9/18/19 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
Humane Society from the United States County Leader (Union County, NJ) Volunteer Larry Cohen speaks at the 9/18/19 Council Meeting *Photo by Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY –Humane Society from the United States County Leader (Union County, NJ) Volunteer Larry Cohen addressed the Council regarding Ordinance #20-2019 – Prohibiting the sale of puppy mill dogs and kittens which was introduced on first reading and advertised for second reading which is scheduled for the October 16, 2019 Meeting.
“I’ve been a volunteer for 3 years. I’ve been retired for 3 years, and I came to know the horrors of puppy mills,” stated Cohen. “This ordinance is welcome. 137 Communities in New Jersey have laws prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats. 2 states have made it state law. It’s going mainstream. If you go to www.puppymillspetstores.com, there’s a ton of information.”
Cohen continued, “There are a couple of pet store owners that bombard you with information. Their goal is to confuse or overcome you. If you run into that instance – I did want to warn you. They come on strong. It’s a worthwhile cause. It’s easier to come into a town when you don’t have a store in town selling dogs and cats. There’s plenty of ways to get a dog or cat from a shelter or a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder will never sell a dog to a pet store.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly stated, “I read about plenty of horror shows.”
Cohen then added, “There are some people who operate fake rescues. They take the same dogs from puppy mills and launder them.”
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “I applaud what you do for our furry friends.”
After Cohen spoke, the remainder of the business portion of the Meeting continued. Regarding Resolution R-153-2019 – Resolution Authorizing grant application to Middlesex County Department of Planning, Division of Solid Waste Management for Recycling Center Signage. Council President Gross stated that this is a program that South Amboy appeals for grants from Middlesex County Department of Planning. “Different municipalities apply for the grants.”
Council President Gross wanted to make it clear that even though he is employed by the Middlesex County Department of Planning that he personally stays out of the loop of who gets these grants and these monies are determined by other individuals. “I am abstaining from the vote on R-153. I want that clear.”
R-156 – 2019 – Resolution Appointing Camille Tooker to SARA (South Amboy Redevelopment Organization) and R-157 – 2019 – Resolution Authorizing Mayor to sign NJDEP TWA Grant Application for Lighthouse Point.
City Clerk Debra Brooks stated that R-157 was time sensitive.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski explained R-157, “It’s a matter of approval for 150 ft. of new piping, for explanation to go to the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection).”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “No township money is being used. It is being paid for by the developer.”
Councilwoman Zussette Dato asked, “Has the project been approved by the Planning Board?”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “I’m not sure.”
Law Director Womack then added, “If they didn’t have approved, it wouldn’t be time sensitive.”
Councilwoman Dato then said, “If we’re being told if it’s time sensitive, can we vote by email? (when more information is given)?”
Skarzynski called the Planning Board Secretary to clarify the matter, but Gross then stated that he felt it was better to pull the Resolution. “There are too many questions.”
Resolutions R-150 thru R-152, R-154, R-155 and R-158 were all passed unanimously. For R-153, Council President Gross abstained. The Resolution passed. R-156 and R-157 were both pulled to be put on the agenda for the October 2, 2019 Business Meeting for further discussion. Oridance #18-2019 – An Ordinance adopting the enforcement of Title 39 Entitled, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations” on the property located at 611 Bordentown Avenue in the City of South Amboy. Was moved by Council Vice-President Christine Noble and seconded by Councilman Brian McLaughlin. It passed unanimously.
For Ordinances #19-2019 thru #23-2019, including #20 (Puppy Mills) all passed on the First Reading unanimously.
Regarding the South Amboy ArtFest (Sunday, September 22, 2019) it was noted to thank Camille Tooker who spearheaded the event and the hard work that Joan Convery and Mary Zarrow that made the Arts Festival happen.
Council Comments: Councilwoman Dato spoke about the Scarecrow Contest. “Kids can pick-up a scarecrow to take home and decorate to be returned to the Y for hanging and voting around town on the SA Arts Facebook page.”
Council President Mickey Gross announced the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees:
Grand Marshal – Tim and Karen Woziak; Deputy Grand Marshal – Larry Parsons
Honorary Grand Marshal – Dennis Kelly; Special Honored Guests – Karen Robson & Mary Squaro; Congratulations to all our 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees. The Parade will be on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Councilman Thomas Reilly wanted to put the word out that the South Amboy First Aide Squad and Fire Department was looking for members and anyone interested should come to City Hall. It was noted that anyone interested will be directed whom to speak to.
