4/11/22 & 4/13/22 Caucus & Council Meetings

By: Carolyn Maxwell

 PERTH AMBOY – The first order of business at the Caucus was awarding a Proclamation to Rosemary Crist for her heroic act when she saved her husband’s life. Crist and her husband are members of the Olive Street Seniors, and several other seniors were present along with Lissette Martinez Deputy Director of Human Services/Office on Aging and Dianne Roman Director of Human Services.

There was a presentation by Sherri Goldberg, Director of Community and Family Services of the JRF (Jewish Renaissance Foundation) Programs and Services. She stated that she has been with the organization for twelve years. She proceeded to read the JRF’s Mission Statement: “The Jewish Renaissance Foundation (JRF) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization founded by individuals who feel compelled to act upon the teachings of the Jewish faith. With two federal designations: as an Anti-Poverty Agency and as a Federal Qualified Health Center, we believe as citizens in a democratic society, we must respond to the needs of our neighbors and share our talents and resources. The JRF is committed to helping individuals/families become healthier and stronger.” She then explained some of the JRF programs how they help various members of the community by offering employment and providing services: “The JRF brings innovative ideas and culturally competent programs and services to advance the health and well-being of all people and we work to address barriers to economic self-sufficiency. JRF’s programs include, but not limited to: AmeriCorps, Comfort Partners (PSEG), Perth Amboy Alliance for Community (PAAC), Alternative Education Program (AEI), School Based Youth Services (SBYS), Youth Entrepreneurial Program (YEP), Step-Up (AUL Charter School), the Community Health Center (CHC), Emerging Leaders, the Family Assistance Center (FAC), and the Bayside Family Success Center (FSC). We make hope happen through our hard work and our amazing partnerships!” (Also found on https://www.jrfnj.org/). She continued, “Our office is located in Edison and besides Perth Amboy, we also serve Edison, Union, and the surrounding areas. We are governed by a diverse Community Action Board. We have multiple funding streams, and some of our funding comes from Block Grants. PRAHD,  The Salvation Army, and the City of Perth Amboy are just some of the entities that refer residents to us. They have to meet certain income guidelines (depending on the type of program that they were looking to get accepted into). Most of the lion’s share of the funding that we get goes to the City of Perth Amboy. If there is any money left over after servicing the other cities, that additional funding will go to Perth Amboy. We have several testing centers and training for people to get diplomas. There are certain aspects for medical training. In Perth Amboy, we have an Alliance for Community Services (The Family Success Center) that has been in effect since 2008. This is located in the George Otlowski Gardens Apartment Complex. We also patronize the local businesses in the neighborhood where we have events held. We have the Alternative Education Institute for ages 16-24 where we have virtual classes, and we are looking for a building in Perth Amboy to hold those classes in person. We provide rides if needed for those who need to get to the Learning Center. Another program that we have is called LEAP (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Achievement Program). Some of the students that have finished that program have been recognized nationally with businesses they have started. We also have the AmeriCorps Program where people can volunteer their services to help those who are unfortunate. There are 21 slots available for those who want to serve. The minimum amount of hours to serve is 300 and up to a maximum of 1600 hours depending on the assignment, and they can receive a modest stipend. 621 families received assistance from the JRFC Program. Those who qualify after completing the AmeriCorps Program can apply to schools and colleges with the stipend they have received with the service for AmeriCorps. Those schools and colleges can match those funds.”

After Goldberg spoke, Fire Chief Ed Mullen came up to give the PAFD’s presentation on their budget. “For the year 2021, there were 4,500 inspections which we met our goal on. We made sure that all safety measures were in place. Our 2022 budget is the same and we are fully funded which was a savings on money and benefits. We keep educating business owners (in regards to keeping their businesses safe). Any violations that we spot are reported to Code Enforcement. Anytime we find illegal housing, that is Code Enforcement’s responsibility.”

Council President Bill Petrick spoke up, “I was hoping that the Fire Department would address the illegal housing problems and problems with the social clubs.”

