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>> IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting]
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?
>> PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEA OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE TIME OUT FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE LOSS OF THE LIFE OF THE GREAT DONALD PANE JR.
IN ADDITION TO LIFTING ON PRAYERS FOR THE LOSS OF LIFE OF THE STATE TROOPER WHO DIED DURING A TRAINING EXERCISE.
>> WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR MAY 14, 2024 WORK SESSION, SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION, AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT OUR NEXT MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 28.
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.
>> EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON, MYSELF, COMMISSIONER MARANO AND COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY FILMED A SHORT VIDEO TO PROMOTE OUR NEW EFFORTS WITH REGARDS TO OUR CURBING HUNGER INITIATIVE, MORE TO COME ON THAT.
WE HOPE THAT THESE REVAMPED EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE TO HIGHLIGHT AND COLLECT A RECYCLING PICKUPS IN THE MONTH OF JUNE.
BUT NOW WE HAVE BRIGHT CURBING HUNGER COLLECTION BINS, NEON ORANGE.
THESE BINS WOULD BE AT COUNTY FACILITIES SUCH AS LIBRARIES, PARKS AND MORE ALL YEAR ROUND, NOT JUST CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR.
SO PLEASE BE GENEROUS WHEN YOU SHOP AND PICK UP A FEW EXTRA ITEMS AND BRING THEM TO ONE OF THE LOCATIONS.
ALSO, VOTING HAS BEGUN AND OUR CLERK STEVE PETER HAS ISSUED ABOUT 30,000 REQUESTED VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS FOR OUR 2024 DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION.
THEY ARE ALREADY STARTING TO BE RETURNED.
THIS ELECTION WILL FEATURE CANDIDATES LOOKING TO RUN IN NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION FOR PRESIDENT, US SENATE, US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND LOCAL OFFICES.
PLEASE BE MINDFUL THAT DUE TO THIS YEAR'S RULING BY A JUDGE'S COURT ORDER, THE BALLOT WILL BE SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT FOR THE VOTERS IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.
WHILE THE REPUBLICAN BALLOTS WILL CONTINUE TO USE THEIR TRADITIONAL COUNTY LINE FORMAT.
THE BALLOTS WILL BE IN WHAT'S CONSIDERED AN OFFICE BLOCK FORMAT WITH CANDIDATES ORGANIZED BY OFFICE.
THEY ARE SEEKING RATHER THAN BY WHO ENDORSED THEM.
BUT AGAIN, THE REPUBLICAN BALLOTS WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE TRADITIONAL COUNTY LINE FORMAT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE DURING BUSINESS HOURS, AND THAT NUMBER IS 908-231-7013.
AGAIN, THAT NUMBER IS 908-231-7013.
HE ALSO HAS DONE A QUICK VIDEO EXPLAINING THE LOOK OF THE BALLOT, AND THAT COULD BE FOUND ON OUR COUNTY WEBSITE UNDER THE CLERK'S TAB.
ALSO, I HOPE ALL OF YOU WHO ARE MOTHERS IN THIS ROOM ARE ON THE SOUND OF MY VOICE ENJOY A PLEASANT AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY OVER THE PAST WEEKEND.
ALSO, I'D LIKE TO AGAIN, CONGRATULATE THE RVCC GRADUATES, ALL THE COLLEGE GRADUATES.
BUT IN PARTICULARLY OUR RVCC GRADUATES, MYSELF, COMMISSIONER MARANO AND COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY, HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE AND CONGRATULATE THEM.
THEY HAD OVER 1,000 STUDENTS CONFERRED,
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510 ACTUALLY WALKED IN THE CEREMONY, AND I COULD TELL YOU IF NOT HALF, CLOSE TO HALF WERE HONOR STUDENTS, SO KUDOS TO THEM.WE WANT TO SEE THEM CONTINUE TO DO GREAT THINGS AS THEY CONTINUE TO PROVE THEMSELVES THROUGH HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
FINALLY, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY AT NJAC, NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, TO BE A PANELIST TO TALK ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH INTEGRITY HEALTH AND BEING SELF INSURED.
OTHER COUNTIES ARE LOOKING TO DO THE SAME.
IT HAS BEEN A GREAT PARTNERSHIP, AND I WAS ALSO ABLE TO TELL MY PERSONAL STORY WITH MY ENCOUNTER AND GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH THE PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE OVER THERE.
>> WE WERE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO FINALLY BE HOSTING EVENTS IN OUR NEW SPACE FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP HUB RIGHT HERE IN N DIVISION STREET.
ALTHOUGH THE SOMERSET BUSINESS HUB ISN'T FULLY COMPLETE YET.
WE ARE EXCITED TO FINALLY SHARE THE SPACE WITH OUR MEMBERS AND HOST A FEW OF OUR EVENTS HERE.
YESTERDAY, WE HOSTED A LUNCH WITH OUR SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP AMBASSADORS, AND TODAY WE HOSTED OUR SUSTAINABLE SOMERSET PROGRAM AND NONPROFIT ROUND TABLE.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE OUR OPENING DAY IN JUNE, SO STAY TUNED FOR THAT.
FRIENDLY REMINDER, IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OR INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER, YOU DO HAVE ACCESS TO THAT OFFICE SPACE.
SO THAT'S A GOOD REASON TO JOIN AND, YOU KNOW, BE AROUND THE ECOSYSTEM OF MANY FLOURISHING BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
OKAY. WE HAD OUR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP GOLF CLASSIC.
WE MADE A SLIGHT CHANGE TO IT.
IT WAS A GREAT RECOMMENDATION FROM OUR CHAIRWOMAN MONICA MARTINEZ MILAN, AND WE DID A WOMAN AND BUSINESS GOLF CLINIC.
FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO ARE NOT VERY GOOD GOLFERS AND YOU NEED A FEW MORE LESSONS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THE FULL 18 HOLES.
YOU CAN DO A CLINIC INSTEAD AND STILL HAVE THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MIX AND MINGLE.
THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER YOUNG MEMBERS WHO ACTUALLY PARTICIPATED IN THE CLINIC BECAUSE NOT EVERYONE GROWS UP WITH B SO IT WAS A NICE OPPORTUNITY, AND MANY OF US ARE ACTUALLY MEETING UP TO GO GOLFING ONCE AGAIN ON A MORE EVEN LEVEL INSTEAD OF PEOPLE WITH MORE PRACTICE.
I ATTENDED NJAC WITH DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR MARR.
WE HAD AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF PANELS, DIFFERENT LECTURES TO TUNE IN ON.
BUT NOT ONLY THAT, IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MIX AND MINGLE WITH THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS THROUGHOUT THE 21 COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
WE GET TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER INSTEAD OF LEARNING THE HARD WAY.
WE GET TO LEARN FROM LESSONS FROM THE PAST AND WHAT TO DO BETTER AND WHAT IS ACTUALLY WORKING.
OUR VOTECH COOKING SCHOOL COMPETITION, UNFORTUNATELY, SOMERSET COUNTY WAS NOT IN IT THIS YEAR, THEY WERE LAST YEAR.
BUT WE DID HAVE DAVID BURKE AS OUR JUDGE, AND HE DOES HAVE A FOOTPRINT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY AS THEY OPENED UP RED HORSE RIGHT HERE IN BERNARDSVILLE.
WE'RE VERY PROUD TO HAVE AN ELITE JUDGE AND A PRIZE CHEF.
OVER AT BERNARD'S HIGH SCHOOL, THEY ACTUALLY ON FRIDAY, MAY 3, THEY DID THE INTERGENERATIONAL PROM.
EVERYONE MIGHT BE THINKING, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? IT'S WHEN THE SENIOR CITIZENS COME TO THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND THE KIDS PARTICIPATE AND THEY HOST A FULL DINNER, MANY VOLUNTEERS AND PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY, THEY COME TOGETHER, AND THE SENIOR CITIZENS GET DRESSED UP AND THEY RELIVE THEIR HEYDAYS AND THEY ALL GET UP ON THE DANCE FLOOR IF THEY CAN AND HAVE A NICE DINNER AND SOCIALIZE AND IT'S ACTUALLY VERY NICE TO SEE THE STUDENTS ACTUALLY PROBABLY HAVE AN EVEN BETTER TIME GETTING TO SOCIALIZE AND SEE PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT GENERATIONS, AND I THINK THAT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR NEIGHBORS.
AFTER FIVE YEARS, THEY REINSTATED IT AND THE COUNTY AND SOME OF OUR PARTNERSHIPS HELPED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS.
THANK YOU TO THE CHAIR, [INAUDIBLE], AND THE KEY CLUB OR THE HIGH SCHOOL, CHAPTER OF THE KANAS CLUB FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS.
>> THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
>> THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RARITAN VALLEY SYMPHONIC BAND.
THEY ARE ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS OF SOME OF OUR CULTURAL GRANTS, SO MONEY WELL SPENT.
