3/21/16 Caucus Meeting

PERTH AMBOY – Topic for Discussion: Handicapped Ordinance. Councilman Bill Petrick started the discussion regarding the revision of the handicapped ordinance. This has been bounced around for months. A committee had been formed in order to discuss how handicapped permits should be issued. That committee consisted of the City Clerk, the Police Department and  Code Enforcement.

Councilman
William Petrick

Petrick said, “The ordinance is ominous.” He Echoed the same sentiments that City Clerk Elaine Jasko has said in the past about this handicapped ordinance. No one on a committee has the qualifications to determine if an applicant’s medical conditions qualifies them for a handicapped space or sign in front of the residence.

Petrick continued, “Our former B.A. (Greg Fehrenbach) was concerned about too many handicapped spots in the business district. We need to rescind the last handicapped ordinance that we voted on and put it back to what it was before.”

Councilman Joel Pabon, who was acting as Council President in the absence of Lisa Nanton interjected, “Handicapped spaces were being abused by people who I felt really didn’t need it. There are handicapped persons who live in a house and they never leave that house. Other family members residing with that person have handicapped parking placards in their  own vehicle.”

Petrick spoke again and said, “No one in City Hall wants to make a determination on a person’s medical condition.”

Councilman
Fernando Irizarry

Law Director Arlene Quniones-Perez reminded the Council that they passed the amended handicapped ordinance, “But it is not in effect yet.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said, “People are concerned about some of the specifics in the law. If we the Council are not comfortable about anything in the ordinance, then we should look at it and make the appropriate changes instead of rescinding it altogether.”

Petrick spoke again and said, “This is not just for renewals, but for new applicants.”

Elaine Jasko, Perth Amboy City Clerk

Councilman Gonzalez also cautioned that this amended ordinance is going to be in effect now since the old ordinance is not in effect.”

City Clerk Jasko told the Council that in the past applicants would bring in their placards and proper documents to get their handicapped space reissued.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry said, “I understand that this ordinance is not asking the committee to review an applicant’s medical diagnosis. We are just asking them to bring necessary documents from their physicians, the Division of Motor Vehicles and any other agency that’s required.”

Law Director Quinones-Perez said, “The committee will review the documents of the applicants and make sure they are authentic. The committee can consist of one Council Member, a representative from the Police Department and three Non-Council Members.

Jasko also told the Council, “Applicants renew their handicapped licenses every 3 years.”

Council Member Fernando Irizarry said, “At this point, I am not in favor of rescinding this resolution.”

Councilman Petrick said he had concerns about the confidentiality when people on the committee are reviewing the medical information of applicants.”

At this point, Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano said, “If it makes those on the committee feel better, my department can make the final determination.”

Councilman Gonzalez said, “Anyone who feels they really need a handicapped spot won’t mind going through the process.”

Law Director Arlene Quinones-Perez said, “Renewals will be up in December of this year.”

Acting Council President Joel Pabon said, “The main criteria for an applicant getting a handicapped spot is mobility issues.