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>> IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting]
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 LIVESTREAMED ON THE SOMERSET COUNTY WEBSITE.
FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTY BOARD MEETING AT 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 BE A SOURCE OF HOPE, A SOURCE OF LEADERSHIP, A SOURCE OF RESOURCE FOR ALL WE COME IN CONTACT WITH, OUR STAFF, OUR RESIDENTS, AND ANYONE THAT IS IN NEED OF OUR SERVICES, FOR ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.
THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE MARCH 26TH WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON HERE ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING WHICH IS SET FOR APRIL 9TH, 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?
>> HERE. AS WE MOVE ON TO OUR COMMISSIONER REPORTS, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.
IT'S SPRING TIME. IT'S TIME FOR BASEBALL.
IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT OUTSIDE, IT'S A LITTLE CHILLY.
HOWEVER, WE ARE IN THE THROES OF SPRING, AND AGAIN, THIS MEANS BASEBALL.
IN SOMERSET COUNTY WITH THE AA YANKEE BASEBALL TEAM, THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS, WE'RE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT PARTNER IN THE PATRIOTS AND IN THE CALIFFER FAMILY.
JONATHAN CALIFFER, AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS WILL BE HERE WITH US AT OUR SIX O'CLOCK MEETING AS WE START OFF ON THE 27TH SEASON TOGETHER.
THAT'S 27 YEARS, SO HOPEFULLY THEY CAN BRING HOME ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP FOR US, AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO OPENING DAY IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO, WHICH OPENING DAY IS APRIL 5.
THIS GAME WILL BE PLAYED AGAINST THE RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS AND THE AA AFFILIATE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, WITH FIREWORKS FOLLOWING THE GAME.
THE OPENING WEEKEND WILL ALSO FEATURE SPENCER JONES PENNANTS HONORING ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PATRIOTS AND I'M CERTAIN SOON TO BE A YANKEE.
ON SUNDAY, THE KIDS CAN COME OUT AND MEET AND GREET BLUEY, HAVE FUN ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE GAME AND RUN THE BASIS AFTERWARDS.
I'LL JUST CHECK WITH JONATHAN WHEN HE GETS HERE AND WITH THE FAMILY, I THINK WE ARE STILL A FEW TICKETS OUT THERE THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET AND HAVE A GREAT TIME IN THE GREAT STADIUM WATCHING THE GREAT SOMERSET PATRIOTS.
WE'VE ALREADY SELECTED THE 40 NON-PROFITS WHO WILL BE RECEIVING OUR COUNTY BOX IN THE PRIVATE SUITE AT THE TD BANK BALL PARK.
EACH YEAR WE OFFER OUR SUITE AS A THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HARD WORK FOR THE NON-PROFITS SUCH AS CURBING HUNGER, RAWHIDE DOG RESCUE, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, AND SO MANY OTHERS THAT DO SO MUCH FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
THEY ARE WELCOME TO USE THE SUITE HOWEVER THEY WISH, WHETHER BRINGING THEIR CLIENTS FOR A SPECIAL DAY AT THE BALLPARK, OR THANKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK OR AS A FUNDRAISER TO HELP SUPPORT THEIR SERVICES, AND THEY ALWAYS GET TO MEET SPARKY.
I CAN TELL YOU EVEN EACH OF US, WE GET GAMES FOR THE SUITE, AND WE TEND TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE 40 NON-PROFITS BECAUSE WE'RE ALWAYS BEING ASKED, DO YOU HAVE ANY GAMES LEFT? EACH OF US HAVE DONE JUST THAT, GIVEN ADDITIONAL GAMES BEYOND THE 40 NON-PROFITS THAT WE PICK, OR WE INVITE PEOPLE TO SPEND THE DAY WITH US TO WATCH A GREAT ALL AMERICAN PASTIME, THE GAME OF BASEBALL.
THEN OTHER TOPICS, I'M SURE COMMISSIONER DRAKE WILL MENTION THIS. DID YOU BRING THE TROPHY? I WON'T STILL HIS THUNDER, BUT I'LL DEFER TO YOU ON THAT, BUT YOU'RE LOOKING A LITTLE LIGHTER ON THE TOP.
THAT IS MY COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.
>> OVER AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, WE HAD A BOARD MEETING LAST WEEK, AND WE WERE ABLE TO ACTUALLY TAKE A TOUR OF OUR NEW SPACE OVER ON DIVISION STREET,
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RIGHT HERE IN SOMERVILLE.THE PURPOSE FOR THIS MOVE WAS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FRONT AND CENTER ON THE HEART OF A WALKABLE DOWNTOWN, AND IF ANYONE REALLY WANTS TO COME VISIT SOMERSET COUNTY, OR HAS A BUSINESS IN THE AREA AND WANTS TO USE THE SPACE, THEY CAN GO RIGHT UPSTAIRS.
WE HAVE A CO-WORKING SPACE FOR ANY OF OUR MEMBERS, SO FOR ANYONE THAT DOESN'T WANT TO MAKE THAT FULL INVESTMENT ANYMORE TO HAVE AN ACTUAL OFFICE LOCATION, YOU HAVE THE LUXURY OF BEING ABLE TO HAVE THAT HYBRID BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP.
WE ARE LOOKING TO GET IT ALL FURNISHED AND THE FULL MOVE TO HAPPEN VERY SHORTLY.
I NEVER WANT TO SAY A DATE WITH MOVING AND CONSTRUCTION, BUT YOU'LL HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT COMING VERY SOON.
THE SPACE IS ALREADY GETTING PAINTED AND FURNITURE WILL BE MOVED IN THE UPCOMING WEEKS.
THE WEBSITE, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT, FOR THE MEMBERS, IT HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED.
IF ANY OF THE AFFILIATED BUSINESSES WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A DISCOUNT, THEY ACTUALLY POST IT.
WHETHER IT IS HOTELS, ANYONE WITHIN HOSPITALITY, RESTAURANTS, DIFFERENT RETAIL OR SERVICES THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE, THEY HAVE MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNTS.
