[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on April 22, 2025.]
[00:00:04]
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON JANUARY 12TH, 2025. ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
FOR PUBLIC ACCESS PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARD MEETING@CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075.
MAY WE ALL FIND COMPASSION, EMPATHY, AND SYMPATHY IN BEING GREAT NEIGHBORS, BEING NEIGHBORLY, SHOWING LOVE AND KINDNESS FOR ONE ANOTHER, SEEING ONE AS HUMAN BEINGS, AND SHOWING HUMAN KINDNESS TO ALL.
THIS AGENDA AND EVERYTHING ON IT IS FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT OUR NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 13TH. 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. COMMISSIONER DRAKE. YES. COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY.
YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
DIRECTOR. ROBINSON. HERE WE HAVE OUR COMMISSIONER REPORTS.
WE HAVE THE DEA NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH.
IT IS WHERE WE CLEAN OUT YOUR MEDICINE CABINETS AND DISPOSE OF OLD, UNUSED AND EXPIRED PRESCRIPTIONS AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS, INCLUDING PET MEDICATIONS. YOU CAN FIND OUR DROP RX BOXES NEAR YOU.
YOU CAN VISIT NJ PREVENT.COM/SAFEMEDDISPOSAL.
AND AGAIN THAT'S NJPREVENT.COM/SAFEMEDDISPOSAL.
AND AGAIN THAT'S APRIL 26TH. AGAIN, IT IS THE DEA NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY.
HAZARDOUS WASTE, SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS AT A FREE DROP OFF EVENT HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY DIVISION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.
THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH FROM 9 A.M.
TO 2 P.M. AT THE WARREN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE, LOCATED AT ONE BARTIE ROAD IN WARREN.
AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF, YOU CAN VISIT SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ.GOV/RECYCLE.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR. HI, WELCOME. A COUPLE OF THINGS WENT TO OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS.
NUMBER ONE WAS THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK. A LITTLE BIT SOGGY, A LITTLE BIT COLD AND WINDY.
BUT OUR REENACTORS PERSEVERED AND WE LOST AGAIN.
SO IT'S ALRIGHT. MAYBE NEXT YEAR WE'LL WIN. BUT IT'S A RUNNING THING.
ANYWAYS, THEY DID A FANTASTIC JOB. BOTH OF THE BOROUGHS DID A WONDERFUL JOB.
I'M NOT SURE IF I'M JUMPING INTO COMMISSIONER DRAKE'S REPORT HERE BECAUSE HE'S OUR PARKS LIAISON, BUT IT'S JUST SO IMPRESSIVE ALL THE VOLUNTEER WORK THAT PEOPLE DO IN OUR PARKS.
IT'S JUST THERAPEUTIC RECREATION, OUR HORSES, HORTICULTURE.
IT'S JUST WONDERFUL. SO IT WAS GREAT TO GO TO OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET.
PLANS ARE UNDERWAY FOR OUR JUNE PRIDE EVENTS.
SUMMER, WE'RE TEAMING WITH DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ALLIANCE TO THE DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE ASSOCIATION, RATHER FOR THEIR PRIDE NIGHT. AND WE'LL BE WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THEM HERE IN SOMERVILLE ON THE 26TH.
AND THERE'S A PATRIOT'S NIGHT PRIDE NIGHT AT PATRIOTS STADIUM ON THE 24TH.
SO IT SHOULD BE SOME GOOD THINGS HAPPENING AND FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS.
ALSO WORKING ON A WEBINAR. HAVEN'T DECIDED THE TOPIC YET EITHER A HEALTH OR A LEGAL RELATED TOPIC FOR TEN NINE EDUCATIONAL AND HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR FOLKS. OUR SENIOR AND DISABLED TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD MET FOR OUR QUARTERLY MEETING.
[00:05:06]
NJ TRANSIT CONFIRMED OUR FUNDING FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR FOR $1.17 MILLION IN OUR CASINO FUNDS.$100,000 FOR OUR MOBILITY MANAGEMENT AND $550,000 TOWARDS OPERATING COSTS.
SO THAT'S ALL GOOD NEWS COMING ALONG. AND OUR OPEN SPACE ADVISORY BOARD MET AS WELL.
AND WE DISCUSSED POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS. AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.
WELL, FOR ALL THOSE WHO CELEBRATE, I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A HAPPY EASTER.
WE HAD GUS PENARANDA FROM WHO HELPS REPRESENT ON THE CONSULTING CAPACITY FOR THE HOST COMMITTEE.
REALLY GIVE OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY THE PLAY BY PLAY FOR WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO EXECUTE FOR ONE OF THE LARGEST EVENTS NEW JERSEY HAS EVER SEEN, ALONGSIDE OF OUR 250TH CELEBRATION OF OUR COUNTRY.
SO 2026 IS GOING TO BE A MASSIVE YEAR, AND WE ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE THIS IMPACT OUR ECONOMY POSITIVELY WITH $4 BILLION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH DRIVEN BY TOURISM. AND THESE ARE NUMBERS WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
SO THERE'S A LOT OF COORDINATING THAT'S INVOLVED.
AND OUR SMALL BUSINESSES ARE VERY EXCITED. BUT OF COURSE, BECAUSE OF FIFA AND THE SCALE OF IT, WE HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL FOR WHAT WE DO. SO GUS WAS VERY KIND TO GIVE A RUNDOWN OF WHAT WE CAN DO.
AND WE HAVE OUR CEO, CHRIS EDWARDS, OVER HERE TODAY.
SO WE'RE NOT INFRINGING ON ANY OF FIFA OR LIKE THE WORLD CUP'S DESIGNS, COLORS.
IT'S VERY PARTICULAR. SO WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO DO ONE FOR SOMERSET COUNTY AS A WHOLE TO MAKE SURE OUR BUSINESSES HAVE EVERYTHING THAT THEY NEED TO BRAND IT FOR ANY OF THE REGIONAL GATHERINGS THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD CUP.
SO OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY WAS THRILLED TO SEE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND DIFFERENT BRANDING THAT WE'RE ABLE TO DO ON A REGIONAL BASIS, WHETHER IT'S THE SCARFS THAT YOU MIGHT, MIGHT HAVE SEEN ALREADY IN TURQUOISE.
WE WILL HAVE OUR OWN FOR SOMERSET COUNTY WORKING ALONGSIDE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
MARANO HAD MENTIONED. IT WAS FANTASTIC. AND GROWING UP IN SOMERSET COUNTY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VOLUNTEERING HERE FOR 30 PLUS YEARS, AND I RECOGNIZE SOME OF THEM FROM WHAT I WOULD GO WHEN I WAS GROWING UP.
