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Executive Summary
This newsletter from the City of South Amboy highlights various city projects, events, and community initiatives as of Fall 2019. It covers updates from the Mayor, Police Department, Council Members, and DPW, showcasing progress on infrastructure improvements like street paving and the ferry project, along with community programs such as the Municipal Alliance and youth swimming lessons. The newsletter also features upcoming events like Trunk-or-Treat, the annual tree lighting, and pre-teen dances, encouraging resident involvement and awareness of city services.
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Document Text
--- Document: City Hall Record Newsletter Document ---
City of South Amboy
140 North Broadway
South Amboy, NJ, 08879
732-727-4600
Business Hours: 9 AM— 4 PM
Fall 2019
In This Issue:
facebook.com/cityofsouthamboy
twitter.com/SouthAmboyNJ
Visit our website: www.southamboynj.gov
for upcoming events and other useful information
Message from Mayor Henry
Update from South Amboy Police Department
Messages from Council Members
City projects progress and improvements
Upcoming events and information
Updates/Schedules and Information from
DPW
A Message from Mayor Fred Henry
Hello again to all South Amboy residents. We are pleased again to
distribute this news letter on South Amboy events.
I would like to begin my message with compliments to our Police
Department for successfully completing the state accreditation
process which will improve our professionalism, our rules and
regulations of the agency, along with our policies and procedures.
The NJ State Chiefs of Police Association inspected all the functions
of our department and found no deficiencies! We were awarded a
formal certificate of accreditation at a council meeting and I would
like to thank Chief LaVigne, Det. Sgt. Holovacko and Sgt. Kanecke
and the entire South Amboy police force for their hard work to
accomplish this great achievement.
It was also my honor to swear in three new officers: Timothy Kales,
Patrick Kelly and Gloriann Rutkowski. They add to an already fine
South Amboy Police Department.
Sadly, I would also like to acknowledge the passing of one of South
Amboy’s finest, former Police Chief Leroy Kurtz. He was a fine chief
and great family man. He will be missed.
South Amboy is a great place in which to open a business and
recently I was honored to perform ribbon cuttings marking the
ceremonial opening of several businesses including Java Dave’s
Coffee Shop, Broadway Ange, and Harbor Dental Association to
name a few. I am happy that these businesses saw the potential we
offer here in South Amboy and chose to set up shop here. We will
do our best to help make them successful, along with all the other
fine establishments in South Amboy.
There are so many events happening here to make South Amboy a
great place in which to live. Under my administration our beach
front has become one of the jewels of Middlesex County. With the
purchase of new equipment, a clean-up plan, and the dedication of
our public workers our waterfront has become a beautiful place to
relax and enjoy the views.
(continued on page 2)
Just recently, thanks to our Clean Community
Coordinator, Jay Elliot, and a group of volunteers
additional clean up was done where machines
couldn’t go. The beach looks better than ever and
this will allow us to plan other activities there.
This past summer the Historical Society of
South Amboy had a ribbon cutting at their new
home across from City Hall. I am pleased to
announce that we have now expanded the area
for them to occupy so the Arts District and the
Historical Society will have their separate spaces.
Look for future exciting displays by both the Arts
District and the Historical Society.
There are so many events that take place in
South Amboy but one of the most moving and
emotional took place at the Sadie Pope Dowdell
Library. With Director Elaine Gaber and her
wonderful staff a program entitled “Voices of the
Holocaust” was presented. The program included
pictures, information, music, and lectures on what
really occurred at the Nazi work camp of Terezia.
I would like to thank the library for producing such
programs and look forward to future endeavors.
I have touched on a few of the happening in
South Amboy. As you read through this
newsletter you can see that we are busy with a
multitude of projects, from paving streets, to ferry
progress, to future renovations of our sports fields
and complex, to senior recreation (including Pickle
Ball), to our involvement in Municipal Alliance.
We have increased services to the city residents
without an increase in taxes!
