3/26/18 Caucus
PERTH AMBOY – City Clerk Elaine Jasko advised the Council that she needed to have two items added to the agenda. Teh first one involved someone who applied someone who applied for a handicapped spot who did not have the money for an application fee in February 2017. “The Handicapped Committee does not want to make a decision of a fee waiver.”
Council President Bill Petrick requested that financial statements be asked of the applicant, so the Council could make the determination.”
Jasko then asked the Council when they wanted to have the Budget Hearings. “Right now, there are two available dates: April 2 or April 16. There’s a possibility that we can have the hearings on April 12 if we reschedule the Zoning Board Meeting.”
Councilman Fernando Irizarry thought April 2 was too early. Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said he would not be here until after April 16.
Towards the end of the discussion, it was suggested to have the meetings (Budget Hearings) moved to a different location and later in the day so the public could attend.
The Meeting continued – Ordinance No. 1. Irizarry then asked that Ordinance No. 1 regarding adding a title Non-union and Management be discussed in closed session.
Jasko responded that it is already scheduled.
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez then added, “We have not issued a Rice Notice to the person involved in this Ordinance.”
Next, there was a lengthy discussion regarding equipment for the Scuba Diving Team. There were two bids: one was for equipment such as a Digital CHIP Side Scan Sonar System. The second item was for Scuba Aqualung Hazmat Dry Suits and Accessories.
Acting Fire Chief Ed Mullen came up to give more detailed information. He stated, “We have specific bidders (who carry certain equipment because of geographic regions). Some of the equipment is interchangeable between the two types of boats that we have. The Scuba Diving Dry Suits and Accessories will have a lifespan of between 10 years to 20 years and come with a standard warranty. This is the fourth part of Rescue and Diving Grants. We get a 75% discount, which is also assisted with FEMA Grants. At the end of the life for these grants, we’ll put in for additional grants. By July 1, our team should be up and running.”
Council President Bill Petrick asked about the training sessions.
Mullen responded, “Training is at the YMCA, Raritan Bay, and Ice Breaking Training is done in Pennsylvania. The lifeguards that we use for the Safety Course Instructions are familiar with our waters.”
Councilman Joel Pabon was pleased about the Scuba Team getting this equipment. “We (the City) always ask for outside units to help us find someone in the waters. This equipment is worth every penny. We have to protect our Waterfront and those who use it.”
Irizarry took a different approach, “No disrespect to this unit, but we can’t afford this, especially with the government budget caps and cuts.”
Gonzalez disagreed with Irizarry, “We can create something unique to benefit the City. We’re paying 25 cents out of every dollar, which is worth it.”
Councilman Helmin Caba said, “I agree with Councilmen Pabon and Gonzalez. We can’t put a price on a life.”
Mullen finished up the discussion stating, “This is already earmarked.”
DPW Director Frank Hoffman came up and spoke about R-126-3/18 – To supply and install a new fuel force 894-K fuel management system under a state contract in an amount not to exceed $27,100. “This is to replace the old system which cannot be upgraded and be used for diesel and gasoline. The IT guy said we need a new system.
Hoffman spoke about R-127-3/18 Awarding a contract to Jersey Elevator Company, Inc. for preventive maintenance and minor repairs in an amount not to exceed $60,000. He stated, “This is for the City Elevator for the Power System and other safety parts.”
Petrick asked, “Will everything be in one package?”
Hoffman said, “That is correct.”
Irizarry then asked how long it will take to get the elevator working in City Hall.
Hoffman answered, “Two months.”
Hoffman then spoke about R-128-3/18 – Extending the contract with Thyssenkrupp Elevator Corp. for preventive maintenance and service of elevators at the Public Safety Complex for an additional $11,803 to an amount not to exceed the sum of $31,803. “This is for minor elevator repairs.”
The last item he spoke about was R-129-3/18 – Authorizing submission of a recycling enhancement grant application. “This is to expand the Recycling Center of the southwest corner beyond our gate. It will make the flow of traffic easier.”
Deputy Chief Larry Cattano came up to speak about Resolution – R-130-3/18 – Purchasing a 2018 Ram Promaster Cargo Van 2500 in an amount not to exceed the sum of $28,130.78. “This vehicle is to replace a Tahoe and will also make it easier to process a crime scene. It will allow us to do fingerprints and tape interviews on site. Regarding R-131-3/18 – The purchase of four 2018 Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles in a total amount not to exceed $109,148 is to replace old Crown Victoria Vehicles.”
