12/14/22 Caucus/Council Meetings

By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – The evening began with a brief engineering report from Chris Tryon from Hatch Mott MacDonald, a Civil Engineering Firm. He talked about an APP called Map My Problem. “The State of New Jersey has 21 counties and 565 municipalities. All the roads in the cities are not owned by them. Smith Street in Perth Amboy is owned by the county.” As he spoke, there was a slideshow presentation to accompany him. “This APP will improve engagement with the public. It can show road ownership which is preassigned to the state, county, municipality, or agency. The public can receive feedback on their problems. It also feature is dashboards of KPI (Key Performance Indicators) and Map of Incidents. There will be no IT setup, and the cost will only be $3,600 annually. The APP on the website will indicate city roads only. I recently gave a presentation at Atlantic City, and they were excited about it. There are already 20 configurations built into the system.”

Business Administrator Michael Greene then spoke up, “This new APP can supplement the SDL Citizen that we already have in the city. I also have a proposed contract that I have setup with this company.”

Council President Bill Petrick stated, “Any information regarding this APP can go on our website.”

Next on the agenda was a lengthy presentation by Resident Grace Sardina who talked about a denial of a handicapped parking application. She stated that in July 2022, her husband who is handicapped had his car towed. “It cost $315 for towing and a $285 fine. I appealed to the Judge but lost that appeal. My husband got his handicapped placards approved by Trenton in August 2022. My neighbor got her approval through the city. I also got approval through the DMV.”

Council President Petrick spoke up, “We once had a Handicapped Parking Committee which was disbanded, so any appeals will come back to the council.”

Sardina then explained, “My husband has acute asthma and lung problems.”

Petrick responded, “In the past, we’ve done waivers.”

Councilman B.J. Torres then spoke up, “Maybe that’s why we have so many handicapped parking spots.”

Police Lieutenant Montalvo came up to shed more information on this particular situation, “When she (Sardina) applied for a handicapped spot, she didn’t have the proper documents. In the meantime, her neighbor applied for a handicapped spot with proper documents, and she was approved. 22 feet is required for a handicapped spot and Ms. Sardina only has a 15-foot clearance.”

Councilman Pabon spoke up, “If a person that has a handicapped parking spot dies, that spot cannot be transferred to another person who lives there.”

Montalvo continued, “Ms. Sardina would have to get permission from the property owner of her building to get a handicapped spot. She is still under the required footage needed for a handicapped spot. She could also ask the neighbor if she could use the space in front of her house for a handicapped placard.”

Petrick then suggested that Sardina get documentation from the person whose husband died about that space being available.

Sardina then said, “I am not going to jump through hoops to ask people for documentation, and I am not going to appeal anymore.”

Montalvo then suggested, “She can transfer her small vehicle to her husband so she will be able to get a handicapped spot.”

B.J. Torres spoke next, “There is no reason to have so many handicapped parking spots.”

Petrick interjected, “We have an older population that want to remain here.”

Torres disagreed, “Our population is younger than Jersey City. Strong laws and leadership can address issues of too many cars parking illegally.”

Lt. Montalvo spoke up, “We still have a problem, because there are two handicapped spots already on the street she lives on.”

Police Chief Larry Cattano came up and stated, “I am not going to allow my police officers to violate a state law.”

The next item for discussion had to do with Towing Suspension Appeals involving A.T. Towing and Scott’s Towing.

The owner of A.T. Towing Adele Tawfik came up to speak.

Before he started, Councilwoman Rose Morales spoke up via Zoom. She stated that she requested information to see if there were any prior complaints against A.T. Towing. “I haven’t received anything, yet.”

Council President Petrick asked Police Lieutenant Montalvo if they reviewed towing record complaints.
Montalvo responded, “Yes, we do. Whatever we have is forwarded to the City Clerk’s Office.”
City Clerk Kupsch spoke up. “I have not personally received anything.”

Montalvo stated, “I emailed it to the Clerk’s Office.”

