3/16/22 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – At the start of the council meeting, there was a moment of silence for Ukraine and for thanks to Poland for their kindness.
There was a brief discussion regarding Ordinance 10-36 – Traffic Ordinance. Councilman Tom Reilly gave his analysis of the outdated ordinance. “This ordinance is over 40 years old. It needs a lot of work. We started by addressing handicapped parking spaces in town. Back in 1980 Ricky Schultz was Council President and Tom Kross was Mayor.” Reilly cited content in the ordinance that was outdated. “We really should revamp the entire ordinance.” Reilly stated that the ordinance is 40 pages long. It was recommended by the Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski and the council that Traffic Officer Sgt. Clark and the Police Chief Darren Lavigne along with Council President Gross and Councilman Reilly would go over the ordinance and make any necessary changes.
The second discussion was about the Sayreville Association for Brain Injured Children Charity Ball. City Clerk Deborah Brooks said that the city already paid for the ad which was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The event now has a new date, and the ad was revised. Brooks advised the council that anyone who wishes to purchase tickets may do so and there is a form to fill out.”
Council President Gross stated that the council has bought tickets before and the new date is in April at the Grand Marquis.
The consent agenda was passed along with the minutes and bill list. There was some discussion on Resolution No. 22-087 – Resolution requesting approval for authorizing an emergency temporary appropriation in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that the city is still operating on a temporary budget and needed some more money to operate until the 2020 budget was approved.
Resolution 22-091 – Resolution of the City of South Amboy, County of Middlesex State of New Jersey, accepting the certification of the Director of Public Works concerning costs incurred in the boarding up of the property located at 139 S. Rosewell St., Block 161.02, Lot 22, and authorizing the placement of a lien against said property for said costs.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that this resolution was to collect costs for cleanup for a house next to playground. The house was cleaned up by the city and now a lien is against the sale of the property.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly said, “I want to thank the food pantry and first responders.” He commented about flyers which are distributed in the street and are blowing around, accumulating, and making a mess.
Law Director Francis Womack said, “We can limit it, but not eliminate the right…”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “They are a nuisance. It is littering. There is a number to call to remove them.”
Womack added, “They must be placed in a place that the wind does not blow them.”
Councilman Tom Reilly said, “I encourage anyone who sees them blowing around to report it to Code Enforcement.”
Council President Mickey Gross commented that one once blew in his snowblower.
Councilman Reilly continued, “Car repairs on the street – There are popup car repairs opening up already.”
Law Director Womack said, “You can’t repair a vehicle on the street.”
Reilly then spoke about upcoming Government Week from April 3rd to April 9th. “The Volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad need new members. We could ask the Police Chief and Fire Chief to come and speak.” Reilly then stated, “I hope everyone comes out for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 20, 2022).”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked the emergency services – both professional and volunteer. “Covid numbers are down. I’m glad to see some normalcy come back. The Parade is Sunday. Keep the families in Ukraine in your prayers.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “There are a lot of programs at the Senior Center: Lunch and Learn is at 12 noon. An attorney spoke at the last one. She was very good and thorough. I thought it was exceptional. They have really good programs. We are all there for Ukraine. They (Russia) bombed a building that is a maternity hospital with children in it. Keep Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers.” Dato then applauded the Parade Committee for all the hard work they did to make the St. Patrick’s Day Parade possible.
Council President Mickey Gross said, “There cannot be a parade without Mark Herdman. The South Amboy Fire Department will be leading the parade. On Saturday (March 19th), there will be a mass at 9 a.m. We will not play an Irish hymn (as done traditionally) when they walk in. We will play the Ukrainian National Anthem. At 10 a.m. there will be a flag raising and at 11 a.m. there will be breakfast at the Hibernians. At 7 p.m. there will be an Irish Concert. My wife heads that up. On Sunday, at 2 p.m. the Parade starts.” Gross then spoke about the upcoming plastic bag ban. “It is the first week in May. It applies to stores 25,000 square feet or larger. We will know a lot more in the next few weeks. Start looking for your (reusable) bags. You will need them. It is a statewide ban. It will take awhile to get used to.” Gross then noted, “On July 2, 2022, there will be the fireworks. The fireworks are paid for by sponsors. On October 1, 2022, will be the Irish Festival. There will be fireworks there, too.” Gross then inquired about the new First Aid Vehicle.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that the First Aid Squad did not pick one out yet.
Mayor Fred Henry said, “I wish everyone will enjoy the parade. Congratulations to all the honorees. Lunch and Learn is a new program for seniors. My condolences to Camille Tooker (former South Amboy Business Administrator), whose mother-in-law recently passed away. Our hearts go out to Ukraine. On our website, there are eight different options to help those people. They are in dire need of everything.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski said, “Please be respectful of any Police Officer and what they ask you to do at the parade. A lot of work goes into the parade.”
Gross then added, “This will be a multicultural event – a little bit of everything – Chinese, Polish, etc.”
No one spoke at the public portion. Council Vice President Christine Noble was not present at the meeting.
