7/11/22 Caucus

By Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – The first person to speak was Aderito M. Campos who complained about the low water pressure at 687 New Brunswick Avenue. He stated that the city and water company will not run high water pressure near that residence. “There is a pharmacy nearby located at 653 New Brunswick Avenue that bought their own pressure pump. The law in the books says the city has to supply the required pumps needed for high water pressure.”

Council President Bill Petrick saw that City Engineer Jeff Rauch was on Zoom and asked if he could give more insight.

Rauch replied, “I don’t have any information on the New Brunswick Avenue line, and you may have to have Luis Perez Jimenez answer that question.

At that point, Luis Perez Jimenez had just entered the council chambers.

Before Jimenez talked, Campos continued, “685 and 687 New Brunswick Avenue have 6-inch pipes, and the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) Pressure is between 10-22. It requires the PSI to be at least 17. There is a 24-inch main line in front of my house which only gives us low water pressure.”

Luis Perez Jimenez stated, “A 24-inch main is a transmission from Runyon to the reservoir. The home built at 687 New Brunswick Avenue was built in 1961. The house next to that address is probably using the same service line. The Safe Water Act rules were not in effect at that time. There are also low water pressure problems existing on other streets due to low pressure in the main lines. Middlesex Water doesn’t own the service lines. The city does the service lines, and you have to call us if you need those lines serviced and the homeowners will bear the cost.”

Mr. Campos continued, “You are asking me to go across the street, then a half a block away (to have those lines installed). Middlesex Water says that this is dangerous to do.”

Perez Jimenez responded, “Other houses are connected to water main lines via Colgate Avenue. We (the city) only approve the connection of the main lines and they must use copper. The Mocci Property (located on New Brunswick Avenue) runs their main line from Vincent Place.”

Petrick spoke up, speaking to Campos, “It is up to you if you want to run your own main line or purchase a booster pump like the pharmacy did.”

Luis Perez Jimenez spoke up again, “PSI 20 is the state law.”

Campos was not satisfied, “My stance is that you are in violation of the law by not providing adequate water pressure.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “If we do his work (installing these lines for this resident) for free, will it open up a lawsuit for people who paid for their service lines out of their own pocket?”

Law Director Opel said, “This is complicated. We will have to look at the city code.”

Petrick ended the conversation, by stating, “We have low water pressure throughout the town.”

The next person who came up was Sam Delgado, who along with Mel Ramos gave a presentation to update the council on Borinqueneer Park. When they came to the podium, they had a mock-up of what they hoped the park would look like upon completion. They also had a slide-show presentation. Both men are on the Board of Directors for the Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance. They stated what the goals are.

Sam Delgado spoke first, “Our goal is to foster Puerto Rican heritage and to remember those who served in the 65th American Regiment. Included in the park will be an Internet kiosk which will not only display Puerto Rican Veterans but all New Jersey Veterans. People who ride the New Jersey Coast Line will be able to see this prominent display (from the train). Our seed money will be $400,000 and the State of New Jersey will give us $200,000 of that funding. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce sent a letter of support for this park.”

Mel Ramos then spoke up, “A resident from the 65th Regiment is now 91 years old. Many members of the Borinqueneers did their training at Fort Dix.”

Delgado continued, “There was a documentary on public TV and a lot of New Jersey residents contributed to the production cost of the documentary. I promise Irvine Mercado who we spoke about who is now 91 years old, that we hope to have this park completed in his lifetime.”

After the presentation was made, Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “Our goal was to make sure this monument was built. This is a U.S. Army Unit. The carousel that you describe that will have the history of the Borinqueneers is out of this world – it’s off the hook! I wish you all the best.”

Sam Delgado then remarked, “We need to market this town. I’m not from here. I grew up in Spanish Harlem, New York. I love this city.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda spoke up, “I am pro keeping history alive, and I hope this park will educate future generations.”

Councilman B.J. Torres spoke next, “The military service and history should be inclusive of all people who have served. It is 70+ years and is good to acknowledge (The Borinqueneers).”

Council President Bill Petrick had a question regarding Ordinance No. 5 – A bond ordinance providing for the construction of the Smith Street Shop Distribution Building for the Water Utility appropriating $2,400,000 bonds or notes of the city to finance the cost.

Petrick asked, “Can we take the cost out of the stimulus money?”

B.A. Greene responded, “The money has already been allocated for this project from the 2020-2021 Capital Plan. The cost has gone up since them.”

Luis Perez-Jimenez spoke next, “WAWA has already bought part of that property.”

Councilman B.J. Torres spoke up next, “I heard some of the original restrictions were changed from the $16 million we were supposed to receive from the American Rescue Plan.”

