6/9/21 Council Meeting

By: Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – The meeting opened up to the public to speak about the ordinances. 

Ordinance No.1 – Streets and Sidewalks, RE: Speed Humps. 

Water Street Resident Mike Moser spoke first. He was happy that Deputy Police Chief Cattano addressed the issues of unsafe drivers on Water Street. “As part of the Water Street Association, we are very pleased at the actions that were taken by the police department.”

The next person to come up was Resident Ken Balut.  He told the council, “Don’t forget about the Budapest Section (having trouble with speeders). It’s the whole town that is having issues with speeders, not just the waterfront section.”

Resident Stanley Sierakowski came up next. “I am also in favor of having speed bumps, but there is an issue on Channel 34 because this whole meeting will not be heard because of the sound system in the council chambers.”

City Cameraman JohnLuke who was working the camera at the meeting tonight stated that the problem is with Comcast. 

The meeting was then opened up to Zoom participants to speak on this ordinance. 

A resident from Compton Avenue spoke, “I’m in favor of speed bumps. People are always racing to beat the traffic light and we had an accident today on Compton Avenue (June 9, 2021).”

Business Administrator Remsen responded, “This ordinance regarding speed bumps gives the council the right to suggest what streets should have speed bumps.”

Council President Petrick spoke up and remembered that Judge Mathias Rodriguez talked about how Puerto Rico handles speeders. 

Councilman B.J. Torres then countered, “Puerto Rico has no snow (which if we install speed bumps) will hinder us.”

Petrick countered, “Freehold, Edison, Union have been successful with having speed bumps installed.”

Councilwoman Rose Morales questioned, “How are other towns doing this?”

Torres spoke up and then said, “How about doing a traffic analysis?”

At this point, Deputy Police Chief Cattano came up to speak, “We’ve had radar boxes put up in the past, but not a traffic analysis (regarding speed bumps).

Torres concluded the conversation, “We need an analysis of our traffic since we’ve grown by at least 10,000 people since the last traffic analysis.”

The next ordinance open to the public was Ordinance No. 2 – Amending an ordinance fixing and establishing a schedule of salaries and salary ranges and increments for officers and employees regarding management and nonunion. 

The first person to speak was Ken Balut, “A lot of the added salaries (with these new positions) will make taxes go up and you (the council) can stop it now. This is happening all in one year. Call the city of Plainfield to see how they are using their windfall (of federal money). I’ve mentioned how every year salaries are going up in the mayor’s office. You are starting off people at $80,000 who worked on campaigns. You don’t want to stop the taxes. How many people does the mayor needs when he is full time? People say that nobody is answering the phones at city hall. No one was there to answer calls from the civil liberty regarding the bicycle incident.”

Resident Dot Daniel came up next. She wanted to thank the council for raising the salaries of the police officers.

Council President Bill Petrick stopped her before she could say anything more, “The cops salaries are not part of this ordinance.”

Public Comments on agenda only:

The first person to come up was Stanley Sierakowski who had a question about R-298-6/21 – The environmental cleanup on the Harry Goldberg and Sons Scrap Metal property.

“The Goldberg and Son’s land was contaminated. As part of the deal when they sold it, did  the Goldbergs have to pay for the remediation of the contaminants? It cost the state and the city millions to remediate the property and to dispose of the hazardous waste. 40 years later, we are still remediating that property.”

Ken Balut came up and had a question about R-292-6/21 – The infrastructure bank dealing with the state water system.

“Couldn’t we use the $16 million so we don’t have to take out notes to finance this project?

He then said that Plainfield is using the money to lower their taxes according to CBS: This Morning. “We have McCabe (Middlesex County Democratic Chair) that can help us. The 72% of the people in the city paying for the water bill will be getting the raise of the 3% increase. Everything is going up – our gas, produce (all consumer goods). We should give those a break for paying their bills on time (taxes, water, etc.) Money is being used on everything but lowering the taxes, etc. This has got to stop. You wonder why people are moving out of town. I want to know, if we are not raising taxes and we are using the surplus to do that, how much of the surplus is being used?”

CFO Jill Goldy answered via Zoom, “I believe $1.3 million of surplus is being used, but I don’t have that in front of me right now.”

Balut continued, “We used surplus money last year and raised taxes, but we keep hiring and we have to borrow money which creates debt. Surplus money should be used to lower taxes instead of hiring people in eleven new positions. Maybe some of those positions are needed. The gas tax and tolls all go up, which raises taxes on people who can’t afford this. The President is chauffeured all over and doesn’t have to worry about taxes. When is this going to stop? Food, gas – everyday items are going up. You can stop it now, but you don’t.”

