City Manager Files Notice Of Claim

Ogdensburg City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra has taken preliminary steps to file legal action against some representatives of the city.

"I believe that some of my rights both as an individual and as a city employee have been violated by some representatives of the city," said Mr. Sciorra in a written statement.

City Clerk Kathleen Bouchard said Mr. Sciorra has filed a Notice of Claim with the city. A Notice of Claim is a legally required step for any individual wishing to file a lawsuit against a municipality.

"The law mandates me to send a Notice of Claim to the city before I actually bring the matter before the appropriate jurisdiction," wrote Mr. Sciorra. "The city has 30 days to investigate the matter."

Mr. Sciorra, who has hired attorney Gilles R. Abitbol of Syracuse, did not say in which court his action would originate or who his complaint would be directed toward, but Deputy Mayor Michael D. Morley confirmed that he had received the notice.

"I will have to leave any comments to my attorney," said Mr. Morley, who said that he was being represented by the Wladis Law Firm of East Syracuse.

Sources who have asked not to be named have told the Times that Mr. Sciorra has singled out Mr. Morley, Mayor William D. Nelson and former city planner J. Justin Woods. Defamation and breach of contract are among the charges he's bringing.

Mr. Sciorra's move can be taken as a sign that he intends to sue the city, as a Notice of Claim is not necessary for bringing legal action against any individual.

The notice comes after a prolonged conflict between Mr. Sciorra and members of the Ogdensburg CIty Council over who should be held responsible for problems in the city's housing programs. Mr. Morley and Mr. Nelson have accused Mr. Sciorra of lying to and withholding information from the City Council about 819 Knox Street, a city-owned house in which a family was allowed to live for three years without paying rent or taxes. Mr. Sciorra has denied any wrongdoing in the affair.

"Unfortunately, my reputation, my character, and my standing in the community have been under fire," said Mr. Sciorra's statement. "The pressure has put a strain on my family and jeopardized my future career as a city manager."

Mr. Sciorra's employment with the city was also a subject raised during Ogdensburg's mayoral and City Council elections, when nearly all of the candidates agreed it was time for the city to part ways with Mr. Sciorra.

"I am prepared to address any issue dealing with my performance as a city manager in court," Mr. Sciorra's statement said.

Mr. Nelson could not be reached for comment.

Watertown Times staff writer Brian Amaral contributed to this report.