4/15/20 Council Meeting
via Phone Conference
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy Council Meeting took place via phone conference.
When it came time to discuss the 2020 budget, Councilman Brian McLaughlin wanted verification that the budget provided for a new ambulance and two firetrucks as well as city employment program. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski assured him it was in the budget. The Budget was passed.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato asked about repairing a sewer main at the South Amboy YMCA. She asked if the funds to pay for this come out of the YMCA’s budget. City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that he did not believe the funds will come from their budget.
Council Comments:
Vice President Christine Noble stated that everyone should stay safe and be well. “These are hard times.”
Councilwoman Zussette Dato stated, “During these times, we need to think of others. I thank everybody who works in emergency management. I want to give a callout to Amy McLaughlin Photography (Councilman Brian McLaughlin’s wife). Her Porch Project raised a huge sum of money for Friends of South Amboy.”
Councilman Tom Reilly stated, “The meeting notice was not posted on the South Amboy Facebook Page or on the sign of City Hall. We should be more transparent about meetings.” Reilly then added, “Amy McLaughlin raised over $10,000 along with her daughter. The money is going back into the community. Hat’s off to Amy McLaughlin.” Reilly then cited Jay Kennedy, owner of Printed Pixels in South Amboy. “Friends of South Amboy benefits from his efforts. They continue to donate to the food pantry.”
Council President Mickey Gross exclaimed, “Hats off to Brian and your family!”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the Police, Fire, First Aid. “Are we going to help the squad out?” he asked.
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “There are some townships and municipalities that does this. It has to be done as a referendum. The way we are proposing this will not impede the validity of the First Aid Squad.”
Mayor Fred Henry agreed that more research was necessary.
Councilman McLaughlin asked that punch cards be eliminated due to the crisis. Council President Mickey Gross agreed with him.
Councilman McLaughlin wanted to know, “People ask me why we don’t have a laundrymat. We need an ordinance.” McLaughlin commented he would not want it to be open 24 hours.
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “A change in the ordinance may have to go through SARA (South Amboy Redevelopment Association).”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “Right now, it can be initiated, then go to the Planning Board with stipulations.”
Council President Mickey Gross agreed that this should be discussed at the next business meeting (May 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.). He felt the public would like to give their input.
Mayor Fred Henry thanked the Council for passing the budget. “Continue to stay safe. Stay at home.”
During the public portion, a man named Larry asked how much the taxes will be increased. It was stated that for a home with the value of $250,000, there will be a $46 increase for the year.
Council President Mickey Gross stated as of today (4/15/20) there are 66 cases of infections with COVID-19 in South Amboy.
Larry asked if anyone was removed from the list.
Gross emphasized to go to the CDC website for any information on COVID-19. “We are requiring everyone to follow CDC guidelines. The CDC is where the best information is.”
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. All Council Members were present.
