By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – The consent agenda consisted of: (22-194) $10,000 grant for Emergency Management Performance; (22-195) road improvements on Main Street and Bordentown Avenue through a NJDOT grant and (22-196) a transfer of funds in accordance with New Jersey State Law.
There was a brief discussion regarding a Resolution for the County “Vision Zero Action Plan to Eliminate Traffic Related Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes.” City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated that this program is to eliminate traffic accident fatalities
Law Director Francis Womack stated that he double-checked and there were no obligations to spend any money.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that Best Practices was completed for the city.
For the introduction of Ordinance 22-16 (First Reading) – Ordinance of the City Council of the City of South Amboy, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, amending and supplementing Article IX of the City Code Entitled Abandoned and Vacant Properties, Sections 115-67 through 115-76.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that some tweaks were required in the ordinance in order to adjust it to be compliant.
For Ordinance 22-17 – An Ordinance amending Mercantile License Timing.
City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated that the city changed from a fiscal year (beginning June 30th) to a calendar year (beginning January 1st) and now the license needs to be adjusted.
Council Comments:
Councilman Brian McLaughlin thanked all the emergency service personnel. He noted that when the chief’s truck was announced, that no one should be making a political announcement.
B.A. Skarzynski stated he would speak in private with McLaughlin about the matter.
Council Vice President Christine Noble wished everyone a Happy Veteran’s Day.
Council President Mickey Gross offered his condolences on the death of Councilwoman Zusette Dato’s mother.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated that on Veteran’s Day the city plans to dedicate the monument on Bordentown Avenue at 11 a.m. She thanked everyone who purchased a brick. She also mentioned the upcoming election. “Early voting has started. Please put your vote-by-mail ballots in a (designated) dropbox.” She noted that early voting for South Amboy Residents could be done at the Sayreville Senior Center on 423 Main Street, Sayreville. Dato also noted that the third and final payment for the $300,000 in order to purchase Chromebooks for South Amboy Students was made.
Council President Mickey Gross thanked the food bank. “Veteran’s Day should be every day. We wouldn’t be here today without our Veterans.”
Mayor Fred Henry said, “We have meetings with the Superintendent who lets us know what is needed. The dedication of the Veteran’s Memorial will be on November 11, 2022.”
He was pleased with the success of the Lunch & Learn Program with the seniors. Mayor Henry thanked the Fire and Police Departments and everyone who kept the kids safe on Halloween. “Today we got some news. The Federal Government has okayed the specs for the new ferry. We will go out to bid for the new ferry. This has been in the works for two decades. It is a feel-good moment for us to help South Amboy.”
Council President Mickey Gross said, “Congratulations for a good job!”
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski said, “We are starting to see the fruits of all your works. Also, It is highly likely we are bringing a steakhouse to Broadway. We are experiencing more foot traffic on Broadway.”
Public Portion:
Board of Education Member Anthony Conrad stated, “On behalf of the Board of Education, this project (Chromebooks for students) was approved in May and the council made a commitment to supporting our schools. Thank you for helping out.”
Councilman Tom Reilly was not present. It was noted that the next Council Meeting will be on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 7 p.m.
