4/9/11 Caucus

PERTH AMBOY – Councilmen Fernando Gonzalez and Fernando Irizarry had a slight difference of opinion when it came to a discussion about the monies the City will be receiving from the Bridge PILOT. Gonzalez wanted to know, “Since the payments started coming in from the PILOT, what’s happening to that money? When will we be giving it to the citizens?”

Irizarry then spoke up, “There were suggestions on how to use that money, but we didn’t have an agreement that it was to be given to the residents.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke next, “I am concerned because two meetings ago, I requested information regarding which streets that were to be repaved and a timeline. Except for the County Roads, I see nothing for the City Streets.”

City Engineer Jeffrey Rauch came up to respond, “We should have more information next month after we send out the bid packages.”

Pabon then said, “There’s a huge pothole on Herbert Street. If we can’t do something about that, I will get rocks to put on top of it. It’s been like that almost a month. It’s embarrassing.”

Business Administrator Adam Cruz in response to Pabon spotted DPW Director Hoffman in the audience and requested that Hoffman please put something in that hole.

Pabon then said, “I want to thank Chief of Staff Irving Lozada, and Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano for helping out regarding a problem on Pine Street and Bruck Avenue. There was a mattress problem on West Side Avenue and Irving got right on it. There is a lot of garbage at the entrance to the City which includes State Street. I don’t mind paying more into the budget if the residents get the service that they deserve.”