>> I DON'T KNOW. WE MUST BE GIVING OUT MONEY OR SOMETHING TONIGHT. [LAUGHTER]
[00:00:02]
>> DON'T SIT DOWN SHARON YOU'RE FIRST.
[PROCLAMATION]
GOOD EVENING. HOW ARE YOU? WE'RE GOING TO DO A PROCLAMATION ON HOUSING MONTH, AND THEN WE HAVE A FEW MORE ORDERS OF BUSINESS TO DO.I WANT TO WELCOME SHARON CLARK HERE. YOUR NAME IS?
>> ALL RIGHT. WE GOT A BOARD HERE.
IN APRIL WE ARE CELEBRATING IN SOMERSET COUNTY HOUSING MONTH.
VERY IMPORTANT. IT'S IMPORTANT TO SECURE APPROPRIATE HOUSING.
WE RECOGNIZE THAT SECURE AND APPROPRIATE HOUSING IS A BASIC HUMAN NEED FOR ALL.
AND IT READS, WHEREAS THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FINDS THAT DECENT, SAFE, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND A GOAL OF ALL SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENTS.
AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY 2024 MARKS THE 56 ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968, WHICH GIVES INDIVIDUALS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHERE TO LIVE WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, GENDER, FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AND OR DISABILITY.
AND WHEREAS TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT, THE CONCEPT OF HOUSING MONTH CELEBRATED EACH APRIL BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE PAST 32 YEARS HAS FOCUSED ON THE TALENTS AND VIGOROUS LOCAL EFFORTS OF GRASSROOTS AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, HOUSING SERVICE PROVIDERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES, AND OTHERS TO PROMOTE AND PRESERVE FAIR HOUSING WHILE HELPING TO CREATE AND PRESERVE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2024 TO BE HOUSING MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND URGES ALL CITIZENS TO CARRY OUT ACTIVITIES IN THE SPIRIT OF HOUSING MONTH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
AND IT'S SIGNED BY THE FIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. [APPLAUSE]
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS HERE.
MY STAFF IS HERE; 60% OF OUR STAFF IS BILINGUAL.
WE CARE VERY MUCH ABOUT FAIR HOUSING FOR EVERYONE.
WE'RE ALSO IN ADA AND ACCESSIBLE BUILDING RIGHT HERE IN SOMERVILLE AT 92 EAST MAIN STREET.
WE DO EVERYTHING FOR FREE BECAUSE OF THIS SUPPORT.
ONE OF OUR BIG SUPPORTERS IS THE COUNTY AND ALL THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, AND WE WOULDN'T BE ANYWHERE WITHOUT THEM.
ALSO, WE HAVE A WHOLE CALENDAR.
WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH OVER 40 DIFFERENT ENTITIES.
SO HOUSING MONTH IS NOT JUST ABOUT OUR AGENCY, EVEN THOUGH WE COORDINATE IT AND COLLABORATE.
I'M GOING TO PUT A SCHEDULE IN THE BACK.
EVERYTHING THAT THESE OTHER GROUPS, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, LEADERSHIP SOMERSET, THERE'S A WHOLE BUNCH OF DIFFERENT GROUPS, THE PLANNING BOARD THAT HAD JUST PUT TOGETHER SOME MAPS, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, I COULD GO ON AND ON, THE OFFICE ON AGING, THEY ALL HELP US.
SO HOUSING MONTH IS NOT JUST ABOUT US, BUT ABOUT EVERYONE AND BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND WHEN YOU HEAR ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING, KEEP IN MIND THAT THAT COULD BE A SINGLE FAMILY OR A SMALL HOUSEHOLD MAKING OVER $80,000 A YEAR AND STILL BE ELIGIBLE.
PRICES FOR HOUSING ARE SKYROCKETING, EVEN AFFORDABLE.
AND THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE TO GET THEM IN THERE.
MY STAFF AND MY BOARD DOES A FABULOUS JOB AND WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH.
[00:05:32]
>> AT THIS TIME, WE'RE GOING TO ASK JONATHAN AND JOSH KHALIFA TO COME UP WITH YOUR TEAM,
[PRESENTATIONS]
WITH YOUR PRESENTATION. GO PATRIOTS.>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOING BACK TO MY FILM MAKING DAYS, I LIKE TO SHOW AND NOT JUST [OVERLAPPING] HDMI INPUT.
>> GOOD EVENING COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MAHR, COUNTY COUNCIL DEMARCO, ALL OF OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS.
IT'S REALLY GREAT TO BE HERE WITH YOU ALL THIS EVENING AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO PRESENTING AN UPDATE ABOUT OUR HOME TEAM.
