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[00:00:06]

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 12TH, 2024.

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.

FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@ CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US.

THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075.

DIRECTOR ROBINSON. THANK YOU.

PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR REFLECTION.

MAY WE CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SOMERSET COUNTY.

ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.

PROVIDING THE RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITIES WITH EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR MARCH 12TH, 2024 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 COMMISSIONERS MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 26TH, 2024.

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

ROLL CALL PLEASE.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG TO COMMISSIONER REPORTS.

COMMISSIONER DEPUTY DIRECTOR SOOY DOESN'T HAVE MUCH OF A VOICE.

LITERALLY. SO I WILL BE DOING A JOINT COMMISSIONERS REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE BOTH OF US, STARTING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, WITH THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP.

THE PANEL DISCUSSION ON LAST FRIDAY WITH SOME AMAZING WOMEN PANELISTS.

I HAD AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE TO BE ONE OF THOSE PANELISTS.

I TOOK AWAY A LOT AND LEARNED A LOT FROM THOSE AMAZING WOMEN, NOT JUST THE PANELISTS, BUT ALSO THE AMAZING WOMEN THAT WERE IN THE ROOM.

HAD A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK WITH SOME, EVEN AFTER THE EVENT.

I CHALLENGED EVERYONE TO COME BACK WITH FRIENDS NEXT YEAR.

I BELIEVE THIS YEAR WAS, WE TOPPED THE YEARS BEFORE, AND IT WAS A ROOM FULL.

I THINK WE GOT UP TO ABOUT 300.

WE ACTUALLY INCREASED THE VENUE SPACE.

YEP. SO WE CHANGED VENUE SPACE.

AND WE ENDED UP I THINK IT WAS IT TOPPED OUT ABOUT 300 THIS YEAR, WHICH IS AN INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR'S THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S ATTENDANCE.

SO LOOKING TO INCREASE THAT ATTENDANCE AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

BUT I ALSO WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THREE OF OUR SOMERSET COUNTY STAFF THAT WERE HONORED AT THE EVENT.

WE HAVE FOR LEADERSHIP, KIM COWART, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL FOR FUTURE LEADERS IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

MENTORSHIP. LINDA PORCARO.

SHE'S A DIRECTOR OF SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES, NOMINATED FOR HELPING OTHER WOMEN ADVANCE IN THEIR CAREERS BY TAKING A PERSONAL INTEREST, ADVISING AND ADVOCACY, AND OUR RISING STAR, SAMANTHA ZABAWA.

SAMANTHA IS THE SOMERSET COUNTY DIRECTOR OF FISCAL OPERATIONS.

SHE WAS AWARDED WOMAN IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF HER CAREER WHO EXEMPLIFIES THE SKILLS AND TEMPERAMENT OF A FUTURE LEADER.

SO CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE.

COMMISSIONER MARANO AND SURROGATE TINA JALLOH AND I PARTICIPATED IN THE WITNESS STONE EVENTS THAT WERE HONORING AND RECOGNIZING HENRY HARRY STOTZ, WHO LIVED FOR 76 YEARS AS AN ENSLAVED AFRICAN AMERICAN IN THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK, WHERE HE DIED IN MARCH OF 1847.

THE FIRST EVENT WAS WITH EIGHTH GRADERS FROM SOUTH BOUND BROOK, ROBERT MORRIS SCHOOL, WHO PRESENTED THEIR RESEARCH INTO THE LIVES OF HARRY STOTZ, AND THAT WAS FOLLOWED UP WITH THE INSTALLATION OF A STONE MARKER AT THE HOMESTEAD OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN WHERE THE ENSLAVED PEOPLE WORKED.

AND I'M SURE COMMISSIONER MARANO WILL HAVE MORE BECAUSE SHE WAS AT BOTH EVENTS ON THAT DAY.

I WAS JUST AT PART TWO, SO I'M SURE SHE COULD TALK ABOUT THE AMAZING PERFORMANCE BY THE YOUTH.

WE ALSO HAVE POLICE SCHOLARSHIPS.

TODAY WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A PRESENTATION FROM OUR COMMUNITY POLICE ALLIANCE.

AND IT'S GREAT SUCCESS.

AND HAVING AND WHAT WE'RE HAVING WHERE WE'RE HAVING A SUCCESS IN BRIDGEWATER AND BOUND BROOK AND THIS IS PART OF OUR EFFORT TO HELP LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS CONNECT WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES. WE ACTUALLY HAVE SEEN SIX OF THOSE GRADUATES THROUGH THE THREE DIFFERENT CLASSES OR APPLICATION

[00:05:10]

ROUNDS. WE HAVE AGAIN, SIX HAVE ALREADY GRADUATED FROM THE ACADEMY AND ARE ACTIVELY POLICE OFFICERS THROUGHOUT IN LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

ANOTHER PROJECT THAT WE'RE WORKING ON IS ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE SERVE.

AND THERE WILL BE ANOTHER ROUND IN THE POLICE ACADEMY.

SEVEN MORE DEPARTMENTS ARE INTERVIEWING THOSE CANDIDATES.

SO WE'RE THRILLED TO HELP DIVERSE OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THEM LOOK MORE LIKE THE DIVERSE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY SERVE.

AND THEY ARE ENTERING INTO CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD OTHERWISE.

I CAN TELL YOU, THE YOUNG MAN IN MANVILLE.

I ASKED HIM WHAT WAS HIS, WHY.

HE WAS ONE OF OUR FIRST SCHOLARSHIP, FIRST ROUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, AND HE SAID HIS WHY WAS BECAUSE OF HIS FATHER.

HIS FATHER HAD BEEN KILLED BY A DRUNK DRIVER, AND HE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO OTHERS TO HELP THEM IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO HIS. HE WAS NOT ABLE TO AFFORD TO SEND HIMSELF TO THE POLICE ACADEMY, SO THIS SCHOLARSHIP AFFORDED HIM THAT OPPORTUNITY AND CARRY OUT A LIFELONG DREAM. SO KUDOS TO ALL THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS THAT TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THIS SCHOLARSHIP, AND WE CONTINUE TO PUSH AND SUPPORT THIS EFFORT. ONE FINAL REPORT IS THAT WE ARE CANCELING THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN LUNCHEON BRUNCH THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 16TH.

