5/12/21 Council Meeting
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – All council members were present in the council chambers. The first order of business was for anyone from the public to speak on any ordinances that had a public hearing.
Resident Stanley Sierakowski questioned Ordinance No. 2 – Creating a Perth Amboy Citizens Public Safety Advisory Board. He asked for a brief overview of this.
Council President Bill Petrick answered, “A Citizen’s Advisory Board would include the mayor, two police officers which will be appointed by the police chief, city council, and members of the community. The ages are 16+. The total number of members will be 7.”
Sierakowski asked, “Will the Attorney General have oversight of this advisory board?”
Petrick says, “I believe so.”
Resident Ken Balut came up to speak next. He suggested, “Not only should they offer advice and observation on incidents involving the police, but they should also be able to look at oversight and give suggestions involving judges, code enforcement, attorneys, and the mayor. This is going to create a nightmare. Our lawyer doesn’t want to hear about this. There was not a peep from Harry Pozycki when the democrats had all this prior corruption going on. Nobody was here to answer questions about the bicycle incidents. The police are not the only ones who make mistakes. We are paying a lawyer to sit here and text.”
Petrick responded, “We can bring these matters up later.”
Resident Junior Iglesia wanted to know what were the qualifications to be on this advisory board.
Petrick explained again, “It will consist of students, the community, two police officers recommended by the chief. The ordinance has all the information you need.”
Zoom participants spoke next.
Resident Maria Garcia spoke first. “Will members on this board have any training about any laws on the books and how to implement them?”
Petrick responded, “There will be online training from Rutgers University and the police officers that are on this advisory board will give them insight on how they do their jobs.”
Garcia summed up her remarks, “The police are following the rules put in place by the politicians. If the members of this advisory board don’t understand the police training, then you are wasting your time.”
Petrick ended the conversation, “We’ll see how it operates and see if it is beneficial for our city. We can make changes if necessary.”
Public Comments on Agenda Items Only:
The first person to speak was Ken Balut. He questioned R-252 (payment to Government Strategy Group). He wanted to know how much money was spent so far. On R-256 – (Change Order for Street Improvements throughout the city). “How much did the change order cost?”
B.A. Remsen answered the question regarding R-252. “This company (Government Strategy Group) has charged about $8,000 in reimbursements so far. They bill for their services on a quarterly or monthly basis.”
City Clerk Victoria Kupsch answered the question about R-256. “There will be no additional cost for the change order.”
Balut pressed on about questioning the Government Strategy Group. “When our council president asked them to show up, then they should show up. They show no respect. When Greg Fehrenbach (one of the former business administrators) was here, he got answers to our questions and he was transparent. I know why the water department is in debt (because of the Vas administration). One of our other business administrators had relations with someone in the court department. He got another job. What happened to her?” Irving (Lozada) was not qualified to be the mayor’s aid and not qualified for the code enforcement job. He is getting over $90,000. Another person was just employed now and is in the mayor’s office is getting $80,000. They were both in the restaurant business.”
Stanley Sierakowski came up next to talk about R-262 (Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan and submitting this plan to superior court. He wanted to know, “How many of you (the council) read this plan?”
The council all said “yes” except for Joel Pabon.
Sierakowski continued, “You can’t override this plan, nor can any other department dealing with housing. We are already in compliance with low-income housing in the city. Some of the units proposed in this plan were rezoned. Who are the owners? Who has interest in the properties? Nothing was said about who would get the money – the owner of the property or the tenant? Make sure the units being built are in compliance and make sure you approve the minutes of the municipal boards that have oversight.”
Housing Authority Chair Dorothy Daniel came up next about R-266 (Appointing Gregory Pabon as a Commissioner of the Perth Amboy Housing Authority to fill an unexpired term.) “About 20 years ago, the state statute changed the requirements for people who were appointed to the Housing Authority as Commissioners. Those appointed must attend classes and be certified by the state. Some of the members are appointed by the mayor, council, and the governor (the governor has someone from the state office appoint a member from Perth Amboy). Those classes are over an 18-month period and after that, there are additional classes you must attend. If you fail those classes, the state will remove you from the board. We have to pay for the applicant to attend all those classes to take those tests. We once had a person who was up for appointment and attended some of the classes. When they had to attend the follow-up classes, they decided it was too much and quit. I’ve helped write some of those classes up and I do training around the country to other municipalities to help the members of their housing commissions. As a Commissioner, you have to learn how to behave and make decisions. Gregory Pabon is a valuable member of the board, and he is a positive force.”
