>> I WILL SKIP OUR REGULAR MEETING,
[00:00:02]
JUST FINISH THE WORK SESSION.THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO WERE WAITING PATIENTLY OUTSIDE AS WE MOVE THROUGH OUR LENGTHY AGENDA.
BUT HERE IS WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.
ANY ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER REPORTS? [NOISE] WE HAVE SEVERAL PROCLAMATIONS,
[PROCLAMATIONS]
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK, OLDER AMERICANS MONTH, WE WILL POSTPONE AAPI HERITAGE MONTH UNTIL OUR NEXT MEETING ON THE 28TH, AND WE ALSO HAVE HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH. YIELD THE FLOOR.>> MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
>> LISA IS GOING TO COME FIRST AND THEN MARK.
LISA IS OUR ADDICTION SERVICES DIRECTOR, LET ME GIVE THE SERVICES DIRECTOR A MICROPHONE.
THIS IS MARK WILLIAMS, WHO IS A CHAMPION FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF NAMI AND ALSO STATE [INAUDIBLE].
>> I'M GOING TO READ THE RESOLUTION, MIKE.
THIS IS PROBABLY YOUR LAST [OVERLAPPING].
>> SECOND, MY PENULTIMATE [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE'RE HERE TODAY TO ANNOUNCE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, MAY 2024.
WHEREAS APPROXIMATELY ONE IN FIVE ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES, 43.8 MILLION PEOPLE EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION IN A GIVEN YEAR, AND WHEREAS SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AFFECT MORE THAN 23 MILLION AMERICANS, YET ONLY 25% RECEIVE TREATMENT OF ANY KIND, AND WHEREAS APPROXIMATELY ONE IN FIVE YOUTH AGED 13-18 EXPERIENCED A SEVERE MENTAL DISORDER AT SOME POINT DURING THEIR LIFE, AND WHEREAS AMONG THE 20.2 MILLION ADULTS IN THE US WHO EXPERIENCED A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, 75% HAD CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND WHEREAS ADULTS IN THE US LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES DIE ON AVERAGE 25 YEARS EARLIER THAN OTHERS, LARGELY DUE TO TREATABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS, AND WHEREAS OVER ONE THIRD OF STUDENTS AGED 14 AND OLDER WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION WHO ARE SERVED BY SPECIAL EDUCATION DROP OUT, THE HIGHEST DROPOUT OF ANY DISABILITY GROUP, AND WHEREAS MANY WHO LIVE WITH THESE CHALLENGES ALSO FACE THE STIGMA IN THEIR COMMUNITY, AND IN THE FACE OF STIGMA, FIND IT HARD TO SEEK OUT HELP AS AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND HEALTH.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZE MAY 2024 AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALLS UPON ALL CITIZENS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS, BUSINESSES, HOSPITALS, AND SCHOOLS IN SOMERSET COUNTY, TO CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF CARING AND ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AND ELIMINATE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH.
I WANT TO PASS IT OVER TO LISA FEDERICA, WHO WORKS VERY CLOSELY WITH [INAUDIBLE].
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
THE NAMI THEME FOR 2024 IS TO TAKE A MOMENT.
I JUST ENCOURAGE ANYBODY IN THIS ROOM AND ANYBODY LISTENING IN, TO TAKE A MOMENT TO PRIORITIZE YOUR SELF-CARE, TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT.
WE ARE LIVING IN A SOCIETY WHERE LONELINESS IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, AND THIS IS JUST YOUR FRIENDLY REMINDER THAT THERE IS HELP OUT THERE, AND YOU CAN CONTACT HUMAN SERVICES TO GET CONNECTED TO TREATMENT.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE MARK WILLIAMS. HE IS A JUST WONDERFUL PARTNER TO HUMAN SERVICES CONNECTED TO NAMI, NEW JERSEY, BUT ALSO OUR STIGMA-FREE CHAIR.
THIS IS MARK WILLIAMS. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? [APPLAUSE]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
OTHER COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS, PARTICULARLY DR. [INAUDIBLE], WHO HE AND I GO BACK TO HIS DAYS AS A COUNCILPERSON IN NORTH PLAINFIELD, AND NORTH PLAINFIELD WAS THE FIRST COMMUNITY OUT OF THE 21 COMMUNITIES IN SOMERSET COUNTY TO DECLARE ITSELF A STIGMA-FREE ZONE, SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. [APPLAUSE]
>> OBVIOUSLY, A THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER DRAKE AND THE REST OF THE BOARD.
