants being exposed to the air after lowering the pond water.
Councilman Peter Opilla recommended the Department of Public Works possibly pulling plants out while the water is lower.
Council President Rachel Slater said the new Heater's Pond fountain should be installed this week. She also said, that Councilman Anthony Nasisi was able to fix the old aerator for use.
The council unanimously approved the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Statewide Crackdown.” Sgt. Joseph Sanfilippo — who applied for the grant — explained the increased driving enforcement will run from Aug. 18 through Sept. 4, and the town will receive a New Jersery Division of Highway Traffic Safety grant of $5,500 for borough participation.
Councilman Robert Gunderman reported the new security system in the police station is up and running. He gave credit to Police Chief Stephen Gordon for all his work.
Councilman Anthony Nasisi explained that the Ogdensburg Recreation Association will host the Heater's Pond “Music and Wine Fest” event Friday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. The fundraiser is open to all surrounding towns and will feature food by Eddie and the Briquettes, Cava Wineries wine tasting, music by Kayla Baker, Andrea Nies' Band, plus a bonfire. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Nasisi also confirmed the municipal clerk ad ran in the Sunday, Aug. 13, paper.