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IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 12TH, 2023.

[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting]

[00:00:09]

ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

ADDITIONALLY, THIS MEETING IS BEING DIGITALLY RECORDED AND LIVE STREAMED ON THE SOMERSET COUNTY WEBSITE AND SOMERSET COUNTY FACEBOOK PAGE.

FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTY BOARD MEETING @ CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US.

THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075 OR BY COMMENTING ON THE FACEBOOK LIVE STREAM.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR SINGLETERRY.

ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. PLEASE RISE FOR PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

OKAY. I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE MARCH 28TH, 2023, WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING OF APRIL 11TH, 2023.

NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING UNLESS THE MEASURE IS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION ARE NEEDED IN A MANNER NECESSARY TO CONTINUE COUNTY BUSINESS.

ROLL CALL.

SO WE HAVE REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

LAST WEEK, THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MET.

THERE ARE A FEW EVENTS I'D LIKE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO.

GREATER RARITAN 2023 JOB FAIR IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE ON MAY 16TH, 2023, AT THE HINDU TEMPLE AND CULTURAL SOCIETY IN BRIDGEWATER.

SPACE IS AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 100 EMPLOYERS FROM HUNTERTON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES REPRESENTING ALL INDUSTRY SECTORS SECTORS.

THERE'S NO COST TO PARTICIPATE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU CAN CALL PAUL AT 908-541-5790.

ALSO, THE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM IS GETTING READY TO START AGAIN.

THIS IS FOR PEOPLE AGES 16 TO 24 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR ONE OF UP TO 80 PART TIME SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE, INTERNSHIP POSITIONS IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES.

THIS CAN BE DURING ANY EIGHT WEEK EIGHT WEEK PERIOD BETWEEN JUNE 5TH AND OCTOBER 30TH, 2023.

THE APPLICATION. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR EMPLOYERS IS APRIL 21ST.

THEY HAVE UNTIL THAT TIME TO RESPOND TO THE RFA.

AND THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS IS APRIL 28TH.

AND YESTERDAY I ATTENDED THE SOMERSET COUNTY VO-TECH SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING, AND I JUST WANTED TO NOTE THEY RECOGNIZED AND HONORED THE CTE STELLAR STUDENTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER.

I JUST WANTED TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THOSE STELLAR STUDENTS.

ALSO THE BOARD OF ESTIMATES MET FOR THE TECH SCHOOL JUST ABOUT TWO HOURS AGO.

WE WE SAW AN APPROVED THE PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET, WHICH I GUESS WILL NEXT NEXT GO IN FRONT OF THE IN FRONT OF IN FRONT OF US.

SO THAT'S MY REPORT FOR NOW.

WELL, COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY, YOU STOLE HALF OF MINE, SO YOU'RE MAKING IT EASIER ON ME.

AND, YOU KNOW, TO YOUR POINT ABOUT BUDGETS WITH OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES THROUGHOUT THE STATE HAVEN'T REALLY SEEN BUDGET INCREASES OR ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS.

SO, YOU KNOW, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS AND WE'RE DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB AND HAVE REALLY COST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES THAT WE'RE IN A VALLEY.

SO LOTS OF CREDIT TO PRESIDENT MCDONOUGH THERE.

ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH, WE HAD A PUBLIC, I GUESS.

MEETING THAT YOU COULD TUNE IN VIA ZOOM WITH THE NJTPA.

FOR THE PORT READING SECONDARY SOUTH MAIN STREET GRADE CROSSING ELIMINATION PROJECT.

SO SOMERSET COUNTY IN THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY HOSTED A VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING TO INFORM LOCAL RESIDENTS, OFFICIALS, BUSINESSES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FREIGHT CONCEPT, DEVELOPMENT, OR FCD, STUDY THAT EXPLORED POTENTIAL OPTIONS TO ELIMINATE THE

[00:05:05]

PORT READING SECONDARY SOUTH MAIN STREET GRADE CROSSING.

UM, VERY WORDY.

BUT IF YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT MORE INFORMATION AND ACTUALLY SEE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THAT PROJECT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE NJTPA, YOU CAN GO TO SOUTH MAIN STREET GRADE CROSSING.COM.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

BLESSED RAMADAN TO THOSE WHO OBSERVE THAT.

AND THANKS TO FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP FOR HOSTING AN INTERFAITH COUNCIL FOR THE START OF RAMADAN, IT WAS A REALLY NICE EVENT ATTENDED LAST WEEK. THE FARM TO FRAME EVENT.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT PARKED IN THE PARKING DECK, I HOPE YOU TOOK A MOMENT TO LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART WE HAVE ON DISPLAY THAT ARE COMMEMORATING OUR PRESERVED FARMLAND IN SOMERSET COUNTY.

IT'S A MARRIAGE BETWEEN OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE GROUP TO PARTNER ARTISTS WITH OUR PRESERVED FARMERS FOR A BEAUTIFUL DEMONSTRATION DOWNSTAIRS. SO MANY THANKS TO OUR KATE'S AND TOM'S OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WHO PUT THIS TOGETHER, AND MANY THANKS TO OUR FARMERS AND OUR ARTISTS THAT TOOK THEIR TALENTS AND THEIR TIME AND THEIR THEIR PROPERTIES TO SHARE WITH US.

IT'S A REALLY WONDERFUL EVENT.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT OR MANY MORE THAN ONE MOMENT TO OBSERVE AND TO REALLY ADMIRE ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL WORKS.