Petrick then talked about Ordinance No. 7. – Approving the application for a long term tax exemption and authorizing a financial agreement with E-Port Phase II Urban Renewal LLC for the property located at Block 430 Lot 1.02.

Petrick asked, “Should we table this for further discussion?”

No one responded so it stayed on the agenda.

Council President Petrick had a question on R-341-7/22 – Insertion of revenue in the CY 2022 Budget for Safe Routes to Schools Grant in the amount of $650,000.

Petrick asked, “Does the STEM School (located on Carlock Avenue) have a crossing guard?”

Police Chief Larry Cattano came forward, stating that he would find out, “We are looking to add two more crossing guards.”

Councilman Joel Pabon asked about R-343-7/22 – Putting in revenue of the CY 2022 Budget for the Veteran Memorial Park Improvement Grant in the amount of $1,200,000.

Pabon asked, “Which park is this?”

Petrick responded, “It is the little league park behind Wendy’s on Convery Boulevard. The name always throws people off.”

Office of Economic and Community Development Assistant Director Tashi Vazquez spoke on Zoom about R-344-7/22 – Insertion of revenue in the CY 2022 Budget for the Neighborhood Preservation Grant in the amount of $125,000.
Vazquez said, “This is an OECD Grant along with the Department of Recreation and we have already received this grant. It is part of the NPP (the Neighborhood Preservation Program) Budget which is a 5-year plan that was approved by the council. Included would be murals, sidewalk cleanups, etc.”

Petrick then talked about R-347-7/22 – A contract with B&W Construction for removal and replacement of Settled Concrete walkaway along the bay, Water Street between High Street and Luis Street in amount not to exceed $40,475.”

Petrick said, “I hope this doesn’t happen again. Older landfills had all kinds of debris. I remember Front Street near the Yacht Club had sand as fillings which wasn’t very sturdy.”

Engineer Jeff Rauch spoke up via Zoom, “The sidewalk will be removed, and the site excavated, and we will put in clean materials. It will be compacted, and a new sidewalk will be built over it.”

Petrick then talked about R-348-7/22 – A contract with Center State Engineering for project cost which will include design engineering, specifications, bid documents, and construction inspection where capital road improvements to Truxton Drive, Fayette Street (Goodwin Street to Stockton Street), Fayette Street (High Street to Front Street), Brighton Alley and Patterson Alley in an amount not to exceed $45,500.

Petrick said, “This amount is the low cost compared to the new Water Department Building.”

Pabon spoke up next, “I hope they get this done this year, because they keep putting it off. Sunshine Alley already had money allocated to it, but what happened to it? A lot of streets were repaved and opened up again shortly after. Hold their feet to the fire. Smith Street, State Street, and New Brunswick Avenue are horrible. We can’t wait until October and be told it is too late to start (because of bad weather coming up).”

Petrick said, “We need to start dates for road repairs.”

Rauch replied, “We have to go out for bid to start this work at the end of July. Truxton will be the first road to be repaired after the contract is awarded. Utility companies are doing separation of lines and in the winter, it could create icing. We are also repaving streets.”

Petrick brought up the fact that Brighton Avenue, Patten Street, and Sunshine Alley were discussed to be repaired during the Diaz Administration.”

Rauch replied, “Funding was not in place for those streets until the 2022 Budget. Elizabethtown Gas is still doing connections for residential and commercial properties. After they complete their work, then we can start working on street repairs.”

Petrick asked if they could go back to Resolution R-354-7/22 – Authorizing the proper city officials to execute an Administrative Consent Order to resolve all penalties associated with the failure to complete a remedial action by the regulatory timeframe.

“A partner from the Northgrave Law Firm spoke via Zoom, “This is for the landfill at the DPW facility. The timeframe was extended to 2027 for the city to do a remediation. This timeframe is mandatory.”

Law Director William Opel talked about R-355-7/22 – A settlement agreement and release in the matter of Crows Nest Condominium Association versus Landline Investments, City of Perth Amboy.

Opel said, “This is a tax appeal on one unit shared by other units.”

There was a lengthy discussion regarding R-357-7/22 – Approving the issuance of a mural permit to Olga Muzician for artwork at 272 Smith Street.

Councilman Torres asked, “Is there a time constraint on this grant for this project?”

Tashi Vazquez answered via Zoom, “The grant is in the second year, and we have to do this by early August. We have not been getting many responses. We paid artists to submit their renderings which the BID and OECD agreed to do. No one applied to do the mural at the train station.”

Torres spoke up again, “We might be setting a precedent if we pay for an artist rendering.”

Vazquez replied, “We put the mural at the train station on hold until renovations are completed.”

