6/15/22 South Amboy Council Meeting
The South Amboy Boys Baseball Team was honored.
Sgt. Michael Kelly honored. (L to R) Police Chief Darren Lavigne, Mayor Fred Henry, Sgt. Michael Kelly, Executive Director 200 Club Dennis M. Kelly*Photos by Katherine Massopust
James “Doc” Ryan honored. (L to R) Police Chief Darren Lavigne,Mayor Fred Henry, James “Doc” Ryan, Executive Director 200 Club Dennis M. Kelly
Brian Tierney honored. (L to R) Sayreville Chief John Zebrowski, Mayor Fred Henry, Dispatcher Brian Tierney, Dennis Kelly Executive Director Middlesex County 200 Club, Chief Darren Lavigne
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – There were three presentations at the meeting.
Executive Director of the 200 Club Dennis M. Kelly spoke first, “Our organization honors first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement. Today, we honor 3 people from South Amboy.”
Police Chief Darren Lavigne stated, “Sergeant Michael Kelly was unable to attend the 5/18/22 Ceremony (when everyone was honored). Sgt. Kelly had to attend Arson School which is mandatory training.
Chief Lavigne explained how Sgt. Kelly convinced an armedman who wanted to commit suicide not to go through with it. Sgt. Kelly did this at great risk to himself and was able to save the man’s life. Chief Lavigne stated, “There are situations extremely difficult to deal with.”
The next presentation was to James “Doc” Ryan. It was noted that for 63 years on the South Amboy First Aid Squad, James “Doc” Ryan” answered 15,000 calls, delivered 5 babies, served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam as a nurse in the 26th Calvary Air Group. He has 6 sons in South Amboy. “Doc Ryan is always a caring, compassionate individual who puts patients first.”
Sayrevile Chief John Zebrowski spoke next about the third person honored, Brian Tierney. “A police officer’s work as a dispatcher from Sayreville for South Amboy. Every call begins with a dispatcher. On July 22, 2019, tragedy almost struck on Bordentown Avenue. A man was there to change his tire and got pinned under his car. Zebrowski made sure there was an officer sent in time.
There was one more presentation made to the 2022 South Amboy Baseball Team who had a 13-6 season with 11-1 record in their division which they won the GMC Gold Division Championship. The coach was named coach of the year. Also, the kids on the team raised over $30,000 for charity.
The council commended the team for and their coach for teaching them the right thing.
During the regular section of the meeting, the consent agenda passed with little discussion.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the award recipients for their service, “A job well done. Congratulations.” He thanked the first responders and the volunteers and donors at the food pantry. He reminded everyone of the American Legion’s Buy a Brick fundraiser which is on their Facebook page. He wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July and noted that there are only two council meetings in the summer: July 13th and August 17th. Reilly also stated that milling will be done on Broadway. Reilly then praised the Department of Public Works, especially the garbage men who work in the rain, snow, and sleet. “They never get paid a lot.”
Reilly then mentioned that he wants to have a Business Breakfast with local businesses in town.
Coucnilman Tom Reilly then said, “We wish to generate interest in the Volunteer Fire Department, create a legacy – so something on our Facebook page. We will have better productivity collectively working on a project the Szatkowski family is the ideal family to create a legacy.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin congratulated the recipients of the awards tonight. He asked the question if someone is on disability could they participate in volunteer services.
Law Director Francis Womack answered that it is a case-by-case situation and it depends on the extent of the disability.
McLaughlin congratulated Council President Mickey Gross and his two running mates on their election (in the primary).
Council Vice President Christine Noble congratulated the honorees and the 2020 Boys Baseball Champs.
Council President Mickey Gross congratulated the 2020 Boys Baseball Team. “Fireworks are on July 2nd. They will be paid for with no taxpayer money. They will air on Fox Radio. On October 1st will be the Irish Festival; there will be fireworks there, also. The City Clerk will have new video equipment since our equipment is outdated. I want to thank the first responders, our OEM Chief for what you guys do.”
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “Congratulations to all of our honorees. We have a super group in our baseball team. My condolences to Andrew Pipala, and Former Captain James Tedesco of the Police Department who took photos around South Amboy. He was a referee in soccer and basketball.” Henry then said, “We had another Lunch and Learn with our Police Chief Darren Lavigne. It was well attended.” Mayor Henry mentioned some events that were going to take place in South Amboy and wished everyone a Happy Father’s Day.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski recognized all the Department Heads who have a lot of responsibilities. “Especially Kathy at the Mayor’s Office. We rely on them very heavily.”
Law Director Francis Womack and City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz had no comments.
Councilman Tom Reilly was excited to mention that the South Amboy Fire Department participated in Iselin’s 100th Anniversary Parade and received 1st Place and won many other trophies.
No one spoke during the public portion. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Councilwoman Zusette Dato was not present at the meeting.
