SOUTH AMBOY – Three South Amboy Citizens received proclamations from the Mayor and Council for their service to the community: (L to R) Councilman Tom Reilly, Surjit Singh, Edward Szatkowski, Kimberly Seber, Councilwoman Zusette Dato, Mayor Fred Henry. *Photo by Paul W. Wang
10/20/21 Council
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Before the business section of the council meeting, three citizens were honored by the mayor and council for their service to the community. Councilman Tom Reilly was the driving force for the following citizens recognition:
Kimberly Seber was thanked for her volunteer service and dedication to the City of South Amboy. She moved to South Amboy from Union Beach in 2002 and met her now Husband Charlie Seber to form a blended family of 2 sons, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren. Seber worked in the Information Technology Field for over 30 years and is currently employed with SHI International Corporation. Kimberly Seber has dedicated many volunteer hours in combatting opioid use as a Naloxone training community organizer, FED UP! Coalition volunteer, Peer Recovery Specialist, Peer Parent Coach and Knock Opioid Abuse Day community organizer and is a South Amboy First Aid Squad Active member and is pursuing her EMT certification. The Governing Body of the City of South Amboy thanked Kimberly Seber for her dedication to our youth and for her extensive volunteer work.
Councilman Reilly offered a few words about Kimberly Seber, “Kim has dedicated many volunteer hours to fight opioid abuse. She is a well-organized, intelligent educator. She resonates with children on drug use. She has been to NARC events. She is active in the First Aid Squad and may consider joining the Fire Department.
Edward Szatkowski was honored for his volunteer service and dedication to the City of South Amboy. Edward Szatkowski has 55 years of service to the South Amboy Fire Department and has held several positions over the years including Fire Marshall, Fire Chief, Executive Board Secretary, and President of the Fraternal Order of Fire. 2019. Edward Szatkowski along with Burk Lambertson is credited with the fire rescue of an occupant inside a building. He has dedicated many volunteer hours for local charities including the Lions Club and the Middlesex County Emerald Society. The Governing Body of the City of South Amboy thanked Edward Szatkowski for his dedication and for his extensive volunteer work for the City of South Amboy.
Councilman Reilly stated, “Eddie Szatkowski as Fire Chief has donated a ton of hours as a volunteer Fireman. He will climb out of bed at 3 a.m.-4 a.m. to respond to a fire. He has dedicated 55 years of service to the SAFD. Over the generations, his family has dedicated over 320 years of service to South Amboy.
Mr. Szatkowski stated, “I want to thank the mayor and council for this proclamation. If it was not for the rest of the Fire Department, I would not have this award in my hand. I want to thank my brothers. God Bless and keep safe. When you hear that siren, it is there to save lives.
Surjit Singh was honored for his volunteer service and dedication to the City of South Amboy. Surjit Singh has owned and operated John Auto Center since 2007 and he and his family moved to South Amboy in 2019. He graduated from Manhattan Comprehensive High School, holds certificates in automotive service and automotive electronics and is a graduate of the School of Cooperative Technical Education in Manhattan. Surjit Singh has dedicated many volunteer hours for local charities including the Knights of Columbus and Friends of South Amboy as well as supporting the South Amboy Police Department. The Governing Body of the City of South Amboy thanked Surjit Singh for his dedication and for his extensive volunteer work for the City of South Amboy.
Council Reilly stated, “I have two stories: I was in Surjit’s business (John’s Auto) and there were two vets sleeping in cars. Surjit gave them food and took the two vets and got them a room the Veteran’s home. He took personal ownership to those two vets. Another time Surjit offered when two Veterans who could not afford to pay for the car repairs. Instead of giving them a bill, he took their hands and said, “Thank you for your service.” He has helped any charity that was in need of assistance. He will help anybody in need.”
The mayor and council thanked the honorees and their families.
Council President Mickey Gross and Council Vice-President Christine Noble were not present, so Councilwoman Zusette Dato conducted the meeting.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that South Amboy passed the Best Practices with a score of 21. He stated that the State of New Jersey requires a minimum of 15. “Some were left unscored because they do not apply to South Amboy. We met state requirements.”
There were a few questions on the bill list. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski explained that Manhattan Beach is building a portion of the $3.71 million in affordable housing. “They will build 10 units. They will give us the money for affordable housing trust. This can be used to rehabilitate lower income structures. The income threshold (of low-income eligible residents) is determined by state statute.”
The council passed ordinances 21-212 thru 21-214. 21-207 was pulled. The minutes, bill list and consent agenda were passed.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly stated, “The three people recognized are three outstanding citizens – people who reside in this city. I want to thank the First Aid, food pantry volunteers and donors. Please consider joining the First Aid and Fire Departments. The Friends of South Amboy are having a fundraiser on December 18th. Please patronize our local businesses. They are working very hard to keep businesses open.” Reilly then stated, “Jim Sartino’s mother passed away. His father was a second ward councilman years ago.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin said, “Thank you to our volunteers in town. Please donate to stock our food pantries.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “Election Day is on November 2, 2021. Early voting in New Jersey is happening for the first time in New Jersey. There are 9 days. Any person that is registered to vote – there are 10 locations in Middlesex County for early voting. It is an easy way to vote for those with difficult schedules. It is an option to consider. The election pollbook is electronic now. Sample ballots are in the mail. You can also vote as usual on November 2nd from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call the county clerk at 732-745-4202. It is your right and privilege.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “Condolences to the Sarintino family. Jim’s father served with my father on the South Amboy City Council. The seniors are starting a senior book club. The city will provide transportation. For the ferry, the Army Corps sent a bill, and we approved the waterfront permit. We sent it back and they approved it. We are in the first step cleared regarding the ferry.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski said, “In the next two weeks, we are out to bid for the revitalization of our baseball fields. The SAYA is extremely happy. Hopefully, by summertime it will be up and running.
Public Portion:
Resident Greg Babolack spoke, “The business administrator never replied when I asked to speak to the forensic audible. I went to her house. She spoke to me.” Babolack then asked City Clerk Deborah Brooks to see the process that the meetings are recorded.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
