9/20/21 Caucus & Council Meetings

By: Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – The meeting opened up with Council President Bill Petrick explaining what Ordinance No. 2 (Public Hearing) (To adopt an amendment to the Focus 2020 Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Area 1 (Gateway) in accordance with the local redevelopment and housing law) involves

“This is regarding the car wash located at the corner of Convery Boulevard and Smith Street.”

Councilman Joel Pabon then requested that there be a breakdown of the monies provided on the Debt Statement. “We (the council) have in depth information, but I think it is important for the public to have more information.”

Business Administrator Michael Green spoke up and provided more information in depth, “For the various parking utility improvements, $131,500 would be for the parking garage repairs. The water/wastewater utility improvements – the NJIB Funding of $1.8 million are capital expenditures for a series of meters throughout the city. For the water utility improvements, a $3,904,000, this is serious revenue that is needed. The doors at the Runyon Facility need to be renovated. They have sludge facilities that will be needed to dry any floods coming in. Money is also needed to replace handguns and tasers for the police department. Monies are also used to update the mobile data terminals and the storage building that holds forfeiture items. Part of the money in this debt statement would be for the library. They will need new furniture for the handicapped and security for Covid protection such as hand sanitizers, etc. Items also include expenditures for firetrucks, Marine 5, mobile refueling to be used for trucks, replacing fire engines. A lot of the information that I am giving out is already on the website. I assume that the directors will be here for the council portion of the meeting. IT items will also be part of what is on the debt statement.” Green then pointed out that the new Interim DPW Director Matthew Nieves was in the audience. Green also said, “Matthew (Nieves) always responds to any questions and is also quick to point out that it is the DPW crew that deserves all the attention.”

Nieves then came up to introduce himself, “I have been employed in the city since 2008 and started out as a sanitation worker. I then transferred over the Parks Department as a Maintenance Supervisor for 5 years. I ran the Sanitation Department for 1 year while still doing work at the Public Works Department.”

Councilman Joel Pabon said that he was impressed with Nieves and was glad that he worked his way up. 

Nieves replied, “It is an honor to be the head of the DPW.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda said, “I am glad to meet Nieves and knowing how you worked your way up.”

Council President Bill Petrick said, “I am glad Nieves came up to introduce himself.”

B.A. Green then gave information regarding Ordinance No. 1 (first reading) – Providing for the acquisition for water meters for the water/wastewater utility in and by the city of Perth Amboy appropriating $1,800,000 and authorizing the issuance of $1,800,000 of bonds or notes to finance the cost. “These were funds for wireless water meters utilizing new technology.”

CFO Jill Goldy came forward regarding a question of Ordinance No. 3 (first reading) – A bond providing for various improvements in and by the city of Perth Amboy appropriating $7,890,040 and authorizing the issuance of $6,210,347 bonds or notes to finance part of the cost.

“The reason why there is a discrepancy on the two amounts is because we already have $76,000 of funds on hand for one of the items.”

Councilman Joel Pabon questioned why Resolution R-482-9/21 – Consenting the extension of the Interim appointment of Deputy Chief Lawrence Cattano as Acting Chief of Police for a period no longer than 60 days from October 2, 2021, would even be on the agenda. 

“I thought it was up to the mayor to make the decision, and not the council.”

Law Director William Northgrave responded, “I will look into this. Because, like you said, it is usually the mayor who would decide on this. This would be the mayor’s appointee, the same as when a mayor would appoint directors.”

Pabon then quickly referenced Resolution R-484-9/21 thru R-488-9/21 which listed various properties that had liens placed on them because DPW had to do cleanups of those properties. He then asked, “What is the status of the properties (in disarray) on Rector Street? It is not fair that the little guys are penalized by us, and the larger property owners get away. Finally, after 12 years, one of his (Kushner’s) properties came down.”

Code Enforcement Director Irving Lozada spoke via Zoom, “A couple weeks ago, I and Councilman Joel Pabon met to discuss some of Kushner’s properties. Kushner was issued notices, and summonses were sent to the court.”

Council President Petrick then asked, “Are the procedures the same whether it is property owners or developers?”

Lozada responded, “Yes, but sometimes it takes longer if the properties are abandoned. We may have to go to the banks, which may take longer.”

Northgrave then added, “If the properties have a fence, it may be viewed as trespassing as if going through a gate. It is a very thin line. It doesn’t matter if you are cleaning up something that is 37 acres versus a small property. The process should be the same regarding cleanups.”