Morales continued, “There was nothing in my email, and I think we need to postpone these hearings until I get the reports.”

Montalvo then explained, “For the last 3 years, there have been no suspensions on A.T. Towing.”
Councilwoman Tejeda stated that she would also like to wait until there is more documentation.
Councilman Torres said, “We should proceed because the attorneys are here from these companies, and I am sure they are on the clock.”

Officer Montalvo said, “The council was given a summation of any complaints against A.T. Towing but there was nothing to a suspension and he was approved to be put on the Towing List.”

Kupsch reminded the council that the towing contracts were signed last year. “Prior to that, the last towing contracts were signed in 2008.”

Councilmembers Pabon and Tejeda both agreed that the hearings should be postponed until they get more information.

Council President Petrick said, “I only see two complaints and if you want to have another meeting regarding these suspensions appeals, you will have to have a special meeting because it is the last meeting for the year. The Reorganization Meeting will be held in the meeting in January.”

Another person came up to speak at the mike was attorney Spenser Robbins who was there to represent Scott’s Towing. “We have asked for discovery so we could be prepared. According to the police officer, there are no complaints against my client.”

Law Director Opel said, “I spoke to Mr. Robbins and we each have different information.”

City Clerk Kupsch said, “January 7, 2023, will be the caucus meeting. The first Council Meeting will be January 9, 2023.”

Robbins spoke again, “I have asked for subpoenas for certain police officers to be here tonight and I want them here at the next hearing.”

One of the officers that was subpoenaed here tonight came up to speak, “The information I have is only just for A.T. Towing.”

It was decided to postpone the hearing until January 2023.
The Council then went on to discuss the resolutions.
For R-573-12/22 – Appointing Heidi Burke to the Perth Amboy Zoning Board as Alternate No.1 to fill an unexpired term to expire December 31, 2023.

Council President Petrick explained that someone resigned, and Burke was Alternate No. 2 so she moved up.

There was a discussion regarding R-601-12/22 – Authorizing a contract to purchase food gift cards from Wakefern Food Corporation in the amount of $400,000.
Council President Bill Petrick wanted a breakdown.

B.A. Greene explained, “They will be a $100 gift card, and this was put out to bid. This amount will be for 4,200 gift cards. They will be distributed to some senior centers and to others and to community partners and housing. The OECD will monitor who will get these cards.”

Council President Petrick was concerned that people will go to several entities and be given multiple gift cards. “In the past, food pantries would monitor their clients, so they don’t get duplicate services.”

OECD Director Tashi Vazquez spoke via Zoom, “There are tracking services put in place to make sure people are not getting duplicate services. We will be able to track the issuance of these cards.”

Joel Pabon asked why the bodegas were excluded.

Vazquez responded, “Wakefern was the only one who could give us a discount.” She also explained that the bodegas such as Quisqueya on Madison Avenue are participating in the City Gift Card Program.

Pabon then said, “You are giving these Wakefern gift cards to organizations when regular people walking around are in more need. People should apply for these Wakefern gift cards instead of them just being handed out in certain spots.”

Vazquez explained that a certain number of these cards will be put away for emergencies. “We need to purchase these cards by April 2023.”

B.J. Torres spoke up, “We should purchase items wholesale such as baby food.”

Vazquez explained, “These food cards have specifications and can be used for food purchases only. We did our due diligence, and they could be used in emergency shelters.”

Torres then said, “The families who receive food vouchers for school should get these food cards.”

Vazquez then explained R-602-12/22 – Applications to New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for $125,000 grant to administer the Year Three Neighborhood Preservation Program Implementation Plan.

“This is to show how these funds will be expended. This is for the Neighborhood Preservation Plan, and we get the parameters from the Department of Public Affairs. We can get matching funding. The monies will be used for gum buster machines, popup holiday décor, a new mural near Alameda, stop, shop & dine signage, sidewalk cleanups, information kiosks, another mural project, what to do with the fountain on the Five Corners, and popup small business incubators.”

