2/13/19 Council Meeting
PERTH AMBOY – During the first public portion to address agenda items, Resident Ken Balut came up to address item R-75 – Auditing the YMCA. Balut read a letter pertaining tothe YMCA’s contract under Mayor Joe Vas’s administration. It stated in 2007, there was a 20-year contract and in 2013, the Board of Education gave the YMCA $300,000 for services. “Tax dollars are being given to the Y. The Charter School gave money to the Y. Services were to be bidded out. Did we get the Jefferson Street Parking Lot yet?”
He then turned his attention to R-86 – Granting a Waiver of Residency to Solenny Pena as Municipal Court Administrator. Balut asked, “If we’re not appointing a Deputy (Court Clerk), so it means we didn’t need one before?”
He next addressed R-92 – Authorizing a contract with Jasinski, P.C. as investigator in a personnel matter in an amount not to exceed $9,500. “You need to have a second group to investigate employees.”
He next talked about Communication No. 21. Concerning a Neville Street Resident who complained about loud music and other disturbing activities. “This person is afraid, and that is why they don’t want to be identified. “We had a study that said we needed more parks. Fix illegal housing first.”
Former Councilman Fernando Gonzalez came up next, “Before I left the Council, I asked for a monthly revenue that the courts received, but there were no comparisons of the revenue (from year to year). I’m pleased to see that you’re not appointing a public defender. You can’t have a public defender who is not bilingual, especially in Spanish. They should live in town or have an office in town. You should eliminate a judge and not public defenders. I see that the courts got $160,000 in revenue last year.”
Resident and Businessman David Caba came up next. He turned around and pointed to the large crowd and said, “It should be like this every time. Are we getting a new Police Chief?”
Council President William Petrick responded, “It’s up to the Mayor.”
Caba continued stating, “We had a special meeting to interview a candidate for the Business Administrator position, but the public was left out. Will the Mayor pick whomever she wants (as Police Chief)? I see a late (resolution starter) appointing Larry Cattano.”
Petrick responded to Caba’s last statement, “This was not acted on at Monday’s Caucus Meeting, but it was discussed in Monday’s (2/11/19) closed session. This is just a recommendation. If the Council wants this resolution (Late Starter – Resolution R-95-2/19 – Recommending Lawrence J. Cattano be appointed as Chief of Police for the City of Perth Amboy).
Resident Robert Mesi came up to speak. He mentioned Larry Cattano’s father, and what a great guy he was. “I recommend Cattano for Chief.”
The new CEO of PRAHD Kim V. Ruiz came up to speak and said, “I support Chief McKeon who is the Acting Police Chief to become Chief. He has been very supportive (of our organization) and he has been very hands-on. We had security concerns for our students, especially the after-care program, and he helped us out a great deal.”
Resident Gregory Pabon came up to speak. He stated, “As a citizen, I can campaign for whomever I want. I support McKeon. I think he will do a better job. I never use my Chaplain uniform when campaigning.”
Monsignor John Gordon came up to speak, “As the Police Chaplain Coordinator, Acting Chief McKeon is very inspiring. In emergency situations, he’s making an impact. I do respect our Deputy Chief (Cattano). I see the way McKeon works with the rank and file and I support him.”
Rev. Michael Leach came up to support McKeon for Police Chief. “I also respect Deputy Chief Cattano. On any given day, we have children and seniors (that attend activities). Chief Roman has always shown his concerns for us. We’ve had shootings and threats. Bullets go through our buildings. We had a level of insecurity. Now, we have a bridge and a relationship with the Police and the community and feel more secure.”
Former Police Officer Jay Martinez came up to speak to talk about R-95. He talked about the leadership that Roman McKeon showed when they were both a part of the Swat Team. “McKeon was a Lieutenant at the time. You have to set and be an example. McKeon put aside his personal needs and was in the forefront. His agenda was: “Do and know your job!” Part of this approach is in his DNA. He put his needs aside. We have a cultural diversity and a melting pot here. McKeon takes community policing seriously. He takes the bull by the horns and wholeheartedly believes in serving the community. He drilled this into all of his officers.”
Dorothy Carty-Daniel questioned if R-95 (late starter), “Is this a common practice (of an appointment such as this)? Because I never heard of this being done before (the Council being involved in recommending an appointment of police chief).”
