SOUTH AMBOY – Councilman Thomas Reilly (C) with Student Fire Department Volunteers and First Aid Cadets

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – After the 4/17/19 Council Meeting began, there was a moment of silence for deceased First Aid Squad Member Gary Cotrell. 

The first item to be discussed was the 2019 Municipal Budget. City Auditor Gary Higgins stated, “I’ve been doing this for 38 years. The public hearing is tonight. After the public hearing, there is a short amendment. $1.22 – the same rate as in 2018. There is no increase on the municipal level. The bond rating is now on an AA level. Our budgeting caps are way under. We’re a half million below cap. There is the same level of services delivered. The overall budget is in great condition.”

During the public portion on the budget, there were no questions from the public. 

The Council passed Resolution R-78-2019 (Reading); R-79-2019 (Amending); R-80-2019 (Adopting) the 2019 Budget. Council President Mickey Gross thanked everyone for doing a good job. There is no tax increase this year on the municipal level.”

City Auditor Gary Higgins
*Photo by Paul W. Wang

Councilman Tom Reilly welcomed everyone who was present at the meeting to honor South Amboy’s First Responders. “Thank you for coming out for the volunteers. In addition to Government Week, it’s Volunteer Week. The City can’t operate without volunteers. You provide a great example for youth in the town – starting at a young age to volunteer in this town.”

Honoree Richard Johnson, Fire Department thanked everyone.

Honoree Elizabeth “Betty” Leveille, First Aid, spoke a few words, “I also want to mention our Cadets. They’re straight A students. As far as the Explorers, they are our future.”

Honoree Christian Petras, First Aid had answered over 800 calls during his time at the First Aid Squad. 

Honoree Brian Noble from Recreation is born and raised in South Amboy. He volunteered his service in the United States Navy from 1992-1996, and has coached baseball, softball, basketball and soccer. Noble thanked Mayor Fred Henry and the Council, “It’s not a one-person job.”

Councilman Reilly then highlighted some of the accomplishments individually of each of the First Aid Cadets and Student Fire Department Volunteers (Explorers) who were honored.

South Amboy First Aid Cadets honored were: Nadia Barcheski, Allison Leveille, Taylor Salmon and Bryanna Tierney. Students Volunteers for the South Amboy Fire Department: Michael Coman, Thomas Coman were honored. Stephen McLaughlin and Victoria Tierney, who serve both as Explorers and First Aid Cadets were honored.

No comments were made regarding the Consent Agenda. Ordinance #3-2019 – Ordinance waiving permit fees for Volunteers. The ordinance was adopted.

During the Council Comments section, Vice-President Christine Noble thanked Councilman Reilly for his work during Government Week, and also for Opening Day for Little League on Saturday, April 13, 2019. “Everyone was there at 7 a.m. – the DPW and the volunteers preparing the fields.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated, “Well done Councilman Reilly for Government Week.” Dato wished everyone a happy Passover and Easter. 

Councilman Thomas Reilly noted the South Amboy Historical Society’s Open House and that the Historical Society do great work. He then stated that the City is going to roll out for Volunteer discounts for members of the South Amboy Volunteer Fire Department and South Amboy First Aid.

Councilman Brian McLaughlin stated, “It was a great job for Government Week. All the volunteers – the cadets are our future. Opening Day for baseball and softball – the parents did a great job getting the fields ready.”

Councilman Reilly asked if the co-op program still is in effect. 

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “It exists, but it is not back for this year.” 

Reilly emphasized that he wanted to reach back to the schools and wants to continue with the program.

Skarzynski answered, “We’re not doing it this year. We’re drastically shorthanded with the DPW (Department of Public Works).” He went on to explain that several individuals were retiring. “Next summer 2020, we’ll do it.”

Skarzynski then thanked the DPW who helped to clean out 600 boxes of files in the basement of City Hall. The documents were sent out to a shredding contractor.  

Council President Mickey Gross thanked Councilman Tom Reilly for a good job. He thanked the Little League, the First Aid Squad, and the Fire Department. “Our OEM (Office of Emergency Management) is doing a fantastic job.” He then highlighted Mark Herdman who spoke in St. Louis at the National Conference (National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). “My hat’s off to you!”

Mayor Fred Henry said, “Little League, baseball/softball – from one generation to the next. Volunteers are the backbone of South Amboy. Tom (Reilly) – Great job tonight! The night belonged to them. I thank everyone for their work on the Budget.”

During the public portion, one resident spoke. She stated that a section of the retaining wall collapsed due to the weather onto her property. She believes this wall belongs to NJ Transit. “It was suggested I come here to the meeting,” she said.

Mayor Henry advised the resident to speak to Business Administer Skarzynski who will help address the problem.

The Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next City Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

SOUTH AMBOY – First Responder Honorees at the 4/17/19 Council Meeting: (L To R) Brian Noble, Recreation, Richard Johnson, Fire Department, Elizabeth “Betty” Leveille, First Aid, Christian Petras, First Aid *Photos by Paul W. Wang