BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Once again, village of Massena officials have been forced to remind the public of proper procedures for dumping brush at the former Department of Public Works location on South Main Street.

During the Village Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 17, Trustee Ken McGowan reiterated that the location is only for sure by village residents, not out-of-town residents and professional tree cutters.

He said in recent weeks there has been considerable dumping at the site by both groups, drawing the ire of village officials.

McGowan said the location should also not be used for disposing of lumber scraps, as has been seen recently.

“It’s back to the point where we have non-residents that are using the brush pile. For residents, it was meant for brush. It’s not meant for lumber,” he said.

McGowan commented that the added waste means a higher bill for the village since a contractor is needed to chip the pile.

That expense adds up quickly, according to Village Administrator Monique Chatland.

"It costs us $500 per hour, plus a $100 moving fee each time they do it. It adds up fast, especially when there may be trees, limbs or brush being dumped there by people that shouldn't be," she said.

"It's just crazy to me," McGowan said.

He went on further, saying it should be common knowledge that out-of-towners and professionals should not utilize the location for dumping, but times have changed.

If the situation does not improve, trustees say they may have to revert back to locking the gate.

That possibility was recently discussed with DPW Superintendent Marty Miller.

Officials say if the gate were to be locked going forward, individuals would be required to obtain a dumping permit from DPW before dropping off their brush.

That process was described "as a real pain" by trustees but is under consideration unless the situation improves.

Trustees also weighed similar issues last November when similar dumping issues arose.

In that case, Miller said DPW was able to find the individual who dumped 12 stumps and have them removed from the site.

Shortly thereafter, village officials opted to place cameras at the site.

That still hasn't deterred individuals from outside the village from dumping at the site though.

McGowan previously said Miller was in contact with the village police department to handle the situation, but that meant that resources were being allocated to a situation that should not have required police officers to begin with.

Concerns also arose this spring when village officials opted to move spring cleanup to August in order to not conflict with the town of Massena's spring cleanup.

Officials also hoped changing spring cleanup procedures would save both time and money in the long run.

Some officials also questioned why village residents were not allowed to participate in the town wide cleanup despite living in the town and paying the same tax as town residents.

Despite raising those concerns both the town and village pressed forward with their cleanup programs, though both have questioned the cost/benefit ratio of both.

Miller previously said that if unauthorized dumping were to continue and services are maintained as they are now, including spring cleanup, the village may be in financial trouble.

McGowan reiterated that sentiment during the September board meeting, saying the village needed to have a hard look at the figures before committing to continue offering services.

Among them, McGowan said spring cleanup and trash services may need to be trimmed to close a half-million dollar deficit in the next budget.

"I know everyone wants to keep these services they are paying for, I got that. But the costs have continually gone up and no one wants to pay more in taxes. None of us do. But in the end, that's how these services are paid for and something will have to give," he said.

McGowan said he expects to hear more about cleanup efforts in the coming months as the village begins to prepare for next year's budget.

“I’m sure in the next few months we’ll hear some more about the cleanup, if that’s cost-effective. Is that something we really want to keep on the docket here? How much are we spending? When I went and dropped off, the county had no help there and we’re paying for them to be there,” McGowan said.

Chatland said much the same, noting that the village sent two workers during spring cleanup as well.

“I know our guys are busy and they help with a lot of people coming through there. I don’t understand why we should have to send them if the county already has people there, or should,” she said.

Mayor Greg Paquin said he hoped the village would be able to maintain services for residents.

“It’s a shame, that is a really great service for everyone,” he said.

But McGowan commented that costs continue to rise and next year’s budget will be a tight one.

“We’re going to have to really take a look at the budget and see what we can afford to do. I told people last year, if you want to keep these services then taxes will have to go up. I just don’t see it, I don’t see any way around that,” he said.