Lozada spoke up again, “All the properties listed on the agenda are not fenced in. Most of Kushner’s properties that need to be cleaned up are fenced in.”

Councilman Bill Petrick said, “The house that was torn down that belonged to Kushner had no fence.”

Department of Human Resources and Director of Recreation Ken Ortiz spoke about R-491 via Zoom. R-491-9/21 – Authorizing a submission of application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the 2022 Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant. “This is for all children and it will be used to help those to participate in the arts, the teen center, sporting events, and to increase staff hours.”

B.A. Michael Green then explained R-494-9/21 – A contract with the IPS Group for the purchase of 4 pay stations for State Street from Smith Street to Fayette Street in an amount not to exceed $33,274.84. “These are the same pay stations as we currently have.”

Council President Petrick said, “Are they the same kind of pay stations that are by the Parking Deck on New Brunswick Avenue? Because a lot of them are not operational.”

Green explained that with the new technology in place, they can spot which pay stations are not functioning. 

Acting Police Chief Larry Cattano came up to speak, “One of the pay stations on Smith Street is out of service because of an accident. Alerts and emails will go out if a signal goes out on a pay station.”

Petrick then questioned, “If a pay station unit can’t connect to a tower, it can’t function.”

Cattano answered, “Yes, that is true, but also it will not take your money. I have a meeting scheduled with the company that operates the pay stations.”

Councilman B.J. Torres had a question regarding R-495 -9/21 – Authorizing the city of Perth Amboy to make an application to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for a grant to perform additional environmental services on the former Harry Goldberg and Sons Scrap Metal. 

“Why is the Department of Recreation listed as putting this on the agenda?”

Petrick responded, “Because it is going to be made into a park.”

B.A. Green then added, “They are applying for grants for this remediation.”

Ken Ortiz spoke up via Zoom, “They need an overseer while doing this remediation work. While they were digging, they found a bazooka round that turned out to be inactive. You need a company on site for safety precautions for the contractors. The DEP will cover this 100%. I am a liaison between all the parties involved.”

Green then explained R-496-9/21 – An agreement between Middlesex County and the city of Perth Amboy to jointly provide for the modification of the traffic control signal at the intersection of Smith Street and Goodwin Street. 

Green stated, “This new signal will cost $1 million, and our part of the contribution will be $300,000.”

Councilwoman Tejeda said, “I am glad to see this. It is needed. I always cross the street in that area.”

Council President Bill Petrick stated that regarding R-497-9/21 – Authorizing compensation for 280 hours of unused vacation time to former Mayor Wilda Diaz in the amount of $14,859.60 should be added to items to be discussed in closed session. 

The meeting then was opened to the public (in-house first). 

Resident Vince Mackiel came up to speak. He referenced Ordinance No. 2 regarding Redevelopment of Area No. 1 (Gateway). “I see they are looking to put in a new filling station and a new store by the car wash. I agree with Councilman B.J. Torres’s concerns.” He then referenced Communication No. 4 -Regarding results of soil samples taken at the Speedway Gas Station at 679 Convery Blvd. which reflected the concentration of lead levels higher than residential standards and Communication No. 8 – A press release regarding the Murphy Administration moving toward an electric vehicle future including new efforts to encourage EV Charging Infrastructure in every New Jersey Municipality.  “People in this city use that extension (area of Convery Boulevard and Rte. 35) to go to different places in and out of the city. You first need to do a traffic study. I’ve used that car wash in the past. That intersection of Smith and Convery Boulevard is very tight. I even saw a truck that tried to back up at that corner. You have to take those two communications (4 & 8) very seriously. Thank you.”

No one spoke via Zoom and the council went into closed session at 6:26 p.m. The council came back at 7:14 p.m. from the closed session to close the caucus portion of the meeting. The council meeting started at 7:15 p.m.

The meeting was opened up to the public for of the ordinances that had a public hearing. No one from the public spoke in person or via Zoom. 

Public Comments on agenda items only (In-person first):

Resident Vince Mackiel came up and again referenced Communication No. 8 (filling stations). “We need to go in another direction instead of having filling stations. Have consideration for the children and citizens. If need be, you should be taking a lead on this.”

