2/14/18 Council Meeting
PERTH AMBOY – There was discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2 entitled “Streets and Sidewalks” and regarding “Street Excavation.”
Resident Vince Mackiel asked if there would be exceptions to this.
Council President Bill Petrick responded that they are still working on the gas lines.
Mackiel then asked if the City is still doing the water contract.
B.A. Cruz went on to explain that the utility companies could open up the streets at any time of the year in an emergency situation such as problems with the water pressure. “You can only open up the areas that are affected by the emergency. The water is a City Utility. The NJEIP is our funding source. Utilities can’t spend more than the actual repair.”
Councilman Fernando Irizarry questioned if utility representatives can be present at pre-construction meetings.
Council President Petrick replied, “Yes, we can do that.”
Ordinance No. 2 was moved by Irizarry and seconded by Gonzalez.
Resident Sharon Hubberman came up to speak about Ordinance No. 3 entitled “Public Entertainment” regarding Special Events/Application Process. Hubberman was concerned because she had applied way in advance to hold an event in a public City Park. “I had to cancel the event because I got permission too late (the day before the event). The turnaround time (to respond back) is too long. There needs to be an application process regarding the turnaround time for approval.”
B.A. Cruz responded, “We are streamlining the approval process. The Business Administrator Department will receive the applications.”
Ordinance No. 3 was moved by Irizarry and seconded by Gonzalez.
There was a discussion by the Council about Ordinance No. 1 First Reading entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” regarding stop sign at Buckingham Avenue and High Street.
Councilman Irizarry asked, “Why a 4-way sign?”
Acting Police Chief Roman McKeon came up to speak, “Although there’s not a lot of traffic flow on Buckingham, during the peak hours traffic backs up.”
Councilman Helmin Caba finished the discussion, “When Harbortown finishes (building up), we will need a traffic light.”
