Perth Amboy Caucus
PERTH AMBOY – At the beginning of the Caucus portion of the 12//11/17 Meetings, Councilman Fernando Irizarry gave an update on the handicapped parking committee that he’s part of. “We were able to get a good portion of the applications looked at, but there is still a lot of work to do. We’re being a lot more aggressive and my term is up. I think it’s time that someone else took over.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez had a question for Irizarry, “What would be the status of people who have a handicapped spot, but they go out of state for a few months. What happens with that spot?”
Irizarry responded, “I’m not sure, but I will report back to you. Just give me the name of the person and their address.”
There was a question on two resolutions dealing with R-478 – a contract with Core Mechanical Inc. for HVC repairs and installation at the Public Safety Complex in an amount not to exceed $75,000. The other resolution was R-483 – a contract with Ramas Climate & Refrigeration LLC for HVAC preventive performance for the Public Safety Complex from 1/1/2018 to 12/31/2018 in an amount not to exceed $18,800.
DPW Director Frank Hoffman came forward, “These two contracts are for better pricing for the City. One is to check the system and the other does the repairs. It is cost savings and not a duplication of services. Each one is working on different parts of the pools.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez had a question about Resolution R-479 – a contract with Accses New Jersey Inc. – CNA Services for custodial services at various City Buildings for a one-year period starting 1/1/2018 and terminating on 12/31/2018 in an amount not to exceed $107,234.74.
Gonzalez asked, “Where was this advertised?”
Hoffman explained, “It’s a State Contract.”
Gonzalez reminded Hoffman, “We had discussions that we should advertise contracts locally so contractors in the area have a chance to bid.”
Hoffman responded, “On some contracts, we do local advertising. It depends. There may have been one or two local companies that may have responded. I have to get the exact number if any did.”
There was also a discussion of whether or not the person handling these custodial services has to be a handicapped employee of CNS Services.
Hoffman later explained, “Although this company has handicapped employees, it is not stipulated that this job has to be done by a handicapped individual. Also, there are 4 Perth Amboy Residents who will be employed.”
On Resolution R-485 – a contract to Power Place Inc. purchase of a John Deere 1025R with Snow Blower and Blade Attachments in an amount not to exceed $21,734.61.
Hoffman explained, “This equipment can assist the Parking Utility because it includes Snowplow attachments. It also has other attachments that can help cut grass and to use for water irrigation.”
There was a question in regard to R-488 – a letter of intent to KaBoom to proceed with an application for funding and assistance to install a community playground on City Property located at Seaman Street Park.
Department of Recreation Director Kenny Ortiz came forward, “KaBoom looked for another 501c3 partner for this project. They have worked with the Y before. The Board of Education has been building fenced off playgrounds with no access for the public. Our park will be open space for use by the school children, too.”
Councilman Fernando Irizarry commented, “Maybe we should reach out to the Board of Education for funds.”
Ortiz continued and stated, “This is only a letter of intent and there will be very little monies coming out of our pockets.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez commented, “Maybe we should talk to the Board of Education about all of their fenced off playgrounds. I heard that maybe the High Street Park might be closed off, too.”
Ortiz addressed these concerns, “We talked to the County. The Vocational School has first priority. We can request time to access the playground. I haven’t heard about the Ceres School and the Patten School being fenced off. It may be a public safety matter. As far as the Seaman Park, we are looking for restoration, renovations, and alternative funding.”
Council President Bill Petrick stated, “I think it’s a great project.”
Ortiz continued, “We use a lot of the school’s indoor spaces. In 2012, we saw a definite need for more playgrounds.”
On Resolution R-489 – Authorizing the P.A.P.D. to sign up with Carfax to assist in making our crash reports available online to the public on a 24/7 basis.
Acting Police Chief Roman McKeon said, “We get funding and charge for the reports. It’s no cost to us. A report requested by Carfax from us. They pay for it and that money comes back to us.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez had a question on Resolution R-497 – Authorizing the Planning Board to investigate whether the properties commonly known as Block 74, Lots 10-14 on the tax map be designated as an area in need of redevelopment.
Annie Hindenlang from the Redevelopment Agency came forward, “This property owner came to us as one of two options.”
The owner of the property, D. LaCruz came up to speak, “We are a family owned business in the middle of the City. There a lot of school kids and traffic. We want to make the property nicer and cleaner. We need to make it profitable for me and safer for the City. Maybe make it apartments.”
Annie Hindenlang finished remarking, “We have to look at the current conditions and we’re supposed to be objective.”
Next, there was a question on R-499 – Amending the Premier Flex Plan to include Bariatric Surgery.
A representative from Fairview (the City’s Insurance Broker) came up to speak, “Most other communities have this in their health plans. It’s only in life threatening conditions and not for cosmetic surgery. The doctor determines if a person qualifies. It has to be medically determined by a doctor and opinions by two bariatric surgeons, plus a mental health expert and a dietician.”
There were several resolutions regarding funding for the library. R-506 thru R-510 dealt with awarding grants for the Perth Amboy Free Public Library. Library Director Eleni Glykis stated, “Some involve getting graphic novels for children and adults. Right now, we have 74 of these types of novels and they have been checked out over 300 times. The English language books attract a lot of the teenage boys. Some of these grants will also allow popup libraries at some of the local businesses.”
During the public portion, Resident Ken Balut again asked about the E-Port PILOT and changes that were made. Balut addressed Councilman Helmin Caba, asking him if he could tell the difference between the PILOT regarding the schools and the City’s taxes. “You guys look bad because you can’t give me an answer.”
Caba responded, “You get no funding for the schools, but the City is getting more. We have to make up the difference in the School funding.”
Balut wasn’t satisfied, “This property has already been flipped. The B.A. is making you look like fools.”
Balut then wanted to know, “Does Fairview (the insurance broker) have an interest in the company that’s the insurer for the bariatric surgery?”
Business Administrator Adam Cruz responded, “Our insurance broker did not approach us about the bariatric surgery issue. It was per a family member request.”
Two Union Representatives, one who was Danny Gonzalez came up later to let the Council know that they support this resolution on bariatric surgery.
The last person to come up to speak from the audience was resident Vince Mackiel. He wanted to let anyone to know who is a Veteran that they are entitled to a tax reduction.
