By: Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – The first person to make a public comment was Resident Ken Balut. He still questioned the $16 million from the American Recovery Act that had not been spent, yet. “It is supposed to be for the citizens of Perth Amboy. We just had a big fire, and we should use some of that money to fix substandard housing. You put in for a $500,000 grant that could be used in the Police Department or for mental health services. We are giving away money and there is no need to give PILOTS. Everyone hates Trump but loves Kushner. Did anyone follow up on the Marina Boat accident that Nieves (Acting DPW Director) was involved in? He did his own report. People who own the property on Oak Street that had the fire should sue the city. When the utility costs go up, there will be more fires. The mayor hires Department Heads – not us (the council or the people). When I was on the council, we had negative money.”

The next person to speak was a resident who lives at 188 Smith Street. “We have $16 million, yet we are asking for more money. The prior mayor’s office was defunded, and now we have another mayor who has more people, yet he doesn’t show up to meetings. Bill Fitzpatrick (in the Tax Assessors Department) is bringing in all this money. Now, he is looking to leave. There was a disconnect between the mayor’s office and the city council. Homicides, burglaries, rapes, stabbings, and shootings are going on. Where is the mayor?”

Ms. Dalila Silva (Vice President of Solidaridad Peru Committee) came up next, “I am a 30-year resident. The Peruvian community has been here for 50 years. We are looking to name one of our city streets as an honorary Peruvian Street. We have businesses here, community events, and provide health services. We have many Peruvian doctors and teachers who help the Hispanic community. We also have many Peruvian restaurants. The new generation needs to know our Peruvian heritage, our contributions, and the long history that we have here.”

Resident and Photographer Alejandro Roman spoke next, “I want to thank the council for the opportunity to recognize the Peruvian and Latino community. We need to work together. You listen to all, even your critics. I came her 32 years ago. I always send positive messages which is my passion. I’ve been to Newark and Trenton, and we look good compared to them.”

The next person to speak via Zoom was Sharon Hubberman, “I want to first congratulate all those who were promoted. I want to also thank those who helped clean the graffiti and the police officers who took care of a problem on my street. Regarding the ordinance, “Naming of honorary streets,” I want to make sure that the guidelines and procedures are being followed. I need detailed information how it came to that point. The Rent Leveling Board recommendations haven’t been addressed. I know we have another petition being circulated (regarding the naming of another honorary street).”

Council President Petrick responded, “The petition for the naming of the honorary Peruvian street was given to us in January of this year.”

Law Director William Opel spoke up next,” The council can waiver some of the requirements.”

Resident Maria Garcia spoke next via Zoom about the incompetence of the mayor. “I called the Department of Public Works to see what hours they would be open for Memorial Day. They told me they will be there until 1:30 p.m. I got there at 12 noon, and they would not open the gate for me because they said that city hall told them to close early. Another woman from DPW let me in. There is constant chaos at city hall and the city workers are getting the brunt of it (criticism). As far as the Public Entertainment Ordinance, 10 hours is too long. Music decibels need to be addressed. This ordinance needs to be reworked.”

The next person to speak on Zoom was Matthew Hersch, who is the Housing Director of the State of New Jersey. He thanked the council for considering adopting R-328 – (Affordable Homes in the Build Back Better Act to House New Jersey). “No state or local expenditures are needed, and other towns have already approved some of the funding.”

Resident Maria Vera spoke via Zoom, “The Puerto Rican Festival took place in a parking lot. Let others do the same thing. One day and 6 hours is long enough for any festival.”

The council voted on the Ordinances. Ordinance No. 1 – Re: Additions to Handicapped Parking Spaces was moved by Pabon, seconded by Morales. Ordinance No. 1 (First Reading) – “Public Entertainment” was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. When it came to voting individually, Tejeda is the only one to vote “No.” Ordinance No. 2 (First Reading) – Dissolving the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency (PARA) and designating the city council as a redevelopment entity was moved by Pabon, seconded by Torres. When it came to voting, Morales and Tejeda voted, “No.” Ordinance No. 3. (First Reading) – “Flood Damage Prevention.”Was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 4. (First Reading) – “Restricted Parking Spaces to be used by Handicapped Persons regarding additions,” was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 5 (First Reading) – A Bond Ordinance providing for the construction of the Smith Street Shop Distribution Building for the Water Utility was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Petrick and Torres voted, “No.” Ordinance No. 6. (First Reading) – To establish the honorary renaming of Linden Street as “Peru Boulevard” was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. 