I THINK THE MAIN QUESTION FOR ANY NEW MEMBERS IS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FOR ME? THAT'S WHAT EXACTLY THEY'RE ABLE TO ANSWER THESE DAYS.
WE KEEP TAKING THE NEXT STEPS TO MAKE SURE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, NOT JUST A RIBBON CUTTINGS, BUT ON THAT DAILY BUSINESS TO BE ABLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND SOME OF THOSE CHALLENGES THAT WE DO FACE WHEN WE ALL START OUT.
I ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN AND FOR THE EXISTING MEMBERS TO BE ABLE TO USE SOME OF THOSE GROWING RESOURCES.
DIRECTOR ROBINSON MENTIONED OUR PATRIOTS ANOTHER SEASON, THAT WE'RE HAPPY TO HAVE THAT FANTASTIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THEM RIGHT THERE AT BRIDGEWATER AND THEY'LL HAVE A PRESENTATION LATER ON THIS EVENING.
FINANCE, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD WITH YVONNE OVER THERE AND COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY TO MY RIGHT.
WE ARE MAKING SURE TO PREPARE A VERY HEALTHY BUDGET AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE BEING GOOD STORES OF THE TAXPAYERS DOLLARS, AND TO MAINTAIN OUR AAA BOND RATING.
WE'RE VERY HAPPY TO MAINTAIN THAT, AND YOU'LL SEE THAT IN THE FULL PRESENTATION COMING UP NEXT MONTH.
I DON'T WANT TO STEAL YOUR THUNDER BEFORE YOUR PRESENTATION YVONNE, BUT THAT CONCLUDES OUR REPORT.
>> THANKS, COMMISSIONER. IT'S BEEN A BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS.
I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE BUILD GATEWAY PROJECT MEETING TO HEAR ABOUT THE ADVANCEMENTS IN THE NEW GATEWAY TUNNEL TO NEW YORK CITY.
SOMERSET COUNTY CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR A ONE-SEAT RIDE ON THE RARITAN VALLEY LINE TO NEW YORK CITY.
BEING THERE AND SPEAKING WITH PROJECT LEADERS, WITH WALTER LANE FROM OUR PLANNING DIVISION, WAS GOOD TO GET OUT THERE AND OUR ADMINISTRATOR, COLEEN MOORE.
ALWAYS TRYING TO ADVOCATE FOR SOMERSET AND GET BETTER SERVICES HERE.
ALSO ATTENDED A GREAT PRESENTATION AT THE WATCHUNG HILLS REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL OF PIPPIN.
EXCELLENT JOB BY OUR STUDENT PERFORMERS, WE'VE GOT A LOT OF TALENT IN THIS COUNTY.
ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING THE MIDDLEBROOK SYMPOSIUM THAT WAS PUT ON BY OUR OWN GROUP.
THE HERITAGE TRAIL GROUP HAD COORDINATED THAT, BUT OUR OWN CULTURAL HERITAGE TEAM WAS THERE SUPPORTING AND HELPING AND BEING PART OF THAT TOO, THAT WAS HELD AT RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
IT'S VERY SUCCESSFUL. THAT PLACE WAS PACKED.
IT WAS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE NUMBER WAS, BUT 200 PEOPLE THERE, AT LEAST?
IT WAS ALL TARGETED ON TALKING ABOUT WHY WASHINGTON CHOSE MIDDLEBROOK TO BE THE LOCATION FOR HIS ENCAMPMENTS FOR TWO WINTERS.
A LOT OF IT IS THE GEOGRAPHY OF JUST BEING SITUATED BETWEEN THE TWO RANGES OF THE WATCHUNG MOUNTAINS, WHICH WAS A SAFE ZONE FOR THEM.
VERY ENLIGHTENING, VERY INTERESTING.
ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO ATTEND A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY.
I'M NOT TRYING TO JUMP ON HIS WITH THE SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS AND TO LISTEN TO WHAT TEACHERS ARE GOING THROUGH NOW AND THE STRUGGLES THAT THEY'RE HAVING, PARTICULARLY WITH THE SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS THAT THERE EXIST RIGHT NOW.
THINKING OF HOW WE CAN INSPIRE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE EDUCATION AS A CAREER PATH IS VERY IMPORTANT.
ALSO ATTENDED THE RVCC BOARD OF ESTIMATES WITH COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY SO I'M SURE HE'LL HAVE MORE TO REPORT ON THAT ONE, DON'T WANT TO JUMP ON THAT THUNDER.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY HEARD TO THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK FOR THEIR $1 MILLION GIFT FROM MACKENZIE SCOTT.
THIS IS HUGE BECAUSE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK IS LOOKING TO
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MOVE TO A NEW LOCATION BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING WELL.I GUESS IT'S SO GREAT THAT THEY'RE DOING GREAT AND IT'S NOT SO GREAT THAT THEY'RE DOING GREAT, BUT THEY WANT TO EXPAND THEIR FOOTPRINT TO ALSO INCLUDE ROOMS FOR SERVICES FOR FOLKS THAT GO THERE, NOT JUST FOR FOOD, BUT FOR OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES THAT THEY CAN GET.
THIS IS REALLY EXCITING AND FINGERS CROSSED WE HAVE SOME MORE TO REPORT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS TO WHERE THAT'S GOING.
OUR SHREDDING EVENT WAS HELD THIS PAST WEEKEND.
EVEN IN THE POURING RAIN, WE HAD OVER 1,000 CARS FILLED THE TRUCKS FOR THAT.
SPEAKING OF THE POURING RAIN, AGAIN, OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES TEAM AND ALL OF PUBLIC WORKS, EXCELLENT WORK WITH KEEPING OUR ROADS CLEAR.
I KNOW THERE ARE MANY DOWN TREES, LOTS OF MINOR FLOODING GOING AROUND.