I WILL SAY AS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO IS ABOUT TO RETIRE, I STAYED IN THIS COUNTY FOR 40 YEARS BECAUSE THIS COUNTY HAS DONE MORE ABOUT THE DIRECT APPLICATION OF HELP FOR FOLKS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES THAN ANY OTHER COUNTY I AM AWARE OF.
THAT'S NOT HYPERBOLE, YOU CAN LOOK IT UP AND SEE WHAT WE DO IN THIS COUNTY.
[00:05:01]
IT IS WITH GREAT FEELING AND PLEASURE THAT I ACCEPT THIS ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD.>> WHILE YOU'RE TAKING YOUR PICTURE, [LAUGHTER] I'LL JUST ADD THAT, MARK, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
I WAS SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AND THERE WAS ANOTHER NAMI ORGANIZATION, AND THEY TALKED ABOUT YOU WITH PRIDE AND THE CHAMPION THAT YOU ARE IN THESE EFFORTS, SO YOU ARE RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
WE'RE PROUD TO HAVE YOU. [APPLAUSE]
>> PROBABLY I HAVE NEVER WANTED TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER.
>> WE'RE GOING TO DO THE OLDER AMERICANS RESOLUTION.
[BACKGROUND] I HAVE GOT TWO TODAY.
WE'RE ALSO TO CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH.
>> HOW CAN I FORGET? [LAUGHTER] THERE WE ARE.
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH IN MAY OF 2024.
WHEREAS MAY OF 2024 HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH BY THE UNITED STATES ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING WITH A THEME POWERED BY CONNECTION, AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY IS HOME TO MORE THAN 80,000 RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND OLDER, AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO VALUING ALL OLDER ADULTS AND RECOGNIZING THEIR ONGOING LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS, AND WHEREAS OLDER ADULTS ARE ACTIVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS INVOLVED IN BUSINESS, VOLUNTEERING, LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS, MENTORSHIP, ARTS AND CULTURE, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING OLDER ADULTS HAVE ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES THAT VALUE AND PROMOTE THEIR INDEPENDENCE, DIGNITY, AND CHOICE.
THESE INCLUDE THE SIX COUNTY OPERATING SENIOR WELLNESS CENTERS, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY EDUCATION, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PROJECT LIFESAVER, PARATRANSIT SERVICES, AND MORE.
WHEREAS RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTION AND SUCCESS OF OLDER ADULTS ENCOURAGES THEIR ONGOING PARTICIPATION IN CONTINUED ACCOMPLISHMENTS, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZE MAY 2024 AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND URGES ALL CITIZENS TO BE AWARE OF AND APPLAUD THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESS OF ALL OUR OLDER AMERICANS. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOOD EVENING, EVERYBODY, AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT YOU'VE PROVIDED TO THE OLDER ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS OUR DISABILITY COMMUNITY.
AS COMMISSIONER DRAKE HAD STATED, IT'S OLDER AMERICANS MONTH IS MAY.
HOWEVER, WE PROMOTE AND EMBRACE THE OLDER ADULTS AND THOSE LIVING WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY.
ALL 12 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR.
ALTHOUGH IT'S THE PROCLAMATION IS DONE IN MAY, ALL OF THESE CONNECTED SERVICES TO KEEP OLDER ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY LIVING SAFELY, INDEPENDENTLY WITH DIGNITY AND CHOICE HAPPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.
I DO INVITE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO CHECK OUT OUR ACTIVITY OF EVENTS IN MAY.
WE DO BOLSTER THE CALENDAR A LITTLE BIT MORE, BUT IT'S MORE AROUND SURROUNDING THE THEME.
THIS YEAR IS POWERED BY CONNECTION.
CONNECTING WITH YOUR PEERS, CONNECTING WITH SOCIAL SERVICES, CONNECTING WITH A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY.
THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY.
THIS IS JUST ONE MONTH THAT WE'RE DOING THAT, HOWEVER, WE DO IT ALL YEAR ROUND.
AGAIN, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, CHECK OUT THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
ALL OF THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ARE ON THERE.
TOMORROW, SPEAKING OF EVENTS, WE'RE DOING OUR ANNUAL PROM WHERE THE VOTECH COMES OVER TO THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AND EVERYBODY GETS DRESSED UP, AND IT'S A REALLY WONDERFUL EVENT.
