Amboy Guardian 8_17_22

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8. The Amboy Guardian *August 17, 2022Woodbridge Public Library EventsListed below are the free events we have planned for August2022. We will be hosting events both in-person and virtuallythroughout the month. Please make sure to check which formatthe presentation will be presented in.August 16 | 7PM | Virtual ProgramThe Tragic Wreck of the John K. Shaw - A Hit and Run at SeaCurrent president of the New Jersey Historical Divers AssociationDaniel Lieb will tell us the riveting story of the John K.Shaw, the first three masted schooner ever built on City Islandwhich tragically sunk off the Woodlands on the New Jersey coastwith the loss of its entire crew. Registration Required - https://woodbridgelibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=13020&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/08/01August 17 | 3:30PM | Main Library (In-person)DIY Beach Sign CraftJoin us in-person to create your own DIY Beach Sign Craft.All Supplies will be provided. Open to Adults and Teens (13+).Registration Required - https://woodbridgelibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=12878&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/08/01August 25 | 6PM | Virtual ProgramAcrylics and Seashell ArtJoin local artist Komal Mehra via Zoom to learn the basics ofacrylic painting! Supplies will be provided by the library. RegistrationRequired - https://woodbridgelibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=13043&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/08/01August 25 | 7PM | Iselin Library (In-person)Craft & Chat: DIY VisorGet stylish and protect yourself from those fierce rays with yourown cotton DIY sun visor! A variety of decorating tools willbe available. Registration Required - https://woodbridgelibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=13165&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/08/01August 27 | 12PM | Main Library (In-person)Games in the LibraryLove to play? Come out and join our new Tabletop GamingGroup! This month we will be meeting in the Woodbridge MainLibrary's 2nd Floor Periodicals Room, from 12 - 4 PM. No RegistrationRequired - https://woodbridgelibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=13158&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/08/01Woodbridge Library Programming DepartmentWoodbridge Public Library1 George Frederick Plaza,Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095Try our new app, WPL on the Go!www.woodbridgelibrary.orgFind us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!CASA of Middlesex CountyHolding Baby Formula DriveMIDDLESEX COUNTGY - Due to the national formula shortage,parents are struggling to find enough baby formula fortheir children. CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates ofMiddlesex County is holding a baby formula drive to help theyoungest and most vulnerable in our communities.The formula shortage has caused significant stress and hardshipfor the foster parents and guardians CASA works with, especiallyrelated to infants with specialized dietary needs. CASAof Middlesex County is asking for support from the communityto help those that need it the most.CASA is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving abusedand neglected children who are living in out-of-home placements.CASA recruits and trains volunteers to advise the courtsand advocate for the children’s best interests.Those wishing to donate can drop off baby formula during officehours Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30-12:30pm or contact Lauren Sikora at laurens@casaofmiddlesexcounty.orgto make alternate arrangements. The office is located at 77Church Street in New Brunswick.Those wishing to donate funds can donate at anytime by goingto casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/donate.If you would like to contribute to the CASA baby formuladrive, or are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteerat CASA of Middlesex County, please visit casaofmiddlesexcounty.org,email info@casaofmidddlesexcounty.org, orcall (732) 246-4449.CASA of Middlesex County is non-profit dedicated to standingup for the needs of children living in foster care, advocating forthese children through the hard work of trained volunteers whoare assigned to a child or sibling group.Oceans of PossibilitiesPress ReleaseSOUTH AMBOY —Readers of all ages will dive into the oceandepths this summer as the Dowdell Library presents "Oceans ofPossibilities.” There are activities for everyone!Adult programs will be held weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30am and Friday at 6:30 pm; children's programs will be held onMonday