I KNOW IT'S BAD WHEN I LOOK ACROSS THE STREET ON GREENBROOK ROAD AND I SEE THE WATER COMING UP TO HOUSES ACROSS THE STREET FROM ME SO I KNOW THIS WAS A PRETTY BAD ONE.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU AND THE TEAM DO, PAUL.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET AND WE ARE DISCUSSING OUR MEETING FOR NEXT MONTH IN HARBOROUGH, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON APRIL THE 11TH AT SEVEN O'CLOCK AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO COME AND HEAR THE FACTS ABOUT ABRAHAM STAATS' MOST FAMOUS VISITOR, BARON VON STEUBEN.
MORE TO COME WITH THE REPORT NEXT MONTH ON HOW THAT ALL WENT.
IT'S SEVEN O'CLOCK ON APRIL 11TH AT THE STAATS HOUSE IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
BIG THING COMING UP IS THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK WEEKEND.
THAT'LL BE THURSDAY BEFORE THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK WEEKEND.
PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR AND THE WEBSITES FOR ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON FRIDAY NIGHT, SATURDAY AND NIGHT FOR ALL THINGS GOING ON AT SOUTH BOUND BROOK AND BOUND BROOK FOR THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK.
SORRY, PAUL. NOW, I'M REALLY DONE.
>> IT'S ALL RIGHT. IT'S ALL GOOD. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
JUST WANT TO MAKE A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS.
I PARTICIPATED THIS WEEKEND, IF YOU CAN'T TELL, IN THE ST. BALDRICK'S EVENT.
WE WERE TEAM BLUE MEANIES AND GLAD TO SAY WE WERE A TOP TEAM.
[APPLAUSE] THANKS A LOT AND MANY GREAT THANKS TO ONE OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS, NATHAN RUDY, WHO HIMSELF RAISED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY.
THE EVENT RAISED OVER $60,000, AND ALL THE MONEY GOES TO CHILDHOOD CANCER.
IF YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH ST. BALDRICK'S, IT WAS A FEW VERY WEALTHY ACCOUNTANTS WHO DECIDED WHAT COULD THEY DO AS A DARE AND THEY SHAVED THEIR HEADS, AND THEN WHEN THEY PUT THE MONEY IN, THEY REALIZED WHO COULD THEY GIVE IT TO.
THE WHOLE EVENT IT'S NOW A NATIONAL EVENT FOR SHAVING YOUR HEAD FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER.
WE RAISED, LIKE I SAID, OVER $5,200 AS A TEAM.
THE TOTAL EVENT IN NORTH PLAINFIELD WAS HELD THIS PAST SUNDAY, RAISED OVER $60,000.
WHAT'S REALLY INCREDIBLE ABOUT IT IN GENERAL, IS THAT OVER 85% OF ALL THE DOLLARS RAISED GOES DIRECTLY TO CANCER RESEARCH FOR CHILDREN.
VERY LIMITED AMOUNT GOES TO THEIR OVERALL ADMINISTRATION SO IT'S REALLY A GREAT ORGANIZATION TO BE PART OF SO I WAS REALLY GLAD TO BE PART OF THAT.
ALSO ATTENDED THE PREMIERE OF THE LOCAL PBS VIDEO, TRAVELS WITH DARLEY.
DARLEY WAS HERE FILMING LAST SUMMER.
REALLY THE PREMIERE OF THE VIDEO THAT'S NOW ON PBS, I BELIEVE, IS REALLY FOCUSING ON CENTRAL JERSEY, THE HEART OF CENTRAL JERSEY BEING SOMERVILLE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OVERALL HISTORY OF CENTRAL JERSEY.
IT ALSO PUT A GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HISTORIC WASHINGTON-ROCHAMBEAU TRAIL AND HOW THAT TRAIL WAS SO CRITICAL TO ALLOWING THE COLONISTS TO DEFEAT THE BRITISH AT YORKTOWN.
IT'S A GREAT VIDEO, ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH IT.
IT'S ABOUT 12 MINUTES, I THINK IT WAS, BUT CERTAINLY IS WELL WORTH IT.
WANT TO THANK DARLEY FOR COMING AND PUTTING CENTRAL JERSEY ON VIDEO, SO IT'S TERRIFIC.
I KNOW, DOUG, IT'S HARD TO GO LAST BECAUSE WE ALL STEAL YOUR THUNDER.
BUT AGDAY WITH COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY, WE HAD FILMING AT SOMERSET COUNTY VOLTECH.
THAT WAS VERY EXCITING WHERE I THINK WE WERE COOKING WITH THE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM STUDENTS AT SOMERSET COUNTY VOLTECH, AND THAT WAS JUST AN EXPERIENCE IN AND OF ITSELF.
THEN, OF COURSE, I GOT TO TRY WHAT WAS COOKED SO WE WERE DOING OUR BEST TO BE A JUDGE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I WAS VERY HUNGRY, SO IT WAS A GOOD THING.
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[LAUGHTER] THEN LAST FRIDAY, ALSO, I ATTENDED IN BURNERS TOWNSHIP, ONE OF THE LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH OUR LOCAL FARMERS.WE WERE CELEBRATING AGDAY, THE IMPORTANCE OF AGDAY IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
WE VISITED TWO SCHOOLS IN BURNERS TOWNSHIP, AND WE HAD REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENGLISH FARM, WHO LIVES IN A FARM IN BURNERS TOWNSHIP.
ALSO JIMMY AMA, WHO IS FROM HILLSBOROUGH, AND THEN ALSO MATT PASKES, WHO IF YOU'RE NOT FAMILIAR, HE HAS THE DAIRY FARM IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
IT'S THE LAST REMAINING DAIRY FARM IN SOMERSET COUNTY SO WE VERY MUCH SUPPORT ALL HIS EFFORTS.
BUT HE BROUGHT A COW WITH HIM AND THE COW WAS A BIG HIT.
THE COW WAS TERRIFIC, WELL BEHAVED COW.
[LAUGHTER] PEOPLE WERE THRILLED TO GET TO PET THE COW AND THEN ALSO CAROL ENGLISH FROM THE ENGLISH FARM HAD A CHICKEN.
