PERTH AMBOY – Councilman Fernando Irizarry stated that he heard that some of these pay stations are not working in some of the cities that have them, and they are being phased out. Those cities are trying to sell them to other cities.

Bryan Walensky from the Parking Utility came up and stated, “I was not aware that these pay stations are being replaced by other cities. It may be that refurbished ones are being sold.”

Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said, “I would like to see a demonstration of the one we are supposed to be getting.”

Walensky replied, “New Brunswick has the same ones that we are getting. Our machines are brand new and will ask for your plate number. The pay stations also take dollars, quarters, and credit cards. They are solar powered, backed up by a battery, and backed up by the Cloud.”

Law Director King said, “We can go to New Brunswick and see their meters. We’ll just have to call them ahead of time and let them know we’re coming.”

During the public portion, Resident Jeremy Baratta had a question regarding R-285 (The Housing Study). He wanted to know if the data collected would be sold. He also had a question in regard to R-299 (Related to the Painting of the Backwash Tank at the Runyan Water Treatment Plant and the Albert Street Standpipe in an amount not to exceed $71,780.00

Baratta wanted to know, “What are we getting for that price?”

Petrick responded, “It’s a big tank.”

Baratta then made a statement regarding Communication No. 7 – The Mayor appointing Jill A. Goldy CFO/Comptroller to serve as the Interim Acting Business Administrator and Communication No. 8 Jill A. Goldy Acting B.A. advising that Mayor Wilda Diaz will assume the duties of the appointing authority where personnel action to be taken on behalf of the City pursuant to NJ Civil Service Act and NJ Department of Personnel Regulations.

Baratta explained that he didn’t see anything about a resignation about the former B.A. (Cruz).

Council President Petrick responded, “There’s no correspondence for the reason (why the former B.A. is no longer here).”

Baratta then questioned, “How can resignation be handled?”

Petrick replied, “A letter can be sent to the Council President. It wasn’t presented to the Council. You should go ask the Administration.”

Baratta then continued, “I heard there was a resignation in the court system. You (the Council) would know only if you would get a letter.”

Alan Silber came up to speak next, “How many pay stations? And how many parking meters are in the City?”

Walensky came forward, “There’s 13 pay stations and over 700 parking meters.”

Silber then asked the Council, “Was there a letter sent about the former B.A. leaving and will he get paid?”

Law Director Peter King responded, “He (Former B.A. Cruz) will get paid for 3 months. He had a contract. The contract supersedes ordinance.”

Silber then continued, “There was a question about another former B.A. leaving. People act like a crime was committed and we are paying him (Cruz) for sitting at home.”

Resident David Caba came up to speak next. He mentioned that one of the Councilmen made remarks that a resident will come up here and speak, but doesn’t stay for the whole Meeting to hear the Council Comments. “I’m not obligated to stay here for the whole Meeting. How many times did Pabon come to Meetings before he got elected? Why should I stay here and listen to lies? Maybe people don’t come here because they weren’t informed. We get attacked when we come here.” He then questioned, “Did the former B.A. (Cruz) resign or quit? I bet Pabon didn’t attend any meetings before he got elected. A leader takes a stand. We are lacking leadership in this City.”

Resident Sharon Hubberman came up to speak, “I had watched the last Council Meeting (June 13, 2018) on TV. I have talked about overcrowding and illegal housing. It was indicated that we have to attract a different kind of people. It’s disingenuous to rezone the entire downtown. How will this help the businesses if one developer is more prominent? You represent the people. We don’t discount the minority for the majority.” Hubberman then asked, “Will there be parking meters on Amboy Avenue?” She then indicated that the businesses there said that the 3 hour parking limit there is just fine.

Another Resident came up to speak about the proposed changes in the downtown area. “Look at the Master Plan. Anyone with half a brain will know that more units will impact schools. Vote “No” on the changes.”