and Wednesday; times vary. Visit Dowdell.org forinformation about all of these and other fun summer programs.Don't miss the Outdoor Music concert featuring New Jersey'sPremier Rock Band, The Paul Nagy Project. Tuesday, August 9,6:30 - 8:30 pm. Rain date on August 23. Bring your beach chairsand enjoy the summer air and good music!Dowdell Library is excited to share online virtual health programsin collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson UniversityHospital and RWJ Barnabas Health. Some courses offered inAugust include Stress Reduction through Imagery and StretchIt! Chair exercising, stretching, and flexibility workshop. If youare interested in these online events, please register by emailingKathleen Johnson kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org.The Senior Book Club will meet at the library on Tuesday, August30, at 10:30 am. Contact the Library to pick up this month'sbook.Curious what else is going on at your local library? (We cannever fit everything here!) Stop by in-person or visit our websitedowdell.org to sign up for our newsletter and view adult andchildren’s activity calendars, which are updated on a monthlybasis.Comments, queries, compliments? Please visit www.dowdell.org, or contact the Library at 732-721-6060 or comments@dowdell.org. The library is located off John O’Leary Blvd, adjacentto South Amboy Middle High School. The Dowdell Libraryhours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10am to 8pm;and Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm.Free Virtual Health Services @ Dowdell Library!Press ReleaseSOUTH AMBOY — The Sadie Pope Dowdell Library receiveda grant to provide the community with telehealth services andjust launched a program which allows the community to schedulea doctor’s visit using the library’s private telehealth space.Just schedule an appointment to participate in a private onlinevideo conference with your healthcare provider and obtain onlineaccess using one of the library’s iPads. This free service alsoprovides access to online medical and mental health informationusing suggested websites on the iPad screen.The library is bridging the digital divide and is committed toconnecting the community to their healthcare providers to improveaccess to health information to ensure they lead healthylives.Telehealth iPads are available for private telehealth appointmentsfor South Amboy Library cardholders. Just make a reservation toensure a time slot. Contact the library at 732-721-6060.Library Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 am - 8 pm,Wednesday & Friday 10 am - 5 pm. Comments, queries, compliments?Please visit www.dowdell.org, or contact the Library at732-721-6060 or comments@dowdell.org. The library is locatedoff John O’Leary Blvd, adjacent to South Amboy Middle HighSchool.Comprehensive FamilyReading ClubPERTH AMBOY - The Friends of the Perth Amboy Free PublicLibrary and Learning w/ Leigh are teaming up to provide a comprehensivefamily reading club that not only exposes familiesto various works of literature but provides resources to work onlanguage arts skills for six weeks during the summer. The purposeof the club is for the whole family to sit down together andlisten to, then discuss, the book of the week. Afterwards, familiescan choose to participate in the accompanying literary activity.Enrolling in the family reading club provides access to theweekly story readings via zoom as well as a google classroomfull of resources and guides to assist parents and students alikein maintaining and building language arts skills. The cost to enrollis $35 for all six weeks for all members of the household.The Friends of the Perth Amboy Free Public Library has generouslyarranged a 5% discount for all Perth Amboy communitymembers that utilize the coupon code FOLPerthAmboy. Couponcode will be valid on all summer zoom classes offered throughLearning w/ Leigh, however the Friends group highly encouragesPerth Amboy residents to enroll in the Family Reading Club.https://learningwleigh.com/products/family-reading-club-summer-2022Used ClothingDrop-Off ShedSponsored By:First PresbyterianChurch with the Helpof TurnkeyEnterprises, LLCSAYREVILLE - Location: 172Main St., Sayreville, NJ 08872(Parking Lot). Items Accepted:All clothing, shoes, belts, purses,blankets, linens, and stuffedtoys. (Your donation will notbe cut up or shredded). (Pleaseno rags, fabric scraps, pillows,rugs, toys, or household goods,please understand that theabove-mentioned items are ahardship and expense to disposeof.)Turkey Enterprises LLC isa for-profit company that partnerswith non-profit organizationsin communities to helpsupport their fundraising needsby recycling unwanted clothing.The clothing