NOT ONLY KIDS GET EXPOSED TO A CHICKEN, BUT ALSO A COW.
WANT TO SAY THAT THAT WAS A GREAT EVENT AND IT'S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE STUDENTS INTO CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH OUR AGRICULTURAL HISTORY AND THAT WAS A TERRIFIC EVENT.
I WANT TO THANK KATE KATZER FOR ALL THE WORK SHE DID PUTTING THAT TOGETHER. THAT'S ALL IN MY REPORT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. I'VE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED EATING AT VOLTECH, THE TRADEWINDS.
THE CULINARY STUDENTS ARE JUST TERRIFIC.
IN FACT, ON APRIL 10TH, THE GOVERNING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION IS GOING TO BE HAVING THEIR DINNER AT THE VOLTECH SCHOOL AT TRADEWINDS SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT.
GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IS GOING TO BE HOSTING A CAREER EVENT FOR NATIONAL YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP WEEK ON MAY 6TH, WHERE BUSINESSES, AGENCIES, AND JOB SEEKERS WILL GATHER TO PROVIDE APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CAREER INFORMATION, AND A CHANCE FOR YOUTH AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO NETWORK.
THIS IS FOR PEOPLE AGES 16-24.
THE EVENT IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE ON MAY 6TH FROM 5:30-7:30 AT RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
YOU CAN BEGIN REGISTERING ON APRIL 1ST.
TOMORROW, THE GREATER RETON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IS HOSTING A JOB FAIR.
A RESOURCE AND TRANSITION FAIR WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM 6:30-8:30 PM TOMORROW AT THE SOMERSET HILLS YMCA.
THE EVENT IS FOR PEOPLE AGES 14 AND 21 WITH DISABILITIES, AND THIS WILL INCLUDE INFORMATION ON PAID INTERNSHIPS AND OTHER WORK EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE IN A COMMUNITY SETTING.
ALSO FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, THERE'S GOING TO BE AN OPEN HOUSE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH, FROM 9:00 AM TO NOON AT THE COLLEGE'S BRANCHBURG CAMPUS.
THAT'S MY REPORT. IT'S NICE GOING LAST.
IT SHORTENS EVERYTHING I HAVE TO COVER SO THAT'S ALL RIGHT. THANKS.
>> I HAVE ONE ADDITION WHICH I ALMOST FORGOT, BUT SOMETHING THAT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
OVER IN BOUND BROOK, WE HAD THE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW JERSEY TRANSIT EASTBOUND WAITING ROOM AND PLATFORM.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FORMER ADMINISTRATOR, HECTOR HERRERA, FOR HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION THERE.
IT WAS MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING AND WORKING WITH NEW JERSEY TRANSIT AND THE NJTPA AND ALL OF OUR PARTNERS THERE FOR OUR JOINT MISSION, TO NOT ONLY HAVE A WONDERFUL WAITING ROOM, BECAUSE ANYONE THAT'S WAITED FOR A TRAIN WHEN IT'S ALWAYS RAINING, SNOWING, OR SOME INCLIATE WEATHER JUST TO PROTECT YOU THERE FROM THE BLAZING SUN SOME DAYS.
THE CLOSER WE GET TO A ONE-SEAT RIDE, THE BETTER IT IS FOR ALL OF US.
JUST TO HAVE THAT STRUCTURE THERE ONLY PUTS US A STEP AHEAD.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE PARTNERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION.
MOVING ON TO EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION, WE HAVE A SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR SAMANTHA ZABAA. PLEASE COME UP.
>> [INAUDIBLE] ESPECIALLY THE AUDIENCE BEHIND THE SEATS.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING, YOU DON'T WANT IT ENOUGH FOR US IN THE RECOGNITION OF SINCERE APPRECIATION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN FURTHERING THE CALLS OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.
I'D LIKE TO PRESENT THIS TO YOU AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORK.
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>> THIS IS THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD, A COOL STORY.
WE HAVE DISPATCHERS WITH SOME OBG/YN SKILLS, LEVON PORTER AND JEFFERSON. JEFFERSON.
YOU RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS IN LABOR AND YOU TALKED THEM THROUGH IT BEFORE YOUR FIRST DELIVERY?
>> THE SOMERSET COUNTY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION COMMITTEE PRESENTS THIS HUMANITARIAN AWARD CERTIFICATE TO JEFFERSON GALILEO.
COMMUNICATIONS, RECOGNITION, AND SINCERE APPRECIATION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN FURTHERING THE CAUSE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.
ON JANUARY 3RD, 2024, DISPATCHER JEFFERSON GALIANO, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM CTO LEVON PORTER, ACCEPTED A 911 CALL FROM A CALLER IN LABOR.
BOTH DISPATCHER GALIANO AND CTO PORTER DID AN EXEMPLARY JOB WALKING THE CALLER THROUGH THE SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY PRIOR TO PATROL'S ARRIVAL.
TRULY A MOMENTOUS AND SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR ANY DISPATCHER WHEN THEY GET TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH BRINGING A NEW LIFE INTO THE WORLD.
MR. PORTER, IS HE HERE TOO? NO, I'M SORRY.
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING? YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING?
>> I'M GOOD. THANK YOU. JUST APPRECIATE YOU GUYS.
>> DID THEY NAME THE CHILD AFTER YOU?
>> GOOD EVENING. COMING ON THIS SIDE OF THE DAIS BECAUSE THIS IS OUR SECOND YEAR THAT WE ARE HONORING THE OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
THIS IS DONE AGAINST THE BACKDROP WHICH MAKES IT FITTING THAT WE'RE STILL IN MARCH TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WOMEN OF ALL BACKGROUNDS HAVE MADE THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT WOMEN PAVE THE WAY FOR OTHER WOMEN, WHETHER IT BE IN THEIR STRUGGLES FOR GENDER EQUALITY, THEIR HISTORY MAKER BARRIER BREAKERS, AND OVERALL WOMEN THAT INSPIRE US.