WE'VE GOT A LOT TO COVER, SO LET'S JUMP IN.
IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS A MAN WHO DREAMED BIG AND WASN'T AFRAID TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE.
ONE OF THOSE DREAMS WAS TO BRING PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL TO HIS COMMUNITY.
AND IN THE MID '90S, HE STARTED EXPLORING OPTIONS.
HE PARTNERED WITH SOMERSET COUNTY AND IN 1998, THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS PLAYED THEIR FIRST SEASON ON THE ROAD WHILE THEIR FUTURE BALLPARK WAS BEING BUILT.
IN 1999, THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS PLAYED THEIR SECOND SEASON IN THEIR NEW HOME.
WE WERE PART OF THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE, A START UP OF INDEPENDENT TEAMS, AND WE HAD AN AMAZING RECEPTION FROM THE COMMUNITY AND QUICKLY BECAME ONE OF THE STANDARD BEARERS OF INDY BALL.
OUR SUCCESS CONTINUED, BUT A COMBINATION OF FACTORS BROUGHT SOME NEW CHALLENGES IN THE 20 TEAMS, PARTICULARLY FOR INDEPENDENT TEAMS. AROUND THE SAME TIME, MLB WAS STARTING TO LOOK AT INNOVATION AROUND THE GAME.
ONE OF THE THINGS THEY WERE LOOKING AT WAS RULES CHANGES, AND THEY PARTNERED WITH THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE TO EXPERIMENT WITH THIS BOLD IDEA.
THESE WERE VERY CONTROVERSIAL, BUT THE EXPERIMENT WAS A SUCCESS, AND THEY'RE NOW PART OF THE GAME.
WORKING WITH MLB ON THIS PROJECT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEM WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH.
WE STARTED TO LOOK AT OUR OWN WAYS TO GENERATE MORE EXCITEMENT FOR OUR FANS.
WE TITLED THIS OUR NEXT 20 INITIATIVE.
WE BRAINSTORMED, HAD PANEL DISCUSSIONS, ENGAGED THE COMMUNITY, FANS, ASSOCIATES IN THE INDUSTRY, AND CONSULTANTS.
A FERRIS WHEEL WAS EXPLORED, AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT.
AND WE WENT FROM PLANNING A BRIGHT FUTURE TO WONDERING IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE ONE.
THESE SITUATIONS HAVE A WAY OF SHOWING YOU WHO YOUR FRIENDS REALLY ARE, AND WE DID WHATEVER WE COULD TO BE COMMUNITY LEADERS.
WE DIDN'T LAY ANYONE OFF, AND WE DID VACCINATION CLINICS, DRIVE THROUGH CONCESSION MEALS, DRIVE IN FIREWORKS, DRIVE IN MOVIES.
AND THEN WE STARTED HOSTING EVENTS IN THE BALLPARK AS WE FIGURED OUT SAFE WAYS TO DO IT.
WE DID TOWN HALLS, RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES, GRADUATIONS, YOGA.
WE REALIZED THAT WE COULD DO WHAT WE ARE HERE TO DO FOR THE COMMUNITY AND PLAY BASEBALL WHILE STILL ADHERING TO THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS DEVELOPED BY FEDERAL AND LOCAL AGENCIES.
WE CREATED OUR OWN TEMPORARY LEAGUE, AND THOSE GAMES BETWEEN THE BRIDGEWATER BLASTERS AND THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS WERE SOME EXCELLENT BASEBALL.
BRIDGEWATER EVEN CAME CLOSE TO BEATING OUT SOMERSET IN THE SERIES.
THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE GAMES, AND THESE EMPTY STANDS WOULD NORMALLY MAKE ME VERY SAD.
BUT IN THIS CASE, I'M VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE PLAYED
[00:10:03]
BASEBALL IN FRONT OF FANS DURING THE 2020 SEASON, AND WE DID IT SAFELY.IT ENDED UP BEING ONE OF THE ONLY MINOR LEAGUE GAMES IN FRONT OF FANS DURING THE 2020 SEASON.
AND IT ALSO ENDED UP BEING GREAT PRACTICE FOR THE 2021 SEASON.
DURING THIS TIME THERE WERE BIG THINGS HAPPENING IN AFFILIATED BALL.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AND THEIR AGREEMENT WITH MLB ENDED AFTER 119 YEARS, AND THE PBA BECAME THE PDL.
THERE WAS CONTRACTION DOWN TO 120 TEAMS AND IT MADE IT EASIER FOR THE MAJORS TO MOVE THEIR AFFILIATED TEAMS. ANOTHER TOP PRIORITY WAS BETTER FACILITIES FOR PLAYERS, AND MLB NOW HAD A LOT MORE SAY IN WHAT AFFILIATED TEAMS DID.