Ordinance No. 7 (First Reading) – Approving the application for a long-term tax exemption and authorizing the execution of a financial agreement with E-Port Phase II Urban Renewal LLC for property located at Block 430 Lot 1.02.

Petrick asked for this ordinance to be tabled because he needed a copy of the agreement. 

Business Administrator Michael Greene stated that agreement was emailed to the council.

Law Director Opel stated, “The agreement was in a packet with all the stipulations that the council requested.”

Council President Petrick motioned to table, Pabon seconded it. When it came time to vote to table, Morales, Tejeda, and Torres voted, “No.”

 When it came time to vote on the Ordinance (First Reading), Tejeda and Morales voted “Yes”. Before Torres voted, he wanted to make a statement. “I will vote “Yes,” in spite of hardly any union labor being used.” Petrick, Pabon voted, “No.”

Petrick also said, “For Ordinance No. 7, this will not be beneficial to the city.”

For the consent agenda, R-312 thru R-328 and R-331 thru R-332 was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. 

For R-310 – A public hearing and adoption of the amendments to the CY: 2022 budget (R-307-6/22).

Council President Bill Petrick spoke first. “Monies from the budget were presented to us in March. There was an error. They want to add a Chief Accountant with a salary of $130,000. They also want to add 2 new hirees and the word on the street is that there will be a 10% increase in water rates. The proposed budget by the council was ignored by the administration. The administration ordered more money to hire people who worked on their campaign. There is a K-9 Unit for dogs to detect marijuana. He thentalked aobut The Office of Economic Development, “The Assistant Director will be getting $78,813. Now, they are looking for a Director to hire for $98,000. In addition to that, they want to hire another person for $42,000. And they want a General Administrator for the Business Administrator. The part-timers will add an additional $30,000 in the Mayor’s Office. These are just some of the few highlights. There’re hundreds of thousands of more dollars of additional spending for the administration. We are here to protect taxpayers. All this extra money is for special interest groups.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda spoke up next. She specifically addressed Council President Petrick, “This is your amendment – not the council’s amendment.”

Petrick responded, “I gave each of you my suggestions. It is up to you whether to comment or not. We were supposed to control the newspaper boxes on the streets. Now, we were told it is a freedom of speech. One of the owners of those newspaper boxes were told by the mayor not to worry. He (Mayor Caba) will take care of it. If the mayor overrules us so he can promote himself, why ask us to approve these items? We are being manipulated.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke next, “I know when there is a smokescreen. The last administration wanted to do a 5% tax increase. There were too many people in the last mayor’s office, and we eliminated some of those positions. Now, it is happening again with too many people in the mayor’s office. We spent $1.5 million on water meters. For every position that we eliminate, we can save money and it can go towards next year’s budget. We were always told not to touch the surplus. We have huge issues with the water and bad infrastructure.”

Petrick spoke up again, “Surplus money is good for our ratings. Sometimes money is spent on things that were not needed.”

The budget hearing was then opened up for the public to speak. 

Resident Ken Balut spoke first in-person, “No money was spent from the $16 million. The Caba Administration is not transparent. He is hiringrelatives and giving money to those who are not qualified. There is too much spending on salaries, furniture, and lawyer fees on lawsuits. When I was on the council, I investigated lawsuits to save money. You are voting on PILOTS you just received. You need to think about the poor who need mental services. Money is going to be spent on reelections. I get calls from the public all the time. There are zero dollars for the schools. We are going to get sued for giving money to people who don’t need it.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda asked, “What money has been spent so far?”

B.A. Greene responded, “The money was appropriated, but not spent. We are waiting for some bids to come in and we’ve only received $8 million. On the city website, we have what money is received and how it is to be spent. Water rates are not predicted to go up. We have a flat tax rate. There is a surplus of $10 million now. Sometimes unanticipated revenue will come in which will defray some of our costs. E-Port II will bring in additional revenue of $57 million on the proposed PILOT. Some of the money we received will go towards our water infrastructure, essential workers, public safety, and the use of technology to monitor criminal activity. Community grants can be used to help (for rental assistance). The budget is on the website for the public to view.”

Attorney Daniel Gonzalez spoke next in-person, “The whole budget is on the website, and it looks like the taxes are not going up. Inflation and gas are going up. We will not be burdened with that. I hope the council accepts the budget and keep moving forward. The city is doing a good job for the residents.”