The council members then voted on the ordinances. Ordinance No. 1 – Regarding fixing and establishing a schedule of salary and salary ranges on the Perth Amboy Fire Officers Association Local No. 4070 January 1, 2019, thru January 1, 2022, was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 2 – Focus 2020 Redevelopment Plan (Gateway) was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 3 – to Amend an ordinance entitled “Taxicabs” regarding rates was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda

Ordinance No. 1 (first reading) – Providing for the acquisition of water meters for the water/wastewater utility was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. B.A. Michael Green spoke about this ordinance. “This will be for 4,000 meters. We just have to get more information how many will be for residential and commercial.” Ordinance No. 2 (first reading) – A bond ordinance providing renovations to the parking deck was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 3 (first reading) – A bond ordinance for various improvements to the water/wastewater utility was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 4 (first reading) – A bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by the city of Perth Amboy was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 5 (first reading) – Designating restricted parking spaces for use by handicapped persons regarding additions was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. 

For the consent agenda, R-473 thru R-497 was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. When it came time to vote on the consent agenda individually, they all voted “Yes”. For R-497 – (Vacation Pay for former Mayor Diaz) – Council President Bill Petrick reluctantly said, “Yes.”  

Public Portion (in-house first):

Resident Vince Mackiel came up, “Has the council received any updated engineering reports on the bridge on Market and Elm Streets. I’m not asking if there was any additional funding requested. I just need to know if there are any updated engineering reports.”

Council President Bill Petrick asked Mackiel if he had put in any OPRA requests regarding this matter. 

Mackiel responded, “I’ve sent communications with the county and the Department of Transportation. This should be dealt with by our city officials. I have been sending correspondence to all the different B.A.’s we’ve had in the city. No action has been taken. I even had to help a woman carry a carriage over this bridge. The next time this happens, I’ll give you guys a call.”

Council President Petrick then stated, “The bridge does not belong to the city.”

Mackiel countered, “Engineering reports were done on the Convery Boulevard Bridge.”

B.A. Michael Green spoke up, “I cannot speak about what New Jersey Transit does.”

Mackiel then concluded, “So, nothing has changed.”

Pabon responded, “Public Works goes by that bridge. Is it wide enough for people to walk across the bridge? I guess I have to go over there myself to look at it.”

No one spoke via Zoom.

Council Comments: 

Councilwoman Rose Morales said, “I thank all for coming. I want to thank Resident Mackiel for his concerns and comments. I want to recognize the beautification of our city and all that were involved in making this happen.” She then reminded everyone about the Thomas Mundy Peterson Park dedication coming up. She then added, “Please get vaccinated.”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I want to piggyback on Councilwoman Morales’s comments on the cleanups going on in the city and the paintings of the bridges.” He then turned his attention to those who are doing just the opposite, “We can’t continue to blame the DPW for not cleaning up. When I walk the waterfront, I see fast food wrappers on the ground by the garbage cans. We are not helping each other. The Prop House closed off their parking lot because people are dumping garbage there. People lost that whole parking space. We need your help. There are a lot of good people doing good things but say something if you see people dumping. The Second Street Park has a lot of activity going on. It seems to be going up very fast now. I see they are starting to work again on the Convery Boulevard Bridge. I want to know what is going on with these lantern flies. They are all over the place. Is the county doing something? If you walk the roadway to the amphitheater, the trees are filled with them. We are going to lose those trees.”

Council President Petrick suggested, “Maybe the County Spray Program should be doing something.”

Business Administrator Green said, “I’ll check.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda brought up communication No. 14. – Residents of Franklin Drive are complaining about the garbage at the nursing home and the Moose Lodge Parking lots were causing problems. “Because of food left behind, they are attracting raccoons, opossums, skunks, moles, and cats according to the communications sent by these residents.” Tejeda spotted Miguel Morales in attendance to see if he was made aware of this problem.

Miguel Morales then explained, “They are also having the same issues at the Delaney Homes properties where they are building the new high school (people dumping garbage).”

Councilwoman Tejeda then mentioned, “There will be a ground-breaking at the new high school next week and the 9-11 Memorial Service was beautiful and touching.” She congratulated all who put it together. 

Councilman B.J. Torres said, “I see the city employees cleaning up the parks. After they are done, people will totally trash the parks. Cars throw litter out of their windows. We need to take pride in our city. I just heard recently that someone had their baby carriage stolen at one of the parks.”

Council President Bill Petrick said, “I heard that chickens eat lantern flies, so if you have them, just let them loose. I want to thank all who participated at tonight’s meeting and those who watched at home. Everyone, have a good evening.”

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. All council members were present in person.