[00:00:01]
WE'RE MOVING TO OUR REGULAR MEETING AND ALLOW AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE VISITING TO ENTER.ANY ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER COMMENTS OR REPORTS? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR JOINING US.
[CITATION]
YEAR. [INAUDIBLE].THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHOWING YOUR LOVE.
I'M GOING TO READ THIS CITATION.
SO STEPHANIE LACHENAUER TEACHES IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
OBVIOUSLY SHE IS THE NEW JERSEY STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
NOW, DOES THAT MEAN YOU GO ON TO A COMPETITION FOR LIKE TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR THE UNITED STATES? I DO, SO WHOA, OKAY.
YEAH, I'M FEELING IT AND I'M GOING TO WE'RE GOING TO BRING YOU BACK WHEN YOU WIN THAT ONE TOO.
ALL RIGHT I'M GOING TO READ THIS ABOUT STEPHANIE.
AND THEN I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU SOME TIME TO SAY A FEW WORDS.
TEACHER AT MONTGOMERY UPPER MIDDLE SCHOOL IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP.
SHE IS ALSO A NEW AUTHOR AND A GRANT SPONSORED YOGA INSTRUCTOR HELPING TEENAGERS TO HANDLE STRESS.
STEPHANIE FACILITATES THE YOUTH ACTION BOARD, WHICH IS A GRANT FUNDED GROUP WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND REDUCE STIGMA WITH MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES.
THANK YOU. WELL, FIRST, IT IS A HUGE HONOR TO BE HERE.
MY CAREER HAS BEEN IN EDUCATION.
I STARTED AS A SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER, AND I STARTED TO SEE THAT KIDS JUST REALLY WERE STRESSED.
[00:05:03]
I MEAN, I'M TALKING FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS, SO I KNEW I HAD TO DO SOMETHING AND SO, YOU KNOW, AFTER DOING WHAT MOST OF US DO, I CRIED INTO A PINT OF ICE CREAM AND AFTER A LITTLE BIT OF A STOMACH ACHE AND, YOU KNOW, REALITY KIND OF SET IN THAT I HAD TO FIGURE IT OUT.THERE WERE SO MANY RESOURCES AVAILABLE, AND I LEARNED TO SEE WHAT OUR COMMUNITY WAS DOING AND SO MY BIG THING REALLY IS THAT WE CANNOT HAVE SELF-CARE IF WE DON'T HAVE COMMUNITY CARE.
WE NEED EACH OTHER, AND THAT MEANS ALL OF US.
AND IF WE WANT TO HAVE HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, WE NEED HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL TEACHERS.
WE NEED HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER AND I LOOK FORWARD TO COLLABORATING WITH US.
SO SAY YOUR PRAYERS, SEND GOOD LUCK WHATEVER YOU DO.
I COULD USE IT, AND I WOULD LOVE TO BRING US ALL OVER AND SHARE THE GREAT THINGS THAT WE'RE DOING.
I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU, THANK YOU.
NEXT UP IS SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION AND I'M GOING TO INVITE UP.
[PROCLAMATIONS]
THE SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION.DO WE HAVE NICK? I DON'T WANT TO BUTCHER THE LAST NAME, BUT.
SO, HOW ARE YOU TODAY? BEAUTIFUL DAY OUTSIDE, RIGHT? SO WE'RE HERE TO TALK ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND FOR 2024, WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION THAT SAYS WHEREAS NEARLY ONE THIRD OF ALL WOMEN AND A QUARTER OF ALL MEN HAVE SUFFERED PHYSICAL VIOLENCE BY INTIMATE PARTNERS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, IMPACTS OF PEOPLE OF EVERY AGE, ETHNICITY, NATIONALITY, ETHNICITY AND ECONOMIC STATUS, AND FAITH.
AND WHEREAS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE DEPRIVED OF AUTONOMY AND SECURITY, THEY FACE THREATS TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY AND ARE OFTEN FACED WITH THREATS OF FINANCIAL INSTABILITY AND WHEREAS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NOT ONLY DEPRIVES THE VICTIM OF STABILITY, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, AND THE ABILITY TO LIVE TO THEIR FULLEST LIFE, BUT ALSO DAMAGES THE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IN WHICH IT OCCURS AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS, FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT COUNSELING AND HOUSING, AND EXPANDING AWARENESS AND THE PREVALENCE AND NEED TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY RECOGNIZE OCTOBER 2024 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO LEARN ABOUT THE RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS, AND COMMIT TO MAKE THOSE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM.
