2/3/21 Business Meeting via Teleconferencing
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The 2/3/21 Business Meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. The first order of business was a discussion on a few items. According to Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski, Jay Elliot (from Code Enforcement) is attempting to obtain a grant for a new senior bus. Councilwoman Zusette Dato noted that this new bus will be fuel efficient, even though it states gasoline powered. B.A. Skarzynski stated the newest trucks are more fuel efficient.
Councilwoman Dato wanted more details on the resolution adjusting the sewer bills for a citizen. City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated the tax collector asked her to put this on the agenda. Brooks mentioned that this individual stated his water is not wastewater but going to fill his pond. He asked for relief. They are asking the approval of the council.”
Councilwoman Dato was concerned about this. “How do we know this is accurate?”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin felt this should not be granted. Councilwoman Dato felt it would set a precedent.
Law Director Francis Womack stated that the sewer bill is based on water consumption. “If you fill a pool, it’s between the consumption of water and wastewater and sewer.” Womack then stated that this would be for someone who has heavy water use for watering a large lawn or filling a pool.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “If someone puts in a 20,000-gallon pool and fills the pool – at the time. We have no way to verify if this water is in the pond.”
City Clerk Brooks took a straw poll. Everyone voted “no”.
Another topic for discussion was the ongoing grievance between Business Administrator Skarzynski and the P.B.A. This grievance has been ongoing since May 2020. (The details of this grievance were explained in the 6/2/20 issue of the Amboy Guardian’s coverage of the 5/26/20 South Amboy Council Meeting (p.2 & p.7.)).
P.B.A. Representative Brian Noble was present on the teleconference.
Council President Mickey Gross wanted to end this grievance now. “Can you come together and work this out. Look at it with an open mind.”
Although both parties felt that this would not do any good, they both agreed to speak with each other again in closed discussion. Gross asked again to please resolve this issue.
“Maybe Mr. Skarzynski and me will come to an agreement,” stated Brian Noble.
When it came to voting on the resolutions, Council President Gross asked for a vote on R-21-061 “The City Council of the City of South Amboy does hereby approve and release the Council Minutes of the December 19, 2018 Council Meeting.
Councilman Tom Reilly felt that the audio was impossible to make out all the comments from the public.
The vote was: Dato, Noble, and Gross voted “Yes,” and Reilly and McLaughlin voted “No.” Motion passes 3-2. The minutes of the 12/19/18 meeting was approved.
There also was a vote on Resolution No. 21-063 – The City of South Amboy does hereby approve and release the Council Minutes of the October 22, 2018 Council Meeting.
The vote was: Dato, Noble and Gross voted “Yes,” and McLaughlin and Reilly voted “No”. 3-2 motion passes.
Council Comments:
Council Vice President Christine Noble thanked the DPW for their work in plowing the snow from the recent storm. “I can’t imagine how many hours they had to put in.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “I echo Christine’s (Noble) comments. The 2-day snowstorm. Kudos to our Public Works Staff – to all those people – we extend our thanks.” Dato then asked, “What can we do more with our seniors with vaccine progress?”
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the first responders and volunteers at the food pantry. “I encourage everyone to sign up for the vaccine.” Reilly then asked if the late payments for taxes be eliminated for financially struggling residents.
Law Director Womack answered him, “We as a council can wave penalties in that circumstance.”
Reilly stated that he was in favor of doing this, but he did not know how the rest of the council felt.
Womack stated that he would draft up an ordinance.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin commented that the last snowstorm of this magnitude was in 1996.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that we are authorizing the funds to redo the athletic fields. “When the funding is released, it will be a gamechanger.”
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated the survey work element is done on the ball fields. “We will be moving forward with design and plans.”
McLaughlin asked about the fire vehicle orders.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “The budget first, then the vehicles could be ordered. The (Fire) Chief identified the vehicles they want. We are going to buy the vehicles from outside vendors. The chief will see that it is properly outfitted.”
Council President Mickey Gross thanked the DPW and First Aid. “I think they did a fabulous job.” Gross then stated, “We (the council) had our differences of opinion with the minutes (of the 12/19/18 Council Meeting), but we respect each other, whether we agree to disagree, I love each and every one of you. Brian (McLaughlin), you are right, we cannot let this stuff slide. We said new vehicles. We need to get this done asap. I am working at vaccine sites. I am very proud of all of them. We are at it every day. As soon as we get those shots, we will give them away. Everyone needs to sign up online. Please extend my thanks to Shannon.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I also want to thank our First Responders and Fire Department. They always do a great job. I thank the DPW. People kept their cars off the street. Stay safe. We are working on those emergency vehicles.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski said, “Vaccines for seniors – we are doing everything we can to help our seniors. The state or county hotlines are available so seniors can reach the county. The moment we can get our seniors vaccinated, we will. I had a meeting with Assemblywoman (Yvonne) Lopez and the new Perth Amboy Mayor (Helmin Caba). We maintain a lasting relationship with our county. Asw. Lopez has procured $25,000 in grant money for some economic hardship and some relief.”
Councilwoman Dato added, “Thank you for the update on the vaccine. The hotline number – they are overwhelmed. You may not be able to get a live person. Maybe people who work in our senior center can help.”
B.A. Skarzynski said, “We are working on that. Make sure information is accurate on the availability and how it is going to be administered.”
Public Portion:
Resident Brandon Russell was the only person from the public to speak. He stated that there is lack of transparency from Fred Henry’s administration regarding the 12/19/18 minutes. He said it was a violation of law and he is taking the issue to court. He also stated that the city is in violation of OPRA laws.
The council went into executive session at 6:43 p.m. which was closed to the public. All council members were present.