Council President Petrick answered, “We were never involved before.”
Daniel continued stating, “We are a Faulkner B City. The Chief of Police or Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor. If you vote “Yes,” what happens? I’ve been involved with the Police Department since Yuro was the Chief. I worked with the DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team). You (the Council) don’t have the ability to do anything after your recommendation. Where is it going? You can’t enact it. At the end of the day, it’s the Mayor’s decision.”
Resident Kareem Mann said, “My family has owned a business for over 50 years. We’ve made a full circle. The Mayor has done a good job, and all I want is for all of us to come together. The Chiefs have done a good job, too.”
Businessman Adele Tawfik said, “Someone already holds the Chief position. Why are people from other cities here (at the Council Meeting)?”
There were six more communications that were added on 2/13/19’s Meeting Agenda – all from either retired chiefs from Perth Amboy or current chiefs from other municipalities supporting Deputy Chief Cattano for the Police Chief position.
Tawfik then said, “The Acting Chief (McKeon) is doing a great job.”
A young woman came up to speak, “The Acting Chief (McKeon) has inspired me. He is caring and loving. Why remove someone who is doing a great job? What are you basing your recommendation on? I believe in the Chief (McKeon) and the Mayor.”
Councilman Helmin Caba responded “The Council is not pushing for this (Resolution).”
Council President Petrick also responded, “We have an Acting Chief who is holding the title of Captain. Only one person has held the title of Police Chief in the last few years.”
Law Director Peter King added some comments, “He (Benjamin Ruiz) is terminated, but he is fighting that decision and a Judge will render a decision in 40 days.”
Petrick commented again, “There’s a conclusion drawn by some of us that this would be a late-starter. There are three Council Members present to vote to see if it will be put on as a late-starter. We conduct business in the open to hear what the community has to say. We generally have the same people (residents) who come to the meetings.”
Councilman Joel Pabon spoke next and said, “I personally didn’t think the late-starter R-95 should be here on the agenda. All three (Ruiz, Cattano, McKeon) have all been responsive when I called them. Whoever the Mayor puts in that position, we will have to work with him.”
Councilman Caba said he agreed with Pabon. “We don’t have a say in the choice.”
When City Clerk Victoria Kupsch took a vote of the three Council Members that were present regarding putting late-starter R-95-2/19 on the agenda, no-one seconded the motion. “Since we have no second, R-95-2/19 dies.”
During the last public portion, Ken Balut came up to speak. He talked about the Chaplain (Rev. Michael Leach). “She spoke about crime, but it’s not reported. The Chaplains know, but the public didn’t. The City should report about OD’s and maybe they can be reduced. Our last B.A. (Cruz) recommended having a Deputy Court Clerk.” Balut then read Cruz’s comments about being invited to a special church service in Newark celebrating Senator Corey Booker’s decision to run for President in 2020. He then had a complaint about the salary of $143,000 for a Recreation Supervisor. “The Chief of Police didn’t stand up to defend the Police and their low pay. Certain people are being taken care of, but you are not taking care of the salary of the Police. Crime is not being publicized. Investigate what’s going on in the courts.”
Law Director Peter King responded to Balut’s last statement, “We investigated why the Court Administrator left. It was for personal reasons because they had to care for a sick relative. It was stated in a letter.”
Former B.A. Greg Fehrnebach said, “The court said they need a Deputy Court Clerk. Through attrition, this position will not be filled because of budget concerns.”
Businessman David Caba said, “I asked questions about the Chaplains, and we’re all here to work together. “I’ve been here since 1991. I’ve fought for the community this long. I am not here because I’m against the Chaplains, but what is the purpose of having so many? The Acting Chief said it’s not political, one of the Chaplains was a treasurer of a political campaign. There was a Chaplain that came to support a candidate for position of Police Chief but stayed away from politics. Stop using God as a toy! The person who is a Chaplain and was a treasurer (for a political campaign) has never shaken my hand.”
Businessman Adele Tawfik came up again and asked if Benny Ruiz (the Last Chief of Police) has been terminated.
Law Director King responded, “He has been terminated, but he is fighting it on appeal. The termination is based on certain actions. I and his (Ruiz’s) representative have presented evidence as to why he should or should not been terminated.”