Torres continued, “Some of the artist’s work are not that detailed, and we might need an art’s coordinator. We have put in for ten murals through the county and it fell through. With $20,000 budgeted for artist renderings, we should have had several artists applying.”

Vazquez responded, “Having murals are an economic driver, and that is why we try to do at least one a year.”

Torres then mentioned, “Jersey City has had several artists doing murals throughout the years.”

Vazquez then explained, “We have reached out to artists who have also done murals in Jersey City. There is another resolution for artwork to be done at Rudyk Park. It is your call. We never put in the money for the artist’s rendering, yet. The cost for the mural done by RiteAid cost $16,000.”

Torres continued, “I was not able to attend the meeting about this mural and the other council members were not aware the cost associated with artist renderings. The timelines are not matching up to advertise when artists are needed and the deadline to submit their renderings.”

Vazquez explained, “I had given the council the paperwork on time. We want to continue to work with the Arts Council.”

Councilman Torres made a motion to table R-357. It was seconded by Councilman Joel Pabon.

Fire Chief Ed Mullen talked about R-360-7/22 – A contract to Metalcraft Marine US Inc. for the purchase of Fire Rescue Boat to replace Marine 5 under a General Services Administration Government Agency Contract in an amount not to exceed $1,375,000.”

Chief Mullen said, “We will have one boat and the old boat will be traded in. It took us two years to do a crossmatch grant and we lined up additional funds. This new boat will be 2-feet longer, and it will float in deeper waters. We will be given a $900,000 Port Security Grant. The remainder of the cost will be through another grant. The Marine 5 Boat did not catch fire. The barge that had the fireworks caught fire. The remainder of the fireworks were set off later.”

The next item discussed was R-365-7/22- Authorizing the cancellation of interest and fees on account# 146-0 in the amount of $819.75.

B.A. Greene spoke, “We had entities to pay bills online, but if your water bill was $25,000 or more, it could not be paid online and those who couldn’t pay online were charged interest. That glitch was fixed, and we had to cancel the interest for those water bills.”
Luis Perez-Jimenez spoked about R-368-7/22 – A contract with CDM Smith Consulting Engineers to assist the city with achieving compliance with the Water Quality Accountability Act Cyber Security Changes enacted into law November 8, 2021, in the amount of $22,800.

Perez-Jimenez said, “The Governor made amendments. Anyone who has a system with 500 internet connections must develop a cyber security plan.”

Police Chief Larry Cattano talked about R-371-7/22 – A contract with IPS Group 414 Solar Parking Pay Stations in an amount not to exceed $90,978.50 which is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Cattano stated, “This is for two parking lots. One at the train station, and maybe one at the Jefferson Street Parking lot and on some of our city streets.”

Pabon spoke up, “I see the American Rescue Act spent on items that I don’t think are that important.”

Greene responded, “The American Rescue Plan has money for community grants, broadband technology and security. We hope to receive more money within the next two months.”

Pabon had a comment about R-373-7/22 – An amendment to R-102-2/13 – An agreement between the city of Perth Amboy and the NJDOT for the Rte. 35 Convery Boulevard Bridge over the 440 Connector Road for an additional amount of $440,000 as outlined in the Utility Modification Agreement of April 23, 2013.

Pabon stated he hoped there were no more delays on this bridge.

Perez-Jimenez spoke up, “It is for a force main owned by the city for emergency purposes, such as if there are vibrations under the bridge.”

There was a discussion on R-377-7/22 – Authorizing a grant to Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance in an amount of $75,000 to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Councilman Pabon questioned, “How can the American Rescue Funds be used for this?”

Greene responded, “It is a community grant for an event.”

Opel added, “It can be used for nonprofits.”

B.J. Torres then asked about R-376-7/22 – Authorizing a grant to Celebrate Perth Amboy in the amount of $50,000 for the Fourth of July Fireworks to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Torres asked, “What was the expense of the fireworks?”

Greene responded, “There might be a reimbursement for some of the funds.”

Celebrate Our Stars and Stripes Chair Barry Rosengarten came up to speak. He thanked all who participated in making the fireworks a success. “I have been doing this since 1989 and it has been exciting, and it has been a privilege to be a part of this. All the expenses were paid for except for the police and fire departments. The cost was $100,000 which was paid mostly through our sponsors. We had a hardworking staff and Yolanda Flores did the bulk of the work. We worked hard, and we are proud of what we’ve done to show pride for our country.”

Torres continued, “The fireworks get marketed as being for the Perth Amboy and South Amboy residents, but we are more cash strapped.”

Rosengarten responded, “South Amboy is a third of our population. We’ve had donations from our city, but people want to celebrate the pride we have in our city.”

