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IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 12TH,
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on January 28, 2025. ]
2025. ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@CO.
SOMERSET.NJ.US. THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075.
AMEN. LET'S REFLECT IN OUR OWN WAY. TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY, AND WE MUST CONTINUE AS ELECTED OFFICIALS TO UPHOLD THE OATH WHICH WE TOOK IN DOING. WHAT IS PRUDENT AND WHAT WE WERE CHARGED TO DO? THANK YOU. WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE JANUARY 28TH, 2025 WORK SESSION OF SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 11TH, 2025. 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.
CALL]. BEAR WITH US. QUITE A FEW THINGS TO HIGHLIGHT.
OF COURSE, I'M NOT GOING TO READ EVERYTHING. JUST NEEDED TO NOTE IT.
SO HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE. AS I WAS NOT AT THE LAST COMMISSION MEETING.
WHAT A EFFICIENT WAY TO RUN A MEETING. THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
I'LL START OFF BY SAYING THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED, AS I WAS NAMED THE PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES THIS YEAR FOR 2024 THE 84TH PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANIZATION. I WANT TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO TRAVELED TO TRENTON TO WITNESS THE OCCASION, ALL THE TEXTS AND PHONE CALLS. SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
SUCH A TIME AS THIS THAT SOMERSET COUNTY IS ON THE MAP AND WE CONTINUE TO DO THE GREAT WORK.
I WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THE CAPACITY AT THAT LEVEL, BUT ALSO ALONGSIDE OUR CLERK, STEVE PETER, WHO IS THE COAN PRESIDENT THIS YEAR, WHICH IS A COUNTY COUNTY OFFICIALS.
WHAT IS IT? CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY.
SO IN JACK AND COLE AND JUST THE NEW JERSEY IS AT THE END.
SO WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AND REPRESENT SOMERSET COUNTY WELL.
THERE ARE ISSUES THAT ARE THAT NONE OF US ARE IMMUNE TO.
SO WE COME TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF ALL THE 21 COUNTIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND THEN YEAH THERE'S JUST A LOT, LOTS OF WORK THAT WE NEED TO DO.
SO JUST KEEP THAT IN MIND. ON ANOTHER NOTE, THERE WERE FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING FREEZES.
THAT HAVE COME DOWN FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE.
THERE WERE SOME UPDATES AS OF 3:00 THIS AFTERNOON.
SO NACO, WHICH IS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, ALONG WITH NACO.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE AND AND KEEP AN EYE ON WHAT'S GOING ON.
BUT THIS IS COMING OUT OF THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.
THE TEMPORARY PAUSE OF AGENCY GRANT LOAN AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
AND ALTHOUGH THIS ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE IS FORTHCOMING WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED AND ABREAST AND HAVE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES, AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, THAT THE DIRECT BENEFITS TO AMERICANS IS EXPLICITLY EXCLUDED FROM THE PAUSE AND EXEMPTED FROM THIS REVIEW PROCESS.
IN ADDITION TO SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE ALREADY EXPLICITLY EXCLUDED IN THE GUIDANCE MANDATORY PROGRAMS LIKE MEDICAID AND SNAP WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT PAUSE. FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, FARMERS, PELL GRANTS, HEAD START RENTAL ASSISTANCE, RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SIMILAR PROGRAMS WILL NOT BE PAUSED AND IF AGENCIES ARE CONCERNED THAT THESE PROGRAMS MAY IMPLICATE THE PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
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THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH THE OMB OFFICE TO BEGIN TO LOOK AT THESE OBJECTIVELY.SO WHILE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO REEVALUATE WHAT'S GOING ON, WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS AS THEY BECOME AS THINGS DEVELOP. ALSO, THE BAN INCLUDES HUD. THERE WERE SOME CLARIFICATIONS WITH REGARDS TO SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL AID PROGRAMS THAT WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
AS THOSE THAT I JUST MENTIONED. BUT MORE TO COME.
AND THEN ON ENGINEERING AND PLANNING TOPICS WITH THE LOCAL SAFETY ACTION PLAN.
WE HAVE MUNICIPAL MEETING THAT WAS HAPPENED ON JANUARY 17TH.
THERE ARE ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS THAT ARE TAKING PLACE.
COMING UP, ONE IN PARTICULAR IN FRANKLIN. BUT THIS SAFETY ACTION PLAN, ALONG WITH THE NJTPA, WHICH COMMISSIONER SOOY IS THE LIAISON TO WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR WHAT'S HAPPENING.
SO MORE TO COME ON THAT. AND IN PARTICULARLY.
JUST BEAR WITH ME ON THIS. THERE IS A PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER NOTICE IN FRANKLIN REGARDING HAMILTON STREET, WHICH IS COUNTY ROAD 514. MEETING DETAILS IS FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH IS AN OPEN HOUSE.
05:30 TO 7:30PM. PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 6:30PM.
THE FORMAT IS IN PERSON WITH AN OPEN HOUSE AND A SLIDE PRESENTATION, AND THIS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, WHICH IS 4.75 DEMOTT LANE IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SOMERSET COUNTY.
DOCENT TRAINING PROGRAM. IS STILL GOING ON, AND THE PURPOSE OF THIS IS TO HAVE TRAINING FOR THOSE THAT CAN SUPPORT AND TELL THE STORIES OF OUR HISTORICAL SITES. FIRST CLASS PROGRAM KICKOFF WILL BE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 09:30 TO 9:30AM TO 12:00 NOON, PM. PROGRAM WILL HAVE 35 VOLUNTEERS AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
PLEASE REFER TO OUR WEBSITE. AGAIN, AS WE REPORTED IN DECEMBER, WE DO HAVE A WAITING LIST FOR THOSE WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. AND THEN FINALLY ON ENGINEERING AND PLANNING WE HAVE COST ACCEPTANCE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPARING STATEWIDE PLANNING POLICIES AT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT LEVELS.
ALSO, ON JULY 9TH OF 2024, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, SOMERSET COUNTY'S BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADOPTED RESOLUTION 24 1300 ACCEPTING THE ROLE OF NEGOTIATING ENTITY ENTITY FOR THE CROSS ACCEPTANCE PROCESS HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE MUNICIPALITIES WHO HAVE COMMITTED TO THE CROSS ACCEPTANCE PROCESS. AS THEY'RE NEGOTIATING US AS THEIR NEGOTIATING NEGOTIATING ENTITY.
TO THESE MUNICIPALITIES. AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
SO MORE TO COME ON THAT. BUT FINALLY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ENGINEERING PLANNING OFFICE, THE OFFICE OF GIS SERVICES HAS DEVELOPED A WEBSITE SOLELY DEDICATED TO THE CROSS ACCEPTANCE PROCESS FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES AND ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AND THE NEXT DELIVERABLE IS THE CROSS ACCEPTANCE WORK PROGRAM, WHICH IS DUE ON FEBRUARY 12TH.
SO CONTINUE THE GREAT WORK AND THEN NEXT YOUTH SERVICES JUVENILE JUSTICE.
THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMISSION MET ON TODAY AND THERE'S SOME LEGISLATION THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT.
THERE IS A ASSEMBLY AND A COMPANION SENATE BILL WITH REGARDS TO THE CONCERNS OF JUVENILES CHARGED WITH CERTAIN ACTS OF DELINQUENCY AND THEN THERE'S A SENATE AND A COMPANION ASSEMBLY BILL, WHICH REQUIRES JUVENILES TO REPORT BEFORE COURT IN THE COUNTY WHERE THE ALLEGED DELINQUENCY COMPLAINT OCCURRED.
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INCIDENT OCCURRED. THERE ARE ONLY SEVEN FACILITIES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.WE HAPPEN TO HAVE A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
BUT YOU CAN IMAGINE AGAIN, IF THERE IF AN INCIDENT OCCURRED OR ALLEGED INCIDENT OCCURRED IN A COUNTY, SAY THE PERSON LIVES IN BERGEN AND THEY'RE HERE.
JUST IMAGINE IF IT HAPPENED HERE AND THERE SOMEWHERE ELSE.
THE COST AGAIN OF TRANSPORTATION. SO THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT LEGISLATIVELY AND ALSO NJAC IS LOOKING AT THE JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY BUT I FORGOT WHAT THE ACRONYMS MEANT.
BUT WE'RE LOOKING INTO WHAT THESE THESE LEGISLATIONS MAY MEAN, OR THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS THAT IT MAY HAVE ON THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THAT SYSTEM AND THEN FINALLY, THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN.
WE'RE HAVING A SPEAKER SERIES. WE HAD TO RESCHEDULE THE ONE FROM LAST WEEK, AND IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED VIRTUALLY FOR FEBRUARY 19THAND THE TOPIC IS BEING A NEW MOM IS HARD.
