3/11/19 Caucus

PERTH AMBOY – Luis Perez Jimenez, Director of Operations from USA-PA (Utility Service Associates Perth Amboy — Middlesex Water Company) came before the Council to answer questions about a letter mailed to city residents from USA-PA (See 3/6/19 Amboy Guardian p.4.) or click this link.

Perez Jimenez explained, “The DEP said there was a Tier 1 Violation which may have an effect on humans.” He said that he forgot to do a test for the pH level. “Which is the first time I forgot to do this. The level should be between 6.5 and 8.5. For Tier 2, we exceeded the maximum level according to the DEP. We sample water from 4 locations. We had 30 days to notify the public to alert them about any contaminants. We sent the letter to the Department of Environmental Protection with the results. They had to approve any communications before they can be sent out to the public. Right now, the pH levels are below 8.0. Anytime the levels go above 8.0, we’ll have to send letters out again. Depending on the THM’s Levels, it can cause cancer.”

(Trihalomethanes: (THM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection by products when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. The trihalomethanes are chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. EPA has published the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule to regulate total trihalomethanes (TTHM) at a maximum allowable annual average level of 80 parts per billion. (source: www.water-research.net/trihalomethanes.htm)). 

He further explained that our wells are 65 feet to 80 feet deep and we are using Recharged Reservoirs. The Rainy Well small pump is back in service. If we use a large well with organic material, we will flush it first. We can use carbon filters with chlorination to get rid of organic materials. The MCL (Maximum Contaminated Levels) can be treated and you still will be able to drink the water.

During the public portion, Resident Dorothy Carty-Daniel came up to speak. She stated that her grandmother lived to be 97 and she always drank the water in Perth Amboy. She then talked about the resolutions appointing members to the Green Team (Committee Members who are devoted to making the City environmentally sustainable). “Maybe the Green Team can incorporate the Scouts to learn about the environment.” Daniel was also concerned about an auto repair business located at the corner of Chamberlain Avenue and Convery Boulevard. She stated that this business continuously has cars parked near that corner which makes it hard to make a left hand turn from Chamberlain onto Convery Boulevard. “It’s a life-threatening situation. I’m speaking for my neighbors and the school buses. Maybe you (the Council) should fine the company so that he follows the rules before somebody gets killed. Send them a letter or have the Police Department send that business a letter so they will comply to the boundaries (where they’re supposed to park the cars waiting to be serviced).”

Former Councilwoman Lisa Nanton came up next. She was upset about a form that people who volunteer for municipal boards have to fill out. “Volunteers work for free. This form is asking for too much confidential information. I wasn’t asked to give this much information when I sat on the Council. Why doesn’t the administration have  to give out this much information? This goes above and beyond (what is necessary) and is un-American. All these people appointed by the Mayor did not have to do an advise-consent such as the members of the Historic Preservation Commission. You need to rescind the ordinance (regarding background checks). It’s an invasion (of privacy). Everyone has to suffer because of the administration’s reckless spending. Before you ask people who are working for free, you should have people who are pulling three-figure salary jobs to supply all this information. Why are there different expiration of term dates for different groups (of members of municipal boards)?”

Law Director Peter King responded, “The ordinance determines which boards have to have an advise-consent by the Council. “

City Clerk Victoria Kupsch then responded that she will inform the HPC that they will have to fill out (the longer forms).

Petrick then stated that he would like to rescind the background check ordinance.

Resident Vince Mackiel came up next. He talked about the Council accepted bids submitted by C.D.M. Smith in August 2018 for a new pump. “The Council should look at the Spill Fund to rectify the water system for a better treatment.”

King responded, “There’s a private corporation who was the owner of the property where a spill occurred.”

Luis Perez Jimenez came up to add more details, “The one spill was created by a private company. What we had (in the water) was a new contaminant. The DEP said we could not apply for a Spill Fund. BASF is working on a pilot. They have been using a plume to pump the water. BASF is paying $500,000 and they will reimburse the City for any of the money the City puts out. The pump had a lot of defects. CDM. Smith are experts and are reviewing BASF’s work. They are also doing design work for us.”

Resident Alan Silber came up next. “Middlesex Water has been paying (their stockholders) dividends since 1912, and they are very profitable. How many New Jersey towns received that letter? The Mayor is so busy, you can never find her. Why was Bryan Walensky and others who worked on her (Diaz) campaign were getting hired? Some of them are suing the City. Even after he (Walensky) got a City job, she (the Mayor) was working with his company.” Silber then said there is a lot of nepotism and cronyism. “There was a $500,000 settlement that never appeared in the paper. Now, we’re raising taxes. Between 2018 and 2019, there were 18 full-time and 20 part-time employees (in the City). Come election time, the Mayor will be taking responsibility for everything that Fehrenbach did.”

Resident Robert Meazy came up to speak. He complained about all the noise on Alpine Street. He also wanted to thank the Council for watching out for the money. 

Luis Perez Jimenez came back up to speak. He explained that Rainy Wells have the best water. “Highland Park just went through the same problem. Things can also happen in the distribution center.”

Councilmen Joel Pabon and Helmin Caba were not present with an excused absence.