[00:10:02]
THAT'S JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF AN ACTIVITY OR AN EVENT WE'RE HAVING.>> ON SATURDAY, OF COURSE, I WAS GOING TO DO THE SHAMELESS PLUG, AS WELL.
ON SATURDAY, WE DO HAVE OUR ANNUAL AGING WELL EXPO, WHICH IS AT THE SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER BRIDGEWATER, WHICH IS LOCATED OVER BY THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS BALL FIELD.
WE'LL BE THERE FROM 1:00-4:00, AND THERE WILL BE SERVICE PROVIDERS, OVER 40, WE DID THE LAYOUT TODAY.
WE'LL BE SHARING WHAT INFORMATION AND SERVICES THEY PROVIDE TO THE COMMUNITY AND HOW WE ALL PARTNER TOGETHER AGAIN TO CONNECT INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SERVICES THEY NEED TO STAY LIVING AND EMBRACED IN SOMERSET COUNTY. ANYTHING ELSE?
>> I THINK IT SAID IT ALL. THE INTEREST OF TIME.
I DID WANT TO MAKE TWO COMMENTS BECAUSE I DO WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONER.
SOMEBODY HAD TALKED ABOUT FOOD INSECURITIES, AND I THINK YOU SAID IT QUITE WELL WHEN AGENCIES AND NONPROFITS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT FOR OUR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.
ALSO, IF THERE IS SOMEONE WHO'S 60 OR ABOVE THAT LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE OUR SIX SENIOR CENTERS THAT WE PROVIDE RD, LUNCHEON THAT MEETS THE THIRD OF THE DAILY RECOMMENDATION.
BECAUSE OF FOOD INSECURITIES BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF SEPTEMBER, WITH OUR AMERICAN RELIEF FUNDS, WE ARE PROVIDING A BREAKFAST PROGRAM.
AGAIN, THOSE FOLKS WHO ARE OVER 60 COME OUT TO THE CENTERS.
WE'RE NOT EXPECTING PEOPLE TO STAY ALL DAY, BUT WE'RE HERE IF YOU NEED US.
THEN, LAST, I WANTED TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH PROCLAMATION THAT CAME OUT TONIGHT BECAUSE MENTAL HEALTH AND LONELINESS IS A BIG ISSUE FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY OUR SENIOR COMMUNITY.
WE'RE GETTING OUT. WE'RE SEEING MORE PEOPLE AT THE CENTERS.
BE SURE THAT YOU'RE ENGAGED AND LISTENING TO LISA'S POINT ABOUT TAKING A MOMENT TO REALLY REFLECT AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO STEP OUT BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT TO ENGAGE WITH YOU, AND THE COMMUNITY WANTS TO BE WELL.
I THINK OUR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND ADMINISTRATOR AND EVEN OUR COUNTY COUNCIL HELPED US A LOT IN MOVING FORWARD WITH FUNDING AND JUST MAKING SOMERSET COUNTY A GREAT PROSPEROUS PLACE TO LIVE AND TO WORK.
>> YOU'RE ALREADY ON VIDEO. [BACKGROUND]
>> NEXT WE HAVE PROCLAMATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK.
>> EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK FROM MAY 19TH-25TH.
WHEREAS THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL LIVING IN AND VISITING SOMERSET COUNTY.
WHEREAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ARE A VITAL PUBLIC SERVICE, AND WHEREAS THE MEMBERS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS ARE READY TO PROVIDE LIFESAVING CARE TO THOSE IN NEED 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, AND WHEREAS ACCESS TO QUALITY EMERGENCY CARE DRAMATICALLY IMPROVES THE SURVIVAL AND RECOVERY RATE OF THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ILLNESS OR INJURY, AND WHEREAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES HAVE GROWN TO FILL A GAP BY PROVIDING IMPORTANT, OUT OF HOSPITAL CARE, INCLUDING PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, FOLLOW UP CARE, AND ACCESS TO TELEMEDICINE, WHEREAS THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEM CONSISTS OF FIRST RESPONDERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS, PARAMEDICS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHERS, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS, EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, PRE HOSPITAL NURSES, EMERGENCY NURSES, EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS, TRAINED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND OTHER OUT OF HOSPITAL MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERS.
