By: Katherine Massopust
Resident Sean Horan speaks before the Council
*Photo by Paul W. Wang
SOUTH AMBOY – The only item questioned on the Consent Agenda was No. 20-060 Authorizing an award of a contract for grant writer – Mazaukas. Councilman Brian McLaughlin questioned if any grants were received by the city. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that the city received quite of few grants thanks to the grant writer.
The consent agenda passed unanimously.
Council Comments:
Council Vice President Christine Noble had no comments.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato gave a few quick comments about the 2020 Census, “In the middle of March, you will receive a survey and will be asked to cooperate. It’s very important. Billions of dollars are allotted for federal funding. It’s up to every person to cooperate. You can do it online, by telephone, or mail. It’s secure and confidential. You will be asked your gender, address, ethnicity, etc.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly gave his condolences to two families that recently suffered loses. He questioned if the Planning and Zoning Board Members that are listed on the City of South Amboy website are up to date.
B.A. Skarzynski stated he wasn’t sure.
Reilly also stated he wanted to have a tax calculator to be put on the City of South Amboy’s website. “It will tell you how your tax dollars are being utilized. It will promote more transparency. Right now, it only shows school and municipal taxes.”
B.A. Skarzynski stated he wasn’t sure he could put it on the website, but he could give a breakdown of where expenses go. He stated of the tax calculator, “If we can, it can be done.”
Council President Mickey Gross stated that this matter should be discussed at a business meeting so other council members would like to give their input.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin stated that the city recently received an audit.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “Over several years, we have been doing the normal part of our audit process. It’s another one of the checks and balances of tax dollars.”
McLaughlin then asked about summer hirings for high school students and the status of the ferry.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “We are waiting for the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) on the Waterfront Development permits. We had them, then they expired. We have to do them again.”
McLaughlin asked about hiring local residents for the construction of the Manhattan Beach Project. Skarzynski answered that as soon as the permit goes through, there will be a job fair.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “We received a grant for $8,000 for the census.
Council President Mickey Gross mentioned the firefighters in attendance. He stated, “The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on March 15th. There will be 25 bands. On Friday, there will be a Irish concert. On March 14th there will be a breakfast and flag raising. It will be a family friendly parade.”
Mayor Fred Henry was pleased to announce that the city received a $1 million grant from the state. “Thanks to Governor Murphy and Assembly Speaker Coughlin. It’s because we are a transit village. We will use the money to put new lights on Broadway and cameras. It will improve pedestrian crossing.”
During the public portion, resident Sean Horan came up to speak about the liquor store which will be opening on Bordentown Avenue. “It’s next door to my house. I’ve been a schoolteacher for 10 years. I cannot leave my front door without seeing a liquor store. There are many liquor stores within a short distance to my house. This liquor store will be in an area where it is designated as an Art’s District. It’s yet another place that sells cigarettes, vapes, and alcohol. Vaping is seriously affecting our students. The person who the liquor license is being transferred to is the owner of Roosevelt Market. That has been closed since Sandy. What happened to the FEMA money he received?” Horan then complained about garbage cans not being secured at establishments which can cause health issues. He then cited statistics to reinforce his argument against the liquor store opening. “I don’t see how this business is consistent to move in the direction this city needs. I have letters from residents. People are not happy about it.”
Resident Brian Murphy came up to speak next. He was pleased that the City Council was helpful in addressing his concerns about the Waterfront Park and baseball fields that he brought up at the 1/8/20 Business Meeting.
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “If there is a problem, call me.”
Murphy then thanked Councilman Tom Reilly who had taken care of another issue he had brought up at the business meeting immediately.
Resident Susan Riley came up to speak next. She complained about a $20 increase in her water bill. “I got my sewage bill with the letter of explanation. Why will the water bill be going up?” She stated she is on a fixed income and this is an added burden.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered her concerns, “It was ultimately passed by the council. Anytime we have a utility, we want it to be self-sustaining. We had to do increases to cover the costs over the years and the repairs now being made.” He then explained that multiple-family homes will be getting an increase as well as everyone in the city.
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated, “The aging sewer system – we are trying to get repairs done before it becomes an emergency situation.”
B.A. Skarzynski then stated that seniors and the disabled can get a discount on their bill and to contact the Service Department.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato addressed Sean Horan’s concerns about the liquor store. “The liquor license transfer – what you found out is accurate. And I agree, I don’t think it’s a good fit. We can require they cover their trash cans.”
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m. All council members were present.