AND IT WAS VERY FITTING BECAUSE TODAY IS EARTH DAY, AND I DID GET SOME TIME AND, YOU KNOW, SOME OF OUR COUNTY PARKS AND WE ARE DOING AN INCREDIBLE JOB.
SO THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY DO THE WORK ON A DAILY BASIS WITH OUR PARK COMMISSION.
AND I'M SO HAPPY THAT WE GOT TO CELEBRATE THEM.
JUST A FEW DAYS AGO ON THE NJPTA FRONT. AND FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TRANSLATION LIKE I DO SOMETIMES WITH ALPHABET SOUP FOR GOVERNMENT, THAT'S THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AND PLANNING AUTHORITY.
WE'RE ABLE TO GET OUR 206 PROJECT BACK ON THE PRIORITIZATION AGENDA, AND THAT'S $90 MILLION OF FUNDING TO COMPLETE THAT 206 CORRIDOR. IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE'VE BEEN FIGHTING FOR WITH A FEW DELAYS, WHICH COMES WITH THE TERRITORY. BUT DOT HAS MADE THE COMMITMENT THAT WE WILL HAVE THAT PROJECT COMPLETED.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER.
YES. I ALSO WANT TO SAY HAPPY EARTH DAY TO EVERYONE.
IT'S BEEN 55 YEARS AND COUNTING. WE MADE SOME PROGRESS OVER THE LAST 55 YEARS, FROM THE TIME WHEN THE CUYAHOGA RIVER IN OHIO WAS ACTUALLY SO POLLUTED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT SAID THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT WAS PROMPTED BY THE BOOK BY RACHEL CARSON'S SILENT SPRING THAT EXPLAINED THE PERILS OF PESTICIDES LIKE DDT AND HOW THEY HAD AN IMPACT ON OUR ENVIRONMENT.
IN NEW JERSEY, I CAN SAY THROUGH CAREFUL EFFORTS WE RESTORED BALD EAGLES THAT WERE IMPACTED GREATLY BY PESTICIDES FROM A POINT WHERE THERE WAS ONLY ONE REMAINING PAIR OF BREEDING PAIR OF BALD EAGLES IN NEW JERSEY, AND NOW WE CAN COUNT WELL OVER 200 BREEDING PAIRS, INCLUDING THE VERY FAMOUS PAIR OF BALD EAGLES AT DUKE FARMS AND THEY'RE ON THEIR EAGLE CAM.
[00:10:05]
WHICH CREATED THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, AS WELL AS THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.IT'S ALSO INTERESTING THAT HE ALSO SIGNED THE CLEAN WATER ACT TO MAKE OUR RIVERS FISHABLE AND SWIMMABLE, AND SET IN MOTION MAJOR FEDERAL DOLLARS TO INVEST IN PUBLIC SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AND ESTABLISH A PERMIT PROCESS FOR THOSE WHO WANTED TO DISCHARGE POLLUTION INTO OUR WATERWAYS. HE ALSO SIGNED THE CLEAN AIR ACT.
HE ALSO SIGNED THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, AMONG MANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS.
BUT TODAY, THESE LAWS ARE ON THE BOOKS, AND IT'S REALLY HARD TO IMAGINE WHERE OUR WHERE OUR ENVIRONMENT WOULD BE, AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF OUR WATER, THE QUALITY OF OUR DRINKING WATER, AND THE AIR WE BREATHE.
WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT THESE LAWS? SO CERTAINLY JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AS WE CELEBRATE TODAY, EARTH DAY. THERE'S CERTAINLY A LOT OF ACTIVITIES GOING ON.
BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, IT'S YOU KNOW, RECOGNIZE THAT 55 YEARS AND COUNTING.
AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT.
THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. WELL, SARAH AND I, WE ATTENDED THE SOMERSET COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE. WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK WITH TEACHERS AND TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS AND TO GET KIND OF A FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVE ON HOW THINGS ARE GOING IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM. IT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE.
I APPRECIATE THEM INVITING US TO THAT. THE HEALTHIER SOMERSET COALITION RECENTLY MET AND COLLEEN MAHR GAVE A VERY NICE PRESENTATION ON THE COUNTY'S COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE SENDING CANVASSERS OUT TO FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NORTH PLAINFIELD AND SOMERVILLE, AND THEN MAYBE SOME OTHER AREAS AS WELL TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON VARIOUS PUBLIC SERVICES. AND SO THIS IS A TWO YEAR PROGRAM THAT THE COUNTY HAS LAUNCHED, AND IT WAS RECEIVED VERY POSITIVELY BY THE COALITION.
AND LET'S SEE NOW THERE THIS IS NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK AND RVC. THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER HAS A TRAINING PROGRAM TO BECOME EITHER AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHER OR A 911 TELECOMMUNICATOR. SO IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO'S INTERESTED, I BELIEVE THOSE PROGRAMS ARE DURING THE SUMMERTIME.
IT'S A 40 HOUR COURSE TO TRAIN PEOPLE IN THOSE CAREERS.
AND THERE IS A LET'S SEE, THE RETURN OF THE ONE STOP CAREER TRAINING CENTER.
TRAINING SERVICES CAREER CENTER CAFE STARTS AT 2 P.M.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH AT 27 WARREN STREET, WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO AND LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SERVICES THAT ARE ONE STOP CAREER CENTER PROVIDES THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER.
THAT'S MY REPORT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. DO YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND PRESENT THE PROCLAMATION BEFORE WE DO OUR PRESENTATIONS BY OUR EXAMPLE? YES, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL JUST IN CASE.
SO. BUT I'LL SAY THE SAME THING. YEAH. OKAY. ALL RIGHT.
HELLO. WELCOME. OKAY. WHEREAS NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK HAS BEEN CELEBRATED DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF APRIL SINCE 1981.
AND WHEREAS EMERGENCIES REQUIRING QUICK AND KNOWLEDGEABLE RESPONSES FROM POLICE, FIRE, EMERGENCY, MEDICAL AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME.
AND WHEREAS PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS ARE THE FIRST AND MOST CRITICAL CONTACT RESIDENTS HAVE, AS EMERGENCIES UNFOLD 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
AND WHEREAS PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS ARE VITAL TO COLLECTING INFORMATION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHILE OFTEN PROVIDING LIFE SAVING GUIDANCE SUCH AS CPR INSTRUCTION, ENSURING RESIDENTS IN NEED CAN TAKE STEPS TO HELP AND PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOVED ONES.
[00:15:04]
MONITORING AND SUPPORTING THEIR ACTIVITIES BY RADIO AND PROVIDING LIFE SAVING INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN RESPONSE.AND WHEREAS SOMERSET COUNTY'S 911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER STAFF ARE AMONG THE MOST PROFESSIONAL, DEDICATED AND COMMITTED PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS.
AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE THAT SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DO HEREBY HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE COMMITMENT, SACRIFICE, DEDICATION AND HARD WORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY'S 911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER TEAM AND ENCOURAGE ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS TO HELP THE BOARD.
THANK AND APPLAUD THESE DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS.
THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. SO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? THANK YOU. YEAH, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNICATION CENTER STAFF.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THE RECOGNITION. WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU.
YEAH. YOU KNOW, THE COUNTY'S 911 CENTER OPERATES IN THE COURTHOUSE, AND THEY DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB ASSISTING POLICE OFFICERS THROUGHOUT SOMERSET COUNTY, AS WELL AS IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY AS WELL.
A FEW TOWNS THERE. SO WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO.
AND I GUESS IT'S PHOTO OP TIME. ALL RIGHT.
911 OPERATORS OR DISPATCHERS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ARE SOME OF THE MOST STRESSFUL BUT VERY VITAL JOBS.
SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. SO WE HAVE TWO PRESENTATIONS.
FIRST, WE'LL HAVE THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO COME UP TO PRESENT THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM, FOLLOWED BY OUR CEO FROM THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, CHRIS EDWARDS, PROSECUTOR.
GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS, AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW US TO TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A NEW PROGRAM THAT WAS PART OF OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH AND PARTICULARLY TO IMPROVE THE WAY THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDS TO MENTAL HEALTH IN NEW JERSEY.
SO THIS PROGRAM IS REALLY WITH DARREN RUSSO AS OUR COUNTY SHERIFF, FRANK ROMAN, OUR CHIEF OF DETECTIVES, AND MIKE ROGERS, OUR EXECUTIVE CHIEF ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR, WHO HAD BEEN SPEARHEADING A LOT OF THESE MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES IN NEW JERSEY.
SO WE'RE GOING TO TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE BLUE ENVELOPE, WHICH I'M HOLDING.
BUT BEFORE WE DO THAT, I JUST WANT TO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE TONIGHT.
SOME OF THEM PLAY A VERY, VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN AUTISM AND MENTAL HEALTH IN NEW JERSEY.
AND FIRST IS DOREEN JANIK, WHO WILL BE SAYING A FEW THINGS.
SHE IS FROM AUTISM, NEW JERSEY, AND SHE IS THE DIRECTOR OF THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON.
AND SHE SPEAKS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. SHE SPEAKS TO MANY OF OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS.
BOTH, AS I SAID, THROUGHOUT THE STATE. ALSO, WE HAVE A FEW OF OUR REALLY GREAT CHIEFS HERE FROM SOMERSET COUNTY, AND I'D JUST LIKE THEM TO STAND. WE RECOGNIZE WE HAVE CHIEF ROB FERRARO FROM WARREN TOWNSHIP.
WE HAVE CHIEF GREG CRAIG JEREMIAH FROM MANVILLE.
WE HAVE CHIEF DOUG LAGRUE FROM SOUTH BOUND BROOK.
WE ALSO HAVE WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A RETIRED CHIEF WITH US.
CHIEF TIM BARLOW, WHO IS HERE? HE IS FROM TEWKSBURY.
HE'S RETIRED. I KNOW HE'S NOT FROM SOMERSET COUNTY.
HE SAID HE ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK HERE. BUT HE WASN'T SO FORTUNATE TO WORK FOR OUR COUNTY.
HE HAD TO WORK IN HUNTERDON. AND IT'S HE'S MENTIONED THIS MANY, MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT.
HE HAS AN AUTISTIC CHILD AND IS REALLY AT THE FOREFRONT OF HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATES TO AND RESPONDS TO CRITICAL EVENTS WITH PEOPLE WITH AUTISM. SO THE IDEA BEHIND THE BLUE ENVELOPE, WE DIDN'T INVENT IT, BUT BECAUSE OF SOMERSET COUNTY, WE'RE GOING TO DO IT BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE BECAUSE WE HAVE OUR FREEHOLDER DIRECTOR LIAISON, CHANEL ROBINSON, WHO'S ALWAYS ON, COMMISSIONER, ALWAYS ON TOP OF US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DOING A GOOD JOB.
[00:20:02]
ENVELOPES. AND WHAT THE IDEA IS, IS TO HAVE THE CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR CHILD OR YOUR SISTER OR YOUR AUNT OR WHOEVER IT IS WITH AUTISM THAT WHEN THEY'RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE, EVEN IF FOR IF IT'S FOR A ROUTINE TRAFFIC MATTER, THAT THEY CAN HAND THIS ENVELOPE OVER TO THEM.IT HAS A LICENSE, REGISTRATION INSURANCE CARD IN IT AND IMMEDIATELY LETS THE OFFICER KNOW.
OKAY, LET'S TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. LET'S CALM EVERYTHING DOWN.
THIS PERSON MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT ME AND BUT IT'S GOING TO BE A MUCH, MUCH BETTER ENCOUNTER.
I KNOW THAT DARREN WANTED TO SAY A FEW WORDS, AND THEN WE WOULD ALSO LIKE DOREEN TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSIONERS, IF THAT'S OKAY. YEAH. I WILL SAY VERY BRIEF. LISTEN, WITH 30 YEARS OF MY LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER, THIS IS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST. I'D SAY CALLS OR RESPONSES WHEN YOU WHEN YOU'RE DEALING WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT YOU.
I WON'T SAY YOU CAN'T RELATE TO. IT'S HARD TO RELATE TO THEM OR THEY HARD FOR THEM TO RELATE TO YOU. SO EVEN WHEN IT BECOMES SHERIFF, I REMEMBER TRYING TO TEAM UP WITH THE PROSECUTOR. TOOK QUITE A FEW MEETINGS AND WE GOT IT DONE AND GET THIS OUT THERE.
THIS IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AND THE OFFICERS AS FAR AS SAFETY GOES, TOO. SO I REALLY THANK THE PROSECUTOR FOR YOU KNOW, TOOK A WHILE FOR US TO KIND OF HAMMER IT OUT.
WE GOT IT. IT'S HERE. I'M ACTUALLY GOING AFTER THIS MEETING OVER TO FRANKLIN.
SO THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT, TOO.
GOOD EVENING, DIRECTOR ROBINSON. DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU, AGAIN. I AM DOREEN YANIK FROM THE NONPROFIT AUTISM NEW JERSEY.
THERE IS GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO A COUNTYWIDE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM.
PARTICULARLY RELEVANT SINCE THIS MONTH IS AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH.
