Vaping Ordinances Passed; Illegal Palette Business; Illegal Apartment Rentals
9/16/20 Council Meeting via Virtual Conferencing
By: Katherine Massopust
SOUTH AMBOY – Three ordinances were unanimously passed. Ordinance No.9-2020 regarding building a handicapped ramp in front of city hall and two ordinances (No. 10-2020 & 11-2020) regarding limiting and prohibiting the sale of vaping products and e-cigarettes in the B-1 General Business Zone and the B-2 Highway Commercial zone of South Amboy.
Council Comments:
Council Vice-President Christine Noble asked for prayers for the recovery of Jimmy Kehoe who was recently struck by a vehicle.
There were questions about the upcoming November 3, 2020 election. Councilwoman Zusette Dato explained that the goal is to get ballots out by September 24, 2020. “No one has to apply for it if you are registered to vote and are an active voter. As soon as you get it, fill it out and put it in a secure dropbox. Right now, 10 dropboxes are in place. There is one in the Sayreville Municipal Building. Another option is to bring your ballot at South Amboy High School, or you can drive it to the Board of Elections, Kennedy Boulevard, New Brunswick. The county is doing what it can to educate voters.”
Councilwoman Zusette Dato then spoke about the Rotary Club Car Parade at 1p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2020. “The map is on the city website. The Rotary Club is collecting nonperishable food products which are really needed at South Amboy High School from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Councilman Brian McLaughlin asked about the illegal palate operation going on.
Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski stated that they have been cited for violations, but they have not gone to court, yet. He stated that the fire marshal was also called.
Councilman McLaughlin asked how many businesses hired South Amboy residents at Manhattan Beach.
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered that he would get a full list of all local suppliers. He stated that he only knew of 2 local residents who were hired.
McLaughlin stated that there should have been a job fair to offer residents employment.
Skarzynski stated he would get back to the council with more insight on the matter.
Councilman McLaughlin asked about expediating the acquisition of a fire truck for the city.
B.A. Skarzynski stated that if the city ordered the fire truck today, they were still looking at a 4 month waiting period.
McLaughlin answered, “Let’s order it tomorrow.”
Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the food pantries and gave a shout out to Janet Kern who gave a lot of her time to help with the food pantries.
Reilly noted that the palette operation has been going on for years. “It’s a fire hazard. These stacks of pallets are piled up next to a building.” Reilly then inquired about illegal rentals and inspections of boarding houses.
B.A. Skarzynski informed the council that Code Enforcement Director Jay Elliot was addressing the boarding house issues. “As far as the illegal rentals, letters are going out. The building (owners) have been issued a notice.” The council was concerned when Skarzynski informed them there are over 200 illegal apartments in South Amboy.
Council President Mickey Gross noted that it is important to stay on target regarding the illegal apartments. “I’m alarmed there are over 200 illegal apartments in South Amboy. Our focus should be on that.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski informed the council that addressing the illegal apartment issue is difficult. “It’s not a quick process. It took us 9 months to get a list. Each building is a separate case. We must have proof ahead of time. All proceedings are virtual. Each residence will be inspected by different departments (in code enforcement).”
Council President Gross noted that there is a chance of a coronavirus spike and added, “Flu shots are coming out soon.”
Mayor Fred Henry spoke about shared services with Woodbridge Township. “Our very capable First Aid Squad needs our help. We worked out a deal to do what we can.” Henry noted that it will cost $24,000 to replace the airbags in the South Amboy Fire Department. Thanks to City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz for replacing the handicapped ramp in front of city hall.” Henry then added, “I thank Congressman Frank Pallone for the $5.4 million grant for the Ferry. Thanks to Governor Murphy for the groundbreaking of the new train bridge.”
B.A. Glenn Skarzynski noted that Roswell Market has changed hands and been demolished.
Public Portion:
Resident Bill DeMasi thanked the council for following up with the bamboo issue with his neighbor. “I don’t know what happens at this point. My neighbor is required to remove all the bamboo in my yard. Do I need to remove my shed (where bamboo was growing under)? What do I do? I need to understand the process.”
B.A. Skarzynski assured DeMasi that he would get Code Enforcement to help. Law Director Francis Womack added, “I will give you a call to help with legal options.”
Resident Greg Batluak stated, “I’ve been attending the council meetings. I was looking at the archives (online) from 2007-2019 of council minutes. There are a lot of missing minutes. In 2017 –12 months are posted. In 2018 there are 11 months posted. In 2019 – 2 months posted. For 12/19/18 there were no minutes posted. This was one of the most important meetings being held in this town – there were a lot of people at that meeting.”
Law Director Francis Womack stated, “There were minutes taken. We can provide you with those minutes. The recording device was not working. The minutes were taken by the acting city clerk at that time.”
City Clerk Debra Brooks stated, “I started a year ago in September. All the minutes have been approved and posted. Before that, the past practices of the acting city clerk – I don’t know what happened. We can work in getting the gaps posted.”
Law Director Francis Womack stated that the city is not required to record audio or video but minutes are required be taken.
Batulak stated, “It’s very important to trust this administration. Ms. Brooks has to take measure that minutes are posted.”
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. All council members were present.