WHEREAS THE MEMBERS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TEAMS, WHETHER CAREER OR VOLUNTEER, ENGAGE IN THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION TO ENHANCE THEIR LIFE SAVING SKILLS.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE MAY 19TH-25TH, 2024 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK AND RECOGNIZES
[00:15:04]
THE VALUE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ALL EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROVIDERS WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY.WE'VE GOT QUITE A FEW PEOPLE UP HERE.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A CHALLENGING PHOTO.
BUT LISA, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING?
>> SURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONERS.
I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT AGENCIES REPRESENTED HERE, SO I SHOULD PROBABLY PASS THIS DOWN.
BUT EMS PROVIDERS, WHILE EMS WEEK IS NEXT WEEK.
EMS PROVIDERS ARE RESPONDING 24/7, 365 DAYS A WEEK.
THEY ARE CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.
A SHOUT OUT TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS THAT ARE HERE, AND OUR PRIMARY PATIENTS THAT WE USUALLY SEE ARE THE ELDERLY OF AMERICA.
A SHOUT OUT TO EVERYBODY HERE AND THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH BECAUSE I DO KNOW THAT ALL OF OUR PROVIDERS PUT IN A LOT OF HARD WORK.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONERS.
LET ME SEE IF ANYBODY ELSE WANTS TO.
>> I JUST WANT TO SAY, THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE WEEKS.
I PRACTICE STILL PROVIDING CARE FOR 911 CALLS.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL KNOW, BUT NEXT WEEK IS ACTUALLY THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FOR NATIONAL EMS WEEK, AND THE THEME IS HONORING THE PAST AND FORGING THE FUTURE.
THE EMS FIELD IS ACTUALLY RELATIVELY YOUNG COMPARED TO OTHER FIELDS, BUT IT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FIELDS IN MY OPINION.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
>> WE HAVE NEW INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS ONE.
>> CAN WE BRING PEOPLE WHO ARE A LITTLE BIT JUST TALL FORWARD?
>> I DIDN'T WANT WANT TO SAY THE WORD.
>> WE'RE JUST BARELY GETTING YOU ALL IN.
>> WE ARE JUST BARELY GETTING WHO ALL.
>> EVERYBODY READY? SMILING. YOU'RE ALL GOOD.
>> THAT'S THE LONGEST I'VE DONE.
>> I GET TO SEE IF I CAN GET MORE PEOPLE UP HERE THAN COMMISSIONER SINGLETARY.
THIS IS RECOGNIZING HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH.
SO ANYONE ON OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TEAM, OUR STAFF, OUR VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS, STEP FORWARD. COME ON.
I'M TRYING TO BEAT COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL [LAUGHTER].
COMMISSIONER SINGLETARY, ACTUALLY, SINGLETARY, BEAT DRAKE.
LET ME SEE. I DON'T KNOW. DID I GET MORE THAN 10? I THINK I GOT IT.
SO THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING UP.
SO MAY IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH, AND OUR HISTORIC PRESERVATION TEAM HERE IS GOING TO GET TWO OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE WE HAVE SOME AWARDS COMING UP, SO YOU MAY SEE SOME FOLKS MAKING A REPEAT APPEARANCE.
WHEREAS HISTORIC PRESERVATION EFFORTS SERVE AS A WAY TO SHARE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PAST WITH FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THE PRESERVATION OF OUR COLLECTIVE HISTORY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF ALL AMERICANS, ALLOWING US TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE EVENTS, PEOPLE, PLACES, AND IDEAS THAT HAVE SHAPED OUR COUNTY, STATE, AND NATION.
WHEREAS THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BEGAN CELEBRATING NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK IN 1973, EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF MAY IN 2005.
AND WHEREAS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY HAS RECOGNIZED AND PROTECTED HISTORIC PROPERTIES SINCE 1970, WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW JERSEY REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ACT.
AND WHEREAS THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS IN 1983.
AND WHEREAS THE MISSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION IS TO EDUCATE AND ENRICH THE LIVES OF COUNTY RESIDENTS BY PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT PRESERVE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
[00:20:05]
AND WHEREAS THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING STAFF PROVIDES FUNDING TO MUNICIPALITIES AND NONPROFITS FOR ACQUISITION, STABILIZATION, REHABILITATION, RESTORATION, AND PRESERVATION OF THE COUNTY'S SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC RESOURCES.AND WHEREAS 2024 MARKS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM WHICH HAS AWARDED OVER $23 MILLION TO 72 HISTORIC STRUCTURES ACROSS 57 HISTORIC SITES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
AND WHEREAS HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN SOMERSET COUNTY SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE REVITALIZATION OF MUNICIPALITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND STRENGTHENS OUR ECONOMY ANNUALLY FROM HERITAGE TOURISM AND VISITOR RELATED SPENDING.
