11/28/18 Council Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – During the public comments on agenda items only, Resident Ken Balut came up to speak first. He questioned the large sum to be transferred in R-467-11/18 – Approving the transfer of CY 2018 Budget appropriations in the amount of $1,337,511.00 (Finance).

Interim Business Administrator Greg Fehrenbach answered, “It’s for group health insurance that covers employees and retirees. It is so we can pay the bills.”

R-471-11/18 – Authorizing professional service agreements with qualified engineers for special projects who have submitted responses to requests for qualifications for Calendar Year 2019. (BA) 

Balut commented, “Someone should be watching these lawsuits. When you just paid $100,000 for a citizen who is only asking $35,000. Someone has got to be responsible for these legal bills. The Mayor doesn’t care – they’re all her friends. We’re supposed to stop the bleeding. Nobody is watching the numbers. Incompetency is still there.”

B.A. Fehrenbach then assured Balut that the City has reached out to hire a new law firm and it will be a reasonable choice. He also stated that firm Balut was referring to is not among the perspective firms to be hired. 

Councilman
Joel Pabon

Resident Sharon Hubberman came up to speak next, “I’m concerned about making us in compliance with the sewer and water system. I know it’s a private/public partnership. I feel this is not happening. Why does all this money get bond rated? Do they have any meetings? Has anyone from the public asked (about this)? They are a cause of concern.”

B.A. Fehrenbach answered Hubberman’s concerns, “There are three resolutions on the agenda: one for shared services which was agreed to by Perth Amboy three years ago to have all municipalities with cover sewer overflows. In the New York Hudson base, to study the outflows, the NYEPA and the NJDEP significant save with all of the participants. This is a change order of $165,000. 5% of the cost of the modeling.”

Fehrenbach then referenced R-503-11/18 – Accepting the base bid and authorizing a contract with B&W construction Co. for emergency repairs to the Perth Amboy Collection System in an amount not to exceed $600,000.00 for the Calendar Year 2019. (L. Perez Jimenez) 

“Every year for a 3-year period the water and sewage collection system is $121,200. We are dealing with 3 sinkholes that have developed over a month or so. R-503 concerns the Calendar Year 2019. We were hoping to have someone else do the work. We went out and asked 6 contractors. 5 told us no. The only bid was B&W. To save some money, we amended to the 2018 contract.”

Resident David Caba came up to speak next, “Wilda Diaz was out of the office for two weeks. We should be aware of who is running the City. The Council represents us, the shareholders: 60,000+ people are shareholders of the City. Didn’t we have an election? Did she go on a vacation or work on the election? With all her cronies who are city employees? Was she campaigning or was she on vacation? We need to know. Where did she go? We, the residents need to know in the future whoever is the Mayor – we need to know.”

B.A. Fehrenbach answered Caba, “I recall on a number of occasions when Mayor Bloomberg was Mayor of New York, he left the City (on vacation sometimes) and no one knew where he went. On this occasion, she (Diaz) was staying in the City in case anyone needed her.”

David Caba continued, “It’s not about vacation. It’s about a campaign.”

Council President
William Petrick

A discussion ensued about a full-time attorney. Councilman Fernando Gonzalez then stated, “I have requested on many occasions to have a full-time attorney. We still have a part-time attorney. There is no way in any shape or form to have enough information on these cases in order to ascertain or save Perth Amboy money. There should be a committee to look at our billing because we are paying thousands of dollars in legal fees.”

For R-461 – R-483; R-485 & R-487 – R-503 on the Consent Agenda all voted “Yes.” B.A. Fehrenbach asked that R-484 be tabled. 

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez asked that R-486 and R-504 be pulled out to be voted on separately. R-486-11/18 – Authorizing payment of a yearly stipend to volunteer firefighters for compensation for losses while performing duties in direct proportion to their activity level in an amount not to exceed $39,977.45 (FD)

R-504 – Authorizing payment of a yearly stipend to the Perth Amboy Auxiliary Police not to exceed $43,798.50.

Gonzalez stated, “On behalf of these great individuals we should go out and make sure this payment goes out before December 25th. These guys work all year. I would like them to have a present for Christmas. We have to make sure these checks go out to the individuals prior to Christmas. They work all year and I think they deserve it. 

B.A. Fehrenbach stated, “As long as the Fire Department and Police Department put in the proper paperwork, there’s no reason they can’t get those checks in the next two weeks.”

All in the Council voted, “Yes.”

During the Public Portion Resident John Katz spoke first, “Congratulations to the members who won (the election). The pavers – I’ve pointed out a lot of spots – over two dozen areas on Smith Street (need repairs). We need a liaison officer to come here and report to you guys. Mr. Irizarry, do you know homeless are in front of the old firehouse? Maybe we can use those old buildings. If we are going to do something. Upstairs you can cook. They have showers. At least it’s a start.”

