8/18/21 Business/Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Council President Mickey Gross was not present, so Vice President Christine Noble conducted the meeting. She went through the consent agenda to see if there were any questions from the Council.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski explained the questioned items.
21-161 – Resolution increasing the contract for the award of a fair and open contract for special services engineer Grotto Engineering Associates.
B.A. Skarzynski explained that things are heating up with the Ferry. “We need permission from the council to raise the cap.”
21-163 – Resolution approving final payment, acceptance of maintenance bond and performance bond release for community center waterproofing repairs – Geocon Industries.
B.A. Skarzynski noted that this resolution was to authorize payment for repair of a leak at the South Amboy YMCA.
21-164 – Authorizing agreement for shared services with Woodbridge Township for animal control services.
B.A. Skarzynski said, “We were satisfied with their services, so we would like to extend the contract for another year.”
21-165 – A resolution requesting permission for the dedication by Rider for revenues derived from the affordable housing trust fund by N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-3 ET SEQ.
He explained, “We are receiving a sizable deposit from Manhattan Beach due to a PILOT program.”
A discussion ensued with B.A. Glenn Skarzynski and Councilman Tom Reilly.
Reilly asked if the city is getting ¾ of the amount (that they were supposed to get from the PILOT).
Skarzynski answered, “$1.3 million. We are getting a little less than that. The money will be used to improve low-income housing.”
Reilly asked, “Why didn’t the Manhattan Beach accept 100% of the affordable housing (cost).”
Skarzynski explained, “They are paying for half. The city will cover the other half. Ultimately it will be the council’s decision how the money is spent. It could be used for anything until you make a decision.”
21-172 – Authorization to purchase two (2) Chevy Tahoe’s for the SAFD from Mall Chevrolet – ESCNJ Contract 20/21-09.
Skarzynski stated that this is to pay for the two fire chief vehicles.
Reilly then asked where the American Rescue Plan funds went to. Skarzynski stated the money went to purchase a new pumping station.
The consent agenda was moved by Councilwoman Zusette Dato and seconded by Councilman Brian McLaughlin. All voted yes.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly said, “I wish a get well to Richard Johnson and Camille Tooker. I want to thank the first responders and the volunteers and all who made donations to the food pantries. All the faces down there are dedicated residents. I want to thank the Friends of South Amboy. There will be four (basketball) games on December 18th.”
Councilman Tom Reilly then turned his attention to several blighted properties. “There is a lot of brush around Feltus Street and Roosevelt Street. It is a real mess.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski assured Reilly that summonses have been issued.
Reilly added, “The First Street Garage is a mess. Animals go in and out of holes in it.”
Reilly then thanked the South Amboy Historical Society for the firehouse dedication.
He then brought up the ongoing bamboo issue. “I thought we changed the ordinance to read that bamboo is self-contained. Can we get that done?”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “Last time it is in a barrier or self-container only.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski suggested that it would be easier to ban bamboo all together rather than monitor who grows it.
Reilly was satisfied, “That is even better.” He then brought up the illegal pallet operation.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that summonses were issued. “The courts just recently opened. We can jail people again.”
Reilly continued, “That is a fire hazard. My heart goes out to the neighbors.”
B.A. Skarzynski then suggested that anyone with events should e-mail them to the city and they will be posted on South Amboy’s website.
Reilly then asked about the South Amboy First Aid Squad which is undergoing a merger with the South Amboy Fire Department. He asked why the money has to be approved to give the First Aid Squad their $70,000.
Skarzynski explained that the First Aid Squad is now under the government of the city and must follow certain procedures regarding funding. “It is a system of checks and balances. We are obligated to follow local finance rules under the state of New Jersey.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked if there could be a meeting with the First Aid Squad.
B.A. Skarzynski stated he was willing to do that although it could be difficult.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked emergency services for their hard work and to everyone who donates or volunteers at the food pantry.
McLaughlin then asked about speed humps in alleyways and the new PILOTs which the city is in the negotiation process.
Skarzynski answered that there is a PILOT for 3 buildings. One PILOT is for a warehouse.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “There is a rental assistance program which is up at the end of August. Even though the information has been out there for several times during the last months, there have been no applicants. If no one from South Amboy applies for the program, Asw. Yvonne Lopez will transfer the funds to another community. Time is running out. There must be someone who can use the help. Go to www.southamboy.nj.gov.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that the citywide camera initiative is 80% complete and in 30 days will be active. He then stated, “There will be an Arts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, on Broadway. The 9-11-01 Ceremony will be on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. The Rotary Club Blood Drive collected enough material to save 54 lives. Our purchasing agent passed the exam. The LED crossing is all installed.”
Public Portion:
Resident Bill DeMasi spoke about all the empty stores that have been vacant a long time in South Amboy. He noted that in Metuchen they fine people if their storefronts are empty. He stated that South Amboy should try to have a kid center. He also noted that the train seems to be louder between the hours of 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski noted that the city will reach out to NJ Transit.
Resident Brian Murphy spoke about the upcoming basketball event.
Councilman Reilly added, “We are expecting a real good crowd.”
The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Mayor Fred Henry was not present.