WE WILL RESCHEDULE AT ANOTHER TIME.

SO WE WILL TALK MORE AND BE IN CONTACT WITH THOSE WHO DID PURCHASE A TICKET OR WERE A SPONSOR TO GIVE THEM A REFUND IF THEY SO DESIRE.

SO NOTHING FURTHER? COMMISSIONER MARANO.

OKAY. SO COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY AND I WERE AT THE LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF NEW JERSEY, PART OF OUR ARP MONDAY.

FUNDING, MONEY AND FUNDING COMES OUT MONDAY.

WE WERE THERE WITH OUR OWN PAUL GRZELLA FROM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

AND I GOT TO TELL YOU, DOUG AND I, WHAT AN UPLIFTING EVENT, WHAT GREAT INVESTMENT WE MADE TO CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES.

I MEAN, LITERALLY CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES.

TWO OF THE STUDENTS IN THE CLASS MET, AND HE PROPOSED TO HER.

AND NOW WE'VE GOT A MARRIAGE COMING DOWN THE ROAD.

SO IT LITERALLY HAS CHANGED LIVES IN MANY WAYS.

BUT ONE OF THE TWO, THREE BIG THINGS I TOOK AWAY FROM THAT, THE REASONS WHY THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL TO THE COUNTY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

NUMBER ONE, THEIR JOBS, THEY WANTED TO EXCEL IN THEIR JOBS.

SO THIS IS HELPING OUR ECONOMY RIGHT HERE.

NUMBER TWO, THEIR FAMILY AND COMMUNICATING WITH THEIR FAMILIES.

AND NUMBER THREE, HEALTH GOING TO THE HOSPITAL OR A DOCTOR AND BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WELL.

SO THIS IS A BIG COMMITMENT BY THESE FOLKS.

THIS IS A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT TWICE A WEEK, TWO HOURS A DAY AFTER WORKING A LONG DAY.

THEY'RE GOING TO CLASSES TWICE A WEEK FOR TWO HOURS A NIGHT.

SO IT WAS VERY, VERY INSPIRING.

THANK YOU, PAUL, FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU'VE DONE TO COORDINATE THAT.

DOUG, I HOPE I DIDN'T STEAL YOUR THUNDER ON THAT ONE, BUT IT WAS REALLY UPLIFTING.

ALSO WENT TO THE WITNESS STONE PROJECT, AS THE DIRECTOR WAS MENTIONING.

I WAS ON THE FIRST LEG OF THAT JOURNEY AT THE ROBERT MORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.

THE STUDENTS PUT TOGETHER THE EIGHTH GRADE.

STUDENTS PUT TOGETHER DIFFERENT PROJECTS ADDRESSING ENSLAVED PEOPLE.

VERY, VERY POWERFUL.

EXCELLENT JOB.

AND THIS WHOLE PROGRAM, THE WITNESS STONE PROGRAM, CAME ABOUT FROM A HISTORY TEACHER THAT HAD SPOKEN WITH SOMEONE WHO WENT TO GERMANY, AND THIS PERSON FROM GERMANY SAID THAT THEY HAD PUT STONES OUT TO REMEMBER HOLOCAUST VICTIMS. HE BROUGHT THIS IDEA BACK TO THE UNITED STATES AND SAID, WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF WE CAN REMEMBER PEOPLE THAT DIED THAT ARE NOT REMEMBERED AND BRINGING BACK THEIR MEMORY TO GO FORWARD? SO VERY, VERY INSPIRING AND MOVING EVENT.

THE STUDENTS DID AN EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT JOB ON THE FIRST PART OF THAT.

ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO GO WITH THE DIRECTOR TO THE CENTRAL JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY EVENT IN UNION COUNTY, WHICH WAS VERY WELL DONE.

LEARNED SOME THINGS OVER THERE.

AND ALSO MY FAVORITE COMMISSIONER DUTY OF THE YEAR, GOING TO READ A STORY DAY THIS YEAR, WENT TO SOMERVILLE, TO THE VAN DERVEER SCHOOL.

AND THE STUDENTS ARE JUST WHAT TREASURES WE'VE GOT, SUCH, SUCH GOOD PEOPLE THAT ARE GROWING UP TO BE ADULTS HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.

[00:10:08]

SO IT WAS VERY, VERY FUN.

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS SATURDAY, SINCE YOU CAN'T MAKE THE BREAKFAST FOR THE WOMEN'S STATUS ON WOMEN, YOU CAN COME TO THE MIDDLEBROOK SYMPOSIUM.

THAT'S. THIS IS OUR SECOND IN THE SERIES FOR THE MIDDLEBROOK SYMPOSIUM.

IT'S TAKING PLACE AT RVCC.

I BELIEVE THERE'S STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE.

YOU CAN BUY THEM ONLINE AT THE HERITAGE TRAIL WEBSITE.

OR I BELIEVE THEY'RE OUR COUNTY WEBSITE CAN DIRECT YOU THERE, TOO.

OKAY. AND THERE IS A SPECIAL SCREENING.

SPEAKING OF OUR HERITAGE, ALSO COMING UP ON MAY 19TH IN HILLSBOROUGH FROM 5:00 TO I BELIEVE IT'S 6:30, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A SPECIAL SCREENING OF A PBS PROGRAM CALLED TRAVELS WITH DARLEY.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE PLACE AT THE FLOUNDER BREWERY.

YOU DO? I BELIEVE THIS IS A FREE EVENT, BUT YOU DO NEED TO PRE-REGISTER, SO GO TO THE COUNTY WEBSITE TO DO THAT.

SORRY. MARCH.

DID I SAY, WHAT DID I SAY? MAY. I DID I WROTE DOWN A FIVE HERE ON MY SHEET.

THANK YOU FOR THE CORRECTION.

I APPRECIATE THAT WE'RE ONLY THREE.

I'M RUSHING MYSELF.

IT'S COMING.

IT'S COMING UP. SO MY APOLOGIES ON THAT.

MARCH 19TH AT 5:00.

THIS IS REALLY EXCITING.

I BELIEVE SOME OF OUR COMMISSIONERS MIGHT BE ON THAT TOO, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING.

AND IT'S TAKING PLACE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.

SO FREE EVENT.

GREAT PLACE TO SEE IT.

