South Amboy Council

5/6/20 Business Meeting via Teleconference

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – For the first portion of the Business Meeting, there was an intense discussion between the Council, Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski, Police Chief Darren Lavigne, and Police Officer Brian Noble. Officer Noble had filed a grievance with Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski. After an hour-long discussion, it was decided that the matter be postponed for two weeks to review any contracts and documents involved, etc.

It was noted that Lavigne, Noble, and Skarzynski had the best interest of the City of South Amboy at heart.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated the CFO can take the steps necessary and that he was happy to see the city get two new fire trucks and one new first aid vehicle. 

Council Comments: 

Councilwoman Zusette Dato said that the bill list had some expenses and asked what the possibility are they being reimbursed by the state.

B.A. Skarzynski answered, “The CFO and Purchasing Officer have been working shoulder to shoulder to move forward.”

Dato stated, “75 Cents on a dollar.” She then added, “I want to give a shout out to our emergency personnel and the Friends of South Amboy who raised thousands of dollars for food pantries. They are consistently helping others, distributing food, masks or anyone who helps people. These are tough times right now.

Councilman Thomas Reilly also praised the Friends of South Amboy. “The First Aid, Fire Department, Police Department are doing a great job.” Reilly then changed the subject, “Where do we stand on the vaping ordinance?”

Law Director Francis Womack answered, “I’ve drafted one. I want to make sure  what it’s what you are looking for.”

Reilly then asked, “The garage on lower First Street – Someone purchased it – I am getting complaints.”

B.A. Skarzynski answered, “J. Elliot called me with the property owner.”

Council President Mickey Gross added, “The owner had medical issues. We ran into someone who knew him, and we are working on that.”

Reilly then asked, “Are we taking precautions with taking temperatures?”

B.A. Skarzynski answered, “We just got thermometers a few days ago. We’re looking to getting 100 respirators.”

Reilly asked, “What about senior parking behind city hall?”

Skarzynski answered he would look into it. 

Law Director Francis Womack said, “We are in litigation with Venetian. That can be covered in a closed session.”

Reilly said, “The ownership of Woodmont is changing hands. Did we do our due diligence?”

Skarzynski said, “The PILOT goes with the property. We have to go through this.”

Reilly added, “I think they need to be properly vetted.” Reilly then added, “Thank our Ex-Mayor Jack O’Leary – and the first responders in our own town.

Council President Mickey Gross said, “I would like to mention First Presbyterian Church, the Friends of South Amboy, the OEM, JRMC. We postponed the fireworks. It is not in the best interest to do it this year.”

Mayor Fred Henry reminded everyone to complete their 2020 Census forms. “I want to thank Middlesex Water Company for donating to the food banks.” He thanked all the nurses for National Nurses Appreciation Day.” Henry then was annoyed at the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center who gave COVID-19 testing in South Amboy. “The JRMC should have gone through the Mayor’s Office and the Superintendent of Schools who were not consulted. It is a good idea, but it should have been approved by my office.”

No one spoke during the public portion. Both doors in city hall were checked and no one spoke via phone conference. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.