9/7/22 Council Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The council passed the consent agenda, bill list and ordinances without discussion.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the First Responders, food pantry donors and volunteers for the job that they do for the city. He inquired about the First Quarter of PILOT Numbers.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski did not have the report, yet.
Councilman Reilly then asked about the “Pigeon Palace,” and another property located on Roosevelt Street.
Law Director Francis Womack stated that the demolition of the “Pigeon Palace” will be scheduled with the Code Enforcement Office. “We prepare along with the date and time of demolition. We had a problem in the past with NJ Transit. Nothing has changed in that respect.”
Reilly asked, “By the end of the year, will that get done?”
Womack answered, “It will be no more than10-20 days to give notice, then 10 more days the ordering that completes demolition.”
Council President Mickey Gross stated, “At least we have a date.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated, “A developer of the Roosevelt Street property is about to acquire it.”
Reilly said, “That building has been that way since Sandy (10 years).”
Skarzynski said, “They get summonses, comply, then repair it again.”
Reilly asked what the timeline on Roosevelt Street.
Skarzynski answered, “The Roosevelt Apartments – they are going to put 50 units on .9 acres.
Reilly then stated, “Support our local businesses and help them out. Please support the American Legion in their brick sale. I urge everyone on the council to buy a brick. It is a good way to support the Veterans.”
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked all the volunteers.
Council Vice-President Christine Noble stated, “The school year is starting. I wish everyone a happy and healthy new (school) year.”
Councilwoman Zussette Dato said, “I was at the food pantry to see how it is run. It is an example how the community helps the community. It is under the supervision of Mary Porcello. I commend all the people who work there.” Dato then stated, “The Arts Festival at the Art Gallery – there will be live music and performances, photos, and food and other games. The YMCA is having a scarecrow contest. The Allie Clark Sports Complex is finished.”
Council President Mickey Gross said, “We have a very aggressive paving program.”
B.A. Skarzynski listed a number of streets being paved including South Feltus and Thompson Streets.
Gross stated that the Irish Festival will be on Saturday, October 1, 2022. “The Book Bags Clean Community Grant didn’t cost our city anything. There will be a little league groundbreaking.”
Mayor Fred Henry thanked Congressman Pallone for road and sewer repairs. “There is a new pump station to improve flood resilience. He spoke about the upcoming 9-11-01 Remembrance Ceremony and to please come out. “At this point, we have young adults who were not born yet when this tragedy happened.” Henry then stated that October 21, 2022, is the Business Breakfast sponsored by the library.
Public Portion:
The first person to speak was Mary Szaro on Resolution 22-175 (an easement request)
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “When we formalize the easement, the boundaries will be included.”
The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m. All council members were present.