SO TUESDAY THE 19TH CORRECT? YES, BECAUSE TODAY'S 12.

A WEEK FROM TODAY.

I THINK COMMISSIONER DRAKE WILL PROBABLY TALK ABOUT AG DAY COMING UP, SO I'LL SAVE THAT FOR HIM.

OTHERWISE, OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TEAM MET.

OUR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS ARE OUT NOW.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED, THE DEADLINE IS THE 15TH.

APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE, SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

LET'S GET THOSE APPLICATIONS IN SO WE CAN KEEP PRESERVING OUR HISTORY HERE.

OUR LIBRARY COMMISSION MET AS WELL.

THEY DID INTRODUCE THEIR BUDGET.

IT LOOKS LIKE A 2% INCREASE ON THAT BUDGET FOR THE LIBRARY TAX.

FOR THOSE MUNICIPALITIES THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM.

WE ALSO HAVE THE BOUND BROOK BRANCH REMAINS CLOSED WHILE THEY DO REMEDIATION WORK, BUT THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO A SOLUTION FOR A TEMPORARY SITE, VERY CLOSE TO THE EXISTING BUILDING NOW.

SO MORE TO COME ON THAT HOPEFULLY BY NEXT MONTH'S MEETING WE'LL HAVE A CLOSE ON THAT.

AND THEN WATCHING WATCHUNG BRANCH WILL BE CLOSING ON MAY 12TH TO DO THEIR REMEDIATION WORK AND DO CONSTRUCTION TO EXPAND THEIR LIBRARY.

SO THERE WILL BE A TEMPORARY SITE.

SO, COMMISSIONER SOOY, WHEN YOU'RE IN WATCHUNG, YOU CAN GO TO THE LIBRARY, I BELIEVE THE VILLA FURNITURE STORE, THE OLD VILLA FURNITURE WILL BE THE TEMPORARY LIBRARY WHILE THEY DO CONSTRUCTION ON THE EXPANSION OF THE NEW LIBRARY.

AND THAT WILL COMPLETE MY REPORT.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, I APPRECIATE THAT.

YEAH, I'LL BE TALKING ABOUT NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY IN A FEW MOMENTS, BUT JUST AS PART OF MY REPORT, I WANTED TO MENTION THAT THE MARCH HUMAN SERVICES NEWSLETTER IS POSTED ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE.

CERTAINLY IS ALWAYS A GREAT RESOURCE TO UNDERSTAND THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY AND OUR AFFILIATED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE HELP TO SUPPORT.

I ALWAYS FIND REALLY ENLIGHTENING TO READ THE IMPORTANT INSIGHTS OF OUR DIRECTOR, MIKE FROST, WHO'S HERE IN THE AUDIENCE.

AND THEN CERTAINLY HE DISCUSSES AN IMPORTANT TOPIC IN WHAT HE CALLED THE CONSEQUENCES OF RHETORIC, THE RISE OF HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING. I THINK IT'S VERY INSIGHTFUL AND CERTAINLY IS A GREAT READ, AND I ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO READ IT.

AND CERTAINLY SPEAKS A LOT.

SO THANK YOU, MIKE, FOR THOSE INSIGHTS.

ALSO SIMILAR IN THAT NEWSLETTER, THERE'S A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS.

THERE IS RFPS POSTED FOR NOT ONLY THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, BUT ALSO THE HOMELESSNESS TRUST FUND.

THERE'S A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL THAT'S POSTED ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF THOSE GRANT REQUESTS IS MARCH 20TH, 2024.

SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE GRANT PROGRAMS OR THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSED PROJECT, I SHOULD REACH OUT TO CONTACT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT (908) 541-5756, OR BY EMAIL AT COMMDEVELOP@CO.

SOMERSET.NJ.US.

AND AGAIN, ALL THESE APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON MARCH 20TH.

SO THAT'S COMING UP.

ALSO AS WE TALK A LOT ABOUT HOUSING WEEK THE CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER IS A RESOURCE THAT'S PROVIDED HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, PROVIDES FREE STAFF COUNSELING SERVICES FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY, PRE AND POST PURCHASE, RENTAL MORTGAGE AND DEFAULT FORECLOSURE INFORMATION.

[00:15:02]

ALSO, IF YOU HAVE ISSUES, YOU WANT TO DISCUSS, FAIR HOUSING ISSUES OR QUESTIONS, OR YOU WANT TO DISCUSS HOMELESSNESS WITH SOME OF THE COUNSELORS, YOU CAN REACH OUT TO THE COUNSELOR AT (908) 446-0036 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT CJHRC.ORG TO NOT ONLY REVIEW THEIR RESOURCES AND GET THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED REGARDING HOUSING.

TO CHANGE TOPICS A LITTLE BIT, I WANT TO THANK OUR ECOLOGICAL VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE ORGANIZED BY THE WITH BIOLOGISTS FROM THE PARK COMMISSION TO HELP RESCUE WHAT I'LL CALL OUR AMPHIBIAN FRIENDS.

SPRING IS THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN FROGS, TOADS AND SALAMANDERS ARE WALKING FROM A STATE OF HIBERNATION AND THEY'RE DRIVEN BY INSTINCT TO LOCATE VERNAL POOLS, TO LAY THEIR EGGS, AND TO DO THE THINGS THAT THEY DO.

HOWEVER, UNFORTUNATELY, ON THIS ROUTE, THEY FACE MORTALITY FROM CARS AS THEY CROSS ROADS.

THE RESCUE TEAMS THAT ARE ESTABLISHED HELP REDUCE THESE CASUALTIES, THESE MORTALITIES.

SO I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO USE CAUTION WHEN IT'S RAINING OUT, NOT ONLY DRIVE CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT'S RAINING, BUT ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT OUR AMPHIBIANS ARE TRYING TO FIND VERNAL POOLS ARE HAVE ENOUGH ISSUES TO ALREADY DEAL WITH CLIMATE CHANGE THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOUR CARS.

SO JUST BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

AND TO CHANGE TOPICS WERE GO TO THE PARKS.

ANYONE SEEKING AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR AN EVENT, WEDDING OR POST PHOTO SHOOT SHOULD CONSIDER USING OUR SOMERSET COUNTY PARKS, INCLUDING COLONIAL PARK GARDENS AND THE LEONARD J. BUCK GARDENS.

