Ogdensburg Council looks ahead to ‘normalcy’ in 2021

Ogdensburg is planning to promote local businesses and create a community committee to give the borough a boost in 2021.

Mayor George Hutnick said on Jan. 4 that 2020 has been a rough year. But, he said, despite everything, the borough, council, and employees had succeeded in providing some sort of normalcy.

Along with more projects and construction expected in 2021, the borough is creating a spotlight for Ogdensburg businesses to let residents know what the community has to offer. In the next couple of weeks, Hutnick said, pictures and information about local businesses will be posted on Facebook and the borough website.

The council also plans to establish a community committee, run and sponsored by the borough, to give back to the Ogdensburg residents through programs.

“When the coronavirus starts to break and clear up, which it will, we want to try to get back to a sense of normalcy,” Hutnick said.

He said the borough is looking forward to Ogdensburg Day, the Miss Ogdensburg Pageant, Senior Nights for local senior citizens, and kids’ nights for showing movies — all to bring the community back together.

“It is time that we give back and start creating the town which we used to have,” he said.

Councilwoman Rachel Slater, who was unanimously appointed to be council president on Jan. 4, said the fire department is planning to have a bonfire either on Jan. 23 or Jan. 30.

Also at the Jan. 4 reorganization meeting, Robin Hough, the borough clerk/registrar, administered the oath of office to Councilman Michael Nardini for a three-year term. Newly elected Councilman Alfonse A. DeMeo was unable to attend the meeting. Councilwoman Brenda O’Dell was also absent.

Council meetings will be held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m., except for the October meeting, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.