OGDENSBURG — The city’s public ice skating rink needs a new mechanical caretaker.

The 32-year-old Zamboni that has maintained the ice at the Richard G. Lockwood Civic Center is dying and its engine already has been rebuilt twice.

A third rebuilt engine plus a full overhaul would cost $24,000.

“The engine is burning coolant,” said Parks and Recreation Director Matthew J. Curatolo. “It’s on its way out.”

The City Council gave Mr. Curatolo its blessing Monday to travel to New Jersey to check out a used 1993 propane-fueled Zamboni with a $32,000 price tag. If he likes it, the money to pay for it will be taken from the Public Works Department’s vehicle budget.

The other options, Mr. Curatolo told the council, are priced out of consideration. A new electric-powered Zamboni can be had for $120,000. A propane-powered model costs $95,000, which is $1,000 more than one that runs on gasoline.

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