BOTH GARDENS PROVIDE INCREDIBLE SCENIC LOCATIONS WITH PICTURESQUE SETTINGS.

THE PARK COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR BOTH GARDENS.

AGAIN, THAT'S COLONIAL PARK AS WELL AS BUCK GARDENS.

RESERVATION GUIDELINES AT ALL VENUES MUST BE MADE WITHIN TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT THAT YOU PROPOSE TO USE.

EVENTS AND PHOTO SHOOTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO BIRTHDAYS, ENGAGEMENTS, GRADUATIONS, MATERNITY PORTRAITS, PROMS, QUINCEANERAS, AND OF COURSE, WEDDINGS.

SO FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, CALL 908-722-1200, EXTENSION 5721.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT AT THE PARKS AND ENJOY SPRING.

BEAUTIFUL DAY OUT. THANK YOU.

SEND MY REPORT. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. IT'S BEEN A BUSY TWO WEEKS.

AS COMMISSIONER MARANO MENTIONED, WE VISITED A LITERACY CLASS AT THE NORTH PLAINFIELD LIBRARY.

THIS WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH A GRANT FROM THE COUNTY GOING THROUGH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

THIS PROVIDES LITERACY TRAINING TO TO IMMIGRANTS.

THERE ARE ALSO LITERACY CLASSES IN BERNARDSVILLE, BOUND BROOK, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP AND SOMERVILLE AS WELL.

SO IT WAS REALLY GREAT TO MEET SOME OF THESE STUDENTS IN PERSON.

I ALSO ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EVENT THAT WAS SPONSORED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP.

SOME GREAT SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS, INCLUDING DIRECTOR ROBINSON.

VERY, VERY NICE JOB.

AND A GREAT TURNOUT.

I MEAN, THERE WERE WELL OVER 300 PEOPLE.

ALSO FOR READ ACROSS AMERICA, I VISITED WOODLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL IN WARREN TOWNSHIP AND GOT TO READ THE COUCH POTATO TO A GROUP OF FOURTH GRADERS AND HAVING A FOUR YEAR OLD AT HOME, I'VE HAD A LOT OF PRACTICE READING THESE BOOKS, SO I WAS GLAD TO BE ABLE TO PUT IT TO USE.

TODAY THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HOSTED OUR FIRST HAZARD MITIGATION STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING.

WE'RE WORKING ON UPDATING OUR HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S DONE EVERY FIVE YEARS.

THE GOAL IS TO IDENTIFY PROJECTS THAT CAN REDUCE DAMAGES FROM NATURAL HAZARDS.

IN THIS PLAN ALLOWS THE COUNTY, AS WELL AS MUNICIPALITIES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FEMA FUNDING.

AND I UNDERSTAND I LEARNED TODAY THAT SINCE 1996, THE COUNTY HAS RECEIVED BETWEEN 60 TO $80 MILLION WORTH OF FEMA FUNDING. SO THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE COUNTY'S BEEN VERY PROACTIVE IN.

I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT RUTGERS IS WORKING WITH OUR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CREATE A PUBLIC HEALTH COMPONENT OF OUR MITIGATION PLAN, AND I UNDERSTAND WE'D BE THE FIRST COUNTY IN THE STATE TO DO THAT.

ALSO LAST WEEK, THE COUNTY HOSTED A ROUNDTABLE TO DISCUSS FOOD INSECURITY.

WE HAD VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM SIX OF THE COUNTY'S FOOD PANTRIES OUR SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.

AND IT WAS A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING.

AND THE GOAL REALLY HERE IS TO IDENTIFY WAYS THAT THE COUNTY CAN BETTER COORDINATE WITH VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS AND ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.

[00:20:03]

I THINK WE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS, AND THERE IS GOING TO BE MORE TO COME.

AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INVITES ADULT RESIDENTS WHO HAVE TYPE TWO DIABETES TO SIGN UP FOR A FREE SIX WEEK WORKSHOP THIS SPRING ENTITLED TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH.

THE PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS WITH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO ASSIST THEM IN TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN MANAGING THEIR HEALTH, OR THAT OF A LOVED ONE WITH TYPE TWO DIABETES.

THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAYS FROM 5:30 TO 8 P.M.

AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFICE AT 27 WARREN STREET IN SOMERVILLE.

IT WILL RUN WEEKLY FROM MARCH 20TH 7TH TO MAY 1ST, AND ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY MARCH 20TH.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, YOU CAN CALL 908 203 6072.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

WE MOVE RIGHT ALONG TO COMMUNICATIONS NOTICE OF FILING A PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING PSENG FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGES IN ITS ELECTRIC GREEN PROGRAMS, RECOVERY CHARGE AND BPU DOCKET NUMBERS, ER 23070423 AND 0424.

NOTICE OF FILING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING CENTRAL EXCUSE ME, JERSEY CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT, JCP&L, SEEKING APPROVAL TO EXTEND ITS BOARD APPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PLAN FOR TRIENNIUM ONE BY SIX MONTHS.

BPU DOCKET NUMBER E ZERO.

EXCUSE ME.

E020090620. NOTICE OF FILING A PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING JCP&L SEEKING APPROVAL OF A ZERO EMISSIONS CERTIFICATE RECOVERY CHARGE FILING BPU DOCKET NUMBER E024010054.

NOTICE OF FILING OF PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, INC SEEKING RECOVERY OF REGULATORY ASSET ESTABLISHED FOR INCREMENTAL COVID 19 RELATED EXPENSES AND FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN UNCOLLECTIBLE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE.

THAT BPU DOCKET NUMBER IS WR23050275.

WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM RAKESH PARIKH RESIGNING FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY ENERGY COUNCIL.

WE RECEIVED A COMMUNICATION FROM RIDGE OAKS SENIOR HOUSING NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY FOR A SENIOR HOUSING APPLICATION WAIT LIST.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG TO NEW BUSINESS.

NO RESOLUTION, 24-600 IS AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND AN INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD'S ONE STOP CAREER CENTER PARTNERS.