Mullen responded, “There was one basement fire this year, and we find most of the illegal housing is found in one and two-family units. When it comes to fire inspection, we are responsible for businesses and large multi-family units. If we spot violations, they have 30 days to make corrections. They can request extensions depending on how extensive the repairs are. If we find that it is too dangerous of a situation, we can shut down those buildings and businesses. The biggest causes of fires are discarding smoking materials, faulty electrical wiring, and overburdening extension cords and in the wintertime, space heaters.”

Councilman B.J. Torres spoke up, “Records need to be shared between Code Enforcement and the Fire Department.”

Mullen responded, “We use the same SDL System.”

Business Administrator Michael Green spoke up, “This was suggested by the Strategy Group.”

Mullen said, “The new SDL Citizen App lets people report any problems.”

Mullen then talked about the Fire Department’s operating expenses which would be increased by $20,000. He also gave out the phone number: 732-376-5419 where residents can call to get free smoke/carbon monoxide detectors installed for free. “The Fire Department will come and install them for you (it depends on if you meet the criteria). We have 100 now and are applying for more through grants. We keep records of all the places we put detectors in. We preach fire safety through community events and show people how to use fire extinguishers. We currently have 67 firefighters, and we have 2 new recruits that will be starting in the academy for training in May. We are hoping to get a total of 72 firefighters, and we put in funding for an additional 16 firefighters. There are 6 Battalion Chiefs, 12 Captains, and 3-4 firefighters per apparatus.”

Acting Police Chief and OEM Coordinator Larry Cattano came up next. “In 2021 we responded to 58,000 calls. So far this year, we responded to 18,000 calls. There is a total of 250 staff members which includes office staff. We have 128 full time officers and 100 civilian members. 27% of our police officers who left the city came back. We need to replace 4 officers. The next Academy Class will start in August. In 2021 some of our accomplishments were that we doubled the amount of Field Officers, and we have new equipment with advanced technology. We have new tasers and virtual training environments using goggles which would show an officer being in a situation to escalate or deescalate a problem. They can review what was done. The training takes place in an office downstairs in the police station. Our accreditation has lapsed.”

Council President Bill Petrick suggested that maybe that money can be used elsewhere.”

Cattano then talked about the different community programs, “We have the Child Safety Car Seats, Narcan Kits when needed, Teen Programs, Outreach Programs, Lunch with Cops, Cocoa with Cops.” Cattano further explained that the Narcan Kits were received through grants and other sources. “We will cross train the employees under us on how and when to use Narcan. 5 to 8 people O.D. a month and we have to provide a report on each call that we get. We might have the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education (Fifth Grade and up)) or L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (Kindergarten and up)) Programs come back to the classrooms possibly in 2023. The L.E.A.D. addresses a broader scope of problems. We will evaluate (the effectiveness) both programs. There are 14 instructors involved in the L.E.A.D. Program which includes Regular Officers and Community Officers from different divisions (Drug, Juvenile, etc.) We work closely with the schools to see what grades are having the most problems and what kind. Problems that happen outside of the classroom, our regular police will be called.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “I thought you would have put something together to address the recent incidents.”

Cattano responded, “The police are deployed at all the schools after hours to address those problems. Our intent is to address this in the schools before it gets out of hand and we have to put them (problem students) in the system. “

Pabon spoke up again, “The YMCA has tremendous programs which we need to activate in our schools. The Y has people in place to address bullying and other issues.”

Cattano responded, “We have multiple programs and two counselors on board and several programs geared toward serving our youth. We also have programs run by the Prosecutor’s Office which teaches entrepreneurship, mentoring, and a clean slate program. Schools will call us to help. Depending on the situation, we will dispatch the proper officer that is needed. State and National Programs have reached out to us to help out our youth.”

Pabon continued, “There are so many programs that are involved in the police budget. There seems to be a disconnect between all of the different agencies.”

Cattano responded, “We make sure that all the youth that are reported to us (the police) get the help they need.”

A Council Member then asked about the K-9 units and how those dogs are housed.

Cattano answered, “The dogs live with their handlers, but in case that person goes on vacation, housing is available for the dog. The price of training has increased. The dogs are trained to detect opioids, PCPs, and Fentanyl. Some dogs can be in service for as long as 10 years. After they are retired, the officer can adopt their dog, or they can be given to others. There is a Power Shift at night to put out more officers during certain hours. Parking revenue has increased, and we get the most revenue out of the parking meters and not for violations. People usually pay by using mobile apps.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda said, “A lot of times, the machines won’t accept the app for payment.”