Tashi also explained R-603-12/22. “It is an agreement with the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program for the rehabilitation of the Veteran’s Memorial Baseball Field.”

R-612-12/22 – A change order for a contract with B&W Construction increasing the contract for emergency repairs to the Perth Amboy collection system in the amount not to exceed $100,000 was asked to be removed by B.A. Michael Greene because it was already approved by the Council in July 2022.

Council President Bill Petrick was concerned about R-616 -12/22 – A contract with A.C. Schultes for the repair and maintenance to the Runyon and Florida Grove Road Booster Station Pumps, Motors, and Appurtenances in the amount not to exceed $100,000 from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

“I’ve heard that Old Bridge wants to build a housing project nearby.”

Luis Perez Jimenez, Director of Operations at the USA-PA (Utility Service Associates Perth Amboy) Middlesex Water Company) came up to speak, “We met with Old Bridge about our concerns, and they draw their water far away from Runyon.”
There was a very long discussion regarding R-618-12/22 – Authorizing payment to essential workers in the amount not to exceed $484,500 to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Pabon questioned, “What is the reason to exclude retired people or those who passed away.”

B.A. Greene explained, “We used a timeline between March to June (2020). We need to give to our active employees. Some people left with a lot of bode feed money. We need to only give it to active employees.”

Pabon then asked, “How many people have left who worked during Covid? I don’t want to stop this now. I’ll tell the new council members to make sure retired employees who worked during Covid will get money.”

Petrick then asked, “How come there are no auxiliary police officers or volunteer firefighters listed to get money?”

Greene responded, “You approved the amount of money allocated for employees to get Covid money.”

B.J. Torres then spoke up, “This is not good for employee relations because it will cause bitterness because of which employees will get Covid funds. Some employees were pushed out of the job and this is adding salt to the wounds.”
Public Portion (In person first):

Resident Alan Silber spoke first. “We should pay former B.A. Frederick Carr who came here in person during Covid. A lot of people are retiring in their fifties. Most people who were working during that time is when there was no vaccine. They were going into the homes of people who were dying. The mayor should be here. There’s also long-term Covid and everyone should not be getting the same amount of money. How many people on the list can get this money came into contact with people who had Covid? This is all lip service. You need to get this all straightened up now.”

Retired Police Officer Michael P. came up next to speak, “You need to pay deserving employees for their selfish devotion to duty. You said there will be a list to add additional employees. Why put a timeframe? The mask mandate was lifted in 2021. When did you get a list of the people who were to get paid?”

Petrick and Pabon answered, “Tonight.”

The officer continued, “It should all be based on who was exposed to Covid. It has to do with respect. It’s disgusting that some people were left off the list because they retired.”

B.A. Greene responded, “The council can vote yes or no on this resolution.”

Law Director Opel said, “This money was adopted in March 2021.”
Greene spoke up again, “Everyone was ordered back to work in July 2021.”

Police Officer Guadalupe Munoz came up next. He asked, “Does this money apply to employees who are working at home?”

Petrick responded, “No.”

Munoz asked, “Can we get more money by reaching out to Pallone?”

Petrick answered, “No.”

Councilman Torres said, “We can tap into the $8 million left for more payments to employees.”

Munoz finished with saying, “You should do so.”

Resident David Caba came up next. He wanted to put to rest the rumors that he had left Perth Amboy and moved to Pennsylvania. “That is not true. I have fought for this city for 25 years.” He then offered his congratulations to Milady Tejeda for her reelection to the council and congratulated Petrick and Pabon for their service and contribution (on the council). “What good is thanking someone for their service to the country, but they are homeless.” He then talked about the guy in the Bahamas (Sam Bankman Fried) who stole millions and gave contributions to politicians from both sides. “There’s always issues giving money to people who serve and protect us.”

Resident Hailey Cruz spoke next. “Since the council cannot disperse funds, what is the next step?”

B.A. Greene responded, “We can give money to the people who are on the list now. For any additional people, they will be put on the list to get money next year.”