DURING THIS TIME WE RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE YANKEES ORGANIZATION.
THIS OPPORTUNITY WAS BIGGER THAN ANYTHING WE HAD EXPLORED IN OUR NEXT 20 INITIATIVE, AND WE SEIZED IT AND BECAME ONE OF THE FIRST BIG CHANGES OF THE NEW SYSTEM.
WE MADE COMMITMENTS TO THE YANKEES ORGANIZATION, AND AS ALWAYS, WE HONORED THOSE COMMITMENTS EVEN DURING COVID.
WE BUILT A NEW BATTING CAGE, NEW CLUBHOUSE, NEW BULLPEN, NEW GYM, AND HAD THEM READY FOR OPENING DAY AS PROMISED, AND EVERYONE FROM OUR STAFF, THE COUNTY, AND OF COURSE, PENN VALLEY CONSTRUCTORS WORKED TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THE YANKEES KNEW THEY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. OPENING DAY IN 2021, OUR FIRST SEASON AS AN AFFILIATE, AND JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER LOSING DAD.
IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR JOSH AND I AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO WORK THROUGH THIS GRIEF, ON TOP OF THE OTHER CHALLENGES OUR ORGANIZATION FACED, LIKE LINGERING COVID RESTRICTIONS, BEING NEW TO AFFILIATED BALL, AND AFFILIATED BALL BEING A WHOLE NEW SYSTEM.
BUT EVERYONE WORKED TOGETHER TO HONOR DAD'S DREAM.
THEN AT THE END OF THE SEASON, DURING THE FINAL HOMELAND OF THE REGULAR SEASON, THINGS GOT TOUGHER.
NOTHING TO DO BUT PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER AND STEP UP.
AGAIN, OUR AMAZING TEAM AND OUR EXTENDED BUSINESS FAMILY AND OUR LARGER COMMUNITY PITCHED IN AND WE SOMEHOW MANAGED TO PLAY THE FINAL GAMES OF THAT HOME STAND BACK AT TD BANK BALLPARK.
WE BECAME A SYMBOL FOR OUR COMMUNITY DURING A VERY TOUGH TIME.
BUT OUR LEADERSHIP WAS MORE THAN JUST SYMBOLIC.
WE PITCHED IN TO HELP THE COMMUNITY GET BACK ON ITS FEET THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING AND PERSONAL SUPPORT TO FAMILIES THAT LOST ALMOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE WE ARE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY.
WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU, MAKES YOU STRONGER AND 2022 WAS AN AMAZING SEASON.
WE BROKE BUSINESS RECORDS, AND WE EVEN WON OUR FIRST AFFILIATED CHAMPIONSHIP.
THE BASEBALL WORLD DEFINITELY NOTICED AND WE HAVE CONTINUED TO BUILD ON THAT REPUTATION.
WE'VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF BUILDING IN BOTH THE FIGURATIVE AND THE LITERAL SENSE.
THIS IS A VERY INCOMPLETE LIST OF THE INVESTMENTS AND UPGRADES WE'VE MADE OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS.
I'M NOT REALLY EVEN GETTING INTO ALL THE MAINTENANCE, THAT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE ON A 25 YEAR OLD BALLPARK IS EXTENSIVE.
BUT I HATE LONG PRESENTATIONS AND THAT WOULD BE VERY LONG.
WHICH BRINGS US UP TO TODAY, GETTING READY FOR THE 2024 SEASON WITHOUT THE TRAGEDIES AND TRIALS AND AS MUCH OF THOSE TRANSITIONAL ISSUES.
WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO FOCUS ON BUILDING OUR BUSINESS.
OUR STRATEGY TO DO THAT ALIGNS WITH MLB'S VISION FOR MINOR LEAGUE BALL WHILE STAYING TRUE TO THE FAMILY BUSINESS VALUES THAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE PILLARS OF OUR SUCCESS.
THE FIRST PART OF THIS STRATEGY IS TO CONTINUE TO GROW ATTENDANCE.
THIS IS MLB'S MAIN KPI, AND LOGICALLY, EVERYTHING FLOWS FROM HAVING MORE PEOPLE IN THE BALLPARK EVERY GAME.
WE'VE ALWAYS DONE A GREAT JOB HERE AND WE'VE SEEN STEADY GROWTH HERE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.
BUT THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HERE INCLUDING NEW INCENTIVES AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH, BUT WE'VE ALSO INVESTED IN NEW SOFTWARE AND TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF THAT'S GOING TO NOT ONLY ALLOW US TO DO A LOT MORE, BUT CRUCIALLY MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF THOSE INITIATIVES AND ADJUST AS NECESSARY.