Tashi Vazquez from Office of Economic and Community Development came online via Zoom. She wanted to clear up some of the facts stated by the public regarding the Housing Element Plan. “There are benefits of adopting this plan. It will keep nonresidential fees in the city, and it will protect us from builders. If this plan is not adopted, then builders can come in and change their plans and have a chance of winning a judgement against us. There are 335 units total that anybody can rent. It is not restricted and has to be advertised. The plans right now are not set in stone. Housing has looked at the plans and I thank the council for looking at the plan. When this plan is taken to the court, they will require how we will distribute the funds once we get it. The administration will look at who they will hire (to distribute these funds) with the council’s approval.”
Council President Petrick spoke up, “In 2018, we were at 70% of affordable housing in the city. We should concentrate on homeownership instead.”
Tashi explained, “There are plans for home ownership. We are trying to address the high rents in town compared to what the rents are in similar towns.”
Petrick continued, “This plan is talking about affordable rentals instead of helping people get homes. Have developers help people get funding for homes instead of filling the pockets of developers through rentals. With all these rental properties taking space, there is not going to be any land left for homeowners.”
Law Director William Northgrave spoke up, “You are getting a peace of mind if we approve this plan. You will have protection against builders who want to overbuild the units. Builders look at portions of their units they want to build for rentals. You don’t want builders to be able to have a remedy lawsuit against the city.”
Council President Bill Petrick then argued, “Kushner would have started his new constructions if he could do a Builder’s Remedy Lawsuit.”
The meeting was open to people on Zoom.
The first person to speak was Maria Garcia, “About the 10% of new housing that has to be set aside for rentals. Why don’t you give that money to people who have illegal housing to make the units legal? You are giving money to outside builders instead of people who already have properties here.”
Business Administrator Remsen responded, “People are choosing to have illegal housing. They cannot give money to people who are breaking zoning laws by having people living in basements and attics and have overcrowding illegally.”
Councilman Joel Pabon talked about Ordinance No. 3 – An ordinance to amend an ordinance entitled “Sewers” regarding rates and fees.
“Earlier in the meeting, a resident (Caroline Pozycki) said the county has money to help people pay for the water bills. I hope the city and the administration will work to help people who haven’t paid the bills. We can help these residents apply for money pay for these bills.”
Petrick then commented, “Caroline Pozycki also talked about grants that were available. I don’t know why the administration didn’t do this (look at grants). We have payment plans for some of the residents that we have already agreed upon.”
Remsen responded, “Currently there are 2,155 delinquent accounts. People have to be eligible for this money. It is up to the residents to apply for grants.”
Councilman B.J. Torres said, “There is also funding to help people with rent assistance and/or water bills.”
Councilwoman Tejeda then added, “We need to educate our community about any available money.”
The council voted on the consent agenda. R-243 thru R-251, R-253 thru R-256, R-258 thru R-261, R-264, R-265, R-267, R-268, R-270. It was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda.
The following Resolutions were voted upon separately:
There was a motion to table R-252 (Contract with Government Strategy Group). It was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. When it came to vote to table: All voted “No” to table.
There was a discussion on R-252. B.A. Remsen said that this company was hired to search for a new Business Administrator and to have a Management Enhancement Study (to meet with all the different departments to maximize efficiency).
Council President Petrick said, “After 4 months, we should have some kind of information our update from this group on their search for a Business Administrator.”
Pabon then added, “The bottom line is that we have to pay them $95,000 and there is only one month left on their contract. They will present us an invoice of $85,000 if we don’t renew their contract.”
The council unanimously voted “No” to renew the contract.
For R-257 – Adopting the Information Technology Cyber Security Policy for the city of Perth Amboy revised as of February 19, 2021.
Before voting on this, Petrick said, “A person should be notified if their email is being monitored (by the administration).
R-257 was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. All voted “Yes”.
R-262 – Endorsing the Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan and authorizing and directing submission of the plan to the Superior Court.
Council President Bill Petrick said, “They need to eliminate the 10% dedicated to rentals. We need to thank former Mayor Vas for getting us the affordable housing unit when we first needed it.”