Petrick said, “It is money well spent. I love fireworks. It is money coming back to us that will circulate back into our community. One year, Staten Island joined us. We all enjoyed the patriotic celebration. This country is a place where everyone wants to come to at any cost. We all benefit and people from other towns come in and are exposed to our town. I remember Mrs. Nanton said we need pamphlets to distribute to people at all of our city events to point out all the positives of our city such as restaurants and other attractions.”

Rosengarten responded, “It is funny that mentioned that, because we just signed a contract with a company who will do a restaurant guide.”

Petrick then spoke about R-378-7/22 – Authorizing an agreement with Kaboom to install a community playground on city property located at Albert G. Waters Stadium. =

Petrick said, “We need to reach out to Dr. Roman (Superintendent of Schools). We want to repair and not replace the structure and gates to the main entrance to Water Stadium. The Board of Education was supposed to pay for that. Nothing has been done and it needs to be done.”

Public Comments (in-person first):
Resident Ken Balut came up first. He asked about the new proposed DPW Building, “Was the contract bidded out? We are finally getting the American Rescue Act Money. Councilman B.J. Torres was right. We keep getting everything at the last minute. The first $8 million was supposed to go to help the public, but instead it is going to pay legal bills. When the lawyer was speaking on Zoom earlier in the meeting, you couldn’t hear what he is saying. Consultants are making a lot of money. We are finally getting the American Rescue money. Our gas prices keep going up and we are having shortages of consumer goods. Did you know that the DEP has an order against us? This government hides everything from the council.”

Resident Vince Mackiel came up next. He made mention of the constant change orders regarding our water/wastewater expenses. “Can the American Rescue Money be used for some of these expenses?”

Council President Bill Petrick responded, “Yes.”

Mackiel suggested, “There may be a need for an extra person to look at all of our water expenditures, and that person should work with the comptroller. It seems like someone is cooking the books. We need to get away from the oil companies.”

A resident from 377 Washington Street came up next. He complained about a business on 389 Washington Street that has cars parked all over the street. “It makes it hard for the residents to find parking spaces. I keep getting tickets when I park by the hospital which has residential parking. This auto repair business has some cars parked in the same spot for 3 months. One time, he had a car that was sitting in the same spot for over a year.”

Councilman Pabon spoke up, “I brought this up a couple of years ago. This business is a menace to the neighborhood. Maybe the police and Code Enforcement should look into this.”

The resident stated, “I just want this business owner to clean up and be fair so that the residents can park near their homes.”

Police Chief Cattano came up to address this issue, “The residents should have pictures sent to us so cars can be ticketed and towed.”

The resident stated he had parking tickets. “I went to court to complain about the lack of resident parking available due to the many vehicles this business parked on the street that needed to be repaired. The court suggested that I should take up this matter at a city council meeting.”

Petrick said, “We can’t do anything to help you with this. You will have to go back to the courts.”

The meeting was opened up to Zoom participants.

Resident Sharon Hubberman spoke first. She made a statement about the American Rescue Funds. “The answers given as to the use of those funds were not acceptable. I am very patriotic, and I support our military and our police. If you give some of those funds to the Friends of Library, it will give back to the community. The fireworks were funded by the sponsors before the American Rescue Funds were created. We should use these funds to be used for tax relief.”

She then talked about the business located at 389 Washington Street. “I live in that area, and I never heard about any complaints about this business before. I’ve never seen any loitering of cars. I’ve talked to the owner of this business to express the concerns of the neighbors. I’ve seen other businesses that are a nuisance, and no one complains about them.”

Councilman Pabon responded, “There were complaints about the business at 389 Washington Street in the past.”
The next person to speak via Zoom was Ala Abass who is owner of a multifamily building on Smith Street. He spoke at the last council meeting regarding this property that he has owned since 2005 and the problems he is having with PARA. “I cannot presently sell this property even though I had a buyer. PARA said I couldn’t do it because it is already sold to someone else. PARA cancelled Viridian’s project without prior notice.”

Pabon addressed this issue, “PARA needs to reach out to these people who are stuck and want to get out from owning single and multifamily properties. Landlords are not getting money from the tenants because landlords are not doing repairs.”

Joel Rosa from PARA spoke via Zoom, “I sympathize with this owner. PARA doesn’t prevent a person from selling their property. Viridian is still working with PARA and is still the designated developer for that area where that property is located. Viridian has not presented their plans yet for that area. The man should hire a lawyer.”

The council went into closed session at 8:44 p.m. with no further action to be taken. Councilwoman Rose Morales was present on Zoom. All other council members were present in person.