TO THAT END, AS I SAID, WE HAD OUR SECOND ANNUAL OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF SOMERSET COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND WE GOT A TON OF REALLY AWESOME RECOMMENDATIONS AND LITTLE STORIES AND COMMENTS OF WHY SPECIFIC WOMEN SHOULD BE GIVEN THOUGHT TO THREE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES.
THE CATEGORIES WERE LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, AND RISING STAR.
FOR OUR FIRST ONE, I'D LIKE TO CALL KIM COWARD, WHO UNDER HUMAN SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, KIM.
THE LEADERSHIP AWARD IS AWARDED TO A WOMAN IN A SUPERVISORY ROLE WHO HAS AN OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL FOR FUTURE LEADERS IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
KIM HAS ROUTINELY VOLUNTEERED TO TAKE LEADERSHIP ROLES TO SERVE HER FELLOW EMPLOYEES AND THE COUNTY.
FOR FIVE YEARS, SHE HAS CO-CHAIRED AND LED THE EMPLOYEE-LED DIVERSITY FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY IN OUR COUNTY AND TO ATTRACT MORE DIVERSE PEOPLE INTO COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
THIS PAST YEAR, SHE SPEARHEADED THE EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP, WHICH IS AN INITIATIVE TO CREATE A MORE SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR.
SHE ALSO HAS WORKED HARD TO BRING ATTENTION TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSLIM HISTORY MONTH, AND WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER AMONG YOUR PEERS, SO CONGRATULATIONS.
>> THIS IS A LITTLE SOMETHING I WANT TO GIVE BACK. GO OVER THERE.
YOU WANT TO GRAB HER FIRST AND THEN WE'LL DO A GROUP.
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DON'T GO TOO FAR BECAUSE WE WANT TO A GROUP PICTURE WHEN WE'RE DONE.OUR NEXT AWARD, I LIKE TO CALL FORWARD LINDA PACARO.
LINDA IS GOING TO GET OUR MENTORSHIP AWARD.
FOR OUR MENTORSHIP AWARD, WHAT WE ASKED PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT WAS TO AWARD THIS TO ANY WOMAN WHO REGULARLY SUPPORTS OTHER WOMEN TO ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS BY TAKING AN ACTUAL PERSONAL INTEREST IN VISING AND ADVOCATING THEM.
LINDA AND ANOTHER FROM HUMAN SERVICES SO MIKE, YOU GOT SOME GOOD WOMEN THERE.
IS THE DIRECTOR OF OUR YOUTH SERVICES AND ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE, FOR ANYBODY IN AN ORGANIZATION, IS TO HAVE HER MENTOR.
SOMEONE WHO LISTENS WITHOUT JUDGMENT, GUIDES YOU ON YOUR CAREER PATH, AND TAKES A PERSONAL INTEREST IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, AND CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS IF THEY WERE YOUR OWN.
AS A WORKING MOTHER, LINDA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SOUNDING BOARD FOR OTHER WORKING MOMS TO NAVIGATE THE COMPLEXITIES OF THAT ELUSIVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE.
NEVER ONE TO SHY AWAY FROM HONESTY AND TRUTH.
LINDA ALWAYS PROVIDES HER THOUGHTS AND HER INSIGHTS AND HAS A WAY OF SAYING EXACTLY WHAT IS NEEDED, WHEN IT IS NEEDED.
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU LINDA. DON'T GO TOO FAR TO MAJOR, WE'RE GOING TO DO A QUICK PICTURE WHEN WE'RE DONE.
OUR LAST CATEGORY WAS FOR A RISING STAR, SO I'D LIKE TO CALL BACK SAMANTHA SABABWA. PLEASE COME FORWARD.
AS SHE MAKES HER WAY TO THE PODIUM, RISING STAR, THIS IS AWARDED TO A WOMAN IN OUR ORGANIZATION WHO IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF HER CAREER WITH US, HAVE EXEMPLIFIED THE SKILLS AND THE TEMPERAMENT TO BE A FUTURE LEADER FOR US AND FOR THE TAXPAYERS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
SAM HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING ADDITION TO SOMERSET COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
HER DILIGENT WORK ETHIC, HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL ARE ASSETS TO ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
HER COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT AND HER ABILITY TO WORK WELL WITH OTHERS MAKES HER AN EXCELLENT TEAM PLAYER.
SHE HAS AN ADAPTABLE PERSONALITY THAT CAN HANDLE ALMOST ANYTHING THAT COMES HER WAY.
SHE IS A RISING STAR IN THE FUTURE OF SOMERSET COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
WE'RE GOING TO TAKE ONE GROUP PICTURE.
PLEASE GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
>> THAT'S HOW YOU CLOSE OUT WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
WE HAVE A COUPLE OF COMMUNICATIONS.
ONE FROM NEW JERSEY, AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, INC. NOTICE OF FILING A PROPOSED RATE INCREASE IN PUBLIC HEARING IN THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, ORDER ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 14TH OF 2024, AND COUNTY CLERK'S, NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR FEBRUARY 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,315,043.94 OF WHICH $468,779.01 WAS RETAINED BY THE COUNTY FOR ITS OWN USE. NEW BUSINESS.
>> RESOLUTION 24-700, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION
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AND RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR USE OF PREMISES FOR THE 2024 TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON MAY 16TH, 2024, NOT TO EXCEED $1,896.50.>> 701 IS AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES TO THE BOROUGH OF MILLSTONE, THIS IS A SHARED SERVICE.
WE INVOICED THE BOROUGH $25,477 LAST YEAR FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE BOROUGH.
702 IS A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES.
WE INVOICED THEM $28,559 FOR 2023.
703 IS APPROVING PLANS AND RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR HVAC UPGRADES TO THE RICHARD HALL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER IN BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP.
COST ESTIMATE FOR THIS PROJECT IS $3.6 MILLION.
WE'RE BIDDING THIS PROJECT IN MAY FOLLOWING THE BUDGET ADOPTION AND WE'RE REPLACING THE HEAT PUMPS IN THE BUILDING WITH A NEW HEAT PUMP SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING.
