6/20/16 Caucus

PERTH AMBOY – David Benyola, Deputy Municipal Department Head at the City of Perth Amboy, presented a slide show and fielded questions from the Council about the success so far of the Municipal ID Program. “Since it’s implementation, it has generated $16,331. 791 Adults, 46 Seniors and 27 Youth have signed up. We keep no ID’s on site. City, State or Law Enforcement will not have access to the database.”

Law Director Arlene Quinones said, “Expired documents can be used to get an ID Card.”

This prompted Councilman Bill Petrick to ask, “What kind of documents could be used?”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez asked, “Can we just use expired picture documents?”

Benyola confirmed, “It has to be a picture ID.”

Council President stressed, “A Perth Amboy Address with a picture must be on that document.”

Quinones-Perez stated, “All documents that are needed are listed in Section 4 of the application.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry questioned why there was a transgender eligibility documentation.”

Dave Benyola responded, “Because it’s been in the news lately.”

Quinones-Perez stated, “The transgender community is still having trouble with State ID’s.”

Benyola came back and stated, “The transgender designation is optional.”

Councilman Irizarry questioned the total amount of time  the City Employees are used to implement and continue this program.

Benyola responded, “There are total of three employees – one full time that works 35 hours a week, one part time at 15 hours a week and one employee that works on Saturday for 3 hours a week.”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “Employees are working on other things than just the ID Program.”

Benyola also reminded everyone, “We have a point system just like the Department of Motor Vehicles has.”

Irizarry wondered, “Who is considered a Perth Amboy Resident?”

Benyola stated, “I’ll find out.”