TIPS FOR PRIORITIZING YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH. AGAIN, WE WILL HAVE SOMEONE FROM CJFHC BE THE SPEAKER.
AGAIN, THAT'S WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2025 715 TO 8:00 PM.
VIRTUAL. RITUAL AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND AS WE COME UPON THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, WE ARE HONORING OUTSTANDING, OUTSTANDING WOMEN AMONGST US FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IN MARCH.
SO THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS FEBRUARY 14TH, 2025.
LEADERSHIP. MENTORSHIP. RISING. STAR. WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED BY A COMMITTEE AND WILL BE RECOGNIZED AND CELEBRATED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT AT A COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN MARCH. THEY WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO SIT AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY TABLE AT THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BRUNCH, HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP.
WHICH WILL BE HELD MARCH 6TH AT 8:30AM AT THE BRIDGEWATER MARRIOTT.
SO A LOT GOING ON AND I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO OUR DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
THANK YOU. DIRECTOR. MADAM PRESIDENT, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE END, JACK.
YOU AND STEVE SOMERSET COUNTY IS REALLY GUIDING THE STATE, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS.
SO I GOT A SHORT REPORT THIS TIME BECAUSE FORTUNATELY FOR ME, MY COUNTY SCHEDULE WAS VERY LIGHT THESE PAST TWO WEEKS AND MY GRANDBABY, NUMBER TWO, WAS BORN DURING THESE TWO WEEKS.
SO I'M SO EXCITED THAT I GOT A CHANCE TO BE WITH OUR NEW GRANDBABY.
BUT I DID HAVE TIME TO GO TO ASSEMBLYMAN JOE DANIELSEN, VETERAN SERVICES NIGHT IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
THAT OCCURRED. VERY NICE JOB. THERE WERE A LOT OF TABLES THERE GIVING OUT INFORMATION.
AND TODAY WITH COMMISSIONER SOOY, WE BOTH HAD A CHANCE TO ATTEND THE RIBBON CUTTING OF THE NEW EXPANDED LABCORP BUILDING IN RARITAN BOROUGH, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.
THIS BRINGS 1300 JOBS. WELL, THEY'VE BEEN HERE, BUT THANKS TO OUR PLANNING TEAM, WALTER LANE, AND THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING TO KEEP LABCORP HERE, EXPAND THEIR FACILITIES HERE.
SO IT'S EXTREMELY REALLY AUTOMATED PHENOMENAL FACILITY.
SO WE ARE VERY BLESSED TO HAVE THEM CALL SOMERSET COUNTY HOME.
THEY WILL BE EXPANDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT THAT SITE.
SO THIS IS AWESOME. GREAT READABLE FOR RARITAN BOROUGH AS WELL.
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WHO WILL BE RETIRING AFTER 15 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE LIBRARY COMMISSION.A NATIONWIDE SEARCH IS BEING CONDUCTED NOW TO FILL HIS POSITION.
AND THAT WILL CONCLUDE MY REPORT. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.
COMMISSIONER MARANO. AND I WAS OVER AT FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE PONGAL.
IF THAT WAS YOUR FIRST TIME HEARING ABOUT THIS LIKE IT WAS MINE.
IT'S A SECULAR FESTIVAL FOR THE TAMILS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
IT CELEBRATES THE FIRST HARVEST OF THE YEAR. FARMERS AND FARM ANIMALS OVER FOUR DAYS.
SO IT WAS VERY NICE TO SEE THE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER.
IF YOU DON'T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT THEIR OPERATIONS, IT'S A GLOBAL LEADER OF INNOVATIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, AND AFFORDABLE LABORATORY SERVICES THAT HELPS DOCTORS, HOSPITALS, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, RESEARCHERS, AND PATIENTS MAKE CLEAR AND CONFIDENT DECISIONS.
THEY EMPLOY OVER 67,000 EMPLOYEES GLOBALLY, INCLUDING OVER 56,000 IN THE UNITED STATES AND OVER 3400IN NEW JERSEY, WHICH THEY ARE ALSO EXPANDING. SO OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS THIS HAS BEEN A PROJECT IN THE MAKING.
THEY PRIORITIZE THE FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE COMMUNITIES THAT WERE MOST IN NEED.
SO THAT JUST FURTHERS THEIR COMMITMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
THEY ALSO ARE COMMITTED TO PARTNERING WITH RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
SO MANY OF THE PEOPLE WE SAW WORKING THERE WERE ACTUALLY FORMER RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS THAT ARE ENTERING INTO OUR WORKFORCE FOR OUR WORK, LIVE AND PLAY MODEL. SO WE ARE VERY PROUD TO SEE THAT ACTUALLY, IN EFFECT AND IT'S NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT WE SAY, BUT SOMETHING THAT WE LIVE. AND I ALSO ATTENDED THE RVC BOARD MEETING.
IT WAS NOTED THAT AS WE ARE HEARING A THEME, AS DIRECTOR ROBINSON HAD MENTIONED, WHETHER IT BE THE FEDERAL LEVEL OR, YOU KNOW, TRICKLE DOWN TO THE STATE, WE ARE EXPECTING BUDGETARY CUTS.
SO AS WE START TO SEE SOME TIGHTENING ON THAT SIDE, WE HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD STEWARDS TO PLAN FOR THIS MOMENT, AND WE ARE IN A GOOD PLACE FOR SOMERSET COUNTY TO BE ABLE TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE CONCERNS.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. ALL RIGHT. SO LAST WEEK I ATTENDED THE OEM FIRE GRADUATION, OUR OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINS FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS. I THINK THEY HAVE TO COMPLETE ABOUT 200 HOURS WORTH OF TRAINING.
SO WE GRADUATED, I THINK ABOUT 38 FIREFIGHTERS AND NINE EMTS.
SO CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THEM. LAST NIGHT, THE SOMERSET COUNTY VO-TECH BOARD OF EDUCATION MET, AND JOE ALFIERI WAS NAMED THE VO-TECH EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR.
HE IS THE GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS ISSUES INSTRUCTOR.
SO I WANTED TO CONGRATULATE MR. ALFIERI FOR THAT RECOGNITION.
AND LET'S SEE LAST WEEK, THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAD ITS FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR, AND IT WAS NOTED THAT THEY OBTAINED A PARTNERSHIP GRANT FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO TRAIN UP TO 30 INDIVIDUALS FOR A MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN CAREER.
WORKING WITH THE NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PROGRAM AND RVCC IS HAVING THEY'RE HAVING AN OPEN HOUSE THIS FRIDAY. YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT THEIR PROGRAM SERVICES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS THAT CAN HELP START YOUR CAREER AND OR TRANSFER TO A FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITY.
CAMPUS TOUR IS ALSO GOING TO TAKE PLACE. THIS FRIDAY AT STARTING AT 11AM AT THEIR BRANCHBURG OFFICE AT THE EVENT CENTER, AND THAT'S MY REPORT. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. SO THE SOMERSET COUNTY AG BOARD IS OFF TO A GOOD START.
THEY REORGANIZED AND BROUGHT TWO NEW MEMBERS ON TO THE BOARD, TWO NEW FARMERS, AND CERTAINLY LOOKING TO GET HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AS FAR AS THE GROWING SEASON COMING IN THE SPRING. ALSO, THEY'RE PLANNING A FARMER'S RESOURCE FAIR ON APRIL 11TH, AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO MENTION THAT. APRIL 11TH, 2025 AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY FOUR H CENTER AND IT'S REALLY A FUN DAY ABOUT BRINGING FARMERS
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AND VALUABLE RESOURCES TOGETHER INTO A SEASONED OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION, AS WELL AS JUST A FUN EVENT FOR CHILDREN TO COME SORT OF GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY AND THE OTHER ISSUE, WHICH WE'RE GOING TO HEAR A LITTLE BIT ABOUT TONIGHT, IS A PRESENTATION TONIGHT.ON THE USE OF THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS. DO A LITTLE RESEARCH ONLINE.
YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE'S AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE AND REALLY SPECIFICALLY, WHICH I THINK IS SO IMPORTANT TO TALK ABOUT TONIGHT, IS THE USE OF THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS FOR THE PROVISION OF A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDER SPECIALIST SO THAT THERE'S A HEALTH NAVIGATOR AND YOU CAN GO ONLINE IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, NEED RESOURCES. THE HEALTH NAVIGATOR IS GOING TO TAKE YOU THROUGH THE TYPES OF ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE.
I KNOW WE'RE GOING TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT VERY SHORTLY, SO LOOK FORWARD TO THAT.