To view future events in South Amboy please
visit our new and improved website and facebook
page. I would like all of our citizens to take
advantage of the wonderful programs our city is
producing for all to enjoy.
Until next time, may God Bless.
A Message from the Mayor (cont.)
From the 43 cents retained from each dollar of property tax the City
Government must fund the services that you all expect. This chart
provides an explanation of where that money is spent.
We are often asked where your tax dollars are spent. This chart
show what percentage of each tax dollar goes where. As you can
see, from every dollar in property tax collected only 43 cents is
retained locally to fund local government services.
“Where do my taxes go?”
South Amboy Green Team
South Amboy is actively participating in Sustainable Jersey
and has begun implementing plans to and activities to augment
our sustainability objectives. Our Green team is comprised of
enthusiastic individuals representing all facets of our diverse
community. Keep checking our upcoming calendar of
activities.
Waves of thanks for making a splash at the beach Sweeps!
With over 6000 volunteers at over 60 sites from Bergen to Cape
May counties as well as in watersheds and rivers throughout
the state including our Raritan Bay waterfront. There are
upcoming cleanups this Fall to keep the area spotless.
Special congratulations to Jay Elliot who has chosen to be our
Clean Communities Coordinator!
Municipal Alliance
Our newly formed Municipal Alliance Committee is setting its gears in motion to provide much-
needed tobacco, drug and alcohol awareness information as well as other education programs
to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Through grants and matching funds, the
Alliance has approved various programs and activities for the community for this upcoming
year. These programs will complement and expand our current initiatives, including our very
popular DARE curriculum with our 5th graders, which is spearheaded by Det. Stg. Daniel
Holovacko and the “Not Even Once” series which was introduced to our HS sophomores this past spring.
Upcoming events include:
Technology Dependence and the Impact of technology on Substance abuse, anxiety, depression and suicide:
October 9, 2019 @ 6:30pm-8:00pm at the South Amboy Senior Resource Center
Current Adolescent Trends—Opiates and Extractions: October 23, 2019 @ 6:30pm-8:00pm at
the South Amboy Resource Center
South Amboy Police Department News
Police Chief LaVigne is happy to inform the City residents of the following:
On March 11, 2019 Chief LaVigne testified to the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police
outlining the Police Department’s Accreditation initiative which began 18 months ago and culminated
with the Cities Police Department being awarded full Accreditation status. This process has elevated our
local Police Department to “Best Practice” standards. A complete update of the Agency’s Rules and
Regulations, Policies and Procedures, as well as enhanced training has take place. Chief LaVigne wanted
to emphasize that each and every member of the South Amboy Police Department deserves immense
credit for attaining this highly prestigious status and is grateful for the support of the Mayor and Council in this huge leap
forward. Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey personally congratulated Chief LaVigne and his entire organization on this
outstanding achievement.
New Officers – Chief LaVigne worked closely with Mayor Henry and the Council and welcomed, Timothy Kales, Patrick Kelly, and
Gloriann Rutkowski as the newest members of the South Amboy Police Department. The officers new officers graduated from the
rigorous training program at the Mercer County Police Academy and are on the job to serve all of you.
Lastly, we would like to thank all of our residents and vendors that came out to support our second annual
National Night Out on August 6th, 2019. We enjoyed meeting you all and we look forward to next years
National Night Out event.
2nd Ward Councilman Tom Reilly
The City continues to work with the South Amboy Board of Education to promote our CO-OP program,
which allows students from South Amboy High School to work with City employees in an apprentice-style
program. Students who participate in the program gain valuable real-world experience, learn what it is like
to participate in a dynamic workplace environment, and gain insight into the types of careers that may
await them after high school. The program began last year, and we hope for many more successful years
ahead.
For the second consecutive year, South Amboy Elementary School’s Government club has conducted a
mock-style “council meeting” prior to the regularly-scheduled City Council meeting on May 15, 2019. Participating students took
on the roles of the Mayor and City Council members as they introduced an ordinance and voted on its adoption. This is a great
way for students to learn the basics of city government and will encourage students to participate in civic events now and into the
future.