Resident Maria Rivera who lives in the Second Street area spoke next. She was angry over a bathroom facility being built near her house “It’s very improper to put a bathroom facility next to a home. The bathroom used to be way back. Put the bathroom there. Whoever planned this did a poor job. It’s unsanitary. We’re hoping they will move it back where it used to be. It’s in the middle of the park. We have two bathrooms that are never open. Why do we waste money if we can’t use it?”

Council President Petrick answered her, “That’s the Administration – not the Council.”

Rivera continued, “Two men – Two female. The bathrooms are open for the summer. Let people use it. Don’t put it next to people’s houses. Second Street, PreSchool, Wilentz School – there’s trucks, school buses in front of Wilentz School.  The garage – it takes one match to blow up the neighborhood. It has to stop. And you’re building a park? Open your eyes!”

Another Second Street Resident came up to speak, “Would you like a bathroom so close to your house like that? Who came up with that idea?”

B.A. Fehrenbach answered, “The Mayor’s Office made the plans.”

The Resident continued, “Why do we pay taxes? For what? We got to work together for the community. 

B.A. Fehrenbach agreed to set up a meeting with the residents of that area to discuss their concerns. 

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez made some comments, “The Administration is supposed to work with the Council. We don’t do that. They could not complete the project. We were promised the bathrooms would be moved as soon as possible. Bathrooms are needed in that area. They are supposed to be movable. They were supposed to have been moved. I was promised. The Administration is wasting money.”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I did relay all of your concerns. We’re hoping to get some answers. Mr. Fehrenbach, we’ll get together with you. Nobody had a clue you guys weren’t told. I’m hoping we get this situation fixed.”

Resident Vinnie Mafinsky came up to speak next, “The Fire Department and Police Department work hard, and I thank them for their dedication. Some must work a second job to support their families. We are one of the lowest paid police departments in the State. When positions open up in other towns, many police officers leave Perth Amboy (for higher paying jobs). It’s time we give them an increase in salary, equipment, and training. They protect us and keep us safe every day.”

Council President Petrick noted that the City provides all necessary equipment at no cost to them. 

The public portion was next. Resident Ken Balut came up to speak, “Cops are leaving. They’re getting paid $15/hour. You need to pay them the proper amount of money. Is it a fact that Irving Lozada was put in charge of Code Enforcement?”

Fehrenbach answered, “Yes.”   

Balut then continued, “The Mayor knew about the ticket fixing.”

B.A. Fehrenbach answered, “That is not true.”

Balut continued, “That should be sent to the Attorney General’s Office. That’s the problem. We’re putting people in charge that’s not qualified. That’s incompetence of the Mayor. What’s the experience of owning El Taco Loco to run Code Enforcement? I’d like to know. Nothing got fixed. Mr. Fehrenbach, you know she’s putting unqualified people in positions. Putting unqualified people will cause us problems. She’s worse than Joe Vas. At least Joe Vas had a handle on that.” Balut then asked, “What happened to Code Blue?” referring to the Code Blue shelters which were not open.

B.A. Fehrenbach explained that the temperature was not below 25oF, the requirement by law. 

Resident David Caba came up to speak next, “I disagree with Mr. Fehrenbach when he said Mike Bloomberg left the City. Mike Bloomberg only was paid $1. She (Diaz) is making $100,000. She is taking advantage of taxpayers in the City. That’s a weak comparison. Everything comes to light. You’re right. It’s not the Council’s fault. If they don’t inform you, then you can’t inform us. The Administration needs to inform you. They put people in positions that they don’t deserve. Mr. Pabon – you won 2-1. Mr. Petrick – after all the protests, you won. This election is a referendum against the Mayor. The residents of the City have spoken. The lies and gimmicks of Wilda Diaz and this Administration – the residents need to know. Why is Greg Fehrenbach still sitting her here after 5 months? Is it a scapegoat? Is that guy to protect the Mayor? Is he here for us, the Mayor, or Administration? She (Diaz) has approximately 7 Business Administrators in the past 10 years.”

Resident Alan Silber came up next. “When Mayor Diaz wasn’t here for two weeks, who did the Public Information Officer work for?”

B.A. Fehrenbach answered, “She had a list of duties and she completed them.”

Silber went on to state that a press release was put out on the Mayor’s campaign and he believed that the Public Information Officer wrote that press release because one could tell by her writing. He also noted that the City is paying $3000/month to someone who has a job already. “She (Diaz) was so worried about the election. What was she doing for two weeks? Everyone knew she wasn’t on vacation. The City is a mess because of no oversight by the previous B.A.”

