SOUTH AMBOY – Councilman Tom Reilly, Councilman Brian McLaughlin, Council Vice President Christine Noble, Mayor Fred Henry, Councilwoman Zusette Dato, Council President Mickey Gross, Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski, Law Director Francis Womack, City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.
*Photo by Katherine Massopust

12/14/22 Council Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Council President Mickey Gross explained that the City of South Amboy acts as its own board of health. Inspector Tom Sikorski spoke about what his responsibilities are.

“Right now, we are down on personnel by five inspectors. If anything ever happened here in South Amboy, we would flood it with inspectors. Mickey Gross is aware of assigning a person to South Amboy. At least you’re here part time. I am at my desk. Anytime you need me, call Mickey Gross or me.”

Gross said, “You never worked with a better bunch of people during Covid. They worked day and night. We were scared to death of Covid, and we told them they had to do testing stations. Tom has been in public health for over 50 years. God bless you!”

For the consent agenda, City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz explained 22-218 – Resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of a Franklin Miller Taskmaster sub grinder.

“The O’Leary pumping station costs $88,333 (reflecting current pricing).”

Council President Gross asked if the cost is being handed down to Venetian.

Law Director Francis Womack stated that would be up to the judge to decide when the case is heard in court.

For 22-213 – Resolution authorizing the mayor or his designee to execute the purchase of one Generac Light Tower through Sourcewell National Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that it was a combination generator and light tower which will come out of the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) budget.

Councilwoman Zussette Dato asked about the cost of the ferry terminal floating dock system (22-216). “The bids came in at $4 million and the estimate is at $2 million?”

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that the city has a consultant. They are asking $2 million. Each bidder had an item that was out of whack. We don’t know why. When the consultant put the estimate together, how the contractor came up with the number, we don’t know. We are exploring other options.”

Gross asked, “If we assume $6 million, do we have it?”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “Not without borrowing Peter to pay Paul.”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin stated that inflation should be taken into account.

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated, “This project is much bigger scale. Why? I can’t tell you.”

Councilman Tom Reilly asked about 22-218. “Are we absorbing the cost?”

B.A. Skarzynski stated, “We want to stop the bleeding.”

Reilly added, “If we don’t get those funds, are we absorbing the cost of the grinder?”

Gross answered, “Yes.”

Rasimowicz added, “We are in litigation to recoup these losses. Venetian is still there, and we need the grinder.”

The consent agenda, bill list, and minutes passed.

Council Comments:

Council Vice President Christine Noble, who is not returning as a Councilwoman, and this is her last meeting spoke first. “Thank you to Mayor and Council for everything. I showed up on the council and I don’t always see eye to eye, but it’s worth it. I thank Mark Rasimowicz and Francis Womack for your knowledge. I thank, everyone at the city of South Amboy, the Fire Department and First Aid Squad for doing an incredible job. I wish you the best of luck, thank you.”

Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the food pantry and first responders. He reminded everyone that the Friends of South Amboy are having a basketball tournament to raise money for needy families on Saturday, December 17, 2022. “We are doing well with the 50/50. We help out a lot of people in the community.” Reilly then asked about the PILOT numbers at Station Bay. “When did they begin renting?”

Skarzynski answered, “I think February.”

Reilly said, “That’s ten months. We should have some numbers.”
Law Director Francis Womack said, “I had to go over the last couple of weeks with the numbers in that audit. The auditors may have put the numbers in that audit.”

B.A. Skarzynski stated that to his knowledge, the city did not get any numbers.

Reilly thanked outgoing Fire Chief David Szatkowski for his service. He then asked about the status of the demolition of the Pigeon Palace.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “No, we still do not have a hearing scheduled.”

Reilly stated that it has to be made a priority, “It’s an eyesore and a health hazard. It’s falling apart. Can we please make it a priority?” Reilly then asked for an update on the Venetian case.

Law Director Francis Womack stated, “Monday we were listed for trial, but there was no judge. It could be at the end of the year.”

