SOUTH AMBOY — The City Council welcomed newcomer Zusette Dato and returning members Don Applegate and Christine Noble during the city’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.
“I know she’s going to be a great addition to this council,” Mayor Fred Henry said of Dato, adding that he previously worked with her through her role in the city’s redevelopment agency.
The 2013 council remains completely Democratic, and this year will again be led by Council President Joseph Connors. Noble will serve as vice president.
Later, Dato addressed the crowd.
“I feel honored to represent the residents of South Amboy,” she said. “It’s a privilege; I’m going to take it seriously. You will not be disappointed.” She said her predecessor, William Schwarick, who chose not to run for re-election last year, did an outstanding job.
“He’s going to be a tough act to follow,” she said, stating that to her knowledge, it was the first time the city had two sitting councilwomen on the dais.
She also took a moment to speak about the Dec. 9 Shore Aid telethon, which raised money for South Amboy, Old Bridge and Sayreville. She said South Amboy was tasked with providing breakfast for the event, and that she was grateful for the support she and Noble received from various local businesses.
However, she added that one local business, which she did not name, opted not to donate. “Hopefully next time around, he’ll do the right thing,” she said.
The meeting was also an opportunity for Henry to recognize the various emergencyservices departments that assisted in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. He issued proclamations to Police Chief Darren Lavigne, Fire Chief Jamie Norek, First Aid Capt. Christine Walczak, Office of Emergency Management Director Richard Johnson and Public Works Superintendent Jerry Magee on behalf of their respective departments.
“All these people up here did an extraordinary job during a very difficult time,” Henry said.
The proclamation credits the various departments with preventing loss of life during the storm and in the days following, as well as evacuating people when necessary. The city was without power for more than a week, and a number of homes in the 100-block areas near the Raritan Bay flooded, with some being destroyed. He said these departments also kept looting to a minimum.
“It was a cooperative effort,” Henry said. “Everybody knew the job that they had to do.”
His comments were followed by a standing ovation from the audience.
Council changes meeting dates
According to the 2013 meeting calendar, the city has scheduled all of its business meetings for 6 p.m. on the day of the regular 7 p.m. Wednesday council meetings. Previously, business meetings were held on the Monday prior to the regular meeting.
This year’s meetings are scheduled for Jan. 9 and 16, Feb. 6 and 20, March 6 and 20, April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15, June 5 and 19, July 3 and 17, Aug. 7 and 21, Sept. 4 and 18, Oct. 2 and 16, Nov. 6 and 20, and Dec. 4 and 18.