collected is usedas clothing – not cut into rags.Turnkey services each locationand pays the sponsoring organizationby the pound for the unwanteditems. www.turnkeyenterprises.com***Help us keep your donationclean and dry*** Pleaseput your donation in plasticbags. Thank you.Friends of thePerth AmboyLibrary BookSale Return!PERTH AMBOY - The Friendsof the Perth Amboy Free PublicLibrary are once again havinga book sale every other Saturdayfrom 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. atthe Brighton Avenue CommunityCenter/Teen Center at thecorner of Brighton Avenue andSadowski Parkway in Perth Amboy.I know many people havebeen starving for reading materialfor these long months wewere at home. We will be wearingmasks and providing handsanitizer and bags if needed. Wealso insist that anyone coming toperuse our collection also weara mask. Paperbacks are $.50,hardcovers are $1, $5 for a bagfull, oversize bags or boxes are$10, no lawn or garbage bags.We have best sellers by popularauthors that are like new. Themoney we raise goes to supportthe library with providing programs,promoting literacy or toprovide funds to the library withtheir needs beyond their budget.We are now accepting donations.We look forward to yourvisit.For more information email usat friendsofperthamboylibrary@gmail.com, or call us at 201-381-1903 and like us on Facebook.Dealers are welcome. Weare also welcoming new members.Ads Sell! Call Carolyn! 732-896-4446
August 17, 2022 * The Amboy Guardian .9Uses for American Rescue Funds Questioned8/10/22 Council MeetingBy: Carolyn MaxwellPERTH AMBOY – During thefirst public portion on agendaitems, Resident Ken Balutspoke first.Council President Bill Petrickspoke up to remind Balut thathe speaks directly into the mike,“Because there is a conspiracytheory that we are deliberatelymuting you.”Balut stated, “I don’t knowwhy there is a problem becauseI always talk loud.” Balutasked, “Why are we refundingmoney back on R-398 forthe Perth Amboy HarborsideMarina 2022 Mooring SummerSeason?” He then asked,“How much money was spentfor R-401 ($276,000 from theAmerican Rescue Plan Act witha contract from Spatial DataLogic)?”Business Administrator MichaelGreene responded toR-401 first, “These are for eightmeters and the money has notbeen spent yet because of a supplychain problem.”Balut continued, “You shouldhave a running total of where allthis money is going. There alsois a lot of hidden money. Weare paying a lot of interest feeson bonds and the lawyers aremaking a lot of money on legalfees. Now, we have anotherlawsuit against us due to a persondrowning. We don’t knowthe amount of the fees that thelawyers are charging. We aregetting $16 million in a twoyeartimeframe. We are givingmillions on no-bid contracts. Idon’t trust these contracts andthese bids. Both Democrats andRepublicans do it and also peoplewho give donations.”The next person to come upand speak was Carlos Rodriguezwho is the owner of TorresCafé on High Street. He referencedR-392-8/22 – Approvinga seasonal fixed location peddlerlease at the foot of SadowskiParkway and MadisonAvenue with Carlos Rodriguezd/b/a Torres Café. “We prideourselves on being one of thelast Puerto Rican Cafes in PerthAmboy. We are looking to getapproval of this license. I spokewith the Clerk’s Office and withCouncilman Pabon. I also supplieda contract (for this location).”Law Director William Opel responded,“We just had to makea slight change in the hours ofoperation.”The next person to come tospeak was Precious Ojeda fromthe Jewish Renaissance Foundation.She told the council thatshe has copies of the presentationthat was made via Zoomat the Caucus Meeting, and sheis here to answer any questionsthey may have about the organization.No one had any questions.Public Comments (for agendaitems only – Participants ViaZoom)Resident Sharon Hubbermanspoke first. She asked for a listof the items that the $3.8 millionof the American Rescue Fundand how much for each item.She also questioned, “What isthe citywide camera system?”B.A. Greene responded, “Thesum of the money will go towardsa computer replacementnetwork upgrade and systemupdates. License plate readers, avideo security system for publicsafety (broadband and securityfor our citizens). They can pinpointwhere a crime is happening.”Hubberman then asked, “Willthere be additional items added?It is disturbing to have camerasall around the city. Who will bemonitoring this? It is againstour constitutional rights. Theyare not in critical spots (regardingterrorist threats).”Councilman Joel Pabon responded,“We need to table thisordinance. There is not enoughinformation. We need an explanationof a layout of the cameras.A lot of our firetrucks need alot of room (when turning ontothe