AND WHEREAS HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAYS A UNIQUE ROLE IN THE LIVES OF SOMERSET COUNTY FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BY MAKING VIBRANT CONNECTIONS TO THEIR HISTORY AND CULTURE, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THIS SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZES MAY AS NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH AND CALLS UPON OUR RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTY AND ENCOURAGES TAKING ACTION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SITES AND HISTORY IN THEIR MUNICIPALITIES.
SIGNED BY YOUR BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
[APPLAUSE] I WAS GOING TO ABBREVIATE THAT, BUT I SAID, THERE'S A LOT IN HERE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GUYS GET IT ALL.
WHO'D LIKE TO SAY A COUPLE OF WORDS? [LAUGHTER].
>> WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I'D LIKE TO THANK THE COMMISSION FOR RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS THAT GO ON THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY IN PRESERVING THE HISTORY, NOT JUST THE BUILDINGS, BUT ALSO THE CULTURE, THE DOCUMENTS, EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE WITHIN THE COUNTY.
AND WE LOOK FORWARD OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS AS WE REACH THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXPANDING THE HISTORIC SITES WE HAVE AND BRINGING A BROADER AMOUNT OF HISTORY TO LIFE WITHIN THE COUNTY.
>> AND MAY I PERSONALLY THANK ALL OF THESE FOLKS.
OUR STAFF IS HERE, BUT THE REST ARE VOLUNTEERS AND THEY CONTRIBUTE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TIME AND EFFORT, REVIEWING APPLICATIONS, STAFFING EVENTS.
SO HATS OFF TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU DO THAT THIS ENTIRE COUNTY BENEFITS FROM NOW AND TOMORROW TO PRESERVE OUR PAST. SO THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING A GREAT LIAISON.
>> ALL RIGHT EVERYBODY, REMEMBER HOW WE TIDIED UP THE LAST TIME? LET'S TRY THAT AGAIN.
>> I'LL GO. JESSE, WHY DON'T YOU COME UP?
>> WE'RE GOING TO GET A FEW MORE IN.
>> HOLD, I'M GOING TO GET BEHIND.
>> AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO SCOOCH EVERYONE THAT WAY.
>> WE'RE GOOD. THAT'S PERFECT. YOU SANG IT BEAUTIFULLY.
>> CONGRATULATIONS, AND SPEAKING OF A LITTLE HISTORY, THERE IS THE PRINCE ROGERS BASEBALL COMPLEX, WHICH IS A 10-ACRE PARK NAMED AFTER PRINCE ROGERS, WHO WAS A FREE SLAVE.
THERE WILL BE A CEREMONY RECOGNIZING AND HONORING HIM RIGHT IN BRIDGEWATER ON THE 23RD OF MAY.
SO WE'LL MAKE SURE WE GET THAT INFORMATION OUT TO THE PUBLIC.
BUT AGAIN, PRINCE ROGERS WAS A FREE SLAVE.
HE IS BURIED WITH HIS WIFE, JUDITH VANDVEER NEAR THE FOOTHILL ROAD.
[00:25:02]
SO THAT IS MAY, 23.A LOT OF RICH HISTORY RIGHT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY. KAITLYN
>> ALL RIGHT. SO WE'RE GOING TO JUMP RIGHT INTO THE CELEBRATING OF
[PRESENTATION]
HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND HISTORY AWARDS.I'M MANAGER OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURE AND HERITAGE COMMISSION.
IN SOMERSET COUNTY, WE RECOGNIZE THE EXEMPLARY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND HERITAGE EFFORTS THROUGH A BIENNIAL PRESENTATION OF AWARDS.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AND PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND HISTORY AND RECOGNIZE WORTHY INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PROJECTS.
OUR FIRST AWARD OF THE EVENING IS IN THE CATEGORY OF HISTORY EDUCATION, WHICH RECOGNIZES INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES DISPLAYING EXCELLENCE IN INCREASING PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORY.
