South Amboy Council
9/4/19 Business Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Before the start of the South Amboy Business Meeting, JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light) Area Manager James Markey gave a brief overview of how JCP&L gives back to the community. “There are around 280,000 customers without power (due to Hurricane Dorian). The company sent a couple hundred workers to Florida (to help with power during Hurricane Dorian). It’s what we do. Restoration first – then back to business.”
Council President Mickey Gross added, “During Hurricane Sandy, there were 5 firehouses that didn’t have generators. We got 5 generators in 2 days. We thank the gentleman (the then Area Manager) from JCP&L who got them for us.”
Markey then stated, “You’re all professionals.”
Markey gave out his business cards and told the Council to contact him in case of any problems.”
When the Meeting began, Resident Larry Parsons who was very distraught. Parsons came to complain to the Council about the property behind his house which is full of overgrown weeds, etc. (46 Pupek). “3 weeks ago, I contacted Brian (Councilman McLaughlin), Fred (Mayor Henry) and Mickey (Council President Gross) about the property behind my house.” Parsons showed the Council photos of said property. “This is ongoing with this guy (the owner).”
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated, “A contractor went down there. They are going to go down and we’re setting up on Saturday to go to each house to tell them what we’re doing.”
Parsons stated, “It’s an ungodly trough. That side of the trough – it’s growing wild with weeds. Originally, he did not build a swale.”
Council President Mickey Gross was adamant about solving this issue, “Tomorrow afternoon I want all City workers after 3 p.m. or when they get off to go down there, clean up that property and put them on overtime and bill it to the owner by putting it on his tax bill. It’s disgusting!”
Gross continued, “I want city workers to manicure that property!”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin stated, “I’m all for it, but can we get them to pay?”
Parsons then argued that he knew an 85-year-old woman who had gotten a summons for a minor infraction on her property.
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “These are two different issues that absolutely need to be addressed.”
Gross added, “There is no reason that he (the owner) cannot be cited every day. Fining this guy $1000 is like shooting an elephant with a peashooter. Have City workers do it!”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “We put a lien on it. We go in and do it, we should make him pay.”
Mayor Fred Henry felt that the City could have legal issues if the owner was making some sort of effort to clean up the property. “He’s (the owner) was out there (on his property) today.”
Parsons was still disgusted at the owner of the property, “Defiant (describing the owner) is the word!”
Gross was adamant about his feelings on this issue, “I had insurances this was going to be done by Labor Day!”
Council Vice President Christine Noble added, “It was supposed to be done by Memorial Day.”
Mayor Henry felt that the City may have ramifications of Gross’s plan if the owner was making some sort of effort to clean the property. “He (the owner) got something (some sort of equipment) there now.”
Councilman McLaughlin said, “As long as it’s not a dog and pony show.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly asked, “Has he been summoned?”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “Yes, but his court date hasn’t come up yet.”
Mayor Fred Henry then stated, “Give him a shot. Keep fining him.” Henry then added, “We will definitely monitor it and make sure it’s done.”
Skarzynski noted that when the weeds will be cut, it will disturb any creatures (varmints) living there.
Law Director Womack explained, “When it comes to property, with a municipality, it’s straight forward. If there’s an overhang, the owner of the infringed property has a right to cut the infringement off. If it’s a tree, one has a right to get an order of who the person has the tree (where it is over their property) cut. You can get an attorney. There’s a sidewalk part and who is responsible. For an overhang issue, New Jersey never adopted a statewide statute. That’s covered with city code.”
Gross added, “The brush, high grass, and underbrush – it’s a public health violation!”
Womack reminded everyone that the trees were not considered a hazard unless they have branches hanging (causing danger) or if they are unhealthy. “That’s another matter.”
Reilly asked, “Who decides if it’s a hazard?” Reilly referenced the 85-year-old woman who was worried if a storm came and a tree would fall on her property.
Womack answered “If the next storm will take the tree down, we may make that determination if it’s a hazard. If you want me to speak to the woman, I’ll speak to her.”
After Parsons was reassured the matter would be taken care of, the regular meeting continued. Deborah Brooks was welcomed as the new City Clerk.