Reilly thanked Christine Noble for serving on the council. “You were a softball coach, a basketball coach. You followed the steps of your father as a council member. Please stay involved. Serving on the council comes at the cost of personal time. You served well and improved the lives or our residents. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Councilman Brian McLaughlin wished Christine Noble good luck. “Loyalty, character, speaks volumes. You are the voice of reason. Congratulations to Fire Chief Szatkowski. It has been a pleasure. The bids got put out. I hope bids are looked over for the floating dock system.”

Councilwoman Zusette Dato said, “Congratulations to South Amboy Student Jasmine Antonucci who came in as a runner up for an essay contest for Hispanic Heritage. I bid a farewell to Business Administrator Glenn (Skarzynski) who has been outstanding. You have been an asset to the City of South Amboy. Christine (Noble), it has been an honor to work with you. We will miss you. You always have been outstanding in the interest of the residents.”

Council President Mickey Gross said, “Chief (Szatkowski). Thank you. You are a great man. Glenn (Skarzynski), sorry to see you go. You really made a difference. You spearheaded many programs. You gave 100% 24/7. What you decide to do in life – you will do it well. Chrissy (Noble), we all love you. You are the voice of reason. You are very talented at what you do. You’ve got to be proud, Chrissy. Thank you.”

Mayor Fred Henry said, “We have an awful lot to be thankful for. Those who do so much for those who are needy. It’s not an easy thing to volunteer anymore. Our city workers, city hall, Mark Rasimowicz, thank you for what you do. Thanks to Congressman Pallone, we received $2.6 million grant to restore our coastline. $17 million this much in grants. I want to thank Congressman Pallone, Speaker Coughlin, Assemblywoman Lopez who got more money for South Amboy. This month three young men will be receiving their Eagle Scout Badge. Congratulations to the achievement of these young men. I want to thank the police, fire department for the tree lightings. I want to thank B.A. Glenn Skarzynski who has resigned as Business Administrator to pursue other endeavors. I worked closely with him for these five years. He will be missed. Chrissy, I’ve known you for a longtime. You’ve done well for yourself. You come from a great family in town. We greatly treasure your calmness. You have been a great asset. South Amboy is a great place to live. The Friends of South Amboy does a great job. It’s great to see people donate their free time and money.”

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz wished Glenn Skarzynski well and thanked Christine Noble for her great work. “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

Law Director Francis Womack said, “It’s been an honor to represent this city. I am inspired by the community spirit. This is a fine town.”

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski said, “Adding to Tom Reilly’s comments, the people that sit at this desk – it takes a lot to be here. I thank those who serve. This city is moving in the right direction It has been an honor. The name Noble is a name that is associated in this town, you are a credit to your name.”

Public Portion:

Resident Chris Smiga came up first. “Congratulations for the recipients of a $2.6 million grant. It is a sign of dedication of Pallone. A fiscal environmental commission to help preserve the shoreline will help with assistance planning is needed.” He spoke about the need for a municipal alliance to help with environmental conservation.

Resident Greg Babolack asked about lights being on at the fields. B.A. Skarzynski stated that they are on a timer which goes out at 10 p.m. and are on at night to deter vandalism. He also stated that they are LEDs and save money on electricity.”

Babolack asked why the business administrator didn’t know the numbers on rentals event though it’s been six months.

Skarzynski stated that he does not have those numbers in front of him. “I will report this to Councilman Reilly. I need to read the RDA to find out when they are due.”

Babolack then asked if the new audio system is in.

Skarzynski said it was. City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated that she listened to the last two meetings, and they sound fine.

Babolack asked about the March 2023 revenues from the apartments at the end of Henry.

Skarzynski stated that in March 2023 the first segment of marshland restoration will begin at the shoreline.

A resident wished Christine Noble and Glenn Skarzynski luck. He asked about repairs at the hole-in-the-wall.

City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that he would call about it tomorrow.

The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.