SO THAT'S SIGNED BY THE FIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
IF YOU WANT TO SAY A FEW THINGS, WORDS.
THANK YOU. MY NAME IS JOEL PIERCEY.
I'M THE DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
I'M HERE WITH MY COWORKER SUSAN RIVERA, WHO IS OUR DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND CRISIS INTERVENTION.
LAST YEAR, SAFE AND SOUND, SOMERSET SERVED 6500 INDIVIDUALS.
THAT IS ALMOST 2% OF THIS COUNTY'S POPULATION RECEIVING DIRECT SERVICES FROM US.
THE PAST TEACHER MENTIONED COMMUNITY, AND I THINK THAT'S THE THEME OF THE EVENING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IS ENCOURAGING AWARENESS OF IT, BUT IT'S ALSO CELEBRATING THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS AND END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
[00:10:01]
YOU.WOULD YOU STEP FORWARD, PLEASE? THIS IS CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS WEEK AND WHEREAS PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN HAS DECLARED THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2024 TO BE CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANT ROLE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS PLAY IN IDENTIFYING AND EDUCATING RESIDENTS ABOUT AND RESPONDING TO CYBERSECURITY THREATS THAT MAY IMPACT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS VITAL TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE AND WHEREAS, CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING FINANCIAL SERVICES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, UTILITIES, HEALTH CARE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS IS INCREASINGLY RELIANT ON THE SUPPORT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY AND WHEREAS, CYBER SECURITY, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ARE CRUCIAL FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING LARGE CORPORATIONS, SMALL BUSINESSES, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, THE HOME USER AND ANYONE WHO CONNECTS TO THE INTERNET AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY DECLARE THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2024 AS NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO LEARN ABOUT AND GAIN AWARENESS OF THE VITAL ROLE CYBER SECURITY PLAYS IN ENSURING THE SAFETY OF OUR PRIVATE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC LIVES, AND IS SIGNED ON THIS DAY BY YOUR FIVE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR KEEPING US SAFE IN THE CYBER SPACE.
I DIDN'T MEAN TO RHYME, BUT IT WORKS.
WELL, I DO WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
IT'S WELL SAID AND EVERYTHING AND EVERY DAY THE CYBER ECOSYSTEM HAS BEEN CHANGING.
TODAY ALONE, I SIT THERE AND LISTEN TO PODCASTS ON THE WAY IN.
WE'RE MOVING TO NATION STATE BEING A YEAR OF ELECTION.
SO WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO EDUCATE PEOPLE, EDUCATE OUR USERS.
NOW WE'RE GOING TO BE REALLY PUSHING TO THE PUBLIC BECAUSE PUBLIC IS THE PEOPLE.
WHEN WE BRING THEM PEOPLE IN OUR EMPLOYEES, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY IS EDUCATED RIGHT DOWN TO THE SCHOOLS, START YOUNG AND IT REALLY IS IMPORTANT.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BE WITH US FOREVER, ESPECIALLY AS THIS ECOSYSTEM CHANGES DAILY.
SO I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS, ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT WE WILL BE DOING SHORTLY, AND IT'S GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT, IS THAT WE WILL BE MOVING TO A.GOV AND IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
SO WE'LL BECOME JUST LIKE THE FORMAT THAT OTHER COUNTIES ARE USING SOMERSET COUNTY NJ.GOV.
I'M EXCITED TO GET AWAY FROM THE OLD ONE.
WHEN YOU SEE .GOV, YOU KNOW YOU CAN READ THE EMAIL.
YOU KNOW THAT IT IS FROM A TRUSTED SITE AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE GETTING TO THAT SOON.
NEXT IS KNOCKOUT OPIOID AWARENESS.
ALL RIGHT, KNOCKOUT OPIOID ABUSE DAY.
[00:15:02]
OCTOBER 6TH, 2024.WHEREAS NEW JERSEY IS IN THE MIDST OF A LIFE THREATENING OPIOID ABUSE EPIDEMIC.