The City recognized Government Week (April 7 through April 13, 2019). Events included a meet and greet with the Mayor and
City Council at the South Amboy Train Station plaza, tours of City Hall with the South Amboy Elementary School Government Club,
and a visit by our Mayor to our local schools. The week concluded with the City honoring its volunteers for all of their important
work at the April 17, 2019 City Council meeting.
The City has recently introduced a special Volunteer Discount Program with the dual aim of encouraging volunteerism in our
City and patronage to our City businesses. Participating local businesses will be offering discounts to our First Aid and Fire Depart-
ment members. There is no sign-up or registration required for volunteers; they need only provide appropriate identification to be
given a discount. This is one way to reward our hard-working volunteers while also incentivizing support for our local businesses.
1st Ward Councilman Brian McLaughlin
It has been a busy year and now we welcome the fall season. We had a few summer storms, but thanks to
our DPW, OEM, Volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad, as well as the Police Department we kept the
pleasant little city running as normal. Thank you all.
You will see the improvements to lower Main Street are underway. I received a lot of your emails, phone
calls, and social media posts regarding this project. It will be many months before the project is completed
but I am sure you will all find it was worth the wait when it is complete.
Our city sports programs are in progress year round. I am proud that our high school teams had a
championship season. I have witnessed the little league fields being worked on by the parents of our young athletes. Thank you to
you all for volunteering your time getting the fields ready for another season. I invite you all to come watch and support our high
school and youth sports teams.
The city has had some retirements recently. I wish you all well with your retirement. You have all earned it.
The city has also hired some new police officers to replace the retired ones. I welcome you all to your new career with
protecting our city. Being a police officer is not the same job it was twenty years ago because of all the scrutiny police officers are
under now. I’m confident you will do a great job.
Finally, I ask that some residents consider joining our volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad. This city prides itself on our
volunteer city services. The Fire Department and First Aid Squad are in need of volunteers. If you have an interest in
volunteering for any one or both of these organizations, please do.
(Mock style council meeting on May 15th, 2019.)
Council Corner
(Pictured right is the
South Amboy residents
that were recognized and
honored for their
volunteerism for the City
of South Amboy during
Government Week.)
Council President Mickey Gross
We’ve already had a great deal of success with community events this year. The annual Saint
Patrick’s Day parade was a huge success with over 20 bands and hundreds of marchers. As you
read this we are already halfway to the next Parade on March 15th 2020. Our annual Fireworks
in celebration of Independence Day was another huge event for the City and we are already
looking to next year to make it bigger and better than ever.
In addition to our two major public events we continue to bring more and more community activities to our City
including our now annual National Night Out Event, our Holiday Tree lighting, Trunk or Treat and many more.
We always welcome community volunteers to join us in providing these programs and invite any of you interested
to contact Jaclyn at our Recreation Department to offer your help.
Third Ward Councilwoman Suzette Dato
A while back I read a news story about a Plainfield program in which barbershops were offering
books to children to get them off their iPads and cell phones and reading instead while waiting for
family members to get haircuts. As a book lover myself, I was inspired. I contacted Rico Vasquez
of Broadway’s Image and Elaine Gaber, our Dowdell Library Director, and they both supported the
concept. With their cooperation and hard work, our program is off to a good start as evidenced by
the photos below. Now when children visit Broadway’s Image, they can choose a book to read rather than turning to
an iPhone or tablet for entertainment. We encourage the children to take a book home with them. It’s a great
program to encourage children to read. “Readers become leaders.”
Council Corner (cont.)
