11/4/20 Business Meeting via Teleconferencing
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The first discussion at the meeting was about No. 3 – A Resolution for a tax lien at 104 S. Rosewell. Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that the DPW was sent to clean up the property and the tax lien on the property was to recoup the cost to the taxpayers. Skarzynski stated that communications were sent to the owner with no reply. He was uncertain if the owner had paid his taxes on the blighted property.
Councilman Thomas Reilly stated, “I hope we can expedite the process (of demolishing of the structures on the property).
B.A. Skarzynski added that the Mayor made it very clear to demolish all structures on the property.
There was a discussion regarding No. 5 – Resolution to cancel taxes – 331 Bordentown Ave. Law Director Francis Womack stated it was the Applegate Property. “We’ve taken the property by eminent domain. We’ve taken possession of the land and just return any taxes paid.”
B.A. Skarzynski stated, “It’s going to be a permanent Veteran’s Plaza for all our Veterans: past and present. The facility will be on Bordentown Avenue.” It was noted that the owner was happy to give the land over for the Veteran’s Memorial.
The next discussion was about No. 7 – Resolution to establish the City of South Amboy Nutritional Support Program.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “We were able to act as an indemnity to supply our food pantries. This resolution is based on a model enabling us to utilize the DPW vehicles to pick up food from Middlesex County College (and other places) to benefit those unfortunate than most.” Skarzynski explained that other municipalities had a similar resolution which was the model for this one that enables the city to use their vehicles to deliver food to the needy. “By working with the county, we will be able to have produce and dairy.” Skarzynski thanked Councilman Reilly for his persistence in getting this accomplished.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked why this took so long.
B.A. Skarzynski explained that a lot of things needed to get done first.
Law Director Francis Womack added that it is because of legal reasons and that B.A. Skarzynski reached out to the County. “The resolution allows us to go to another municipality.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato gave clarification to the issue. “When I volunteered at the food pantry, one issue was a vehicle. It’s an issue between church and state. Maybe there’s a possibility a vehicle can be purchased? If Mr. Womack says it’s a great resolution, I’m happy.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly insisted that this resolution should have been done a long time ago. “What’s the length of this program?”
Skarzynski answered that there is no preset time limit on the program.
Reilly stated the resolution should be modified so that there is no end date. “Right now, many people need food.”
Council President Mickey Gross approved of the decision, “We all did the right thing tonight.”
The council voted unanimously to amend the resolution by adding the language of no end date and a for a wider area of pickup.”
For No. 9 – Ordinance amending truck weight restrictions on certain city streets.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that there were complaints from city residents about trucks coming through town to avoid the ramp. The ordinance will change to a 4-ton weight restriction (from the old 8-ton weight restriction) on certain streets.
No. 10 – Ordinance regulating vehicle repair on public streets. B.A. Skarzynski stated that this ordinance was at the request of the chief of police. He said that when people repair vehicles on the street, they get oil (and other fluids) on the ground which are a hazard.
Resolution No. 20-309 – Authorization to purchase Owen Forensic Audio Services for the City of South Amboy.
There was a discussion regarding the audio recording from the 12/19/18 Council Meeting (where the Manhattan Beach Project was voted upon). B.A. Skarzynski explained, “Forensic Audio Services stated they could restore the audio to useable condition. I have a quote from the forensic engineer. She is confident it (the audio) could be restored for the purpose needed for $6000.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked, “Will it be transcribed?”
Law Director Womack answered that court reporters could do the stenography and for a 4-hour meeting it would be around $400-$500.”
B.A. Skarzynski explained that the company is charging per hour of recorded material. Since the meeting was 4 hours long, it is $1,500 x 4 hours = $6,000. He quoted the woman whom he spoke with, “It won’t be pretty, but it will be audible.” Skarzynski stated, “I was fortunate to find a forensic engineer in Middlesex County.”
Councilman Reilly emphasized the importance of having the meeting transcribed after the audio is fixed.”
All the council voted yes to the resolution.
B.A. Skarzynski proudly stated, “We will begin the process tomorrow.”
Council Comments:
Councilwoman Zusette Dato congratulated Thomas Reilly, Brian McLaughlin who along with herself won reelection to the council. She also congratulated the Board of Education winners, and thanked City Clerk Deborah Brooks and all the poll workers.
Councilman Thomas Reilly congratulated all his colleagues on the council. He thanked everyone who donated and volunteered at the food pantries. “Are there any vacancies on any boards right now?”
Council President answered he would get back to him on that.
Reilly then asked, “What is the update on the illegal pallet operation?”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated it is an ongoing process. “He (the palate businessowner) is clearly doing everything he can to avoid doing what he is supposed to. We will continue to pursue the matter.” Skarzynski stated he (the pallet operator) was given the minimum fine.
Reilly asked about background checks and fingerprinting for firefighters.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “Not at the present moment, but the city could set up a procedure to get that done.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the first responders for their work in the pandemic. He emphasized the need for donations to the food pantries.
Skarzynski added, “Around the holidays, city workers do a robust extensive food drive.”
It was noted that the city’s part time grant writer got $14 million in grants for South Amboy in 2020.
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “I really think that Code Enforcement needs a picture ID when they are going out in public. It’s not fair to them.”
Mayor Fred Henry was thankful for the donation of property on Bordentown Avenue for the Veteran’s Memorial. “On November 11th at 11 a.m. across from city hall (at the train station), we will be honoring our Veterans.”
Public Portion:
Resident Bill DeMasi asked for an update on the abandoned property on John and Broadway.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “It is still pending in court.”
DeMasi then asked about the construction equipment by the water.
Skarzynski assured DeMasi that the workers should be done shortly.
DeMasi then complained about cars racing down certain areas of town, especially John Street and John T. O’Leary Boulevard. “Motorcycles are racing down the street, too.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “The police are aware of the speeding vehicles.”
Head of OEM, South Amboy Mark Herdman noted that there were 1,800 deliveries of food last week.
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. All council members were present.