I ALSO WANT TO COMMEND THE SOMERSET COUNTY GIS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN GIS.
WE HEARD A LITTLE BIT BEFORE ABOUT THE WORK THEY'RE DOING TO SUPPORT CROSS ACCEPTANCE.
BUT DAILY THEY'RE WORKING ON AMENDING AND COLLECTING AND GATHERING DATA THAT THEY CAN PUT INTO A GIS FRAMEWORK, BOTH MAPPING ON THE PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT SOMERSET COUNTY, THE TAX MAPS, THE HOUSING, THE CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES, THE PARKLAND, OUR AG LANDS AND JUST A WHOLE AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE.
SO YOU CAN GO ON TO THAT WEBSITE ONTO THE SUMMERS COUNTY GIS HUB, AND IT ALLOWS YOU TO NOT ONLY LOOK AT EXISTING MAPS THAT ARE PREPARED BY THEM, BUT ALSO DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE INFORMATION IF YOU WANT TO BRING IT INTO YOUR OWN GIS SYSTEM.
SO THAT'S A GREAT THING. BUT SIMILARLY, THE PARK COMMISSION HAS ITS OWN SITE THAT CONTAINS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON COUNTY PARKLAND, ALLOWS YOU TO DO GOLF RESERVATIONS PARK RESOURCES, LOOK AT PROGRAMS, REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, THE LORD STERLING STABLE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION, AND MORE AND ALSO, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO LOOK AT THE INCREDIBLE PHOTO CONTEST FOR THE 2024 PARK PHOTO CONTEST. AND YOU'LL SEE ALL THE ALL THE PHOTOS THAT WERE SUBMITTED AND THE AWARD WINNERS OF OF THOSE PHOTOS, SO THOSE WILL BE PORTRAYED ON THEIR WEBSITE. NOW, FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND I WANT TO MENTION THAT THE PARK COMMISSION DID REORGANIZE AND JOE KEMP FROM RYAN BURROW IS NOW THE PRESIDENT OF THE PARK COMMISSION AND OUR OWN MAYOR GIORDANO FROM NORTH PLAINFIELD IS NOW THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PARK COMMISSION. SO WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM ON INCREDIBLE RESOURCES YOU KNOW, INCREDIBLE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN OUR PARKS AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WARREN BROOK POOL MAN, IF I'M CORRECT, WILL BE OPENING, WILL OPEN FULL AT THE START OF THE SEASON.
I'M TALL. LET ME FIGURE THIS OUT. HELLO? OKAY.
HELLO. MY NAME IS LISA FEDERICO, AND I JUST WANT TO SAY GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR LETTING ME SPEAK ABOUT THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS TODAY.
FOR THOSE THAT MAY NOT KNOW, THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY IS RECEIVING OVER $1 BILLION THROUGH 2038.
AS WE MEET HERE TODAY, WE ARE FACED WITH A UNIQUE AND VITAL RESPONSIBILITY, THE OPPORTUNITY TO GUIDE THE SPENDING OF THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS THAT HAVE COME TO OUR COUNTY. THESE FUNDS, AS YOU KNOW, ARE A RESULT OF A HARD FOUGHT LEGAL SETTLEMENT THAT THEY REPRESENT NOT JUST FINANCIAL RESOURCES, BUT ALSO A LIFELINE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN DEEPLY IMPACTED BY THE OPIOID CRISIS.
TODAY, I WILL WALK YOU THROUGH THE SPENDING PLAN OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, WHICH AIMS TO ALLOCATE THESE FUNDS THOUGHTFULLY AND EFFECTIVELY, ENSURING THAT EVERY DOLLAR IS DIRECTED TOWARDS HEALING, PREVENTION AND SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS EPIDEMIC.
IT'S OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT CONTINUE TO FACE THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES. OUR GOAL IS TO BE AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE, RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OUR RESIDENTS, AND RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE STEWARDS OF THESE FUNDS.
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THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD A FUTURE WHERE RECOVERY, SUPPORT AND PREVENTION ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR COMMUNITY'S EFFORTS.I LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING THESE PROPOSED INITIATIVES WITH YOU AND HEARING YOUR FEEDBACK.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING OUR COUNTY HEAL AND MOVE FORWARD.
THIS WAS ONLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SUPPORT OF THIS ADMINISTRATION.
SO LET'S GET STARTED. THANK YOU. SO FIRST YOU HAVE A SNAPSHOT OF THE REGIONAL SUBDIVISION. SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN.
SO THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET BEGAN RECEIVING SETTLEMENT FUNDS IN JULY OF 2022.
EACH MUNICIPALITY, AS WELL AS THE COUNTY, HAS FULL AUTHORITY OF HOW THEY SPEND THEIR FUNDS.
BUT THERE IS A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH APPROVED USES BECAUSE WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THESE FUNDS DO WHAT THEY SAY TO ABATE THE OPIOID CRISIS CAUSED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAIN. SO IN NEW JERSEY, LIKE I SAID, OVER $1 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT FUNDS WILL BE PAID THROUGH 2038, AT LEAST 2038 TO SUPPORT STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS TACKLING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC.
THE FUNDS MUST BE USED FOR TREATMENT, RECOVERY, SERVICE, NAVIGATION, PREVENTION, EDUCATION AND REDUCING HARM CAUSED BY THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC. SO THE VERY FIRST THING WE DID SO IN 2023, THE SOMERSET COUNTY OPIOID SETTLEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL WAS CREATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN 2022. THIS COUNCIL MEETS QUARTERLY.
THE COUNCIL INCLUDES STAKEHOLDERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COUNTY ADVISORY GROUPS, LOCAL NONPROFITS, THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, AND PERSONS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE.
SO HOW DID WE DECIDE HOW TO SPEND THE DOLLARS? I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I HAVE AN INCREDIBLE TEAM BEHIND ME, BUT I ALSO GET TO CONNECT WITH OUR LOCAL NONPROFITS AND REALLY WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS THAT COME TOGETHER AND CARE ABOUT THE MEANING OF THESE FUNDS.
WE HOSTED IN-PERSON NETWORKING MEETINGS THAT OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, STAKEHOLDERS AND MUNICIPAL LEADERS TO CONNECT, SHARE IDEAS, AND COLLABORATE.
IN 2023, WE ALSO LAUNCHED A PUBLIC OPIATE SURVEY THAT IS STILL POSTED ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
WE RECEIVED OVER 300 RESPONSES ON THAT COUNTY SURVEY.
WE PROBABLY HAVE RECEIVED WAY MORE THAN THAT NOW.
BUT THE PUBLIC, THE COMMUNITY REALLY WANTED TO SEE US LOOK AT THE WAY RESIDENTS ACCESS SERVICE, NAVIGATING A REALLY COMPLEX SYSTEM NAVIGATING THE TERMINOLOGY THAT WE USE, THE LEVELS OF CARE INSURANCE ISSUES, THE BARRIERS TO TREATMENT. THEY ALSO WANTED TO SEE US FOCUS ON THE WAY THAT SERVICES CAN BE LIMITED TO CERTAIN POPULATIONS. THEY ALSO WANTED US TO FOCUS ON STIGMA.
THESE RESPONSES ALSO ALIGN WITH THE FINDINGS FROM FROM VARIOUS NEEDS ASSESSMENTS THAT WE DO ALREADY.
THE FIRST SO YOU CAN SEE THE PRIORITIES AREAS RIGHT HERE THAT HAVE BEEN DETERMINED.
SO WE TOOK THE PUBLIC FEEDBACK AND DATA FROM RESOURCES SUCH AS NEW JERSEY SAM'S, THE DRUG MONITORING INITIATIVE, AND NEW JERSEY CARES AND QUARTERLY FISCAL REPORTS, THE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, COUNTY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, AND THE ONLINE PUBLIC SURVEY. THIS IS OUR PRIORITY AREA RIGHT NOW.
SO EXPANDING AND IMPLEMENTING HARM REDUCTION SERVICES, NAVIGATION, SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SYSTEMS, INCLUDING. COMMUNITY OUTREACH. ACCESS TO TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER, INCLUDING INCLUDING LOW THRESHOLD MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT THAT WOULD BE YOUR METHADONE, SUBOXONE AND VIVITROL. ACCESS TO RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING PEER TO PEER SERVICES, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND MULTIPLE PATHWAYS OF RECOVERY.
NOT EVERYBODY RECOVERS THE SAME, AND THAT IS MEETING PEOPLE TRULY WHERE THEY'RE AT.
