South Amboy Council
2/6/19 Business Meeting
By: Carolyn Maxwell
Business Administrator
Glenn Skarzynski
SOUTH AMBOY – There was a Resolution 46-2019 – Appointing CFO Daniel Balka. Council President Mickey Gross said he wanted to apologize to some of the Council who didn’t know about this. Vice President Christine Noble stated she would take part of that blame, too.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato responded, “We did get a background check and credentials regarding this candidate. Isn’t it the Mayor’s choice?”
Mayor Fred Henry responded, “I still wanted the Council’s input.” He then stated that Balka has 45 years’ experience in finance. “He’s been a Public Accountant and was the Chief Accountant in Sayreville for many years. They were not happy about him leaving.”
Councilman Tom Reilly then requested that in the future, all resumes of candidates up for administrative appointments be submitted to the Council.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained that after sewer expenses were paid out, there was money left over in the budget. He also gave more detailed information regarding Business Item F. – Pertaining to CDBG Project Approvals. “This will be advertised. $9,000 is to be expended for sidewalk improvements, the arts, history, and senior services. A committee will be established to decide which amounts would be given for each project.”
When it came to the Bill List, Councilman Reilly had a question about the Rodgers Group (Police Accreditation Course). He wanted more information about this.
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “This is for software which would check evidence, oversight, and training of police officers for reaccreditation. There is a fee for the training and use of the software. The cost will be $8,500 a year.”
Councilwoman Dato added, “This is only for the Police Department.”
Skarzynski said, “This software is a good mechanism for the police.”
At the Council Comments portion, both Dato and Noble had no comments.
Councilman Reilly had a couple items he wanted to bring up. He asked if there was any progress on the Central Firehouse.
Skarzynski responded, “It’s a concept we’d like to pursue. We have to look at the capital debt and also at viable alternatives that are on the radar.”
Reilly then asked about having dedicated parking for the firemen at the Independence Firehouse.
Skarzynski responded, “The firemen have placards for their vehicles.”
Reilly responded, “A fireman had gotten a ticket as they were battling a fire.”
Skarzynski said, “We have a lot of signage, and we’re looking to do more signage for parking. Under certain circumstances, tickets can be dismissed.”
Councilwoman Dato suggested, “We can get more placards.”
Reilly agreed, “That may be a solution.”
Skarzynski said, “We’ll discuss this with the Police Department.”
Reilly then brought up the subject of the Consumer Affairs Department. “The State Department of Consumer Affairs would like to come in and do more events for seniors.”
Reilly also said that Colleen’s Kitchen complained that she’s losing customers because of the limitation of parking spaces. “She asked that a 15-minute parking limit be established near her business. People will park there for two hours, or sometimes overnight.”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “We are trying to look at the parking situation throughout the town at one time instead of doing it by piecemeal.”
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz gave a brief update regarding Woodmont. “They had installed a macerator, but we’re looking to do a grinder pump.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski addressed this issue, “We will have to look at the cost, and they will have to reimburse the City. They (Woodmont) thought they were sold a bill of goods.”
Council President Gross stated that Woodmont are not being fair to the City.
Skarzynski then stated, “We are trying to avoid litigation.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato added some thoughts about the grinder pumps, “We have them at the complex where I live, but they were not working that well. ”
Reilly then had a question regarding the different municipal boards, “Do the Planning and Redevelopment Members get training? I got it.”
Law Director Francis Womack said, “It’s been required, at least from 8-10 years ago.”
Reilly then continued and asked, “Does George Gonzalez have any plans in place for summer activities?”
Skarzynski replied, “I have not received anything from him as of yet.”
Reilly then continued, “In the month of April, there will be a Government Week and we should adopt a resolution recognizing this. Perhaps some of the activities during that week would be to invite the residents on a tour of City Hall. We can invite businesses to meetings to discuss what they want (to happen in the City).”
Dato agreed, “These are good ideas, because transparency is good for the City.”
Law Director Francis Womack said, “Other towns have a night where they recognize volunteers (who do work throughout the year). I’m also working with Glenn (Skarzynski) on decorum (that should be held during meetings).”
B.A. Skarzynski then made a few comments. “Digital signs have been installed and connected to the internet. You can give your thoughts on any subject. We received a recycling Education Grant from the County. Notices will be put out regarding this. We will have a newsletter out towards the end of March. City Hall will be closed on March 25th so we can do budget controls, CPR training, and dealing with bullies. We will also be reissuing City ID’s. The Public Relations Department will be meeting with realtors to help showcase our town. We’ll be digitizing records that we have to keep and destroy those that are no longer needed. August 7th is National Night Out which was very successful last year, and the Rotary Club said they would like to be more involved. July 3rd is when we will have the fireworks.”
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz gave a brief update about the Hole in the Wall, “The County did work on Ridgeway Street and Conrail did cement work in the moisture barrier inside the tunnel. There will be an upcoming final layout concept for the ferry. We were informed that Academy Bus Company is pulling out of Sayreville. On February 20th, we will have the swearing in of 3 new Police Officers.”
B.A. Skarzynski made one more comment, “The easement of the property where the Rosewell Apartments are have been approved. We will be seeing activity there soon.”
Mayor Henry commented, “We’re trying to see if the owner wants the meat market property also.” Henry also stated, “The Rotary Club and Columbia Bank want to get involved in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” He was also pleased to announce the new Police Officers started on Monday (2/4/19) and all three of them are from families that have long legacies in the City.”
Zusette Dato talked about concerns she had about the overhead lights on Route 9 still being out where the bridge and bumps are. “Who should we contact at the County?”
Mark Rasimowicz said that anticipated awards (funds and grants) for City will be discussed at the next Freeholder’s Meeting.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin was not present at the meeting. The next City Council Meeting will be on February 20, 2019 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
