6/3/20 Business Meeting via Phone Conference
By: Katherine Massopust
Councilwoman
Zusette Dato
SOUTH AMBOY – 3 of the 5 Resolutions on the agenda dealt with getting local liquor licenses up to par (two were for the American Legion) according to City Clerk Debra Brooks.
One of the topics for discussion was about Kevin Cassidy who was a representative for Nationwide. Cassidy who is no longer associated with Nationwide had opened up his own firm and offered his services to the City of South Amboy employees which would be offered parallel with Nationwide. The discussion was for the council’s consideration. Cassidy had a long history with South Amboy employees. It was discussed that Cassidy’s new company may offer some things the old plan does not.
Council Comments:
Council Vice President Christine Noble inquired about outdoor dining for local restaurants. Council President Mickey Gross answered that Jay Elliot from Code Enforcement advised restaurants what they can and can’t do.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that he worked with several individuals in regards to zoning, construction, and covering the health aspect of the plan so they can have a position to operate. He stated there will be an application (no fee).
Council Vice President Christine Noble was concerned that the public would not have access to a rest room. B.A. Skarzynski stated that depends on the Department of Health. Council President Gross stated that the bathrooms are for the employees only because they are inside. Gross made a point to thank B.A. Glenn Skarzynski for all his hard work to get this going.
Noble then turned her attention to complaints from citizens of trucks blocking Raritan Street. B.A. Skarzynski stated if you witness this to call the police immediately to report it.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated, “I am delighted we are gong to have outdoor dining. On the weekend I was at Mercer County Park. The rest rooms were open for two people at a time and they wore masks.” Dato then commented on the work being done on John O’Leary Boulevard. “Sidewalks have been installed across the ballfield across from Shoregate. It looks wonderful – a great improvement! It’s nicely done. Thank you!”
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated there was a grant which is approximately $550,000 which covers close to 100% of the cost. “We are improving the areas that were bad.”
Dato suggested that the agenda for the council meeting should be shared on the computer screen during the meeting. “It would be beneficial to see the agenda as we move along.”
Dato also wanted an update on the former Stillwagon House which suffered from a fire around a year ago.
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “The owner was in the hospital. It’s been cleaned up.” He then added that it will be demolished, and that the owner was served a summons, but the owner has yet to go to court. He explained that court is being held via videoconferencing and they only hear 15 cases a day, therefore the courts are backlogged.
Councilwoman Dato then brought up about calling seniors to make sure they are okay during this pandemic. Council President Mickey Gross had also emphasized the importance of calling seniors at previous meetings.
B.A. Skarzynski answered Dato’s concerns stating that the city had called seniors who were registered at the Senior Center a week ago and they are continuing to do so.
Councilman Thomas Reilly thanked the Friends of South Amboy, the Frist Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Food Pantry for their efforts during the pandemic.
Reilly then asked about when the ballfields would be opened up.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “We are able to open the batting cages. We have not fully opened up all the parks. As long as we follow guidelines and social distancing.”
Reilly then suggested there be a grace period for the water/sewer bills for the citizens.
Law Director Francis Womack answered, “We certainly have an ordinance in place to do it.”
Reilly then brought attention to an illegal pallet operation on Washington Road. “We need to step up our efforts on it. The pallets pile up, then they take it away and the pallets pile up again. It’s a fire hazard.”
He then spoke about a rundown garage on First Street. “It’s still in the same condition. There are rodents running in and out. We need to get it done. I am afraid a kid (waking by) will be bit by a rodent.”
B.A. Skarzynski stated that there was a warrant out for the owner’s arrest.
Reilly then mentioned that the South Amboy Historical Society was broken into a while back. He wanted to know if there were any measures being taken to prevent it happening again.
Skarzynski answered that a camera was installed.
Reilly then spoke about Roosevelt Street where the old Roosevelt Market was. He said there was high grass and it was in deplorable condition.
Skarzynski stated that the owner would like to go in front of a Planning Board, but the owner owes back taxes.
Reilly requested that the overgrown grass on the property be mowed.
Skarzynski stated that city hall will be back to full staff on the 19th but the city is waiting on the governor for opening up to the public.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin, who came late due to having to do a teleconference for work, asked about the merger of the First Aid Squad and Fire Department.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that he did not foresee anything getting done until the end of the year. He explained that in order for the First Aid Squad to be a division of the Fire Department, it requires an ordinance.”
McLaughlin emphasized that the council should expedite this due to the current situation.
Skarzynski advised the council that the Mayor had given him specific instructions regarding this matter. This includes what part of the day they can be counted on to respond. “They are only answering 45% of their calls. 55% of their calls are being done by (several) ambulance companies that are not affiliated with this city.”
Council President Mickey Gross’s comments were directed at Cambridge. “I was out there Friday. I spoke to the manager on Saturday (5/30/20). They have trucks that are not supposed to be there. They are not good neighbors. They are filthy dirty; the grass is not cut. It is a disgrace they are here. This needs to be straightened out. I will officially reach out to the County Fire Marshall!”
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “We are on most of the things we brought up. We’ve had some issues. We had emergencies. I hope to get things started. We had an extremely disturbing event (referring to a recent incident at the South Amboy Train Station). I’m confident it will have a successful conclusion. South Amboy is not immune to the evils of the world. We are protected by a fine police department under the leadership of Chief Lavigne.”
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. All council members were present.