AND WHEREAS THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE NEW JERSEY HAS DESIGNATED OCTOBER 6TH, 2024, AS KNOCKOUT OPIOID ABUSE DAY, AN INITIATIVE WITH MULTIPLE PURPOSES TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIAL FOR DEPENDENCY ON PRESCRIBED PAIN MEDICATIONS AND IT'S LINKED TO HEROIN, FENTANYL, AND USE IN OUR STATE TO REDUCE STIGMA OF ADDICTION AND SHINE A LIGHT ON THE NEED FOR RECOVERY SUPPORT AND TO COMMUNICATE TO PHYSICIANS INFORMATION ON SAFER PRESCRIBING.
MESSAGES FOUND IN THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS, WHICH INCLUDES CONSIDERING OTHER THERAPIES, SETTING REALISTIC TREATMENT GOALS WITH PATIENTS, AND DISCUSSING WITH PATIENTS THE POSITIVES AND THE NEGATIVES OF OPIOIDS.
AND WHEREAS THE STATE SENATE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY JOINTLY RESOLVE THAT OCTOBER 6TH SHALL BE PERMANENTLY DESIGNATED AS KNOCKOUT OPIOID ABUSE DAY IN NEW JERSEY IN ORDER TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF AND THE LINK BETWEEN PRESCRIPTION OPIOID MISUSE AND HEROIN ADDICTION, AND TO EDUCATE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, STATE LAWMAKERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE OPIOID ABUSE EPIDEMIC AND ITS EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
WHEREAS THE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT INITIATIVES DESIGNATED TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT OPIOID ABUSE IN NEW JERSEY AND TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT ADDICTION. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT OCTOBER 6TH, 2024 BE RECOGNIZED AS KNOCKOUT OPIOID ABUSE DAY IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS.
OH, SURE. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ME.
I'M GOOD. MY NAME IS SALLY ROSER, AND I AM THE PROGRAM PREVENTION MANAGER AT COMMUNITY AND CRISIS AND ON BEHALF OF OUR ASSOCIATION, WE WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL THE COMMISSIONERS FOR RECOGNIZING THIS DAY.
SHE IS ON OUR YOUTH LEADERS COUNCIL, AND SHE'LL TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT MORE.
[INAUDIBLE]. THAT'S WHY SALLY DIDN'T SAY IT.
YEAH. I'M HISPANIC, IT HAPPENS.
I'M THE YOUTH HEAD OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH AT COMMUNITY CRISIS.
I'M IN MY SIXTH YEAR OF SERVICE FOR THEM.
YEAH. I JUST WANT TO THANK THE BOARD HERE TODAY FOR RECOGNIZING KNOCKOUT OPIOID ABUSE TODAY.
WE'RE SO HAPPY THAT OVERDOSES ARE DOWN IN OUR COMMUNITY IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ONGOING ROLE FENTANYL MIGHT PLAY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WHAT OUR YOUTH AND ADULTS THAT ARE AT RISK.
SO I JUST WANTED TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS.
I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU TODAY AND YEAH, PERFECT.
THANK YOU. ARTS AND HUMANITIES.
YVONNE, MISS CAITLIN BUNDY IS GOING TO BE BUSY UP HERE.
ACCEPTING THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES IS CAITLIN BUNDY.
OKAY, WE GOT KATHY FOX AND CAITLIN BUNDY.
OKAY, SO AS YOUR LIAISON TO THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE, LET'S READ THIS PROCLAMATION, WHICH CELEBRATES ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH IN OCTOBER 2024. WHEREAS THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES ENRICH ALL AMERICANS, AFFECTING EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE FROM ECONOMIC VITALITY TO CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING, JOB CREATION, TOURISM, EDUCATION, AND CREATING HEALTHY AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITIES AND WHEREAS NEW JERSEY RANKS AMONG THE TOP FIVE IN THE NATION FOR STATE SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, WHERE ALL STUDENTS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE ACCESS TO ARTS EDUCATION, AND EVERY $0.03 INVESTED YIELDS A $1 RETURN OF DIRECT SPENDING IN NEW JERSEY'S LOCAL ECONOMY BY NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR PATRONS, GENERATING MORE THAN $532 MILLION ANNUALLY. AND WHEREAS, THE MISSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND 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 AND WHEREAS THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES PLAY A UNIQUE
[00:20:04]
ROLE IN THE LIVES OF SOMERSET COUNTY FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BY MAKING VIBRANT CONNECTIONS TO THEIR HISTORY AND CULTURE.GENERATING MORE THAN $45 MILLION ANNUALLY.
