4/27/16 Council Meeting

PERTH AMBOY – R-204 involving the YMCA – There were concerns about the service agreement.

Resident Ken Balut said, “You are subsidizing a private organization. “How can you make a decision on the Y without an audit? The UEZ gave the Y money. The UEZ money was misused.”

R-204 was tabled to the next Council Meeting.

Y CEO Steve Jobin was confused as to why the Council tabled R-204. “We (the YMCA) met with the City in closed session on April 11, 2016. We answered many of the questions presented to us on Monday (4/25/16) at the Caucus Meeting. Now we want our questions answered. What is the status? And why can’t we get this Resolution done today?”

Council President Lisa Nanton told Jobin, “The contract has a different language and it will be put on the next Regular Council Meeting.”

When Jobin answered back to Council President Nanton, he stated, “It’s very disheartening how Balut is spewing lies about the Y. In December of 2008 we occupied in the new location (New Brunswick Avenue) with a 20 year lease and renewable with another 20 year contract. The contract was $1 million in 2007.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez was concerned when he stated, “The City has paid utilities on that facility and they have been bearing the cost.”

The Amboy Guardian contacted Steve Jobin for some clarifications.

Steve Jobin gave a breakdown on the monthly cost (The Y pays the City $8700 a month). “In April 2011, a lump sum of $40,000 was paid the City. After that point, we have doubled that payment  to $15,000/mo to help pay on the arrears. This is which is $140,000 more than the contract calls for.”

Gonzalez retorted back with the following statements: “It’s running $28,000 to cover the cost of the Y. Now you’ll be paying $22,000 for a cost of $34,000 that the utilities alone are costing now. The previous mayor had a poor agreement with the Y. I think the Y should do the original 20 years, then renegotiate. $12,000 a month for the next 12 years – I have to protect the citizens.”

Steve Jobin gave a comparison, “The Little League gets grants and a lot of maintenance of their fields are done by public works besides other free amenities.”

Gonzalez gave these parting words, “I appreciate that you are fighting for the Y, but I am fighting for the citizens of Perth Amboy.”

The Amboy Guardian requested that Steve Jobin read at the 4/27/16 Council Meeting. He provided us with an outline of the YMCA’s contribution to the community. (See Below)