Illustration/graphic by The Amboy Guardian

4/1/20 Business Meeting via Phone Conference

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – Resolution No. 20-109 thru 20-111 passed. For Discussion items a & b B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that these items were memorializing certifying the LOSAP for the First Aid and Fire Departments. Councilman Thomas Reilly thanked all the volunteers who are committed to this town. There was no discussion on item c which was a letter from DEP regarding stormwater permit program notifications. 

Item d was the 2020 budget which initiated an intense discussion. Mayor Fred Henry emphasized that South Amboy was now running on a temporary budget. Henry stated that is necessary to run the city right now and there will be no additional personnel added to the payroll.

Councilman Thomas Reilly stated, “We don’t know how long this pandemic will take place.” Reilly advised the council of the now large unemployment rate due to the coronavirus. “It’s getting worse with the economy what’s going on.”

Gross stated that the council that there was an emergency budget in place. Mayor Fred Henry stated the city could run into problems by operating on a temporary budget. “We obviously need to run the city.”

Law Director Francis Womack advised the council of the circumstances that the budget needing a new hearing and that the council can vote on the budget now.

Director of Revenue and Finance and CFO Daniel Balka reminded the council that they have to mail out tax bills for the bank while the temporary budget is out.

The council stated that no one had sent out any material on the budget; they also admitted they didn’t reach out to anyone to get the material. Council President Mickey Gross pleaded with the council. He stated, “Although it’s a crazy time, the council needs to sit down, put aside their differences and agree on a budget and work together for the good of the city.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated, “I understand the crisis we’re in now. Our CFO is right. We need to move this along.”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin wanted to know how much the new ambulance cost.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “The ambulance which costs between $250,000 to $300,000 which the NCIA will finance. We have to put 5% down. We have the money to put it down.”

McLaughlin then asked about the summer co-op program for students. Skarzynski stated that the plan is to have this program. The discussion is on the jobs for this program is funded.

Reilly stated that some of the larger raises in the budget were unacceptable to him. “I haven’t answers to my satisfaction.”

B.A. Skarzynski stated that the raises were authorized by the council last year therefore the city is obligated to pay these individuals the salaries as presented in the budget. “The salary guide was approved by the council and dictates what the range is.”

Reilly stated that a part-time Code Enforcement Personnel should not be making more than fulltime DPW workers.”

Council President Gross explained that these are part-time workers and they do not receive any benefits. B.A. Skarzynski emphasized that each fulltime position costs the city $30,000 per person in benefits.

Gross stated each part-time employee were only allowed to work 24 hours per week. (3 8-hour shifts). Skarzynski stated the salary rates are compatible with surrounding municipalities and that the fulltime DPW workers receive benefits. He also stated the part-time Code Enforcement personnel have a flexible schedule which is necessary. “The gross rate is $25/hour for inspectors.”

Reilly requested a list of employees with their salary increases that were being put in place in the budget.

Again, Gross pleaded with the council to get the budget approval done.

Dato stated, “We cannot spend any extra money. No raises or overtime in the near future. Get all the facts out and I can live with the budget.”

B.A. Skarzynski stated he would email all the material asked to the entire council. He assured the council that all unnecessary expenses are gone, and the First Responders are fully stocked with protective gear and so are the police. 

After another brief discussion, all of the council agreed to review the budget over the next two weeks and make their decision at the Wednesday, April 15, 2020 meeting.

Council Comments:

Councilwoman Zusette Dato reminded everyone to fill out the 2020 Census. “So much depends on that complete count. You can do it online, by phone, or on paper. Your count is so important. It’s important to think of others. Reach out to someone who is homebound. Any little bit. Keep our businesses in mind. Many restaurants have takeout and are using measures to keep people apart. Help them. Help all of us. We will get through this together.”

Vice President Christine Noble thanked the first responders.

Councilwoman Thomas Reilly thanked the food pantries in town. “Brian McLaughlin’s wife, Amy chose pictures on the porch for the charity Friends of South Amboy. She raised money for the food pantries. They are picking up that need to assist the food pantries in town.”

Council President Mickey Gross stated there are 20 cases of coronavirus presently (4/1/20) in South Amboy. “I want to compliment the emergency personnel everywhere. If anyone has a question on the coronavirus, call 732-745-3100. We’re going to be testing for at least a month. We’re going to get through this.”

Mayor Fred Henry stated, “I want to thank the professionals. It’s good to have all that cooperation.” 

Skarzynski stated, “Dan (CFO Balka) and I are here every day. Please reach out by phone or email.”

The meeting went into closed session at 7:02 p.m.