704 IS APPROVING PLANS, THE RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR THE UST REPLACEMENT AT THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND SOUTH COUNTY DPW FACILITIES IN BRIDGEWATER AND HILLSBOROUGH, COST ESTIMATE IS $3 MILLION.
WE'LL BID THIS IN LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY, AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THE CAPITAL BUDGET.
WE'RE REPLACING ALL THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS AT THESE TWO FACILITIES WITH NEW ABOVE GROUND TANKS AND A NEW FILLING SYSTEM.
>> RESOLUTION 24-705, AUTHORIZING A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, HAZARDOUS DISCHARGE SITE REMEDIATION FUND FOR BLOCK 117, LOT 4, RARITAN BOROUGH, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
THIS IS IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL WORK WE'RE CONDUCTING ON THE HUNT PROPERTY PRIOR TO OUR ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY.
>> IT'S RIGHT ON THERE. IT'S BETWEEN THE CANAL AND THE RIVER.
>> RESOLUTION 24-706 IS AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE BOND 1075557676 IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,000 POST AS GUARANTEE FOR DRIVEWAY REMOVAL AND PERFORMANCE BOND 107557675 IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,991.20 FOR WORK CONSTRUCTING THE COUNTY RIGHT AWAY ON VALLEY ROAD IN BIRDS TOWNSHIP, AND THIS IS A RELEASE TO BASKING RIDGE PROJECT PARTNERSHIP, LLC.
>> RESOLUTION 24-707 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 NEEDED FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS AGE 60 PLUS FOR THE PERIOD MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, NOT TO EXCEED $2,157.
24-708 FOR RICHARD HALL, AUTHORIZES ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS FOR RICHARD HALL CHWC FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES FOR SUPPORT TEAMS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY KNOWN AS STAR, IN THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $700 NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF $417,686 FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2024.
>> AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 24-709, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF CHILDREN FAMILIES FOR THE YEAR 2025.
FORMULA-BASED CHILD ADVOCACY GRANTS FOR UP TO $160,706 IN GRANT FUNDING, ACCEPTING THE FUNDING IF APPROVED, AND INSERTING THE FUNDS INTO THE 2024 BUDGET.
>> GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 24-710, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE COUNTY HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT ACRONYM CHIF, FOR YEARS 2 AND 3 OF FUNDING UP TO $764,612.
THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2026.
THE FUNDING TO BE UTILIZED TO DEVELOP, MAINTAIN, AND ENHANCE INITIATIVES THAT PROMOTE HEALTH EQUITY AMONG RESIDENTS.
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>> 24-711 IS AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN.
IT'S FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND HIGH DEFINITION TRAFFIC CAMERA EQUIPMENT.
IT'LL BE ON HAMILTON STREET, ELIZABETH AVENUE, AND WESTON CANAL ROAD.
24-712 IS AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE BOROUGH OF BERNARDSVILLE.
IT'S FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NON ESSENTIAL HIGH DEFINITION LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION READER.
IT'LL BE ON NORTH FINLEY AVENUE IN THE BOROUGH.
>> 713 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION R21-975 WHICH IS TO CLARIFY THE INTENT OF THE MODIFICATION NUMBER 1 OF STRUNK ALBERT ENGINEERING OUT OF EAST STRASBURG FOR OUR 40 NORTH BRIDGE STREET PROJECT.714 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR MICRO PAVE SYSTEMS FOR OUR MORRIS COUNTY CO-OP FOR ROAD RESURFACING CATEGORY C, WHICH IS CRACK SEALANT, NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF $250,000.
WE'LL BE ABLE TO ADDRESS CRACKS ON 10 ROADS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, WHICH IS 9.5 MILES OF ROADWAY 915 IS AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO VAN CLEEF ENGINEERING FOR SURVEY SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY ON AS NEEDED BASIS FOR THIS YEAR FOR $10,000.
716 IS AWARD CONTRACT TO VAN CLEEF ENGINEERING FOR THE REHABILITATION OF COUNTY BRIDGE C0105 WHICH IS BEDENS BROOK ROAD OVER THE TRIBUTARY OF BEDENS BROOK IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $252,234.
THEN 717 IS CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER 2 TO GPI FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY HORIZONTAL CURVE WARNING SIGN DESIGN, NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $88,670.26
>> 717, IS THAT FOR A SPECIFIC SITE OR JUST OVERALL?
>> IT'S OVERALL. WE GOT A GRANT FROM THE NGTPA TO DO AN EVALUATION OF ALL OF OUR SIGNS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY ON ALL OF OUR CURVES SO IT'S THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTY.
THIS IS THE SECOND MODIFICATION.
THERE WAS A UPDATE TO THE METCD, WHICH IS THE MANUAL FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES THAT ACTUALLY ALLOWS US TO PUT UP LESS SIGNS ON OUR CURVES, AND WE HAVE TO DO A MODIFICATION TO THE PLANS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE COMPLETED.
WE'RE GOING TO SAVE A LOT OF MONEY ON THE CONSTRUCTION SIDE OF IT AND THEN THE LONG TERM MAINTENANCE OF IT IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS MODIFICATION TO THE PLANS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE IN PLACE.
>> GREAT. THANK YOU. [NOISE] RESOLUTION 24-718, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHI SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY FOR THE THIRD YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE MICROSOFT 365 LICENSES, UTILIZING THE NJ COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $601,272.32.
>> GOT ME. 24-719 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0004-23S TO THE CENTER OF GREAT EXPECTATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $8,879, AND LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST JERSEY IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $85,000, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 93,879.
>> RESOLUTION 24-720, AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO PURCHASE THE ONLINE TRAINING MODULE AND OPTIONAL OF YEAR 5 OF RE-ACCREDITATION SERVICES FROM LEXIPOL OUT OF FRISCO, TEXAS, UTILIZING A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $19,658.33. THANK YOU.
