5/5/21 Business Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – City Auditor Gary Higgins gave a report and highlights of the 2021 Municipal Budget. Higgins was happy to announce that there is a $973,000 increase of the surplus and there are no changes in the rating. 

Council President Mickey Gross asked if the two much needed fire vehicles and a first aid vehicle and equipment for the Fire Department were included in the budget.

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski answered, “Yes.”

City Auditor Higgins stated, “It appears to fully fund what is needed. The city is in great condition.”

Council President Gross asked if the money from the Covid Relief was available yet.

B.A. Skarzynski answered that the city has not received those monies as of yet.

Higgins continued, “At the  current time, the rescue money from the Federal Government has specific guidelines. When the guidelines are provided, you can add (that funding) to the budget.”

When it came time to vote on the budget, Councilwoman Zusette Dato had some concerns and voted, “No,” as did Councilman Tom Reilly who felt more transparency was needed. Council Vice President Christine Noble, Councilman Brian McLaughlin, and Council President Mickey Gross voted, “Yes”. The budget passed 3 “Yes” to 2 “No” votes. 

There was a brief exchange of words between Councilman Tom Reilly, Mayor Fred Henry, and B.A. Glenn Skarzynski over a proposed meeting with the Chief of Police. Reilly felt offended that he or members of the council were not privy to the meeting. Law Director Francis Womack explained that the meeting falls under the administration. Mayor Henry assured Reilly that no meeting took place although he and the Business Administrator were approached to have one. Council President Gross stated he tried to reach Reilly but was unable to do so.

Law Director Francis Womack and Mayor Fred Henry thanked City Auditor Gary Higgins for the work he did. 

There was a discussion on a proposed ordinance on invasive species. This was spawned by a resident (Mr. DeMasi) who complained about his neighbor’s yard which had bamboo all over it which was encroaching on his property. Councilman Reilly wished to help Mr. DeMasi by introducing an invasive species ordinance. The controversy with the ordinance dealt with who had the responsibility of removing the invasive species. The ordinance stated that the property owner (who put the invasive species there) is responsible for removing the invasive species off of the infringed property. 

Councilman Reilly said, “In the past, the homeowner was responsible for his own property. This will give responsibility to the individual who planted the invasive species and makes them responsible for any adjacent homes that the invasive species came from. The responsibility is back on the individual who created the issue.

Councilwoman Dato agreed with this proposal.

Council President Gross did not agree. “It’s a tough line.”

City Clerk Deborah Brooks added, “How will you determine the origin of the invasive species? You can’t put that on a Health Officer.”

Gross continued his argument, “How do you put a Health Inspector on it to expect someone to clean someone else’s yard? To put a Health Inspector in that position is ridiculous.”

Law Director Womack stated, “An innocent party – everyone has an equal responsibility to clean it up, even if we can’t determine where it came from.”

City Clerk Brooks stated that the introduction of this ordinance will be at the next meeting and it will be on the agenda.

For Resolution No. 21-110 – A Resolution authorizing an application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Urban Parks Initiative Grant 2021.

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that there is a cleanup on Broadway in southern area up to O’Leary Boulevard. He explained that the grant writer would be submitting a grant application to the NJ DEP Urban Parks Initiative Grant Program for funds of a new playground. The plan is to demolish the former Disabled American Veteran’s Post.

Councilman Reilly asked if the members of the Disabled American Veterans were able to find a new home.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski said that the mother chapter relocated its members to other chapters. “We dealt with the state,” explained Skarzynski. He added that the old building is in very poor condition and the roof had collapsed.

For Resolution No. 21-111 – A Resolution authorizing an application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreation Improvement Grant 2021.

B.A. Skarzynski stated that the Allie Clark Athletic Complex was to be improved. “The grant-writer identified a funding source that has a 20% match obligation. We do not believe the grant will be awarded until spring next year.

For Ordinance No. 2021-08 – An Ordinance of the city of South Amboy, county of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 53-98a, entitled “Restrictions on Growth and Sale of Marijuana” to change the title to “Cannabis Businesses Prohibited,” and add a new section, prohibiting the operation of any class of cannabis businesses within the city of South Amboy.

The ordinance was introduced as a first reading and advertised for a second reading which is scheduled for the June 2, 2021 meeting. The ordinance was moved by Mickey Gross and seconded by Zussette Dato. Everyone voted “Yes” on the ordinance. 

Council Comments:

Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the first responders. He asked about the ordinance he had requested to waive late fees for water/sewer costs for seniors and disabled individuals. 

Law Director Francis Womack stated that he had the ordinance, but he did not give it to the city clerk to get on the agenda on time. 

Reilly then asked when the council can once again meet in person. 

B.A. Skarzynski stated that decision is with the council.

Reilly stated he would like to go on record that he wants an in-person meeting.

Councilman McLaughlin concurred but wanted the option to continue with teleconferencing.

City Clerk Brooks was not sure how to do this.

B.A. Skarzynski stated, “We need to make a substantial technical upgrade to do that. What we need technologically – I have no way of knowing it.”

