6/2/21 Business Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – Councilwoman Zusette Dato had some questions regarding the merger of the South Amboy First Aid Squad as presented on the bill list. Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski explained that because of the merger, the First Aid Squad will become a city entity and before, they were independent.

Councilman Thomas Reilly requested that residents respond to the South Amboy First Aid Fund Drive.

There was a public hearing on 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 Business Prohibited,” and add a new section, prohibiting the operation of any class of cannabis businesses within the city of South Amboy.

Resident James Smith spoke first. “Why are we restricting cannabis? Is there a reason? Is there an actual event or something? As a member of the public and a resident of South Amboy, to restrict a possible tax revenue should not be stifled.”

Resident Mike Vintzileos spoke next, “Why are we restricting cannabis? We are renewing alcohol licenses. I use medical marijuana to stay opioid free. All marijuana is medicine. 68% of the public voted they want cannabis (legalized). Alcohol is way worse a substance. I don’t think further stigmatizing cannabis is an approach. Marijuana is not new. To ban it is such an old way of thinking. I used to be an opioid addict. As a resident of this town, this is disgusting. It does not make sense. Can anyone from the council can make a comment as to why we are doing this?”

Councilman Reilly explained after a long discussion with an expert is what helped convince him to vote to restrict cannabis in South Amboy.

The entire council voted “Yes” to prohibit cannabis businesses in South Amboy.

Ordinance No. 2021-09 – Bond Ordinance Providing for various capital improvements in and by the city of South Amboy, in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, appropriating $2,808,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $2,665,600 bonds or notes of the city to finance part of the cost thereof.

The Ordinance was introduced on first reading and advertised for a second reading scheduled for the July 14, 2021, meeting. All voted “yes” for the first reading.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained that this ordinance enabled the city to borrow money for big ticket items not in the budget. He stated that this includes the two fire chief vehicles and first aid vehicle. He noted that this does not include the pumping station. “Everything here is included in the budget. It will not increase or decrease the rate.”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked if the fire vehicles could be ordered now.

Skarzynski answered, “In short order, yes. We will order the chief’s truck at the first available moment.”

Council President Mickey Gross added, “I will drive you to the dealership.”

Ordinance No. 2021-11 – Bond Ordinance providing for the replacement of the Raritan Street Pump Station in and b the city of South Amboy, in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, appropriating $1,000,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $1,000,000 bonds or notes of the city of Finance part of the cost thereof. 

This ordinance was introduced on first reading and advertised for a second reading scheduled for the July 14, 2021 meeting.

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that this is for a new pump station on Raritan Street. “The existing pump station has been repaired several times. We are looking for a new pump station.”

Council Comments:

Councilman thanked the first responders and food pantries. Reilly then asked when the council will be able to have an in-person meeting.

City Clerk Deborah Brooks answered, “I’ve yet to hear from Mr. Jones from the County Health Department. Right now, elections are priority, so not earlier than the August meeting.”

Brooks then added, “With the exception of only two towns there are in-person meetings. Both are using safety standards of 6 feet and masks.” Brooks explained that when the kids go back to school, things will start to get back to normal. 

Reilly then spoke about Bill S-3160. “The bill has grant monies for local food pantries.”

B.A. Skarzynski stated that the city’s grant writer did submit and received a grant for food pantries. 

He then asked, “Can we amend the ordinance on bamboo and ask people to keep bamboo in planters? Can they implement this into the ordinance?”

The council agreed it was a good idea.

Substitute Law Director Ronald Gordon stated that on July 15, 2021, court will be back in person. 

Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the volunteers at the food pantries. He was pleased that the council voted unanimously on the marijuana ordinance. 

Council Vice-President Christine Noble thanked the Veterans and wished everyone a good summer.

Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “There used to be magnificent flowerpots on Broadway and hanging baskets on the poles. They were really beautiful. What happened?

B.A. Skarzynski explained, “We had to put that off for camera and light installation on Broadway. We have a very generous local resident who donates for this.”

Council President Mickey Gross asked that the outdoor dining ordinance extension be put on the next meeting’s agenda, citing that the local businesses who suffered during the pandemic will benefit from this. “Keep it right to Christmas! It’s the little businesses that we need to support in this town.”

Gross then stated, “On September 25, 2021, there will be an Irish Festival. There will be fireworks, big rides, vendors and more!”

Mayor Fred Henry thanked the American Legion for their Memorial Day Ceremony and for going to the cemeteries. Mayor Henry also noted that the South Amboy Historical Society will have a vintage baseball game with 1860’s rules. He offered his condolences to City Employee Andy Pipala for losing his mother, Helene Pipala. “She was Vice President of the Trust Company. She will be missed.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski thanked the good work of the Rotary Club. “They are doing things in South Amboy.” He mentioned the upcoming Daddy Daughter Dance which is sold out.

Substitute Law Director Ronald Gordon stated it was “a well-run meeting”.

Public Portion:

Resident Bill DeMasi asked about a camera on First Street that was installed.

B.A. Skarzynski answered, “No one’s privacy will be invaded by NJ law no private property will be monitored. It is for use of the police department. There are 30-days of recordings. 

Resident Brandon Russell asked, “Is city hall open to the public?”

B.A.  Skarzynski answered, “It is presently not open to the public. All city employees are in. We are meeting people in the lobby. City Hall is so small, there is no way to do it.”

Russell then asked how to get an ordinance passed.

Gordon directed Russell to the City Clerk’s office where he could get a petition with signatures.

The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m. All Council Members were present.