I DON'T KNOW WHO HAD MORE FUN.
THE PEOPLE IN THE BAND OR THE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE.
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IT IS A GOOD INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF THAT REASONS.THANKS TO FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL FOR BEING THE VENUE FOR THAT.
NORTH PLAINFIELD, I WAS AT THE LIBRARY WITH COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY FOR THE HELPS VAN THAT WAS THERE AND THE PRESENTATION BY THE COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES ON DIFFERENT AVAILABLE SOCIAL SERVICES WITH THE HELPS VAN, SO THAT WAS NICE.
COMMISSIONER IS GOING TO SPEAK MORE ABOUT THAT AS WELL.
I ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO GO TO MONTGOMERY SPRING FLING, WHICH WAS VERY EXCITING.
UNFORTUNATELY, A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN, BUT IT DIDN'T STOP THE DRAGON DANCE IN THE DRAGON PARADE, WHICH WAS ALWAYS FUN TO WATCH.
THEN ATTENDED THE MOTHER'S DAY BREAKFAST AT THE TRADE WINDS, WHICH IS THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS RESTAURANT, WHICH IS ALWAYS SO FUN TO GO TO.
THEY DO AMAZING WORK.IT IS TOO BAD THEY WEREN'T IN THE COMPETITION AT JACK BECAUSE I THINK THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY COMPETITIVE.
UPCOMING EVENTS, MAY 18TH, WHICH IS THIS SATURDAY.
THERE'S A FREE SHREDDING EVENT THAT'S TAKING PLACE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE, THE NORTH COUNTY GARAGE.
THAT'S AT 4:11 CHIMNEY ROCK ROAD AND BRIDGEWATER.
IT'S TAKING PLACE FROM 9:00 -1:00, BUT I WOULD CAUTION YOU NOT TO GO THERE LATE BECAUSE ONCE THOSE TRUCKS FILL UP, IT'S CLOSED.
TRY TO GET THERE EARLY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
I THINK THERE'S STILL A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF BAGS OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AFTER DOING ALL THEIR TAXES, SO THIS IS A GOOD WAY OF SECURELY SHREDDING THAT INFORMATION.
THEY HAD A GREAT EVENT AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE.
WELCOME THEM AND OUR VERY OWN BRAD FAY FROM OUR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE WAS THERE TO DELIVER SOME REMARKS ABOUT SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORY, AND REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY, AND POPULATIONS THAT DON'T NECESSARILY ALWAYS GET ALL THE PROMOTION DURING THESE PERIODS OF HISTORY.
IT WAS GREAT FOR HIM TO SPEAK.
VERY WELL ATTENDED, SO THAT WAS A REALLY NICE THING.
THE NEXT THING THE GROUP IS LOOKING FORWARD TO IS ON JUNE 27TH, HERE IN SOMERVILLE, WILL BE SOMERVILLE PRIDE NIGHT.
IT WILL BE IN DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE.
OUR TEAM WILL BE TEAMING UP WITH THE DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE ON THAT EVENT, SO IT SHOULD BE A GREAT TIME.
IT'S ALWAYS FUN FOR THAT EVENT.
CULTURAL & HERITAGE MEET, AND THE BIG EVENT COMING UP IS ON THE 16TH, TWO DAYS FROM NOW.
THEY'LL BE HAVING THE TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL AT THE RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
RIGHT NOW, WE'VE GOT 12 SCHOOLS SIGNED UP, 60 PERFORMANCES AND 25 WORKSHOPS, SO THIS IS A FABULOUS EVENT FOR OUR YOUNG TALENT HERE IN SOMERSET, AND WE HAVE SO MANY OF THEM.
ALSO, ON YOUR CALENDAR, MAKE SURE YOU MARK JULY 20TH.
WE'RE GOING TO BE HAVING OUR HISTORY ON THE GREEN RIGHT HERE AT THE COURTHOUSE AND ON JUNE 19TH, MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR JUNETEENTH EVENT THAT'S COMING UP.
ALSO CULTURAL & HERITAGE, A BIG THANK YOU TO THE TEAM THERE.
THEY WORK VERY LONG AND HARD ON THE LONG RANGE HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PLAN.
IT HAS FINALLY BEEN ADOPTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD AFTER MANY REVIEWS BY VARIOUS TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS.
IT'S BEEN SIGNED OFF BY THE PLANNING BOARD AND WILL NOW BE PART OF THE COUNTY MASTER PLAN.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT BEING COMPLETED.
AT THE LIBRARY, THEIR BUDGET WAS PASSED BY THE LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS WITH A 2% INCREASE.
THERE ARE SOME BRANCH NOTICES.
WATCHUNG IS NOW CLOSED FOR SOME CONSTRUCTION.
THERE WILL BE A TEMPORARY BRANCH THAT WILL BE OPEN, AND THAT'S PLANNING TO BE OPENED ON JUNE 5TH.
THE BOUND BROOK BRANCH CONTINUES DISCUSSIONS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS BECAUSE THERE IS SOME REMEDIATION WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AT THAT BRANCH, AND THEY'RE LOOKING FOR A TEMPORARY SOLUTION WHILE THINGS WORK OUT AT THE PERMANENT BRANCH, SO THAT'S UNDERWAY.
OPEN SPACE. I'M EXCITED TO SAY THAT WE'VE GOT SOME NEW SIGNS GOING UP THROUGH THE COUNTY INDICATING OPEN SPACE PARCELS BY SOMERSET COUNTY.
SO FAR, WE'VE PUT UP SIX OF THOSE SIGNS.
THEY'RE PRETTY SNAPPY LOOKING.
JUST REMINDING THE PUBLIC OF THE FACT THAT YOUR COUNTY TAX DOLLARS HAVE INVESTED IN PRESERVATION OF THIS LAND.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE FOLKS KNOW WHERE IT IS.
I THINK WE JUST PUT OUR FIRST ONE UP IN WARREN TOWNSHIP.
RIGHT THERE ON THE BORDER OF UNION COUNTY WHERE WE PRESERVE LAND RIGHT ON THE PASSAIC RIVER.
WE'VE GOT FIVE OTHER SITES THAT WE'VE PLACED, SO IN PROCESS TO GET THAT DONE EVENTUALLY TO ALL THE SITES.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, OUR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE TOOK PLACE ON APRIL 20TH.
WE HAD 769 CARS AND COLLECTED ABOUT 21 TONS OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE.
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THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.A FEW THINGS, I ATTENDED THE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION LUNCHEON FOR THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER IN OUR SENIOR CENTERS.
VERY IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER SERVICE THEY PROVIDE.
THEY LEAD LESSONS IN MUSIC, DANCE, TAI CHI, YOGA, WHILE OTHERS ASSIST IN THE PREPARATION OF MEALS FOR HOME DELIVERY TO SENIORS AND ALSO HELP PROVIDE LUNCH TO OUR SENIORS AT THE SENIOR CENTER.
WITHOUT THESE VOLUNTEERS, WE WOULD BE CERTAINLY MORE LIMITED IN THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WE COULD PROVIDE, SO MANY THANKS GOES OUT TO THEM.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IN OUR SENIOR CENTERS, YOU CAN CERTAINLY REACH OUT TO THE OFFICE OF AGING ON THE WEBSITE.
ALSO, I ATTENDED THE GRADUATION OF THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON SATURDAY.
WHILE THESE GUYS WERE AT THE RVCC, I WAS AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM GRADUATION, AND THIS IS A PROGRAM HOSTED BY SOMERSET COUNTY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, JUNIORS AND SENIORS, 38 STUDENTS THIS YEAR COMPLETED THE TRAINING.
IT'S AN IMPRESSIVE YEAR LONG PROGRAM WHERE ONCE A MONTH, STUDENTS COME AND PARTICIPATE ON A SATURDAY MORNING IN A HOST OF EXERCISES, STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN TEAM BUILDING, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING VISITS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON HOSPITAL AT SOMERSET, WHICH I UNDERSTAND THEY USE A ROBOT TO OPERATE ON, I BELIEVE, NOT REAL PEOPLE, AND THEY PARTICIPATE IN MOCK TRIALS AND CULTURAL FOOD EXCHANGES.
IT'S REALLY UP TO THE STUDENTS.
EACH YEAR THE STUDENTS ARE SELECTED THROUGH AN APPLICATION PROCESS, AND IF YOU'RE A STUDENT, A JUNIOR AND SENIOR FOR NEXT YEAR, IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, THE APPLICATION FOR THIS VERY EXCITING PROGRAM IS DUE ON MAY 25TH, SO GET YOUR APPLICATIONS IN AND I'M SURE THEY'LL BE REVIEWED.