TODAY WE HAD A MEETING WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES, BETTER KNOWN AS THE PARKS.

WE'RE MEETING WITH THEM TO DISCUSS GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COUNTY, FOR THINGS LIKE COMMUNITY GARDENS, TRAILS AND FOREST PRESERVATION.

SO MORE TO COME ON THAT AS WE CONTINUE THAT EXPLORATION IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

WE HAD 1375 CARS AT OUR SHREDDING EVENT LAST SATURDAY.

WE HAD TO CLOSE EARLY BECAUSE IT WAS SO POPULAR AND UNFORTUNATELY WE HAD TO TURN A FEW CARS AWAY.

BUT WHEN THE TRUCKS GET FULL, WE HAVE TO CLOSE IT DOWN.

949 CARS CAME TO OUR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENT THIS PAST MONTH.

VERY GOOD TURNOUT TO KEEP THINGS OUT OF OUR ENVIRONMENT AND KEEP THINGS CLEAN.

AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO REPORT TODAY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I WANT TO ALSO ECHO THE FARM TO FRAME EVENT.

THAT WAS GREAT ON FRIDAY NIGHT.

THANKS, WALTER AND YOUR STAFF AND THE THREE KATES AND TWO TOM'S, I GUESS.

CERTAINLY. THAT'S GREAT TO KNOW.

I WAS ALSO GOOD TO SEE PETER PALMER, WHO WAS A COUNTY FREEHOLDER HERE FOR 21 YEARS, I KNOW SPEARHEADED A LOT OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION EFFORTS UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP. SO IT'S GOOD TO SEE HIM AS WELL AT THE EVENT.

BUT IT BRINGS TOGETHER CELEBRATION OF AGRICULTURE AND CULTURAL HISTORY IN THE COUNTY.

ALSO, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SOMERSET COUNTY'S THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WHO ARE AGES 15 YEARS AND ABOVE. AND THE THERAPEUTIC REC PROGRAM OFFERS A VARIETY OF EXCITING PROGRAMS, INCLUDING FITNESS, ART, SPORTS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.

AND TO REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS, YOU CAN GO TO THE PARK COMMISSION'S WEBSITE.

ALSO ON THE PARK COMMISSION WEBSITE IS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN ALSO FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER'S EXCITING SPRING PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY THE PARK COMMISSION FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WILL ENJOY NATURALIST LED NATURALIST LED OUTINGS SUCH AS HUNTING FOR EGGS, SEARCHING FOR CREATURES, DISCOVERING BLOSSOMING BLUEBELLS AND TAKING NATURE WALKS AND MUCH MORE.

AND YOU CAN SIGN UP ON THE PARK COMMISSION WEBSITE FOR THAT AS WELL.

AND ANOTHER PLUG FOR THE PARK COMMISSION.

ANYONE. SEEKING AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR AN EVENT, WEDDING OR POSED PHOTOSHOOT SHOULD CONSIDER THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION'S COLONIAL PARK GARDENS AND ALSO PHOTO SHOOTS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY AT AT THE LEONARD J.

BUCK GARDENS, WHICH ARE BOTH VERY BEAUTIFUL AND ESPECIALLY THIS TIME OF YEAR AS SPRING IS COMING INTO INTO BLOOM, BOTH GARDENS PROVIDE SCENIC LOCATIONS FOR PICTURESQUE SETTINGS.

THE PARK COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS AT TIMES FOR THESE GARDENS.

ALSO LEADERSHIP SOMERSET CLASS OF 2023, WANTS TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY AND IS LOOKING FOR IDEAS.

THERE ARE CLASSES LOOKING FOR IDEAS FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE BIG IDEAS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT AND MOVE THE NEEDLE TO ADDRESS A NEED, BUT NEVER HAVE THE STAFF VOLUNTEER OR TIME TO PULL IT TOGETHER.

SO THIS MAY BE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SUGGEST TO THE LEADERSHIP SOMERSET GROUP CLASS OF 2023 SO YOU CAN SUBMIT A PROJECT IDEA FOR FOR THEM BEFORE APRIL 20TH APRIL 12TH FOR THE CLASS TO CONSIDER AND IDEAS ARE SOUGHT FROM NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS THAT SERVE RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.

AND YOU CAN CALL 908-231-7020 TO REGISTER THEIR IDEAS.

AND IT'S ALSO EXCITING TO SEE THAT THE MARCH 2023 NEWSLETTER IS OUT AND POSTED ON THE HUMAN SERVICES PAGE.

[00:10:05]

OUR OWN. IT'S FULL OF GREAT INFORMATION AND OUR OWN MIKE FROST IS THE DIRECTOR, SPEAKS OF COMPASSION AND EMPATHY AND NEW WAYS WE NEED TO LOOK AT MENTAL ILLNESS.

IT ALSO CONTAINS A WHOLE LOT OF OTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION ON THE VETERANS COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION, ACCESS TO CARE AND TREATMENT ACT OF 2020 KNOWN AS COMPACT. AND IT OFFERS, STARTING ON JANUARY 17TH, VETERANS WHO ARE IN SUICIDAL CRISIS CAN GO TO ANY HEALTH CARE FACILITY AT A VA OR IN ANY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOR FREE EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND RECEIVE INPATIENT OR CRISIS RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR UP TO 30 DAYS IN OUTPATIENT CARE FOR 90 DAYS, INCLUDING SOCIAL WORK.

AND I WANT TO CONCLUDE THAT JOSEPHINE DEMARCO OF THE RICHARD HALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER WRITES ABOUT RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.

