5/19/21 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – There was a discussion regarding the Introduction/First Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-10 – An ordinance supplementing chapter 41 of the code of the city of South Amboy, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, to more specifically require that growth of bamboo be controlled by property owners and to further clarify that the owner of the property from which bamboo growth emanates is responsible for abatement, and for all costs associated with abatement, regardless of whether the bamboo is on private or public property.
Law Director Francis Womack explained the changes made in the ordinance to take the responsibility of determination of the bamboo being a nuisance off of a health inspector to a more general statement as which bamboo growth can be deemed a nuisance on private property.
The council was satisfied with the change in language in the ordinance. All voted “Yes” for the First Reading of the ordinance.
Council Comments:
Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated that the Primary Election is Tuesday, June 8, 2021. She noted that the polling places will be open. “The two places to vote in South Amboy are the Senior Center and the High School. The last day to apply for a Vote-By-Mail for the primary is June 1, 2021. Sample ballots will be mailed. There are new voting machines. For more information go to http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/vote”
Council Vice-President Christine Noble wished everyone good Memorial Day.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the EMS. He asked the status of the house on Fourth Street.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski answered, “There is a 30-day moratorium by the Judge. They were substantially fined and given 30 days to get a paper signed that they are doing what they are supposed to do to have work done.”
McLaughlin asked if there were any way to honor people who volunteered during Covid.
Council President Mickey Gross stated that the council should get together and make a list of people that the council wants to honor.
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the volunteers and donors of the food pantries and the first responders. “They need volunteers at the food pantries. Also, the First Aid is in need of volunteers.” Reilly then asked about the garage at the bottom of First Street, “It looks like it has had work done on it?”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “The owner changed hands.”
Reilly then asked about the playground on Roosevelt Street, the illegal pallets, and the proposed ordinance to give seniors and the disabled relief on late fees for sewer bills. “The playground on Roosevelt Street has been damaged since Sandy.”
Law Director Womack stated the late fee ordinance will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
Reilly then asked for any updates on the ongoing legal issues with Venetian.
Womack answered that would be discussed in the upcoming closed session after the meeting.
Reilly wished everyone a Happy Memorial Day.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “Jay Elliot (from Code Enforcement) is coordinating an event in conjunction with Middlesex County Art’s. A group of classically trained musicians will perform classical music for Mother Earth. This is at no cost to the city and is being sponsored through a grant. Bring a chair to sit on. It will be on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Train Station.
Council President Mickey Gross said, “Full throttle for September 25, 2021 in the County Park the Irish Festival will have food, vendors, rides, fireworks. There will be busing. We will be advertising statewide!” Gross then reiterated that he would like to get a list together to see who should be recognized for their volunteerism during the pandemic. “If we could give a list to Debbie (City Clerk Brooks). Debbie has been working behind the scenes more than we know. There’s a lot more involved than everyone knows. No one wants to be back (to normal) more than me.
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I like to see things starting to open up again. I want to thank the food pantries and places who donate food products. I want to thank Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski who does a lot of helping to get grants for the city. This money is to get things done. Happy Memorial Day.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski said, “We made it to the second round for the Wetlands Preservation Grant.”
Public Portion:
Hugh Giordano from the UFCW spoke next. I represent The United Food and Commercial Workers Union. We represent many different types of workers including cannabis workers. We provide union jobs, health benefits (etc.). The jobs are highly trained. We are asking that the cannabis ordinance be tabled or dropped. To opt out is the lazy way out. You have the power to decide what you want or don’t want in the town. I hope to hear from you.”
Marina Rebmann spoke next. “I would like you to table this ordinance. I am a medical marijuana patient. I had to have my leg amputated.” She went on to state figures of how many municipalities in Middlesex County allow medical cannabis. “I’ve never heard of a medical cannabis overdose.”
The council convened to a closed session after the meeting at 7:35 p.m. All council members were present.
