Municipal Auditor Gary Higgins gives a presentation on the financial status of South Amboy *Photos by Paul W. Wang
CDBG Funds Allocated
3 New Police Officers Sworn In
2/20/19 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Municipal Auditor Gary Higgins gave a brief presentation about the financial status of South Amboy. He stated that the City went up from an A- to an A+ Bond Rating. Higgins gave recommendations on what options the City had regarding financing due to the increase in Bond Rating.
South Amboy Police Chief
Darren Lavigne
Mayor Fred Henry then spoke and thanked everyone for their hard work. He remarked that it was the policies of the administration for the past 8 years that resulted in the improvements of the financial status of the City.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski announced he had met with the committee and they had decided how the CDBG funds will be allocated. He stated that the City had received an increase of $10,000 in CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding.
Skarzynski stated that there will be a match dollar for dollar up to $2,500 in sidewalk grants for seniors with qualifying income for sidewalk improvements in their homes. $9,841 for produce voucher programs for senior citizens.
Skarzynski explained that they are going to give funding for history and arts programs throughout the year. “The committee was happy in the direction we’re going in. We will submit the paperwork by the March 1st deadline.”
No one spoke at the public portion.
Three police officers: Gloriann Rutkowski, Patrick Kelly, and Timothy Kales were sworn in.
Police Chief Darren Lavigne made a few comments. “I’d like to welcome the new police officers. It’s not an easy task to go through the selection process. They go through a rigorous program. Not everyone can make it. I stressed the importance to getting back this agency to a 30-Man Police Department. The Mayor was very in tune and very receptive. He pushed for these appointments.”
Lavigne shared a private text that he sent to Former Captain David Kales on the day of graduation of his son, Timothy. “I want to extend the sentiments in this text to the parents of Patrick Kelly and Gloriann Rutkowski because I think they are extremely important: Congratulations on great accomplishments. As parents, these are the days we dream of and life itself doesn’t give us enough of them. I am extremely cognizant that this did not happen by accident, but rather from a culmination of thousands life lessons taught by loving parents. I congratulated your son personally, but now extend this to yourself and your wife. Well done, Mom and Dad.”
Mayor Fred Henry stated that being a police officer is no easy task. “It can be dangerous. We know there is evil in the world.” Henry went on to state that often many of the recruits in the police academy do not complete the training. He is proud of the three officers who were sworn in.
Councilwomen Zusette Dato and Christine Noble congratulated the new officers.
Councilman Tom Reilly commented that Officer Kelly had already started his career of service to South Amboy as a volunteer on the South Amboy Baseball Team. He mentioned there is a Bluegrass Concert coming up. He also spoke about kicking off Government Week which is from April 7th – April 14th. “We’re going to coordinate with the schools and speak at the high school. We’re going to encourage them to participate coop programs and wrap it up with honoring the city’s volunteers.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked about repairing the Hole in the Wall.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that repairs will begin anywhere from one week to the next month.
Mayor Fred Henry congratulated the new police officers. “They’ll be a fine addition to our Police Department.” He also stated, “It’s been 8 years to get where we are today. It’s the things we did to have a sound financial future.”
All Council Members were present.