SO THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER AS ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND CALL UPON OUR CITIZENS TO CELEBRATE AND PROMOTE THE ARTS AND CULTURE IN OUR COUNTY, AND TO SPECIFICALLY ENCOURAGE THE GREATER PARTICIPATION BY THOSE SAID CITIZENS IN TAKING ACTION FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES IN THEIR MUNICIPALITIES AND IT'S SIGNED BY YOUR FIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND YOUR CLERK OF THE BOARD.
WHO WANTS TO TALK ABOUT ARTS AND HUMANITIES? [INAUDIBLE] KATHY'S GOING TO TALK LATER.
I TOLD HER I'D TAKE IT EASY ON HER TODAY.
I WAS LIKE, YOU GOT TO BE IN THE PICTURE.
SO NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH PROVIDES US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE PROFOUND IMPORTANCE THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES HAVE IN SHAPING OUR LIVES, COMMUNITIES AND COUNTRY. THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION JUST WRAPPED UP CELEBRATING OUR 19TH ANNUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST EVENT, ALLOWING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE TO MAKE CONNECTIONS TO THE PAST AND TO EACH OTHER HERE AND NOW.
YES, AND WE'LL BE CELEBRATING WITH SOME BIG CHECKS TODAY.
WHEREAS HEALTHIER SOMERSET IS A COALITION CREATED TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF EVERYONE WHO LIVES AND WORKS IN SOMERSET COUNTY THROUGH EDUCATION AND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND WHEREAS, THE MISSION OF THE COALITION IS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY BY SHARING INFORMATION AND CREATING ALLIANCES AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TOWARDS MUTUAL GOALS TO INCREASE EFFORTS TO CREATE A HEALTHIER SOMERSET COUNTY AND WHEREAS, HEALTHIER SOMERSET IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS THOUSANDS OF SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND WHEREAS, SOMERSET COUNTY AND HEALTHIER SOMERSET ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HEALTH IS A PRIORITY AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE HEALTH OF SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENTS HAS A DIRECT BEARING UPON PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY DECLARE THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2024 AS HEALTHIER SOMERSET MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY HEALTHIER SOMERSET.
THANK YOU. WOULD YOU CARE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? ALL RIGHT. HI, EVERYONE.
I DON'T KNOW, SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW ABOUT HEALTHIER SOMERSET.
IT WAS A COALITION THAT WAS FOUNDED IN 2010 AS A WAY TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND MAKE THE COUNTY A HEALTHY PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, WE'VE GROWN TO OVER 100 DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS.
WE WORK ON A COUNTY WIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
WE HAVE SPECIFIC INITIATIVES OUT IN BOUND BROOK AND SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNITY BASED GARDENS, SCHOOL BASED GARDENS, THE SOCCER FIELD IN BOUND BROOK WE'VE DONE INSTALLED SOME TRAFFIC LIGHTS THROUGH GENEROUS GRANTS, ALL LOOKING AT WAYS TO YOU KNOW, WORK ON THOSE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, THOSE SYSTEMIC POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES THAT AFFECT A COMMUNITY'S OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
SO IF YOUR ORGANIZATION IS NOT A PART OF IT, WE CERTAINLY WELCOME YOU TO BE A PART OF IT.
ALTHOUGH I THINK THIS NEEDS ASSESSMENT, IT'S ACTUALLY GOING TO BE FOOD INSECURITY AS THE LAST ONE.
SO WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO ALWAYS PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY.
THANK YOU ALL AND THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS THAT PARTICIPATE ON IT.