WHAT THIS MEANS IS THAT EVERY THREE YEARS, WE HAVE TO DO A KIND OF LIKE A COLLABORATION MEETING WHERE WE ALL COME TOGETHER, TALK ABOUT WHAT THE ALL OF OUR SERVICES ARE, AND TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH PARTNER, WHEN THEY'RE MORE THAN 16 PARTNERS WHO ARE SIGNING THIS, UNDERSTAND WHAT THE OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER IS OFFERING SO THAT PEOPLE CAN BE ANY PLACE IN THE SYSTEM.

GET TO THE RIGHT WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.

GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 24-601 IS AUTHORIZING A CASH PERFORMANCE SURETY, THE RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE SURETY OF GIRARDI BUILDERS IN THE AMOUNT THAT THERE'S AN INCORRECT NUMBER THAT THE FIRST NUMBER SHOULD THE TOTAL AMOUNT SHOULD BE $21,282.17, WHICH REPRESENTS THE ORIGINAL PREFERRED SURETY OF $21,211.08, PLUS $71.09 OF ACCRUED INTEREST.

SO THE TOTAL TO BE RELEASED IS $21,282.19 OR $0.17.

THIS WAS DEPOSITED IN THE ACCOUNT 22-228-55-390-160-003 AND THIS IS POSTED AS GUARANTEE FOR WORK PERFORMED IN THE COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY ON OLD YORK ROAD, AS PART OF A FOUR LOT SUBDIVISION IN RARITAN BOROUGH.

CORRECTION WILL BE MADE TOMORROW WITH THE CLERK OF THE BOARD.

RESOLUTION 24-602 IS FOR AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF SUZANNE DUDEK AS A DEPUTY COORDINATOR OF SOMERSET COUNTY'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR A TWO YEAR TERM ENDING MARCH 26TH, 2026.

RESOLUTION 24-603, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR VARIOUS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES TO FURTHER THE EFFORTS OF THE SOMERSET COUNTIES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM.

RESOLUTION 20 4-604, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 24 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDING FOR COUNTY

[00:25:04]

POLICE, FIRE RESCUE, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO BUILD, MAINTAIN, AND SUSTAIN NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS CAPABILITIES.

20 4-605, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT THE FISCAL YEAR 24 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ASSISTANCE EMAA AS A SUBGRANTEE OF UP TO $110,100.

THESE FUNDS INCLUDE A LOCAL IN-KIND MATCH OF $55,000 THROUGH EXISTING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OPERATING SALARY BUDGET.

24-606, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING UP TO $11,632 FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTINUING THE RIGHT TO KNOW PROGRAM.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CONTROL PLAN AT THE COUNTY LEVEL UNDER THE STATE FISCAL YEAR 2025.

RIGHT TO KNOW GRANT FOR THE PERIOD 7-1/24 THROUGH 6/30/25.

RESOLUTION 24-607, AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-908, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, OFFICE OF LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH UP TO $310,000 FOR THE CHILDHOOD LEAD EXPOSURE PREVENTION GRANT JULY 1ST, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2024.

24-608, AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-1811, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFICE OF CANCER CONTROL AND PREVENTION, UP TO $110,000 FOR THE REGIONAL CHRONIC DISEASE COALITION JULY 1ST, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2024.

RESOLUTION 24 609, AUTHORIZING AN AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL COMPETITIVE CONTRACT TO CORPORATE COUNSELING ASSOCIATES.

THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 24,000.

RESOLUTION 24 610.

AUTHORIZES AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO CSS ENGINEERS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE F, 1103 DOUGLAS ROAD OVER TRIBUTARY TO MOGGY BROOK, BERNARDS TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF FAR HILLS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $354,983.35.

THIS IS A BRIDGE THAT'S IN POOR CONDITION THAT WILL BE REPLACED IN 2026 AND WILL BE APPLYING FOR FEDERAL EXCUSE ME, STATE FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. HIS POSITION 24-611 AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES, EATONTOWN, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE 2024 STREAM SCOUR AND ILLICIT CONNECTION OUTFALL INSPECTIONS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $47,476.

THIS IS A CONTRACT THAT WE DO ANNUALLY AS PART OF OUR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PERMIT.

HIGHWAY AGENCY PERMIT? RESOLUTION 24 TO 612 AUTHORIZED THE AWARD OF THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO NAIK CONSULTING GROUP OF EDISON, NEW JERSEY, FOR CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION OF TRAFFIC AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT HILLCREST ROAD AND EMERSON LANE IN WARREN TOWNSHIP.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $65,860.80.

THIS IS A CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION FOR A NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL THAT'S LARGELY DEVELOPER FUNDED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION CONTRACT.

RESOLUTION 20 4-613 AUTHORIZES AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO FRENCH AND PARRELLO ASSOCIATES OF WALL, NEW JERSEY FOR KITCHEN RENOVATIONS AT THE WARREN BROOK SENIOR CENTER, 500 WARRENVILLE ROAD IN WARREN TOWNSHIP.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $15,700.

THIS IS, THEY'RE PUTTING IN A NEW STOVE, AND THEY NEED A HOOD WITH FIRE SUPPRESSION.

AND THIS IS THE CONTRACT FOR THE DESIGN OF THAT WORK.

24-614 AUTHORIZES AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO U.S.A.

ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS FOR RESTORATION OF THE SPRAY FIREPROOFING AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL, 40 GROVE STREET IN SOMERVILLE BOROUGH.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $29,500.

SOME OF THE FIRE PROOFING IS DETERIORATED, AND THE FIRE MARSHAL SAYS THAT WE NEED TO FIX IT.

24-615 AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO VANCLIEF ENGINEERING OF HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY FOR AN OPEN SPACE AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE

[00:30:03]

THOMPSON PROPERTY.

BLOCK 165, LOTS ONE, TWO AND THREE AND 13.

BLOCK 169, LOT THREE, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $95,625.

THAT'S FOR THE 402 ACRE PURCHASE.

RESOLUTION 24-616 AUTHORIZES AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO T-2 UES OF CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY FOR OPEN END CONTRACT FOR SUBSURFACE UTILITY INVESTIGATION.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $175,625.

THIS IS AN OPEN END CONTRACT WE USED FOR SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION WHERE WE'RE NOT SURE WHERE THINGS ARE.

THEY DO A GROUND PENETRATING RADAR AND TEST PITS AND THINGS LIKE THAT FOR US.

RESOLUTION 24-617, AUTHORIZING CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION ONE TO FRENCH AND PARRELLO ASSOCIATES OF WALL, NEW JERSEY, FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR BRIDGES, B0301, C0705 AND H0910.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $70,950.

NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $378,950.

RESOLUTION 24 618 FOR THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING.

AUTHORIZES AMENDMENT TO R 24-412 TO CORRECT DATES AND TIMES OF PROPOSAL OPENINGS FOR SUBCONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH SUBSTANCE USE AGENCIES AND THE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2024.

RESOLUTION 24-619 FOR THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE HAS BEEN VOIDED OUT AT THIS TIME.

RESOLUTION 24-620, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF HAZMAT RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT FROM GENERAL SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS UTILIZING 17-FLEET-00784. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $37,677.

24-621 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DIRECT FLOORING.

THIS IS FOR REPLACEMENT OF CARPETING AND FLOORING IN HISTORIC COURTHOUSE.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,780.18.

24-622 IS AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO FIVE F-550 CREW CABS DUMPED WITH DUMP BODIES, SPREADERS AND PLOWS.

THIS IS A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $187,748.20, AND THEY ARE REPLACEMENT VEHICLES.

24-623 IS RESCINDING RESOLUTION R 21-1205 THIS IS R FOR A KUBOTA TRACTOR.

THE VENDOR WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THE TRACTOR AT THE PRICE FROM THE CONTRACT, AND SO THAT'LL BE A REDUCTION OF $18,303.74.

RESOLUTION 24-624 AMENDING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS.

C.A. SHORT DSI MEDICAL, NATIRAR RESORT DEVELOPMENT, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS, PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEMS, PRINCETON HEALTH CARE, AND WEX HEALTH.

OUR RESOLUTION IS TO CANCEL VARIOUS OPEN BLANKET PURCHASE ORDERS THAT ARE NO LONGER NEEDED.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $36,425.28.

RESOLUTION 24-625 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO C.A.

SHORT COMPANY.

THIS IS FOR A JANUARY 24TH INVOICE, AND THIS IS CONTAINING SERVICE, AWARD AND RETIREMENT GIFTS INCURRED IN 2023.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,128.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE.

THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATIONS OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACTS TO JERSEY PRINTING ASSOCIATES FOR THE PRINTING AND THE MAILING OF A DIRECT MAIL NEWSLETTER NOT TO EXCEED $22,829.

TONY CLARK APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO TOSHIBA AMERICAN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS OUT OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE NOT TO EXCEED $1,238.55.

RESOLUTION 20 4-6 28, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ROYAL PRINTING SERVICE OF WEST NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, FOR VOTING AUTHORITY BOOKLETS FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

[00:35:02]

PRIMARY ELECTION, 2024.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $14,662.50.

2 4-6 29.

AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO ELECTION SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE, LLC OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA.

FOR ELECTION SERVICES TO THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

PRIMARY ELECTION 2024.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $107,000.

AND 24 630.

APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THOMSON REUTERS WEST OF MINNESOTA FOR LEGAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE ELECTION BOARD IN 2023 NOT TO EXCEED $410.

RESOLUTION 24 631, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE D, 1302 POTTERSVILLE ROAD OVER PEAPACK BROOK AND PEAPACK AND GLADSTONE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,751.25.

RESOLUTION 24-632, AUTHORIZES CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO THE USGS FOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

THAT'S FOR OUR FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM, NOT TO EXCEED $87,000 AND $332.50.

THIS IS SIX MONTHS OF OUR COST SHARE WITH THE USGS FOR OUR FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.

RESOLUTION 20 4-6 33, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO T.R.

WENINGER FOR PARKS OPEN ENDED MAINTENANCE CONTRACT NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE FULL ROOF REPLACEMENT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $171,811.45.

RESOLUTION 24-634, AUTHORIZING THE REALLOCATION OF SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS FROM THE SOURLAND CONSERVANCY TO THE STOUTSBURG SOURLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE TRUE FARMSTEAD IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP.

RESOLUTION 24 635 FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES.

AUTHORIZES CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR ADULT DAY CARE AND THE AMOUNT OF $203,610.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES AND THE AMOUNT OF $21,995 FOR FRIENDLY VISITORS SERVICES AND $75,232 FOR SENIOR SHOPPER SERVICES.

LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTH JERSEY.

JERSEY. IT'S A MOUTHFUL TODAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,000, AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE AMOUNT OF $153,648 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $547,485.

RESOLUTION 24 636, ALSO FOR AGING AND DISABILITY APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER FOR B RAMIREZ FOR THE ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER OF 2023.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $360.

24 637.

AGING AND DISABILITY APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR ABLE MECHANICAL OF RED BANK, NEW JERSEY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE HBA SC REFRIGERATOR, TOTALING NOT TO EXCEED $245.

24-638 FOR AGING AND DISABILITY APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR MARTIN AND EDITH STEIN SOMERSET NEW JERSEY FOR KOSHER MEALS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $840.

24 639.

ALSO, AGING AND DISABILITY APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR OTC BRANDS, INC.

OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES FOR SENIOR CENTERS TOTALED NOT TO EXCEED $71.52.

AND FINALLY FOR AGING AND DISABILITY 24 640 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR SACRED SHOPRITE OF HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY FOR THE REFRESHMENTS FOR THE MEETING WITH THE AGING ADVISORY COUNCIL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25.97.

RESOLUTION 24 641 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICO.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $188.28.

24-642 FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.

AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO QUALIFACTS SYSTEMS FOR RICHARD HALL'S QUALIFACTS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM.

[00:40:01]

THIRD YEAR OF A SEVEN YEAR CONTRACT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $38,000.

ALSO FOR RICHARD HALL, 24-643, AUTHORIZE A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR FREEDOM YOGA STUDIO FOR THE CONTINUATION OF SERVICES THROUGH OUR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,000.

24-644 FOR RICHARD HALL.

AMENDS RESOLUTION R24-329 TO CORRECT THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT.

NEW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,739.21.

GOOD EVENING. R 24-645 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING OF THE SAME.

THE NEW RESOLUTION 24-646 APPROVAL OF CONFIRMING ORDER TO VIDEO SYSTEMS AT HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,557.46.

24-647 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CONFIRMING ORDER TWO PRINTING SUPPLIES USA PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY, FOR PRINTING SUPPLIES.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $635.16.