ALSO, THIS SATURDAY, WHILE YOU'RE BRINGING YOUR SHREDDING INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE, YOU CAN THEN DOUBLE BACK AND HEAD OVER TO THE SENIOR CENTER, ALSO IN BRIDGEWATER ON SATURDAY MORNING FOR 1:00-4:00 WHERE THE OFFICE OF AGING WILL HOST A FREE SENIOR EXPO THAT WILL CONNECT SENIORS TO ESSENTIAL VALUABLE SERVICES, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND HEALTHCARE SCREENING.
THAT ADDRESS IS 876 EAST MAIN STREET IN BRIDGEWATER.
AGAIN, YOU CAN BRING YOUR SHREDDING TO THE PLACE.
YOU CAN THEN COME ON OVER AND ENJOY A FREE SENIOR HEALTH EXPO AT THE SENIOR CENTER IN BRIDGEWATER.
FINALLY, I WANT TO ADD, REALLY, THANKS FOR OUR PLANNING DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE PARK COMMISSION.
I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT, ALONG WITH OUR STAFF, THE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO WALK TO RECENTLY PURCHASED PROPERTY IN HILLSBORO KNOWN AS THE HILLSBORO GOLF COURSE.
IT'S CURRENTLY CLOSED. THE PROPERTY IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, BUT IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO REALLY LOOK AT THE PROPERTY ITSELF, UNDERSTAND ITS IMPLICATIONS.
WE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OF THE BUILDINGS THAT ARE THERE, AND I THINK THE INCREDIBLE VIEWS, AND AS WE'VE COMMITTED HERE FROM THE PARK COMMISSION AS WELL AS THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WE'VE COMMITTED TO DEVELOP A MASTER PLAN FOR THAT PROPERTY AND CERTAINLY INVITING THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT PLANNING PROCESS, BUT I NEED TO EMPHASIZE THE PROPERTY IS NOW CLOSED. IS THAT CORRECT, TOM?
>> LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE ON THAT AND THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION?
>> I HAVEN'T [INAUDIBLE] MY REPORT.
>> I'M SORRY. COMMISSIONER DOUG SINGLETERRY.
>> [LAUGHTER] WELL, THANK YOU. IT'S ALWAYS FUN BEING LAST.
>> YOU'RE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
>> YEAH, THAT'S TRUE. THE COUNTY IS IN THE PROCESSING OF UPDATING ITS HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN WHERE THE GOAL IS TO IDENTIFY WAYS TO REDUCE DAMAGE FROM NATURAL HAZARD.
WE'RE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT WHERE YOU CAN TAKE AN ONLINE SURVEY.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FROM THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
WE'RE ALSO THIS THURSDAY AT 6:30, WE'RE HAVING A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, AND THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COME AND PARTICIPATE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PLAN.
IT'S AT 6:30 AT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING ACADEMY IN HILLSBORO.
LET'S SEE, THE THIRD ANNUAL 2024 RARITAN JOB FAIR, AT THE HINDU TEMPLE AND CULTURAL CENTER, ROUTE 202, 206 IN BRIDGEWATER IS SCHEDULED ON JUNE 4TH FROM 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM.
THIS GENERALLY ATTRACTS OVER 350 PEOPLE LOOKING FOR JOBS.
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THE EMPLOYER REGISTRATION, THE TIME FOR EMPLOYERS TO REGISTER AND THEY HAVE TO REGISTER BY MAY 20TH.RECENTLY, THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MET, AND ONE OF THE PROJECTS THAT THEY'VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME IS PUTTING TOGETHER A RESOURCE OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
I'M PLEASED TO SAY THAT THAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND IT'S CALLED THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES GUIDE.
NOW, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT ONLINE ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
THERE'S ACTUALLY QUITE A LOT OF USEFUL INFORMATION ON THAT PARTICULAR PAGE OF COUNTY RESOURCES REGARDING PUBLIC SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH.
ON MAY 2ND, I WAS HONORED TO ATTEND AND SPEAK AT THE GOVERNOR'S EDUCATORS RECOGNITION AWARDS CEREMONY HONORING ALL THE COUNTY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR.
I JUST WANT TO, AGAIN, CONGRATULATE AND THANK ALL THE GOOD WORK THAT OUR TEACHERS DO THROUGHOUT SOMERSET COUNTY.
>> YES. COMMISSIONER DIRECTOR, I'D LIKE TO CALL JESSICA PAOLINI.
AS SHE MAKES HER WAY HERE, JESSICA HEADS OUR OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND SHE'S HERE TONIGHT WITH BEN NANNA, WHO SUPPORTS THE OFFICE AS WELL, AND THEY'RE HERE TO GIVE THEIR ANNUAL PRESENTATION ABOUT WHAT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE HAS BEEN DOING.
>> GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS.
I'M JUST GOING TO MOVE THIS CLOSER.
TWO YEARS AGO, YOU MADE THE DECISION TO REALLY FOCUS ON THE COUNTY'S ECONOMIC HEALTH.
IT'S A GREAT TIME TO TAKE STOCK OF WHERE WE ARE BECAUSE WE JUST CELEBRATED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK, AND IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE I LAST PRESENTED.
I THOUGHT I'D START OFF BY GIVING YOU A SENSE OF A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SOMERSET COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPER.
I'LL USE LAST WEEK, MAY 8TH AS AN EXAMPLE.
THE MORNING STARTED OFF WITH A TOUR OF EMD ELECTRONICS IN BRANCHBURG WHERE I WAS JOINED BY COLLEEN, OUR STATE AND CHAMBER PARTNERS, AND BRANCHBURG'S MAYOR.
FROM THERE, I TRAVELED TO PRINCETON FOR A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY CHOOSE, NEW JERSEY, WHERE I PRESENTED TO THEIR INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS, AND THEN IT WAS BACK TO SOMERVILLE FOR A MEETING ON WHY SOMERSET.
EVEN THOUGH OUR DAILY SCHEDULES TAKE US IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, WE'RE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF THE COUNTY.
ONE OF THE MAJOR CHANGES THIS YEAR FOR OUR OFFICE IS AN EXPANDED SECTOR FOCUS.
WE REALLY DOVE IN TO UNDERSTAND OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND WE'VE IDENTIFIED FIVE SECTORS THAT WE'RE PRIORITIZING.
JUST TO GIVE YOU AN OVERALL PERSPECTIVE.
WHENEVER WE WORK WITH A COMPANY, WE KEEP TRACK OF THAT DATA, WHAT INDUSTRY THEY'RE IN, THE TYPE OF SERVICES WE OFFER, AND WHERE THEY ULTIMATELY END UP.
JUST TWO THINGS TO HIGHLIGHT HERE.
JUST OVER HALF OF OUR PROJECTS ARE WITH THE LIFE SCIENCES AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.
MOST OF OUR PROJECTS COME TO US AS REFERRALS FROM OUR STATE PARTNERS OR THEY'RE INITIATED BY OUR OWN STAFF AS WE PROACTIVELY REACH OUT TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE LIFE SCIENCES IS OUR MOST ACTIVE SECTOR BY FAR.
JUST TAKING A STEP BACK WHEN WE SAY LIFE SCIENCES, IT'S A REALLY BROAD TERM, BUT WE'RE REFERRING TO THE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND MANUFACTURE OF MEDICINES.
I THINK WE'RE FAMILIAR WITH THE STATS.
WE'RE A TOP COUNTY IN THE STATE AND ONE OF THE TOP STATES IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES.
WE'RE SEEING SOME OF OUR LARGEST COMPANIES EXPANDING, SO YOU KNOW ABOUT ROCHE, YOU KNOW ABOUT JNJ.
AVANTOR IS DOUBLING THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THEIR LAB SPACE IN BRIDGEWATER, BAP PHARMA JUST RELOCATED FROM MORRIS COUNTY, SETTING UP THEIR US HEADQUARTERS IN SOMERSET.
HELIOS IS A STARTUP COMPANY THAT JUST GREW TO THE POINT OF NEEDING SPACE AND SET UP THEIR FIRST LAB IN MONTGOMERY.
REGENERON JUST CONFIRMED PUBLICLY THAT THEY'RE LEASING OVER 100,000 SQUARE FEET IN WARREN.
WE HAVE A LOT TO CELEBRATE, BUT WE CAN'T JUST SIT BACK AND EXPECT COMPANIES TO CONTINUE TO INVEST.
OVER THE YEARS, SOMERSET COUNTY HAS REALLY BENEFITED FROM COMPANIES THAT WERE LOOKING TO SET UP CAMPUSES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO NEW YORK, BUT THE PANDEMIC CHANGED ALL OF THAT.
THOSE SAME COMPANIES ARE NOW LOOKING TO BE IN MULTI-TENANT AMENITY-RICH SETTINGS, AND WE'RE SEEING DEVELOPERS AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE THAT ARE TRYING TO LEVERAGE THOSE TRENDS FOR INVESTMENT INTO THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.
YOU HAVE THE HELIX IN NEW BRUNSWICK,
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SCITECH SCITY IN JERSEY CITY, THE NEST IN KENILWORTH.WE'RE IN THIS REALLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE LET THE COMPANIES KNOW ABOUT THE INVESTMENTS WE'RE MAKING.
