2/17/21 Council Meeting via Teleconferencing
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Council President Micky Gross announced that the grievance between Business Administer Glenn Skarzynski and the P.B.A. had been settled.
The consent agenda was passed unanimously. Councilman Tom Reilly asked a question regarding Resolution No. 21-072 (Bill List). Reilly asked why the city was still paying bills to former City Attorney John Lanza who has not been with the city for some time.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained that there were some foreclosures and that there will be one more small bill.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly applauded the first responders, and the volunteers at the food pantry. He asked when there will be a dropbox in front of city hall. B.A. Skarzynski answered that when time permits, the city will have a dropbox.
Reilly then asked about the status of the demolition of the infamous “Pigeon Palace”.
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “In order to show cost, we would not move forward until the court says we can move forward and begin demolition. We need to do this as soon as possible before we lose the contract with the contractor. I believe it won’t get past March.”
Reilly then asked about the illegal palate operation. B.A. Skarzynski stated there was no change.
Reilly asked about Covid vaccinations in town.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “At this stage, there is not ample supplies in the county. When the county decides to open up in South Amboy, we have a plan in place.”
Reilly asked how many city employees take home a vehicle.
Skarzynski stated there was no more than three.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked emergency services. Due to the impending snowstorm, he asked if the DPW could work in the middle of the night to clear Broadway.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “We will do what we can for snow removal. There is a whole lot of regulations for disposal of snow.”
McLaughlin asked if the city ever purchased a bobcat.
Skarzynski answered, “To my knowledge we don’t have a bobcat. We have the equipment to do the job. There is a question of where to put the snow.”
McLaughlin then asked about the status of the First Aid/Fire Department merger. Skarzynski explained that there were some financial matters that had to be taken care of first before finalizing the merger.
McLaughlin asked about the purchase of the two new firetrucks. Skarzynski stated that the firetrucks will arrive in August and will cost approximately $1.3 million. Skarzynski added, “The ambulance for the first aid squad is in this year’s fiscal budget.”
McLaughlin then referenced a press release regarding the Covid-19 Relief Bill called for by Congressman Frank Pallone. McLaughlin wanted to know if South Amboy received any money for Covid because it was not listed in the press release.
CFO Dan Balka stated that South Amboy received $135,000 last year and another $44,000 on December 31, 2020.
B.A. Skarzynski added that there are strict guidelines for Middlesex County regarding funding for Covid.
Councilman McLaughlin then asked about Covid vaccines.
Skarzynski stated that there wasn’t enough supplies of the vaccine for South Amboy seniors (as of 2/17/21).
Councilman Brian McLaughlin congratulated Tom Kross for his anniversary of 50 years serving the city in the Fire Department.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “We all share the same concerns with the Covid vaccine and our seniors and the vulnerable population to receive the vaccine. This issue has to do with diminishing supplies.”
Council President Micky Gross stated, “If our seniors have a problem, they can call: 732-745-3100 who will answer their problems. I think if they are not computer savvy, a call to this number will accommodate them, or they can call me. I am not going to turn anybody away.”
Councilwoman Dato expressed her concerns that the county was overwhelmed with phone calls and so would Gross (if he stated people could call him regarding Covid). “They (the people) are reaching a breaking point. Everyone appreciates what the County Health Department and you (Mickey Gross) are doing. This is a frustrating situation for everyone. We have to wait until supplies are replenished.” Dato then thanked everyone in the food pantry. “In one day, 1,200 bags of food were distributed. The need for food is great. Many people are out of a job. Please be generous. You can donate food, money, or manpower.” Dato then remarked about the impending snowstorm, “I am concerned about snow. Residents on Prospect Street and those on side streets that are narrow (and difficult to drive down without snow). Is there any way we might consider someone to plow over there?”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “I will reach out (to the DPW). Many residents do not have driveways (making it difficult to move their cars).”
Council President Christine Noble asked when the lights on the beach walk will be finished.
Skarzynski answered that it is 99% completed and will be finished when the weather breaks.
Council President Mickey Gross who works for the County Health Department explained why South Amboy does not presently have a vaccine site. “Take a look at these sites. We can’t do it at the senior center. Every person being vaccinated needs to be seated down for 15 minutes. They need to be clear a 6-foot perimeter (for social distancing). By the time we bring in our nurses who are doing the shots, we have to have a registration area. It is not possible to use the senior center. We must qhave a fully handicapped accessible building. St. Mary’s Grammar School or the high school (maybe). There’s are a lot more to it than just sitting someone down and giving them a shot. There are sites in Perth Amboy, the Fire Academy in Sayreville and in East Brunswick. You need parking availble for 500 people.”
Mayor Fred Henry congratulated Tom Kross for his dedication of 50 years of service to the South Amboy Fire Department. “I want to thank Tom and his family.” Mayor Henry was pleased to announce that on March 1, 2021, schools will be reopened in South Amboy. “We will do all that is necessary.” Mayor Henry encouraged everyone to be careful.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski encouraged everyone to see Broadway’s lights (at night) which there is a remarkable difference.
Law Director Francis Womack wished everyone to be safe in the upcoming snowstorm.
No one spoke during the public portion.
The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. All council members were present.
