Quality of Life Issues Discussed, Residency Waiver Still Being Kicked Around

PERTH AMBOY – Residents Stanley Sierakowski and Fernando Gonzalez were concerned about quality of life issues in the City.

Sierakowski said he spoke on behalf of residents, especially in the Waterfront area. They were concerned about loud noise, music and cars parking in their driveways during the many festivals taking place in the area.

Council President Joel Pabon said, “We need to form a committee to meet with festival committee members to address the concerns of residents where festivals are held.”

“Where I live, I can hear loud music being played 5 houses away between 7 and 9 p.m. Cars double park with their windows open blasting music are a problem. Give the cops the authority to have drivers lower their music or they can be issued tickets.”

Fernando Gonzalez was surprised to see signs on the public bathrooms at the Waterfront boat harbor restricting the use to the public. The sign says that bathrooms are for use only for boat owners that rent docks in the pier. “There are port-a-potties but they are not being cleaned enough. I have seen people urinating underneath the piers. We need more bathroom facilities.” The bathrooms are presently locked and only the renters have a key.

When Fernando Gonzalez was a City Councilman, he spoke several times about employees of the City of Perth Amboy should be required to reside here. This issue came up again when a Perth Amboy Municipal Court Administrator, Jennifer Ingenito requested the Council to extend her waiver of residency to 12/31/13.

Councilwoman Lisa Nanton and Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez were against this extension. Kenneth Gonzalez stated that other municipalities have had Certified Interim Court Administrators.

Council President Joel Pabon was concerned if the Council authorized the waiver to 12/31/13 as requested by this Municipal Court Administrator would cause a problem to others who might ask for the same treatment.

Resident Fernando Gonzalez stated that six months is adequate time for an employee to move into the city.

The city employee was granted the additional time to move into Perth Amboy.

An irritated Councilman K. Gonzalez asked City Attorney Mark Blunda to invoke a Rice Clause in this matter.