WE'RE CURRENTLY 20,000 TICKETS AHEAD OF LAST SEASON AND EXPECT SIGNIFICANT STRIDES INSTEAD OF STEADY GROWTH.
[00:15:05]
ONCE WE HAVE FANS IN THE BALLPARK, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE CREATE AN EXPERIENCE THAT NOT ONLY BRINGS THEM BACK, BUT MAKES THEM AMBASSADORS.THIS IS SOMETHING ELSE THAT WE HAVE HISTORICALLY DONE VERY WELL AND IT'S ONE OF THE KEY FAMILY BUSINESS VALUES THAT HAS DIFFERENTIATED US AT THE BALLPARK AND IN THE DEALERSHIPS.
AGAIN, WE CAN NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF HOW IMPORTANT THIS PERSONAL TOUCH IS OR STOP LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO MEET FANS CHANGING NEEDS.
ONE THING THAT STAYS PRETTY CONSISTENT FOR FANS IS THAT THEY WANT VALUE.
THIS HAS BEEN A CORE ASPECT OF OUR MISSION FROM THE BEGINNING, AND WE'RE COMMITTED TO REMAINING AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.
WE'RE NOT REINVENTING THE WHEEL, WE'RE JUST BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS.
IN ADDITION TO OUR FANS, WE HAVE OTHER STAKEHOLDERS, AND EVERY SINGLE ONE IS A KEY PART OF OUR SUCCESS.
THE YANKEES ARE OBVIOUSLY ONE OF OUR NEWER STAKEHOLDERS, AND AS I'VE ALREADY SHARED, WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING SURE THEY KNOW THEY MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE.
THERE'S ACTUALLY A VIDEO HERE OF BRIAN CASHMAN AND A BUNCH OF OTHER YANKEES.
IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THE AUDIO WORKED OUT, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN SHARE WITH YOU IN FOLLOWING UP.
MLB IS ALSO A NEW STAKEHOLDER.
WE CONTINUE TO BUILD ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM.
I WAS RECENTLY SELECTED TO BE ONE OF THE OWNERS ON THE FACILITY STANDARD SUBCOMMITTEE, AND WE ARE WORKING EVEN MORE CLOSELY WITH THEM THAN WE HAVE IN THE PAST.
AS I'VE MENTIONED A FEW TIMES ALREADY AND WE'LL NEVER STOP MENTIONING, WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ALONE.
IT'S OUR GREAT TEAM THAT MAKES ALL OF THIS HAPPEN, AND BEING THERE FOR THEM, JUST LIKE THEY'RE THERE FOR US IS ANOTHER FAMILY BUSINESS VALUE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PRIDE OURSELVES ON.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TEAM IN THEIR BRAND NEW OFFICES.
I'VE ALREADY GIVEN A NUMBER OF EXAMPLES OF HOW WE'VE BEEN HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
AS A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT HAS GENERATIONS OF TIES, I CAN ASSURE YOU THIS RESPONSIBILITY IS SOMETHING THAT WE TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY.
AS THE TEAM GROWS, OUR IMPACT IS GETTING EVEN STRONGER AND WIDER.
IN LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED COLLABORATION BETWEEN US AND THIS ADMINISTRATION, THERE'S SOME SPECIFIC AREAS OF IMPACT WE HAVE ON A COMMUNITY THAT I'D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT.
THE FIRST OF THOSE IS JOBS AND CAREERS.
WE ALL KNOW THESE ARE IMPORTANT AND WE DO CREATE A LOT OF JOBS.
BUT THE QUALITY OF THESE JOBS ARE ALSO REALLY IMPORTANT.
THESE ARE SOME OF OUR AMAZING FULL TIME STAFF AT THE BALLPARK.
THEY ARE HOLDING THE CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS FROM OUR 2022 SEASON, BUT THEY ARE CHAMPIONS EVERY SEASON.
BUT IT'S OUR SEASONAL AND PART TIME JOBS THAT I REALLY WANT TO FOCUS ON WITH YOU ALL HERE TONIGHT.
JOBS IN SPORTS ARE VERY DESIRABLE AND AS THE BASEBALL SEASON COINCIDES WITH THE SCHOOL CALENDAR, WE END UP BEING A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S FIRST JOB.
WORKING AT THE BALLPARK IS A REALLY GREAT EXPERIENCE.
IT'S HARD WORK, IT'S MOSTLY IN FOOD SERVICE WHERE TEAMWORK AND PERSONAL SKILLS ARE CRUCIAL.
I'M PARTICULARLY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT OUR TEAM DOES A REALLY GREAT JOB OF INTRODUCING YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE WORKFORCE.