INNOVATIVE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION. THE FIRST INITIATIVE THAT WE LAUNCHED WITH THESE FUNDS WAS THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM NAVIGATOR PROGRAM. AS COMMISSIONER DRAKE BRIEFLY MENTIONED, I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE STEPHANIE BILLETS, WHO WILL SPEAK ABOUT HER IMPORTANT ROLE IN ASSISTING RESIDENTS TO ACCESS THE CARE THAT THEY NEED.
GOOD EVENING EVERYONE. MY NAME IS STEPHANIE BILLETS.
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I AM THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM NAVIGATOR. AND FIRST, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO COME UP HERE AND SPEAK.LISA COULD HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB EXPLAINING THE POSITION, BUT WE THOUGHT, WHAT BETTER THAN MYSELF TO COME UP HERE AND TALK ABOUT WHAT WE'VE EXPERIENCED? SO THE INCEPTION OF THIS POSITION STARTED IN NOVEMBER OF 2022.
PARTIALLY THANKS TO OUR ADDICTION SERVICES DIRECTOR AND OUR FORMER MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR, ALONGSIDE OUR LEADERSHIP AND OUR ADVISORY COUNCILS.
SO I AM STRICTLY HERE TO KIND OF JUST WALK FOLKS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
A LOT OF THE TIMES, FOLKS JUST SIMPLY DON'T KNOW IF THEIR INSURANCE IS ACCEPTED.
WHO'S IN AND OUT OF NETWORK? PERHAPS THERE'S ASTRONOMICAL WAITLISTS.
SOMETIMES FOLKS FIND THEMSELVES. YOU KNOW WHAT? I KIND OF FEEL LIKE I'M IN A PLACE WHERE I NEED SERVICES SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
I DON'T WANT TO BE ON A FOUR WEEK WAIT LIST FOR AN INTAKE AT A FACILITY, SO I CAN KIND OF WALK THEM THROUGH WHAT OPTIONS THAT THEY HAVE AND WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE COUNTY. THERE ARE HIGHER LEVELS OF CARE AS WELL.
SOMETIMES FOLKS JUST DON'T KNOW THE CORRECT LINGO TO USE.
WE HAVE INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT. WE HAVE PARTIAL CARE PROGRAMS. DO THEY NEED AN INPATIENT LEVEL OF STAY? I'VE WORKED WITH OUR LOCAL HOSPITALS THAT PERHAPS MAYBE THEY HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL THAT'S NEEDING HELP WITH THEIR DISCHARGE PLANNING, AND PERHAPS MAYBE THEY CAN'T FIND A BED AT A FACILITY, OR THEY WANT TO CONNECT THEM TO A PROGRAM THAT IS COMMUNITY BASED.
SO WE REALLY JUST KIND OF WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT FOLKS ARE GETTING THE ASSISTANCE THAT THEY NEED.
I MEAN, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I WOULD WALK OUT OF A HOSPITAL WITH A PAMPHLET AND BE LIKE, THIS ISN'T WHAT I NEEDED. WE WANT TO EMPHASIZE THE WARM HANDOFF AND REALLY MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE FOLLOWING THROUGH AND CONNECTING WITH INDIVIDUALS, BECAUSE SOMETIMES JUST HANDING THEM A PHONE NUMBER, THEY MIGHT CALL THE AGENCY AND THEN THEY MIGHT GO TO VOICEMAIL.
THEY MIGHT NOT GET A CALL BACK FOR A FEW DAYS.
SO THAT'S KIND OF WHERE I CAN HELP AND STEP IN AND SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS AGENCY THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH, WE KNOW IT'S GOING TO TAKE TWO WEEKS TO GET AN INTAKE APPOINTMENT. HERE. LET ME PUT YOU DIRECTLY IN TOUCH WITH SOMEBODY THAT WE TRUST AND KNOW.
WE'LL GET BACK TO YOU. SO SINCE 2022, I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT WE'VE ASSISTED OVER 350 RESIDENTS SO FAR BOTH FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT SERVICES. I DO HAVE TO SAY IT IS PART AND DUE TO OUR COMMUNITY POLICE ALLIANCE COORDINATOR PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
I DID IN A VERY TIMELY FASHION. JUST FINISH OUR END OF 2024 END OF YEAR REPORT AND I NOTICED THAT SOME TOWNS ARE KIND OF STARTING TO POP UP THAT WE WEREN'T RECOGNIZING IN 2023 AND SUCH AS THOSE WOULD BE BOUND BROOK AND BRIDGEWATER.
AND NOW THESE FOLKS KNOW THAT WE ARE HERE AS A RESOURCE AND REACHING OUT TO US FOR RESOURCES.
SO I JUST WANT TO LET ANYONE KNOW, I MEAN, YOU KNOW, I COULD CERTAINLY PROVIDE MY CONTACT INFORMATION, BUT WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS ARE TREATED WITH EMPATHY AND RESPECT AND ARE PROVIDED THAT WARM HANDOFF TO BE CONNECTED TO RESOURCES.
I DO ALSO JUST WANT TO ADD THAT IN 2024, WE ARE ALSO VERY PROUD THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, WE DID PARTICIPATE WITH SAVE A LIFE DAY. THAT IS A LARGE SCALE NALOXONE DISTRIBUTION EVENT.
IT KIND OF STARTED WAY OUT OF OUR TERRITORY, AND WE WANTED TO BRING IT MORE IN THIS DIRECTION.
BUT I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT WE DISTRIBUTED OVER 620 NARCAN KITS IN ONE SINGLE DAY ACROSS THE COUNTY, AND SO I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR TO SEE WHAT ELSE WE CAN ACCOMPLISH AND, YOU KNOW, I JUST I'M REALLY THANKFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND MY COUNTERPARTS BACK HERE BECAUSE WE REALLY ARE DOING GREAT WORK. AND I'M JUST HAPPY THAT FOLKS ARE, YOU KNOW, ABLE TO CONNECT TO THIS SERVICE.
SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, I AM GOING TO HAND IT BACK TO LISA.
BUT THANK YOU. AND I GAVE YOU A COPY OF THIS PRESENTATION AS WELL, SO YOU CAN REFER BACK TO IT IF YOU NEED TO.
OKAY. SO THE VERY NEXT PROGRAM THAT WE FOCUSED ON, INTERNAL PROGRAM THAT WE FOCUSED ON WAS THE SOMERSET COUNTY MOBILE OUTREACH INITIATIVE CALLED SOMERSET COUNTY HELPS. SO I, WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, BUT I WANT TO READ A QUOTE DIRECTLY FROM RITA JOHNSON, WHO OVERSEES THE MOBILE OUTREACH INITIATIVE THROUGH THE DIVISION OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING.
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THESE VITAL FUNDS HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY BOLSTERED OUR OUTREACH CAPABILITIES, ALLOWED US TO INCREASE OUR VISIBILITY AT LOCAL EVENTS, AND PROVIDED ESSENTIAL RESOURCES TO THOSE GRAPPLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.THANKS TO THE SUPPORT, WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REACHED AND ASSISTED OVER 1000 RESIDENTS ACROSS SOMERSET COUNTY, DELIVERING CRUCIAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ON AVAILABLE SERVICES.
THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF THESE FUNDS IS CLEAR, AS EVIDENCED BY THE HEIGHTENED AWARENESS AND IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY TO TREATMENT AND RECOVERY RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY. SO WE'VE SUCCESSFULLY REACHED AND ASSISTED OVER 1000 RESIDENTS JUST IN THE PAST YEAR WITH THE HELPS OUTREACH INITIATIVE. BRINGING OUR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY IS PARAMOUNT FOR US.
WE CAN'T EXPECT OUR RESIDENTS TO ALWAYS COME TO US.
WE NEED TO MEET THEM AGAIN WHERE THEY'RE AT. SO MOVING ON TO MORE EDUCATION AND TRAINING. IN OCTOBER, WE HOSTED THE FIRST COUNTY LED RED RIBBON WEEK.
YOU CAN SEE RIGHT HERE RED RIBBON WEEK, ESTABLISHED IN 1988.
IT'S THE LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING DRUG USE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN THE COUNTRY.
ONE OF THE EVENTS HELD SUPPORTED BY THE SETTLEMENT FUNDS WAS THE HIDDEN LINK, WHICH IS A LEARNING SERIES THAT PROVIDED ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS INSIGHTS TO SUBSTANCE USE, ESPECIALLY REGARDING THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN VAPING, CANNABIS AND OPIATES.
HE PROVIDED TWO WORKSHOPS THAT EDUCATED THE COMMUNITY AND PROMOTED AWARENESS.
PREVENTION ROOTED IN FEAR ONLY FOSTERS AVOIDANCE.