Pabon spoke up, “The rents here are not low income. I would leave the plan the way it is here.”
Remsen then stated, “A lot of the units coming in will be market rate and 10% will be low income.”
Tashi Vazquez joined the conversation via Zoom, “The 10% set aside for low income is not set in stone. There are 4 levels of low income. It depends on how many people are in the household and what would be a livable wage for the household. Part of the spending plan for this housing element can go toward helping first time homebuyers. The only thing that cannot be changed in the plan is the number of units which now is 362.”
Law Director Northgrave said, “The 10% dedicated for low income is binding when you go to present this plan to the court system. The courts are concerned about the affordable housing portion. There is a mathematical equation of what would be affordable depending on the criteria set for each town when it comes to affordable housing.”
When it came to vote on R-262, it was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. The only person to vote “No” was Council President Petrick.
For R-266 – Appointing Gregory Pabon as a Commissioner at the Perth Amboy Housing Authority to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2023.
There was an intense discussion about this when Councilwoman Tejeda suggested the council should table this resolution.
Councilman Pabon quickly spoke up, “Why didn’t we table R-243 (Appointing people to the Perth Amboy Arts Council)? We didn’t discuss this.”
Tejeda then explained, “This was never tabled.”
Pabon countered, “But not one person was interviewed for positions (R-243) and none handed in an application. As far as R-266, Gregory Pabon is the only one who was not reappointed, and he was replaced when his term was up.”
R-266 was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Pabon, Torres, Morales voted, “Yes” and Tejeda and Petrick voted “No”. Motion passes 3-2 and Gregory Pabon was approved for the position.
R-263 and R-269 were pulled by Remsen.
R-263 – A contract with THA Consulting regarding the Jefferson Street Parking Garage Restoration in an amount not to exceed $15,800.
Remsen explained, “Even though this company bid below the threshold, we haven’t had time to vet this firm.”
R-269 – A contract with Giacorp Contracting for the Public Safety Complex Gate at 365-375 New Brunswick Ave.
Remsen said, “There was a procedural problem. The architect forgot to sign off on this. We must have this in place by August 2021.
Public Portion:
Resident Ken Balut came up first. He suggested that they (the council) get a report from the Federal Government that will be given to the cities by mid-May. “Let the citizens read it. With the affordable housing grants, you should look up the name Jeffery Gumbs about people who got money and how it was spent. I don’t have faith in how the money is given and only certain people will get money and there is no accountability. Transparency tells you what is going on. There are checks and balances. The Government Strategy Group (the company that is still searching for a B.A.) should have a bill list. They will get their money, then maybe put in for extra money. They are not being held accountable, and what about the people who wrote up the contract with them?”
Resident Stanley Sierakowski came up to speak about R-262 (Housing Plan Element). “I want to know did you read the recommendations from the woman who spoke about this plan at a previous meeting? During her presentation, she stated that we were in compliance with the Fair Share Affordable Housing. Only our density has changed. Who are the property owners? One of our former mayors went to jail for 5 years over real estate. I don’t see people asking the right questions. Give to people who have a vested interest in Perth Amboy. The council is being bypassed. It’s the blind leading the blind. In the past, the Armory prevented people from parking in their lot.”
Petrick responded, “Anybody can park in that lot. At one time, the Armory was charging the Barge Restaurant for use of their lot.”
Resident and Chair of Housing Authority Dot Daniel said, “I want to thank those who voted for Gregory Pabon to be a Commissioner on the Housing Authority. It’s like a job. I’ve been on the Board of Education; several Municipal Boards and I’ve trained Housing Commissioners all over the country. You have to hire a Director, get clients, hire a lawyer and staff. Only Housing Commissioners have to take an oath on a bible. Gregory Pabon is capable, honorable, and does everything he is supposed to do as a Commissioner. It is unfortunate about those who didn’t vote for him, and I am grateful for those who voted for him. Our board will be glad to have him back, and so will the clients. To single one person out doesn’t make sense.”
Gregory Pabon then came up to speak, “I want to thank those who voted for and had confidence in me. It is your privilege to vote “No” and I want to thank Dot for supporting me.”
The meeting was then opened up to the public on Zoom.
