1/11/16 Caucus Meeting Pubic Comments

PERTH AMBOY – Former Policeman/Councilman and Current Resident Ken Balut wanted to know if the City paid for the B.A.’s vacation. “We picked the highest bid for lawyer – $195 an hour. We gave the Interim B.A. $30,000 more than what the previous Business Administrator received. Our regular employees received low raises. We promote people with grey areas (unqualified). There are going to be two secretaries and one other employee that will be working on the ID Program. There was a no bid contract for $100,000 for the Solar Parking Pay Stations. Money is bleeding out of taxpayers.”

Resident Stanley Sierakowski said, “I am still researching bids – some of which were sealed. Did she (Law Director Arlene Quinones Perez) renegotiate with her law firm?”

Sierakowski also mentioned  one of Officers who was promoted (Carmelo Jimenez). “Did Jimenez give the Deputy Police Chief documentation of work done when he was not in town?”

Resident Reinaldo Aviles told the Council, “When bids are given out for contracts, you do not have to take the low bid.” He also wanted to congratulate the Mayor on her decision to make Kenneth L. Gonzalez as the Presiding Judge (in Perth Amboy Municipal Court). “I observed him and he did a great job in court.”

Aviles also reminded the Council, “When you go into closed session, you’re supposed to go into more detail about the items that will be discussed.”

Resident and Perth Amboy Republican Chair Sharon Hubberman came up to speak, “If you (the Council) are unable to enforce an ordinance – then why have them?”

Hubberman also had a few words to say about the Municipal ID Program, “The ID enhances the growth of government. The cost and effort – what is the purpose? You need to weigh the cost and totality of the implementation. This has failed in New York. I’m not for this expense without a more detailed cost and how it will be regulated. You’re using staff from the Recreation and Human Services. This should be done under the Vital Statistics Department.”

Resident and Business Owner Susan Batista said, “When you go into closed session and it says “Litigation” this is not in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. You must give the case you’ll be talking about. I have put in requests for the minutes of the closed sessions. Your Resolution is not legal if you don’t comply. I’m trying to get information on my case (lawsuit) to see if it was discussed in closed session.”

Resident and Businessman David Caba addressed Councilman Bill Petrick regarding the video that was released on the Dixon Rodriguez shooting. “The video was released because a private citizen requested it. I heard there was a second video. I hope it’s not true because it could be a bombshell. We don’t know who was in possession of the video and the one that was shown was inconclusive. If you (the Council) are hiding information you should resign.”

Resident Alan Silber spoke next, “I brought it out when Joe Vas was in office; the bid process was discussed. Now it’s said that we need a specific law firm (DeCotiis).”

Silber then questioned the Council regarding Police promotions, “Is it mandatory to give promotions based on high test scores and disregard other factors? We’re talking about the credibility of the Mayor and Police. We have to believe that the Police are abiding by the rules. This cop was not the only one that got promoted with a blemished record.”

Police Chaplain and Resident Gregory Pabon referenced a speaker who talked about the School Board Meeting. This Resident shouted from the audience that it was a done deal  between the Housing Authority and the Board of Education about the land for the High School. G. Pabon cautioned that it’s not a done deal (land deal) about the Housing Authority. “HUD has to have the final approval.” He continued, “When a person is up here speaking at the podium, they should not be interrupted by people in the audience. This interruption has to stop.”

Mayor Diaz came up to speak about some of the residents’ comments. “We are a Civil Service community. People try to disparage the ceremony. We are hiring 13 more police officers to be sworn in this week (1/14/16) and the community is invited to attend.”  She was happy to report that work is being started in Bayview Park. “The High Street Park is fenced in. As far as the Municipal ID Program, we spoke with the community and the people in the business district and they’re excited about it. The ID’s can be issued to those age 14 years and up.”

Housing Authority Commissioner Dot Daniel reiterated what Gregory Pabon stated, “There is no done deal in regards to the land for the high school. The Board of Ed agreed to pay our offer and nothing else.” She also told the Council that she appreciated the flashing stop sign at the intersection of Buckingham and  High Street. “There are a lot of good people and I’m wishing you all a productive year. You also have a gavel and can remove people.”