Frank Hoffman Appointed Department of Public Works Director;
Jamie Rios Appointed Code Enforcement Director
City Employees pose for a photo with DPW Director Frank Hoffman *Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – Resolution: R-84-2/16 – Consenting to the appointment of Frank Hoffman as the Director of the Department of Public Works.Resolution R-85-2/16 Consenting to the appointment of Jamie Rios as Director of Code Enforcement.
There was overwhelming support for the two newly appointed DPW and Code Enforcement Directors. There were several employees for the Department of Public Works who praised Frank Hoffman, who worked his way up through the ranks to become the new leader.
Perth Amboy Democratic Chair Billy Delgado commended the two individuals, “Hoffman should be appointed. His department worked 40-50 hours nonstop during the recent storm. I have known Jamie Rios for 25 years and I’m astounded as to how much he has accomplished in the short period of time as the Acting Director of Code Enforcement. Since Rios has been the acting head of that department, they have been working 7 days a week and have been getting more work done through the use of smartphones. All necessary permits are on site when work is being done. Now only one inspector is needed at the courthouse so others in that department can be out in the field. Rios is also a resident of the City.”
After Delgado’s remarks, an employee from Code Enforcement came up to speak. That employee said, “It’s a pleasure to come to work now. Rios preaches customer service and tells us how to educate the public. I’ve seen more people cleaning up their properties. We have weekly update meetings. If he’s done this much in six months, imagine what he’ll do in one year.”
The next speaker was Gregory Pabon, a Democratic Committeeman who has been impressed with Code Enforcement under the leadership of Rios, “Whenever I call about a problem I’m having in my district, Code Enforcement responds very quickly. That’s all that I’ve come up here to say.”
Mayor Diaz then spoke, “Every appointment I’ve made has been to benefit the City. Employees are uplifted in these departments (Code Enforcement and DPW). Diaz echoed Delgado’s comments, “Code Enforcement has been working 7 days a week.” She asked the Council to appoint Frank Hoffman (DPW Director), Jamie Rios (Code Enforcement Director) and Adam Cruz (as Business Administrator).
Geri Barcheski, herself a 27 year City Employee, who has periodically acted as Interim Public Works Director during periods of transition spoke next. “In the time I’ve been in Public Works, I’ve worked under 9 different Directors. We are concerned with the health and safety of the residents of the City. We are proud of the work we do. Hoffman is tough, but fair and we’ve had more training under him. The work relations and morale are up in the department. Hoffman has the confidence, intelligence, skills and knows how to get it done. Please make Hoffman the Public Works Director. It’s the best decision you’ll make. He was born and raised here. People in our department start work at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. We do work that we are not even responsible for.”
DPW Supervisor Hector Polidura spoke, “Hoffman and I worked as City mechanics and we both worked our way up. The staff has worked long hours and many days with little rest. Hoffman respects feedback from employees. There are positive changes in the office and responses from the residents. Under Hoffman’s watch, there have been better communications.” Polidura pleaded with the Council to put politics aside and to look at the work all the departments are doing – not just Code Enforcement and the Department of Public Works.
An employee who has been in the DPW since 1991 remarked about the snowstorm we had this past January. He was proud to report, “Our town had many roads cleared in 3 days compared to some of the towns in surrounding communities. We are so happy with Mr. Hoffman, that we threw a party for him to show our appreciation.”
Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Danny Cleaver came up to speak, “I am a 27 year employee. We had another good Director (Ken Schwartz) who retired. When Schwartz retired, Hoffman stepped in as Public Works Director and did a good job until a permanent replacement could be found for Schwartz. In that short period of time, Hoffman had to do the budget for Public Works and he did a good job and brought it under budget. Both Hoffman and Jamie Rios are dedicated employees.”
Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I was impressed by the employees who came up to speak about these two individuals (Hoffman and Rios). Three of the most important departments in the City are the Police, Public Works and Code Enforcement. Sometimes people in these departments may think that no one is watching them when they’re working at certain hours. But, there are a lot of people who are looking when you’re working at all different hours of the day. I know, because we get complaints from these people. I know the employees said we are short of manpower and equipment, but that’s why we (the Council) are here so you can tell us exactly what you need.”
Hoffman’s appointment was moved and passed unanimously.
After Hoffman was approved as Public Works Director by the Council, the DPW employees and many others at the Council Meeting stood up, cheered and applauded for that decision. Hoffman stood up with a big smile on his face and thanked the DPW for being here and supporting him. He asked the Council to please vote for Rios as well.
Rios’ appointment was moved and passed unanimously as well.
Hoffman complimented the new Code Enforcement Director, Jamie Rios whom he sided as being a “very understanding director.” He added, “Rios has to be a disciplinarian as well as a leader.”