Resident Maria Garcia was first, “Many people on the council were not here when the bad deal was made with Middlesex Water Company. We have been paying more for water than any other town. Many people are suffering, and we were asked to pay an increase between 3%-6%. Where is the money they have been collecting for the last 30 years? The water is not the best. The infrastructure was supposed to be fixed as part of the deal and it has not been fixed. It’s always falling in the laps of the citizens.” Garcia then made comments about people who serve on municipal boards. “They have to get an education. Karen Kubulak and myself were taken off the Zoning Board by former Mayor Diaz and we had the education and the training.”
Resident Maria Vera who lives on Madison Avenue spoke next. She complained about the trucks that are going through residential areas by homes and schools. “Signs are put up and they should say they are only for delivery and not for parking. We need to be safe and have a clean environment and a good quality of life. There are no trucks allowed on Kearny Avenue. A lot of these streets don’t have stop signs and the fumes, and the noise of these trucks are not helping. This is very disrespectful. The poor air quality and pollution are affecting us.”
Miguel Morales from the PAPD Traffic Department came up to address Vera’s remarks, “Signs are put up by ordinance and some of the restricted parking is 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. I’ve talked to you several times and I did everything you asked. Some of the intersections on some of the streets are owned by the State. There are some trucks that are not allowed on streets if they are over 4 tons. The state statute and ordinance dictate the type of signs you can put up.”
Council Comments:
Councilwoman Rose Morales hoped all mothers had a good Mother’s Day Weekend. She stated she was also at the Dominican Softball League opening at Washington Park. She was also dismayed that the flag in Washington Park and other city flags are in bad shape. “The water and sewer rates increase are needed. Maybe we can use reserve money and see what funding is available for the residents. With the hiring of a Business Administrator, I would like to have the administration to take the time to have someone who is qualified.” She wished all a nice evening.
Councilman Joel Pabon was glad they were finally able to get the correct time on the clock in the council chambers. “As far as the Covid-19 vaccine, you can’t force people to take shots and today there was 19 walk-ins at the hospital. Just let people know that the vaccine is available. Kudos to the teachers that came back to school. Some of them are doing in-school and homeschool instruction. The students are excited about going back to school and kudos to the parents (who are not used to being home and they helped their children learn). I want to thank all who came and spoke tonight.”
Councilwoman Milady Tejeda said, “My aunt finally got her vaccine at the hospital. I also convinced someone to get a shot. Maybe we can get a colorful painting at Washington Park.”
Councilman B.J. Torres who is also part of the Arts Council spoke up and said, “I will talk to Kenny Ortiz about having a mural in Washington Park.”
Tejeda then thanked all who came tonight.
Councilman B.J. Torres said, “We have fallen behind in vaccinations. I’ve been fully vaccinated and we should look out for everybody.”
Council President Bill Petrick asked B.A. Remsen, “What is going on with the marijuana forum?”
Remsen answered, “We are having a hard time finding a location. Maybe we can do Zoom also.”
Petrick responded, “We may need just to do Zoom. The high school said the date we presented to the Board of Education were no good. We couldn’t have it at the Cathedral International because they are not even open to their own congregation for services.”
City Clerk Victoria Kupsch spoke up, “Board Secretary Derek Jess said to fill out the application for the facility and date you want to hold the forum, but the date that we wanted we submitted the application too late.”
Councilwoman Tejeda spoke up, “Just give me the dates for June and I’ll see what I can do.”
Councilwoman Morales stated, “Board Vice President Tashi Vazquez said the dates we submitted were okay.”
Board of Education Member Junior Iglesia, who was present in the council chambers said, “There was no issue using the high school for the forum. No board members objected.”
B.A. Remsen then started to toss out dates to the council that would be good for the forum to take place. “I suggest that Thursday, June 10, 2021 will be the best date. It will give the council time to get speakers. You want a good mix of people on the forum. You need to get a moderator, have a Q&A segment, have an open mic for comments, and have someone record the forum to help you make a decision regarding the marijuana resolution.”
Councilwoman Milady Tejeda suggested, “We need an interpreter, and a social worker should be a part of the forum panel.”
Council President Bill Petrick concluded the evening stating, “At the next meeting, we should have the budget amendment on the agenda. I want to thank all who joined us tonight. We had very lively discussions. Our Covid count is still high. Consider getting the vaccine and stay safe.”
The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m. All council members were present in the council chambers