streets). What are we gettingwith this new truck? It is a lot ofmoney.”Councilman Torres spoke upnext, “I want to table this ordinance.”Pabon stated he would secondthat because each item shouldbe voted on separately.Fire Chief Ed Mullen spokeup via Zoom to talk about thenew firetruck. “It is a pumperand will be replacing a 33-yearoldtruck and is the same priceas the current pumper.”Police Chief Cattano cameup to the mike to speak, “Thesurveillance cameras will beplaced in public areas on thestreets.”Councilman Torres said, “Thatis a lot of money just to have licenseplate readers.”Cattano then explained,“There are a lot of stolen vehiclesthat are coming into PerthAmboy.”Pabon spoke up, “We need tofind out about those stolen catalyticconverters.”Petrick then asked, “Willthose cameras have real-timemonitoring?”Cattano explained, “They willhave artificial intelligence andwill be able to view past andcurrent crimes.”City Clerk Victoria Kupschspoke up, “We can move the ordinancewhen it comes time tovote.”Councilman Pabon asked,“When will Elizabethtown Gasend their work so we can startpaving on those streets? Theystarted working on some ofthose streets months ago and weneed to be kept abreast.”Council President Bill Petrickspoke up next, “During theDiaz administration, they wereproactive getting the work doneon the streets, so we could startpaving on a street that ElizabethtownGas was workingon. The meters that are beingplaced in front of buildings aredangerous.” He referenced theexplosion of a former buildingthat had a laundromat on thefirst floor and apartments aboveit on New Brunswick and EastAvenues around 20 years ago.Petrick asked for any updatesat the boats at the marina thatwere in slips that were too smallfor them. Greene said he wouldget the information for him.The council voted on the ordinances.The first two ordinancespassed. Both dealing with mandatoryonsite affordable housingset aside. Public Hearings wereheld on June 8, 2022, for bothof them.Ordinance No. 1 – HandicappedParking Spaces regardingadditions. It was Moved byPabon, seconded by Tejeda.Ordinance No. 2 – RegulatingNews Racks in outdoor publicspaces. Moved by Pabon, secondedby Tejeda.Ordinance No. 1 (first reading)– Using the American RescuePlan Funds for equipment forthe water/wastewater utility.Moved by Pabon, seconded byTejeda.Ordinance No. 2 (first reading)– Using $3,860,000 of theAmerican Rescue Plan Fundsfor the acquisition of variousequipment. Moved by Pabon,seconded by Torres. When itcame to voting individually,Tejeda and Morales voted, “No”to table. Motion passes.Ordinance No. 3 (first reading)– Using $650,000 of theAmerican Rescue Plan Fundsfor the replacement of all existingsingle-head parking meters.Moved by Pabon, seconded byTejeda.Ordinance No. 4 (first reading)– American Rescue Plan Fundsfor Construction of Smith StreetShop Distribution Building forthe Water Utility. Moved by Pabon,seconded by Tejeda.Ordinance No. 5 (first reading)– Designating HandicappedParking Spaces regardingadditions. Moved by Pabon,seconded by Tejeda.Ordinance No. 6 (first reading)– Smoking and Lighted Objects– Removed at the Caucus.Ordinance No. 7 (first reading)– Amendment to a LeaseAgreement between the city andNew Cingular Wireless, PCS,LLC (AT&T). Moved by Pabon,seconded by Tejeda.Ordinance No. 8 (first reading)– Amendments to the Focus2020 Redevelopment Planfor Area No. 2. Moved by Pabon.Seconded by Tejeda.For the consent agenda,R-382, R-384 thru R-391;R-393 thru R-402; R-404 thruR-411; R-413 thru R-422 wasmoved by Pabon, seconded byTejeda.R-383 – 8/22 – Overriding theMayor’s Veto of an ordinanceentitled “Public Entertainment.”Councilwoman Milady Tejedahad a question, “It looks likethere were additional changesmade such as no beer garden bythe Wilentz School and I saw a3-hour difference in the time ofthe festival.”Councilman Pabon mentioned,“The time would be 10 a.m. to7 p.m. on Sunday for the festival.”This resolution was voted onindividually, Morales, Tejeda,Pabon voted, “No.” Resolutiondoes not pass.R-392 – 8/22 – Approvingthe fixed location peddler licensewith Carlos Rodriguezlocated on the foot of SadowskiParkway and Madison Avenue.Moved by Pabon, seconded byTejeda. When voting, Tejedaabstained.R-403 -8/22 – Authorizinga settlement in the matter ofIvette Rios vs. the City of PerthAmboy in an amount not to exceed$14,000. Moved by Pabon,seconded by Tejeda. When itcame time to vote, Petrick andPabon abstained.R-412 – 8/22 – Accepting agrant from the U.S. Departmentof Housing and UrbanDevelopment Community ProjectFunding in the Amount of$1,500,000 for the Perth AmboyPublic Library Renovations andUpgrade Project.B.J. Torres said, “We needto have a presentation. Peoplewrote about not having