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2019
Fireworks over the Raritan Bay
National Night Out 2019
City Projects, Improvements and Updates
Ferry Project Progress
While you can’t really see the progress, the Ferry Project continues to move ahead. The design engineers
at French & Parello are nearly complete with the layout of the terminal property and are currently working
with the NJ DEP to obtain the necessary waterfront development permits. Also underway is the selection
process to determine who the Ferry Operator will be. The project will be built in two phases. Phase I will
include the parking, docks, bulkheads, and affiliated improvements that will let us begin service to NYC as
soon as possible. Phase II will provide for the construction of the Ferry Terminal Building. All indications
are that the City is on schedule to advertise bids and begin construction on this long-awaited project at the
end of the year.
Paving, Paving, Paving
It must seem that everywhere you go there is road construction in progress. While inconvenient, we have
made great progress in repaving major streets in the City. In 2019 we completed the final section of
Bordentown Avenue and reconstructed Stevens Avenue. Still to be done, or at least started in 2019 are
Pine Avenue from Main Street to Bordentown and the long awaited lower Main street reconstruction.
Already on the schedule for 2020 is the completion of South Broadway and the resurfacing of O’Leary
Boulevard. These major projects have been funded through NJ Department of Transportation (NJ DOT)
grants that have been obtained through the efforts of our City Engineer. Grant applications for 2021 have
already been submitted and we are hopeful for funding for the reconstruction of Feltus Street.
City Phone System
Historically, the City had three separate phone systems that were outdated and not working well together.
This year we undertook a complete system replacement that will not only provide clear and reliable
communication, but has the added benefit of saving taxpayers considerable expense. This new IT based
system is state of the art and will foster easier access to various City Departments.
Digital Signs
One visible project that continues is the installation of digital signs within the City limits. Anyone visiting on
Broadway has seen our first sign which allows us to provide information about upcoming events as well as
display emergency messages when needed. Just prior to the beginning of the school year, the South
Amboy Redevelopment Agency (SARA) provided the funding for our second sign in front of the School/
Library complex on O’Leary Boulevard. Both entities will share use of the sign to provide updated
information on activities specific to them.
Social Media
We try to keep a very active presence on various platforms to keep everyone informed on local news and
events. In addition to our website, Facebook, and Twitter, our very own SATV is available free of charge on
both the Cablevision and Fios systems. Checking in on these services is the best way to keep up to date on
events and news in the city.
Youth Programs
This year the City, in cooperating with the Board of
Education and YMCA began a new program to teach all of
our second grade students to swim. Conceived by Council
President Mickey Gross this program is designed to bring
an additional layer of safety to our waterfront community.
Plans are already underway to repeat the program in 2020
and beyond and it is our hope to eventually guarantee
that all our children will learn to swim.
Our South Amboy Youth Program (SAYO) is going to
capitalize on their success dances for pre-teens again this
Fall/Winter and are looking to add more programs for this
age group. Details will be posted soon. The SAYO is always
looking for volunteers to help out with these events.
Please contact (732) 525-5965 if you are interested in
volunteering.
South Amboy Senior & Recreation Department
It was another successful year for our Summer Parks program. This year the program extended its hours, and
added additional trips. We look forward to continuing to enhancing our Summer Recreation program in the future.
The Recreation Department is preparing for other annual events such as Trunk-or-Treat/Fall Fest, Christmas Tree
Lighting and Christmas Trolley Tour.
In October the Senior Center will be installing the “My Senior Center” system. This system will allow each resident
who is registered for our programs to schedule transportation or register for events. Seniors will be able to access the
system via a kiosk at the Center or online via their computers. The system will also allow us to maintain an accurate
file for emergency use and track participation and use data so we can improve our offerings to our Senior population.