AND SHE CONCLUDES, ONE LITTLE RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS CAN START A CHAIN OF GOODNESS THAT CAN HELP PROPEL US DOWN A DOWN A HAPPIER AND GRATIFYING ROAD. SO CERTAINLY I'LL CONCLUDE AND I'LL END THAT WE CAN ALL WORK ON KINDNESS EVERY DAY.

THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK YOU.

SO UNDER COMMUNICATIONS, WE HAVE FROM THE MAYOR OF BURNSVILLE A LETTER THANKING COMMISSIONERS FOR THE APPROVAL OF ARP, FUNDED REHABILITATION OF THE MORRISON AVENUE PUMPING STATION.

AND AN EMAIL FROM JASON ALBANESE REGARDING TRAFFIC ON MAIN STREET IN MANVILLE.

ALL RIGHT, NOW WE'RE GOING TO SWITCH THINGS UP A LITTLE BIT.

WE HAVE A PRESENTATION, OUTSTANDING WOMEN RECOGNITION HONOREES, I BELIEVE.

MELONIE AND SARA.

ARE YOU GOING TO WORK WITH COLLEEN DOWN HERE? GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR AND HIGHLIGHT SOME OUTSTANDING WOMEN AMONGST OUR GREAT ORGANIZATION.

THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE DECIDED TO LOOK AT HOW WE COULD CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY.

AND FOR THOSE WHO SORT OF UNDERSTOOD THE EVOLUTION OF WHY DO WE HAVE A WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, IT ACTUALLY STARTED OUT IN 1982 AS A WEEK, AND THEN WE QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THAT WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH ATTENTION, THAT WE SHOULD GIVE ALL THE GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WOMEN MAKE.

SO IN 1987 AND ACTUALLY STARTED AS A MONTH AND THE PURPOSE OF THE MONTH IS TO HIGHLIGHT THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO EVENTS IN HISTORY, BUT ALSO TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN OUR SOCIETY TODAY.

SO WITH THAT THOUGHT, MYSELF, ALONG WITH SOME WOMEN IN SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HERE, CAME UP WITH THIS IDEA OF HONORING OUTSTANDING WOMEN AMONG US.

AND WE PUT OUT A CALL TO ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES TO NOMINATE A COUNTY EMPLOYEE.

AND THERE WERE THREE CATEGORIES THAT WE ASKED THAT THAT EACH NOMINEE WOULD EMBODY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES.

LEADERSHIP WOULD BE AN OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL.

WHO, IN A SUPERVISORY ROLE HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THAT AREA, HAS POSITIVELY INFLUENCED OTHERS TO PERFORM THEIR JOBS TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITIES THROUGH GOOD COMMUNICATION, POSITIVITY AND DELEGATION.

NOW, I WOULD JUST STEP BACK A MINUTE AND SAY THAT IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF RECOMMENDATIONS THAT CAME TO US. IT REALLY WAS NOT AN EASY DECISION BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY WONDERFUL, ARTICULATE NOMINATIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE PUTTING THEIR PEERS OUT THERE AND WHY THEY SHOULD CONTINUE, WHY THEY SHOULD GET THIS RECOGNITION, BECAUSE WE DID ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ACTUALLY SPEAK ABOUT THE PERSON AND WHAT THEY EMBODIED IN THAT.

SO WE HAD THREE CATEGORIES LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP AND A RISING STAR.

AND SO TONIGHT, WE WILL PUBLICLY CONGRATULATE AND HONOR EACH OF THESE THREE FANTASTIC WOMEN.

AND WE HAVE A NICE ACTUAL PRESENTATION THAT WE'RE GOING TO GIVE TO THEM.

SO UNDER THE LEADERSHIP, AS I HAVE READ THE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER IS STACY TULIN.

STACY, DO YOU WANT TO COME UP? SO STACEY RECEIVES THIS AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP, WHICH RECOGNIZES A WOMAN IN A SUPERVISORY ROLE WHO HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL FOR FUTURE LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT. IN HER NOMINATION, STACEY WAS PRAISED FOR HAVING SEAMLESSLY TRANSITIONED FROM HER ROLE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR INTO THE HEALTH EDUCATION COORDINATOR POSITION.

SO WE WANT TO PRESENT AND I'M GOING TO ALSO CALL UP OUR DEPARTMENT HEAD, TERRI CLANCY, ANOTHER STRONG, GREAT WOMAN.

[00:15:37]

AND HERE'S THE BOX. OUR NEXT CATEGORY WAS UNDER MENTORSHIP AND OUR MENTORSHIP AWARD GOES TO SHWETA DIXIT.

IF SHE WOULD, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

SHWETA. SHWETA RECEIVES AN AWARD FOR MENTORSHIP, WHICH IS AWARDED TO A WOMAN WHO REGULARLY SUPPORTS OTHER WOMEN IN ADVANCING THEIR CAREERS THROUGH TAKING A PERSONAL INTEREST, ADVISING AND ADVOCATING FOR THEM.

SHWETA IS A QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ENVIRONMENT OF CARE SPECIALIST AT RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.

IN HER NOMINATION FOR OUTSTANDING WOMEN, SHE WAS CITED AS A VERY PATIENT, KIND AND GOOD MENTOR.

SHE LISTENS TO EMPLOYEES WHENEVER THEY ASK OR NEED CLEARANCE FOR WORK RELATED ISSUES.