[00:25:04]
[INAUDIBLE] . ALRIGHT, SO WE'RE HERE ALSO TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH AND WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION FOR NOVEMBER, WHICH IS GREAT.WHEREAS FAMILY CAREGIVERS ARE A CRITICAL PART OF THE UNITED STATES HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, PROVIDING CARE FOR LOVED ONES WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, MEDICAL CONDITIONS, OTHER IMPAIRMENTS, OR AGING.
AND WHEREAS, AS THE POPULATION IN THE UNITED STATES, MANY AMERICANS ARE FINDING THEMSELVES PROVIDING CARE SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR BOTH THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS, SELFLESSLY ENSURING THAT THEY ARE BOTH COMFORTABLE AND CARED FOR, WHILE OFTEN PUTTING THEIR OWN NEEDS TO THE SIDE AND NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH HAS BEEN CELEBRATED IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1994 TO PROVIDE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS, AND HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION EVERY YEAR SINCE PRESIDENT CLINTON'S PROCLAMATION IN 1997 AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY PROVIDES SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS THROUGH THE OFFICE OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER PROGRAMING, FUNDING AND PARTNERING WITH NONPROFIT AGENCIES, VETERAN SERVICES SUPPORT THE RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER AND SHERIFF RUSSO'S PROJECT VIP IDENTIFICATION SERVICE AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2024 IS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE THE INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT FAMILY CAREGIVERS MAKE, JUST NOT TO THEIR LOVED ONES, BUT FOR THE ENTIRE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITY.
HERE'S A. OKAY, SO I AM ELLEN RUSSO, THE ELDER CARE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES.
SO WE REALLY ARE STRUCTURED TO SEE IF WE CAN IDENTIFY ANY WAY TO HELP SUPPORT A CAREGIVER WHO'S ACTING TO SUPPORT THE PERSON WHO'S EITHER 60 PLUS OR WITH SOMEONE 18 PLUS WITH A DISABILITY.
SO IT'S NO SECRET THAT THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION.
SO WITH THAT IS GOING TO INCREASE THE NEED FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS.
SO THAT'S CHILDREN, SIBLINGS, NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS WHO ARE ACTING TO HELP SUPPORT THE PERSON WHO NEEDS ASSISTANCE, SO WE'RE ALSO EXPECTING TO SEE A PRETTY SIGNIFICANT GAP WHEN IT COMES TO FORMAL PROVIDERS WHO ARE PROVIDING CAREGIVER FORMAL CAREGIVING.
SO HOME HEALTH AID AGENCIES WE SAW THAT START DURING COVID AND IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE AND WE'RE EXPECTING TO SEE A 150,000 PERSON GAP IN SERVICE DELIVERIES WHEN IT COMES TO FORMAL CAREGIVERS.
SO OUR OFFICE IS HERE TO HELP ANYONE WHO IS SUPPORTING SOMEONE.
AS A CAREGIVER, YOU CAN CALL US ALL YEAR ROUND.
OKAY. HELLO, I AM JANELLE WILSON.
I AM THE COMMUNITY EDUCATOR WITH OFFICE ON AGING.
SO ONE OF THE EVENTS WE WILL BE HAVING JUST TO PROVIDE OUR CAREGIVERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A BREAK AND ENGAGE WITH OTHER CAREGIVERS, WILL BE OUR CAREGIVER WELLNESS EVENT, WHICH WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH FROM 430 TO 6 AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND CONFERENCE ROOM ONE.
SO WITH THAT, THEY'LL JUST BE TAKING A BREAK, PARTICIPATING IN SOME CHAIR YOGA, TALKING ABOUT SOME HEALTHY COPING TECHNIQUES, STRESS MANAGEMENT, ALSO SOME SELF-CARE, AND DOING SOME PAINTING ACTIVITY AS WELL.
[00:30:10]
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE AT THE OFFICE OF AGING.JANELLE AND I ARE IN THE IN-HOME EDUCATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR CAREGIVERS, WHICH OFFERS PRACTICAL EDUCATION, ESSENTIAL TOOLS, AND PERSONALIZED SUPPORT.