Cattano explained, “The machine in the lots by the library needs to be replaced because of connection failures. They are using 3-G versus the 4-G or 5-G in the other lots. Once you put those new meters in, that will correct the problem. We still use the Cape May Training Academy. It’s the only Community Academy and the officers are interacting with the people in the community.”

Councilman B.J. Torres spoke up, “Cape May is much different than our town and what kind of results are we getting versus going to other academies?”

Cattano responded, “Most Middlesex County towns use Cape May for training. Atlantic City hired 100 officers and 50 stayed overnight at the Cape May Academy and the other 50 didn’t. Those who stayed overnight in Cape May performed better.”

Torres countered, “Firefighters stay overnight at firehouses while (police) officers always go to individual homes.”

Cattano continued, “Police interact with nursing home residents in Cape May, and we have been using Cape May for 6 years and we get reports every day of each of our officers’ activities. We and the county have an agreement with Cape May to use their facilities.”

Council President Petrick then remarked, “All the distractions are taken away when police get training away from home.”

Torres then made a comparison, “When students go to college, some that commute do better than those students who live on campus. Are there measurements to show comparisons between academies?”

Cattano said, “It’s hard to pinpoint.”

Cattano then talked about Animal Control, “There are 2 full-time employees and we’re looking to add 2 part-time employees. This is a no-kill shelter and adoptions are high. Animals are only euthanized at the Veterinarian’s recommendation. Sometimes we deal with other wildlife. Many people feed outside cats, and when they do, those cats are their responsibility. We have people who can set traps to capture feral cats. When animals are pregnant, we may have to leave them alone until they give birth.”

Councilman Petrick asked if we can leave wildlife at the Runyon Watershed. 

Cattano answered, “You will have to ask animal control.”

After Cattano made his presentation, Petrick asked if they could still make amendments to the budget. City Clerk Victoria Kupsch said, “The budget has been already introduced.”

Law Director William Opel then answered, “Yes,” (after the public hearing).

Business Administrator Michael Green answered a question pertaining to R-188-4/22 – A grant from the Department of Transportation in an amount not to exceed $780,000. “This is for roadway improvements for certain roads.”

Petrick then asked, “Are they going to make repairs to the bulkheads that will connect the promenade between the county park and Harbortown?”

Green said, “We are having a meeting to clean the sidewalks near Buckingham Avenue.

 Public Comments:

Resident Ken Balut came up first. “We heard from the Jewish Renaissance and all of these other people who get money from government agencies. The YMCA does great things, but we subsidize them. We send more money to Washington then we get back. We need to know the stats from Fentanyl deaths. No one talks about it, but if it did, it will stop. If you print crimes, and people who die on the front page, it will stop. When I was cop, we would do that, and that activity would stop. The Board of Education needs to come to our meetings to discuss the budget. If the money came out of your pocket, you would care. In 2012 we had an arbitration scheduled to see how much the Y owes us and it stopped. Copies of all the budgets should be here.”

Business Administrator Green spoke up, “All of the budgets are online.”

Resident Vince Mackiel Came up next, “People should be aware of Communication No. 8 – Elizabethtown Gas submitted a notion of public hearing to increase Base Tariff Rates and charges for gas services. “There is a public hearing to be held on April 21st and the number for people to call in to participate virtually. Elizabethtown Gas said their revenue is $346 million and they needed to use it for capital improvement. They want to increase their tariff from between 17%-24%. They always put down why they have these increases. At another meeting, at the Office of Economic and Community Development, said they could have Code Blue set up at the Salvation Army, but I still see people sleeping in hallways.”

Council President Bill Petrick spoke up, “The Salvation Army used to have an intake facility. Olive Street has been used the past. The Salvation Army is a separate corporation and can’t move the homeless to the facility on their own.”

Councilman Torres said, “I was at a meeting with the Salvation Army and the City of Perth Amboy dissolved their partnership with them.”