THESE JOBS ALSO HAVE A HUGE EDUCATIONAL VALUE TO OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL AS PROVIDING JOBS.
I CAN ONLY SPEAK TO THIS AS SOMEONE WHO WORKED AT THE BALLPARK DURING MY SUMMER BREAK FROM COLLEGE, OUR FIRST COUPLE SEASONS WHEN I WAS AT RUTGERS.
BUT AS A PARENT ALSO, THIS IS MY SON BRODEN, WORKING AT THE BALLPARK THIS PAST SUMMER.
IT WAS REALLY GREAT TO SEE THE IMPACT IT HAD ON HIM.
INTERESTINGLY, WE ARE ALSO A GREAT OPTION ON THE OTHER END OF PEOPLE'S CAREERS AND WE ARE OFTEN PEOPLE'S LAST JOBS.
WE HIRE A LOT OF RETIRED FOLK AS WELL.
ADDITIONALLY, WE HAVE A VERY ROBUST INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A MORE FORMAL EDUCATIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE.
OUR CHARITABLE GIVING AND OUTREACH IS IMPORTANT, AND AS YOU'VE SEEN, WE ARE THERE DURING THE TOUGH TIMES, WHEN THERE'S A NEED, WE CAN BE COUNTED ON TO STEP UP AND PITCH IN, JUST LIKE WE CAN ALL OF THE OTHER TIMES.
BUT IN ADDITION TO OUR GIVING AS A LOCAL BUSINESS, THERE ARE OTHER UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE THAT MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY.
THOSE ARE THE AREAS I SEE AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASED COLLABORATION.
WE CAN BE A GREAT TOOL FOR COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT GROUPS TO DO THEIR OWN FUND RAISING.
[00:20:01]
WE'VE GOT A LOT OF FUN AND VERY EFFECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO THIS.ADDITIONALLY, ANOTHER UNIQUE WAY THAT WE HAVE TO IMPACT THE COMMUNITY IN THIS AREA IS THROUGH MLB'S FAN ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES.
THESE TEND TO BE AROUND OUR ALTERNATE IDENTITIES.
THIS ALLOWS US TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY FOCUSED GROUPS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME FORMING PARTNERSHIPS THAT ALLOW US TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT INTERSECTION WITH BASEBALL AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE CAN ROOT FOR THEIR HOME TEAM.
THE NEW YORK BLANK YANKEES ARE THE LATEST OF THESE INITIATIVES.
I KNOW MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN THIS AND HELPED US MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS UNDERTAKEN IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.
ANOTHER ONE OF THESE MLB INITIATIVES IS AROUND PRIDE.
WE WERE EVEN BLESSED WITH A RAINBOW ON OUR INAUGURAL PRIDE NIGHT.
IF THAT'S NOT A GOOD OMEN, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS.
JUST AS WE HAVE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES AROUND CHARITABLE GIVING AND OUTREACH, WE HAVE A LOT OF UNIQUE OPTIONS TO CATALYZE LOCAL BUSINESSES.
IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS OF A BUSINESS ARE SIZE.
I BELIEVE LAST YEAR WE HIRED AND PAID JUST SHY OF 300 VENDORS.
BETWEEN THE VISITING TEAMS, THEIR SUPPORT STAFF, FAMILIES, FANS, THERE WERE ABOUT 2,400 HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS LAST YEAR THAT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THERE IF WE WEREN'T.
BUT WHAT WE HAVE IS SO MANY ADDITIONAL WAYS THAT WE CAN IMPACT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT ARE REALLY UNIQUE TO US.
MARKETING AND OTHER PARTNERSHIPS ARE A BIG ONE.
THIS IS ABOUT MORE THAN ADVERTISING.
THESE ARE PARTNERS AND THEY ARE PART OF THE FABRIC OF OUR BALLPARK.
WE ALWAYS PROVIDE VALUE FOR MARKETING DOLLARS, BUT EVEN MORE THAN THAT, WE PROVIDE A REAL COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL NETWORKING FACE TO FACE.
I FIRMLY BELIEVE WE HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS ADMINISTRATION'S SUCCESS IN ATTRACTING BUSINESSES TO OUR AREA AND I BELIEVE WE CAN DO EVEN MORE IN THE FUTURE.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
WE'VE ALREADY STARTED BUILDING ON THIS, AND WE HAD A GREAT MEETING JUST LAST WEEK.
I'M VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THAT CONVERSATION.
JUST LIKE WE ARE HUGE CHEERLEADERS FOR THE BUSINESSES WE PARTNER WITH, WE ARE HUGE CHEERLEADERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
THIS HEAT MAP SHOWS THE LOCATIONS THAT WE ATTRACT PEOPLE TO TD BANK BALLPARK FROM.