WHEN WE APPROACH YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE WITH EMPATHY AND EDUCATION, WE OFFER THEM THE TOOLS TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES WITH CONFIDENCE, NOT FEAR. FEAR BASED PREVENTION TACTICS AND FEAR BASED PREVENTION EDUCATION IN RESEARCH DOES NOT WORK.
SO IN JUNE 2024, WE ORGANIZED A TWO DAY INTENSIVE CLINICAL TRAINING.
WE PARTNERED WITH THE CHANGE COMPANIES. THIS TRAINING BROUGHT TOGETHER 27 CLINICIANS FROM EIGHT DIFFERENT TREATMENT AGENCIES TO EXAMINE EXAMINE CRITICAL UPCOMING CHANGES IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT LANDSCAPE. THIS TRAINING, MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND, MADE SOMERSET COUNTY THE FIRST GROUP IN THE STATE TO RECEIVE THIS ESSENTIAL INSTRUCTION.
SO MOVING ON TO HARM REDUCTION. SO IN 2024, THE SETTLEMENT FUNDS WERE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY'S FIRST RECOGNIZED HARM REDUCTION CENTER, HOUSED WITHIN THE RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.
THE HEALS PROGRAM WILL BE A PROGRAM THAT WILL OFFER BOTH MOBILE AND CO-LOCATED SERVICES WITH A DEDICATED TEAM, INCLUDING PEER RECOVERY SPECIALISTS, MEDICAL STAFF, AND COUNSELORS.
THIS PROGRAM WILL DISTRIBUTE AND DEPLOY NARCAN WOUND KITS, LIFE SAVING, LIFE SAVING MEDICATION, AND SO MUCH MORE. THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY OF HARM REDUCTION IS ROOTED IN COMPASSION, RESPECT, AND PRAGMATISM. IT SEEKS TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE RATHER THAN EXPECTING THEM TO MEET SOME IDEALIZED STANDARD OF RECOVERY.
IT'S BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT REDUCING HARM IS BETTER THAN ALLOWING HARM TO ESCALATE, AND THAT ALL STEPS TOWARDS IMPROVING HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTER.
WITH THIS FUNDING, WE WERE ABLE TO PURCHASE AND ARE WORKING ON OUTFITTING A MOBILE HARM REDUCTION VAN, WHICH ALLOWS US TO MEET INDIVIDUALS WHERE THEY ARE AND PROVIDE VITAL RESOURCES SUCH AS NALOXONE, CLEAN SYRINGES, CLEAN SYRINGES AND EDUCATION ON SAFE DRUG USE.
THESE RESOURCES HAVE DIRECTLY IMPACTED THE POPULATION WE SERVE BY INCREASING OUR ACCESSIBILITY AND PROVIDING CRITICAL SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY NOT OTHERWISE ENGAGE WITH TRADITIONAL SERVICES. HARM REDUCTION IS A PUBLIC HEALTH MODEL AND HARM REDUCTION.
IT IS KEEPING PEOPLE ALIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THEM RECOVER.
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NEXT, WE FOCUS ON ACCESS TO EVIDENCE BASED AND TRAUMA INFORMED TREATMENT.SO IN 2024, THE COUNTY AWARDED FUNDING TO SOMERSET TREATMENT SERVICES, A LOCAL NONPROFIT, THROUGH A COMPETITIVE RFP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO LOW THRESHOLD SUBOXONE AND TRAUMA INFORMED MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT.
WHAT IS SCOUT SO ACCESS TO MEDICATION FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTS.
MEDICATION EDUCATION THAT VALUES PATIENT CHOICE, DRUG USE AND RELAPSE.
THIS HIGHLIGHTS A GAP IN ACCESSIBILITY AND TREATMENT ENGAGEMENT.
SUBOXONE IS HISTORICALLY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS BECAUSE OF THE PRICE AND BECAUSE OF LEGISLATION.
SO PEER RECOVERY SERVICES, SUBSTANCE USE CARE IS A CONTINUUM.
AND ON THAT CONTINUUM IS THE CRITICAL ROLE OF PEER RECOVERY SERVICES.
SO IN 2024 WE THROUGH COMPETITIVE RFP AS WELL.
THEY ARE TEMPORARY RESOURCE SITES WITHOUT WALLS OFFERED MONTHLY AT PREDETERMINED LOCATIONS.
THE OUTREACH EVENTS SERVE TO SUPPLEMENT THE COUNTY'S FIRST AND ONLY CERTIFIED PEER RECOVERY CENTER.
SO COMMUNITY IN CRISIS LAUNCHED POP UP LOCATIONS IN OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES.
AS OF AS OF MARCH 2023, THEY PROVIDED RESOURCES AND ENGAGE WITH 862 RESIDENTS ACROSS 133 EVENTS.
THESE SERVICES INCLUDED LOW BARRIER ACCESS TO AND DISTRIBUTION, DISTRIBUTION OF 100 NARCAN KITS, HARM REDUCTION SUPPLIES, SNACKS, HYGIENE ITEMS, ALL RECOVERY MEETINGS, AND COLLABORATIONS WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS.
THEY WERE ABLE TO DO MONTHLY PRESENTATIONS AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY RECOVERY COURT, TRAIN STATION OUTREACH IN BERNARDSVILLE AND COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH NORTH PLAINFIELD, NORTH PLAINFIELD EMS, CENTRAL FAMILY, CENTRAL JERSEY FAMILY HEALTH CONSORTIUM, NORWEST CAP AND ZUFALL HEALTH.
SO WHY ARE HYGIENE KITS AND SNACKS AND FOOD AND WATER AND SHELTER IMPORTANT? BECAUSE WE NEED TO FOCUS ON WHOLE PERSON WELLNESS, NOT JUST CLINICAL ADDICTION TREATMENT TO BUILD SOMEBODY UP TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY EPISODE. SO IN 2024, COUNTY AWARDED SETTLEMENT FUND TO THE CENTER FOR GREAT EXPECTATIONS, A LOCAL NONPROFIT, THROUGH A COMPETITIVE RFP TO EXPAND CLIENT ACCESS TO HOLISTIC AND ALLIED THERAPIES.
I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT AT LEAST 21 PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN AT CGA HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES LIKE HORTICULTURE, MUSIC, ART, YOGA, NUTRITION, TUTORING, AND FAMILY SUPPORT MEETINGS.
SO JUST JUST LOOKING AHEAD. RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACES.
THAT IS A CURRENT RFP THAT IS CURRENTLY POSTED.
WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING THROUGH COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS APPLICATIONS AND I ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT, AND WE HAVE A LOT THAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2025.
BUT HERE I REALLY WANT TO DISCUSS RECOVERY HOUSING.
THE COUNTY'S OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS PROVIDE A VALUABLE, VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIDGE THIS GAP BY SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOBER LIVING HOUSING THROUGH COLLABORATION AND HOUSING PARTNERS, AND OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BUILD THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE.
MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS HIGHLIGHT THAT IN RECOVERY, INDIVIDUALS MUST FIRST HAVE THEIR BASIC NEEDS MET, SUCH AS SAFETY, STABILITY, AND HOUSING. THEY NEED THOSE THINGS MET BEFORE THEY CAN FOCUS ON EMOTIONAL HEALING AND PERSONAL GROWTH.
ALMOST DONE, I PROMISE. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AND AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOUR TRUST IN ME TO OVERSEE THESE FUNDS. I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS.
THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT MONEY REPRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN HEALING THE PROFOUND DAMAGE CAUSED BY AN EPIDEMIC THAT HAS DEVASTATED COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. IT IS NOT JUST A FINANCIAL WINDFALL.
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IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR BROKEN LIVES AND PREVENT FUTURE SUFFERING.THESE FUNDS MUST BE USED WITH CARE, PRIORITIZING ADDICTION TREATMENT, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, EDUCATION, HARM REDUCTION AND PREVENTION. TO SQUANDER THIS CHANCE WOULD BE A BETRAYAL TO THE COUNTLESS PEOPLE STILL GRAPPLING WITH THE EFFECTS OF ADDICTION AND LOSS.
EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED WISELY IS A STEP TOWARDS REBUILDING TRUST, RESTORING HOPE AND SAVING LIVES, WHILE ALSO ENSURING THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS AREN'T CAUGHT IN THE SAME CYCLE OF PAIN.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY. YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? I WILL ANSWER THEM. JUST WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS ON A PHENOMENAL JOB.
THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE DOING. IT DOESN'T GO UNNOTICED THAT THE CRISIS THAT WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH AND CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE HOPE FOR THOSE THAT ARE IN NEED AND THEIR FAMILIES, BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST THE PERSON THAT HAS THE ADDICTION, BUT THE SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT.