Mullen came back to explain R-135-3/18 – Purchasing Scuba Diving Equipment in an amount not to exceed $52,601.60. “This hardware equipment which is part of the Security Grant Award.”
R-136-3/18 was explained by Council President Petrick – Authorizing a contract with Edmunds & Assoc. for utility billing, work order, and online inquire and payment software and conversion of water/sewer accounts data in an amount not to exceed $39,100. “This is to bring the work inhouse instead of it being done by the water company.”
City Engineer Jeff Rauch came forward to talk about the performance bonds for BRIDGE Development Partners LLC for specific blocks and lots. “This is the E-port #1 Property.”
Petrick asked if the three buildings already put up met all of the requirements to get their release of the return of their cash bonds.
Rauch said, “Yes, except one bond is being held because they have to finish landscaping. All other bond requirements were completed to our satisfaction.”
During the public portion, Resident Stanley Sierakowski came up to speak. He questioned Ordinance No. 1 Re: Non-Union and Management title. “The Board of Adjustment Attorney had been eliminated. Who will be their Acting Attorney?”
Petrick responded, “It will be a contract person.”
B.A. Adam Cruz added, “It was removed in the ordinance.”
Sierakowski then questioned, “Is the current Executive Director (of PARA) an employee or consultant? And is she in the pension system? Does the position entitle it to be in the pension system or even entitled to health benefits? Also, did Peter King write a letter in regards to appointments (on Boards) yet?”
Petrick said, “King is on vacation right now.”
Resident Ken Balut came up to speak. He was again annoyed because the PILOT money could have been used for the school system. “The Mayor did not know how much money was given away due to the PILOTS. You should also talk about the Chaplains who left. I heard that money for the homeless was mishandled. How many new City hirees were involved in the political campaigns? The schools and the City are being shafted.”
Resident Alan Silber came up. He stated, “We didn’t get a good explanation of the City Budget Cap Increase. The $619,000 increase is necessary. I know a lot of people don’t know what these increases mean.” Silber then told the Council they should demand backup material (on Agenda Items) a week before the Meeting. You should ask about Mr. Walensky (Parking Utility). You guys need a staff. If there’s an item on the agenda, it should be discussed in public. You need a person to help you look through 400-page budget. You should ask why certain paragraphs of the Nepotism (ordinance) were eliminated.”
Resident David Caba addressed Councilman Irizarry, “Have you driven through town lately? Someone said our roads are worse than Cuba.”
Caba then addressed the real estate market in Perth Amboy, “Since 2015, the real estate has decreased. Kushner left, and his property is still abandoned. In the past few years, real estate has doubled in other towns. Why hasn’t the real estate gone up on the Landings? The developer made all these promises that he broke, but he wants a second chance.”
Code Enforcement Director Jamie Rios was called up to talk about a recent violation committed by the Santa Domingo Restaurant. They recently went over the maximum capacity of patrons in its establishment from 54 to 78.
Rauch came up to answer questions about road repairs on Market and Smith Streets. The milling and paving on Market Street will start on April 4. Smith Street will follow. This work will begin around 7 a.m. until the afternoon.”
Irizarry requested they notify residents who will be affected.
Business Administrator Adam Cruz said, “This information will be on social media, the City’s Website and posted on telephone poles. “The Police Department to make sure this is done.”
Rauch answered a question about how permits are issued, “Code Enforcement is the one who issues the permits to the utility companies for roadwork. I issue letters for previous work that was done on roads that need to be re-dug. Elizabethtown Gas will do restoration work (such as potholes and manholes) starting on May 5.”
Irizarry then asked Rauch, “There’s a perception that our roads are bad. Is there technology to let us know how bad our roads are?”
Rauch responded, “There are devices that can evaluate grating. I can’t tell you what the price is off the top of my head, but we can do a cost analysis. We have done this in other towns. It will be less than $100,000. We get grants in the amount of $300,000 to $340,000 per year for road improvements.”
Councilman Helmin Caba then stated, “It’s not a perception that our roads are terrible. It’s a reality!”
Pabon showed his frustration stating, “I don’t know where to drive anymore because of the road conditions.”
CFO/Comptroller Jill Goldy then came up to speak because of Silber’s question in reference to R-120-3/18 – Authorizing emergency temporary appropriations to extend the CY 2018 temporary budget in an amount of $2,680,339.48.
She asked the Council, “Do you want the long explanation or the short explanation? We are allowed by stature to increase the budget appropriations by a certain percentage. There are exclusions to these such as pensions. It’s a line of credit.