24-648, APPROVAL OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO MIKE'S TOWING RECOVERY, BRANCHBURG, NEW JERSEY FOR TOWING OF CRIME VEHICLES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $203.

THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 24-649 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION.

CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO MSMCS OPCO FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS UTILIZING CONTRACT NUMBER CC - 002-421. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,040.

24-650 APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO HILLTOP ASSOCIATES FOR THE ANNUAL TOWER RENTAL FEE FOR OLD STAGECOACH ROAD.

TOWER LEASE FROM ONE 11/24 TO 12-31-24.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $57,460.42.

24-651 APPROVAL TO PAY FOR CONFIRMING ORDER TO TARGET SOLUTIONS LEARNING LLC FOR GUARDIAN TRACKING, IMPLEMENTATION AND TRAINING.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $500.

24-652 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FROM MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR MAINTENANCE, LANDSCAPING, AND REPAIRS A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $129,306. 24-653 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE VENDORS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $27,157.90.

24-654 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR COMMODITIES.

THE COLGATE PAPER STOCK TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $23,746.57.

24-655 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO ATLANTIC SALT MESSERCOLA EXCAVATING J.C.

SCHULTZE. THIS IS FOR SNOW REMOVAL AND ALSO WORK AT THE GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $76,850.25.

24. 656 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO ATLANTIC SALT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $74,892.07.

24-657 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 100,000.

24-658 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO INDEPENDENCE CONSTRUCTORS AND NATIONAL FUEL FOR GASOLINE AND NATIONAL FUEL FOR DIESEL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $187,954.01.

24-659 IS APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE TRUCKS, PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $13,247.66.

24-660 IS APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDERS TO SANITATION EQUIPMENT FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,229.40.

24 661 IS APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDERS TO GABRIELLI KENWORTH FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $197.50.

662 IS APPROVAL TO PAY W.B.

MASON OF SECAUCUS FOR THE PURCHASE OF OFFICE FURNITURE AND FILING CABINETS FOR THE TAX BOARD, UTILIZING DEDICATED FUNDS NOT TO EXCEED

[00:45:02]

$22,104.51. THAT'S IT? ALL RIGHT. MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 24-600 THROUGH 24-662 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR MARCH 26TH, 2024 MEETING. IS THERE A MOTION? MOTION. SECOND.

ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.

AND I KNOW THIS IS ONLY TO MOVE THIS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING, BUT I'M GOING TO HAVE TO RECUSE MYSELF OR ABSTAIN FROM ONE.

CAN I ABSTAIN NOW AND AT THE MEETING? OKAY. SO YES, ON ALL.

AND I'M ABSTAINING FROM 24-655.

ABSTENTION FROM 24.655, NOTED.

WE HAVE SEVERAL TO ADOPT AT A REGULAR MEETING ON A NON CONSENT AGENDA.

SO WE HAVE 24-548.

THANK YOU. AUTHORIZING A SUBCONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH SUBSTANCE USE AGENCIES FOR THE COUNTY OPIOID ABATEMENT FUND.

AND UNDER CONTRACT 93-24549 IS AMENDED IN THE SOMERSET COUNTY POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, CHAPTER TWO, GENERAL EMPLOYMENT POLICIES SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT 550 AUTHORIZING AUTHORIZATION FOR APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF A COST SHARING AGREEMENT PROVIDED THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY STATE AND LOCAL CYBERSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE PURCHASE OF ADVANCED ENDPOINT PROTECTION SOLUTION AND CYBERSECURITY MONITORING SERVICES.

24-551 IS AUTHORIZATION TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY TREASURER FOR HOUSING OF SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL INCARCERATED PERSONS FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF JANUARY 2024 TO FEBRUARY 2024.

TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $422,700.

24-552 IS AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF A TEMPORARY CAPITAL BUDGET, AND THIS WILL ALLOW US TO INTRODUCE THE CAPITAL ORDINANCE.

24-553 IS AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION FOR THE LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT.

AND 24-554 IS AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FOR THE LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.

AND RESOLUTION 24-555 FOR VETERANS SERVICES.

AUTHORIZES CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO METRO FLAG, CONTRACT CC 0049-24 FOR THE PURCHASE OF AMERICAN FLAGS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,864.88.

IS THAT FOR MEMORIAL DAY? THAT'S FOR MEMORIAL DAY, YES.

THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTION 24-548 THROUGH 24-555 TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR MEETING.

SO MOVED. THERE A SECOND.

SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.

ABSTAIN FROM 551.

ABSTENTION FROM 24.551 NOTED.

COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING.

ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK COME UP, STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.

FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME.

NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.

AND WE WILL ALSO ENTERTAIN ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PHONE AND VIA EMAIL.

IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? SO MOVED. MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND? IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE, AYE.

AYES HAVE IT.

HI, HARRY. HOW ARE YOU? ALL RIGHT. HARRY BOWES LAGER.

UH, GRIGGSTOWN, NEW JERSEY.

CANAL ROAD.

I WANT TO THANK THE PEOPLE THAT HELPED ME GET SOME TREES DOWN ALONG THE CANAL.

I DON'T WANT TO MENTION ANY NAMES, BUT THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

YOU CAN MENTION PAUL'S NAME.

WELL, I DON'T WANT TO USE THEIR NAME.

I DON'T WANT TO HURT ANYBODY'S FEELINGS.

BUT. OH, OKAY.

YEAH, BUT WHAT WAS I GOING TO SAY NOW? I LOST YEAH.

YEAH, MY WIFE AND I ALMOST GOT KILLED ON CANAL ROAD ONE DAY WE HAD TO POWER OUT, AND MY WIFE WANTED SOME FOOD, SO WE WENT OUT, AND ON THE WAY BACK, LUCKY THERE WAS A

[00:50:07]

POLICE OFFICER THERE.

AND I STOPPED TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEMS ON CANAL ROAD AND PEOPLE SPEEDING AND ALL THAT.

AND AND THEN AS WE RODE DOWN THE ROAD THERE, A TREE WAS LAYING RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK.

SO I HAD TO PARK MY TRUCK THERE.

AND I TOLD MY WIFE, YOU STAY HERE, I'LL GO HOME AND GET ONE OF MY TRACTORS AND I'LL MOVE THE TREE.

