4/4/18 South Amboy Business Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – There was a discussion about parking in front of Gundrums Service (Home for Funerals) on Bordentown Avenue over parking spaces. City Clerk Laura Kemble-Kalantsis said that the funeral parlor requested “no parking” signs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato explained the situation, “It’s a huge problem for them. During funeral/wake services, residents will back into the parking spots and remove the signs. The neighbors are so unreasonable.”
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “They’re clashing heads up there. What if there’s no funerals/wakes going on? Then there’s no parking.”
Dato continued, “Residents move cones and signs.”
Mayor Fred Henry then added, “I try to drive down there. There’s not too many parking spaces there. Neighbors on Catherine Street say people can park there. Gundrums block it off.”
Dato then said, “Traffic safety is backing them (Gundrums) up.”
Henry added his sentiments, “My feeling is they can put on a curbed area: “Funeral Tomorrow.””
“I think the Police should assist them,” Dato stated.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski said, “The Police have the authority to put up “No Parking” times.”
“Then no permanent signage?” Dato asked.
“Temporary no parking,” Skarzynski answered.
Councilman Thomas Reilly then stated, “How much time are we talking about? We need to have spaces to correlate when services are being held. An hour is enough for most funerals.”
Dato then added, “Funeral homes are in touch with the police department.”
Skarzynski answered, “We can provide the funeral parlor with signs.”
Henry then asked, “Do you want to go that far?”
Reilly voiced his concerns, “I don’t want a war going on. I think a sign is okay if only during a service. There may be funerals/wakes that don’t have a large crowd.”
“How many spots?” Dato asked.
“10 to 15 spots in their parking lot,” Henry answered.
Council President Mickey Gross then ended the conversation with, “The B.A. will take care of this.”
Skarzynski said he would.
For the Business Items: c) Resolution Authorizing a Shared Services Agreement Between the Town of Woodbridge and the City of South Amboy in the Opioid Overdose Recovery Program.
Councilwoman Zusette Dato had a few questions: “Will the fees be $5000/year for the administration? And the $250 fee per response? Is that per individual? Or is it every time a Recovery Counselor speaks with an individual?”
City Clerk Laura Kemble-Kalantsis answered, “Per individual – multiple times.”
On Item No. f.) Resolution to purchase two police vehicles. B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that the price of equipment is very favorable, but there is a 9 to 10-month lead time to get the vehicle. “We want to get ahead on that time.” When asked if the vehicles will replace old ones or be added, Skarzynski replied, “They will enhance the fleet.” He went on to explain that with the addition of the two vehicles, two other ones will be delegated to lighter duty.
Item No. h.) Resolution Introducing the 2018 Budget.
Mayor Fred Henry stated, “It’s a very good budget. We’re increasing services and programs. The average tax increase is only $33.”
It was noted that there is money budgeted for Celebrate the Amboy’s, the Art’s Society, Historical Society, and possibly the fireworks, etc. Council President Mickey Gross stated, “There is money this year for the Arts.”
Councilman Thomas Reilly then stated, “This allocation is going to volunteers for running the arts.”
Gross added, “They have to have everything in place (to receive funding). Everything is under agreement on how the arts will get the money.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski then noted, “There’s a modest increase for the library.”
“We all had an opportunity to ask questions and we we’re all satisfied,” Councilwoman Zusette Dato concluded.
It was decided by Councilman Brian McLaughlin that the students who wish to apply for a position for summer jobs had to be interviewed.
Councilman Thomas Reilly stated he wanted to make sure there was funding allocated for three things:
1. Code Enforcement part time position
2. Summer jobs for students
3. Business Breakfast
Council President Mickey Gross then stated, “I want to make sure we’re all clear.”
Reilly said, “The arts – should be broken down to a separate line item. It should be noted that those funds are provided only if they show the vouchers/receipts to prove how they are using the money.”
Item No. l) The B.A. Report: Skarzynski stated, “We’re doing our best to support local businesses. At Councilman Reilly’s request, we’re compiling a list of businesses (on the City’s Facebook Page). We’ve updated emergency contacts. There’s more handicapped accessible areas. On April 14th Little League is opening. Streetlights have been repaired twice on Broadway. Accreditation by the (Police)Chief will be at the end of July. It may require an extension of the Rodgers Contract.”
Skarzynski asked the Council if they would appoint him to be the Representative to the County for the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Contacts. The Council did so.
Skarzynski stated, “We’re subsidized funding for the sidewalk repair program.”
Council President Gross reminded him that April 20, 2018 is the deadline.
