Perth Amboy Caucus
9/24/18 Caucus
PERTH AMBOY – Ever since former B.A. Adam Cruz left his position earlier this summer, the Council has asked the Law Director to amend an ordinance entitled: “Administration of Government” (Ordinance No. 1-72) R: Amending Section 4-24 Business Administrator.
Law Director Peter King explained, “With this amendment, if the Business Administrator is not reappointed, or if they’re terminated, the Council will decide if that Administrator will get paid.”
There was a Resolution R-416-9/18 in regard to the contract agreement with Center State Engineering for design engineering, specifications, bid documents, and construction inspection for the NJDOT. Specifically, for improvements to Rector Street and Hall Avenue (State Street to Railroad Bridge) in an amount not to exceed $38,000.
City Engineer Jeffrey Rauch came up to explain that the paving would cost between $320,000 to $330,000. The part of Rector Street that we are talking about will be from Washington Street to Smith.”
Councilwoman Irizarry had a question regarding R-418-9/18 Authorizing the City of Perth Amboy to submit a grant application to the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission for a Performing Arts Program. Irizarry asked, “Can we get an increase in an amount for the grant that we receive?”
Acting B.A. Fehrenbach answered, “We did not respond in time to get the $6,000 grant, so it was reduced to $3,000 as awarded in the past.”
Fehrenbach also answered a question regarding R-420-9/18. A grant of $37,457 for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance. The monies for this year was only for Perth Amboy and New Brunswick.”
Deputy Police Chief Roman McKeon then came up and stated that this is a Federal Government Grant and told us that we (the City of Perth Amboy) are the lead agency for this grant because of the safety equipment we have.”
The next resolution to be discussed was R-423-9/18 which is a Change Order to the contract with Z Brothers Concrete Contractors. Increasing the contract for their replacement of various 4-inch water mains in the amount of $5,329. Fehrenbach explained in the original contract there was an estimate for police traffic control. “The actual cost came in at a higher number. There was credit for other work which will be on the 9/26/18 agenda. The police department and I are in talks to see if there can be a reduction in traffic control, especially on the minor streets.”
Fehrenbach gave more information to the Council regarding R-424-9/18 – A Contract with Air Brake Equipment for the repair of a tractor engine and purchase of various heavy-duty truck parts in an amount not to exceed $39,000. “The reason for this contract is because an engine was blown in one of the vehicles and we only had $17,000 authorized as part of the adopted budget.”
During the public portion, Resident Philip Clark came up and stated, “I was here a couple months ago to talk about how speed bumps are needed on Compton Avenue because of vehicles who speed there.” He also wanted to know, “What happened to the port ‘o johns that used to be on the waterfront? We need them.”
DPW Supervisor Danny Cleaver came up to explain that the port ‘o johns are removed after Labor Day.”
Resident Vince Mackiel came up to speak and asked if there are any updates on the tennis courts. Mackiel then made a comment in reference to lack of rest room facilities. “Port ‘o johns are available and Brighton Avenue Community Center bathrooms can be used during events taking place on Sadowski Parkway. The private property (that is infringing on City Property) shouldn’t be a problem since the City owns the property. In the five years I’ve come here, more recreational facilities have been needed.”
Fehrenbach responded, “The grating, the drainage, and the paving should be completed by the end of September. Only one person has been on the site recently who was there for the elevation. I don’t believe it can be done by the end of September. We’ve been in talks with the contractors, attorneys, and engineers.”
Mackiel then had a concern because he hasn’t seen a bill list online regarding funding from FEMA and the Economic Development Department.
Fehrenbach continued his remarks and said, “Some of the reports have not been submitted and we asked for an extension of time for some of the grants.”
Council President Bill Petrick spoke up and said, “Our website still hasn’t had the municipal boards updated.”
Fehrenbach responded, “The website should be updated by October or November and additional staff is needed.”
Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up next, “Money was set aside for this purpose (updating the websites) and the person who had maintained the website is gone.”
Resident and Businessman David Caba came up to speak about some derogatory remarks made on social media. He began by saying, “I have been living in the City for 30 years and I don’t go into social media that much. It’s sad about some of the remarks made. Your name was mentioned, Mr. Irizarry along with Pabon, Caba and the Governor. To get this is disgusting. We are a diversified community. Growing up, my best friends were Puerto Rican. Toronto is very diverse. Nancy Diaz (Soto) makes these remarks and she doesn’t live in Perth Amboy. Maybe she doesn’t think we are diverse enough. It’s a shame how she makes personal attacks and putting out names. I don’t agree with you (the Council) all the time, but I respect you as elected officials. I come here to defend you and the community. Does the Mayor have skeletons? No one should make personal attacks about our citizens or public officials.” Caba then turned around and pointed to the audience and remarked, “Is anybody here from Sayreville criticizing us?”
Resident and former City Council President Lisa Nanton came up and distributed letters to the Council, B.A., Law Director, and City Clerk. This challenged one of the candidates for City Council as to whether or not they should be able to run if they didn’t meet the residency requirements. Nanton was told this could be on the communications for the 9/26/18 Meeting. Nanton also referenced some of the gifts she had given to her fellow Council Members before she decided to not run for reelection for Council. “They were prints showing what is good and bad government that were placed in City Council hallways.” She wondered why the description of bad government was removed and the prints were eventually found by a garbage can in City Hall and were rescued by a worker in City Hall.
Council President Bill Petrick asked if anyone can find out who removed those prints from the wall.
Councilman Helmin Caba requested that a special meeting be held because some residents have been calling him asking him for an update of the rezoning areas in the downtown.