SO PERFECT TIMING. I COMMEND SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR JOHN MCDONALD, SHERIFF RUSSO CHIEF FRANK ROMAN AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY CHIEFS ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING SAFE AND POSITIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE AUTISM COMMUNITY.
COUNTYWIDE USE OF THE BLUE ENVELOPE IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS THAT GOAL.
NATIONWIDE, 1 IN 31 CHILDREN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM, AND IN NEW JERSEY, ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, 1 IN 29 KIDS. SO THIS IS INCREDIBLY RELEVANT.
AS YOU'RE AWARE, AND AS PROSECUTOR MCDONNELL EXPLAINED TO YOU, THE BLUE ENVELOPE IS AN IMMEDIATE VISUAL CUE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT ALERTS THEM TO THE FACT THAT THE DRIVER IS ON THE SPECTRUM AND PROVIDES CRUCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT DRIVER AND ALLOWS THE OFFICER TO STEP BACK AND SAY, PERHAPS THIS PARTICULAR STOP REQUIRES A DIFFERENT APPROACH, A MORE THOUGHTFUL APPROACH.
NOW, I WILL TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MY BACKGROUND.
I AM RETIRED FROM THE UNION COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, WHERE I SERVED FOR OVER 28 YEARS IN MANY ROLES, INCLUDING AS FIRST ASSISTANT, AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE A NUMBER OF PROSECUTORS WHO INDULGED MY REQUEST TO ENGAGE IN OUTREACH AND ENGAGE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING TO PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND TO LESSEN OUR USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS AND HAVE A MORE THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO POLICING. IN MY CURRENT ROLE AT AUTISM NEW JERSEY, WE'VE LAUNCHED A STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE FUNDED BY THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR FOUNDATION. IT'S DESIGNED TO RAISE AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TO ENCOURAGE LAW ENFORCEMENT ADOPTION OF AUTISM FRIENDLY PRACTICES.
IN PARTICULAR, WE HAVE FORGED A RELATIONSHIP WITH PROSECUTOR MCDONNELL, WHO GRACIOUSLY HOSTED ME LAST YEAR AND ALLOWED ME TO PRESENT TO HIS CHIEFS ASSOCIATION ON VARIOUS AUTISM FRIENDLY PRACTICES. AGAIN, I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT SUMMER CAMP.
SOMERSET COUNTIES DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT TO ENSURING SAFETY OF THE AUTISM COMMUNITY.
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE AUTISM COMMUNITY HAS BEEN ON AN AMAZING TRAJECTORY, ONE IN WHICH AUTISM, NEW JERSEY AND ITS ASSEMBLED LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE IN HOPES OF STATEWIDE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PRACTICES.
SINCE WE ARE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, I WOULD LIKE TO VERY BRIEFLY ACKNOWLEDGE SOME WATCHUNG POLICE OFFICER, JUSTIN BOWMAN, WHO IS A MEMBER OF OUR INITIATIVE SUBCOMMITTEES AND IS THE FATHER OF A CHILD WITH AUTISM.
[00:25:04]
I AM VERY HAPPY AT THIS TIME TO CONGRATULATE YOU AS A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.PROSECUTOR MCDONALD, THE SHERIFF, CHIEF ROMAN, AND THE ASSEMBLED CHIEFS FOR THEIR VERY PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ENSURING SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER TO TURN THE MIC OVER TO RETIRED CHIEF TIM BARLOW, WHO'S A MEMBER OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT AUTISM NEW JERSEY AND WHO IS LARGELY CREDITED WITH BRINGING THE BLUE ENVELOPE TO NEW JERSEY.
SO THANK YOU AGAIN. GOOD EVENING. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, DOREEN.
THIS IS AN INITIATIVE THAT'S GROUNDED IN AWARENESS, SAFETY AND UNDERSTANDING. I WANT TO BEGIN BY THANKING SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF RUSSO, THE SOMERSET COUNTY POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, SPECIFICALLY PROSECUTOR MCDONALD.
CHIEF ROMAN AND I CAN'T FORGET TO MENTION CIT COORDINATOR MCKENZIE CARUSO.
IT TAKES BOTH VISION AND COMPASSION TO BRING A PROGRAM LIKE THIS TO LIFE.
AND SOMERSET COUNTIES EFFORTS REFLECT BOTH OF THOSE. LAUNCHING THIS PROGRAM IN APRIL AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH GIVES THIS MOMENT ADDED SIGNIFICANCE SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1970. AUTISM AWARENESS REMINDED US NOT ONLY TO RAISE AWARENESS, BUT TO ALSO FOSTER ACCEPTANCE, OPPORTUNITY AND RESPECT. THE HOPE HELPS TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE.
IT GIVES INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM A WAY TO NAVIGATE LAW ENFORCEMENT ENCOUNTERS WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE, CLARITY AND SAFETY. THE PROGRAM WAS ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT BY THE STATE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION IN 2022.
IT FIRST TOOK ROOT HERE IN HUNTERDON COUNTY OR IN NEW JERSEY IN HUNTERDON COUNTY.
SINCE THEN, THE PROGRAM HAS STEADILY GAINED TRACTION ACROSS THE STATE.
IN FACT, BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, WE'LL HAVE 19 COUNTIES WITH LAUNCH THEIR OWN PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, BRINGING IT UP TO 19 OF 21 COUNTIES. THE REMAINING TWO COUNTIES HAVE ENSURED US THAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE GETTING IT DONE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, AND BY YEAR'S END, WE ANTICIPATE THAT IT WILL BE A FULL STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION.
ADDITIONALLY, ASSEMBLY BILL, IT WAS AN ASSEMBLY BILL AND A SENATE BILL THAT HAD BEEN SPONSORED THAT WILL MAKE THE BLUE ENVELOPES AVAILABLE TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION LOCATIONS, FURTHER EXPANDING THE ACCESS FOR THE BLUE ENVELOPE.
NATIONWIDE, THE PROGRAM IS GAINING MOMENTUM. SEVEN STATES HAVE NOW OPERATE FULL STATEWIDE PROGRAMS, WHILE SIX MORE, INCLUDING NEW JERSEY, ARE ADVANCING THROUGH LEGISLATION. IN ADDITION, NINE OTHER STATES HAVE INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE ADOPTED THE PROGRAM ON THEIR OWN.
THE BLUE ENVELOPE IS A SIMPLE BUT VERY POWERFUL TOOL.
IT ENABLES A SAFE COMMUNICATION AND EMPOWERS THE INDIVIDUALS TO DISCLOSE THEIR NEEDS WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO, AND IT GIVES OFFICERS INSIGHT THAT CAN HELP PREVENT MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND PROVOKE MORE POSITIVE OUTCOMES. TONIGHT, SOMERSET COUNTY JOINS A GROWING MOVEMENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY FEEL SEEN OR SUPPORTED AND FEEL SAFE.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS IMPORTANT CAUSE.
I THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. AS EVERYONE COMING UP AS WE TAKE A PICTURE? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EVEN DONATE OUR COMMISSIONER BOX TO AUTISM GROUPS, AS SOMETIMES FAMILIES CAN'T GET OUT INTO PUBLIC PLACES BECAUSE OF THE HIGH SENSITIVITY WITH NOISE.
SO WE'VE OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE AUTISM COMMUNITY TO SAFELY ENJOY A FAMILY OUTING.
AND I THINK WE WILL CONTINUE. AND THIS IS RIGHT ON POINT.
SO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE.
AND THANK YOU TO THE PROSECUTOR AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR BRINGING THIS TO SOMERSET COUNTY.
[00:30:09]
THE FLOOR IS YOURS.GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS. CHANGING UP THE PACE OFF OF SOME VERY SERIOUS TOPICS.
SO FIVE YEARS AGO, VIRTUALLY, WE DISCUSSED A LOT ABOUT HOW BUSINESS TRAVEL IN SOMERSET COUNTY CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT BASICALLY OVER A WEEKEND. AND THAT DESTROYED OUR BUSINESS TRAVEL IN THE COUNTY AND WAS BASICALLY ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT A HALF $1 BILLION LOSS IN 2020. WE KNEW AT THAT POINT, THROUGH YOUR LEADERSHIP THAT WE HAD TO REBRAND SOMERSET COUNTY TOURISM FOR A LEISURE TRAVEL MARKET AS BUSINESS TRAVEL CAME BACK AND BUSINESS TRAVEL HAS COME BACK SLOWLY.
BUT WE ALWAYS KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE THE LAST THING TO COME BACK, RIGHT. SO WE BELIEVE THAT 2024 IS THE YEAR WE'RE WAITING FOR OUR FINAL TOURISM NUMBERS TO COME IN FROM THE STATE THAT WILL BE IN MAY. BUT WE BELIEVE THIS 2024 WAS THE YEAR WE ACTUALLY HIT RECOVERY AND GOT BACK TO OUR 2019 NUMBERS.
AND I REALLY THINK WE'RE REALLY MOVING AT GREAT SPEED HERE TO BRING TRAVELERS, VISITORS AND RESIDENTS INTO WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. SO YOU GO BACK THREE YEARS. WE LAUNCHED CIP, NC, SOMERSET, WHICH HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS.
WE'VE HAD 20,000 COMPLETIONS. WE'RE AT THE NEW EDITION NOW.
THE PEOPLE WHO COMPLETE BOTH TIERS, WHICH IS 13 STOPS IN THE COUNTY, GET SWEATSHIRTS.
WE HAVE PEOPLE COMING IN PROBABLY A HALF DOZEN TO A DOZEN EACH WEEK GETTING THEIR HOODIES.
SO THEY GO INTO 13 LOCATIONS, PLACES THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN EXISTED IN THE COUNTY.
SO THAT PROGRAM HAS BEEN A GREAT SUCCESS. WE WENT TO DIGITAL KIOSKS.
WE MOVED AWAY FROM OUR VISITOR CENTER. THAT WAS OBSOLETE.
AND AS COMMISSIONER SOOY MENTIONED, THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN THAT SPACE RIGHT NOW.
BUT WE'RE HERE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT A PROGRAM TO PROMOTE OUR AGRITOURISM INDUSTRY.
SO JUST TO KIND OF GIVE YOU A BACKGROUND OF WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT.
SOMERSET COUNTY. THIS IS FROM THE 2017 AG CENSUS.
RANKS NINTH AMONGST 21 COUNTIES IN THE STATE WITH 452 FARMS. AND THAT'S AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER THAT, THAT PREVIOUS FIVE YEAR PERIOD.
SO IT'S A GROWING INDUSTRY. AND I THINK WE KNOW AS TRAVEL CHANGED DURING THE PANDEMIC.
AGRITOURISM AND LEISURE TRAVEL REALLY WENT HAND IN HAND.
PEOPLE REDISCOVERED THEIR LOCAL PARKS, THEIR FARMS. AND I THINK THAT CULMINATES IN WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO SEE TODAY.
SO I'M GOING TO STEP ASIDE AND LET MELISSA KIND OF GET INTO THE PROGRAM.
BUT WE LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK. NEXT SLIDE. SO AS CHRIS MENTIONED OUR YOU KNOW, WE KNOW OUR FARMS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR ECONOMY IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
JERSEY FRESH GROWN IN MONMOUTH. HUDSON VALLEY, LEHIGH VALLEY.
THEY ALL HAVE VERY SUCCESSFUL AGRITOURISM PROGRAMS AIMED AT THE LEISURE TRAVELER.
AND IT STRIVES TO ACCOMPLISH THREE PRIMARY GOALS.
AND OF COURSE, THE PRIMARY THE OVERALL GOAL IS PROMOTING OUR FARMS AND AGRITOURISM DESTINATIONS.
AND WITH THAT COMES FOSTERING PRIDE WITH OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, GETTING YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CLOSE TO HOME, GOING TO A U-PICK FARM WITH YOUR FAMILY,
[00:35:02]
WHETHER THAT'S A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM OR STRAWBERRIES, BERRIES, ALL THAT.AND THEN ALSO TO FORM COLLABORATIONS WITH OUR RESTAURANTS AND OTHER AREA BUSINESSES THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN, IN WORKING WITH AND PROMOTING OUR AGRITOURISM DESTINATIONS.
THIS IS A SCREENSHOT OF OUR, OUR WEBSITE THAT WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH.
SO YOU'LL SEE THAT WE'RE TRYING TO PROMOTE YOU KNOW WHY BUY LOCAL.
BUT ALSO, YOU KNOW, LOOKING AT EVEN OUR ANIMAL FARMS. SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT SEEDED, WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT ANYTHING THAT'S JUST LITERALLY A SEED.
WE MEAN SEEDED AS IN ANYTHING GROWN. SO WHETHER THAT'S AN ANIMAL OR A FRUIT OR A VEGGIE.
NEXT SLIDE. AND SO WE DID WANT TO ALSO COMBINE SOME OF THE COUNTY'S RESOURCES WITH THIS.
SO WE'VE BEEN WORKING A LOT, AS CHRIS SAID, WITH JESSICA, WITH CAROL ANNE WITH KATELYN KATZER OF COURSE, AT FARMLAND PRESERVATION. AND THERE'S SO MANY GREAT ASSETS THAT WE CAN FIND ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE THAT THAT TIE IN SO NICELY WITH THE PROGRAM THAT WE'RE LAUNCHING, LIKE THE OPEN SPACE PROGRAM, THE HIGHLIGHTS THAT THE COUNTY DOES FOR OUR FARMERS.