Sports Complex Renovations
During Budget year 2019 the City committed
to funding renovations of the athletic fields
that surround the Middle/High School
Complex. Our grant writer is currently
working on obtaining matching grant funds to
begin Phase I of that project while our City
Engineer Mark Rasimowicz is designing what
promises to be a first-class athletic complex
for our young residents. This will be a
multi-phase project spanning several years
but be on the lookout for a ground breaking
ceremony in the Spring as we kick off the
needed improvement.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TRUNK - OR - TREAT/SAYAA Fall Extravaganza
October 26th, 2019
(Rain Date: October 27th)
1:30pm-4:30pm
South Amboy High School Parking Lot/
Allie Clark Sports Complex
Annual Tree Lighting
December 6th, 2019
(Rain Date: December 7th)
6pm
Train plaza on Broadway across from City Hall
South Amboy Youth Organization (SAYO)
Pre-Teen dances
Dances are held at the South Amboy Senior Resource Center. Dj, Pizza,
&refreshments will be provided.
Admission is $20/child (cash only)
Chaperone & your child will get in FREE of charge!
please email kellyj@southamboynj.gov if interested
Halloween Dance Party : November 1st, 2019 7:00pm-10:00pm
80’s Flashback Dance Party: November 25th, 2019 7:00pm-10:00pm
For children of South Amboy residents and South Amboy City employees.
Proof of residency and child’s grade will be required.
Holiday Lights Trolley Tour/Home Decorating Contest
December 13th, 2019 (tours run 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm)
(SA Residents only. Please call (732) 525-5965 starting on November 4th to reserve your seat)
*Seating is very limited*
South Amboy Department of Public Works
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
For future bulk pick-ups: Items must be
bagged, canned or bundled for pick up.
*no construction materials, hazmat
materials or tires will be picked up.
NO STICKERS NECESSARY.
Bulk Drop Off is every 3rd Saturday of
the month at the City garage located
behind the YMCA from 7AM—11AM.
Please call (732) 721-8100 if you have
any questions or concerns.
Recycling Challenges
One of the things that drives up municipal
costs is the introduction of trash into the
recycling stream. To help you decide if an
item is recyclable please refer to the
graphic. Recycling material should never
be put in plastic bags. Problems with
your recycling pickup?
Call the Middlesex County Improvement
Authority hotline at 800-488-6242.
Office of Emergency Management
City of South Amboy
Tel (732)588-5830 Fax (732)588-5833
JCP&L has some exciting news for your constituents and our residential customers regarding
payment assistance of utility bills!
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Housing and Community
Resources (DHCR) recently announced the launch of “DCAid,” a new user-friendly eligibility
screening tool designed to help New Jersey residents find available utility and housing
assistance programs. The eligibility screening process only takes a couple of minutes to
complete. Users can determine if they are eligible for DCA services that provide assistance
with the following:
Heating costs
Utility bills
Rent (including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and the State Rental
Assistance Program)
Removal of lead hazards in the home
Veterans Affair Supportive Housing (VASH)
Weatherization assistance
Homelessness prevention programs
The results, based on general income and household information entered, will provide a
brief description of eligible programs with contact information for the agency where the
user can apply.
The DCAid eligibility screening tool can be accessed at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid.
People in emergency situations should dial NJ 2-1-1 for information on immediate assistance.
Dowdell Library of South Amboy - Elaine R. Gaber, Director
The library is celebrating 105 years of service to the people of South Amboy
Adjacent to the South Amboy High School – John T. O’Leary Blvd.
732.721.6060 comments@dowdell.org www.dowdell.org
STRETCH YOUR BODY AND
MIND
Meditation for Beginners
Center your mind with these easy
meditation techniques.
Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm
September 24 | October 22 | No-
vember 12
Yoga for Beginners
Discover simple but powerful yoga
postures to find stability and bal-
ance
Thursdays from 6-7:30 pm
September 19 | October 3 | Novem-
ber 7
CELEBRITY STORYTIME
Welcoming South Amboy Elemen-
tary School Principal, Sean Dunphy!
Wednesday, October 2 3:30 pm
Refreshments
ADULT TECH CORNER
Introduction to Google Drive -
October
Consumer Reports Gift Buying Tips
- November
Hoopla Holiday Music & Movies -
December
Every Thursday evening 6-7:30 pm
IN THE STACKS...