WE KNOW THAT THE NUMBER 1 DECISION CRITERIA FOR COMPANIES IS ACCESS TO TALENT.
THE INVESTMENT THAT YOU'VE MADE INTO THE CLEAN ROOM IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.
IT'S ALSO WHY WE'RE REBRANDING WHY SOMERSET, WHICH I'LL SPEAK ABOUT LATER, AND WHY WE NEED TO GO TO WHERE COMPANIES ARE.
IN JUNE, COLLEEN AND I ARE TRAVELING TO BIO INTERNATIONAL, WHICH IS THE LARGEST LIFE SCIENCES CONFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
WE'RE GOING TO BE PART OF THE NEW JERSEY PAVILION ALONGSIDE MANY OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS.
WE HAVE DOZENS OF SOMERSET COUNTY COMPANIES THAT WILL BE ATTENDING AND WE'LL BE MEETING WITH THEM ALONG WITH SITE SELECTORS AND INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS.
IT'S A REALLY EXCITING TIME FOR US TO BE GOING AND PROMOTING THE COUNTY.
NOT ONLY WILL WE BE TALKING ABOUT THE CLEAN ROOM AND WHY SOMERSET, BUT WE'LL ALSO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT SOME NEW-TO-MARKET LEASING OPPORTUNITIES.
TWO OF THE LARGEST ARE THE FORMER AT&T SITE, WHICH IS NOW OFFICIALLY REBRANDED AS THE BEDMINSTER TECHNOLOGY CENTER WITH JLL SERVING AS THE BROKER, AND 23 ORCHARD IN MONTGOMERY.
THEY'VE RECENTLY PUT LAB SPACE IN 23 ORCHARD, AND THIS SUMMER, THEY'RE GOING TO BE OPENING A TECH AND LIFE SCIENCES ACCELERATOR CALLED VENTURE X.
WE'LL LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING OUTCOMES WITH YOU WHEN WE GET BACK FROM THAT CONFERENCE.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING IS THE SECTOR BEHIND THE LIFE SCIENCES WITH THE MOST ACTIVITY.
TWO RECENT INVESTMENTS TO HIGHLIGHT ARE WINCUP, A COMPANY THAT CREATED A MARINE BIODEGRADABLE STRAW, AND RENEW CO_2, A COMPANY THAT'S WORKING TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE.
ONE OF OUR MAIN PRIORITIES IS CONNECTING BUSINESSES TO STATE GRANTS.
WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME TO UNDERSTAND THE PROGRAMS, AND THEN WE SEND PERSONALIZED EMAILS TO OUR COMPANIES THAT MEET THAT CRITERIA.
WE'VE DONE THIS FOR BOTH ROUNDS OF THE MANUFACTURING VOUCHER PROGRAM.
THE FIRST ROUND LAST YEAR, WE HAD 11 COMPANIES RECEIVE OVER $1 MILLION.
THIS ROUND, WE WANT THAT NUMBER TO GO UP.
SIMILAR TO THE LIFE SCIENCES, RVCC IS ONE OF OUR KEY ALLIES AND PARTNERS.
CONRAD MERCURIUS TOOK OVER JACKIE BELEN'S ROLE, AND HE HAS A BACKGROUND IN INDUSTRY, SO HE'S ONE OF OUR TOP ASSETS.
WE MEET WITH HIM WEEKLY TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN STAND UP AND LAUNCH NEW PROGRAMS, SUCH AS A MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE THAT WILL BRING NEW REVENUE TO OUR COMPANIES AND MORE TO COME ON THAT.
THIS YEAR, ONE OF OUR NEW SECTORS THAT WE'RE FOCUSING ON IS COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE.
WE LOOKED AT THE BUSINESS INVENTORY THAT WE'VE DEVELOPED, AND WE SAW THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF BIG NAMES HERE IN THE COUNTY, SYMRISE, HALEON, L'OREAL.
THEN WE LOOKED AT NATIONAL-LEVEL DATA, AND WE SAW THAT SOMERSET COUNTY IS AMONG THE TOP 20 COUNTIES IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL CARE.
THESE COMPANIES UTILIZE SIMILAR REAL ESTATE AND RECRUIT FROM A LOT OF THE SAME TALENT POOLS AS THE LIFE SCIENCES, SO IT GIVES US A CHANCE TO LEVERAGE ASSETS WE ALREADY HAVE TO ALSO SUPPORT THIS SECTOR.
IT'S AN AREA WHERE WE CAN BE REALLY CREATIVE AND STAND OUT, SO WE WORKED WITH GRAPHICS, WITH GREG AND HIS TEAM, AND WE DEVELOPED AN INDUSTRY BROCHURE THAT TALKS ABOUT THE STRENGTHS WE HAVE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.
MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE LUMPING PERSONAL CARE INTO EITHER MANUFACTURING OR LIFE SCIENCES, AND THEY'RE NOT SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO THEM, BUT WE ARE, AND WE THINK THAT'S GOING TO PAY OFF.
KDC/ONE RECENTLY INVESTED IN SOMERVILLE, AND WE'RE WORKING WITH SEVERAL CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESSES NOW THAT ARE LOOKING TO ESTABLISH MANUFACTURING SITES.
ANOTHER NEW AREA OF FOCUS FOR US IS AGRICULTURE BECAUSE WE HEARD DURING INFLUENCING AG ABOUT THE SUPPORT AND ATTENTION THAT OUR FARMERS NEED.
WE'VE MADE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT SINCE THEN TO FOCUS ON THEM AS SMALL BUSINESSES.
THIS GOES BEYOND AGRITOURISM AND PRESERVATION, WHICH ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT, BUT IT LOOKS TO BRING NEW RESOURCES AND REVENUE TO OUR FARMERS.
JUST AN EXAMPLE OR TWO OF WHAT WE'RE DOING.
WE'RE WORKING WITH SEVERAL OFFICE USERS IN THE BEDMINSTER AREA THAT ARE LOOKING TO BRING ON CSAS AS A PERK FOR THEIR EMPLOYEE BASE.
THEN WE PARTNER WITH KATE TO SET THEM UP WITH LOCAL FARMERS WHO CAN TAKE ON THAT NEW BUSINESS AND THAT NEW REVENUE STREAM.
THEN ANOTHER EXAMPLE THAT WE RECENTLY PARTNERED ON IS TO SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY.
[00:30:03]
WE WERE HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH COMPANIES THAT WERE SAYING, WE REALLY WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.THAT LED US TO CONVERSATIONS WITH FOOD BANKS WHO TOLD US, SOME OF THE DONATIONS THAT WE HAVE GO TO WASTE, SIMPLY BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW TO COOK WITH THE FOOD.
WE GOT A LIST FROM THE FOOD BANKS AND LOCAL FARMERS OF COMMONLY DONATED ITEMS, AND THEN WE PARTNERED WITH THE VOTECH TO DEVELOP RECIPES, AND COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY AND DRAKE SERVED AS SOUS CHEFS WITH THE CULINARY STUDENTS AT OUR VCC.
THOSE RECIPES ARE GOING TO BE PUT TOGETHER INTO A RECIPE BOOK THAT WILL BE SHARED AT OUR FARMS AND WITH OUR FOOD BANKS.
ANOTHER REVENUE STREAM FOR OUR FARMS IS SERVING AS SITES FOR FILM PRODUCTION, AND WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BRING LOCATION SCOUTS OUT TO A NUMBER OF OUR FARMS. IN THE LAST YEAR WITH BEN SERVING AS OUR FILM COMMISSION LIAISON, WE'VE BEEN REALLY STRATEGIC IN MODELING HOW A COUNTY GOVERNMENT CAN SUPPORT FILMING THROUGH SHOWCASING OUR UNIQUE ASSETS, SUPPORTING OUR TOWNS, AND BEING EASY TO WORK WITH AND BUILDING OUT OUR WORKFORCE.
WE UTILIZE THE WRITER STRIKE AS TIME TO REALLY BUILD OUT OUR FOUNDATION, MEETING WITH INDUSTRY PARTNERS, ATTENDING CONFERENCES, AND TOURING STUDIOS TO IDENTIFY WHERE OUR STANDARDS SHOULD BE AS WE LOOK TO MEET INCOMING NEEDS OF NETFLIX AND OTHERS.
WE ESTABLISHED A PARTNERSHIP EARLY ON WITH RVCC TO HELP THEM GROW THEIR FILM PROGRAM WITH FUNDING FOR NEW EQUIPMENT AND CURRICULUM ADDITIONS LIKE THE FIRST FILM FESTIVAL.
FOR SOME CONTACTS AHEAD OF THE WRITER STRIKE, THERE WERE 98 PRODUCTIONS GOING ON IN THE STATE, AND TODAY, THERE'S ONLY FOUR, BUT ONE OF THEM IS IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
ONE OF THE LOCATION SCOUTS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE TOUR THAT BEN ORGANIZED IN SEPTEMBER IS ACTUALLY WORKING ON THAT FILM.
