6/16/21 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The consent agenda was approved by the council.
There was a discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2010-10 – 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.
Councilman Tom Reilly stated that as he brought this topic up in the last council meeting (6/2/21) and he wanted the ordinance to state that any bamboo planted must be in a planter to avoid the spread of the invasive species. Reilly emphasized that he does not want any bamboo allowed in-ground (only in a container).
Council President Mickey Gross suggested that the ordinance be pulled for the night so that Law Director Francis Womack can make the necessary changes. The council agreed to pull the ordinance.
It was noted that on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, there would be a closed session meeting with developers. This meeting would include a presentation and allow the council the opportunity to ask any questions about any concerns the council had with the proposed development. After the closed session concludes, the public would have the opportunity to ask questions (via teleconferencing).
There was a discussion regarding the transparency regarding this meeting. Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated, “I fully embrace the desire to present to the public, but it is the matter of contract negotiations. There is more than ample time for the public to ask questions.”
Both Councilmen Tom Reilly and Brian McLaughlin argued that the public wanted to be privy to this presentation that was scheduled for the closed session. Council President Mickey Gross argued that there could be a presentation at the July 14, 2021, Business/Council Meeting. Gross felt that the council was being very transparent with the public and that the public will have full opportunity to answer any questions they may have.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that it was best that the council hears what the developers have to say, then the council would be informed and able to answer any concerns to the public. He also argued that no one was making any rash decisions and there will be a 30-day period after the presentation on July 14, 2021, (First Reading).
It was noted by the council that they are being transparent as possible with the public.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the First Responders and volunteers and donors at the food pantry. He congratulated the South Amboy High School Class of 2021. “Best of Luck!” He wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and encouraged everyone to celebrate responsibly.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato thanked all the fathers for Father’s Day (June 20th). “Being a parent is the most important role anyone can have. They mold the future. Happy Father’s Day!”
Council Vice President Christine Noble wished a “Happy Father’s Day to my four brothers – Congratulations to the 2021 Graduates!”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked about two blighted properties.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered that the owner was fined substantially (for one property). He indicated that the owner of the one on Catherine Street that summonses are being drawn and he would get back to him for an update.
Councilman McLaughlin asked that everyone keep donating to the food pantries. He thanked the healthcare workers. He then added, “I went to the flag retirement at the American Legion. It was a nice ceremony. McLaughlin then spoke about PILOTS. “Carteret utilizes PILOTS for warehouses. We give PILOTS out and we’ve got to get a warehouse PILOT.” He then congratulated the Class of 2021 and wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Council President Mickey Gross emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated for Covid. “South Amboy is not at 70% yet. We still need people to get vaccinated.” Gross then gave a save the date for September 25, 2021, for the Irish Festival. “It will be huge!” Gross then congratulated the Class of 2021.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that the South Amboy Website received 15,000 hits.
Mayor Fred Henry wished everyone a Happy Father’s Day. He then spoke about the Ferry. “After many years, we will be taking one more positive step to get the Ferry completed. It is finally happening.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski, City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz, and Law Director Francis Womack had no comments.
Council President Mickey Gross thanked City Clerk Deborah Brooks for putting together all the meetings.
Public Portion:
The first caller asked about the Wednesday, 6/23/21 meeting.
Law Director Francis Womack answered, “There will be a public portion after the closed session.”
The caller then asked who was negotiating.
Law Director Womack answered, “All property owners that are affiliated or under contract for that project, developers, and potential landowners. You have to give the council time to hear what is going on by having contract negotiations in a closed session.”
Council President Gross interjected, “There are things such as line of sight (view of the water).”
Womack added, “And the monies involved.”
The caller then asked if the public would have time to put input into negotiations.”
Law Director Womack answered, “Yes, the governing body determines what happens. Each council member puts in their two cents. Since the council members put input, then the council will be prepared to answer questions from the public.”
Resident Brandon Russell asked if the terms of these developers can change.
Law Director Womack answered, “Yes, the council always have the opportunity to change the terms.”
Russell reminded everyone about the Manhattan Beach Project in 2018. “Why don’t you shift the strategy?”
Womack answered, “I won’t hear that we don’t do things by the book and why were you not transparent?”
Council President Gross stated, “I disagree. We were very transparent!”
Russell then said, “We need to know who is advocating for us.”
Gross then became irritated, “I don’t think you know what you are talking about.” He then asked if Russell knew what an LSRP was.
Russell answered, “Licensed Site Remediation Professional.”
Gross stated, “In most cases, they are licensed engineers.”
After arguing back and forth, Gross then stated, “The council wants to be transparent and the public to be heard. We are in no hurry to pass this. We will make sure everyone is in on this. I met the owner for one minute. I was introduced, we shook hands and he left. We are going to take time and do it right.”
The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. All council members were present.