Councilman Torres spoke up, “I had asked for a list of individual people to get this money back in July.”

Greene responded, “That is supposed to be for active employees.”

Cruz continued, “How can we advocate now to get this done?”

Torres continued, “I’m sure the directors can add more employees to the list.”

Pabon spoke nest, “We included more employees at the last meeting. A complete list should have been done.”

Retired Police Officer Richard Zaleski spoke next. “When I was working, we went to all the businesses to make sure they were in compliance, and we issued summonses. One police officer caught Covid while on duty and brought it back to his family. I am confident you will do the right thing. I want to commend Victoria Kupsch, Irving Lozada, Ed Mullen, and Larry Cattano for standing up for their employees.”

Torres then asked, “Can we approve this list and add additional employees?”

Opel responded, “We decided on what kind of payments would be given out depending on how many hours they worked.”

Torres continued, “We can adjust payments for the churches and nonprofits but not for our employees who worked during Covid.”

Iris Rodriguez came up next, “Can you put in an amount to be determined in the resolution? This is federal money and once the taxes are taken out, it will be less money. We need to help each other out.”

The meeting was opened up to Zoom Participants.
Resident Sharon Hubberman spoke first, “I’m in favor and support of any employee on active duty during Covid should get money, even if they are no longer working. This should not be complicated. You already have a resolution. You have the authority to change the salary of employees plus compensation. Full-time employees should get $1,500 and part-time employees should get $600. The directors should give you a final list. Just write a simple resolution for those who are active during Covid, the time you put in, and the payment you should get.”

Resident Maria Garcia spoke next, “I agree with everything Sharon Hubberman said. Anytime the attorney is quoting a state statute, he should give you an example and a docket number. The payroll department should know who was working during Covid. I am afraid for the new council – not knowing the game that will be played. I want to thank Bill Petrick and Joel Pabon for their service, and B.J. Torres for asking tough questions. We are spending over $700,000 to renovate city hall which is very historic. You need to consult with people who are familiar with restoration.”

Fire Chief Ed Mullen spoke via Zoom. He wanted to thank Councilmen Pabon and Petrick for their help getting the fire department to what it is today.

Resident Lisa Nanton was the last speaker on Zoom, “Whoever worked in 2020 should get the funds. I appreciate everything that Pabon and Petrick have done. I want to congratulate Milady Tejeda who is re-elected to the council, and I hope the new council works together to benefit the city.”

The council went into closed session at 9:19 p.m. and returned at 9:44 p.m. to begin the regular council meeting.

The meeting was opened to the public to comment on any ordinance that had a public hearing. No one commented. Then the meeting was opened to the public to comment on agenda items only. No one commented in person. The only person who commented on Zoom was Resident Sharon Hubberman who commented on R-625-12/22 – Setting forth an interpretive statement for inclusion on the November 7, 2023, ballot which was put on the agenda by Council President William Petrick.

Hubberman stated that she was in favor of this resolution which would allow the mayoral/council elections to be voted on to be put back to the month of May. “Voters should have decided on this and not by an ordinance created by the council. We can be more engaged as voters. Voter engagement was higher when these elections were held locally (and separately).”

The council voted on the ordinances. For Ordinance No. 1 – A ordinance to amend an ordinance entitled Administration of Government regarding residency of officers and employees. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Morales and Tejeda voted “No.”

Ordinance No. 2- entitled Streets and Sidewalks. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda.

Ordinance No. 3 – Amending Chapter 258 – Historic Preservation – Ordinance No. (691-93) adopted November 19, 1993. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. All voted yes. Councilwoman Tejeda thanked Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission Renee Skelton for the information she provided which was very helpful.

The Minutes for the meetings in September, October, November was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. Tejeda abstained on the minutes of the two meetings that she missed.

For the consent agenda R-545, R-572, R-574 thru R-600, R-602 thru R-617, R-619 thru R-624, R-626, R-627 was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda.
R-545 was the adoption of the operating budget for the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District (BID) for 2023. (The public hearing was held on November 21, 2022.)