IT'S AN EXAMPLE OF HOW SOME OF THIS EARLY WORK CAN LEAD TO OUTCOMES.
EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE THESE FIVE SECTORS THAT WE'RE FOCUSED ON, WE ARE SERVING COMPANIES ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES OF ALL SIZES, AND TWO OTHER AREAS WHERE WE'RE SEEING A LOT OF ACTIVITIES IN FOOD AND TECHNOLOGY.
ON THE FOOD SIDE, WE'RE WORKING WITH RUCKERS, THE STATE AND MIDDLESEX COUNTY TO ORGANIZE THE NEW JERSEY FOOD TECH CONFERENCE, WHICH IS BEING HELD IN NEW BRUNSWICK IN JUNE.
I'LL BE MODERATING A PANEL ON SUSTAINABILITY THAT'S GOING TO FEATURE APPLEGATE FARMS, A COMPANY THAT JUST RELOCATED AND TOOK OFFICE SPACE IN BEDMINSTER.
THEN ON THE TECH SIDE, I MENTIONED THAT WE'RE WORKING CLOSELY WITH 23 ORCHARD IN MONTGOMERY, WHICH IS POSITIONING ITSELF TO BE A TECH HUB FOR THE CENTRAL JERSEY REGION.
BECAUSE WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME WORKING WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THAT MEANS THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP IS A KEY STAKEHOLDER.
OUR OFFICE IS NOW THE COUNTY LIAISON TO THE PARTNERSHIP, AND I SIT ON THE BOARD.
WITH THE COUNTY, WE'VE HAD THIS LONGSTANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PARTNERSHIP.
BUT THIS YEAR, WHEN WE RESIGNED THE CONTRACT, WE ADDED AN ADDENDUM THAT HAS REALLY CLEAR OUTCOMES AND LINES OF COMMUNICATION.
WE DEVELOPED THAT COLLABORATIVELY WITH THEM, SO WE'LL BE ABLE TO POINT TO TANGIBLE OUTCOMES EACH YEAR.
ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE ALREADY SEEING THAT COMMISSIONER SUE REFERENCED IS THE NEW BUSINESS HUB.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO US IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT IS OPEN TO NON MEMBERS, WHICH IT WILL BE.
IT OPENS THE RESOURCES AND SERVICES UP TO A GROUP OF COMPANIES THAT WERE MISSING OUT ON THAT PREVIOUSLY.
ANOTHER GROUP THAT WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH IS OUR TOWNS.
A LOT OF THIS WORK STARTED LAST YEAR WHEN WE ORGANIZED A WEBINAR FOR ALL OF OUR TOWNS WITH OUR STATE PARTNERS, AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE TOWNS THAT REALLY STOOD UP, WAVED THEIR HAND, AND WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE RESOURCES AND NETWORKS.
THIS ISN'T COMPREHENSIVE IN JUST ONE EXAMPLE FOR TIME'S SAKE.
IN JUNE, WE'RE GOING TO BE HOSTING THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS ACTION CENTER.
THEY'RE GOING TO BE DOING A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT IN RATON WHERE THEY PROVIDE FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, SO THEY'LL BE HELPING THEM WITH THINGS LIKE FACADE IMPROVEMENTS, PARKING, AND ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES TO THEIR MAIN STREET.
SORRY. THEN LAST BUT NOT LEAST AND MAYBE THE MOST EXCITING IS OUR NEW TALENT ATTRACTION TOOL, WHY SOMERSET.
YOU'RE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH WHY SOMERSET.
IT STARTED WITH THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP WHEN THEY WERE DOING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND IT HAD A REALLY BROAD SCOPE.
THEY WERE TALKING TO BUSINESSES WHO ARE HERE, BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO COME HERE, RESIDENTS, NON RESIDENTS.
IT WAS PRIMARILY BEING DISTRIBUTED AS A PRINTOUT TO CHAMBER MEMBERS.
WE HAD THIS EXISTING ASSET, AND THEN AT THE SAME TIME, WE WERE TALKING WITH COMPANIES,
[00:35:02]
AND WE WERE HEARING THAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION THAT WASN'T ON WHY SOMERSET, BECAUSE THEY WERE GETTING REALLY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE THEY'RE TRYING TO RECRUIT ABOUT THINGS LIKE THE HOUSING MARKET AND SCHOOL RANKINGS.WE INITIALLY DEVELOPED THE WELCOME PACKAGE, WHICH COMMISSIONER DRAKE, I KNOW YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH AND HANDED OUT AT OUR RESOURCES FOR GROWTH EVENT.
BUT WE KNEW WE COULD GO BEYOND THAT, AND WE HAD A MODEL FOR DOING SO.
I MENTIONED EARLIER, ACCESS TO TALENT, NUMBER ONE CONSIDERATION FOR A BUSINESS.
COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE NOW SHIFTED THEIR FOCUS TO TRYING TO RETAIN AND ATTRACT PEOPLE, KNOWING THAT COMPANIES WILL FOLLOW.
WE LOOKED AT THOSE CAMPAIGNS AS A MODEL.
WE HAD A LOT OF DATA ON WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY'RE LOOKING TO TAKE A JOB OR MOVE AND WE WERE ABLE TO PUT ALL OF THAT TOGETHER ON ONE SITE, WHY SOMERSET.
IT HAS A REALLY CLEAR FOCUS AND MESSAGE.
IT'S FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHETHER THEY WANT TO TAKE A JOB HERE AND WHETHER THEY WANT TO LIVE HERE.
WE'RE GOING TO BE WORKING WITH HR TEAMS AT COMPANIES TO GET THIS INFORMATION OUT.
THIS REALLY PUTS US IN ALIGNMENT WITH BEST PRACTICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AMONG AN ELITE GROUP OF COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE THIS RESOURCE AVAILABLE.
WE DON'T HAVE TIME TODAY, BUT I'D BE HAPPY TO WALK YOU THROUGH THIS TOOL AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.
THAT'S THE END OF MY REMARKS, BUT I'M HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTION OR QUESTIONS, BUT I WANT TO SAY, CONGRATULATIONS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR JOB WELL DONE AND PRESENTING AND BRINGING US FORWARD AND MEETING OUR GOAL AND REALLY EXCEEDING SOME OF THOSE GOALS THAT WE SET FORTH OVER A YEAR AGO. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. THAT'S RIGHT ON THE HOME PAGE, SO THAT'S THE FIRST THING PEOPLE WILL SEE WHEN THEY COME TO THE WEBSITE.
>> NOW THAT CENTRAL NEW JERSEY IS ON THE MAP.
SOMERSET COUNTY IS GETTING EVEN MORE VISIBILITY.
BUT THANK YOU BECAUSE A LOT OF YOUR EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS ON THE BOARDS THAT YOU SIT ON ALSO PUT US IN AN EVEN GREATER SETTING, NOT JUST NATIONALLY, BUT INTERNATIONALLY.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WHAT YOU BRING TO SOMERSET COUNTY.
>> NOW, WE MOVE ON TO COMMUNICATIONS.
WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
STATING GRANT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025, STATE EIGHT PROGRAMS. OCEAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTED A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HR 7084, WHICH AMENDS THE IRS CODE OF 1986 TO REPEAL THE INCLUSION OF GROSS INCOME OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
NOTICE OF FILING AND A PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING PSE&G FOR APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE IN ELECTRIC AND GAS RATE CHANGES IN TARIFFS FOR ELECTRIC AND GAS SERVICES, AND FOR CHANGES IN DEPRECIATION RATES.
BPU DOCKET NUMBERS ER23120924 AND GR23 120925.
ALSO, A NOTICE OF FILLING AND A PUBLIC HEARING OF PETITION REGARDING PSE&G FOR APPROVAL OF ELECTRIC RATE ADJUSTMENTS PURSUANT TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM, BPU DOCKET NUMBER ER2310783.
NOTICE OF FILING AND A PUBLIC HEARING OF A PETITION REGARDING PSE&G FOR APPROVAL OF ITS CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, ROMAN NUMBER TWO.
THE PROGRAM ON A REGULATED BASIS AND THAT'S BPU DOCKET NUMBER QO23120874 AND COUNTY CLERKS S PETER NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR APRIL 2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,128,890.39. NEW BUSINESS.
>> 24-1,000 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM COOPERATIVE MARKETING GRANT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 WITH REQUIRED 25% MATCH, WHICH IS UP TO $3,750 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.
>> 24-1001, AUTHORIZING SUPPORT FOR THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LANDING LANE BRIDGE, CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, AND THE MAIN STREET BRIDGE, BOROUGH OF SOUTH BOBROK OVER THE DELAWARE AND MERTON COUNTY.