Director of Operations at the USA-PA (Utility Service Associates Perth Amboy) Middlesex Water Company) Luis Perez Jimenez came up to speak to answer questions regarding R-292-6/21- $1.5 million loan from the Water Bank Construction Financial Program. 

“This money is to be used regarding the Runyan Water Tank. This tank is from 1998 and we have another tank that is used for emergencies. The Runyan Tank needs to be painted and some cracks need to be repaired.”

Councilman Pabon asked, “Can grant money be used?”

Perez answered, “No.”

B.A. Remsen then added some comments, “The federal money that we are getting cannot be used to reduce taxes, but some may be used for capital money projects. These repairs have to be made to this water tank to avoid it being shut down.”

Council President Petrick questioned, “Can some of the trees be cut down around the Runyan Reservoir? I thought the roots of the trees would protrude through the sidewalls of the reservoir. I know in the master plan there was something in there for possibly adding another water tank.”

Perez responded, “There was an idea of adding on another tank, but we need to repair the Runyan water tank now. If that tank shuts down, there is only a 4-day supply of water available.”

Someone then noticed that Brian Taylor was on Zoom and asked if he wanted to speak.

Brian Taylor said, “It was an unbelievable honor to have the basketball courts in Washington Park named after him. When I was growing up, I spent all my time there from sunup to sundown. I’m honored.”

The council then voted on the ordinances. 

Ordinance No. 1 (speed humps) was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 2 (management nonunion) was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. Ordinance No. 1 (First Reading – no public discussion) was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. When it came to vote on the marijuana ordinance (First Reading) the only “No” vote was B.J. Torres. For Ordinance No. 2 (First Reading) regarding a construction project labor agreement on certain public construction projects and certain redevelopment area financing projects. It was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. 

Law Director Northgrave explained, “If a project is worth $15 million+, some developers may ask for a PILOT. They have to make a good face effort. It increases the council’s oversight on these developers.”

Before voting on the consent agenda, the council had to vote on adding one resolution: R-303-6/21 – Appointment of Michael Green as Business Administrator. 

B.J. Torres moved it and it was seconded by Pabon to add it to the agenda. For the consent agenda, councilman Joel Pabon ask that R-294 and R-299 be pulled and voted on separately. R-294-6/21 – Approving the placement of a monument of Inca Garcilaso De La Vega at the International Park. 

It was moved by Pabon and seconded by Morales.

R-299-6/21 – Supporting the naming of the Washington Park Basketball Courts to the Brian Taylor Basketball Courts. It was moved by Pabon and seconded by Morales.

Pabon wanted to thank Taylor for all the great years he put into the city. “I am very proud of you.”

When it came time to vote on the consent agenda, R-292-R-293, R-294-R-298, R-300-R-303 was moved by Pabon and seconded by Tejeda. 

Mike Green was called up by Council President Petrick to see if he wanted to make any remarks. As Green started to talk about his credentials, “I am a former Marine Captain.”

Some members of the audience spoke up and shouted, “Oh, we know about that. We already did a search on you!”

Green continued, “I currently serve in the city of Newark. It is my pleasure and honor to serve the residents. I believe in an effective and efficient government. We have to search for grants and to have innovative partnerships to save money and limit government expenses. Thank you for this opportunity and I will be moving into this town.”

Public Portion: 

Before the public portion, someone noticed Brian Taylor was still on Zoom and asked if he wanted to speak first. Taylor then thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart.

The first person to speak was Ken Balut. “I want to know if Mike Green is a still a practicing attorney.”

Mike Green replied, “Yes.”

Balut continued, “McGreevy and McCabe were the ones that were stopping the negotiations with Kushner. I don’t know if Northgrave is a part of this. We are cleaning up Kushner’s property and he owes us $4 million. No one followed up on Kushner’s road that we fixed. The YMCA and Kushner have money to pay us. No one follows up. Peter Pelissier (one of our former B.A.’s) said we are getting money (from Kushner). Where is it? Where is the forensic audit from the YMCA? I hope the new Business Administrator goes after Kushner and makes sure everyone does their job. Northgrave jumped at me at the Caucus. I served the city for over 25 years. We can let Kenny Ortiz (from the Department of Recreation) run the Y.”

Resident Alan Silber came up next. “Three other Business Administrators left with only day’s notice. Jillian Barrack (one of our former B.A.’s) moved to Perth Amboy when she got the job. Why were the Marijuana Forum questions put on a card? The Forum panel were not impressive. I can go on a website to find how alcohol affects our youth. Nothing from the marijuana laws were discussed. We (the city of Perth Amboy) have over 40 liquor licenses. Why are you talking about opioids? The Mayor from Massachusetts rattled off 7 pros of having the recreational marijuana. We voted on the retail sales of marijuana. How many people voted for Biden for President in certain counties in New Jersey? He got more votes than votes for recreational marijuana. How we are voting is a little backwards.”