For R-573 – Appointing Heidi Burke to the Perth Amboy Zoning Board of Adjustment as Alternate No. 1 to fill an unexpired term to expire December 31, 2023. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Morales and Tejeda voted “No.”

For R-601 – Purchase of gift cards from Wakefern Food Corporation in the amount of $400,000. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Before voting, Pabon and Petrick each made a statement.

Pabon stated that he would have liked the see local stores handle this instead of Wakefern.

Petrick stated that it is a lot of money. “I don’t know if the city will give it to the people who truly need it.”
All the council members voted, “Yes.”

R-618 – Authorizing the payments to essential workers in an amount not to exceed $484,500 to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda.

Law Director Opel read the amendment that would add more employees. “It was to add more employees to receive these funds.”

Pabon wanted to thank the administration.

Tejeda said that everyone deserved to get paid, “I know how difficult it was to work during Covid. I worked during that time, too.”
Petrick thanked the administration for changing their minds.

For R-625 – Changing the Council and Mayor’s election to May. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda.

Torres said, “Let the people decide.”

Petrick said, “It is important to get the voter’s opinion.”

Tejeda and Morales voted, “No.”

Public Portion (in-person first):

Resident Alan Silber thanked the council for voting “Yes” for making sure that more people are getting that money. “This was a major change, but people should have had a chance to comment first. I did research on how many people stayed away from home to avoid giving Covid to others (people in their household). This town gave their opinion on cannabis. I appreciate Petrick and Pabon and Pabon was the most respectable council member. Sometimes Petrick went on too long. I think sometimes it was just to start a conversation. To Councilman B.J. Torres, you were excellent today. I would like to congratulate Milady Tejeda for getting reelected.
The meeting was opened up to Zoom participants.

Sharon Hubberman was the only person to speak. She thanked Petrick and Pabon for their years of service. “I’m sure you will both be engaged. I want to thank you from me and my family. Congratulations to Tejeda. I thank all who voted on the referendum to have the council and mayoral election returned to May. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

Council Comments:

Councilwoman Rose Morales thanked all who participated. She wanted to congratulate Milady Tejeda on being reelected. “It was my pleasure to work with Pabon and Petrick. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.”

Councilman Joel Pabon congratulated all who won in the recent election. “It is important that anyone who applied for a municipal board, needs to fill out their financial disclosure form. I want to thank all of the directors and thank so much for Victoria Kupsch and her staff. Anytime I’ve called them, they were always there to answer my questions. And I would still call. I remember during Covid when I would come in, you guys were there at the open window.”
Victoria Kupsch responded, “I appreciate that.”

Pabon then addressed Bill Petrick, “You are very smart. Thank you for your service and the community will miss you. I wish all the council the best and don’t let the pressure bother you and you’ll come through. Thanks to the administration and this last meeting was special. Happy Holidays. Thank you for supporting me for 21 years.”

Council woman Milady Tejeda said, “I want to thank all who participated tonight. I want to thank Petrick and Pabon for their service. You will be missed. Thank you to all who voted. Enjoy the holidays and protect your families. Remember the flu and the RSV is hitting hard. Have a Happy New Year.”

Councilman B.J. Torres congratulated Tejeda on being reelected. “Thank you to Petrick and Pabon for your guidance and your open line of communication and how to maneuver the ropes. We work with the administration and not for them. This is a 24-hour commitment. Thank you so much.”

Council President Petrick said, “It’s been a great 12 years and 6 of those years was as Council President. I want to thank Victoria Kupsch and her staff. They always took care of us and thank you for your support. They are our right hand. I want to thank Pabon. It’s been a long ride. I want to thank all present and past council members who sat up here. I also want to thank the residents that come to the meeting, especially Alan Silber, Ken Balut, David Caba, and the late Stanley Sierakowski. We will miss this. It is more than a part-time job, but remember we are independent. We had a good time and a good ride. Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hannukah.”

The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.