Resident and former member of the Zoning Board Roisin Dowling stated that she had talked to the Council at a previous meeting about a person who is on the Zoning Board who resigned in 2018. “ In January of this year, the Zoning Board put that person in a position.” She mentioned his questionable background. “Why was that person put back on the Zoning Board?”
Bill Petrick responded, “That person resigned from the Board.”
Dowling was puzzled to why this person was allowed to come back and put in a position on the Zoning Board, “What are you guys afraid of?”
Councilman Caba then spoke, “The Zoning Board votes for their own chairs and secretary. We have no say on who they appoint.”
Petrick then commented again, “We’re going to ask the lawyer. Have you gone to the Zoning Board and asked them these questions about the individual who resigned?”
Law Director King responded, “The Council appoints the members to that Board, and the members vote for their officers and secretary.”
Fehrenbach added additional comments, “The appointment (of the secretary for the Zoning Board) is not consistent with the City’s Ordinance, but the Zoning Board Attorney disagrees. Actions are being taken.”
Resident Gregory Pabon came up to speak. He stated, “I’m not here to argue. As a private citizen, I can support and campaign for whomever I want. The man who spoke can shake my hand. The people (Chaplains) who were at a political campaign headquarters in Chaplain uniforms were not from Perth Amboy. I will not speak about this again. I’m leaving it in God’s hands. I will pray for all, including him. I will humble myself and go and shake his hand.”
Resident Dorothy Carty-Daniel said, “I don’t come up here to criticize you (the Council) or beat you up, but I think the Council is its own worst enemy. This is a wonderful town, but it’s a secret. The first Mayor I remember was Flynn. At that time, each Council Member had a specific job. Each Council Member should have a report on what’s happening in town. Promote yourself more. You need to let every citizen know you are doing something worthwhile.”
Two young women from the We Love You Foundation (part of the UN Initiative) came up to speak, “We are asking if we can help you in any way. Some of the activities that we have done in other towns have been donating books, street cleanups, walkathons for Haiti, and blood drives.”
Former Councilman Fernando Gonzalez came up to speak regarding the Y, “We have given them $24,000 each month since 2008. Maybe it was a contract with the prior Mayor. I compliment the Council for taking this action (to have the Y’s books audited). Woodbridge Township took over their Y and made it a community center. With the profits they made from that, they were able to buy a private club.”
Resident Vince Mackiel came up next, “Last year I asked the Council about what’s happening with the Transit Bridge between Elm and Market Streets. I wrote to Transit about this problem. A lot of people in town don’t have cars and walk.”
Fehrenbach responded, “When we first notified NJ Transit, they said it’s the County’s problem. The County said it’s NJ Transit’s problem because of the steel erosion.”
Mackiel continued, “I talked to DPW Director Frank Hoffman who told me that the County can do it. The Community can benefit from the trains.”
Fehrenbach stated, “The steel structure had to be fixed first before the County can pour the cement. Transit will deal with it with the upcoming construction period.”
During the Council Comments, Helmin Caba thanked everyone for coming. “Those who can’t come can call us or contact other City Departments. We don’t have the resources to be able to be in contact with everyone.”
Councilman Joel Pabon spoke next, “In the past three weeks, the Mayor, Councilwoman Tejeda, myself, and Department of Recreation Supervisor Kenny Ortiz have met with the Board of Education. We need to have a dry run at the New Seaman Street School (to make sure the traffic signals, gates, and anything connected to the traffic in that area) is cleared up before the school opens. The Board of Education pulled up a map that showed how the traffic flow will be. We should be able to do that. There’s a possibility of opening up Elizabeth, Cortlandt, and First Street to improve Traffic. We need to sit down and talk about this. They are talking about building another school which will be in a congested zone.”
Council President Bill Petrick said, “There has been a discussion on multimedia outlets about why the Council can’t get a boat ramp. This would be an Administrative decision.”
For the consent agenda R-64-2/19 thru R-69-2/19 and R-73-2/19-R-94-2/19 was moved by Councilman Joel Pabon and seconded by Councilman Helmin Caba. R-70-2/19 thru R-72-2/19 were pulled per request by B.A. Frederick Carr. They all were regarding contracts with public defenders.
Councilman Fernando Irizarry and Councilwoman Milady Tejeda were absent.