SHE'S THERE TO HELP THEM SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS. I'D ALSO LIKE TO CALL FORWARD REPRESENTING RICHARD HALL, MIKE NATOLI.

AND OUR LAST AWARD IS CALLED THE RISING STAR.

AND WE THOUGHT THAT THAT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE FELT THAT WE WANTED TO RECOGNIZE WOMEN WHO KIND OF STARTED THEIR CAREER HERE, THAT THEY ARE WITHIN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THEIR CAREER, AND THAT THEY WOULD EXEMPLIFY THE SKILLS AND THE TEMPERAMENT OF A FUTURE LEADER.

I'D LIKE TO CALL FORWARD RIHANNA JOHNSON.

RIHANNA IS THE HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATOR OF THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING AND SOMERSET COUNTY'S DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

HER NOMINATIONS RAVED ABOUT RIHANNA.

SHE HAS ONLY BEEN WITH SOMERSET COUNTY FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS.

IN THAT TIME, SHE HAS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE PROJECT, PROGRAM OR TASK THAT SHE HAS WORKED ON.

WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT SHE WILL BE A LEADER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN SERVICES IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

WITH US TONIGHT IS MIKE FROST, WHO'S REPRESENTING HIS OFFICE.

. THANK YOU.

OKAY, SO NOW WE'LL GO BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM UNDER NEW BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

RESOLUTION 23-700 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT

[00:20:05]

$500,000 IN PATHWAY TO RECOVERY INITIATIVE FUNDS FROM THE NJDOL.

FROM JUNE 1ST TO 2023 TO MAY 31ST OF 2024.

THIS, IF WE WERE SUCCESSFUL, WOULD BE THE SECOND YEAR OF THIS PROGRAM.

SO FAR, WE'VE SERVED ABOUT 45 INDIVIDUALS AND WE CONTINUE TO ADD PEOPLE ALL THE TIME, AND WE'RE VERY CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL GET THIS AWARD.

PAUL, MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO TAKE ONE SECOND AND JUST TO GO BACK OVER EXACTLY WHAT THE MONEY IS USED FOR.

OF COURSE. OF COURSE.

SO THIS IS MONEY THAT'S USED FOR CAREER TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC.

IT CAN BE USED FOR RESUME ASSISTANCE.

IT CAN BE USED FOR JOB SEARCH.

WE'VE TRAINED SEVERAL PEOPLE IN THEIR CPR CERTIFICATES AND THEY HAVE INTERNSHIPS.

WE HAVE TEN PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH INTERNSHIPS RIGHT NOW.

AND WE'RE ALSO HAVE TRAINED SOME PEOPLE IN THE CAREER DEMAND OCCUPATIONS OFFERED THROUGH THE ONE STOP CAREER TRAINING CENTER.

AND WE CONTINUE TO BUILD ON OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AS A WAY TO ASSIST AND GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THIS PROGRAM.

OF COURSE. A COMMUNITY RECOVERY SPECIALIST.

I KNOW THE LAST PARTS RECOVERY SPECIALIST, COMMUNITY SOMETHING RECOVERY SPECIALIST.

SO THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY WORK WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN ADDICTION AND TRY TO HELP THEM.

23-701. IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET TO ACCEPT AN ADDITIONAL 42,000 IN WORK.

FIRST NEW JERSEY GRANT FUNDS FOR OUR WORKFORCE LEARNING LINK FOR THE PERIOD THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY IN THROUGH JUNE 30TH.

THIS IS DESPERATELY NEEDED MONEY.

WE HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR THIS FOR A WHILE.

WE HAVE HAD AN INFLUX OF PEOPLE COMING INTO OUR WORKFORCE LEARNING LINK AND THIS IS PRIMARILY FOR GEDS AND OTHER LITERACY ASSISTANTS. AND WE JUST WE'VE SEEN MORE PEOPLE COME IN THAN WE'VE HAD IN THE PAST.

SO WE'VE REALLY HAVE BEEN ASKING THE STATE AND THEY HAVE PROVIDED US.

WE INITIALLY HAD ONLY RECEIVED 21,000, WHICH WAS 28,000 LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS PROGRAM YEAR.

WE MOVED SOME OF OUR OTHER WIOA FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM.

WE WENT THROUGH THAT MONEY.

SO WE REALLY NEED THIS ADDITIONAL FUNDS BECAUSE THE NEED IS THERE.

AND 23-702 IS AUTHORIZING ME TO PREPARE A SCOPE OF WORK TO BID PROPRIETARY GOODS SERVICES FOR UPGRADES, EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF THE SIEMENS CARD ACCESS SYSTEM. SO IT'S JUST THAT I CAN DO A BID ONLY RECOGNIZING SIEMENS BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE THROUGHOUT ALL THE BUILDINGS, SO IT STAYS CONSISTENT.

23-723 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO LAB CORP.

OF AMERICA HOLDINGS TO PROVIDE THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL WITH DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICES AND WRITE MEDICAL CARE.

DOING BUSINESS AS MED RIGHT TO PROVIDE THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL WITH PHLEBOTOMY AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICES FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT.

TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.

GOOD EVENING. 23-704 IS AUTHORIZING AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO EDMONDS, GOVTECH, INC.

FOR UPGRADES, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL SOFTWARE INC.

THIS IS A FIFTH YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $55,023 AND 23-705 IS AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE KUBOTA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE UTILITY VEHICLE WITH CONTRACTED AND NON-CONTRACTED OPTIONS FOR THE PARK COMMISSION. TWO CHERRY VALLEY TRACTOR SALES.