WE ALL KNOW THAT IF THEY COME HERE FROM WHEREVER THEY ARE AND ACTUALLY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HOW GREAT OUR COMMUNITY IS, WE WILL BE THEIR TOP CHOICE WHEN THEY ARE DECIDING ON A PLACE TO LIVE, TO WORK, TO START A BUSINESS, RELOCATE A BUSINESS.
WE'VE INCREASED OUR OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH OUR DATA PROJECT TO CAST AN EVEN BETTER AND WIDER NET.
WE ALSO DO A TREMENDOUS JOB SPREADING THE WORD THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA NUMBERS ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN AFFILIATED BALL, WE WERE NUMBER 1 ACROSS PLATFORMS, IN ALL OF AA BALL LAST YEAR IN ENGAGEMENT, ENGAGEMENT RATE, AND INTERACTIONS.
I'M VERY PROUD TO SAY AND TO REMIND EVERYBODY THAT THE WORD SOMERSET IS IN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE POSTS.
AS WE'VE SEEN, OUR PARTNERSHIP HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC MOVE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY FROM THE BEGINNING AND HAS BECOME EXPONENTIALLY MORE SO THANKS TO ALL OF YOUR HELP.
IN SPITE OF THE CHALLENGES WE FACED, WE'VE NEVER MISSED A RENT PAYMENT, NOT EVEN DURING COVID, OR MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE THE BEST COMMUNITY PARTNERS OR LEADERS THAT WE CAN BE.
WITH THE RECENT TRANSITIONAL CHALLENGES AND PERSONAL CHALLENGES, HOPEFULLY BEHIND OUR ORGANIZATION, GOD WILLING, WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO A NEW ERA OF BEING ABLE TO PUT ALL OF OUR RESOURCES INTO GROWTH.
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO COLLABORATE, TO FACILITATE THAT GROWTH, AND WE'LL BE SENDING YOU SOME FOLLOW UP INFORMATION WITH MORE SPECIFICS ABOUT THAT.
OF COURSE, WE HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND REALISTIC ABOUT POTENTIAL CHALLENGES TO FUTURE GROWTH.
WHILE A LOT OF THE HEAVY LIFTING AROUND MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S FACILITY STANDARDS IS BEHIND US, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN THE PIPELINE.
WHILE I BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL BE VERY GOOD FOR BASEBALL, IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN HOW THAT IS GOING TO PLAY OUT FOR OUR BUSINESS.
THE REORGANIZATION HAS ALSO CREATED A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITIES TO ATTRACT AFFILIATED BALL,
[00:25:03]
AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK BEYOND THE NEXT COUNTY OVER TO SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE LOOKING TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS OPPORTUNITY AND BUILD THE LATEST AND GREATEST COMPLIANT FACILITIES TO ATTRACT TEAMS. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNKNOWNS IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW, BUT AS FAR AS THINGS WITHIN OUR HOUSE, I'M EXTREMELY OPTIMISTIC.OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE THERE WOULD PROBABLY BE THE MAINTENANCE THAT COMES WITH A 26 YEAR OLD FACILITY.
WE ALWAYS ADDRESS ANY POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF OUR ASSET.
BUT THERE ARE SOME BIG PROJECTS COMING DOWN THE PIPELINE IN ADDITION TO THE FACILITIES COMPLIANCE PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE OUR ATTENTION.
HOWEVER, WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT THE CHALLENGES WE'VE OVERCOME, I'M CONFIDENT THAT NO MATTER WHAT COMES OUR WAY, THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS.
THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR PARTNERSHIP.
I LOOK FORWARD TO ENJOYING THE 2024 SEASON WITH YOU AND FORGING AN AMAZING FUTURE TOGETHER.
>> THANK YOU TO THE CALIFFER FAMILY AND TO THE PATRIOTS TEAM FOR BEING A GREAT PARTNER AND COMMUNITY LEADER, AND WE DO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS 27TH SEASON.
>> WE'VE GOT ENOUGH PEOPLE TO HAVE A BASEBALL GAME RIGHT HERE.
OPENING DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH.
DON'T FORGET. WE'LL BE THERE. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT.
>> I DON'T HAVE BASEBALL, BUT WE DO HAVE MONEY, AND THAT'S SUPER FUN TOO.
HELLO EVERYONE, MY NAME IS CAITLIN BUNDY.
I'M MANAGER OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION.
JOINING ME TODAY OUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR KATY HIMMOCKS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR ROBERT MEYER.