Resident Stanley Sierakowski cam up next. He opened with remarks about Kushner. “Kushner’s contract was only supposed to be in effect for 10 years. Is it voidable and open ended? Our attorney may have to recuse himself because of a case he was involved in. Did our former mayor’s relatives benefit from some of these deals that were made. Nothing has been done regarding Kushner’s properties. The mayor was a just a glorified clerk to do the developer’s bidding. See who the owners are of the properties who owe us over $2 million. Look at Diaz’s conduct over the last 12 years.”

Resident Dorothy Daniel came up to speak. “I come in peace. I’m concerned by theses outside bikers coming into the city. My daughter was on a bus and when it made a turn onto Smith Street, a biker challenged the bus driver. The bus driver had to stop abruptly which caused a passenger to fall down on the bus. I watch lunatics riding in malls. I worked as a poll worker for the last election (June 8th) and I was there from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. I had only 6 voters come to my table. It is a privilege and an obligation to vote. This is a shame. Over the last 10 years, I was able to give kids computers that was donated by companies from warehouses that made this possible. Backpacks were also donated to our kids. I recently received a large donation of hand sanitizers. I had to give most of them to Woodbridge, because when I tried to give them to different places in Perth Amboy, they already had enough. I donated a large supply to Woodbridge Township. McCormack told me I should give some these hand sanitizers to you (the council). I still have plenty in my car to give to anyone who wants them.”

Dalia Silva, a member of the Garcilaso Committee and also Vice President of Salidarid Peru Organization spoke next. She thanked the council for recognizing the history of Inca Garcilaso De La Vega and I want you all present for the dedication.”

Attorney Daniel Gonzalez came up next. He thanked the council for approving the Peruvian Monument and recognizing Brian Taylor. “Taylor is also a Princeton graduate and has encouraged kids in all areas. We have a lot of diversity here and it is good to honor all people. I’m glad to see all the corners being fixed to help the disabled. I’m glad people listen to the people from the waterfront (the problems with speeders).”

Petrick responded, “The ordinance we are we are drafting is to put speed bumps all over town, not in just in certain sections of the city.”

Gonzalez continued, “I’m glad to see the police presence. I want to thank our outgoing Business Administrator Remsen and congratulate the new Business Administrator Mike Green. It is a tough job, but I think you are up to it. It took the Mayor six months to get a new business administrator. There are positive things happening in town. I will cheer Mike Green on. Good things are happening.”

Alejandro Roman, Journalist and Newspaper Photographer came up next. He thanked the council for working with us (Peruvian Committee) to recognize De Le Vega. “Your job is not easy. It is a good example of working together. It is not good to keep arguing.”

Director of Recreation and Human Services Ken Ortiz came up to speak next. He wanted to thank the council for honoring Brian Taylor, Thomas Mundy Peterson, and the late Ronald Spevack. “We have a lot of heroes. I want to talk about a young man who is from Perth Amboy and that was an exceptional student and who is a star among stars. He is a police officer in Delaware. His name is Elliott Pratz. He and another officer in Wilmington, Delaware were shot, but they are both recovering. We have to work together and move forward.”

Rev. Donna Stewart who is President of the Perth Amboy/Carteret branch of the NAACP came up next. She wanted to thank all the people who spoke before her. “We are all a family, and like all families we have disagreements. I want to congratulate Brian Taylor and welcome Mike Green, our new B.A. The NAACP is inclusive and we welcome all to join us and to come to the table to sit with us so we can work together. I also invite our new B.A. Michael Green to join the NAACP.”

Reinaldo Aviles came up next. “I used to be the Chair of the PAHPC and a former resident of Perth Amboy.” He asked if money for the Historic Preservation Commission was available.

Petrick answered, “The finance department decided not to rework the budget to add an additional $4,500.”

Aviles continued, “Helmin Caba was a former member of the HPC and I thought he would be open to finding $4,500 to put in the HPC budget. It’s a slap in the face not to give them anything. Affordable housing is a crisis. Edison gives $100,000 to their residents towards affordable housing, and it keeps the taxes low. Look at what other towns are doing to help residents who fit a certain criteria who need help for affordable housing.”

B.A. Remsen responded to Aviles (regarding the HPC request for money). “If we added anything to the budget, we would have had to stop the budget process. I asked Renee Skelton (Chair of the HPC) for documents on how the money will be spent. I just got that today (6/9/21). There are bigger issues of what the HPC should look like. We now have 3 potential sources of funding for them.”

The public portion was now opened up to Zoom participants.