SO LUCKILY I GOT HOME AND I GOT THE TRACTOR AND TOOK THE TREE AND THREW IT OFF THE ROAD.

BUT THEN OTHER PEOPLE WERE GOOD HERE.

THAT GOT SOME TREES CUT.

THEY DIDN'T GET THEM ALL. BUT WE GOT A LOT.

THERE WERE VERY DANGEROUS TREES THERE BECAUSE YOU KNOW, TREES DON'T TALK.

BUT BOY, WHEN THEY FALL, THEY CAN KILL YOU.

I ALMOST GOT KILLED A COUPLE TIMES BY THESE TREES REALLY.

AND I ALSO WANT, I WANT TO MENTION WAS OKAY, WHEN ELECTIONS AND STUFF, YOU KNOW AND I WANT TO MENTION SOMETHING ABOUT THE ILLEGAL ALIENS, TOO, BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF THESE ILLEGAL ALIENS.

YOU KNOW, THESE CHINESE.

I HEARD THEY BROUGHT IN, LIKE, 25,000 MACHINE GUNS INTO THIS COUNTRY.

NOW I KNOW WHAT IS IT? BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS. THEY'RE TRYING TO GET A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WHAT THEY CALL FOR GLOCK MACHINE TO LOCK.

LOCK THE GLOCK AUTOMATIC SO IT CAN BE LIKE A MACHINE GUN.

AND THE CHINESE ARE BRINGING THEM IN TO THIS COUNTRY, AND THEY'RE TRYING TO LOCATE THEM.

BUT I HEARD IT WAS LIKE, I DON'T KNOW, I HEARD MAYBE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF IDAHO, THEY'RE HIDING MACHINE GUNS AND THEY GOT, LIKE, 24,000 CHINESE NATIONALS IN THE COUNTRY.

AND I, THEY'RE ALL MILITARY AGE, AND I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE UP TO.

IT'S SURPRISING THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ALLOWED THEM TO COME INTO THE COUNTRY BECAUSE THEY GOT A BASE IN PANAMA, AND THAT'S WHERE THEY ORCHESTRATE TO GET THEM INTO THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

SO THAT'S KIND OF FRIGHTENING.

AND I'M, I'M AFRAID OF GETTING THE CCP'S LIABLE TO GET ME.

SO BUT ANYWAY, AND THE ELECTIONS, YOU KNOW, I THINK THE LAST ELECTIONS IN 2020 WERE TOTALLY ILLEGAL.

TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THEY WERE NOT LEGAL AT ALL.

AND IT'S FRIGHTENING THAT IF WE CANNOT HAVE HONEST ELECTIONS IN THIS COUNTRY, WHERE ARE WE GOING? AND I'M SCARED OF THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY BECAUSE THEY'RE ALWAYS YOU KNOW, THEY GOT THIS TICK TOCK AND THEY, YOU KNOW, THEY PAID BIDEN $40 MILLION.

FOR WHAT? I DON'T KNOW, BUT IT'S KIND OF SCARY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS, BUT WELL, ANYWAY, THAT'S ABOUT IT.

AND HOPEFULLY WE HAVE HONEST ELECTIONS.

I'LL TELL YOU WHAT. IF WE DON'T HAVE HONEST ELECTIONS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

IT'S SCARY TO ME THAT WE HAVE CRIMINAL ELECTIONS WHERE, YOU KNOW, THEY PRODUCE MORE BALLOTS THAN THERE'S PEOPLE, AND YOU GOT DEAD PEOPLE VOTING AND, YOU KNOW.

I MEAN, PEOPLE BRINGING TRUCKLOADS OF BALLOTS FROM LONG ISLAND TO HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

I MEAN, THAT TO ME IS KIND OF, YOU KNOW, WHAT WHY ARE BALLOTS IN LONG ISLAND WHEN THEY'RE SAYING THEY BELONG IN HARRISBURG? I DON'T GET THAT.

THAT'S CROOKED.

WELL ANYWAY. AND WE USE A CROOKED MONEY SYSTEM TO, YOU KNOW, ABOUT THE FEDERAL RESERVE.

THAT'S A PONZI SCHEME.

AND THEY USE FIAT CURRENCY.

AND ALSO THEY JUST PRINT MONEY.

IT'S ALL COUNTERFEIT MONEY.

AND THEY JUST. AND WE COULD NEVER PAY THE AMOUNT OF DEBT WE GOT.

WE GOT, WHAT, $336 TRILLION WORTH OF DEBT? WE WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO PAY THAT.

AND YOU KNOW WHAT? MY UNCLE WORKED 16 HOURS A DAY.

HE USED TO WORK DOUBLE SHIFTS TO KEEP PAYING THE TAXES AND ALL THE INSANITY.

WE HAVE AN INFLATION NOW.

INFLATION IS TOTALLY INSANE.

AND YOU KNOW WHAT? A FRIEND OF MINE WITH THE COALITION FOR MONETARY REFORM, AND HE TOLD ME A STORY THE OTHER NIGHT.

HE SAID, YOU KNOW, AND I THINK IT WAS IN VENICE OR GREECE.

BUT ANYWAY, HE TOLD ME THAT WHEN AN HONEST MONEY SYSTEM FOR 140 YEARS, THE PEOPLE TOOK THEIR GOLD AND SILVER AND DIAMONDS, AND THEY GAVE IT TO THE BANK.

AND FOR 140 YEARS, THE PEOPLE IN THAT COUNTRY GOT DIVIDENDS FROM THAT BANK.

BUT IT WAS AN HONEST MONEY SYSTEM, NOT WHAT WE USE IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT IT SHOWS YOU THAT IF YOU USE AN HONEST MONEY SYSTEM, YOU DON'T HAVE THIS INFLATION.

INFLATION IS NOTHING BUT A CROOKED MONEY SYSTEM.

THAT'S WHAT REALLY CAUSES INFLATION.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

ALL RIGHT. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? DO WE HAVE ANY? I HAVE NOTHING.

EMAIL, NO EMAILS, NO PHONE NUMBER.

ALL RIGHT. IF NO ONE ELSE IS WISHING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME, WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING.

IS THERE A MOTION?

[00:55:02]

MOTION OPPOSED. SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? AYES HAVE IT.

WE WILL MOVE INTO OUR REGULAR MEETING.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.