The next person to come up to speak is A.D. Pauro, “This budget calls for adding over $230,000 and $130,000 in new positions. Are all the council members okay with all the money for the new positions? Northgrave left the meeting after the PILOT was approved. The mayor’s aide just walks around with a camera. We have a firm who takes care of grants in the OECD Department. George Bonilla (Who is a long time Audio Visual Supervisor) who knews his job very well is leaving. Former DPW Director Frank Hoffman left. I hope the city clerk doesn’t leave. The current mayor hired two people who worked on his campaign. You were presented a PILOT without a contract.”

The meeting was opened up to Zoom participants.

Sharon Hubberman spoke first via Zoom, “I’m against any increases in the budget. There is now an 8.2 inflation rate. Now, you want to issue more debt and the base rate went up. We are in a turbulent economic time. If our debt service goes up, the water rates will have to be raised. Our CFO needs to make appropriations that are correct. We can’t bank on future PILOTS. They may not be able to complete all their projects, and you need to know all the details of PILOTS. See through their smokescreens. You were elected by the people. We can’t afford all these increases in these economic times.”

Resident Maria Garcia spoke next via Zoom, “Hiring more people with huge salaries and inflation rates are ruining our pockets. Why are we hiring all these assistants for assistants? Former Mayor Vas had only one secretary and one advisor. If you have to have all of these people in your office, you should not be mayor. If you (the council) are sitting there to represent the mayor, you should not be sitting there. You are here to represent the people. Gas prices are affecting all, even the different departments need gas for their city vehicles. City workers on a lower pay scale are paying for the people with big salaries.”

The next person to speak via Zoom was Marilyn Pujon, “I disagree with your approval of the budget. Where are these funds coming from for these additional salaries? There is no transparency when you get things at the last minute. You are here for the residents and not for the mayor. I need to know the reason why the council would approve this budget.”

Council President Petrick answered, “The council members are not required to answer that question.”

Resident Maria Vera spoke next, “Gas has gone up. Maybe you need to have more people on bikes than on cars. Stop spending money that you don’t have and stop having the mayor’s family members working for him.”

When it came to R-310 – Public Hearing and adoption of the amendments to the budget. It was moved by Tejeda, seconded by Morales. Pabon and Petrick voted, “No.”

For R-311 – Adopting the amended CY: 2022 budget. It was moved by Tejeda, seconded by Morales. Pabon and Petrick voted, “No.”

R-329 was voided.

R-330 – Consenting to the Appointment of Matthew Nieves as Director of Department of Public Works. It was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. All voted “Yes.”

City Clerk Victoria Kupsch said the council needed to add as a late-starter R-333 – A resolution to have the PARA Dissolved be presented to the local Finance Board. It was voted that to be added to the agenda of the next regular meeting.

Public Portion (in-person first):

Police Captain Miguel Pellot had a question to see if a federal or state law was violated if the mayor asked the Police Chief to contact the psychologist to see if a city employee might be a danger to society, even if an employee went on their own to see a psychologist. “Lots of things were said about mental health. City employees can be affected, especially if they are going through a traumatic experience.”

Law Director Opel responded, “The Attorney General issues guidelines and directives. I will look at the specifics.”

The officer responded, “This happened to me.”

B.A. Greene spoke up, “You brought up your name and I wish you hadn’t. If a person has a gun, and is seeing a psychiatrist, I made the decision because of that employee having a gun.”

Officer Pellot continued, “I never told my psychiatrist that I had thoughts of harming myself or others. This has happened in the past and may happen in the future. Mayor Caba told me this.”

Greene continued, “When it comes to a regular employee, we would not call their psychiatrist. It would only pertain to employees (that carry weapons) as part of their duties.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “How do you get medical information?”

Greene again repeated, “The difference is if an employee is carrying a weapon, it is employee policy if a person is absent for three days, those carrying a weapon for them to be questioned.”

Police Chief Larry Cattano came up to the mike, “It is the city policy in the police department that any employee under care, and if there are any questions for clarification, the city calls the doctor’s office. When it comes to psychiatric care, and there is a need to be on medical leave, there are no treatment notes. We will respond to what the doctor requests of us. The employee will have to get a note from their doctor for clearance if they need a leave from their job. Internal affairs made the phone call. HIPPA violations were done by the doctor.”

Pellot just wanted an answer about the confidentiality issue.

Attorney Daniel Gonzalez spoke next in-person, “It is sad to hear this officer being stressed, but I think it was too much for this forum. I attended an Art Gallery Opening which was the same night as the Ferry Slip Concert. There is a lot of activity going on. I attended a championship baseball game and I want to congratulate the new Chief of Police and the promotions of police officers, a lot who grew up in the community and excel at their jobs. Congratulations to Matthew Nieves, the new Director of Public Works who also excelled at this job. I had Covid and could not attend the last festival, but the small festival did well. Positive things are happening in Perth Amboy.”