24-1002, APPROVAL TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE LOCAL CAPITAL PROJECT DELIVERY PROGRAM AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FOR THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING,
[00:40:01]
FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PICKET PLACE BRIDGE OVER THE SOUTH BRANCH OF THE RARITAN RIVER, COUNTY BRIDGE, CO609, AND BRANCHBURG AND HILLSBORO TOWNSHIPS.24 -1003, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE BOROUGH OF FAR HILLS FOR TWO RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACON SYSTEMS AND ONE DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGN ON PEAPACK ROAD, COUNTY ROAD 512 IN FAR HILLS.
24 -1004, APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY MULTI USE FACILITY, 360 ROYCEFIELD ROAD, HILLSBORO TOWNSHIPS, CONTRACT 24003.
THIS IS OUR NEW LEAD CERTIFIED MULTI USE FACILITY.
WE INTEND TO ADVERTISE IT IN JUNE, AWARDED IN JULY, AND HOPEFULLY START CONSTRUCTION THIS AUGUST.
>> GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 24-1005 IS AUTHORIZING SOMERSET COUNTY TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 2025 SUB REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 SUB REGIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING FROM THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY.
THIS IS NEW THAT THERE'S NO LOCAL MATCH REQUIRED ANYMORE, SO THE $143,000 WE RECEIVE WILL OFFSET SALARY AND SUPPORT INTERNS AS WELL AS TECHNOLOGY NEEDS FOR THE OFFICE.
RESOLUTION 24-1006, AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A RIGHT OF ENTRY AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTGOMERY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A FORCE MAIN WITHIN AN EXISTING EASEMENT IN SKILLMAN PARK.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 24-1007 AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY TO THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE FOR THE FEDERAL BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT FOR PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, AS WELL AS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BOTH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION FOR YEAR 2024 AND ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.
24-1008, AUTHORIZE COMMISSION OF AN APPLICATION BY THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BOTH LAW ENFORCEMENT CORRECTIONS, AND ACCEPT FUNDS IF APPROVED TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE YEAR 2024 BODY ARMOR REPLACEMENT GRANT FUND.
24-1009 AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED FOR THE YEAR 23 STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN ACT. GRANT PROGRAM.
24-1010 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED FOR THE FFY 23 VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT GRANT PROGRAM.
AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-1308 FOR THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANT GRANT PROGRAM, MULTI JURISDICTIONAL GANG GUN AND NARCOTICS TASKFORCE, GRANT NUMBER JAG 1-18TF21 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1, 22 THROUGH JUNE 30 OF 23. THANK YOU.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1012, AUTHORIZING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE SUSTAINING LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2026, FOR UP TO 325,000, IF AWARDED, NO MATCHING.
>> 24-1013 IS AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND BOUND BROOK, GREEN BROOK, MANVILLE, MILLSTONE, NORTH PLAINFIELD, AND SOMERVILLE.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE THEIR CRP SERVICES FOR SIGNING RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORTS, AND THAT'S AT A RATE OF 45.27/HOUR IT'S 2% INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR.
24-1014 IS AMENDING OR 23-1213.
THIS IS TO INCREASE THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS.
THEY'RE GIVING US $1,702.50 ON TOP OF OUR ORIGINAL CONTRACT TO TRANSPORT VETERANS.
>> 24-1015 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NATIRAR RESORT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE USE OF THE MANSION AT NATIRAR FOR THE VENUE FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY ANNUAL RETIREMENT AND SERVICE AWARD BANQUET.
>> 24-1016 IS AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO THE ALAIMO GROUP, MOUNT HOLLY, NEW JERSEY,
[00:45:02]
FOR THE DESIGN OF THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE C1102, LAMINGTON ROAD OVER TRIBUTARY TO THE LAMINGTON RIVER AND BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP.24-1017 IS AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES OUT OF ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA, FOR TESTING SERVICES AT THE BELLE MEAD DEPOT, HILLSBORO.
24-1018 IS AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR ABSOLUTE PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS OUT OF PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY, FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REPLACEMENT, CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORING INSTALLATION, AND CLEAN AGENT FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSTALLATION AT 40 NORTH BRIDGE STREET, SOMERVILLE, AND 410 ROYCEFIELD ROAD IN HILLSBORO.
CONTRACT 19021. TOTAL, THAT'S A REDUCTION OF $3,265.50.
24-1019, IT'S AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR CMS CONSTRUCTION INC. OUT OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS ALONG COLE DRIVE, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO STORMWATER PUMP STATION, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, CONTRACT 21019.
THAT'S AN INCREASE OF $7,501.27 FROM THE AS-BID CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $1,167,941.
THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT, $1,175,442.27.
THIS IS A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED OF $7,501.27.
>> CONTRACT 24-1020 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT #CC-0001-24 FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR THE COUNTY AND COOPERATIVE TO WB MASON, PRINTING SUPPLIES USA, AND OFFICE CONCEPTS GROUP.
FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1021, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO V-COMM TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING FOR PREPARATION OF AN FCC LICENSE APPLICATION AND FREQUENCY COORDINATION FOR SIX CHANNEL PAIRS.
>> 24-1022 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SLADE INDUSTRIES.
THIS IS FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE OF OUR ELEVATORS IN THE COUNTY FACILITIES.
24-1023 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MODEL 1 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.
THIS IS FOR TWO LIGHT DUTY TRANSIT MINIBUSES.
THESE ARE 16 TWO-PASSENGER BUSES. THEY'RE NOT ELECTRIC.
>> ARE THEY [INAUDIBLE] DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG THOSE ARE GOING TO TAKE?
>> THESE BUSES USUALLY TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO GET.
I CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT THOUGH.
>> I KNOW THERE'S BEEN A BACKLOG ON ALL THESE THINGS.
>> SIXTEEN-PASSENGER, TWO-WHEELCHAIR?
>> YEAH, 16-PASSENGER, TWO-WHEELCHAIR BUSES.
24-1024, WE'RE RESCINDING ITEM NUMBER 16 DUE TO A CLERICAL ERROR, AND THAT WAS FROM OUR ATF HYDRAULIC OILS GREASES FROM LUBENET AND THAT WAS RESOLUTION R23-2377.
>> APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO LANGUAGE LINES SERVICES, DALLAS, TEXAS, AND MILLENNIUM STRATEGIES, MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY, CHASAN, LAMPARELLO, MALLON & CAPPUZZO, PC, SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY, SHAIN SCHAFFER, PC, BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $32,343.30.
>> AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO DSI MEDICAL, FAIRVIEW INSURANCE AGENCY ASSOCIATES, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS, PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEMS, PRINCETON'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, RICO USA, AND WEX.
24-1027 AMENDING RESOLUTION 24-625, WHICH CONTAINED AN INCORRECT DOLLAR AMOUNT.
THE DOLLAR AMOUNT LISTED WAS $1,120.
THE CORRECT DOLLAR AMOUNT WAS $1,128.
>> PUBLIC INFORMATION RESOLUTION 24-1028 AMENDING RESOLUTION 24-625, WHICH CONTAINS AN INCORRECT DOLLAR AMOUNT.
THE DOLLAR AMOUNT LISTED WAS 1,120.
>> PAULINE, I THINK THAT THE SLIDE IS WRONG.
[00:50:01]
THE ACTUAL ITEMS OF APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GRANICUS LLC FOR GOV ACCESS MAINTENANCE, FOR GOV DELIVERY INTEGRATIONS.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,737.20.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1029, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ELECTION SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE LLC FOR ELECTION SERVICES TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PRIMARY ELECTION 2024.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $35,755.88.
>> 24-1030, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO T.R WENIGER INC. OUT OF PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY FOR PARKS OPEN ENDED MAINTENANCE CONTRACT RENOVATIONS TO MARCONI PARK.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $89,910.74.
24-1031, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OUT OF LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY, FOR A CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, USGS, FOR OPERATION OF A FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $43,666.25.
24-1032, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO SPARWICK CONTRACTING INC OUT OF LAFAYETTE, NEW JERSEY, FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $54,786.05.
>> 24-1033 IS AUTHORIZING A REFUND TO CAROLINE D. FLAMOS FOR CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS FEES, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $100.
24-1034 IS AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF FEES TO JUSTIN TOMARO FOR AN EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING ACADEMY COURSE, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $175.
24-1035 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1036 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO OPENTEXT TECHNOLOGIES AT RICHMOND HILL, CANADA, FOR THE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND RENEWAL OF WRITE FACTS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,720.20.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1037 FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES AUTHORIZES CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED W.B.
MASON CONTRACTS, SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE PURCHASE OF CHAIRS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $19,696.88.
24-1038 ALSO FOR AGING AND DISABILITY APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO SANFORD JOSEPHSON FOR THE LECTURE FOR THE BASKING RIDGE SENIOR CENTER.
RESOLUTION 24-1039 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZES THE AWARD OF CALENDAR YEAR 2023 HOMELESSNESS TRUST FUND MONIES.