Tashi Vazquez from the Office of Economic and Community Development spoke via Zoom, “The Salvation Army moved away (from housing people) because of changes in their policy. We have received $500,000 from the county for housing and $1.9 million from HUD which has a sheltering component from the County involved. There is a possibility for housing to be included. We will be having a public hearing to get feedback.”

No one from Zoom spoke during the public portion. 

Council President Bill Petrick then asked the council if they wanted to do a Resolution opposing Elizabethtown Gas’s proposed rate increase.

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I want to applaud Mr. Mackiel for bringing this to our attention.” You can’t blame the war for the increase in our food and gas prices.”

The council closed the public portion and went into closed session at 7:57 p.m. with no further action being taken. All council members were present in person.

The 4/13/22 Council Meeting’s first order of business was a presentation of a Proclamation to Ahsia Torres who earned athletic achievements as a top female wrestler. Academically, she is a current Honor Student with a 3.9 GPA, a member of the ROTC and the National Honor Society, a high school wrestling record of 50 wins and 8 losses, and a two-time Greater Middlesex County Champion and voted twice as the Most Outstanding Wrestler.

The Department of Public Works presented their budget. Acting Director of DPW Matthew Nieves came up before the council, “There are currently 71 employees in 6 divisions. We have repaved 14 streets, several commuter lots and restored the Ferry Slip. We want to order electric garbage trucks. In 2021 we had 13 community cleanups. From July 30th to December 31st of 2021, we sold 9,754 tons of solid waste and over 21,000 tons so far this year. We’ve also painted parts of the Jankowski Center and on April 16th, there will be a city-wide cleanup at 6 locations. We’ll continue our Patch Program of city streets. People can go online to schedule appointments for refuse pickup. All this information will be on the city’s website.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “We need to get this information to the residents besides just putting it on the city website.”

Nieves continued, “We ordered a smart-can which is self-contacting that will send a signal when it is full. This will first be set up at the Brighton Avenue Community Center. It will be just for trash, and we will have to pay for the Wi-fi hookup.” He also wanted to thank all the supervisors, DPW employees, and the council. “The total cost for getting this smart-can is $4,000 and that includes the Wi-fi and shipping. We have 7 automated vehicles for trash pickups and 2 spare vehicles. We are waiting for an order to come in, but right now, there is a backup of equipment. We are in the process of putting in a Resolution to get a contract for parts that we need.” He then talked about improvements for 2022.

DPW Supervisor Danny Cleaver came up and talked about vandalism that happened in one of the city parks. “One slide that was vandalized, we turned it over on the other side which saved us $10,000.”

Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up, “I’ve talked about repairs that needed to be done for the parks for years. I was even given a due date for when the park would get fixed, but it wasn’t done. The Jungle Gym in Rudyk Park never got fixed. Why talk about next year if repairs have not taken place for this year in the park?”

Nieves then explained, “The fencing is back up. Sometimes it is weeks or months. We have been waiting for 2 months for a part to come in to repair one of our doors.”

Pabon still wasn’t satisfied, “There are a lot of local fence companies around. It is unacceptable for Wilentz Park not to be open. A lot of people use Rudyk Park, and a lot of that equipment is rusted. The railing at the Marina was supposed to be painted, but that never happened. If something happens to a child (using faulty equipment) at a park, then there will be a lot of finger pointing. In spite of everything, I think you are doing a great job.”

Council President Bill Petrick asked Nieves, “How are we on salt usage?”

Nieves answered, “We used the estimated amount. When you see some of the salt spills, it may come from the cracks where the hinges are in the trucks.”

Petrick was concerned about the rebatement by the park near Water and Lewis Streets. 

B.A. Green said he would contact the engineer.

Danny Cleaver came up to respond, “The problem is with the bulkhead. We need an exploratory explanation by the contractor. I will reach out to the City Engineer Jeff Rauch.” He then addressed the problems brought out by Councilman Pabon regarding the fencing, “We have replaced fencing in the past and just did Washington Park. That fence is heavy duty and because of the softball teams using it, and the bats hitting the fencing causes a lot of wear and tear on it.”