RECEIVING THIS AWARD IS THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STOTTS HOUSE AND THE SOUTH BOUND BROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT, ROBERT MORRIS SCHOOL, FOR WE WERE HERE, THE ENSLAVED PEOPLE OF COLONIAL AMERICA, AN INCLUSIVE HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
THIS PROJECT IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STOTTS HOUSE, THE SOUTH BOUND BROOK PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND THE WITNESS STONES PROJECT.
THROUGH THIS PROJECT, ROBERT MORRIS SCHOOL'S EIGHTH GRADE CLASS BROUGHT LOCAL HISTORY TO LIFE AS THEY LEARNED THE STORY OF THE ENSLAVED INDIVIDUALS WHO WORKED AND LIVED AT THE STOTTS FARMSTEAD.
TEACHERS WERE ALSO PROVIDED WITH A SERIES OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS TO ENHANCE THEIR USE OF THE WITNESTONE PROJECT CURRICULUM IN THE CLASSROOM.
ACCEPTING THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE ABRAHAM STATA IS, PLEASE WELCOME, PRESIDENT KATHY ARMOSI, TRUSTEE DENNIS QUINLAN, PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH BOUND BROOK HISTORIC PRESERVATION, COMMISSION KATHY FOX, SOUTH BOUND BROOK HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION LIAISON COUNCILMAN SHAWN WOODEN, AND ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH BOUND BROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT, ROBERT MORRIS SCHOOL, TEACHER ROBERT CANDLN.
ON BEHALF OF THE WITNESS STONE PROJECT, PLEASE WELCOME DIRECTOR DENNIS CULLITON.
>> IF ANYONE WANTS TO SAY ANYTHING, AND WE'LL HAND YOU THE MIC BEHIND YOU.
>> I WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS FOR OFFERING THIS AWARD, AND THANK ALL OF OUR PARTNERS.
I'M KATHY FAWKES FROM THE SOUTHBOUND BROOK HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION.
WE PARTNERED WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STATAS.
FOR THIS EVENT, WE PARTNERED WITH THE SCHOOL, RYAN IS OUR LEAD TEACHER WHO CREATED HIS CURRICULUM BASED UPON THE WITNESS STONE PROJECT FROM DENNIS CULLITON.
SO IT'S LIKE WE'RE ALL PARTNERING TOGETHER.
WE THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND THE WONDERFUL PROGRAM THAT RESULTED FROM IT. THANK YOU, EVERYBODY.
>> OUR NEXT AWARD CATEGORY IS IN HISTORY PUBLICATION, WHICH RECOGNIZES SPECIFIC PROGRAMS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS GROUPS, OR INDIVIDUALS DISPLAYING EXCELLENCE IN INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COUNTY HISTORY THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF BOOKS, JOURNALS, ARTICLES, BROCHURES, OR PAMPHLETS.
RECEIVING THIS AWARD IS DAVIE LYN JONES-EVANS FOR AT HOME WITH HISTORY.
AT HOME WITH HISTORY FOCUSES ON THE HISTORY OF SOMERVILLE'S AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY.
MISS JONES-EVANS BODY OF PUBLISHED WORK BRINGS THE STORY OF SOMERVILLE'S HISTORIC BLACK COMMUNITY TO LIFE FOR BOTH HER FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS AT SOMERVILLE'S VAN DERVEER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND WIDER AUDIENCES THROUGH HER ONLINE PUBLICATIONS.
MISS JONES-EVANS' WORK IS ACCESSIBLE AND FREE TO THE PUBLIC ONLINE AT MEDIUM.COM.
PLEASE WELCOME, DAVIE LYN JONES-EVANS.
[00:30:15]
[BACKGROUND]>> FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY JUST TO SHARE OUT HISTORY.
THANK YOU, MARCH SELVAN WHO NOMINATED ME.
I'M BORN AND RAISED IN SOMERVILLE.
I'VE BEEN A TEACHER THERE FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I'VE LEARNED IS YOU HAVE TO DIG FOR YOUR HISTORY IF IT'S NOT AVAILABLE TO YOU.
SO THIS IS A GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY.
I CONTINUE TO WRITE ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY HERE.
IT'S RICH, IT'S DEEP, AND UNFORTUNATELY, OUR STUDENTS DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT, AND MY EXPERIENCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOL, I DIDN'T LEARN ABOUT IT AS WELL.
SO I ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO JUMP INTO MY MEDIUM POST.
IT SPEAKS A LOT TO ST. THOMAS' HISTORY HERE, AS WELL AS PAUL ROBESON HERE IN SOMERVILLE.