WE CONDUCT HOME VISITS TO THE CAREGIVERS THAT ARE REFERRED TO US, AND WE CREATE PERSONALIZED PLAN OF CARE THAT WOULD GUIDE US FOR OUR SERVICES THAT WE COULD PROVIDE FOR THEM AND IN THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE SUPPORTED 27 CAREGIVERS WITH HOME VISITS, PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENTS AND INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS AND WE HAVE PROVIDED 15 PIECES OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SELF COPING TOOLS SUCH AS WALKERS, GRAB BARS, FLOOR SENSORS, DOOR ALARMS, JOURNALS AND PHOTO ALBUMS. THESE RESOURCES MAINTAIN SAFE ENVIRONMENTS AND SUPPORT CAREGIVERS WITH POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIES.
ADDITIONALLY, WE CONNECTED 15 CAREGIVERS WITH SUPPORT GROUPS TAILORED TO THEIR DEMOGRAPHICS AND SCHEDULES, AND ASSISTED 16 CAREGIVERS WITH HOME CARE NAVIGATION, INCLUDING RESPITE CARE APPLICATIONS, ADULT DAY PROGRAMS, AND ELIGIBILITY FOR HOME HEALTH AIDES.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THAT'S GREAT.
ALL RIGHT AND DO WE HAVE THE SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION HERE? COME ON DOWN.
ALL RIGHT, LAST BUT NOT LEAST WE HAVE SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH.
WHEREAS SAMHSA 2020 NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USE AND HEALTH FOUND THAT 8.2% OF ADOLESCENTS AGED 12 TO 17 DRANK ALCOHOL IN THE PAST MONTH AND 13.8% OF ADOLESCENTS AGED 12 TO 17 USED ILLICIT DRUGS IN THE PAST YEAR.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION, AND WHEREAS IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT VISIBLE, UNIFIED EFFORTS BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS BE LAUNCHED TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE, AND WHEREAS RED RIBBON WEEK WILL BE CELEBRATED IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION ON OCTOBER 20TH 3RD TO OCTOBER 31ST AND OFFER CITIZENS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THE THEIR COMMITMENT TO DRUG FREE LIFESTYLES AND WHEREAS, THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITY FURTHER COMMITS ITS RESOURCES TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF RED RIBBON WEEK. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM THAT OCTOBER 23RD TO THE 31ST AS RED RIBBON WEEK.
IT'S A TONGUE TWISTER AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN A DRUG PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY DURING RED RIBBON WEEK, BUT ALSO THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, MAKING A VISIBLE STATEMENT THAT WE ARE STRONGLY COMMITTED TO A SUBSTANCE FREE LIFESTYLE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2024 SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH, AND THAT EVERY DAY SHALL BE LIVED SUBSTANCE USE FREE.
HI. GOOD EVENING, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS PROCLAMATION AND WE'RE SO PROUD.
THE SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION.
I'M JERI COLAVECCHIO, THE DIRECTOR, TO HAVE SUCH GREAT PARTNERS HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY TO COLLABORATE ON, LIKE, ISSUES OF REDUCING SUBSTANCE USE ACROSS THE COUNTY. SOME OF THE GREAT THINGS AND GREAT NEWS IS THAT ALCOHOL USE WITH TEENS IS DOWN ACROSS THE STATE,
[00:35:06]
US AND IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO BECAUSE WE'RE STILL ABOVE THE STATE AVERAGE HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY WITH UNDERAGE DRINKING.SO WE STILL HAVE MORE WORK TO DO AND SO OUR COALITION IS PART OF THE STATE BROAD COALITIONS.
THERE'S 21 ACROSS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
WHICH IS REALLY GREAT BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN WE GET THE BIGGEST IMPACT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE, LIKE YOU WERE SAYING BEFORE FROM SOME PARTNERS OF SOMERSET AND YEAH.
SO THAT'S WHERE, YOU KNOW, THAT'S WHAT WE DO.
WE WORK TO REDUCE THIS UNDERAGE DRINKING AND MARIJUANA USE.
WE DID A LOT OF WORK AROUND MARIJUANA WHEN THE LEGALIZATION CAME ABOUT, AND WE STILL WORK WITH A LOT OF DISPENSARIES JUST PROMOTING SAFE STORAGE. SO OUR YOUTH AND OUR PETS DON'T GET INTO ANYBODY'S STASH.