A.D. Pauro spoke next. He asked if the budget passed.

Petrick answered, “Yes.”

He then asked, “What is going on with the Water Company investigation?”

Petrick responded, “There is one more individual left to interview.”

Pauro continued, “The Puerto Rican Festival was done on private property and people had tosign petitions. Jackie Quiles threatened the city council and said people had to sign petitions. I am Dominican, but people need to respect the American Flag. I am starting a petition to recall the mayor.”

Sharon Hubberman spoke via Zoom, “I see a lot of people walking their dogs in the parks and a lot of dog droppings. There is supposed to be an ordinance about smoking in the parks, but there is no enforcement and there are a lot of dogs with no leashes.”

City Clerk Victoria Kupsch responded, “There is an ordinance that dogs must be on a leash and people have to pick up after their dogs. “

Councilman B.J. Torres made a comment, “They should look for areas in the park for smoking.”

Council President William Petrick disagreed, “There should not be smoking in parks where children are present.”

Councilman Joel Pabon commented, “There used to be no smoking signs in parks. That worked.”

Torres continued, “I saw police officers who were smoking in parks. People carry hookahs in parks at 2 a.m. and there are about twelve of them who do this.”

Pabon also stated, “A lot of people don’t pick up after their dogs.”

Resident Lisa Nanton spoke via Zoom, “It will be a good idea to have details on spreadsheets when it comes to PILOTS. I’ve had three of my cars hit on my street. Market and Fayette Streets should be one way in and one way out.”

Maria Vera spoke next, “I agree with Nanton. Our traffic is out of control and there are too many illegal buses on the streets. Every school bus driver has a car, and every school bus driver should to go back to their own towns.” She then asked, “What is the curfew at the Waterfront?” When no one responded, she said, “9 p.m. but people have parties up until 1 a.m.”

Petrick responded, “There are no curfews on private residences.”

Vera also said, “We don’t need port o’ potties. We need a police substation or foot patrol at the Waterfront.”

Maria Garcia spoke next, “I was hoping there would already be repairs for Sunshine Alley. We spend all this money on hiring people instead of fixing crumbling streets.”

Pabon responded, “Sunshine Alley is slated to be fixed next year. In July, Patterson and Brighton Avenue are scheduled to be worked on.”

Garcia then questioned, “What happened to the Sunshine Alley repair money? When it rains, water accumulates, and this is a health hazard.”

Pabon responded, “Sunshine Alley is supposed to have the same kind of pavement like we have at city hall.”

Garcia finished her comments by saying, “We need to preserve the history of our city and that taxi drivers need to stop blowing their horns.”

Council President Petrick said, “Maybe they (cab drivers) need to be reeducated.”

Council Comments:

Councilwoman Rose Morales said, “I appreciate all the comments and those who participated at tonight’s meeting. I want to congratulate the new Police Chief Cattano, the new DPW Director Nieves and all those who were promoted recently. I enjoyed the Juneteenth Celebration and the Concert Series. I wish all a Happy July Fourth!”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I congratulate all those promoted officers. We got late notification to a lot of events. There was a walk on the bridge Saturday.” He then mentioned the Ferry Slip Music Series. He thanked Caroline Pozycki Torres and B.J. Torres for presenting those events. “There are a lot of things happening at the Art Gallery, the Pepino Club, our little league programs, and the girls’ softball programs. We need to have a plan for parking at the new school. There is a line item for speed bumps. We need those on Chamberlain Avenue and Water Street. I want to commend the officers who helped out on the incident on Cornell Street. I need more information on the proposed PILOT. I did not get any information in a packet or through email. I want to know if Code Enforcement did their due diligence regarding the fire on Oak Street. Have a nice July Fourth!”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda thanked all those who participated at the Juneteenth Celebration. She also mentioned the musical series at the Ferry Slip. She looked forward to the Pride Flag Raising and congratulated the Graduating Class of 2022. “Have a Happy Fourth!”

Councilman B.J. Torres said, “I thank all who attended the Ferry Slip Music Series. He also mentioned the Pride Flag Raising.”

Council President William Petrick congratulated all those who were promoted in the police department, Police Chief Cattano, and the DPW Director Nieves. “Stay safe. Enjoy the Fourth of July an enjoy the upcoming weather. Thanks to all who participated tonight.”

The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m. All council members were present in person.