By: Carolyn Maxwell

& Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The Council immediately went into a closed session after calling the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:07 p.m. The first person to speak was OEM Coordinator Larry Cattano who gave an update on the Covid-19 numbers.

He stated as of 10/25/20 there has been 2760 cases in Perth Amboy; 137 deaths, and there has been no increase in deaths over the last 30 days. In this month, there was a 5.23% increase in cases, and .26% death. The first case was 3/16/20. The most cases we’ve had in a single day was 114. Some days we are at 0.” He also noted, “50% of the people who had Covid were female and 50% were male. When it comes to fatalities, 64% were male and 35.77% were female. From September 1 to September 25, there were 33 cases. From October 1 to October 25, we had 257 cases. In one day in October, we had 10 new cases.” Cattano stated that the rise in cases could have been because of more places opening up, with indoor and outdoor dining and mask fatigue (people get tired of wearing their masks). We recently had a 2-month old that tested positive. It’s usually someone in the family that probably gave it to a young child.”

When asked if the names were revealed of the positive cases (referring to contact tracing), Cattano answered, “No, just the addresses.” Cattano stated, “Statewide, on 9/23/20 there were 466 people hospitalized and 90 were admitted to intensive care. Our data reflects the state statistics.”

Councilman Fernando Irizarry questioned, “Are we in the second wave?”

Cattano responded, “We are still in the first wave. The virus was there. People are not as vigilant as in the past. More places opened up. People are going to work.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda spoke up, “We opened up early.”

Cattano said, “We started to relax because it started to happen elseware. People went back to work and maybe the workplaces were not as vigilant in sanitizing their workplace. There is more testing going on and more contact tracing. We don’t have the means for contact tracing. Only the county is doing this. We used to have regular meetings with the county, but we haven’t had any recently. Now, we have monthly virtual meetings. The county prosecutor is giving us the Covid numbers and contact tracing. We met with Ms. Perkins (Interim Business Administrator) and Ken Ortiz (Director of Recreation and Human Services).”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “The county is not taking contact tracing seriously regarding us and we are in the top for cases. This doesn’t make any sense.”

Cattano said, “I personally have not gotten input from them. There are other counties that are getting more information than we do (infections, recoveries, etc.). Some of the information comes from the prosecutor’s office and some from the health department. The Attorney General gives out the directives. I don’t know what criteria other counties use.”

Councilwoman Tejeda said, “When my father was hospitalized with Covid, the state called constantly. They stopped calling when I told them he had passed away.”

Cattano then said, “Many people are going back to work. If you don’t feel safe, dial 211 or go to Covid19NJ.gov. If you see something not right, call the police. They follow up. You do not have to identify yourself in either case. You can call regarding workplaces or other businesses not practicing safe guidelines. The prosecutor’s office can investigate complaints (and close down a business). The fire department has responded to overcrowded places. If that business has a state license, they also can be closed. Regarding table service, the server must come to you. Alcohol cannot be consumed standing up. You cannot leave your table without your mask. Restaurants are now limited to 25%. I heard there might be 50% occupancy. All city Halloween events have been cancelled. Be responsible when handing out and accepting candy. The curfew per ordinance is 6 p.m.”

DPW Director Frank Hoffman came up to answer questions regarding why there were 2 bidders for emergency demolition services. He explained, “There were only two bids that were submitted. The pricing is within the standards needed. Maria Rivera from our purchasing department said that we need two contractors. There are two rates: one is for the equipment needed for tearing down a structure and the one for the disposal of whatis being torn down.”

The next question which Bill Petrick asked was regarding Ordinance No. 1 (first reading) – Administration of Government re: municipal prosecutor. 

Council President William Petrick said, “According to what Law Director Peter King said, a simple majority is okay. The ordinance says that the employee must live here.”

Irizarry then questioned, “The Municipal Prosecutor – must live in Perth Amboy?”

Law Director King responded, “We can give a waiver.” 

Irizarry asked about R-411-10/20 (NPP Program). “What does NPP stand for?”

CFO/Comptroller Jill Goldy answered, “Neighborhood Preservation Program. Tashi Vazquez can provide you with more information.” 

Irizarry asked “What about CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)? Are BID funds used?”

CFO Goldy said, “You approved this grant at the last meeting.

BID Coordinator Noelia Colon came up to answer questions. “$180,000 will be used for the website, sanitizing, stations, and rental assistance. The grant was given by the DCA. The NPP boundaries will be from the intersection of Smith Street and High Street and end at the train station. There will be $125,000 earmarked on an annual basis. We may have temporarily lost some funding which may be replenished.”

Irizarry asked what would be included in the NPP grant and the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?”

Petrick spoke up and answered, “Masks and hand sanitizers.”

