Categorized | Carousel, News

Arbitration vs. Mediation; Search & Rescue Grant

10/11/17 Council Meeting

PERTH AMBOY – During the public comments, Resident Stanley Sierakowski came up to the podium to again speak about R-403-10/17

Sierakowski commented, “That’s a reasonable fee for these groups since the firm he (Codey) belongs to specializes in conflict resolution and arbitration. Who made the suggestion of a mediator as opposed to an arbitrator? Woodbridge is the strongest dog in this fight. If you have a strong case, then the law is on your side. Carteret and Perth Amboy are in a stronger position.”

Law Director Peter King answered Sierakowski’s question, “The reason for a mediator as opposed to an arbitrator is because if you have an arbitrator, you are locked in. You need 3 arbitrators: yours, the other side, and neutral. We don’t want to be bound by certain arbitrators. A mediator brings people together with allocation. If you are in a binding arbitration, you’ll get hurt.”

Resident Ken Balut came up to speak about R-384-10/17 Designating custodians for Open Public Records Act (OPRA). When Balut aired his grievances about his lost OPRA  file.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry answered Balut, “The files are with the County. Someone in City Hall knew it was missing. Stop saying things that are not true!”

Balut continued, “I put an OPRA in and I didn’t get it. I still didn’t get any paperwork.”

Irizarry said, “Ask the County!”

Resident David Caba commented on R-395, R-396, and R-397. These Resolutions were regarding litigation with the City and other parties. “Everything there is a settlement,” Caba said.

Council President Bill Petrick answered, David Caba, “These are workplace injuries. The law of the State of New Jersey states if you are hurt on the job, you are entitled to compensation.”

During the Meeting, Councilman Fernando Irizarry asked to pull R-394, R-398, and R-401 for discussion. R-384-R-397, R-399, R-400, R-402–R-405 were voted upon and unanimously accepted.

Resolution R-398 was discussed first. Irizarry asked if Second Chance meant secondhand vests.

Council President Petrick answered, “No, it’s the brand name.” R-398 was voted on and unanimously accepted.

R-401 was then discussed. Irizarry asked, “How many (are needed) dive and rescue team? What does the Police and Fire Department have to do with a rescue team?”

Cruz answered, “The Fire Department has 4 shifts and the Police Department has 3 shifts. We need to coordinate to have enough of a response time.”

Irizarry insisted, “That doesn’t justify this.”

Cruz then added, “That doesn’t mean the City getting a grant?”

Irizarry then argued, “To work out who can cover which jurisdiction?”

Cruz then stated, “The Fire and Police Departments work together here every day.”

Irizarry then stated, “I’ve heard that before. Eventually the grant money runs out and we (the City) have to pay.”

Councilman Joel Pabon then said, “I’ve been part of some of the search and rescue that goes on in the Waterfront. There are some personnel from other towns who come here (when needed). Our Waterfront is becoming more active. When response time comes, people react. You get to see all of this. People that are not on the payroll are involved. Search and Rescue Dogs and other things you don’t think off. I’m glad about bringing all this equipment here. I know the expenses. When the Chief came in, he was glad to have equipment. If we continue to use the Waterfront, we have to keep our City safe.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez added, “Not everyone is a swimmer or a diver. The fact  is we’re purchasing $230,000 in equipment we wish we had before. It is something that is needed. Three years down the road, the Fire and Police Department will be well trained.”

Councilman Helmin Caba said, “I agree with Councilmen Joel Pabon and Fernando Gonzalez. If we open up the beach and something does happen, this will be needed.”

Councilman Irizarry said, “Every time we say it’s for safety, 3 years later we won’t have the money. Somewhere we have to draw the line. Sooner or later, we have to say no. In a few years the citizens will have to pay for this.”

R-401 passed unanimously.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400