PERTH AMBOY – The sole purpose of this meeting was to hold a Public Hearing on the 2015 Budget Amendments and possible adoption of the 2015 Budget as amended.

All Council Members were present, along with Business Administrator Jillian Barrick, CFO Jill Goldy and City Clerk  Elaine Jasko.

Resident and Planning Board Member Karen Kubulak had questions about funding of the Master Plan. She said, “$7000 was given from the Council for funding to examine the Master Plan. I attended a Steering Committee Meeting that included Annie Hindenlang (Executive Director Office of Economic and Community Development Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency) and Councilman Joel Pabon. During that Meeting, they gave an estimated date of November of this year for a study to be done which included pedestrian and vehicular traffic when amending the Focus 2000 Plan. The $7000 awarded to the Planning Board is not enough for us to cover our expenses. The Engineering Attorney expenses is part of the Planning Board Budget. There were three different firms that are looking to do work for the Master Plan. I don’t know if they were hired by the City. There might be duplicate work being done. Right now, the Planning Board is between attorneys. At the Meeting that I went to where Pabon and Hindenlang  were talking, I don’t know how the Engineers will be paid for the different aspects of work that they will be doing. Some funding is from escrow accounts and other sources. I, myself don’t have any proposals to be sent. I have not had a chance to talk to the engineer. You have to have public hearings for any forthcoming projects and we (The Planning Board) will have to review them.”

Councilman Joel Pabon told those in attendance, “Some of the work on the Second Street Site is being funded through grants.”

Business Administrator Jillian Barrick added, “CDBG [Community Development Block Grants] are funding a lot of the projects and other elements that will come into the Master Plan. I don’t know how much of the CDBG Grants will cover the Planning Board Budget. Also Ms. Hindenlang has been in communications with the Planning Board and will apprise them of everything that is going on. A lot of work is being done by professionals.” [Pertaining to the Master Plan]”

Councilman and Planning Board Member Bill Petrick interjected, “We just want to make sure that there’s no duplication of services.”

Barrick continued, “It’s our intention for the Planning Board to be informed of everything we are doing in reference to the Master Plan. There is $18,000 Budget for the Planning Board, plus the $7000 additional that the Council approved for a total of $25,000. The City Engineer is doing part of his normal duties, which is already budgeted for.”

Resolution R-185-4/15 adopting the CY2015 Budget as amended was moved by Councilman Bill Petrick and seconded by Councilman Joel Pabon.