24-1040 FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, AUTHORIZES CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS, FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR RICHARD HALL, MOTIVATED SECURITY SERVICES FOR THEIR GUARD SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,068.44.
24-1041, ALSO FOR RICHARD HALL, AUTHORIZES CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR RICHARD HALL, QUALIFACTS SYSTEMS, INC. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,136.12.
24-1042, ALSO FOR RICHARD HALL, CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ABILITY NETWORK, INC FOR WEB BASED SOFTWARE SERVICES, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,932.65.
24-1043, ALSO FOR RICHARD HALL, ANOTHER CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO 22ND CENTURY TECHNOLOGIES FOR TEMP MEDICAL STAFFING, NOT TO EXCEED $22,500.
LAINE FEDERAL SOLUTIONS, INC, FOR TEMP SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $5,000, AND ADELPHI MEDICAL STAFFING, LLC, FOR TEMP MEDICAL STAFFING NOT TO EXCEED $5,000,
[00:55:01]
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $32,500.24-1044 AUTHORIZES CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR RICHARD HALL.
SPRING REINS OF LIFE, FOR EQUINE SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $20,190, AND FREEDOM YOGA, FOR YOGA SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $3,200.
24-1045 FOR THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES AMENDS A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO MIDDLE EARTH FOR PROBATION ENHANCEMENTS AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,065.94.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1046, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY CONTRACTORS FOR INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,624.28.
24-1047 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO NET TRANSCRIPTS AND VIQ SOLUTIONS FOR TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,842.87.
24-1048 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO DR. HOWARD GILMAN, FOR EXPERT FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY TESTIMONY, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,150.
APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ENIGMA SOLUTIONS FOR CYBER HUNTER TRAINING FOR ONE OF OUR DETECTIVES.
>> IT TEACHES DETECTIVES HOW TO GO OUT AND ACCESS ALL SOCIAL MEDIA SITES AND DARK SITES AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT'S DANGEROUS TO LOOK FOR.
WE HAVE VICTIMS OF CRIME IN OUR COUNTY.
IT HELPS THEM TO LOOK FOR THE BAD GUYS.
>> RESOLUTION 24-1051 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO QED FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT FOR MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE ACUITY FOR CAD, TO PROVIDE AN ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR THE PRODUCTS AND MODULES LICENSED TO SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS, QED APPLICATION SOFTWARE, JANUARY 1, 2024 TO DECEMBER 31, 2024.
24-1052, APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO W.B.
MASON FOR PAST DUE WATER INVOICES FROM 2021 AND 2022, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $62.58.
24-1053, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ZUFALL HEALTH CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE, CANCER SCREENING AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
24-1054, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ZUFALL HEALTH CENTER FOR CHILD HEALTH CLINICS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $13,412.
RESOLUTION 1055, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO EMSL ANALYTICAL FOR LEAD SAMPLING FOR CHILDREN WITH HIGH LEAD LEVELS IN FAR HILLS, NORTH PLAINFIELD, SOMERVILLE, RARITAN, MANVILLE, FRANKLIN, BEDMINSTER, BOUND BROOK AND SOUTH BOUND BROOK FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2023.
>> 24-1056 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
IT'S FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR GENERATOR MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND FUEL OIL.
24-1057 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS, SO WE'RE PUTTING MONEY BACK INTO THE ACCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE VENDORS.
THE TOTAL IS NOT TO EXCEED $52,709.33.
24-1058 IS AMENDING R24-136 AND R24-652.
WE HAD TO MAKE AN INCREASE TO OUR PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED FUNDS TO SDG, AND THAT'S IN THE AMOUNT OF $232.05 FOR EACH OF THOSE RESOLUTIONS.
24-1059 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PERFORMED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY BUILDINGS.
THE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED IS $3,018.38.
24-1060 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO COLGATE PAPER STOCK.
[01:00:03]
THIS IS FOR RECYCLING COMMODITIES.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $23,572.68.
24-1061 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MAZZA RECYCLING SERVICES, AGAIN, FOR OUR COMMODITIES AT RECYCLING, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,164.96.
24-1062 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO TWO VENDORS FOR GUIDERAIL AND GUIDERAIL PARTS.
24-1063 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, AND THIS IS FOR OUR TRAFFIC SIGNS, SUPPORTS HARDWARE AND DEVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,228.60.
24-1064 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO GRAINGER OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD FOR TRASH CANS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,218.40.
24-1065 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO RADIAC RESEARCH.
THIS IS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF OUR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AT OUR EVENTS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $47,821.60.
24-1066 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS, MEANING WE'RE RECEIVING MONEY BACK TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR PARTS AND VEHICLES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $57,675.24.
24-1067 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO TWO TIRE COMPANIES, F&S AND ALSO RICHIE'S.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $19,560.45.
AGAIN, WE'RE RECEIVING THAT MONEY BACK.
24-1068 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO RICHIE'S TIRE SERVICE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $11,626.35.
24-1069 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO AMERICAN MOBILE GLASS.
THIS IS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,602.49.
24-1070 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE FUEL VENDORS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $181,606.07.
24-1071 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,327.10.
>> NEXT RESOLUTION 24-1072 FOR THE TAX BOARD'S APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO METRO IMAGING FOR RENEWAL OF THEIR ANNUAL MICROGRAPHICS SERVICE CONTRACTS NOT TO EXCEED $420.
>> IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 24-1000 THROUGH 24-1072 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR MAY 28TH MEETING.
>> DIRECTOR ROBINSON. DIRECTOR ROBINSON?
>> I DIDN'T HEAR YOU. I'M SORRY. [LAUGHTER]
>> YES. THE FIRST TWO GO TOGETHER.
ADMINISTRATORS OFFICE 951 IS RESCINDING A RESOLUTION WE INTRODUCED DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION WHICH AUTHORIZED SOMERSET COUNTY TO APPLY FOR A 37,500 LEAP, THAT'S A SHARED SERVICE COORDINATING FELLOWSHIP GRANT POSITION.
THEN 952 IS COMING BACK AGAIN AND AUTHORIZING THE SAME, APPLYING FOR AND ACCEPTING THE 37,500 FOR A FELLOWSHIP GRANT FOR A PART TIME SHARED SERVICE COORDINATOR FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
>> 953 IS AUTHORIZING 30 QUALIFIED EMPLOYERS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2024 GREATER RARITON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD, SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM OFF OF CONTRACT CYCOM006624.
>> 24954 IS APPROVAL OF PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $319,559.02.
>> 24955 AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF CONTRACT CC014921S FOR COUNTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS FOR UPGRADES, MAINTENANCE, AND SUPPORT TO E-PAY MODULE, AND MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF BLUESTONE PROBATE SYSTEM, SUPPLEMENTAL FOR AN E-PAY MODULE AND SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE.
[01:05:03]
>> 24-956 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT 22012 TO SCHIFANO CONSTRUCTION CORP BY MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, FOR 2023 ROAD RESURFACING AND ADA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM, VARIOUS ROUTES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,650,820.51.
THERE WERE FIVE BIDS ON THIS PROJECT, AND OUR ESTIMATE WAS 6.8 MILLION, SO IT CAME IN ABOUT 3% UNDER.
WE WANT TO GET OUR PAVING STARTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
>> 24-957 IS ADOPTING THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION BUDGET, AND 24-958 IS ADOPTING THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY OPEN SPACE RECREATION FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST FUND LEVY.
THIS IS NOT THE ALLOCATION OF THE FUNDS.
THAT WILL COME AT A LATER MEETING ONCE THE BUDGET IS ADOPTED.
>> RESOLUTION 959, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT PHONES FROM SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP, SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY, UTILIZING THE NASPO DATA COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT.
>> RESOLUTION 24960 FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES, AUTHORIZES THE CONTINUATION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROGRAM FOR AN AMOUNT OF $62,226 FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025.
>> 24-961 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
THIS IS FOR RECYCLING OF TREE BRUSH, STUMPS, LEAVES, LOGS, CHIPS, AND PALETTES.
IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT.
24-962 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DELL MARKETING FROM ROUND ROCK, TEXAS.
THIS IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ECOLANE SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,202,971.10.
WHAT THIS CONTRACT WILL GIVE US AS AN UPGRADE FROM OUR CONTRACT WE HAVE NOW.
WE HAVE AUTOMATIC PASSENGER COUNTING FOR OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSES.
WE'RE ALSO GOING TO HAVE OUR OWN APP FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
IT'S LIKE THE RUCKUS BUS SERVICE THAT THEY HAVE, AND YOU'LL ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE IF THE BUS IS FULL, HALF FULL, QUARTER FULL.
THE PASSENGERS WILL KNOW AND THEY'LL ALSO KNOW WHEN THE BUS IS SHOWING UP.
ON THE PARATRANSIT SIDE, WE WILL ALSO HAVE AN APP.