Resident Sharon Hubberman spoke first. She spoke about the cannabis ordinance and the time limit to get something passed and the 6 types of licenses available. “We only seem to be interested in the Class 5 License. There are not many defined regulations. Our city is only 4.5 square miles. Cannabis is still federally illegal. Banking institutions cannot open up business accounts for vendors who want to participate in the cannabis businesses. Businesses can’t go up in certain areas. We can’t compare our town (with the one in Massachusetts). Preserve our decision for the future. They (the town in Massachusetts) had many meetings with many of the city boards before making their final decision.”

Maria Vera from Madison Avenue spoke next. She complained that part of the street of Sadowski Parkway in front of the Greek Church is very bad. “I want to thank Miguel Morales who put (flashing) tape on the stop sign. We should not have our water bills raised, especially for those taxpayers who pay their water bill on time.”

Council Comments:

Councilwoman Rose Morales thanked all the speakers. “I attended the Portuguese Flag Raising earlier in the day. I was honored to be there. I’m proud of Brian Taylor who has inspired children. I want to thank Chief Cattano for working on the speed bumps and having a police presence, not only at the waterfront, but the need to have a police presence for the entire city. The new positions and titles are needed because we need more manpower. I want to congratulate our new B.A., Mr. Green and I am very impressed with his credentials. I want to thank Daniel Gonzalez for his positive outlook.”

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “Regarding the marijuana law, this should have been done a while ago. We can change our minds, but we need to see where we could set these places up during this 5-year timeframe. We have to come up with a plan. I’ve been talking about having a traffic analysis since 2016. We have 65,000 people in this town and are adding more. We have to start moving on this. There is a pantry at the corner of Bruck and Amboy Avenue, and that is a very bad corner. It is an accident waiting to happen. The traffic pattern on our streets should have been changed. Our parks equipment needs to be updated. At Rudyk Park, the tracks, basketball courts, and fencing are bad. I spoke to Kenny Ortiz about the lack of mulch in our parks. This is a safety issue for our kids. The water fountains were turned on. The marina bathroom should be open. We are paying for them. People of all ages are walking at the waterfront as early as 5 a.m. The water should be turned on at the marina. The marina bathrooms should be open for the public.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda thanked all who spoke at the meeting. “I was happy to see all the different cultural expressions (the Peruvian monument and Brian Taylor). We have many talented individuals who are from this town. Thank you for having the marijuana forum. We talked about opioids because marijuana is used in helping as treatment for those who are trying to get off their addiction to opioids.” She welcomed Mr. Green and thanked Remsen “For putting up with us and taking the job seriously.” She then questioned about getting more vaccination sites being set up in the city.

Ken Ortiz responded, “We are working with the county and (OEM Coordinator) Larry Cattano.”

Tejeda continued, “The Pastor from Our Lady of Fatima Church would like to have a vaccination site (on the church grounds).”

Ortiz said, “The hospital has a walk-in clinic.”

Cattano then added, “Hackensack Meridian will probably be the one who will work with the churches.”

Ortiz then said, “We were recently at the Five Corners providing information about vaccines and other services available in the city.”

Tejeda continued, “The Pastor from Our Lady of Fatima Church addressed concerns about the vaccine with the parishioners.” Tejeda then said, “I am proud the Borinqueneers will be honored by having the Second Street Park named for them.”

Councilman B.J. Torres thanked Remsen for his service and welcomed the new B.A. Mike Green. He also thanked the administration for putting together the marijuana forum. “We are becoming a community of hypocrites. Marijuana is legal for medical reasons and was approved in November. It is irresponsible to move forward as the law is now.”

Council President Petrick thanked Remsen for his corporation and welcomed the new B.A. Mike Green. He then rattled off dates of upcoming flag raising and ribbon cuttings. “June 15th will be the dedication of the Fireman’s Plaque on Market and Elm Street and June 19^th will be the Juneteenth Flag Raising. Olive Street should be opening off for the seniors, soon. Regarding the marijuana ordinance, we had ours drawn up before the Governor signed the bill. What we decided on is a placeholder and not the final rendition of the ordinance. It will take several meetings to put an ordinance in place. So, this is it. Most of our neighboring communities have something in place. We can revisit this instead of being under the state guidelines. As it stands now, no marijuana businesses or licenses can be located here at all.”

Law Director Northgrave responded, “The licenses come from the state and the state needs the input from the towns. The state will look at a council’s ordinance to decide what licenses should be issued to them.”

Petrick concluded, “I am in favor of medical marijuana. Woodbridge is allowing recreational and medical marijuana in one location located on Rtes. 1 & 9. Thank you to all who participated in person and on Zoom.”

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. All council members were present in person.