BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Massena village trustees are putting out contracts to bid that would allow the village to hire companies to remove debris from properties that are in violation of village code.

Trustees approved the measure during the March 18 board meeting.

According to Mayor Greg Paquin, Department of Public Works employees have typically carried out those duties, including a week-long cleanup of properties on Sycamore Street. Those properties have had numerous issues in recent years with multiple code violations ranging from unsafe living conditions to trash and debris buildup. In response, code enforcement officers condemned the properties and sealed them off last year.

Paquin said by contracting for the service, DPW workers will be able to dedicate their time to other duties that benefit taxpayers.

"This will hopefully free up our village guys. I think it's a great idea," he said.

Freeing up DPW employees has been a priority with a number of resolutions of late due to the downsized department.

Trustee Ken McGowan noted that DPW Superintendent Marty Miller was operating with what he called a "skeleton crew" to cover many duties throughout the village.

McGowan noted that the contracted service could potentially be a cost saver for the village.

Companies interested in bidding must have a minimum of one year of experience and the proper insurance for the job. All proposals must be submitted to the village administrator by April 11 at 2 p.m.

The contract is slated to run from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025.

Officials say properties will be listed throughout the course of the year after review by code enforcement officers. Once approved, the contractor that will be hired is to remediate the property.

Trustees will also be seeking bids from qualified companies to mow properties in violation of village code as well.

Interested companies for mowing are also due to the village administrator by April 11 at 2 p.m. as well.