THIS IS UTILIZING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $24,866.67.

RIGHT, 23-706 AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHE FOR A SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT FOR MICROSOFT LICENSING.

CONTRACT 2224 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $601,272.32.

-. IT'S AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-369 TO REFLECT.

THE PRORATED AMOUNT IS REDUCED BY $14,569.

AMENDED TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $29,121.

[00:25:11]

23-708 AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2023.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $271,600.

23-709 AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR TIP, WHICH IS THE TANF INITIATIVE FOR PARENTS AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2023.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $42,271.

RESOLUTION 23-710 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO INTRADO LIFE AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS CORP.

FOR THE PURCHASE, INSTALLATION AND TRAINING SERVICES OF ESINET MIGRATION SYSTEM UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 83916 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $42,473.99. 23-711 IS AUTHORIZING WORD OF CONTRACT TO CMS CONSTRUCTION AT A PLAYING FIELD FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS ALONG COLE DRIVE AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STORM WATER PUMP STATION. THIS IS LOCATED AT THE BRIDGEWATER TRAIN STATION ADJACENT TO THE TD BANK BALLPARK.

THERE'S PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS THAT REQUIRE MAJOR REHABILITATION AND ALSO THE PUMP STATION WE'RE RAISING TO BE OUT OF THE FLOODPLAIN.

SO THE AWARD OF CONTRACT IS $1,167,941 AND WE HAD FOUR BIDDERS.

THAT'S CORRECT. RIGHT NEXT TO THE STATION, THERE'S ONE THERE'S TWO PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS THAT GO OVER THE THE UNDERPASS.

NEXT IS A WORD OF CONTRACT TO VEDANTA'S LLC OUT OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, FOR THE REMEDIAL ACTION PERMIT COMPLIANCE FOR THE NEW RECREATIONAL FIELDS AT MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK IN HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $21,500.

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK IS A REMEDIATED PROPERTY WITH A CAP ON IT.

ANYTIME WE DO, ANY KIND OF IMPROVEMENT ON THE PROPERTY REQUIRES OUR SP TO EVALUATE THE WORK AND MAKE SURE WE'RE IN COMPLIANCE WITH OUR PERMIT.

SO PART OF THIS IS ACTUALLY OUR ANNUAL TESTING AND REPORTING THAT WE HAVE TO DO WITH DEP.

AND THEN THE SECOND PART OF IT IS THE, THE, THE PROPOSED PROJECT FOR NEW RECREATIONAL FIELDS, WHICH IS THE NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

THE NEXT IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES FOR THE MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK.

NEW RECREATIONAL FIELDS.

TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $108,209.

THIS IS TO EVALUATE A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY BETWEEN WHERE THE EXISTING BASEBALL SOFTBALL FIELDS ARE AND THE IRON PEAK PROPERTY.

THERE'S AN AREA OF LAND THERE THAT EXISTS BETWEEN THOSE TWO FACILITIES.

THIS IS LOCATED ON SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION PROPERTY, AND THIS CONTRACT WILL EVALUATE THAT AREA TO SEE IF WE CAN DO REGRADING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS TO ALLOW FOR RECREATIONAL FIELDS, MULTIPURPOSE FIELDS LIKE SOCCER, LACROSSE FOR THOSE FIELDS TO SEE IF THERE POSSIBLY COULD BE POSSIBLY BUILT ON THAT PROPERTY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LAST AGENDA ITEM, WHICH IS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACT.

AND NEXT IS AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER TWO.

TASB ASSOCIATES FOR THE DESIGN OF REPAIRS AT THE WEST BRANCH DAM IN BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $119,500.

THANKS. 23-715 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MAINTAINCO, INC.

IT'S FOR THE PURCHASE OF A CATERPILLAR FORKLIFT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $35,581.

23-716 IS AWARD A CONTRACT TO TWO VENDORS FOR GUIDE RAIL PARTS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,012.50.

23-717 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE WELL TO VENDORS SORRY FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS FOR CLUB GOLF CARTS AND TURF UTILITY VEHICLES. THIS IS FOR THE PARK COMMISSION.

WE DON'T DO ANY REPAIRS FOR THOSE VEHICLES HERE.

23-718 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD A CONTRACT TO RITCHIE'S TIRE SERVICE.

THIS IS FOR OUR TIRE MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 5000.

23-719 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF ANOTHER CONTRACT TO RITCHIE'S TIRE SERVICE.

AND THIS HAPPENS TO BE FOR ROAD SERVICE IN CASE SOMEONE GETS A FLAT ON THE ROAD AFTER HOURS.

SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 10,000.

23-720 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR OEM PARTS FOR VEHICLES.

[00:30:01]

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 8000.

YOU ONE. THIS IS APPROVAL TO PAY.

THANK YOU. APPROVAL TO PAY.

CONFIRMING ORDER TO SEE A SHORT COMPANY FOR SERVICE AWARDS FOR RETIRING EMPLOYEES NOT TO EXCEED $104.

GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 23-722 IS AUTHORIZING A EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION AND RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR USE OF THE PREMISES FOR THE TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL, HELD ON MAY 18TH NOT TO EXCEED $1,797.50.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST IN-PERSON AT THE COLLEGE IN SEVERAL YEARS FROM THE PANDEMIC FOR THE TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL.

AND RESOLUTION 23-723 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR THE 2022 HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE OPEN SPACE RECREATION FARMLAND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND FOR THE WASHINGTON CAMPGROUND ASSOCIATION IN BRIDGEWATER, NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.