SO THE HOLISTIC APPROACH IS A GREAT WAY. SO THANK YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. LISA, I JUST HAD A QUICK QUESTION.
YOU KNOW, I DON'T EXPECT ANY ANSWERS RIGHT NOW, BUT I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO HAVE, YOU KNOW, FOR RECOVERY HOUSING TO BE PART OF THOSE FAIR SHARE HOUSING PLANS.
I THINK THAT WOULD BE A REAL COMPONENT TO ADD TO, ANY PLAN.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE ONE CLASS F LICENSED HOUSE IN NORTH PLAINFIELD THAT I BELIEVE HAS SHUT DOWN.
SO THAT LEAVES US WITH VIRTUALLY ZERO RECOVERY HOUSING FOR THE SUBSTANCE USE POPULATION IN THIS COUNTY, WHILE OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTY LIKE MIDDLESEX HAS HAS OVER 100.
SO IT'S DEFINITELY A POINT OF FOCUS FOR US AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I THINK THAT WE'RE ABLE TO FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE LIKE THIS WITH CAPITAL PROJECTS, WITH GRANTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT FROM THE STATE.
THAT'S NEVER AN ALLOWABLE USE OF FUNDS. SO YOU KNOW, WE'RE LOOKING AT THAT AND ABSOLUTELY, I'M HAPPY TO BE IN ANY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HOUSING.
YEAH. AGAIN, I'M NOT SURE IF THE LEGISLATION SPEAKS TO THIS PARTICULAR HOUSING TYPE, BUT I THINK YOU CAN MAKE THE CASE THAT THIS RECOVERY HOUSING THAT IS SHOULD BE A PART OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN.
I HOPE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT DISCUSSION BECAUSE I THINK MUNICIPALITIES THESE WOULD PROBABLY CONSIDER IT IF IT WAS ACTUALLY PART OF THEIR HOUSING PLAN AS WELL. ABSOLUTELY AND THAT WOULD COMBAT THE NOT IN MY BACKYARD MENTALITY AND COMBAT STIGMA AS WELL.
SO ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU. THANK YOU LISA. GREAT PRESENTATION.
SO I SAW FIRSTHAND FROM THE PATIENTS THERE WHAT RECOVERY MEANT TO THEM.
I REMEMBER ONE PATIENT TALKING WITH US THAT SHE WAS SO PROUD OF HERSELF THAT SHE HAD NOW BEGUN TO SHOWER DAILY BECAUSE THE ADDICTION HAD JUST ROBBED HER OF HER OWN SELF DIGNITY AND SELF CARE.
SO THANK GOODNESS THIS IS A DRAIN OF RESOURCES ON SOCIETY IN GENERAL.
SO THIS IS A WONDERFUL THING THAT YOU ALL ARE DOING.
ZACH'S LEADERSHIP WITH YOU ALL IS COMPLIMENTED AND YOUR WHOLE TEAM.
THIS IS SO VITAL TO OUR SOCIETY AND OUR COMMUNITY.
SO THANK YOU. OH. THANK YOU. SO WE MOVE ON TO OPEN SPACE GRANT 25-300, AUTHORIZING A GRANT TO THE BOROUGH OF ROCKY HILL FROM SOMERSET COUNTY OPEN SPACE TRUST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELEVATED BOARDWALK AT VAN HORN PARK.
TOTAL AWARD NOT TO EXCEED $240,235. THE FLOOR IS YOURS FOR THE EXPLANATION.
SURE. SURE. SO THIS IS A RECREATION GRANT FOR A RAISED BOARDWALK ACCESS TO VAN HORN PARK, WHICH IS A 107 ACRE PARK OWNED BY THE COUNTY, LEASED TO MONTGOMERY AND ROCKY HILL FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT, PROGRAMING AND MAINTENANCE.
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HILL. IT SATISFIES GOALS OF THE COUNTY'S WALK BIKE HIKE PLAN, THE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION PLAN.SO THIS IS REALLY SOMETHING THAT THAT MOVES FORWARD.
THE IDEA OF HAVING PEOPLE BE ABLE TO WALK TO WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.
AND THIS DOES IT. THERE IS NO CURRENT. THERE IS A CURRENT TRAIL WHERE THEY'RE REPLACING IT WITH THE BOARDWALK, BUT IT'S SEVERELY DETERIORATED AND ALMOST UNUSABLE.
THERE ARE NO OTHER PEDESTRIAN ACCESS POINTS INTO THIS PARK.
THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THIS RESOLUTION TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 11TH? GREAT. OKAY. ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ON THAT? ALL RIGHT. ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
25-301 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EQUITABLE AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR, 25-0302 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EQUITABLE, EQUITABLE AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
HOMELAND SECURITY FOR 2025 CALENDAR YEAR 25-303 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EQUITABLE AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
UNITED STATES MARSHAL SERVICE FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR 2025-304 IS AUTHORIZING THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE UNITED STATES DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, LAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT OFFICE LESS OUT 1033 PROGRAM AND FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE 1033 PROGRAM, TO ENABLE THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO REQUEST AND ACQUIRE EXCESS.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT. AS STATED IN THE RESOLUTION, ANY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM MUST BE APPROVED BY A SEPARATE RESOLUTION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BOARD. THANK YOU.
AND ON THE SAME NOTE OF WHILE WE'RE ON THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
I FORGOT TO MENTION IN MY COMMENTS THAT WE'VE BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THAT WE WILL BE RETIRING TWO CANINES, BOTH BENNING AND BASILONE, DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES.
SO I JUST WANTED TO PUT THAT OUT THERE. SO THANK YOU.
THIS WILL BE A NEW ENTRANCE TO THE PARK. ABOUT 200FT SOUTH OF THE EXISTING MILLER LANE ENTRANCE.
COST ESTIMATE IS $1.2 MILLION. WE ANTICIPATE BIDDING IT IN MARCH AND CONSTRUCTING IT THIS SUMMER.
2026 YEAH, HIGH RESOLUTION 25-306 ACCEPTING THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $156,009.
RESOLUTION 25-307 AUTHORIZING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF CALEB KELLER TO BE DEPUTY COORDINATOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH NJSA 9-42, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW JERSEY OEM DIRECTIVE OEM SIX OF SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR A THREE YEAR TERM ENDING FEBRUARY 11TH, 2028. 308, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING UP TO $11,632 FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTINUING THE RIGHT TO KNOW PROGRAM. COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CONTROL PLAN AT THE COUNTY LEVEL UNDER THE STATE FISCAL YEAR 2026. RIGHT TO KNOW GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF 7/1/25 THROUGH 6/30/26.
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SOMERSET COUNTY'S HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM.310. AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT THE FY 25 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDING FOR THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO BUILD, MAINTAIN, AND SUSTAIN NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS CAPABILITIES.
25. 311 AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK FOR PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1ST, 2025 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2027.
ELECTIONS. FIRE MARSHAL. SPECIAL PRIMARY AND EARLY VOTING.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $93,653.15.
25-314 IS AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO DEWBERRY ENGINEERS OUT OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA, FOR THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GREAT ROAD BRIDGE OVER BEDEN'S BROOK.
SOMERSET COUNTY BRIDGE, D0105, IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $970,742.25 I BELIEVE IT'S SOUTH OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, I THINK.
25-315. IT'S THE WORD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO TNM ASSOCIATES OUT OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW JERSEY FOR ROADWAY LIGHTING DESIGN AT SOMERSET COUNTY BRIDGE.
B0507 ON AMWELL ROAD OVER THE NESHANIC RIVER IN HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $47,929.27. 25-316 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO FCS GROUP LLC OUT OF SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FIREPROOFING AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL, 40 GROVE STREET IN SOMERVILLE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $56,200.
25-317 IS A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO FOR VERDANTAS LLC OUT OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR 360 ROYCEFIELD ROAD IN HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,750. NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $67,000.
25-318 IS AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR CMS CONSTRUCTION OUT OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE CO 401 GILMAN'S LANE OVER TRIBUTARY TO SIX MILE RUN AND BRIDGE 401 COURT LANE OVER NINE MILE RUN IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. THE BID CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $1,683,425.
25-319 IS AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR CMS CONSTRUCTION, ALSO AT A PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE M1019 SOMERSET STREET, BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD.
THE CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $845,647. THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $918,095.85. THIS CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE IS AN INCREASE OF $72,448.85. 25-320 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 2025 PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES.