THEY'LL BE TWO SEPARATE APPS ON THE APP SITES FOR THEM TO GET.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE CALL REMINDERS.
WHEN PEOPLE HAVE TRIPS WE'RE GOING TO CALL THEM TO REMIND THEM WHEN THE TRIP IS.
IT'LL ALSO LET THEM KNOW WHAT TIME IT'S GOING TO SHOW UP IF THEY'RE NOT ON THE APP.
THE OTHER THING IS THIS MONEY IS COMING OUT OF DEDICATED FUNDS.
THIS DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE COUNTY BUDGET.
IT'S FROM FAIR AND DONATIONS THAT ARE RECEIVED BY TRANSPORTATION.
THERE'S NO EFFECT ON THE BUDGET WITH THIS PURCHASE OF MAINTENANCE.
24-963 IS AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT.
THIS IS ALSO TO MULTIPLE VENDORS.
THIS IS FOR UNLEADED GASOLINE, REGULAR UNLEADED 87, MID GRADE 89, AND PREMIUM 93.
IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT.
>> IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 24-951 THROUGH 24-963 TO THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS ONE?
>> NOW WE COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING.
BEFORE WE DO THAT, DO YOU WANT TO ALLOW OUR GUESTS WHO ARE OUTSIDE TO COME IN? AS SOON AS WE GET, WE'LL OPEN UP THE FILE.
[01:10:01]
WE COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK MAY DO SO BY COMING UP STATING YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS, 5 MINUTES, NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME ON ANY TYPE.IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC?
>> HARRY BOSGER 1243 CAL ROAD, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY.
I WANT TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU SAID YOU WERE GIVING MONEY ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS PEOPLE, IS THAT CORRECT OR NO? DID I MISUNDERSTAND THAT?
>> WERE YOU SPEAKING ON A SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM?
>> WELL, YEAH. THE ONE FELLOW MENTIONED THAT HE WAS GIVEN SOME ASSISTANCE TO HOMELESS PEOPLE, I THOUGHT.
>> MIKE, ARE YOU STILL IN HERE?
>> I'M HERE, I'M NOT SURE WHICH RESOLUTION.
>> I'M NOT SURE WHICH ONE IT IS.
>> WELL, I JUST WANT TO SAY, I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU'RE GIVEN ANY MONEY TO CHINESE SOLDIERS THAT ARE IN OUR AREA? BECAUSE WHAT DO THEY CALL IT AIDING THE ENEMY? ARE THERE CHINESE TROOPS IN THIS AREA OR NO?
>> NOT THAT WE'RE AWARE OF, AND I'M UNAWARE THAT.
>> WELL, I KNOW PRESIDENT XI SAID THEY CAN'T LEAVE CHINA WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE CHINESE PRESIDENT.
I HEARD THERE'S 24,000 CHINESE TROOPS IN THIS COUNTRY.
THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO KNOW IF WE'RE AIDING AND ABETTING THE ENEMY.
>> IS THERE ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COME UP AND SPEAK?
>> THERE WAS ONE COMMENT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL FROM KEVIN EAST, A SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENT.
HE JUST WANTED TO GO ON RECORD THAT HE'S AGAINST A TAX INCREASE FOR SOMERSET COUNTY, THAT WE PAY ENOUGH IN TAXES WITH LITTLE RETURN, A VOTE FOR THE COUNTY TAX INCREASE WILL RESULT IN HIS VOTE FOR A NEW LEADERSHIP.
>> I'M HERE. JOAN SHILLER WARREN NEW JERSEY.
TONIGHT, YOU'RE MOVING AHEAD WITH SPENDING OVER $27,000 FOR RETIREMENT DINNER.
NOW, THAT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A LOT OF MONEY IN THE COUNTY BUDGET.
BUT HONESTLY, IT GRIEVES ME THAT SOMERSET COUNTY IS ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST COUNTIES, AND WE HAVE 17,000 PEOPLE WITH FOOD INSECURITY.
AN ORGANIZATION FEEDING HANDS DOESN'T GET ONE PENNY FROM THE COUNTY.
I WOULD ASK YOU TO RECONSIDER HOW YOU HONOR RETIREES.
I WOULD ASK YOU THAT PERHAPS MAYBE IF YOU DECIDE TO VOTE ON THAT $27,000, $28,000 AT THE NEXT MEETING THAT YOU PULL IT OUT AND DO A ROLL CALL VOTE, SO THE PUBLIC CAN SEE WHO WOULD SUPPORT THAT. THANK YOU.
>> ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK.
WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION YOU WERE REFERRING TO?
>> EATING HANDS. I'D ACTUALLY LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WENT AND CONGRATULATED THEM WHEN THEY OPENED UP THEIR FACILITIES.
>> ANYBODY ELSE ON THE COMMISSION BOARD WANTING TO RESPOND OR COMMENT.
YOU CAN COME UP IN OUR NEXT PUBLIC SESSION.
IN ABOUT 10, 15 MINUTES. ANY COMMENTS?
>> WE DO, OF COURSE, CONTRIBUTE TO OUR [INAUDIBLE] SECURITY SOMERSET COUNTY, AND THANK YOU FOR BRINGING US TO OUR ATTENTION FOR ANOTHER ORGANIZATION FOR US TO BE ABLE TO CONSIDER.
BUT IN TERMS OF OUR EMPLOYEES.
SORRY. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS. OUR EMPLOYEES DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB, AND THE PRICE PER HEAD IS ACTUALLY VERY MODEST, SO IT'S THE ONE TIME THAT THEY ACTUALLY GET TO GO TO, AN INCREDIBLE RESTAURANT THAT WE HAVE, AND IT'S PART OF OUR HISTORY WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY.
JUST FOR THE PRICE PER HEAD THAT'S UNDER $200 PER.
>> CAN YOU RESPOND LAST YEAR WAS OVER $200 A HEAD.
>> IT WOULD DEPEND ON HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING RECOGNIZED, SO EACH YEAR, IT MAY VARY.
>> BUT IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS,
[01:15:02]
FOR A FEW $100 FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE COUNTY, IT'S A VERY SMALL PRICE TO PAY.THEY HAVE GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS, SO WE THANK OUR EMPLOYEES, AND THAT'S HOW WE DO SO.
THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT CAME UP TO US AFTERWARDS SAYING THAT THEY THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO GO TO THE MANSION THERE AND TO SEE THE INSIDE OF IT AND TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT PERSONAL CONNECTION AS THERE LAST TIME TO BE ABLE TO CONNECT WITH EVERYONE BEFORE A GRAND RETIREMENT TOO FOR SOME, IT DOES MEAN THE WORLD TO THEM.
>> CLARIFICATION IT'S RIGHT AROUND $100.
>> THAT'S THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT MAY WIND UP COMING JUST BASED ON THE YEARS OF SERVICE AND ALSO RETIREMENT [INAUDIBLE] 10 YEARS AND ABOVE AND RETIREMENT.
>> I'M IN THE OPINION THAT OUR EMPLOYEES DESERVE THAT FOR $100 A HEAD.
>> AS IT WAS MENTIONED, WE OFTEN SUPPORT OUR FOOD INSECURITY INITIATIVES.
IT'S BEEN TOUTED THAT COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY, THAT IS ONE OF HIS GOALS FOR THIS YEAR, AND I BELIEVE LAST YEAR AS WELL, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE EFFORTS.
AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT ORGANIZATION TO OUR ATTENTION.
WE HAVE IN THE PAST, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FOOD INSECURITY ISSUES AND THOSE THAT ARE LEADING THOSE EFFORTS.
WE DID GIVE OUT MONEY TO NON-PROFITS TO CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE EFFORTS WITH FOOD INSECURITY EVEN DURING THE PANDEMIC.
I THINK WE DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB AND CONSIDERABLY ENOUGH INFORMATION WAS SENT OUT THAT WE COULD SUPPORT ALL WHO CAME THROUGH OUR DOORS AND NEEDED THE HELP.
AND I WOULD DARE SAY THAT WE WERE PROBABLY IN THE TOP FIVE, EVEN THE TOP 10 THAT WERE LEADING THOSE EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
I WOULD SAY WE DO A PHENOMENAL JOB IN HELPING THOSE EFFORTS WITH FOOD INSECURITY.
BUT THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS ORGANIZATION TO OUR ATTENTION.
MAYBE WE CAN WORK ON SOMETHING IN PARTNERING.
NO GUARANTEES, BUT WE DON'T KNOW WE'LL FIGURE OUT THAT ARE LEADING THOSE EFFORTS, AND WE WELCOME EVERYBODY.
CAN'T HELP EVERYBODY, BUT WE'LL DO OUR BEST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KEEP THOSE PERSONS IN MIND, SO THANK YOU.
IF NOBODY ELSE IS WISHING TO COME FORWARD, I'LL TAKE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING.
>> AYES HAVE IT, WE WILL MOVE RIGHT INTO OUR WORK SESSION.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.