SO THERE'S A RICH, RICH HISTORY HERE THAT WE ALL SHOULD KNOW.
WE ALL SHOULD UNDERSTAND, AND WE ALL SHOULD APPRECIATE.
>> A LITTLE BIT THIS WAY, PLEASE.
[LAUGHTER] EVERYONE'S GETTING VERY GOOD AT SCOOCHING.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING AN EDUCATOR.
LAST WEEK WAS TEACHERS' WEEK AND NURSES' WEEK, SO THANK YOU.
>> WE APPRECIATED ALL THE APPRECIATION.
SO WE JUST WANT TO SAY ONE LAST FINAL THANK YOU TO OUR WINNERS TONIGHT.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING.
WE'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE SOMERSET BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THEIR HELP IN MAKING TONIGHT'S EVENT POSSIBLE THROUGH THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
>> AS WE MOVE THROUGH OUR PROGRAM OR OUR MEETING, EXCUSE ME,
[APPOINTMENTS]
WE HAVE MOSQUITO CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD, R 24-950, ELLIOTT HUNT SINGER AND KATE BROWN.IS THERE MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 24-950.
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. WE HAVE THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR OUR APRIL 23, 2024 MEETING.
[APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE ABOVE LISTED MINUTES?>> ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, OR CHANGES? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
[AMENDED 2024 COUNTY BUDGET RESOLUTIONS]
WITH REGARDS TO 2488A AND 24-883A, I'M GOING TO ASK AMANDA TO PLEASE COME FORWARD.>> OUR 24-88 A IS AN AMENDING RESOLUTION OF 24880 TO EXCEED THE COUNTY BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A [INAUDIBLE].
PUBLIC HEARING WILL COME LATER, AND 24883 IS AMENDING 24883, WHICH WAS AUTHORIZING SOMERSET COUNTY TO EXCEED THE COUNTY ENTITY BUDGET REQUEST CAP FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ELECTIONS.
>> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. NOW WE HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING OR
[2024 COUNTY BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS]
THE 24-88A AMENDING RESOLUTION 24-880 TO EXCEED THE COUNTY BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK.MOTION TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND THIS RESOLUTION ONLY.
>> YES. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS RESOLUTION ONLY, PLEASE STEP FORWARD.
NAME AND ADDRESS, 5 MINUTES, NO YIELDING OF TIME.
[00:35:04]
>> IS THIS THE WHOLE BUDGET OR NO?
>> THE BUDGET IS THE NEXT ITEM.
YOU WENT TOO EARLY, JUST STAND RIGHT THERE.
>> YOU WANT ME TO TALK TO THEM, ALL RIGHT?
>> DON'T SAY ANYTHING. ALL RIGHT?
>> ANYBODY ELSE? SEEING NONE HERE, NOW, I TAKE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR 24-880A.
>> YES. WE HAVE THE MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 24-880A. IS THERE A MOTION?
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> YES. NOW, WE HAVE 24-885, 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY BUDGET.
MOTION TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2024 COUNTY BUDGET.
>> HARRY BOWS LLOER 1243 CAL ROAD GREYSTONE.
I JUST WANT TO START OFF WITH A LITTLE PRESENTATION ON AS FAR AS THIS BUDGET.
WELL, ANYWAY, DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM IS ONE STOP FROM COMMUNISM.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, A LITTLE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEY TELL YOU IT'S ALWAYS TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.
BUT REALLY, WHAT IT WAS WHERE THE BRITISH WANTED THE AMERICANS TO USE DEBT MONEY.
AMERICAN BEN FRANKLIN WAS LIKE, I GUESS HE WAS PLAYING BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE THERE.
ANYWAY, AND THEN THEY WANTED THE AMERICANS TO PAY TAXES IN BRITISH MONEY.
IT WAS A DEBT MONEY SYSTEM THAT THEY USED AGAINST THE AMERICANS AND AMERICANS FOUGHT A REVOLUTION OVER THAT DEBT MONEY.
THAT'S WHAT I HAVE OBJECTION WITH THIS HERE, BUDGET.
WELL, ANYWAY, LIKE I SAY, PART OF THIS, WELL, WHAT ELSE? I GOT SOME NOTES HERE.
WELL, LET'S START OFF WITH IT.
RIGHT NOW, THE AMERICANS WE'RE IN DEBT FOR, LIKE, $100 TRILLION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE AND ALL THAT.