IT'S FOR THE ADJUSTER. THO YVONNE DOESN'T NORMALLY GET UP FOR THAT ONE [INAUDIBLE] FOR CLIENT MATTERS. FOR TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,000 AND THREE. 22 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR CIVIL COMMITMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS TO DANIEL FARMER, ESQUIRE. TOTAL. NOT TO EXCEED $35,000. RESOLUTION 25-323. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE PURCHASE OF OF ADVANCED ENDPOINT PROTECTION SOLUTION WITH 24/7 RESPONSE UTILIZING THE STATE, NEW JERSEY STATE, NEW JERSEY STATE AND LOCAL CYBERSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM COST SHARING AGREEMENT SECOND YEAR OF A FOUR YEAR CONTRACT.
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TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $21,660. WE'RE ESTIMATED TO SAVE ON THAT 580,000 OVER FOUR YEARS.SO AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF WORKSTATIONS FOR THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FROM SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL, UTILIZING THE NJ COOPERATIVE CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $22,358.97.
RESOLUTION 25-325. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SAMARITAN HOMELESS INTERIM PROGRAM SHIP IN THE AMOUNTS OF NOT TO EXCEED $6,250 AND VISIONS AND PATHWAYS IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $16,250 FOR NONPROFIT SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2025, SUBJECT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE 2025 COUNTY BUDGET, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $22,000 AND $22,500.
[INAUDIBLE] 25-326. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO COMMUNITY IN CRISIS FOR PEER RECOVERY POP UP SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1ST, 2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.
25-327 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR FLAGS, GRAVE MARKERS, AND FLAGPOLE REPAIRS.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 45,000.
25-328 IS AWARDED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO CME ASSOCIATES.
THIS IS FOR A RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION SERVICES.
IT'S ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $22,838.80.
25-332 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRM ORDER TO ELECTION SUPPORTING SERVICES, CHEMUNG, NEW JERSEY FOR SET UP AND CERTIFICATION OF VOTING MACHINES FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 2024. EARLY VOTING TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $110.25 333.
ORIGINAL QUOTE FOR SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 2024. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $200.
CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS OF VARIOUS PARK COMMISSION STRUCTURES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $155,426. 25-335 IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO MY VISION OUT OF KITCHENER, ONTARIO FOR TRAFFIC COUNT.
PLATFORM USAGE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,457.42.
25-336 IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OUT OF LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY, FOR OUR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR OPERATION OF A FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $46,226.25.
GOOD EVENING. 25-337 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS.
EXCUSE ME TO RECRUITING CO AND PKF O'CONNOR. DAVIES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $226,700. THOSE ARE AUDITORS AND 25-338 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING OF THE SAME. RESOLUTION 25-339.
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AUTHORIZATION OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO NAVIENT INCORPORATED FOR THE ON BASE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT FOR THE THIRD YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $76,646.04. APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-340.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $213.64. RESOLUTION 25-341.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 10,000. RESOLUTION 25,342.
AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO VERIZON.
BUSINESS NETWORK SERVICES FOR DATA, COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORK SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 90,000. RESOLUTION 25-343. APPROVAL TO PAY. A CONFIRMING ORDER FOR RICO.
PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY FOR THE COPIER AT THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR CENTER.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $457.92. RESOLUTION 25-344.
AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO ADULT DAY CENTER IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $23,768 IN CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER CENTER IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000 FOR NONPROFIT SERVICES. TOTAL TO EXCEED NOT TO EXCEED $33,768.
THESE ARE FUNDS THAT WERE UNSPENT FROM SOME OF OUR FIRST YEAR OF THE NONPROFIT PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACT THAT WE THEN RE-AWARD AND ALLOCATE TO PEOPLE THAT EXCEEDED THEIR LEVEL OF SERVICE.
RESOLUTION 25- 2345, AUTHORIZING ALLOCATION OF VARIOUS HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES FOR NONPROFIT SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2025, SUBJECT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE 2025 COUNTY BUDGET.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $513,486. THIS IS FOR PAYMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE QUARTER. 2724346 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FREEDOM YOGA STUDIO OF RARITAN, NEW JERSEY FOR WELLNESS, WELLNESS YOGA SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,000.
RESOLUTION 25347 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICOH AMERICAS CORPORATION, PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY FOR COPIER SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $346.60.
$0.60 RESOLUTION 25348 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PRO SHED SECURITY.
ROSELAND, NEW JERSEY FOR SHREDDING SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $132.
RESOLUTION 25-349 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICOH USA,INC.
FOR DECEMBER 2024 COPIER SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $90.54.
GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 25-350 AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 24-2245 FOR CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT BY $50 TO T-MOBILE USA OUT OF BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON. TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,645.
THANK YOU. 25-351 APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO AURA POWER LLC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC VISIT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,750.
25-352 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO AT&T MOBILITY FOR 901 WIRELESS CHARGES.
NOVEMBER 2024. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $393.01.
25-353. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 911 TELEPHONE CHARGES.
NOVEMBER 2024. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $215.41.
25-354. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 901 TELEPHONE CHARGES.
NOVEMBER 2024. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $272.45.
25-355. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER. VERIZON FOR 911.
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TELEPHONE CHARGES. DECEMBER 2024. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $136.99.25-356. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 901 TELEPHONE CHARGES.
DECEMBER OF 2024. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $440.62.
25-357. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 901.
TELEPHONE CHARGES. DECEMBER 2024 INVOICE. TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $467.48.
25-358. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 911.
TELEPHONE CHARGES. DECEMBER 2024 INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,961.21.
25-359. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 911.
TELEPHONE CHARGES. DECEMBER 2024 INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,981.36.
25-360. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON FOR 901 TELEPHONE CHARGES DECEMBER 2024 INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED THOUSAND $955.89. 25-361 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO AM, SPC, SPC, LLC FOR A FUEL ANALYSIS FOR WATER AND SEDIMENT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $140. OKAY, I THINK I'M [INAUDIBLE].
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 15,020 5-363 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR OUR CLEANING SERVICES AND FIRST LINE LOCKSMITH TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $101,509.90. 364 I'VE IS VOID.
AND THAT'S IT OR RECYCLING DIVISION. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,416.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $900,000. HOPEFULLY WE DON'T NEED IT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 125,000. 25-368 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO SIGNAL CONTROL PRODUCTS, AND THAT'S FOR OUR TRAFFIC SIGNALS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,000. 25-3 69 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS, A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO PRINCETON HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS. THAT'S FOR FIT TESTING FOR RESPIRATORS AND AUDIOMETRIC TESTING.
IT'S A HEARING TEST. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 17,000.
25-370 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION OR R23- 1424 TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT TO STAVOLA CONSTRUCTION, AND THAT TOTAL IS $16,891.37. 25-371 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION ORDER 23-1424 TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO TRAPROCK INDUSTRIES, AND THAT TOTAL IS NOT TO EXCEED $22,668.21.
25-372 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO ATLANTIC SALT.
THAT IS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $95,039.50 25-373 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON, BARNABAS HEALTH. THAT'S FOR OUR 2023 CDL PHYSICALS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,690. 25-374 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO CME ASSOCIATES.
THIS WAS FOR TESTING AND REPAIRS OF OUR FUEL TANKS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $34,028.50. 25. DID I MESS UP? SORRY. OH, I FELL OFF. I GIVE YOU MY PAPER, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M LOOKING AT. OKAY. THERE WE GO. YEAH. OKAY.
THIS IS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS OF OUR FUEL TANKS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6.18. 25. THREE. 77 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO
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MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $15,622.32.I WANT TO SAY PUBLICLY THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM.
WHILE WE HAVEN'T HAD A LOT OF SNOWFALL, BUT IT WAS BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND THE ICE ON THE GROUND, SO THANK YOU AND CONTINUE TO BE SAFE. IT WAS AWFUL.
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTION 25-301 THROUGH 25-377 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR FEBRUARY 11TH MEETING. MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.
SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND PBA LOCAL 307 AND LOCAL 307A.
FOR THE YEARS COMMENCING JANUARY 1ST, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026.
230 IS AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND PBA SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, PBA LOCAL 177 AND 177 A FOR THE YEARS 2024 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 202720 5-2 31 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION 24-1353 TO CORRECT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR FOR CHANGE ORDER NUMBER FIVE FOR GREEN'S CONSTRUCTION FROM SOUTH RIVER, NEW JERSEY FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS. MAIN STREET, MANVILLE.
CONTRACT 21005 20 5-232 IS AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER SIX FOR GREEN CONSTRUCTION, SOUTH RIVER, NEW JERSEY, FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS. MAIN STREET, MANVILLE.
CONTRACT 21005, AN INCREASE OF $81,676.01 FROM THE CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $6,997,457. THE NEW TOTAL OF $7,518,529.47 INCLUDES CHANGE ORDERS ONE THROUGH SIX, IN THE AMOUNT OF $521,072.47. THIS CHANGE ORDER TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $81,676.01.