Under Requests and Invitations a.) B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that he met with a traffic safety and the City is just letting everyone make sure that any handicapped individual that still has a parking space still resides at their address. The City is sending a letter to the residences of the handicapped individual. They have 60 days to reply and let the City know they still reside there.
Mayor Fred Henry asked that this be done every year. Skarzynski stated that could be done.
Under Business Items a.) Discuss a Resolution to Amend the City Policy. B.A. Skarzynski stated that this change was required by Federal Law. It refers to CDL now being required for all drivers working for the City of South Amboy. Skarzynski stated that there are now very strict rules regarding CDL’s. “There’s things we have to do.”
Business Item b.) Discuss a Resolution to purchase two police interceptors – SUV. B.A. Skarzynski stated that this was approved during the Budget process.
Business Items c &d dealt with performance guarantee and a change order and bond release for 2018 road improvements. City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz was not present at the Meeting, so these items were not discussed.
Business Item e.) Discuss an Ordinance amending and supplementing Ordinance No. 26-02 (sewer user fees). B.A. Skarzynski stated that when the Council passed the Ordinance increasing sewer rates, the City neglected to include a connection fee – only for new construction – not for current buildings in the City. “We had to do a study to put a number on it for us. It’s between $1800 – $2164 – a one-time fee,” Skarzynski stated.
Business Item f.) Discuss an Ordinance to adopt code. This item was tabled. B.A. Skarzynski stated “The 4½ month odyssey of digitizing our municipal codes is done. Two chapters were not submitted. We have a hard copy of it. By October, it will be online.”
Business Item g.) Discuss Parade as a City Sponsored Event. Council President Mickey Gross was happy to announce the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on Sunday, March 15, 2020 and there will be one Mummer Band in the parade.
Business Item h.) Discuss 611 Bordentown Ave. Easement. Because City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz was not present, the item was only briefly discussed.
Business Item i.) Discuss Ordinance for Art Commission. Law Director Francis Womack stated, “We have a straightforward ordinance – creating an Arts Commission, indicating terms of their service. We will also adopt a resolution to form a 501c3. The South Amboy Art’s Alliance will be working along with the Art’s Commission. Their by-laws are done. We’re incorporating the Art’s Alliance opening a bank account and taking care of finances. It’s for grant purposes dedicated solely to them.” It was suggested that one Council Member should be a liaison to the Art Commission.
Skarzynski stated, “Arts, History, Youth Sports, Fraternal Organizations – every charity organization has a seat under the umbrella of a 501c3. (for the Art Alliance)
Law Director Womack stated that one person from the Council can be a member.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked for a list of Municipal Board Members and a list of the members in each committee.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that there will be a new senior bus coming and depending on the DOT (Division of Transit), it could be here anytime from 1 week to 3 years. “It’s a 16 passenger with a lift.”
B.A. Skarzynski stated that the South Amboy ArtFest is coming on September 22nd. Mayor Fred Henry stated that he only wanted a few food vendors in the festival, and the arts should be emphasized.
Resolutions 148-2019 – Resolution appointing David Kales to South Amboy Redevelopment Agency and 149-2019 – Resolution for South Amboy Arts Alliance to apply for grant funding. The Council voted yes unanimously to both Resolutions. The Bill List was approved. It was noted that some of the bills were still paying the former Law Director John Lanza.
Council Comments:
Mayor Fred Henry noted the passing of former Police Chief Leroy Kurtz. “He served 37 years on the Police Department.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked about lower Main Street construction.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that construction has not started and there is absence of certain info in the bid specs. “We don’t know how it’s going to proceed. We have to work from the company how unexpected costs will be addressed.”
Council President Gross stated it was 14 days ago.
When asked about Stevens Avenue. Law Director Womack answered that City Engineer Rasimowicz has to send out a new bid. “I haven’t heard from anyone in a couple of weeks.”
Skarzynski stated the Ferry Terminal is waiting on the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection).
Councilman Thomas Reilly asked if the New Business Packet been updated.
Skarzynski said it has and a dozen more things are available on the South Amboy Website. He also stated there are new signs up at the School Library Complex.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato was not present at the Meeting. The Regular Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at City Hall.