THERE'S AN INTERACTIVE MAP THAT'S AVAILABLE IN GIS, AND THERE WILL BE A FORTHCOMING COOKBOOK.
AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, DO SOME CROSS-PROMOTION WITH.
AND SO WHAT DO THE NEXT 12 MONTHS LOOK LIKE FOR THIS PROGRAM.
SO WE DO WANT TO LAUNCH THE WEBSITE IN JUNE OF 2025.
SO JUST IN ABOUT SIX WEEKS OR SO. BUT, YOU KNOW, THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME OF THE MARKETING MATERIALS THAT YOU'LL SEE COMING OUT, LIKE THE LITTLE GIVEAWAYS, THE STICKERS THAT PEOPLE CAN HAVE EVEN LIKE YOU KNOW, THE DECALS THAT SAY A RESTAURANT HAS, THEY USE TOMATOES FROM A FARM OR, YOU KNOW, CHICKENS THAT THEY CAN GET INDOORS, FOR INSTANCE.
SO IF YOU WALK INTO A RESTAURANT LIKE SALTED LIME, FOR INSTANCE, USES LOCAL PRODUCE FROM OUR FARMS, YOU COULD SEE LIKE A LITTLE STICKER IN THEIR WINDOW THAT SAYS SEEDED IN SOMERSET.
SO THAT WAY THAT THEY KNOW WHEN YOU PATRONIZE THOSE RESTAURANTS THAT YOU'RE ALSO HELPING SUPPORT OUR FARMS. AND WE LIKE TO TAKE IT ON THE ROAD. WE LOVE TO VISIT OUR FARMERS MARKETS.
SO BEING INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY YOU KNOW, HEADING TO THE FARMER'S MARKETS AND, AND SOME OF THOSE OTHER LIKE AG AND ACTION EVENTS THAT OCCUR. YOU KNOW, WE'LL DEFINITELY MAKE SURE WE HAVE A PRESENCE AT.
AND OF COURSE IT COMES WITH JUST BUILDING OVERALL BRAND.
SO, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU THINK OF A LOT OF PEOPLE, WHEN YOU THINK OF A PLACE LIKE HUDSON VALLEY, THEY'RE THINKING OF A LOT OF THE AGRITOURISM DESTINATIONS, THEIR WINERIES, THEIR FARMS, AND PEOPLE CAN SPEND ALL DAY WITH THEIR FAMILY AND REALLY JUST PARTICIPATE IN THOSE PROGRAMS. AND WE'D LOVE TO.
THAT'S OUR VISION. WE'D LOVE TO BE ABLE TO REPLICATE THAT.
AND THAT'S THE PROGRAM REALLY IN A NUTSHELL. WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.
AND YEAH, WE'RE HOPING THAT THE HOME PAGE THIS WEBSITE IS LITERALLY THE BASE FOR GETTING FARMERS TO REGISTER FOR DECALS, FOR LAWN SIGNS. WE ALSO ONE ON THE OTHER SIDE RESTAURANTS TO BE ABLE TO SAY, HEY, WE HAVE, YOU KNOW, XYZ IN OUR MENU THAT IS SOURCED LOCALLY HERE IN SOMERSET.
OUR TEAM HERE AT TOURISM WILL VERIFY THESE ITEMS AND THEN WE WOULD DISTRIBUTE THOSE LONG LAWN SIGNS, DECALS AND THINGS LIKE. THAT'S WHY WE SAY 12 MONTHS.
THOSE TYPES OF THINGS TAKE TIME TO GET THE BRAND STARTED.
A LOT OF THAT COMES THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH, WHERE THEY SEE ONE FARMER SEES A SIGN AS THEY GO DOWN THE ROAD AT THEIR NEIGHBORING FARM, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THEY WANT TO THEY WANT TO FIND OUT MORE AS WELL. SO IT DOES TAKE TIME TO GET THE BRAND OFF THE GROUND.
BUT I THINK AS, AS MELISSA'S MENTIONED JERSEY FRESH IS SUCH AN ICONIC BRAND.
YOU KNOW, THOSE ONES THAT HAVE THAT, THAT BANNER OUTSIDE THEIR, THEIR FARM HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, WE WANT TO HAVE OUR, OUR MARKETING AS HERE AS WELL.
SO WE THINK THIS IS IT'S THE PERFECT TIMING. AND AS THE STATS WE MENTIONED I'M PREACHING TO THE CHOIR HERE, BUT SOMERSET COUNTY IS A AGRITOURISM INDUSTRY.
AND WE REALLY WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT. AND WE THINK THIS IS, THIS IS A LITTLE UNIQUE FOR TOURISM, RIGHT? BECAUSE A LOT OF OUR CAMPAIGNS HAVE BEEN BRINGING IN THAT OUTSIDE TRAVELER.
THAT OUTSIDE VISITOR. BUT AND NOW THIS. WE'RE REALLY NOT ONLY FOCUSING ON THOSE FOLKS, BUT WE'RE ALSO FOCUSING ON RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN TOWN. TYING ALL THIS TOGETHER.
[00:40:06]
I THINK NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.SO WE MOVE ON TO THE REST OF OUR PROGRAM. COMMUNICATIONS, NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, NOTICE OF FILING FOR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED COST, RECOVERY OF LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PLAN.
AND MOVING ON TO OPEN SPACE ACQUISITIONS. HELLO.
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN TOP ANY OF THAT, BUT I'LL TRY.
RESOLUTION 25 900 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK NINE, LOTS 25 THROUGH 31 IN THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE, OWNED BY MICHAEL CHHABRA. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $110,000.
SO THIS IS A PROPERTY ALONG DUKES PARKWAY IN MANVILLE, NEAR THE RARITAN RIVER.
THE PROPERTY IS ALSO IN PROXIMITY TO PARCELS THAT HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS.
THOSE ARE IN THE LIGHT GREEN. SO IT IS AN AREA IN AN AREA THAT'S BEEN TARGETED FOR BUYOUTS, FOR FLOOD MITIGATION. THE ACQUISITION WOULD CONTINUE TO, ADVANCE THE PRESERVATION PLAN BY PREVENTING A PARCEL IN A FLOOD ZONE AREA FROM BEING DEVELOPED, PRESENTING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REVEGETATION OF A SITE TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE FLOOD STORAGE DURING STORM EVENTS. AND ALSO, IT DOES HELP WITH US ASSISTING THE MUNICIPALITIES IN PRESERVING LAND IN SMALLER MUNICIPALITIES SUCH AS MANVILLE, WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE SO MUCH LAND. IT GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THEM DO THAT.
ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THESE RESOLUTIONS? 25. OH, I THOUGHT HE DID THAT ONE. GET A TWOFER FOR ME TONIGHT.
OKAY. NEXT RESOLUTION 20 5-901, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 116.02, LOT SEVEN, IN THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN, OWNED BY DNB ASSOCIATES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,526,950. SO THIS PROPERTY IS DEVELOPED WITH A ONE AND TWO STORY MASONRY BLOCK BUILDING WITH AN UNFINISHED BASEMENT THAT HOUSES MR. BRIEGER, THE OWNER'S ACTIVE HOME RENOVATION CONTRACTING BUSINESS.
THE PROPERTY IS FLANKED BY MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE TO THE EAST AND COUNTY OPEN SPACE TO THE WEST, AND LAND ACROSS ORLANDO DRIVE TO THE NORTH IS ALSO COUNTY OPEN SPACE.
THAT'S EVERYTHING IN THE DARK GREEN. LIGHT GREEN IS MUNICIPAL OWNED OPEN SPACE.
THE ACQUISITION WOULD CONTINUE TO ADVANCE THE GOALS OF THE MASTER PLAN BY PRESERVING A PARCEL CRITICAL TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE RARITAN RIVER GREENWAY AND THE RARITAN RIVER GREENWAY BIKEWAY, WHICH IS WHAT'S SHOWN IN THE DASHED AND SOLID LINES.
THE SOLID IS WHAT WE'VE COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION WE'VE COMPLETED ON OUR BIKEWAY.
THE ORANGE IS THE COUNTY BIKEWAY. THE BLUE IS PETERSBURG GREENWAY.
THAT'S SOMERVILLE'S INITIATIVE, THE DASHED YELLOW IS TO BE DETERMINED.
THAT IS, THAT IS WHAT WE STILL NEED TO INFILL, AND YOU'LL SEE THAT THIS PROPERTY FALLS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT AREA THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE. IT ALSO REMOVES AN IMPROVEMENT AND IT'S IMPERVIOUS PERVIOUS COVERAGE FROM FLOODPLAIN.
AND HOPING WE CAN REVEGETATE THIS SITE AS WELL TO SERVE AS FLOOD STORAGE.
ALSO ELIMINATES THE POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON THE PROPERTY, SINCE THIS IS LOCATED IN A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE. AND AS WE CAN GET A CONTRACT OUT TO DO IT. WE HAVE ENOUGH PROJECTS THAT WE CAN DO ANOTHER FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT DEMO CONTRACT AS SOON AS WE CAN CLOSE ON IT. NOT YET. AND, YOU KNOW, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT PRETTY CLOSELY.
THIS THIS AREA OF THE BOROUGH IS NOTORIOUS. SO THE OWNER HAS DONE SOME INVESTIGATION.
HE HAS INDICATED THAT HE'S GOTTEN SOME SIGN OFFS ON SOME REMEDIATION.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? OKAY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
[00:45:06]
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THESE RESOLUTIONS? 25-900 AND 25-901 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR MAY 13TH.OKAY. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER DRAKE. YES.
COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY.
DIRECTOR MARANO. DIRECTOR. ROBINSON. YES. GOOD AFTERNOON.
25 902 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS A FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO ACCEPT AN ADDITIONAL $29,880 IN WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT ADULT FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2023 TO JUNE 30TH, 2025. JUST SO YOU KNOW, THIS IS AN EXTRA AWARD THAT WE HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATING TO RESOLVE AN ISSUE THAT DATES BACK ALMOST A YEAR.
RESOLUTION 20 5-903 AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND TIC00424 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,544 TO NEW JERSEY EASTERN STAR HOME INCORPORATED AS PRINCIPAL AND CERTAINTY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY OF [INAUDIBLE] AVENUE, COUNTY ROAD 633, WITH REFERENCE TO A PROJECT LOCATED IN BLOCK 252, LOT TWO, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, AND ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AS BW321S.
RESOLUTION 2904, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE UNIFORM SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR RADIO DISPATCH SERVICES BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE BOROUGH OF DUNELLEN FOR THE PERIOD OF JUNE 1ST, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2028.
I BELIEVE THAT WAS DONE, JOE, BEFORE I CAME ON BOARD.
THAT'S JUST THE THEY ASSESSED HOW MANY CALLS OR WHAT THEY THOUGHT AN AVERAGE IS HOW THE FORCES.
AND THEN THEY NEGOTIATED A WAY TO PAY FOR A HIGHER PRICE THAN THAT.
AND IT'S BASED UPON SIZE. THE NUMBER, YOU KNOW HOW MANY OFFICERS ARE WORKING AT NIGHT.
YOU KNOW, THERE'S A HISTORICAL DATA. THAT'S ESSENTIALLY WHAT IT IS.
YEP. AND THEN IT WAS DETERMINED HOW MANY DISPATCHERS WOULD BE USED, WHETHER OR NOT FOR THE COST.
YEAH. WHETHER OR NOT WE NEED ADDITIONAL STAFF OR ANYTHING TO THAT NATURE. NO.
YEAH. CORRECT. THIS IS AN EXTENSION. THIS IS GOES BACK AND A LOT OF THEM DIDN'T HAVE THE TRAINING EITHER AT THE EMT TRAINING OR SO THEY RELIED ON OUR DISPATCH CENTER. OKAY. RESOLUTION 25905 AUTHORIZED THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF A 2004 E45 AMBULANCE FROM THE KENDALL PARK FIRST AID SQUAD TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY TRAINING ACADEMY.
RESOLUTION 25906 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO COMCAST CORP.
THIS IS YEAR ONE OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,246,803.40.
RESOLUTION 25907 IS CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR VA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, LLC AT MILLSTONE, NEW JERSEY FOR LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES OF THE BERNIE FIELD PARKING DECK, 15 MECHANIC STREET OR SOMERVILLE. THE CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $1,019,000.
THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $994,431. THIS CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE IS A DECREASE OF $24,569.
RESOLUTION 25908 IS A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO DMR ARCHITECTS AND HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY TO THE DESIGN OF A MULTI-USE WAREHOUSE FACILITY.
30360 ROYCE FIELD ROAD, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $84,000 FOR A NEW CONTRACT.
[00:50:06]
THE FIRST ONE IS A SUBSLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM, WHICH WE NEED TO ADD DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS.SO IT WOULD JUST FLOW WITHOUT A PUMP STATION.
[INAUDIBLE] RESOLUTION 25-909 CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO FRENCH AND PARALLEL ASSOCIATES OF WALL, NEW JERSEY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE F0807 DAVENPORT STREET, OVER PETER'S BROOK, BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,981 FOR A NEW CONTRACT.
