By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Councilman Tom Reilly stated that the city should not be charging the Vets for certain fees. “If we don’t have that, it should be there (a city ordinance).”
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski explained Resolution 22-191 – Resolution accepting the donation of a tow truck to the City of South Amboy. “The daughters of Donald Rzepka (Jill and Janet) who was the owner of AI’s Auto Body who recently died asked to give a donation of a vehicle with his name immortalized on it.”
It stated in Resolution 22-191: The city acknowledges the generosity of local businesses, and the city of South Amboy has enjoyed decades of support from the late Donald Rzepka owner of AI’s Auto Body. The Rzepka Estate wishes to continue the legacy of generous spirit. The Rzepka Estate desires to donate a 1994 Chevrolet K3500 4-wheel drive light duty wrecker with 4-ton Hydraulic boom and hydraulic wheel lift to the city of South Amboy. The city of South Amboy would benefit from the acquisition of this particular type of equipment.
The council thanked the daughters of Donald Rzepka for their generous donation to the city.
Council Comments:
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the Food Pantry donors and volunteers and all the First Responders. Reilly stated that he wants the individuals at the Food Pantry to be recognized for all the hard work they do. He thanked everyone who bought a brick to help the veterans. He then emphasized that he wanted certain fees to be waived for veterans. He then asked about PILOT numbers.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that he did not have those figures yet. Neither did CFO Dan Balka who was present at the meeting.
Reilly asked if the city was going to audit those PILOTS. He then asked about the “Pigeon Palace.”
B.A. Skarzynski answered, “The hearing is in the middle of November. We have a hearing, make a testimonial, we move forward. As long as there is no interference with the owners, we should move forward.”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “We will proceed if you rule in that the direction that they will have to pay for demolition.”
Reilly then asked about the blighted property on Roosevelt Street.
Skarzynski answered, “I will answer that question privately.”
Reilly then wanted an update on the illegal palate operation.
Skarzynski answered, “We are citing the person. It is not something in our control. It’s in the courts.”
Councilman Reilly then added, “October is Fire Prevention Month. On the October 22nd event, will the Chief make a speech?”
First Assistant Fire Chief John Dragotta came up to speak, “This Saturday (Oct. 22nd), Fire Prevention Day, all the apparatus will be out. There will be a live controlled burn for families. There will be tables set up for First Responders. There will be a demonstration of tools to get people out of a damaged car (a car was donated for this demonstration). If it works out, we will go back to the schools. It will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at John Street Board of Education parking lot.”
Reilly wished everyone a Happy Halloween. “Be careful driving.” Reilly then stated that the State Assistance Program is available, and the information should be on the city’s Facebook Page (for those who meet the requirements).
Councilwoman Zusette Dato thanked the South Amboy Parade Committee and Chair Mickey Gross for their work at the Irish Festival (Held on October 8th). She mentioned the food drive and spoke about the upcoming election including early voting. “We should all exercise our right to vote.” She noted that you could vote by mail and Early Voting was available.
City Council Vice-President Christine Noble wished everyone a Happy Halloween. She thanked Jill and Janet (daughters of Donald Rzepka) for the tow truck donation.
Council President Mickey Gross thanked the food bank for their hard work.
Mayor Fred Henry thanked the South Amboy Fire Department for their programs this month. “We had another successful Lunch & Learn program (at the Senior Center). It is a very successful program. There was a nice article in the New York Times Real Estate Section giving South Amboy credit for being an up-and-coming place to be. Dredging for the Ferry is beginning very soon. There was a vascular screening that took place. It was very successful.” Mayor Henry mentioned upcoming events in the city.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that dredging is imminent on the Ferry Site and that the city is sending out RFP’s (Request for Proposals) out for temporary service.
No one spoke during the public portion. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. All council members were present.
