South Amboy Council

2/16/22 Council Meeting

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – The meeting was held virtually due to Covid. 

Council President Mickey Gross advised the council that there were two police grievances. The consent agenda, bill list and minutes were passed.

Councilwoman Zusette Dato was pleased that another traffic ordinance was on the agenda. It was noted by Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski that City Clerk Deborah Brooks makes sure of the status of handicapper parking spots are updated (people move away, etc.).

Council Comments:

Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the first responders, food pantry volunteers and donors and the Department of Public Works for their work in the recent snowstorm. “Please support local businesses.” Reilly stated that he wanted to do something for the upcoming Government Week and that there were some people vital to our community he would like the council to recognize. 

Councilman Brian McLaughlin stated that the DPW did a great job. He noted the recent passing of Jerry Garnett and offered his condolences to the family. He asked for an update on the speedbumps. 

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski answered, “They are ordered, but not arrived.”

Council Vice President Christine Noble was happy that in-person meetings will return in March.

Councilwoman Zusette Dato also emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses. “The little guys need our support. Try to tell other people how good our businesses are.”

Council President Mickey Gross said, “Public Works did a great job. Mr. Garnett – We will miss him. The South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on March 20th. There will be a special tribute to the Fire Department. Pray it will be a nice day. The Fireworks are on July 2nd. If your band wants to play or if you are a food vendor and want to participate, see Mr. Skarzynski. October 1st is the Irish Festival. Support our local business. I may pay one dollar more, but I can look our business owners in the eye.”

Mayor Fred Henry said, “We’ve got a million-dollar grant thanks to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and a $180,000 grant for the pavilion in front of City Hall. The Allie Clark Complex will be done by summer. It will be a beautiful ballpark. The next meeting will have the ferry on the agenda. My condolences to the family of Jerry Garnett. I would like to thank the Fire Department, First Responders, First Aid, and Police Department for all your hard work.”

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski thanked Councilwoman Zusette Dato for the Valentine’s Day Cake she gave to the staff at City Hall. “It was appreciated by the staff.”

Law Director Francis Womack stated he was working on the grievance memo, and it would be on the agenda in a closed session.  He also stated that the lawsuit with Venetian will go to court at the end of March.

Public Portion:

The only person to speak was Mary Szaro who asked about the re-warding of South Amboy.

City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated she would email Szaro what the new wards were.

The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. All council members were present.