Borrow the latest bestsellers, movies,
or search the historical archives.
Enjoy free downloadable content
such as eBooks, eAudio, magazines,
music, movies or comics.
24 hours / 7 days a week
The Library’s monthly calendar &
eNewsletter is available at
www.dowdell.org
Use your mobile device to scan the
QR Code to access the Library’s web
page.
Access free online materials for your
educational, consumer or business
needs.
CULINARY PROGRAMS
Cookie Pizza - Monday, October 7
Taste Testing Stuffing - Monday,
November 4
Peppermint Cocoa Cookies - Monday,
December 9
11am-12 Noon
KID’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME
CONTEST
Indoor Trick-or-Treating October
MARIO KART PARTY
Everything from Nintendo 63 to
Switch to playing on your
Smartphone! November
NATIONAL PICTURE BOOK
MONTH
Special Story time fun and unique
events during November
MIY Thanksgiving Scarecrow
Contest November
ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN
HOUSE
Enjoy holiday cheer and seasonal
refreshments. Meet your neighbors!
Door prizes
Monday, December 16 6:30-8 pm
city’s chronicle! We’ll make digital
recordings of citizen interviews and
add them to our archives.
January 2020
Frequently Used Municipal Phone Numbers
Business Administrator: 732-525-5932
Animal Control:
732-855-0600
Building Department:
732-525-5927
City Clerk:
732-525-5920
City Engineer:
732-605-9440
Code Enforcement:
732-525-5936
Health Department:
732-525-5961
Library:
732-721-6060
Municipal Court:
732-525-5929
Planning Board:
732-525-5932
Police (Non-Emergency)
732-721-0111
Police Records:
732-525-5942
Public Works:
732-721-8100
Recreation Department:
732-525-5965
Rental Housing:
732-525-5936
Senior Center:
732-525-5960
Sewer/ Vital Statistics:
732-525-5925
Tax Assessor:
732-525-5969
Tax Collector:
732-525-5924
Zoning Officer:
732-636-2121
Elected Officials
Councilman Brian McLauglin: First Ward
Councilman Thomas Reilly: Second Ward
Councilwoman Zusette Dato: Third Ward
Councilwoman-at-large: Christine Noble
Councilman-at-large, President: Michael
Gross
Mayor: Fred Henry
Check out the South Amboy
Youth Athletic Association at
www.leaguelineup.com
Be sure to sign up on Nixle
to receive alerts &
notifications from South
Amboy Police &
the Office of
Emergency Management :
www.nixle.com
Become a Member of the
South Amboy First Aid & Safety
Squad
Serve the Emergency Medical Needs Of Your
Community!
A Unit of A.R.C.
If you are at least 16 years old and have a few available
hours in your day each week to give to others, contact
us at
Southamboyfirstaid.org or call (732) 721-1005
South Amboy First Aid Squad serves our residents
24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.
The squad is an independently run private
organization, completely staffed by dedicated
volunteers and supported by tax-deductible donations.
Join your fellow residents with service to our
community.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
All training courtesy of the South Amboy First Aid
Squad.
See how a little bit of your time
can benefit so many.
Become A Volunteer Member Now!
South Amboy First Aid Squad -
PO Box 328 - South Amboy, NJ 08879
Please be reminded that October 15th,
2019 is the last day to register to vote for
the upcoming November 5th, 2019
General Election. If you have not yet
registered to vote, please print the voter
registration form from:
elections.org/voting-information.html.
You can mail it directly to the Middlesex
County Commissioner of Registration at
11 Kennedy Blvd., East Brunswick, NJ 08816-9928 or you can
feel free to stop in the Municipal Clerks office located at 140
North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ, 08879.
You can register to vote if you are a United States citizen,
you will be 18 years of age by the next election, you will be a
resident of the State and County 30 days before the election
and you are NOT currently serving a jail sentence, probation
or parole because of a felony conviction. Please remember
that your vote is your voice and every vote does count.
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