23-724 IS AMENDING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TOTALING AMOUNT TO BE REDUCED IS NOT TO EXCEED $25,781.94. AND THIS WILL CLOSE OUT OPEN BLANKET PURCHASE ORDERS FROM 2022.

23-725 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO VARIOUS VENDORS.

TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $277,348.92.

23-726 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS AS LISTED TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $15,225.

23-727 IS A PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING OF THE SAME.

23-728 IS FOR RICHARD HALL, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO QUALIFY SYSTEMS OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO QUALIFY IN ACCORDANCE WITH R20-1302 ADOPTED NOVEMBER 24TH, 2020.

THIS IS THE CONTRACT FOR RICHARD HALL'S ELECTRONIC RECORDS SYSTEM, AND IT'S THE THIRD YEAR OF A SEVEN YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 44,000.

RESOLUTION 23-729 APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO 22ND CENTURY TECHNOLOGIES FOR NURSING SERVICES PROVIDED FOR COVID CLINICS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,168.27. 23-730 IS AMENDING A RESOLUTION TO DECREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT FOR PATRIOT ROOFING AT A JOB SITE IN NEW JERSEY, NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $33,400.

THIS IS FOR OUR ROOF PROJECT, THAT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE.

23-731 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO LINES AND LETTERS NOT TO EXCEED $1,025.

23-732 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION 22-928.

WE NEED TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT BY $1,702.55.

23-733 IS AMENDING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO AM AND TO TRUGREEN, AND THAT'S A REDUCTION OF $15,000. 23-734 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $59,163.05.

23-735 IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO PENN MEDICINE.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $75.

23-736 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO COLGATE PAPER STOCK FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $60,880.19. 23-737 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO HOME DEPOT FOR TOOLS FOR RECYCLING.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $159.80.

23-738 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ORCHARD HOLDINGS FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS ON TRAFFIC SIGNALS TOTALED NOT TO EXCEED $6,300.

[00:35:11]

23-739 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR DEER CARCASS REMOVAL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 25,000.

23-740 IS APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDERS TO RICHIE TIRE SERVICE FOR TIRE DISPOSAL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,700.

23-741 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL FOR GASOLINE.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $38,026.

23-742 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL FOR GASOLINE TOTALED NOT TO EXCEED 200,000. 23-743 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 130,000.

OH. OKAY.

IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 23-700 THROUGH 23-743 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE APRIL 11TH, 2023 MEETING.

SO MOVED. SECOND.

ALL RIGHT.

NEW ITEMS. OKAY.

FIRST NEW ITEM IS RESOLUTION 23-744.

THIS IS AUTHORIZATION OF THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDING TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR MARKETING EFFORT WITH THE PATRIOTS.

23-745 AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN AN ACQUISITION OF OPEN SPACE PROPERTY BY THE TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG KNOWN AS LOTS TWO AND 3.04 IN BLOCK 67IN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1 MILLION.

A DEPUTY DIRECTOR.

IF I MAY, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT MR. PACINO AND I WENT TO SEE THIS PROPERTY.

WELL, HE HAD SEEN IT BEFORE, BUT I WANTED TO SEE IT IN PERSON.

IT'S SPECTACULAR.

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT ACQUISITION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BOROUGH, THE TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG, AND THERE'S A CREST ON THAT HILL THAT GIVES YOU A BEAUTIFUL VISTA AND THAT THAT IS SOMERSET COUNTY.

IT'S JUST ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR.

AND IT'S BUTTING UP TO A DEVELOPMENT THERE.

SO WE ARE SAVING LOTS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA.

WE'RE SAVING A TERRIFIC VISTA, WE'RE SAVING FARMLAND, WE'RE SAVING THAT OPEN SPACE FIELD.

SO THIS IS SOMETHING I'M SO EXCITED TO PASS NEXT MEETING AND WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TOWNSHIP ON SUCH A GREAT ACQUISITION.

SO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID AND OUR THANKS TO THE TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG FOR ALL THAT THEY DID TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

THANK YOU. AND 23-746 AUTHORIZES AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SOMERSET TREATMENT SERVICES FOR A COUNTY INNOVATION GRANT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2023. AND THIS IS FOR SERVICES FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

THIS TOTAL WILL NOT EXCEED $94,967.

OKAY. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 23-744 THROUGH 20 3-7 46 TO DO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE APRIL 11TH, 2023 MEETING.

MOTION. SECOND.

AND NEXT, ARE ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION AT THE MARCH 28TH, 2023 REGULAR MEETING.

YES, THANK YOU.

THE FIRST THAT WE WILL MOVE TO THE NEXT MEETING IS RESOLUTION 23-651.

THIS IS THE APPOINTMENT OF YVONNE CHILDRESS AS THE COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.

I WOULD JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I AM VERY PLEASED THAT WE ARE PROMOTING FROM WITHIN AND ONE OF OUR OWN AND THAT I THINK THAT WE KNOW THAT SHE'S GOING TO DO A GREAT JOB AND THAT BETWEEN MYSELF AND ALL THE LEADERSHIP HERE, WE WERE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE SUPPORTED IN HER SUCCESS.

AND WE WANT TO THANK GNAGE TRASENTE FOR HIS SERVICE.

[00:40:07]

NEXT IS RESOLUTION 23-652.

THIS IS AUTHORIZING AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MILLENNIUM STRATEGIES FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET FOR A ONE YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $12,000.