RESOLUTION 25-233 SUPPORTING THE STATE HOUSE COMMISSION FINAL APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE RELOCATION OF A SEWER MAIN UNDER THE RARITAN RIVER, LOCATED IN DUKE ISLAND PARK IN THE TOWNSHIPS OF BRIDGEWATER AND HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY. THIS IS IN RELATION TO THE HEADGATES DAM REMOVAL PROJECT.
AND RESOLUTION 25-235. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES FOR SITE INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF BLOCK 165 LOTS ONE, TWO, THREE AND 13 AND BLOCK 169, LOT THREE, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $72,450.
THIS IS THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTRY CLUB PROPERTY.
36 IS AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND LICENSING FOR GIS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE, AND ANNUAL GIS DESKTOP LICENSING. LICENSING FROM ESRI, WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE OUT OF REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA, UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $42,697.08.
RESOLUTION 25-237 IS AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A TEMPORARY EMERGENCY BUDGET.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL BUDGET ACT.
RESOLUTION 25-238 AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT THE FY 25 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ASSISTANCE AS A SUB GRANTEE OF $110,000. THESE FUNDS INCLUDE A LOCAL IN-KIND MATCH OF $55,000 THROUGH EXISTING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SALARY AND FRINGE BUDGET.
25-239, AUTHORIZING A THREE MONTH JANUARY 1ST, 2025 TO MARCH 31ST, 2025.
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NO COST EXTENSION FOR ACCREDITATION SERVICES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ACHIEVE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION THROUGH PUBLIC HEALTH ACCREDITATION BOARD PROVIDED BY ASCENDIENT IN CONTRACT 6002123. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THESE RESOLUTIONS? 25-229 THROUGH 25-239 TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR MEETING.IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.
. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? IS THERE A ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANYBODY FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? PLEASE COME FORWARD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.
FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME. NO COMING UP A SECOND MY NAME IS HARRY BOWES.
LAGER 1243 CANAL ROAD, GRIGGSTOWN. I JUST WANT TO SAY A FEW THINGS.
WHAT? LISTEN, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE KAMIKAZE BRIDGE IN TOWN.
THERE. THAT ONE LANE BRIDGE, THE GRIGGSTOWN BRIDGE.
THAT'S SUICIDAL. MY WIFE GETS DISGUSTED WITH THAT BRIDGE.
PEOPLE WANT TO GET IN FIGHTS ON THE BRIDGE AND I HAD PROBLEMS ON THE BRIDGE.
I WAS ON THE BRIDGE, AND THE GUY WANTED TO THROW ME OFF THE BRIDGE, SO WELL, I SURVIVED THAT.
HE JUST HIT ME ON THE WAY OUT, BUT HIT MY MIRROR.
BUT, YOU KNOW, HE HAD A LEXUS, SO I FIGURED I BETTER NOT MESS WITH HIM.
BUT ANYWAY ALSO, I WANT TO MENTION THE DRONES.
THE CHINESE DRONES, THEY'RE FLYING ALL OVER. I JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THE FAA APPROVED THOSE DRONES, AND WELL, I HAD ONE. I REPORTED TO THE POLICE IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, AND WE WATCHED THE DRONE TOGETHER, MY WIFE AND I AND THE POLICE OFFICER. SO BUT I'M VERY SUSPICIOUS.
AND THAT'S A GOOD PRIMARY REASON WHY YOU'RE GOING TO ATTACK THIS COUNTRY AND NOT ONLY THAT, THE NORTH KOREANS, THEY DON'T HAVE ANY FOOD OVER THERE EITHER.
THEY HAVE BAD SOIL. THEY ONLY HAVE WHAT DO THEY HAVE? RICE AND ALSO THE CHINESE. SO WELL, IF THESE WERE CHINESE DRONES, A LOT OF THEM SEEMED LIKE THEY WERE PLOTTING LOCATIONS OF NUCLEAR PLANTS AND POWER STATIONS, REFINERIES.
I WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS AND THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME THAT, I DON'T KNOW.
I THINK YOU SAID EASTERN AVENUE DOWN BY NEW BRUNSWICK.
HE SAW SOME DRONES THERE, BUT A FRIEND OF MINE ADVISED ME TODAY, IF I SEE ANY MORE DRONES TO CALL THE POLICE, I LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE DRONES. SO I'M VERY SUSPICIOUS OF THE GOVERNMENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN A GUY LIKE BIDEN IN THERE, HE WAS. HE GOT $30 MILLION FROM THE CHINESE COMMUNIST CCP KIND OF CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY.
SO I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WERE SELLING US OUT OR WHAT, BUT I'M VERY SUSPICIOUS OF GOVERNMENT.
I WENT TO VIETNAM. I WENT OVER THERE TO WIN THE WAR.
BUT THIS COUNTRY DIDN'T WANT TO WIN THE WAR. THEY JUST WANTED TO KILL AMERICAN BOYS.
AND YOU WONDER WHY TWO VETERANS A DAY COMMIT SUICIDE.
I UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN THEY FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON, THEY JUST SAID, THAT'S IT.
AND IT'S REALLY A SAD DAY, BUT AND NOBODY REALLY YOU KNOW, YEARS LATER, IT'S.
WELL I'LL BE 80 YEARS OLD IN ANOTHER FEW, FEW DAYS, SO I'M PRETTY OLD NOW.
I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG I'M GOING TO LIVE. I'VE BEEN GETTING VA.
I WAITED 55 YEARS, BUT THEY GIVE ME BENEFITS.
SO ANYWAY, YOU KNOW, YOU GOT TO DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO.
SO WELL, ANYWAY AND WHEN'S THE BUDGET DUE HERE? WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A NEW BUDGET OR WHAT TIME IS IT? SOMETIME IN THE SPRING. YEAH, SOMETIME IN THE SPRING.
SPRING IS A NORMAL TIME THAT YOU PASS IT. WELL, I HOPE IT'S LOWER THAN LAST YEAR.
YOU KNOW, I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY JEEP, AND I WAS SHOCKED.
I WENT FOR TO GET IT REPAIRED. AND A FRIEND OF MINE, A BODY SHOP, HE TOLD ME, HE SAYS THAT HEADLIGHTS ARE OVER $1,000. I SAID FOR A HEADLIGHT. SO THEN HE SAYS, WELL, IT'S OVER $1,300.
HE SAYS, BUT I CAN GET IT FOR 1140 SOMETHING DOLLARS.
[01:25:01]
BUT I WAS SHOCKED. WHAT PRICE FOR A HEADLIGHT I USED TO BUY HEADLIGHTS FOR, I DON'T KNOW, $10, $15, $20? I MEAN, THIS IS CRAZY TODAY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE ARE WE GOING IN THIS COUNTRY? YOU KNOW, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING IS INSANE AND INFLATION.MY WIFE BOUGHT EGGS THE OTHER DAY FOR $7 A DOZEN.
AND THEN I SAW ON TV THERE WERE $11 A DOZEN. IF YOU GET CHICKENS THAT GO OUT IN THE PASTURE AND ALL.
THEY'RE DEBT MONEY SYSTEM. IT'S SCARY TO ME THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT OPERATES WITH THE, YOU KNOW, IT'S ILLEGAL TO USE THIS. YOU KNOW, WE'RE REPRESENTING.
I'M NOT REPRESENTING IT AS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.
I'M A SUBJECT. I LISTENED TO LAURA INGRAHAM. SHE WAS SAYING, WE'RE NOT OUR CITIZENS.
WE'RE WE'RE SUBJECTS. WHAT THE HELL KIND OF COUNTRY IS THIS? THE COUNTRY IS ALL UPSIDE DOWN AND ALL. IT'S REALLY UPSIDE DOWN, AND THE COUNTRY'S GOING BROKE.
I'LL TELL YOU. YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU GOT THIS FRIEND OF MINE WHOSE FATHER IS A BANKER.
SO HE TOLD ME, I SAID, WELL, DREW, WHAT DO YOU THINK? I SAID, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE MONEY SYSTEM IS REALLY GOING BAD.
HE SAID, WELL, TIME IS UP. HE SAYS, WE GOT ONE CREDIT CARD FOR THE 35 TRILLION.
I'LL BE DONE IN A SECOND. NO, YOUR TIME IS UP.
CREDIT CARD. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING? YOU KNOW, YOU THINK ABOUT IT. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS? YOU'RE DIGGING A HOLE. THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE DOING. THANK YOU.
ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? HEARING NONE. SEEING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL MOVE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.