Council President Gross asked the council to aim for an in-person meeting for July 2021. The council agreed.

Law Director Womack stated he didn’t see any legal impediment of solely live or a mix of live/teleconferencing. 

Reilly asked if the inspection of lower main street was completed. B.A. Skarzynski answered, “Yes”.

Reilly then asked about the status of Venetian, the illegal palate operation, and illegal housing.

Law Director Francis Womack answered, “Venetian had additional demands. We are proceeding on mediation of that case.”

B.A. Skarzynski answered, “As for the palate operation, I was on a meeting with the county business administrators on Zoom. They reordered the bench orders to force them to appear (in court).”

Reilly gave a statement of his sentiments about PILOTS and how he felt that they are detrimental to the city. 

B.A. Skarzynski disagreed with Reilly stating that PILOTS can be beneficial. He stated that often the developers requesting PILOTS clean up property that would cost the city a tremendous amount of money if doing it ourselves. “The YMCA could not have been built if it weren’t for a PILOT.”

Reilly stated, “Woodmont did not remediate that property. That was done by someone else.” 

Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the Fire Department, Police Department, First Aid, Healthcare workers. He asked about the mailbox he requested in front of city hall. 

B.A. Skarzynski said, “We have the facility to sandblast the mailbox and satisfy the veterans.”

McLaughlin then stated his opinion on PILOTS, “We almost always cater to the residential (PILOTS). 

Skarzynski informed the council that the city has two more projects coming in and to be put in front of the council.

McLaughlin noted that Manhattan Beach made a donation of $5,000 to the YMCA.

Councilwoman Dato said, “I think it is a good start. It is a way to provide service to the community.”

McLaughlin felt that Manhattan Beach should be more community orientated. 

Council Vice President Christine Noble stated, “When we are caught up with the parks, we need to work on potholes.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. 

Council President Mickey Gross reminded everyone that South Amboy will be having an Irish Festival on Saturday, September 25, 2021. “There will be fireworks, music, vendors, and a parade. It is a city sponsored event!”

Gross then directed his comments to Mr. DeMasi who has the bamboo problem in his yard. “I hope Mr. DeMasi is not offended. It (the proposed ordinance) is very tough to enforce. I apologize to you.”

Gross then emphasized the importance of ordering the two new Fire Chief Vehicles. 

Mayor Fred Henry stated, “It is a very good budget. There is only a $49 increase. I want to thank Gary Higgins. Other communities are having tough times. We still have a surplus. I think it is a very good budget. In an upcoming meeting, we will have a $1.5 million to refurbish our sports complex. I want to thank the County Commissioners and Ron Rios. We got $15 million last year. I want to thank the First Responders, St. Mary’s and the First Presbyterian Food Pantries, teachers, all who help better our community. 

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski thanked CFO Dan Balka. “He spends weeks on this budget. I want to thank him publicly for his hard work.”

Law Director Francis Womack wanted the public to know, “Some individuals are commenting in Chat. Anything said in chat is not recorded as part of the meeting.”

Council President Mickey Gross thanked City Clerk Deborah Brooks for all the hard work she does.

Public Portion:

Resident Bill DeMasi spoke first. He thanked Councilman Reilly for helping him. “Mr. Womack, we looked at the original ordinance, the owner of invasive species determines it. The owner is responsible. We dealt with this problem for years.”

The next speaker was a resident who wished not to be identified stating she feared retribution for the comments she was about to make. “I have been in communication with the town council. I am absolutely thankful for our firefighters. It is important to support them any way we can. Since the new alarm was installed in 2020, every day the fire alarm goes off at approximately 85 decibels often for 33 seconds 2.4 times a day. Most of us are working from homes and teaching at home. I left my mic on so you could hear the alarm going off. I understand the need for setting up an alarm system. The alarm system is antiquated. There is a 6 p.m. test every single day. The alarm goes off all day. Many say that living near a fire house makes you feel safe. The alarm goes off constantly. I cannot express how loud it goes off, and as frequently. When I contacted you before, you lowered the volume. My kid wakes up constantly. I don’t want to come off as not supporting the firefighters. I am afraid of retaliation. I don’t understand why that alarm goes off this often. Sometimes it goes off 25 to 45 seconds. If we lower it, how will it affect the firefighters? If we lowered it during the day to except for structure fires? My life is being ruined.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “We can meet with the Chief and we can work and discuss with the Fire Department leadership to satisfy everybody.”

Another woman spoke about the alarms going off as well. “I am opposed to the alarms. I cannot open windows. Can we at least lower the volume?”

B.A. Skarzynski stated, “We were more than happy to accommodate with a meeting with all three fire chiefs.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “I don’t think any residents should fear or have any concerns. I’ve been here (a councilwoman) for 9 years. This is the first time someone was afraid to state their name. These people have a right to be heard.”

There were 46 people attending the meeting via teleconferencing. The Council went into executive session at 7:59 p.m. All council members were present.