theneeded personnel, but we needthe money, so I vote “Yes.”Council President Petricksaid, “Who will oversee thismoney and the construction?”Greene responded, “It will beshared services, but we will stillhave oversight of the project.”Petrick continued, “All ofthose on the Board were appointedby the mayor and willhave a lot on their plate, plusthey should have their own attorney.”There was a late-starter R-423-8 /22 – Opposing ElizabethtownGas Company Petition to NewJersey Board of Public Utilitiesto review its basic gas supplyservice rate and ConservationIncentive Program Rates.Moved by Pabon, seconded byTejeda to be put on the agenda.All voted “Yes,” for this resolution.Public Portion (in-person first):Resident Ken Balut spokefirst, “Is Joel Rosa now workingin the Library?Petrick answered, “Yes.”Balut then talked about securitycameras, “Which we’ve hadbefore…and the information onthe cameras should be held for60 days. What is the timing onthe cameras? There are a lot oftrips and falls and other incidentsand cameras would bea good solution. We are not assafe as people think. I feel saferon some streets in Newark thanI do here. We need safe streetsand housing. We can use grantmoney for solving homeless,and there is property available.There are a lot of legal feeswhen we use bonding, and thishas got to stop. We are nowflushed with money that wedidn’t have before.”Petrick asked B.A. Greene,“How many active cameras dowe have at the marina?”Greene was not sure, but hesaid that the police have accessto the recordings and Eddie PerezJr. is the Marina Supervisor.”Petrick continued, “Thereis also a car that was hit andwound up on the sidewalk bythe Vocational School.”Resident Dorothy Danielcame up to speak next. Shewanted to know if the library ishandicapped accessible. “I goto the Woodbridge Library becausethey are handicapped accessible.”She then asked if wehave the monkeypox vaccine.Greene responded, “It is inshort supply everywhere, butwe are reaching out to the county.”Daniel continued, “They havea high count of monkeypox inNew York and you know, overthe weekend they come here toshop.” She continued, “Theyneed to build a footbridge overRte. 35 by the new high school.”She also mentioned that thereshould be a new entrance toget into Wendy’s and Quick-Chek and people should onlybe allowed to exit on to Rte. 35when leaving those two locations.She said, “People shouldbe aware when flying a flag outside,along with the Americanflag, the American flag shouldalways be flown higher than anyother flag.”Petrick said, “I agree.”Businessman Carlos Rodriguezfrom Torres Café thankedthe council for approving hisseasonal license for the locationon Sadowski Parkway.Council Comments:Councilwoman Rose Moralessaid, “I thank everyone forparticipating in person and onZoom. On August 17th at 6:30p.m. at Woodbridge City Hall,there is going to be a rally tooppose the new powerplant inKeasbey. National Night Outhad a good turnout and I wantto thank the police department.I hope everyone enjoys theirsummer. Be safe.”Councilman Joel Pabon said,“We need an update on monkeypox.We always read aboutit and see it on the news. I relyon these updates for Covidor any other health concerns.There are many monkeypoxcases in New York, especiallywith Black Males. Be carefuland take precautions. I want tocongratulate the Special I PoliceOfficers. There were good turnoutsfor National Night Out andPeruvian events.”Director of Department of HumanResources Dianne Romanspoke via Zoom about monkeypox,“We reached out to localpharmacies, other cities, and thestate regarding vaccines. NewBrunswick has some vaccines,but the state wants to make surethey have the correct and currentinformation before sharingit with the public. I’ve met withour hospital personnel, and theyhave no information from thestate, yet.”Petrick stated some of thesymptoms of monkeypox. “Itis a virus, has a rash with painfuleruptions on the skin. Youshould avoid close contact witha person exhibiting those symptoms.Males are more susceptiblebecause of not taking theproper precautions.”Councilwoman Milady Tejedathanked all who participated tonight.“And all of the communityorganizations who plannedall of the activities. NationalNight Out was tremendous, andthe Basketball Workshop withBrian Taylor was fun.”Councilman B.J. Torres said,“This is why I have been fightingfor our own public healthdepartment. There was an AIDSEpidemic at one time, and nowwe have monkeypox. We needproper information. People hadhealth issues when we had SuperstormSandy, and peoplestill have issues when they werelocked up for such a long timeduring the Covid Pandemic.”Council President Bill Petrick*Continued on Page 13
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