Resident Sharon Hubberman spoke next, “Bathrooms toward the Waterfront? You have the to do the who, what, where, and how. You have the power to govern the City. You cannot rely on empty promises. In 2012, when I ran for office, I had a caravan. There is a whole list of ordinances. I was driving down Hall Avenue, which is on one of the streets not allowed to have a caravan. I saw the Mayor with honking horns and music. This is not the first time this has happened. Why weren’t there ticket issued? All of you have an ordinance. It applies to everyone. This needs to be done. On Family Day, the Perth Amboy Republicans were not allowed to have a table. We have a right to assemble. In the new year, this can be revisited to assemble and participate in the community.”

During the Council Comments portion of the meeting, Councilman Helmin Caba spoke first. “Congratulations to Joel Pabon, Bill Petrick and Milady Tejeda. This is very tough. What’s going on in Perth Amboy. However, what is happening to the City is very sad. We are elected officials. We deserve to have respect from the Mayor’s Office and we don’t get it. For example, we’ve got a new garbage truck. A few weeks ago, we were at the League of Municipalities and we had no idea the City truck is in Atlantic City. We found out on social media. The Mayor is taking a photo op on social media. There was a rally at Olive Street – Murphy, Booker, Menendez all there. We just found out. We knew about this because I am also Chair of the Democratic Party – one day before. The Mayor knew about it one week before. On the Veteran’s Day program, the Council is not included. These are some reasons we have low morale. I speak to City Employees all the time. Morale is down in all departments. We have Directors resigning. It’s tough to negotiate when you’re in the red. We have state representatives in the City. We also have an Assemblywoman in town and she is left in the dark. We find out about events through Facebook. The taxpayers pay for events. We deserve that respect. I wish the Mayor hears this and gets the message that we get back to governing. We should be united. We are not always going to agree. We need to sit down and govern. God willing, that will happen.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez stated, “Well said, Mr. Caba.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry gave his comments, “I wish to congratulate those who won the election and everyone who participated in the political process. Now, the elections are over, it’s time to govern and work together: Council and Mayor. We’ll have to work together to benefit our constituents. People are hurt on both ends. That’s something we have to get over. I’m willing to sit down with anyone I have to sit down with, so we can do what is right for our City.”

Councilman Joel Pabon gave his comments: “I wish to thank everyone in the election. There are no losers for anyone who runs for elected office. It poured, and the numbers were unbelievable. People still came out. I hope more people continue to come out and vote. So many people die for that privilege and people take that lightly. I’d like to see if we get a plaque to Elaine (Jasko), our City Clerk. She was here for so many years. We had an issue with many when we moved the Veteran’s Day Ceremony from Sunday to Friday. I’m the only Veteran on the Council. The Mayor and City Council invite you is not written on anything in Perth Amboy. All you see is the Mayor who is putting on all of this. At least put the City Council on the program. It’s another place we’re so divided. That is something that needs to be changed. The fire on State Street – We got no information at all. I heard from the grapevine no one got hurt. Was this Illegal Housing? How did it start. We never know anything.”

B.A. Fehrenbach stated, “The matter is under investigation by the Police Department and County Prosecutor.

Pabon continued, “The truck is here. It will be used in the Budapest Section and they are having opposite side of the street parking. For two weeks, there was no truck. I did get a response – people were sick, and people were off. In the Post Office, if people are out, those roles have to be filled. There is no reason why that is not done.”

Pabon then spoke about the train station, “The issue with the train station – the DPW and NJ Transit – that’s finally getting taken care of. On the very first day, they did the entire job in a few hours. Look at the Residents on High Street. We have garbage at the old Police and Fire Stations. On that lot we store vehicles. It looks horrible.” He then mentioned problems with congestion on Hall Avenue when kids are being dropped off for school, “The Crossing Guards – God bless them. You should see the work they do. It’s like a battle to get these kids to school. They need hazard pay. Hall Avenue is a true nightmare. People are double parked – where do parents go to drop their kids off? There’s no place to go.”

Council President Bill Petrick stated that the swearing in of the newly reelected and elected Council Members will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the YMCA at 6 p.m. He also stated there are homeless sleeping at the old Police Department entrance on High Street.

B.A. Fehrenbach stated he will contact Acting Police Chief Roman McKeon.

Petrick then said, “It’s not a good image for our community. This is an ongoing thing. The Public Information Office is getting paid by tax dollars – not just the Mayor’s Office. In the last year the Public Information Officer was working solely for the Mayor. We should look into eliminating that office. I don’t feel taxpayers’ dollars should be spent to solely support the Mayor. What the Public Information Officer does in her own time or City time. I’ve witnessed the Public Information Officer at a political event. At her own time using her own equipment. Morton Salt left town in order to build a firehouse on property which it can’t be built because it’s contaminated. We should look into what a property can be used for before running people out of town. Morton Salt left leased property. It’s owned by KinderMorgan. We might be able to use the property as a municipal tow lot. Permits – for Family Day and Lung Cancer Awareness Day – there was some sort of problem. I’d like to see all permits generated out of the City Council. That’s why we avoid politics getting involved.”