Colon also explained, “That is where the equipment will be located. Besides the sanitizer stations, they will provide constant contact services for business owners whether they are businessowners. They do not have to be BID members.”

Law Director Peter King explained R-413-10/20 – Authorizing an application to the New Jersey DEP to review the Wetlands that are part of the Riverwalk Project.

King stated, “This is access over our easement to make sure it is in compliance with the Wetlands.”

DPW Director Frank Hoffman spoke about R-414-10/20 – Awarding a contract to IPL Environmental for 1,000 solid waste and 1,000 recycling 95-gallon residential automated containers through HGAC in an amount not to exceed $97,860.00.

Hoffman explained, “We have reached 10 years of wear and tear on the parts. We are adding 2 more streets that are automated (Lawrie Street and Lewis Street). The old vendors reduced the thickness in the walls of the containers and used recycled material. They have wear and tear on them. A lot of lids are broken. That is why we are getting a new vendor.”

There was a question regarding R-415-10/20 – Authorizing a three-year contract with Benchmark Analytics LLC, with two – 1-year renewal options for Benchmark Analytics Computerized program in an annual amount not to exceed $10,000.

Deputy Chief Larry Cattano came up and said, “It was in the Internal Affairs Department and I was not involved. It was handled by the Police Chief.”

Irizarry then questioned why the Police Chaplain Program, which has 34 Chaplains will be involved in this program and make the police more responsible.

Interim B.A. Patricia Perkins responded, “The Chaplains help the police with conflict resolution and help the police officers to de-escalate their emotions. The Chaplain Corps was cited as something very positive by the state.”

Petrick spoke up and said, “The Chaplains should not even be in this resolution.”

Irizarry concluded, “This is from the Citizen’s Campaign.”

Pabon then spoke about R-418, R-419, and R-420 all dealing with settlements of worker’s compensation. He stated, “We talked about this before, and for a while it got better, but now these cases are happening again. Is it management or the worker’s fault?”

Law Director King replied, “I will get a report from the attorney and the department head. There are more injuries happening to older workers and we’ll talk to our risk managers.”

Pabon continued, “There should be documentation. Were there talks regarding safety measures (to be taken)?”

Petrick interjected, “Companies such as PSEG and Verizon do this.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda stated, “I work at the hospital and they have safety huddles every day.”

Bill Petrick concluded the discussion stating, “It starts at the top.”

There was a question regarding the language in R-425-10/20 – An agreement with the Raritan Bay Area YMCA to organize and operate Housing Services in connection with the Code Blue Warming Center Services. 

Councilman Irizarry said he was not comfortable with the term “Housing Services.” “It seems like something long term.”

Director of Human Services Ken Ortiz came up and said, “It should be one-night shelter. It can be temporary for emergencies.”

Petrick suggested they eliminate the Housing Services from the resolution.

There were some questions regarding R-426 thru R-430 appointing members to the Rent Leveling Board. The problem was all the applicants were appointed to a 2-year term all to expire at the same time.

Council President Bill Petrick remembered when former Law Director Mark Blunda was here, he made sure that the board members had staggered terms so as not to all expire at the same time.

King then stated they will have to appoint some members for one-year and some for two-years and the resolution will have to be changed. 

Petrick also said, “In the past, we used to have applicants come before us.”

Ortiz came up to the mic, “The applicants are very happy to be on this board, and it’s a good practice to have them come before the council.”

One of the appointees to the Rent Leveling Board, Vince Mackiel came up. “I’ve been a resident for over 8 years. I want to serve on a board. I think 70% of the people in town live in rentals and there is crisis because of Covid. Many people face eviction and employment is down. Many people are on a fixed income. I have been involved in housing, the medical field, and have a sociology degree. I have attended Middlesex County College and Kean College and I am interested in taking on this challenge. 26,000 people are facing eviction in New Jersey. We are a progressive community and Covid victims are worthy of respect.”

Ken Ortiz returned to the mic to speak more about the Rent Leveling Board. “We need to put in place vacancy controls to cap what property owners can charge a new tenant, and we also need to protect the property owner. The Rent Control Board will have control over this.”

Council President Petrick stated, “I am not looking at the Rent Control Board to take over the authority of the City Council such as policies or what fees need to be charged.

Ortiz then explained, “We need to codify the duties of the Rent Leveling Board.”

Law Director King then spoke up and said, “The Rent Leveling Board suggestions have to be approved by the council.”

Petrick ended the conversation stating, “The devil is in the details.”

The late-starter Resolution R-436-10/20 – $13,800 from the PY 2020 HUD Emergency Solutions Grant Covid-19 (ESG-CV) Funding. 

