SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy Cross Country Team Captains (Joe Jamolowicz, Rafael Albarran, Guinevere Kennedy) hold a copy of the Resolution honoring the team at the 12/15/21 Council Meeting. Councilman Tom Reilly (R).
*Photos byKatherine Massopust
12/15/21 South Amboy Business/Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – At the beginning of the meeting, the Council recognized the achievements of the South Amboy Cross Country Team. Councilman Tom Reilly read the accomplishments individually of each cross-country student athlete and then he again read the team’s accomplishments as a group.
RESOLUTION
RECOGNITION – SOUTH AMBOY CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of South Amboy would like to acknowledge the South Amboy Cross Country team for its 2021 achievements; and
WHEREAS, this year the Cross Country team had an undefeated Dual Meet Season, were Blue Division Champions, took 13th place at GMC Championships and 6th place at NJSIAA Sectionals; and
WHEREAS, Joe Jamolowicz, Captain, joined the team in 7th grade and has been a varsity runner since freshman year and has gone undefeated for the last two seasons in division races and has a PR time of 17:09 which makes him the third fastest runner in school history; and
WHEREAS, Rafael Albarran, Captain, joined the team in 7th grade and has been a varsity runner since freshman year and has a PR time of 17:38 making him the 5th fastest runner in school history; and
WHEREAS, Jack Smith joined the team in his junior year and was the teams 5th runner this year; and
WHEREAS, Steven Evanski joined the team in his junior year and quickly became the teams number three runner: and
WHEREAS, Daniel Evanski joined the team in his freshman year and placed 12th at the GMC freshman championship in a PR time of 19:53; and
WHEREAS, Gabriel Albarran joined the team in 7th grade and has been a varsity runner ever since with a PR time of 21:07; and
WHEREAS, James Jamolawicz joined the team in 7th grade and made his varsity debut in his sophomore year and has a PR time of 24:15; and
WHEREAS, Guinevere Kennedy, Women’s Captain, joined the team in 7th grade and has been a varsity runner since her freshman year and has been undefeated in division races for the last two seasons and placed 14th in the county at the GMC Championship meet. She qualified for the NJSIAA State Group 1 meet for the last three years and this season became only the second runner in school history, and first girl, to qualify for the Meet of Champions and has a PR time of 20:31 making her the fastest girl in school history.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, The Governing Body of the City of South Amboy, would like to recognize the above for all their numerous achievements and excellent representation of the City of South Amboy.
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “I want to congratulate the Cross-Country Team. Teammates press you to do better, but many times participants from other teams cause you to improve.”
SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy Cross Country Team was honored at the 12/15/21 Council Meeting
For the regular portion of the meeting, Council President Mickey Gross explained that South Amboy has its own Board of Health. Tom Sikorski came up to speak. He stated that he has been with the county from 25 – 30 years and has a total of 47 years of experience in the Health Department. “We have one inspector full time in South Amboy. We have one inspector assigned in case for any municipality. Recently, we had parents and students at a flu clinic at the former Cardinal McCarrick site.” There were no questions for Mr. Sikorski.
There were some clarifications on the consent agenda. CFO Dan Balka explained 21-237 – A Resolution Cancelling Grant Balances. “All grants received and never spent – we never received funds. This happened before my time.”
For 21-239 – A Resolution authorizing the purchase of electronic signs. It was noted by Business Administer Glenn Skarzynski that the signs have to be within a half mile of the train station and that transit information will be on the signs.
For 21-241 – Resolution awarding the contract for Ferry Terminal Operator to Port Imperial Ferry Corporation DBA/NY Waterway. B.A. Skarzynski explained, “There is a term of service for 10 years, 10 years renewal with mutual 10-year term. A 2-story building (when it is built). The first floor will have fast food (grab and go). The second floor will be management and hopefully a destination restaurant. The city gets 30¢ per passenger. The figure goes up after a year to 33¢, 37¢, etc. We get 2¢ per 1lb of cargo. There will be UPS packages, FedEx, mail, parcel… we are obligated to do capital improvements which must be done within the facility. We agreed to these terms.” It was noted there is a minimum of $50,000 revenue per year guaranteed. “South Amboy gets 10% of concessions which will consist of grab and go food (ready prepared sandwiches and snacks). There will be no alcohol for sale.” B.A. Skarzynski explained that grant money will pay for construction of the facility. There will be 750 parking spots going in. We want a restaurant coming in and no charge for parking. We want the ferry to be a self-liquidating facility. There will be no overnight parking. The DPW is responsible for snow removal of the sidewalks. Maintenance will be paid for by grant money. We can look at future grants for ongoing maintenance.”