TONIGHT WE ARE PRESENTING GRANT AWARDS TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MUNICIPALITIES FOR ARTS AND HISTORY PROGRAMMING THROUGH OUR LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM AND COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS.
[00:30:02]
THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION IS AWARDED FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS, NON-PROFITS, AND MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY THAT PROVIDE ARTS PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND DEVELOPMENT.PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM GRANT RECIPIENTS.
STARTING WITH RECEIVING $3,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT IS THE RETON VALLEY CHORAL SOCIETY BASED IN HILLSBORO.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK, OUR PRESIDENT NANCY BACILLI AND BOARD MEMBER, LINDA HARDY.
RECEIVING $6,000 FOR SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT IS THE ADULT DAY CENTER OF SOMERSET COUNTY BASED IN BRIDGEWATER.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIANN ROBINSON AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, KEE-SAMPSON.
[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER] RECEIVING $6,000 FOR SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT IS THE BERNARDS TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION BASED IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION, JENNIFER GANDER.
[APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $3,500 FOR SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT, THE BOROUGH OF BROOK.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS DOWNTOWN MANAGER, AGATHA PEREZ.
[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER] RECEIVING $1,200 FOR SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT IS THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE BASED IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK, OUR PRESIDENT KATHY ORMOSI, TREASURER TOM HARABIN AND CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, KATHY FAULKS.
[APPLAUSE] [BACKGROUND] [LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]
>> RECEIVING $21,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, THE FRIENDS OF THE KENNEDY MARTIN STELLE FARMSTEAD BASED IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
[00:35:01]
ACCEPTING THE CHECK ARE BOARD PRESIDENT, LESLIE WORKMAN, BOARD VICE PRESIDENT, BRIAN WORKMAN, BOARD TREASURER, ANGELA HARTMAN, AND BOARD SECRETARY, RICHARD HUCKINS.>> A BIG SMILE. [LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]
>> RECEIVING $25,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, LIGHT OPERA OF NEW JERSEY BASED IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS MEMBER OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, CHRIS DZEROVYCH.
[APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $36,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, MUSIC IN THE SOMERSET HILLS BASED IN BERNARDSVILLE.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK ARE MEMBER OF THE BOARD, KATHY PAYNE AND GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR, MEGAN PFAU.
[APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $6,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, THE RARITAN VALLEY SYMPHONIC BAND BASED IN HILLSBORO.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK ARE PRESIDENT JONATHAN WOOD AND RARITAN VALLEY SYMPHONIC BAND OFFICERS, DONALD GROSSMAN AND DAVID GWYNNE.
[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $8,000 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, THE SOMERSET SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASED IN BRANCHBURG.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK ARE MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL AVAGLIANO AND TREASURER CHRISTIAN CARRILLO.
[APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $21,000 IN GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, THE UKRAINIAN HISTORY AND EDUCATION CENTER BASED IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS DIRECTOR NATALIA HONCHARENKO.
[00:40:04]
>> CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF SOMERSET COUNTY'S 2024 LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM RE-GRANTEES.
[APPLAUSE] THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION IS ALSO AWARDED FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO SUPPORT LOCAL HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS, OTHER NON-PROFITS, AND MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY THAT PROVIDE HISTORY PROGRAMMING SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING SOMERSET COUNTY'S 2024 COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANT RECIPIENTS.
RECEIVING $3,000 FOR SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT IS THE BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS DOWNTOWN MANAGER, AGATHA PEREZ.
[APPLAUSE] AGATHA, WE LOST HER.
RECEIVING $11,946 FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT IS THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE BASED IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
WELCOME BACK, KATHY ORMOSI, TOM HARABIN, AND KATHY FAULKS.
>> NEXT, RECEIVING $21,350 IN GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, THE FRIENDS OF THE JACOBUS VANDERVEER HOUSE BASED IN BEDMINSTER.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK ARE PRESIDENT LAUREL PORCELLI, VICE PRESIDENT DARRICK ANDERSON, AND TREASURER CRAIG SUTHERLAND.
[APPLAUSE] RECEIVING $3,000 IN SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT, THE FRIENDS OF THE KENNEDY MARTIN STELLE FARMSTEAD BASED IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK, WELCOME BACK UP, ARE BOARD PRESIDENT LESLIE WORKMAN, BOARD VICE PRESIDENT, BRIAN WORKMAN, BOARD TREASURER, ANGELA HARTMAN, AND BOARD SECRETARY, RICHARD HUCKINS.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. WELCOME BACK TO THE STAGE.
>> RECEIVING $13,145 IN GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT THE HERITAGE TRAIL ASSOCIATION BASED IN BRIDGEWATER.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK, OUR PRESIDENT, CYNTHIA BLUMENKRANTZ, AND BOARD MEMBERS BRIAN AND MAUREEN COTI.