WELL, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK IS BANKRUPT.
WELL, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OWE ON THEIR CREDIT CARDS LIKE OVER 17.5 TRILLION DOLLARS.
WHAT I'M TRYING TO BRING OUT HERE IS THAT I'M TRYING TO SAVE THE COUNTRY.
I'M A PATRIOT AND I'M A VETERAN.
THIS COUNTRY WILL NOT SURVIVE WITH THIS DEBT MONEY SYSTEM.
THE ONLY WAY WE CAN SAVE THIS COUNTRY IS REALLY TO GO TO WEALTH CURRENCY.
IF WE DON'T GET ON WEALTH CURRENCY, OUR MONEY'S NOT BACKED BY ANYTHING.
IT'S RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF DEBT WE ARE INCURRING, AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO PAY IT.
I'M JUST WAITING FOR THE COUNTRY TO GO BANKRUPT BECAUSE IT'S GOING THERE.
I BUY HARD CURRENCY ALL THE TIME.
WELL, THAT'S THE ONLY THING I WANT TO SAY IS WE'RE HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE WHOLE COUNTRY'S GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
I SAID MY PIECE, SO GOD HELP YOU. THANK YOU.
>> ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS TOPIC AND THIS TOPIC ONLY? NOTHING ELSE? THEN I TAKE A MOTION THAT WE CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2024 COUNTY BUDGET.
>> AYES HAVE IT. NOW WE'LL MOVE ON TO ADOPT THE 2024 COUNTY BUDGET AS INTRODUCED ON APRIL 23RD, IS THERE A MOTION TO ADOPT?
[00:40:01]
BEFORE WE GET INTO THE CONSENT AGENDA, I JUST WANTED TO UPDATE EVEN THOUGH THE YOUNG LADY LEFT.
WE HAVE ARRANGED FOR FEEDING HANDS TO GET LARGE DONATIONS IN THE PAST, AND THEY WERE THE RECIPIENT IN OUR FALL FOOD BANK CAMPAIGN.
THE CALIPER FAMILY WERE A PARTNER IN GETTING THOSE FUNDS OUT TO OUR FOOD BANK.
AGAIN, FEEDING HANDS WERE RECIPIENTS OF THE FALL FOOD BANK CAMPAIGN.
WE ALSO GAVE THEM ART MONEY, AS I TALKED ABOUT DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND THEY WERE RECIPIENTS OF SOME OF THAT ART MONEY AS PART OF THE ANNUAL ADOPT A FAMILY FUNDRAISING PROGRAM THAT WE DO EVERY YEAR AROUND THANKSGIVING.
MOVE ON TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA.
[CONSENT AGENDA]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-900 THROUGH 24-907?>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 24-908 THROUGH 24-920?
[AWARD OF CONTRACTS]
>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-921 THROUGH 24-949?
[FINANCE]
>> YES. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-951 THROUGH 24-963?
[ITEMS ADDED FROM THE MAY 14, 2024 WORK SESSION TO BE ADOPTED TONIGHT]
>> YES. WE ARE NOW AT THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING.
ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY TOPIC.
FIVE MINUTES, NO YIELDING NO TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC?
IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING?
>> AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
[EXECUTIVE SESSION]
>> THAT IS CORRECT. WE NEED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR TWO MATTERS TO DISCUSS CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE JAIL AND A PERSONNEL MATTER WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL DID RECEIVE THEIR RICE NOTICE.
WE MAY COME BACK OUT IN PUBLIC AND ACTUALLY VOTE ON AN ISSUE DEPENDING ON WHAT OCCURS.
WE ARE NOT ADJOURNING DIRECTLY FROM THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
WE WILL HAVE TO COME BACK OUT.
>> OKAY. IS THERE A MOTION TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION?
>> WE HAVE RETURNED AND MOTION IS SECONDED AND VOTED TO COME OUT OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
WE NOW HAVE ON THE TABLE, RESOLUTION R24-999, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR INVOLUNTARY DISABILITY ON BEHALF OF ANDREW REES. IS THEIR MOTION?
>> LET THE RECORD REFLECT DEPUTY DIRECTOR SUE IS NOT WITH US AT THIS TIME.
>> SEEING NOTHING FURTHER, IS THERE A MOTION TO ADJOURN?
>> AYES HAVE IT. GOOD NIGHT, AND BE WELL.
>> THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.