7/14/21 Business/Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy City Council had their first live meeting since the Covid-19 epidemic which for the past year and half were conducted via GoToMeeting.
There were several questions on the consent agenda. Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked about Resolution No. 21-151 – Resolution awarding contract to athletic sport surfaces LLC for crack repair of tennis courts at John Zdanewicz Park. He asked why the tennis courts which were just repaired last year need more repairs.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski explained that the courts were infiltrated with ground water and need more repairs.
Another item on the consent agenda was Resolution No. 21-148 – Resolution to adopt procedures for administration and inspection of federal aid highway projects. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained that this resolution is for construction of the Ferry Terminal and that everything must be under compliance with federal regulations.
Resolution No. 21-155 – Resolution approving change Order #1 Final Payment #2 and bond release for building demolition of 131 S. Broadway – Tricon Enterprises Inc.
The council was pleased that this was finally going through.
Each item on the consent agenda was voted on separately. Council President Mickey Gross abstained on 144 and 154 due to conflicts with his employment in the health department.
Council Comments:
Vice President Christine Noble had no comments. Mickey Gross and the council each wished her a happy birthday.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “It is good to have everyone back. We did a good job when we couldn’t meet in person.” She asked if the cameras on Broadway were operational.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski said, “They are not activated yet. They will be monitored downstairs at the police department. It will strictly be used for the police.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin said, “It’s nice to be back in person. Thank you, volunteers.” He then asked on the status of the Fire Chief’s vehicle.
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “In 20 days we pick it up.”
McLaughlin then asked about the new ambulances.
Skarzynski explained that the city will meet next week to do this.
McLaughlin then asked about the two new fire trucks.
Skarzynski answered that will be addressed in August.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski said that speed humps will be put on certain streets.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin then asked about the PILOT that was discussed at the meeting on June 30, 2021.
Council President Mickey Gross said, “I can tell you that I have issues and so does other council members. I will not put it on the agenda until we are ready. We will have at least one or two public hearings. It will not be rushed through. When we are satisfied, it will go through.” Gross then spoke about the upcoming Irish Festival on September 25, 2021. “There will be vendors for wine tasting.” Gross then adamantly stated, “Get vaccinated!” Gross then continued, “I lost a good friend to Covid. There is no one on this council that didn’t know someone who died from Covid.”
Public Portion:
The first person to speak was Owen Johnson. He began by stating that he believed that a South Amboy Police Officer violated his civil rights. Johnson stated he had 14 or more complaints against this officer. He explained that if he filed his complaint with another police officer in South Amboy, he would have difficulty. He stated that he had asked for the officer’s name and badge number and the police officer refused to answer. He also stated that the officer took his phone and other property and charged him with felonies. “For a township, we are getting a ferry here. Thousands of people will come here. I don’t understand this town. When I tried to file a theft report, you cannot file a theft report against cops.” Johnson asked what course of action he should take to pursue this complaint.
Law Director Francis Womack said that if he was not satisfied with the South Amboy Police Department that he should complain to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski suggested that Johnson go to the State Attorney General’s Department.
Resident Larry Parsons spoke next. Referring to past agreements with PILOTs, he asked, “Is it possible for a PILOT program to be transferable? Can you do it during the negotiation process?”
Law Director Francis Womack answered, “You can do a lot of things during negotiations.”
Resident Brandon Russell spoke next. He asked about the pending negotiations with the developer that is going on with the city and interested parties. “What is the next step with the PILOT?”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “We are back to negotiations.”
Council President Mickey Gross said, “We had a closed session with people involved in the PILOT. Any issues we had with professionals – we are extending our concerns to B.A. Glenn Skarzynski with our concerns.”
Russell said, “The Board of Education is forced to forfeit their money.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski added, “The council disapproves of the PILOT (as it stands). It is not the job of the city council to tax the school board.”
Russell then asked, ‘What can we do to encourage more participation (at council meetings)?”
B.A. Skarzynski said, “An average person can navigate a website (to look up when meetings are).”
Russell asked, “Do we have anything to access remotely?”
Skarzynski answered, “Not as of yet. Maybe next year.”
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Councilman Thomas Reilly and Mayor Fred Henry were absent.