>> YES. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. [LAUGHTER] RECEIVING $6,000 IN SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORT, THE UKRAINIAN HISTORY AND EDUCATION CENTER BASED IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK IS ARCHIVIST MICHAEL ANDDRECH.
[00:45:04]
>> RECEIVING $5,309 IN GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT THE VAN HARLINGEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY BASED IN MONTGOMERY.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK AS BOARD PRESIDENT JAMES IRISH.
>> WE'RE NOT GOING TO BE SEEING YOU. [LAUGHTER]
>> CONGRATULATIONS TO SOMERSET COUNTY'S 2024 COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM RE-GRANTEES.
[APPLAUSE] THANKS FOR COMING EVERYONE.
>> IF YOU CAN STAY, WE'LL BE DONE IN FIVE MINUTES OR LESS.
>> IT'S A REQUIREMENT YOU STAY.
>> WELL, WE ALLOW OUR GUESTS TO TO EXIT THE CHAMBERS.
WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE ADVISORY BOARD, RESOLUTION 24-663,
[APPOINTMENTS]
PHYLLIS MARGANOFF FROM THE BOROUGH OF MILLSTONE, AND SENIOR CITIZEN AND DISABLED RESIDENT TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD, RESOLUTION 24-664, JOHN WILLIAMS OF BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE.IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE RESOLUTIONS?
>> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR OUR MARCH 12, 2024 MEETING?
[APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. WE HAVE ORDINANCE 24-597 PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF
[BOND ORDINANCE]
$38,339,400 FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND PURPOSES FOR AND BY THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $36,422,430 BONDS OR NOTES FOR FINANCING PART OF THE COST THEREOF.IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCE 24-597?
>> AYE. ANY OPPOSE? ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS ORDINANCE AND THIS ORDINANCE ONLY, YOU MAY DO SO AT THIS TIME.
[LAUGHTER] HEARING NONE AND SEEING NONE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS ORDINANCE?
>> AYES HAVE IT. NOW WE MOVE ON TO THE MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 24-597. IS THERE A MOTION?
>> YES. WE MOVE ON TO ORDINANCE 24-598, PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $4,148,407 FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,148,407 COUNTY COLLEGE BONDS OR NOTES OF THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION.
[00:50:01]
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS ORDINANCE?>> AYE. ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS ORDINANCE AND THIS ORDINANCE ONLY? HEARING NONE, SEEING NONE, IS A MOTION TO CLOSE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS ORDINANCE.
>> AYE. WE MOVE ON TO IS THERE A MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 24-598?
[ORDINANCE]
ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ALONG SOUTH MAIN STREET, NORTH MAIN STREET, FENTON AVENUE, COUNTY ROUTES 533 AND 633 MILLSTONE BOROUGH, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS ORDINANCE?
>> AYE. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS ORDINANCE AND THIS ORDINANCE ONLY? HEARING NONE, SEEING NONE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS ORDINANCE?
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADOPT THIS ORDINANCE, 24-599?
>> IS PROPERLY MOVED AND A SECOND. ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 24-600 THROUGH 24-608?
[CONSENT AGENDA]
>> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-609 THROUGH 24-623.
[AWARD OF CONTRACTS]
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 24-624 THROUGH 24-662?
[FINANCE]
>> COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. I ABSTAIN FROM 24-635.
>> ABSTENTION FROM 24-635, NOTED. COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY?
[ITEMS ADDED FROM THE MARCH 26, 2024 WORK SESSION TO BE ADOPTED TONIGHT]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-666 THROUGH 24-672?>> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> ABSTENTION FROM 24-666, NOTED. DEPUTY DIRECTOR SOOY?
>> SAME ABSTENTION, AND YES FOR THE REST.
>> ABSTENTION FROM 24-666, NOTED. DIRECTOR ROBINSON?
>> YES. COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING, FIVE MINUTES, NO YIELD, NO TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
>> THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM MY SIDE.
>> WELL, FAMILY, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING?
>> AYES HAVE IT. WE'LL GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION. COUNTY COUNCIL?
[EXECUTIVE SESSION]
>> CORRECT. WE DO NEED A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS, TWO INVOLVING PURCHASE LEASE ACQUISITION OF LAND.
ONE IS POTENTIAL CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDING, AND A THIRD IS GENERAL PERSONNEL MATTERS.
>> NOT ANTICIPATED THAT WE WOULD TAKE ANY PUBLIC ACTION FOLLOWING THAT, SO WE WILL ADJOURN THEREFROM.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD NIGHT AND BE WELL.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.