I KNOW YOU HAVE A MEETING AFTER THIS, BUT I DID WANT TO INTRODUCE MYSELF.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE NOT HERE LAST YEAR, WE STARTED THIS PROCLAMATION TO HAVE RED RIBBON WEEK THE 23RD THROUGH THE 31ST IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THAT SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACCEPT THAT PROCLAMATION.
I JUST WANT TO GIVE THEM A REALLY BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE, BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM, A LOT OF THE PREVENTION WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN REACHED TO THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE AREA OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
I ALSO WANTED TO ENCOURAGE EVERY ONE OF YOU TO VISIT YOUR LIBRARIES IN SOMERSET COUNTY, AS THEY WILL BE PUTTING ON PREVENTION EDUCATION ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY SAFE COMMUNITIES COALITION AND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE NETWORK.
I'LL BE IN THE BACK AFTER THIS.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONNECT ON HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER, BECAUSE I DON'T SEE ANY FAMILIAR FACES HERE.
SO AGAIN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
LET'S MOVE RIGHT ON. THROUGH OUR MEETING, WE HAVE THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR OUR OCTOBER 8TH MEETING.
[APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE? MOTION? IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.WE HAVE A APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN R24-2050, HEATHER BOYCE.
[APPOINTMENT]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION? SO MOVED. SECOND. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.[2024 HISTORIC GRANTS]
2024 HISTORIC GRANTS.COME FORWARD. PRESENTATION OF CHECKS WILL FOLLOW.
THIS MOTION WE HAVE 24-2051, AUTHORIZING THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $494,092 FROM THE 2024 OPEN SPACE RECREATION, FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TRUST TRUST FUND.
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE? MOTION. SECOND. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.
GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS JOSEPHINE TARANTO.
IT IS MY HONOR TONIGHT TO ANNOUNCE THE GRANT RECIPIENTS FOR THE PROGRAM'S 25TH YEAR OF AWARDS.
[00:40:01]
IMPROVEMENT OF HISTORIC RESOURCES OWNED AND OPERATED BY NONPROFIT OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.THROUGH THIS COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM, ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MAY BE AWARDED FUNDING TO SUPPORT ACQUISITION, STABILIZATION, REHABILITATION, REHABILITATION, RESTORATION, AND OVERALL PRESERVATION PROJECTS.
WE ARE HONORED TO ANNOUNCE THREE GRANT AWARDS FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $494,092 IN FUNDING.
OUR FIRST RECIPIENT THIS EVENING IS THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, RECEIVING $150,000 FOR THE PREPARATION OF A HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE BROOK THEATER, LOCATED IN BOUND BROOK.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. OUR NEXT RECIPIENT IS THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, RECEIVING $171,740 FOR THE ONGOING RESTORATION OF THE STILWELL VALENTINE FARMHOUSE ON BEHALF OF THE HOWELL PROJECT IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
ACCEPTING THE CHECK THIS EVENING IS PRESIDENT OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, FRANK MCGONIGLE AND ALAN HURLEY, BOARD MEMBER.
I COULD USE THE HELP FOR THE ELDERLY.
[INAUDIBLE]. THE HISTORIC SITES, AND I THINK THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TODAY WHEN PEOPLE TEND TO DISREGARD OUR HISTORY AND, YOU KNOW, WE DO OUR BEST TO ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE AS TO THE HISTORY OF THE TIMES AND HOW PEOPLE LIVED AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.
THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT AND OUR THIRD RECIPIENT IS THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH BOUND BROOK, RECEIVING A TOTAL OF $172,352 FOR THEIR ONGOING ADA ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT ON BEHALF OF THE ABRAHAM STOTZ HOUSE, LOCATED IN SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
YEAH, WE'RE ACCEPTING THE CHECK THIS EVENING IS MAYOR CAROL SCHAFFNER.
SOUTH BOUND BROOK HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION PRESIDENT KATHY FOX.
SOUTH BOUND BROOK HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION VICE PRESIDENT THOMAS HARBIN.
KATHY HORMOZI, PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE AND DENNIS QUINLAN, A MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS GROUP, AND ALSO BOROUGH COUNCIL PRESIDENT BETH CONKLE.
CAN I GIVE IT OR NOT? [INAUDIBLE]. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FIRST.
