1/8/20 Business Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
Councilman Thomas Reilly
SOUTH AMBOY – A potpourri of topics were discussed at the 1/8/20 Business Meeting. Councilman Thomas Reilly asked for clarification for certifying eligibility for a firefighter. He questioned if this individual was a new firefighter who just graduated from the academy or if he just became eligible for death benefits.
Council President Mickey Gross stated that the Council will find out more details before making a decision.
There was a discussion on Ordinance No. 01-2020 – An ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14).
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that this ordinance gives the city flexibility if need be. “The cap is just in case there is a need for an increase, then the council can hear it.”
Councilman Reilly was concerned if the budget cap is exceeded.
B.A. Skarzynski assured Reilly that this ordinance gives the council the flexibility to exceed the cap, but only with council approval.
Reilly asked if this was necessary to have this done now (at this meeting).
City Clerk Debra Brooks stated, “You don’t have to sign it. We’ll introduce it tonight.”
The resolution was introduced on first reading, moved by Vice-President Christine Noble and seconded by Councilman Thomas Reilly. All approved.
Council Comments:
Vice-President Christine Noble had no comments.
Councilman Thomas Reilly was appreciative to B.A. Glenn Skarzynski for putting up the hometown heroes banners, stating that one resident called and said that he had some WWII mementos from his Grandfather who was on one of the banners which will be on display in the city.
Reilly then spoke about Government Week, “In April, I want to do government week again.” Reilly wanted to make improvements on what was done last year. “During the April Council Meeting I would like to recognize 3 people for Government Week.” Reilly then addressed City Clerk Brooks, “I have the names of the people and will give them over to you.”
Brooks stated she would prepare the honorees proclamations.
Both Councilman Reilly and Mayor Fred Henry commented that meeting commuters in the train station in the morning was not working. It was suggested by Mayor Fred Henry it might be more practical to meet people at the train station during the weekend (during Government Week). Reilly suggested that Mayor Henry should also visit schools to teach students about government.
There was a brief discussion about the Student “Mock Council Meeting.” It was decided that it would be done at 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. May Council Meeting to give ample time for the teacher to prepare the students. There was also a brief discussion about having an event at the Senior Center to be open to the public such as a Friday pizza night for seniors.
Councilman Reilly then proposed two ordinances. The first ordinance was pertaining to vaping. “I think it is in the best interest in South Amboy to not have it.”
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “This is something that we need to do yesterday.”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “There’s a limit use.” He suggested that there be a 500-meter limit near schools, funeral homes, assisted living, churches, etc. “We’re going to take a good look at our town.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato asked, “Can’t we restrict vaping?”
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “It’s something you’re going to get both sides on it. We have to see what we can do.”
Law Director Womack stated, “We can license it and make it unattractive.”
Councilwoman Dato said, “Children are the targets of these products. These children end up on respirators. This is something cigarette smoking doesn’t do in 3 months.”
Reilly asked, “Is the council in agreement on as many restrictions as possible?” They answered “Yes.”
Reilly’s second proposed ordinance was regarding sand being brought into town. “There should be permits on sand coming into the city and where it’s from.”
Council President Gross stated, “We had issues years ago. It was very difficult to regulate this.”
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “Right now, the government regulates fill. There are other municipalities that are regulated into an ordinance – where it comes from.”
Gross asked, “Are we going to tie our hands where things can’t get done?”
Law Director Womack stated, “We will indicate another lawyer that the DEP has approved.”
Skarzynski stated, “We can adopt DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) standards. It’s based on cubic yards.”
Womack stated it has to be consistent with the DEP.
Gross explained that a license professional (LSRP – Licensed Site Remediation Professional) looks at remediated sites. “The LSRP signs off on anything that is done. We must be consistent.”
Reilly then turned his attention to the topic of the Fire Department absorbing the First Aid Squad.
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “I’ve discussed it with the Fire Department and the importance of getting it accomplished. There was a general membership meeting. They want to put it off. I met with Chief O’Connor to move this forward.”
The topic of watermains came up. B.A. Skarzynski stated, “We’ve had a meeting with Middlesex Water to replace watermains. All affected residents will be contacted repeatedly.”
Mayor Henry stated, “They’re putting millions of dollars into South Amboy.”
Councilman Reilly asked, “While the water is being looked at, will they look at the sewer lines?”
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “The excavation for the water is on the other side of the street. So, no. They (the sewer lines) are at a greater depth.”
It was noted that there was a 15% increase in water and sewer costs in South Amboy which was already implemented.
It was also noted that Phase II of the Manhattan Beach Project has been completed. 501 units have been built. B.A. Skarzynski stated it would give a 10% increase in revenue to the city. Council President Gross noted that the city needs to have more people in Code Enforcement. Skarzynski suggested to share services with Woodbridge or another city. “I don’t want to hire excess full time staff.”
Henry agreed stating, “We are exploring different avenues to get this accomplished.”
Gross noted there are retired professionals that might want to work part time.
B.A. Skarzynski then turned his attention to issues at the Waterfront. He noted that lack of ample lighting was causing a safety hazard. “Our proposal is the Waterfront Parking Area be open from sunrise to sunset. The beach itself should be sunrise to sunset. We are having ongoing discussions with the police.”
Dato agreed, “The lights are out again on the walkway,” citing repeated vandalism. She added, “A man spoke to me and says he’s uneasy at night when he is walking his dogs.”
Skarzynski stated, “We want to change the walkway to make it vandalism resistant.” Skarzynski stated that smart lighting will be put there which has sensors. “We want to keep people off the beach when it’s dark.”
Reilly stated, “The fishermen are one of our valued resources.”
Dato said, “This will allow for people to come to South Amboy.”
Skarzynski concluded the discussion, “We have a large beach. The general rule is sunrise to sunset.”
The next topic met with much happiness to the council when Skarzynski announced the infamous “Pigeon Palace” was scheduled for demolition on January 15th. “The owners have been fully informed. Once the property is demolished, we will put a lean on their property (for any city costs).”
It was noted that there will be a small $20 per year fee for out-of-town seniors to come to use the South Amboy Senior Center services.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that one of the traffic safety signs is being repaired and will be ready soon and be placed by Shoregate.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated, “It’s right next to our schools. People are zipping by. That sign has to be there.”
Skarzynski stated that the sign does not collect data.
Dato stated, “I asked the Superintendent to put it by the school. Look out for our students, our kids.”
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “There will be a Hall of Fame Committee to honor people for what they’ve done.”
During the Public Portion, Resident Brian Murphy spoke, “I love the hometown heroes and all the holiday events: the tree lighting, the trolley tour. My kids absolutely loved it.” Murphy then turned attention to the baseball fields, “The baseball fields at the Waterfront Park – you want people to come to them. No one is ever on those fields. My son plays on those fields. I know it’s through the county.”
Council President Gross answered, “If you have a problem, you can always call.”
Councilman Reilly then added, “There’s a field behind the school. It isn’t in as good condition.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained, “There is 3-phase renovation project. The fields will be renovated. We are in the process of designing a state-of-the-art facility. All fields will have lights.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato was late. Councilman Brian McLaughlin was not present.
