9/15/21 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Before voting on the consent agenda, there were brief explanations given of the resolutions and ordinances on the agenda.
For 21-198 (add-on) – Law Director Francis Womack stated that it was for the Independence Firehouse to be considered a historic site has been submitted to the planning board. “This resolution states we intend to move forward. Th ordinance is not ready. This resolution is to go ahead to designate it as a historic site.”
Council Members Tom Reilly, Brian McLaughlin, and Christine Noble were all pleased that this resolution was moving forward. “It will tie up all loose ends,” stated Reilly.
All council members approved the consent agenda except for the release of the minutes of which Councilman Brian McLaughlin abstained.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the First Responders and food pantry workers and donors. “The Food Pantry needs people to help out. It is the same people every day. I went to the First Aid Squad. It is good to see young kids as cadets. I’ll encourage anyone to join the First Aid Squad. I want to thank the Fire Department for the 9-11 ceremony. There were a lot of good speakers.” Reilly noted that the Friends of South Amboy are having a 50/50 raffle.
B.A. Skarzynski said, “At the October 20, 2021, Council Meeting, there will be 4 people who will each receive proclamations. They were identified two years ago.”
Vice-President Christine Noble noted that she had a lot of compliments on the South Amboy Beach Front.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the South Amboy Fire Department and all the Emergency Service workers. He noted that Mary Porcello was recognized by NJ Governor Phil Murphy. (see press release) He congratulated Rob Sekerak as being voted in as President of the First Aid Squad. Reilly then thanked all the food pantry workers and donors. He asked Business about the status of the ferry service.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “We are wrapping up selection of operators. We are currently sending out RFP’s for construction of the terminal. By the end of November, we will know.
Council President Mickey Gross asked what the surplus is in South Amboy.
CFO Dan Balka answered, “$3 million.”
Gross reminded everyone that the Irish Festival starts at 2 p.m. and the fireworks are at 8:20 p.m. He then explained why the St. Patrick’s Day Committee voted to have the parade on Sunday, March 20, 2022. “It is no longer a little parade. There is too much to do in one day. It is one of the biggest parades in the state.” Gross then mentioned the beach sweep on the weekend. “Hats off to the Public Works Department.” He then added about the pandemic, “You hear a lot on TV. Is there a third shot? If you know anyone who is not vaccinated, tell them to go to get the shot. The County Health Department has been making plans for a third shot.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I want to congratulate Bob Sekerak as President. The First Aid Squad is made up of all volunteers. I want to thank the South Amboy Fire Department and Mary Porcello. On October 9, 2021, there will be a citywide yard sale. I am proud of the DPW. The North Jersey Transportation Authority released funds to get us started with the Ferry. We got $1 million more from the state. We will have a contract with the county for an operator.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski thanked everyone responsible for the recent arts festival. “We have new fire trucks. One will be departing for Wildwood (for the NJ State Fireman’s Convention Sept. 16-18).” He thanked the DPW for recent cleanups.
Public Portion:
Resident Greg Babolak spoke first. He asked if the agenda could be put up any earlier on the website.
City Clerk Deborah Brooks answered that she posts the agenda the Monday before the Wednesday meeting. “We post 48 hours (before the meeting).”
Babolak stated that he wished to see the agenda in advance. He asked if the council members get enough time to read the agenda before the meeting.
City Clerk Brooks explained that what South Amboy does is standard (two days before). “It is up to you to go over that agenda,” she stated.
Resident Brandon Russell spoke next. He asked, “How do we stand on live streaming?”
Council President Gross answered, “It will be a council decision. It will not be the business administrator’s decision. It will be the council’s decision.”
Russell asked how everyone stands on it (live streaming).
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “It is not a vote.”
Councilman Reilly stated, “I am open to the idea if it is made clear the cost.”
Councilman McLaughlin said, “If it is (reasonable) I’m for it.”
Council Vice President Noble said, “When it is brought up, it will be brought up.”
B.A. Skarzynski explained that there is a difference between a virtual meeting and a live stream. “A virtual meeting is low cost. Live stream is still experimental. Live streaming has more cost. We will produce a quote and more for we did not add to the agenda till next year. When it is approved, we’ll consider it. That will be put in front of them to make a decision.
The meeting went into closed session at 7:36 p.m. Councilwoman Zusette Dato was not present.