It was explained that the county reached out to Dianne Roman to reimburse funding for monies the city spent during the pandemic to provide for some of the needs for the residents.

Councilman Irizarry stated, “On behalf of the residents, I’m thanking you (Ken Ortiz and staff) for helping our residents. “You are distributing actual meals.”

Ortiz spoke up and said, “There were other departments involved. It was a collaborative effort.”

Irizarry suggested that they pass a resolution for all the departments who helped out during this crisis. 

Public Portion:

Resident and Businessowner Jeremy Baratta came up first to speak about R-411-10/20 – The insertion of revenue in the CY 2020 budget for the NPP Covid-19 Relief & Recovery Grant in the amount of $180,200. 

Baratta said, “Look at the resolution closely. You are taking yourselves out of the grant money. You had the final say. Now, it is changed. Money doesn’t always go to where it’s intended. You should be the final check and balances. It’s $180,200 to give to Wilda’s political friends and you are supposed to watch the monies. You will not be able to see how the money is dispersed. Protect the money, citizens, and businesses.” He then referred to Communication No. 2 – Mayor Wilda Diaz recommending the appointments to the Rent Leveling Board. “Have the attorney look at it. Members should be going to classes. I applied to this board as a tenant and you can also apply to this board as a homeowner. I hope someone will be here on Wednesday to answer questions about the BID budget.”

Law Director Peter King replied to Baratta’s statements regarding Communication No. 2. “It’s my mistake. A renter, a homeowner, and a landlord should be on the Rent Leveling Board.” King also said that R-411 Assessment Plan was attached to the council’s backup material.”

CFO Jill Goldy then added that accounts were set up. There was an amended budget for awarded grants. There was always a setup for the way the funds were awarded. We received purchase orders and have to certify that the funds are there. We look at all purchase orders and we can submit the grant guidelines to you.”

Petrick then remembered, “In the past, funds went missing, or perhaps money was stolen. There was no accountability.”

Interim B.A. Perkins stated, “We have internal checks and balances. There are two people from the finance department and myself who look through the paperwork. Tashi Vazquez was here to explain everything to you.”

Council Comments:

Councilmen Helmin Caba and Fernando Irizarry had no comments.

Councilman Joel Pabon had remarks about some things he would like to see get done in town. “The benches are part of the BID’s budget. The benches returning will help our seniors.”

DPW Director Frank Hoffman noted that the reason that the benches were removed was because people were sleeping on them. 

BID Coordinator Noelia Colon came up and stated, “There are funds. They were removed because people were sleeping on them. When we replace the benches, they are going to have a divider on them. Since Covid hit, we had other priorities. This is part of the NPP project. There’s no time-frame on that project.”

Hoffman informed the council that the benches were moved and placed in different areas of parks.

Councilman Joel Pabon asked, “When is the opening of city hall? We fixed the front of city hall. There is Plexiglas so theworkers are protected. We have a police officer there. Why can’t we have people going in there? I see no reason why we don’t open. There are foods coming from the federal government. We go to the schools to get food. Churches are giving out food. There are so many peopleinvolved in giving out the food. Everyone should be grateful forthe food given to them. 

Pabon added, “The election is coming up. Everyone knows how I feel about the decision made by the governor. People should have a choice. There was over 26,000 ballots that were sent out (in Perth Amboy) and less than 7,000 were returned. There’s still people out there who didn’t get their ballots. There’s a lot of issues. Don’t get discouraged. There will be only 5 polls open (in Perth Amboy). It’s easier to fill out your ballots than going to the polls. The county can do more to help us.” Pabon continued, “What’s the update on the construction on Convery Boulevard?”

Interim Business Administrator Patricia Perkins stated she had no update at this time.

City Clerk Victoria Kupsch stated that all registered voters received ballots. The polling information centers for Middlesex County are in Sayreville, Highland Park, and Old Bridge.

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda stated, “It is very dark. Everyone out on Halloween be safe. Be careful.”

Council President Bill Petrick gave his remarks, “Be safe. Still wear a Covid-safe mask. The governor mandated everyone (registered voters) in New Jersey to receive a mail-in ballot. You were mailed your ballot at your last address the Board of Elections has written down for you. Those going to the polls are not going to be able to vote on the machine unless you are handicapped. You will be given a provisional ballot and you will be given the opportunity to vote on paper. You can take it (your mail-in ballot) to the Board of Elections or any post office. As long as the polls are open you can take it to the polling place.” 

It was noted that Perth Amboy residents can take their ballots to the dropbox at the police station. Your vote-by-mail must be in the dropbox by 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. At 8 p.m. the dropbox will be emptied for the last time.

Petrick concluded the meeting with, “Be safe.”

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. All council members were present.