Members of Presbyterian Church accept check from Assemblyman Craig Coughlin for their food pantry. Part of the proceeds from Bowling For Hunger. *Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
By: Carolyn Maxwell
SOUTH AMBOY – Under Business items: Ordinance 11-15 and Resolution 1-141-2015 amending city code post Superstorm Sandy came under discussion by Councilman Tom Reilly. He felt that this ordinance would be going against the master plan pertaining to proposed density. “The master plan called for single unit structures (in that area – near Roswell Street).”
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski responded that the Planning Board approved this resolution and ordinance.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato spoke up, “I trust the Planning Board’s decisions.”
Reilly also had a question regarding Resolution 156-2019: SARA (South Amboy Redevelopment Agency) appointment. “I want to make sure that everyone is okay with Camille Tooker’s appointment. Did other people apply?”
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “Camille (Tooker) has done a great job in the past on this board and will continue to do so.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato added, “Camille was nominated and approved to be on this board.”
Gross and Mayor Fred Henry both stated, “It’s a vote to reappoint Camille Tooker to SARA.Henry then clarified, “Tooker’s term was up (which made reappointment necessary).”
Reilly then questioned the property at the corner of lower John Street and Roswell Street. “Superstorm Sandy happened 7 years ago. My concerns would be rescinding Resolution 141-2015.”
Skarzynski responded, “People didn’t know about the closing date to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and what could be built (after the storm).”
Reilly responded, “I talked to Tom Kelly (Building Inspector) who stated that site needs to be cleaned up.”
Dato said, “I think 7 years is sufficient (for that spot to have been cleaned up).”
Mayor Henry added, “There’s a cleanup pending.”
Gross then added, “That particular location may be grandfathered in.”
Law Director Francis Womack stated that he will look to see if orders are pending on this property (John and Rosewell).
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski gave an overview of Business Item g.) A resolution purchasing a 2-ton asphalt hot patch trailer. “This will enable us to do hot patches which will create smoother and longer lasting street surfaces.”
Skarzynski then discussed the Best Practices results: “Our information was sent into the Department of Consumer Affairs and we should have our results no later than October 3, 2019.”
Councilman Reilly then questioned Item No. j.) Resolution authorizing a tax lien for maintenance performed at 356 Ward Ave. “Are there monthly fees for a late payment?”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “There is a lien on the property if they were in default. Decisions are made on a case by case basis.”
Reilly then questioned, “Are there any considerations if a person is a senior?”
Skarzynski added, “We may extend (extra courtesy) if a person is caught between a rock and a hard place.”
There also was a discussion regarding Business item No. h.) A resolution authorizing a sewer payment installment plan.
Councilwoman Dato said, “It sounds like there may be a glitch in the utility system.”
Skarzynski responded, “There has been miscommunication with the water utility since we no longer do the billing. We have a lien on the property that we had to do a cleanup for. The cleanups are discretionary.”
Reilly then questioned Business Item No. l.) An alleyway clearing. “Residents have been complaining about the number of people who speed in that alleyway. “Maybe we can look into placing a speed limit sign or installing speed bumps.”
Skarzynski said, “We can look into this.”
There was a lengthy discussion regarding Business Item No. m.) The Broadway Festival.
Reilly spoke up and explained there were mixed feelings about the Arts Festival, “Some businesses said that the Arts Festival helped them, while some said it actually hurt them. Some of the bars were not happy.”
Council President Gross spoke next, “I heard both positive and negative from the bars. You have to do what’s right and best. You can’t win that argument.”
Council Vice President Christine Noble thought it was a great event. “I think there was one specific tavern who had a problem.”
Gross then requested that the Council make suggestions.
Dato was the first to respond, “We should survey the business owners. Any traffic coming into town is good, but we also have limited parking.”
Gross spoke again, “Camille Tooker is the one suggested having limited food vendors.”
Mayor Henry felt that the people who complained should make suggestions.
Reilly said, “We tried helping the businesses on Broadway. Surveying those businesses is a good idea. We’ve tried to engage our businesses in the past, but we’ve gotten poor responses. We used to have a Waterfront Festival.”
Gross then added, “One business actually complained about having the fireworks because it brought too much traffic into the city.”
Mayor Henry then stated, “If the festival helps most businesses, it’s important. Maybe the bars should have half price sales during these events.”
After that discussion, Reilly asked if the county can do fire inspections in town.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “I don’t think so, but I can give them a call.”
Council Comments:
Vice President Christine Noble congratulated The Friends of the South Amboy for recent events they sponsored throughout the city.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato was delighted that Assemblyman and current Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin came to the council meeting tonight to present a check to two food pantries (the Presbyterian Church had 2 employees present. There also was a check for St. Mary’s Food Pantry to be given to them later because no one was present.) These checks were part of the proceeds from the Bowling for Hunger event.
Dato also congratulated the Artsfest Committee for the work they did on the Festival. “It was a great day.”
Councilman Reilly stated, “The Friends of South Amboy raised a lot of money and their next event will be held sometime in December.” Reilly was also concerned about a fire hazard (piles of pallets near the old St. Mary’s School).
B.A. Skarzynski responded, “Someone is running an illegal business near there. Summons were issued and we’re trying to get the owner to court.”
Gross spoke up, “This business is blatantly violating the law.”
Law Director Womack then said, “The city will send another notice to the owners.”
Reilly then questioned why e-mails he had sent to B.A. Glenn Skarzynski were unanswered.
Skarznynski responded, “Some of the issues may be something that should be taken care of by the City Clerk.”
Gross came to Skarzynski’s defense, “Glenn is bombarded with e-mails and I’m guilty of doing that myself. I also call Glenn a lot.”
Reilly continued, “I see Glenn responding to e-mails that were sent after mine.”
Gross spoke next. He also complimented the Art Society. He urged everyone to see the upcoming Holocaust Remembrance event to take place. “There will also be an event discussing opioid abuse. My hats off to Kathy Kudelkak who is part of the South Amboy Alliance who helps put these programs together. She is part of the Municipal Alliance.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “The DPW received new uniforms and the mechanics were able to rehabilitate some of the older vehicles. Some of the pews and some 50 chairs are to be replaced in city hall. The Municipal Alliance will also have dances, movies, and an upcoming Trunk or Treat for the kids. There will be a delivery for bicycle racks and the cost will be picked up by the Board of Education.”
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz said, “There will be milling and paving on Pine Street. There was a blockage that was caused by a hairbrush on the pump station on Raritan Street which is an old system. The DPW and Sewer Team reacted quickly and there was no backup in the homes in that area. We are looking to do upgrades to the pump system.”
Mayor Fred Henry spoke last. He began by thanking the Public Works Department and the Arts Council for all the work that they’ve done. He also mentioned the upcoming Holocaust exhibit and citywide yard sale (weekend of 10/5-6/19). “The Public Works Department has new hirees and have acquired new equipment.” He then spoke about the Historical Society and their cooperation with the School System and the YMCA. He thanked SARA who paid for the new digital signs by the high school. “There have been beach cleanups, but there are still things that need to be cleaned up, but Glenn is a go-getter. We always thank the Council for supporting us.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin was absent from the meeting.