>> RESOLUTION 24-721, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT FOR THE COUNTY RADIO TRUNKING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT FROM JANUARY 1ST, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2024, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $185,110.79.
24-722, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS UTILIZING
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STATE CONTRACT FOR MOTOROLA CYBERSECURITY SERVICES 24/7, 365 COVERAGE FROM APRIL, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $105,821.24-723, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SUCCESS UNLIMITED II, INCORPORATED DOING BUSINESS AS DALE CARNEGIE TRAINING OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY TO PROVIDE AND DELIVER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES TO SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $121,000.
THIS WILL BE GRANT FUNDED AND IT'S TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TRAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY SUPERVISORY STAFF.
>> IT IS FULLY GRANT FUNDED, YES, THROUGH THE ELPHIE GRANT.
>> 24-724 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF OUR TWO YEAR PAVEMENT MARKING AND STRIPING CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $344,366.66.
24-725 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS, THIS IS FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT.
WE'RE NOT CERTIFYING ANY FUNDS AT THIS POINT.
THIS IS FOR GUIDE RAIL, SO IT'S PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, THEY WILL ONLY BID ON THE ITEMS IF WE ONLY BID A SIX MONTH PERIOD AT A TIME.
24-726 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD A CONTRACT TO GOLF CARS, INC, AND THIS IS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS OF CLUB CAR GOLF AND TURF UTILITY VEHICLES, FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $500.
24-727 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
THIS IS FOR OUR TIRE ROAD SERVICES FOR 24 HOUR EMERGENCIES, IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $600.
24-728 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD A CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS ALSO FOR TIRE MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $700.
24-729 IS AUTHORIZING CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR VEHICLE PARTS AND REPAIRS.
THIS IS FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURED, IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $36,000.
>> ARE YOU USING SMALLER PRINT ON THIS?
>> 24-730 IS APPROVAL OF PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,183.39.
>> I'M NOT GOING TO SAY ANYTHING.
>> 731 IS AUTHORIZING A PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR 2023 ROAD RESURFACING ADA COMPLIANCE.
VARIOUS ROUTES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF $24,915.
THIS IS FOR 18 EASEMENTS RELATED TO CURB RAMPS FOR OUR RESURFACING PROJECT AND THAT'S THE APPRAISED VALUE. THANK YOU.
>> 24-732 IS AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH TEMPORARY EMERGENCY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2024 FOR COUNTY DIVISIONS.
24-733 IS AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF FEES COLLECTED BY THE IDRC FOR SOMERSET COUNTY TO JOSEPH TRIMBOLI TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $264.
24-734 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.
>> RESOLUTION 24-735 FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF $5,666.32 FOR THE APC-FY22 BANK INTEREST RECOUPMENT.
24-736 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZES THE INCREASE OF PO 231293 IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,899.22 FOR THE NORTH PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENTS,
[00:45:03]
AND PO 263792 IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,103.84 FOR BOUND BROOK, FOR LAMONTE AVENUE REHABILITATION, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $170,003.06.>> 24-737, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION FOR SUPERVISOR PROGRAM TRAINING COURSES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,750.
24-738, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GOLD TYPE BUSINESS MACHINES FOR THE ANNUAL INFO COP LICENSE AND SERVER RENEWAL TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,100.
>> RESOLUTION 24-739, AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF CONFIRMING ORDER TO T-MOBILE USA FOR SERVICES RENDERED DURING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25.
24-740, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CONFIRMING ORDER TO MIKE'S TOWING AND RECOVERY FOR TOWING OF A CRIME VEHICLE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $45.
RESOLUTION 24-741, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO W. B. MASON FOR WATER TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $157.50. THANK YOU.
>> 24-742 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL.
IT WAS FOR A CHEMICAL TREATMENT STATION AT 40 NORTH BRIDGE STREET, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $13,363, 24-743 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR CLEANING AND SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $353,964.17, 24-744, WE'RE AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
THIS IS A REDUCTION OF $235,425.87.
24-745 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MASA RECYCLING SERVICES.
THIS WAS FOR OUR COMMODITIES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,525.71, 24-746 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR OUR COMMODITIES.
THE COLGATE PAPER STOCK TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,935.53, 24-747 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO BRITAIN INDUSTRIES.
IT'S FOR OUR WOOD REFUSE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 21,000, 24-748 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR THE PICK UP OF FLUORESCENT TUBES AND LED BULBS TO COMPLETE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $492, 24-749 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICHIE'S TIRE SERVICE.
THIS IS FOR OUR TIRE TRAILER TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,350.
24-750 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO HOFFMAN EQUIPMENT FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS TO OUR LIFTS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $221 24-751 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO CME ASSOCIATES.
THIS IS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS OF OUR FUEL TANKS IN HILLSBOROUGH AND IN BRIDGEWATER TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,490, 24-752 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $29,428.59, 24 -753 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL FOR GASOLINE AND NATIONAL FUEL OIL FOR DIESEL, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $39,010.53 24-754 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $45,000.
24-755 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO FUEL OIL, FOR GASOLINE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 50,000.
>> IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTION 24 -700 THROUGH 24-755 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR APRIL 9?
>> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY?
[00:50:01]
>> IF I MAY, I'M GOING TO PULL 24-665.
I JUST NEED TO REVIEW THE EXHIBIT AT LEAST TO MAKE SURE IT'S COMPLIANT.
24-666 IS AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION TO THE SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX FOR THE PROVISION OF DETAINEE FACILITIES.
WE'VE HAD A FOLLOW UP MEETING WITH THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX TO DISCUSS THE PARAMETERS OF ENTERED INTO A LONGER TERM AGREEMENT FOR FIVE YEARS.
COMMISSIONER MORANO, YOU NEED TO RECUSE YOURSELF FROM THAT ONE. NOT A PROBLEM.
>> 24-667 IS A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SOMERSET COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AND THE RESIDENT YOUTH OF SOMERSET.