[00:45:02]
YEAH. ALL RIGHT. RATHER THAN GO OFF WRECK, I'D BETTER READ.THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH BOUND BROOK AND THE FRIENDS OF THE ABRAHAM STACH HOUSE IN THEIR EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE HOUSE, ARE BY NOW WELL KNOWN. STEADY PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE 25 YEARS SINCE THE BOROUGH ACQUIRED THE PROPERTY, WITH HELP FROM SOMERSET COUNTY.
THE BOROUGH HAS RECEIVED MULTIPLE GRANTS FROM THE NEW JERSEY HISTORIC TRUST AND SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT, AS WELL AS THE COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS.
THE 2019 AND 2021 GRANT AWARDS ARE DESIGNATED TOWARD AN ADA COMPLIANT RESTROOM, WITH THE 2023 GRANT FOR THE EAST SIDEWALK AROUND THE RESTROOM AND PUBLIC ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING LOT AFTER THE RESTROOM IS INSTALLED.
SINCE THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATES WERE BASED ON 2020 PRICES AND THERE HAS BEEN A PERIOD OF ESCALATED INFLATION, WITH THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX UP 17% SINCE 2020.
THE BOROUGH SOUGHT A COST ADJUSTMENT BASED UPON 2024 PRICING.
THIS GRANT AWARD ADDRESSES THAT NEED.
HAVING AN ADA COMPLIANT RESTROOM WITH PUBLIC ACCESS EVEN WHEN THE BUILDING IS CLOSED BUT ACTIVITIES ARE SCHEDULED OUTSIDE, WILL ALLOW FOR IMPROVED OCCUPANCY.
EXPANDING THE BOROUGH'S ABILITY TO INTENSIFY USE OF THE PROPERTY.
THE FUNDING OF THIS PROJECT WILL HELP THE BOROUGH AND FRIENDS OF ABRAHAM STAATS HAMPSTEAD'S HOUSE REALIZE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE PHASE FOR OBJECTS OF OUR HISTORIC STRUCTURE.
REPORT TO COMPLETE THE OVERALL PROJECT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR'S STANDARDS.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US PRESERVE THIS TREASURE OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OUR PRESIDENT OF OUR BOROUGH COUNCIL, BETH KUNKLE.
DENNIS QUINLAN, MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION.
WE'RE ALL FRIENDS, RIGHT? BUT I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE COMMISSIONERS.
SO ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AWARD AND FOR HAVING FAITH IN OUR ORGANIZATION AND OUR PROGRAM.
WE ARE CURRENTLY A COMPLETE VOLUNTEER BASED ORGANIZATION WITH NO EMPLOYEES, AND EVERYTHING IS DONATED TO OUR ORGANIZATION FROM THE GREAT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEE THE THEATER SUCCEED.
WE ARE THE ONLY REMAINING VAUDEVILLE THEATER LEFT IN SOMERSET COUNTY, AND WE WANT TO HAVE THIS THEATER FOR THE NEXT CENTURY, BECAUSE WE WILL TURN 100 IN 2027.
THIS WILL DEFINITELY GET US ON OUR WAY TO CONTINUE PRESERVING THE SPACE AND AGAIN, ALLOWING ALL OF OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS TO THRIVE.
THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR SOMERSET COUNTY 2024 HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM AWARD RECIPIENTS.
WE MOVE ON TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA.
[CONSENT AGENDA]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-2000324-2009.SO MOVED. IS THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.
[00:50:02]
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 24-20103 24-2023.[AWARD OF CONTRACTS]
SO MOVED. SECOND.ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTIONS 20 4-2024 THROUGH 24-2049.
[FINANCE]
SO MOVED. SECOND.ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.
[ITEMS ADDED FROM THE OCTOBER 22, 2024 WORK SESSION TO BE ADOPTED TONIGHT]
24-2052 THROUGH 24-2063.IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLL CALL PLEASE.
MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK COME FORWARD TO SAY YOUR NAME.
FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? MOTION SECOND.
ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? ANY PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS? HEARING NONE.
SEEING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? MOVE. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ALL RIGHT.
NOTHING ELSE. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADJOURN? SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT.
GOODNIGHT AND BE WELL.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.