Pabon said, “I disagree! I see the invoices. We replace the fencing in Wilentz Park recently and we can get fencing replaced for the bigger fields. A lot of equipment in the parks are being vandalized. If that is happening, I will apologize for my statement.”

Cleaver said, “We are also looking to have a beach maintenance plan.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda told Nieves, “You are doing a great job. I know there are a lot of troubles with the parks, but overall, your department is doing a good job.”

Councilman B.J. Torres asked, “What are the CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Plans and the dollar amount?”

B.A. Green said he would get back to him.

The next department to speak about the Budget was Code Enforcement. Director Irving Lozada was unable to be there. Construction Official for Code Enforcement Scott Melski came up to speak.  “In 2021 we conducted 3,550 inspections. This includes electric, fire, and plumbing and over 1,000 permits were issued. Most of the inspections were on buildings. When people apply for a permit, they are required to pay with 2 checks: one is for the DCA Surcharge, and the other is for the general account. If you just need a permit for demolition, you only need to write out one check.”

Petrick then questioned, “Can this be done online?”

Melski answered, “Only for single-family homes because contractors are required to use a raised seal. We can see if one check can be submitted, but we always requested two checks. From January thru March of this year, we’ve had 650 inspections and 816 so far up to date. We have seen work done without permits being issued and there is probably a couple one very block. Any that we receive, I am holding them accountable. For emergencies, they have to get their permits filed as soon as possible. This happens a lot when we sell properties. We will need more help with new developments coming in. We are self-funded and self-sufficient and cover the cost of enforcement.”

Petrick asked if fees can be carried over after future developments are completed.

Melski answered, “Yes.”

Supervising Code Enforcement Officer/Zoning Officer Rudy Rodriguez spoke next, “We have 5 Inspectors, and they have 565 Code Compliance Inspections. There are 319 Zoning Permits, 8 Road Openings, 7 Dumpster Rentals, 19 Variances, 109 Illegal Housing, and most of them were called in by tips by the Police Department and Fire Department complaints. There were 924 debris removal and 1,000 complaints with overgrown grass or hedges on properties. We have 5 Fire Inspectors.”

Pabon spoke up, “If people with large lots are charging people to park commercial vehicles, the Tax Department should get involved.”

Rodriguez responded, “Summonses were issued regarding illegal parking and 16 of those summonses have expired. They were all given 30-day notices.”

Council President Petrick questioned, “How was this list formulated?”

Rodriguez answered, “I looked at the old list. Also, inspectors see violators, or sometimes people call in when they see violations going on.”

Councilman Torres spoke up, “Illegal housing doesn’t give us all the details. We need a breakdown on how the violations were discovered or some of the repeat violations.”

Law Director Opel spoke up, “A certificate of compliance is issued when a property is sold. We can amend the ordinance to see what is needed.”

Torres continued, “If families are relocated, we need to know when, where, and for how long.”

Petrick questioned, “How many of the 109 Illegal Housing Units are repeat offenders?”

Rodriguez answered, “I will get back to you.”

Pabon spoke up, “The people who suffer are the ones who park small school buses in the driveways and not the corporations who have the big trucks (they can afford the fines).”

Petrick continued, “All the private school bus companies should have their own private lot to park their busses.”

Matthew Nieves returned to the mike when Rodriguez was done speaking and said, “We are getting the job done with our 71 employees.”

 Public Comments on Ordinances:

Resident Ken Balut came up to speak about Ordinance No. 2 – Entitled, “Vehicles and Traffic” regarding truck parking regulations.

“Does this include busses and commercial vans?”

Petrick answered, “Yes.”

Balut continued, “Those numbers are terrible for inspections. Those inspectors don’t see everything. I can easily show 4 to 5 places that are in violation of codes.”

 Public Portion (Agenda Items Only):

Resident Ken Balut spoke first. He talked about a house in his neighborhood which is listed as a Mother/Daughter property which has a 2-car driveway that was built around a telephone pole. That property was given a C/O (Certificate of Occupancy) after that driveway was built. “When I went to OPRA that property, the paperwork was missing on the C/O before and after the selling of the house. Irving (Lozada) may be nice, but he is not qualified as a Code Enforcement Director. This is why we are losing a lot of court cases. Before he became Code Enforcement Director, we lost tax appeals regarding the Chevron Property because of a person not being qualified. How many employees are getting $8,000 raises? What is the price of the billboard on State Street (that has a picture of the mayor with a background picture of parts of the city and nothing else)?”

