South Amboy Council11/23/20 South Amboy Council Meeting via Teleconference
11/23/20 South Amboy Council Meeting via Teleconference
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski answered a question on Resolution No. 23-318 (approvement of bill list) stating that the last of the old decrepit furniture will be replaced in city hall.
It was noted by Councilwoman Zusette Dato that she was in favor or the extra payment that was given to the parttime grant writer (Resolution No. 20-328) who was able to receive grant money above expectation. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “We threw a lot out at him,” and it was noted he was worth every penny.
Council Comments:
Councilwoman Zussette Dato stated, “I saw in the Home News Tribune Readers Choice Awards for 2020 that our little city of less than 2 square miles there were so many winners,” this was including the Dowdell Library and Blue Moon Night Club. “It’s a lot to say about South Amboy.” Dato mentioned that a lot of people came out last week to the First Aid Squad Building. “People rallied around for in two weeks and brought food. I thank Kim Seaver, the First Aid Squad and the Raritan Bay Wreckers and all who donated food to the pantry.” She said the South Amboy YMCA had vendor food trucks and live music. “It is free for families. Our Y is open for business in a safe way. Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are all blessed. We need to be kind to each other. Happy Thanksgiving.”
Council Vice-President Christine Noble wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, “Be safe.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly thanked the food pantries for doing great work. “I want to thank the Lucas Family for their donation of 200 turkey dinners and Meet the Need who donated 38 turkeys.” Reilly then asked about the illegal pallet operation and illegal housing in South Amboy.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “They (owners of the pallet operation) have not yet been heard in court.” Reilly then asked about the Assistant Fire Chief’s vehicle which is badly needed.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “Once they (Fire Department) find a vehicle, the city will transfer the funds.”
Councilman Reilly asked for clarity on the move of making the First Aid Squad a division of the Fire Department and whether or not to build a new fire house or modify the existing one. “The membership has backed the effort to stay where they are. Is this move being considered?”
B.A. Skarzynski said, “This project which has still not come to fruition to see our firefighters are up to 21st Century firefighting. After many, many years, the firehouses are out of date. We can put hundreds of thousands of dollars into an old building or do you want a brand-new building? One way or another it’s a million-dollar project – a necessary project that needs the council’s consideration.”
Councilman Reilly stated, “The firefighters have a lot of legacy there. We can acknowledge all their years of service.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked Kim Seaver for her efforts at her pantry. He then directed his attention to the situation with the fire department, “Do we have a plan, yet? Can we make a second fire house?
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “The administration would be more than happy to fund this. We have been talking about this for 2 decades. Do we leave our firefighters with substandard firehouses or do we address it? We are waiting for the council to approve the Fire Department merger with the First Aid Squad. We have 3 or 4 steps to complete the merger over the next few months.”
Council President Mickey Gross thanked Kim Seaver for her dedication to the food pantry. He then spoke about the firehouse situation, “Keep the gas pedal on the Deputy Chief’s (vehicle). It’s a home (the firehouse) for these guys. We’ve got guys that have given 35 years or better. It’s their home. We can make all foreseeable – it’s their home. These guys get up in the middle of the night just to put fires out.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski reminded everyone there will be a blood drive at St. Mary’s and one in January by the Rotary Club.” “Please support these organizations.”
Public Portion:
The first person to speak was Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Bielak, “Thank you for your efforts to get a vehicle.”
The next person to speak was Edward Zarkowski, “We (the Fire Department) did request some work to be done. Our building (the fire house) was built in 1929. We love our place. We didn’t’ want to leave it. We hate to leave it to go to a cinderblock building.”
Council President Mickey Gross said, “Thank you for your service. We will do everything to help you guys.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly added, “There’s a long legacy. There’s something for years of service and helping people. We have to help you keep that firehouse where it is. Bring it up to code.”
Gross added, “Thank you, sir for your service.”
Larry Parsons was the next person to speak. “Is there a council person who is a liaison to the Fire Department? With all this being said, it’s about time there should be a council member between the council and the mayor.”
Council President Gross said, “Maybe it’s something to consider.”
The council went into executive session at 8:26 p.m. All council members were present.
