5/18/22 Council Meeting

The WeLoveU Foundation leads a cheer

Veterans Edward Grimes and Mike Vintziley play a song they wrote in front of city hall after speaking and playing at the council meeting.

By: Katherine Massopust

SOUTH AMBOY – There was a proclamation given to the WeLoveU Foundation for their volunteer work in the city of South Amboy. Mayor Henry read the proclamation to members of the Foundation. Council President Mickey Gross commended Jay Elliot who stated that the WeLoveU Foundation a\is a great bunch of folks committed to doing service projects. The WeLoveU Foundation helped to do Cleanups at the South Amboy beaches. Gross stated, “We never see what powerful work you do. You did power home remodeling, amazing cleanups and plant flowerbeds, cleaning up litter.”

The WeLoveU Foundation led everyone in a cheer.

Councilwoman Zussette Dato was reappointed to the Zoning Board. “I’ve served for a number of years. I take it very seriously.”

Council President Gross stated, “You do a very good job.”

The consent agenda was approved, along with the minutes, and bill list. 

Council Comments:

Councilman Tom Reilly thanked the WeLoveU Foundation, “It is wonderful work by volunteers. It is a a wonderful gesture. Thank you very much.” Reilly added, “I thank the First Responders and Volunteers at the food pantry (and donors). We really should give some proclamations. I see the notes. People give up so much of their time.” Reilly then spoke about the Veterans, “They are having a Buy a Brick Fundraiser – go buy a brick. They lost their home due to Superstorm Sandy.” Reilly then spoke about the Business Breakfast which is still being planned. 

City Clerk Deborah Brooks stated, “I will get in touch with speakers. When we will have a location?”

Mayor Fred Henry reads a Proclamation to the WeLoveU Foundation *Photos by Katherine Massopust

Reilly said he was working on that. He then asked about Arts & Crafts for kids in the summer.

Business Administrator Glenn Skarzynski answered, “We waited so long. There will be sports activities: baseball, softball, and other sports.”

Reilly then asked about the illegal pallet operation and the status of sidewalk dining.

Mayor Fred Henry (L) & Jay Elliot (R) with the WeLoveU Foundation

Council President Mickey Gross stated that the city will have it until Christmas stating that he felt small businesses need to make a few bucks after losing money due to the pandemic.

Reilly then asked about tax information from the first quarter PILOT from Manhattan Beach. He then wished everyone a Happy Memorial Day. “I see a few new businesses opening up on Broadway. Hopefully we will get more. We went through a long stretch in Covid.”

Council Vice President Christine Noble stated that people can apply for curbside dining with charge. She thanked the WeLoveU Foundation and wished everyone a Happy and Safe Memorial Day.

Councilwoman Zusette Dato stated she attended the groundbreaking on Main Street. “We are taking care of a blighted area. “It is a really great project.” She thanked the WeLoveU for the beach cleanup, “So many people picked up trash and dug a flowerbed.” She then complimented the Police Department, “The police memorial in front of city hall – we appreciate all of the efforts of the police.” She stated that the ballfields look spectacular. Dato then reminded everyone that the Primary Election is on June 7, 2022. “Polling places are at the Senior Center and the Middle High School.”

Council President Mickey Gross stated, “At the Middlesex County 200 Club, they honored police officers. South Amboy had a group. It is a well-recognized honor.” He then said, “We all went through crummy times in life. Hats off to you and all the Veterans.” Gross reminded everyone that July 2nd is the fireworks and local bands will be performing. He thanked Jay Elliot, “He is a good friend.” Gross then stated that all the kids in South Amboy need to learn to swim. He reminded everyone how South Amboy is surrounded by water and it is Water Safety Month. He also reminded everyone that the Veterans will be laying down a wreath on Sunday, May 22nd at 11 a.m. “Please come out.”

Mayor Fred Henry thanked the WeLoveU Foundation for the great job they did for the city. “The Police Memorial was well attended.” He stated that the free health screening event was a success. He then added that he attended Woodmont’s groundbreaking today (5/18/22). Mayor Henry reminded everyone to clean out their medicine cabinet and dispose of old medicines. He thanked James Ryan for 63 years of service in the Police Department. “The things that police officers did to avoid a situation. It takes a certain person to be a police officer. It certainly is not an easy job. This group is very dedicated to their job.”

Public Portion:

Veteran Edward “Lefty” Grimes spoke first. “I fight for disabled vets. You cannot get currently into the police station (in a wheelchair). Last time we had a ramp where I was speaking. A disabled vet used that ramp. This meeting is illegal under the Disability Rights Act. Leave 99 and go for the 1. You leave your past and rights of Veterans every day. Why are you ignoring the sick and dying people? You need to fix your wheelchair access.” He then read a poem.

Veteran Mike Vintziley came up to the microphone. Vintziley played the guitar and he and Grimes sang a song they wrote  about wheelchair access in City Hall. 

Resident Greg Babalack asked why the camera is not on the audience and the people not seen on the viewscreen, and who is in charge of the audio.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski stated that they are getting a brand-new audio system soon. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Councilman Brian McLaughlin was not present.