RESOLUTION 23-653 IS AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURE AND HERITAGE COMMISSION TO APPLY FOR NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL COMMISSION PROJECT GRANT AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024.

THIS WILL BE FOR A PILOT PROGRAM FOR DOCENT TRAINING IN PREPARATION, IN PREPARATION FOR THE TWO 50TH ANNIVERSARY FOR HISTORIC SITES.

RESOLUTION 23-654 OUT OF THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE.

THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO JERSEY PRINTING ASSOCIATES FOR THE PRINTING, FOLDING AND MAILING OF OUR DIRECT MAIL NEWSLETTER. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $22,801.

WE ARE NOW DOING IT TWICE A YEAR.

GOOD EVENING. AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF WIRE SHELVING FROM GRAINGER OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD UTILIZING THE STATE CONTRACT 19 -FLEET-00566 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $84,662.24.

23-656 FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES AUTHORIZES THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ADMINISTER THE FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS AGED 60 PLUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,855 FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1ST, 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2023.

23-657 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION 23 646 I'M SORRY.

463 TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT TO DAB AUTO SUPPLY BY $40.47.

23-658 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION R23-464 TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF HOOVER TRUCK CENTERS BY $946.05.

AND 23-659 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,444.36.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 23 651 THROUGH 23-659 TO THE AGENDA.

THANK YOU FOR THE MARCH 28TH, 2023 MEETING.

SECOND. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. MUCH BETTER.

ALL RIGHT. DISCUSSION.

SORRY. DISCUSSION.

I JUST WANTED TO ASK THE SHELVING.

WHERE IS THAT GOING? THAT'S A LOT OF SHELVING.

I DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO ASK YOU.

I'M SORRY. THE SHELVING WILL BE LOCATED AT OUR WAREHOUSE LOCATION, AND IT'S GOING TO HOUSE LIKE PULL BOOKS, BALLOT BINS, PRINTERS.

OKAY, SO THIS IS IN FOR ALL THE NEW THE NEW EQUIPMENT THAT'S COMING IN TO GET IT ALL ORGANIZED.

YEAH, THE NEW VOTING EQUIPMENT COMES WITH NOT JUST THE MACHINE THAT YOU'RE USED TO.

IT'S THE POLL BOOKS, THE LAPTOPS, THE PRINTERS, THE BAGS.

SO THAT STUFF SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOOSE AND ON THE FLOOR.

SO THE SHELVING PROVIDES A SAFE, SECURE PLACE FOR THOSE THINGS.

OKAY. THANK YOU.

AND THEY'RE TRANSPORTABLE.

SO IF WE WENT TO ANOTHER WAREHOUSE OR SOMETHING, WE CAN MOVE THEM ALONG.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER DRAKE? YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY.

YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR.

SINGLETERRY. YES.

MOTION TWO.

NEXT IS PUBLIC COMMENT.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO OPEN THE FLOOR TO PUBLIC COMMENT? SO MOVED. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS? WITH REGARDS TO FACEBOOK OR EMAIL, THERE IS NONE.

MR. BOZOLJAC DID LEAVE A MESSAGE.

HE IS UPSET WITH THE MONEY SYSTEM.

HE FEELS HIS PERSONAL BILL OF RIGHTS HAS BEEN VIOLATED AND HE'S NOT BEING REPRESENTED BY GOVERNMENT AT ANY LEVEL AND THAT THROUGH TAXES AND INFLATION HE HAS NO MONEY DUE TO THE CROOKED MONEY SYSTEM.

[00:45:04]

AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE.

OKAY. OH.

HI, I'M JENNIFER LOUGHRAN 716 FALCON COURT BRIDGEWATER.

I HAD THREE THINGS, BUT THE FIRST WAS I REALLY WANTED TO THANK THE COUNTY FOR PRESERVING WASHINGTON'S PERCH.

I GREW UP IN BRIDGEWATER.

I CURRENTLY CHAIR THE PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN MY TOWN, SO I'M REALLY COMMITTED TO TO JUST OUR PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACES AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, THROUGH SKATEBOARDING, PROVIDING SAFE PLACES, BUT IN PARTICULAR THIS SPACE.

I JUST GOT TO KNOW IT RECENTLY.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN THIS BOOK.

MIDDLEBROOK YEAH, I'M SURE YOU HAVE.

BUT THE ONE QUOTE WHERE IT SAYS THESE HUBS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION LANGUISHED IN OBSCURITY FOR OVER 200 YEARS, DURING WHICH TIME THEY VIRTUALLY DISAPPEARED.

AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF OF THAT PARTICULAR SPOT.

AND AND I APPRECIATE IT.

AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, I DID SINCE I'M HERE WANT TO BRING UP SKATEBOARDING.

I, I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU BEFORE ABOUT POTENTIALLY CONSIDERING LIKE A REGIONAL SKATE PARK IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT I WAS REALLY INSPIRED BY THE CHARM FIELD TO COME BACK AND TALK TO YOU AGAIN ABOUT HOW YOU REALLY DON'T NEED A BIG SPACE OR A BIG PROJECT TO TO GIVE KIDS SAFE, SAFE SPACES TO TO PERFORM THE KIND OF ACTIVITIES THAT YOU WOULD YOU WOULD DO IN A SKATE PARK. AND RECENTLY IN I KNOW IN MONTCLAIR, THEY JUST OPENED UP IT'S CALLED IT SOUNDS ALMOST LIKE THE CHARM PARK.

THEY CALL IT THE CANDY COURTS.

AND BASICALLY IT'S VERY SIMILAR.

