BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Legislators approved a resolution to approve drug and alcohol testing through BOCES, as well as a budget modification to replace a bridge on the Lacomb Road in Norfolk during a finance committee meeting on April 24.

According to Highway Superintendent Don Chambers, drug and alcohol tests, which are required for commercially licensed drivers, have been conducted through an agreement with BOCES for several years.

Under the terms of the resolution passed on Monday night, Highway and Solid Waste Department employees with a CDL license will continue to have their testing done through an inter-municipal agreement with the Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES.

The service is offered as part of the administrative support services offered through BOCES pursuant to the FMCSA to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Clearinghouse mandate, according to the resolution.

Total cost for the program in 2022 for the Department of Highways came in at $4,454, with a total cost from the Solid Waste Department coming in at just $601.

In other action, legislators also approved a $475,000 budget modification for bridge supplies to replace a bridge on Lacomb Road in Norfolk.

Officials say state regulations limit project funding to $350,000 when using state funds while utilizing in-house labor.

According to the resolution, the Department of Highways plans to construct the bridge with county forces. Officials also noted that the project would exceed the state maximum budget, requiring the budget modification.

​​Legislators also took action to approve the purchase of a dump trailer from multi-use trail funds, to be used for trail maintenance throughout the county.

According to Chambers, in order for maintenance to be conducted currently many volunteers are currently utilizing their own trailers.

When the trail system and subsequent multi-use trail fund was created, it was agreed that all funds were to be used exclusively to establish, maintain and operate the trail system, according to the resolution.

The 2023 budget also included appropriations for the trail fund through the county administrator’s office to support the trail system.

According to the resolution, the St. Lawrence County Trails Advisory Board made the request to purchase the dump trailer to better assist with proper trail maintenance after legislators previously approved the purchase in 2022 but were unable to complete the purchase due to limited funds.

The cost of the trailer will total $6,700, officials say.

All three resolutions now move to the full board for final approval in May.