Mayor Fred Henry stated they will be audited every 25th day of every month and the city will be given a ridership report.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that for this July, there will be a floating platform to start service as soon as possible. “We will buy our barge as early as possible.”
The council passed the consent agenda. Councilman Brian McLaughlin abstained for 21-241 due to a conflict of interest.
Ordinance 2021-18 – An Ordinance amending Article XI of the South Amboy City Code to establish levels of staffing and create administrative divisions within the South Amboy Police Department. No one spoke during the public portion of the ordinance. Police Chief Darren Lavigne stated that his concerns have been satisfied and he was comfortable with the resolution. The vote was Tom Reilly, Zusette Dato, Mickey Gross “Yes”, and Brian McLaughlin, Christine Noble “No”. Motion passes 3-2.
Council Comments:
Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated, “Congratulations to the Cross-Country Team. They make us all proud.” She then spoke about the recent devastation in the Midwest from tornadoes. “Keep them in mind and in your hearts. Kindly send donations to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen sends a team of chefs that prepare meals for victims and first responders. Merry Christmas! We wish you the best.”
Council Vice President Christine Noble said, “Congratulations to the Cross-Country Team. We wish everyone a safe New Year. Merry Christmas!”
Councilman Tom Reilly said, “Congratulations to the Cross-Country Team! I want to thank the first responders and thank Mark Herdman who took over our food pantry. It is vital to our town. The Friends of South Amboy Basketball games are this Saturday. Everyone attending must wear a mask. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin said, “Thank you to Emergency Service. The food pantry – we appreciate your efforts. Congratulations on the ferry terminal. It is nice to see the Rotary Club helped out. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Some will not be home for the holidays but working (first responders, doctors, nurses).”
Councilman Mickey Gross said, “I want to thank the First Responders. South Amboy is nothing without you. Please go out and support the Friends of South Amboy (the basketball tournament on December 18) . Have a safe holiday. Remember to support our food pantry.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “A lot of work goes into these negotiations.”
Police Chief Darren Lavigne stated, “The South Amboy Police Department passed (accreditation) with flying colors. It was done virtually. We will receive accreditation probably in March.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I want to thank the support of the boy scouts for dinner. Thank you, Lynn Graber and all the people involved with the tree lights. It was a great night. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Councilman Brian McLaughlin said, “Merry Christmas! Happy New Year . . . and Happy Boxing Day!”
Public Portion:
Resident Tom Kross came up to speak. “Thank you for all the improvements,” he said sarcastically. “It is impossible to navigate in the morning to drop off children to two different schools. It is unbearable to get through town. Something has to be done. The lights that illuminate the street – I don’t think it is my responsibility to call in when one is out. Last time I called a light out at 321 Ridgeway. The Closure of streets doesn’t make sense. I see trucks and tractor trailers driving through town.”
A Board of Education member came up to speak. “I want to thank the council for recognizing our Cross-Country Team. I want to thank everyone for what you do – the council, the tree lighting, Chief Lavigne. Thank you for the ferry, and for everything. Merry Christmas!”
Resident Greg Babolack spoke next, “I wish everyone a Happy Holiday!” He made a comment that the audio of the recording of the last meeting was awful.
City Clerk Deborah Brooks answered, “We’ve been having issues. Hopefully in 2022 there will be no more issues.” She stated that a technician will be addressing these issues.
Babolack asked how many PILOTS the city is presently getting money from.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered “Three, including Shoregate and Woodmont.”
Babolack asked if every project gets a PILOT.
Council President Mickey Gross answered that Ryan Homes asked for a PILOT and was denied.
Mayor Fred Henry added that in that case, it was discussed, but they were turned down, so the answer is, “No.”
The council went into closed session at 7 p.m.All council members were present.