IT'S FEATURES THAT ARE MULTIFUNCTIONAL, BUT ALSO ART PIECES SO YOU CAN SKATE THEM, BUT THEY'RE ALSO PRETTY COOL TO LOOK AT.

SO I JUST WANTED TO, YOU KNOW, MAKE THE COUNTY AWARE THAT THERE ARE WAYS TO PROVIDE SPACES LIKE THAT THAT ARE THAT ARE MUCH SMALLER THAN THE FULL BLOWN PROJECTS.

THANK YOU.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

MAYOR DEMARCO 325, NORTH MAIN STREET, THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE.

I'M HERE TONIGHT NOT TO ASK FOR MONEY.

I WOULD LIKE TO, BUT I'M HERE TONIGHT JUST TO SAY THANK YOU.

THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR LOWERING THE SPEED LIMIT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF COUNTY ROAD 533 MY MAIN STREET.

THROUGHOUT MY TOWN, I NOTICED A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE FLOW OF THE TRAFFIC.

I THINK THE ROAD DIET IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

HOWEVER, MY ONLY COMMENT IS IT TOOK TOO LONG.

IT STARTED BEFORE I WAS MAYOR AND IT MAY END AND I WON'T BE MAYOR.

UNFORTUNATELY. I WISH THE THE SCHEDULE WAS QUICKER.

I THINK IT WOULD HAVE MADE MY TOWN A LOT MORE VIBRANT TO COME BACK AFTER THE FLOOD.

IT'S BEEN TOUGH.

SO I'M HERE TONIGHT TO GIVE YOU A COPY OF TWO THINGS.

BACK IN FEBRUARY OF 2021, A CHILDHOOD FRIEND I GREW UP WITH GOT HIT AND UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED.

HE WAS LEAVING MASS FROM SACRED HEART CHURCH CROSSING TO THE ARK.

HE WAS IN THE ICU AT ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOR FIVE DAYS.

AND AT THAT POINT I KNEW I HAD TO DO SOMETHING.

OKAY, BRING ATTENTION TO THIS PROBLEM OF PEDESTRIANS BEING STRUCK.

SO I INSTRUCTED MY BOROUGH ENGINEER TO DO A SPEED STUDY ALONG WITH THE MANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

SO I HAVE COPIES OF I HAVE FIVE COPIES HERE OF THE ACTUAL SPEED STUDY, WHICH JUSTIFIES A LOWER SPEED LIMIT THROUGHOUT THE CORRIDOR.

IN ADDITION, I BROUGHT A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL ADOPTED BACKING THE FINDINGS OF THE OF THE STUDY, HOPING THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT EVEN WHEN THE PROJECT IS DONE, THE SPEED LIMIT WILL STAY 25.

I TAKE PUBLIC SAFETY VERY SERIOUSLY AND IF I LIVE TO BE 100, I'LL NEVER FORGET THE NIGHTS I WAS THERE WHEN PEDESTRIANS GOT STRUCK.

SO WITH THAT, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LOWERING IT AND I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THESE TO THE CLERK, IF I MAY.

IF I COULD JUST MAKE A COMMENT TO THE PUBLIC, I JUST WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THAT PROJECT, THAT ROAD PROJECT IN MANVILLE, IS PART OF A FEDERAL PROJECT, AND FEDERAL MONIES ARE BEING USED FOR IT.

AND THAT IS PARTIALLY THAT IS THE REASON WHY IT'S TAKING AS LONG AS IT IS.

THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED COST OF THAT PROJECT IS HOW MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IT STARTED.

[00:50:05]

IT STARTED AT $3 MILLION.

IT'S NOW AT SEVEN $7 MILLION.

SO I'M I REGRET THAT THIS IS TAKING LONG IN YOUR TOWN.

BUT I THINK WE ALL DO APPRECIATE THE TAX SAVINGS OF $7 MILLION TO OUR COUNTY FOLKS BECAUSE THAT IS A COUNTY ROAD.

SO MY HEART IS WITH YOU AS YOU GO THROUGH THAT FRUSTRATION.

I JUST WENT OUT TO DINNER IN MANVILLE ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND I KNOW THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION IS GOING AND AND WHATNOT, BUT IT'S IN THE WORKS.

AND WE DID GET A NICE CHUNK OF CHANGE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, OF WHICH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING THAT.

JUST FOR THE RECORD, IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE, I GUESS, DON'T CALL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IF YOU WANT IT DONE QUICKLY.

I STILL HAVE RESIDENTS HURTING IN MY TOWN.

THERE'S DISPLACED.

I HAVE HOMES THROUGHOUT MY COMMUNITY WITH COLLAPSED FOUNDATIONS.

AND I REACHED OUT TO THE GOVERNOR.

I GOT NO RESPONSE.

IT'S SAD WHAT'S GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY.

WE DESERVE BETTER AS AMERICANS.

MY RESIDENTS ARE STILL HURTING.

COME COME VISIT ME IN MANVILLE.

OKAY. I CAN TAKE YOU ON A QUICK TOUR.

ON ANOTHER NOTE, ON A POSITIVE NOTE, TOMORROW IS 50 YEARS SINCE THE END OF THE VIETNAM CONFLICT.

VFW POST 2290 AT 7 P.M.

WILL BE HOLDING A CEREMONY.

IT'S OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

COME ON OUT AND SUPPORT OUR VETERANS.

SO, AGAIN, THANK YOU, GUYS.

THANK YOU.

OKAY.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.