RESIDENT YOUTH OF SOMERSET HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE PARENTING CLASSES AND TRAUMA INFORMED CARE FOR THE INCARCERATED PERSON POPULATION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL AS REQUIRED BY THE DIGNITY FOR INCARCERATED PRIMARY CARE PARENTS ACT.
THIS SERVICE IS BEING PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR BOTH THE COUNTY AND THE RESIDENTS.
>> RESOLUTION 24-667 IS AUTHORIZING THE PLANNING DIVISION TO APPLY TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR A CLIMATE POLLUTION REDUCTION GRANT.
THERE'S ABOUT 4.1 BILLION DOLLAR AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.
THIS IS A JOINT APPLICATION THAT WE'RE DOING WITH DUKE FARMS AS WELL AS RVCC AND VOLTECH.
WE'RE GOING TO BE APPLYING FOR OVER 30.1 MILLION DOLLAR.
THAT WOULD PURCHASE A MIXTURE OF 36 COUNTY VEHICLES FROM RECYCLING VEHICLES TO BUSES TO CARS REPLACING THEM WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
DOING 15 HEAT PUMPS AT VARIOUS PARK COMMISSION AND COUNTY FACILITIES.
REPLACING FOSSIL FUELED HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS WITH THE HEAT PUMPS.
ALSO TWO HEAT PUMPS AT FACILITIES AT RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE FUNDING SPENT ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE AT BOTH VOLTECH AND RVCC TO TRAIN PEOPLE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
DUKE FARMS WILL BE PLEASED ABOUT 15 VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES, 15 BUILDINGS WITH HEAT PUMPS, AND ALSO CREATING A SUSTAINABILITY CENTER THAT WE ARE JOINTLY WORK ON TRAINING AS AN EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE CENTER JOINTLY WITH THE COUNTY AND OUR MUNICIPALITIES FOR TRAINING AND OPPORTUNITIES.
THIS RESOLUTION WILL AUTHORIZE US SUBMITTING IT'S DUE ON 1 APRIL, THE DEADLINE.
WE HAD TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE'S PLAN TO USE THIS MONEY, WHICH ONLY RELEASED MARCH 1.
BETWEEN MARCH 1 AND NOW WE'VE DEVELOPED THIS PLAN.
WE HAVE LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
PSE&G, THE ELECTRICAL WORKERS, NJTPA.
WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF SUPPORT FOR THIS PROJECT, SO HOPEFULLY WE'RE COMPETING NATIONALLY.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A SUPER COMPETITIVE GRANT, BUT I THINK WITH THE CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY STATEMENT, OUR SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES POLICY HOPEFULLY HAS MADE A GOOD CASE OF WHY THIS WOULD BE A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR THE FEDS.
VERY GOOD. I HAVE A LOT OF SUPPORT FROM MATT LOPER AND PAUL MCCALL, PULLING ALL THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER, THEY REALLY HELPED DOING A LOT OF THIS TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
AS WELL AS DUKE FARMS AND THEIR CONSULTANT, I BELIEVE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO LEARN EARLY THIS SUMMER, LIKE JUNE, JULY, BECAUSE THEY WANT TO GET THIS MONEY OUT AND OBLIGATE IT BEFORE THE FALL.
>> OKAY, 24-669 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ALL PAID INC FOR THE SECOND YEAR, OPTIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSION FOR CREDIT CARD AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PROCESSING.
RESOLUTION 24-670, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SYSTEMS DESIGN GROUP OUT OF FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY TO UPGRADE THE EXISTING SIEMENS SIPASS SECURITY SERVER SOFTWARE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,771.49, 24-671 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD A CONTRACT TO MID ATLANTIC WASTE.
THIS IS FOR THE DUMPSTERS FOR OUR RECYCLING DIVISION.
FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.
24-672 IS EXCUSE ME, AWARD A CONTRACT TO
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MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR PAVEMENT MARKING AND STRIPING OF VARIOUS ROADS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 344,366.66.>> IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 24-665 THROUGH 24-666? YES, THANK YOU. OMITTING 665, SO THAT WE'LL BE ADDING 24-666 THROUGH 24-672 TO THE AGENDA FROM MARCH 26.
>> ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY?
>> ABSTENTION FROM 24-666, NOTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR SWI?
>> ABSTENTION FROM 24-666, NOTED DIRECTOR ROBINSON?
>> IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN UP TO THE PUBLIC?
>> AYES HAVE IT. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK, FIVE MINUTES? NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND IN TIME.
WE ALSO ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS FROM PHONE AND FROM EMAIL.
>> THE ONLY THING I DO HAVE IS HARRY BOSLAGER, 1243 CANAL ROAD.
FRANKLIN HAS ASKED ME TO COMMENT ON THE FOLLOWING.
THE COUNTRY IS IN ECONOMIC TURMOIL.
CAN'T FIND A DECENT RESTAURANT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IS KILLING THEM ALL WITH TAXES.
UPS IS NOW AUTOMATED, AND THAT'S COSTING US JOBS.
THE TUGBOATS SHOULD HAVE BEEN GUIDING THE SHIPPING CONTAINER IN AND OUT OF THE HARBOR.
THE US IS HEADED FOR A DEPRESSION, AND THE CIVIL WAR GROCERIES ARE COSTING FAMILIES TOO MUCH AND THE AVERAGE FAMILY CAN'T AFFORD TO FEED THEIR FAMILIES.
BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES RUIN THIS COUNTRY.
MITCH MCCONNELL WON'T SAY ANYTHING AGAINST CHINA BECAUSE HE DOES BUSINESS WITH THEM, AND IT'S ABOUT MONEY.
''DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IS ONE TRAIN STOP AWAY FROM COMMUNISM.'' I DON'T KNOW WHO THE QUOTE IS FROM, BUT IT'S IN QUOTES.
>> HEARING NONE OTHER FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSED PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? > IT'S A GREAT QUOTE.
>> AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL PAUSE AND ALLOW OUR GUESTS TO COME IN SO WE CAN MOVE ON TO OUR REGULAR MEETING.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.