B.A. Green said he would look into both of those items.

The meeting was opened up to Zoom participants.

Resident Maria Vera spoke, “I have been a resident here for 40 years and own a Victorian House. I see so many houses that have air conditioners in their attics. How can Code Enforcement miss this? People are underpaying their taxes with illegal units in their basements and attics. It is unhealthy and you can’t find parking with all these illegal units.”

The next person to speak was Jose Amarante who lives on Cortlandt Street. “I’m Chair of the Zoning Board and some people were let go and some new people came on. Meetings were cancelled because of our attorney being absent – not because of having a quorum.”

Council President Petrick said, “If you cancel two meetings, the attorneys have to renotify the public.”

Amarante responded, “Attorneys are mishandling it.”

Petrick continued, “If you have a quorum, a meeting can still take place to discuss business.”

Amarante said, “There is only one resolution before us.”

Petrick ended the discussion, “A resolution has to be passed for the applicant to proceed.”

Councilman B.J. Torres then asked, “Can we have the Code Enforcement Director come in person to go over some of the budget items that could not be explained tonight?”

Green answered, “It’s my mistake. I should have said at the beginning of the budget hearing that Code Enforcement Director Irving Lozada will not be here tonight because his wife just had a baby.”

The meeting was opened up to the public to speak on the Municipal Budget.

Ken Balut came up first. “Is the Board of Education raising taxes? Is the County raising taxes?”

Petrick answered, “Yes to the Board of Education, and probably to the County.”

Balut continued, “The Board of Education should not pay to use the Y. We are subsidizing the Y and paying for the Recreation Department. I don’t see the salary listed for the new attorney.”

Law Director Opel responded, “I am not salaried.”

Balut said, “You are in violation of your own ordinance.”

Opel responded, “My contract was approved by the council for a flat fee by the month.”

Balut ended, “We need paperwork and all the handouts that directors gave out during the budget hearings.”

Opel then made one more comment, “The law firm I work for is given the money, then they pay their attorneys.”

For the consent agenda, R-177 thru R-186; R-188 thru R-190 was moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. For R-187 – Authorizing a settlement of the Workers Compensation Litigation via an order approving settlement in the matter entitled, “Anthony Colon vs. The City of Perth Amboy” for the amount of $31,692. Moved by Pabon, seconded by Tejeda. Torres voted “No.”

 Council Comments:

Councilwoman Rose Morales thanked all who spoke tonight. She congratulated Wrestler Ahsia Torres on her accomplishments. She wished everyone a Happy Easter.

Councilman Joel Pabon said, “I respect all council members – those who came before I served, and those after, but I am asking when council members speak, that we be fully heard (and not interrupted). We pay a lot of taxes, and the residents should fully enjoy everything they pay for, especially our parks. I don’t like people B.S.-ing me, especially when I complain about the parks. I see that they started working again on Second Street Park, but I want to know if phosphorus was cleared.”

B.A. Michael Green said, “I will find out if the mitigation was done.”

Pabon continued, “I want to commend the city on a lot of the lights being fixed in the city’s parking lots. Although there are a lot of neighborhood lights being fixed, the lights on New Brunswick Avenue and Division Street still need their lights fixed. Remember, Covid is still not over, and I am still against large gatherings. Mask Mandates are going back into place. Most people have Covid tests that they can take at home. I hope that the Little League is able to open up soon.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda wished everyone a Happy Easter and Passover.

Councilman B.J. Torres had no comments.

Council President Bill Petrick wished everyone a Happy Easter. “Stay safe and well.”

After Petrick spoke, OEM Coordinator and Acting Police Chief Larry Cattano came up to speak on Covid numbers, “The Covid numbers are down in town. There are many people who do home tests that are probably positive, and we’ve had no deaths.”

Councilwoman Tejeda said, “The hospital numbers are down, also.”

The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. All council members were present in person.