AMOUNT OF $289,617. RESOLUTION 25-910. CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO KNIGHT CONSULTING GROUP OUT OF S IN NEW JERSEY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF BRIDGE K0607 NEW BRUNSWICK ROAD OVER AL'S BROOK IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,918.23.
THE NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $414,307.53. RESOLUTION 20 5-911 IS A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER TWO TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING AND DESIGN, INC., OUT OF RED BANK, NEW JERSEY. THE DESIGN OF BRIDGE D, 1003 BURNT MILLS ROAD OVER MASON.
EXCUSE ME. OVER MILL RACE MILL RACEWAY, OFF THE WILMINGTON RIVER IN BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP.
SO NOT TO EXCEED $7,900 FOR A NEW CONTRACT. AMOUNT OF $378,220.58.
RESOLUTION 25 912. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2025.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $42,271. RESOLUTION 25913 RICHARD HALL, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC 015625 TO FREEDOM YOGA IN RARITAN, NEW JERSEY FOR YOGA SERVICES FOR ONE YEAR. CONTRACT WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND AN ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR.
RESOLUTION 25914. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO VIRTUA IT SYSTEMS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF GREENBROOK UPS UNIT UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 24TELE 71883. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $61,413.75.
RESOLUTION 25915 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR OCCUPATIONAL, MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES.
INSTITUTE FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY IN OAKLAND, NEW JERSEY.
BARNABAS HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP, WEST LONG BRANCH, NEW JERSEY.
PHYSICAL THERAPY LLC, BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY.
AND PRINCETON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, INC. OF PLAINSBORO.
CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE TIME EACH ORDER IS PLACED.
25-916 IS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO INDUSTRIAL COOLING CORP.
25-917 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL.
THIS IS FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF OUR HVAC SYSTEMS AND BOILERS.
IT'S THE SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 138,425. DASH 918 IS AUTHORIZED AN AWARD OF CONTRACT A DEER CARCASS REMOVAL.
THIS IS FOR STREET SWEEPING DISPOSAL. FIRST YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 25,025-919 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR THE RECYCLING OF TREE, BRUSH, STUMPS, LEAVES, LOG CHIPS AND PALLETS.
THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT AND WE'RE NOT CERTIFYING ANY FUNDS AT THIS TIME.
20 5-9 20 IS AWARD A CONTRACT TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR GASOLINE.
IT'S THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT. 25 921 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC 0-014921 CC DASH 014921S AND CC 0149 21S2R TO COUNTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS FOR UPGRADES, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT FOR BLUE STONE PROBATE SYSTEM.
[00:55:07]
FIFTH YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $34,635.RESOLUTION 25922. THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO CLEARY, JACOBY, ELLSBURY, AND JACOBS AND RAINONE COUGHLIN, MINCHILLO ATTORNEYS AT LAW TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $250,000.
RESOLUTION 25923. THIS IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FROM PREVIOUS AWARDING CONTRACTS TO CLEARY JACOBY, PERRY, JACOBS LAW OFFICES OF SCHOLL AND WITZEL, JASON LAMPARELLO, MELONIE AND RUSSO, SHAIN SCHAEFER AND FLANAGAN, VARONE AND O'BRIEN. NOT TO EXCEED A DECREASE OF $138,696.34.
THIS IS APPROVAL OF CONFIRMING ORDER TO TURF, SURF AND NURF IN SOMERVILLE FOR A MEETING THAT WAS HOSTED ON MONDAY, MARCH 24TH FOR A COUNTY WIDE GATHERING OF THE MUNICIPAL MAYORS AND [INAUDIBLE] TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $225.
THE ELECTION BOARD RESOLUTION 25925. THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO FLATBUSH MOVING BAND AT LINDEN, NEW JERSEY FOR THE MOVING OF THE VOTING MACHINES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
PRIMARY ELECTION, 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $31,990.
CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS TO VARIOUS BUILDING STRUCTURES LOCATED IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $68,944.50. RESOLUTION 25-927 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO HAR CONSTRUCTION OUT OF NORTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY FOR MAINTENANCE.
CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS OF VARIOUS PARK COMMISSION STRUCTURES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $260,000. RESOLUTION 20 5-928 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AT LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
FOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR OPERATION OF A FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $46,226.25.
APPROXIMATELY 20, SUMMER ACCOMMODATION, STREAM GAUGES AND RAIN GAUGES.
AND THEN WE HAVE SOME SEPARATE RAIN GAUGES AND DIFFERENT KINDS OF OTHER.
[INAUDIBLE] THE 25-930 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO VAN CLEEF ENGINEERING AT HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY, FOR AN OPEN SPACE AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE THOMPSON PROPERTY.
BLOCK 165, LOTS ONE, TWO, THREE AND 13 AND BLOCK 169, LOT THREE IN HILLSBORO TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,890.45. RESOLUTION 25-9 31. APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO NEW JERSEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR NJAS GALA, ATTENDED BY KATE KATZER ON MARCH 29TH, 2025, WILL NOT TO EXCEED $97932 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO MURPHY ORLANDO FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR CIVIL COMMITMENTS FROM 5000 TO 15,000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 15,933 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION FUNDS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF [INAUDIBLE] CONTRACT TO SHOAL AND WHITLEY FOR KROLL CLIENT REPRESENTATION OR OTHER SPECIAL LITIGATION MATTERS FROM 10,000 TO 16,000 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED A TOTAL OF 16,000.
25934 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. 25935, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO WHITSON FOR THE PURCHASE OF SHELF STABLE MEALS AND HOME DELIVERED MEALS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $110,310.
RESOLUTION 25936 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO WHITSON'S ESLANDA IN NEW YORK.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,534. RESOLUTION 25937 AUTHORIZING CERT OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO UNIQUE SECURITY AND CONSULTING SERVICES.
CONTRACT CC 0051-25 FOR SECURITY AT 27 WARREN STREET FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1ST, 2025 THROUGH JUNE
[01:00:10]
30TH, 2025, NOT TO EXCEED $13,000. RESOLUTION 25 938 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TYLER TECHNOLOGIES FOR BETRA SPEC COUNTY SOLUTIONS YEARLY USER LICENSE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $495.75. RESOLUTION 25 939 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO POST ACE HARDWARE, SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY, FOR HANDYMAN PROGRAM SUPPLIES NOT TO EXCEED $159.79.AFTERNOON RESOLUTION 25941 TAKEN FROM ORDER TO COVER CAPON, CEDAR GROVE, NEW JERSEY, THOUGH NOT TO EXCEED 2000.
THANK YOU. 25942 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR PARTS AND SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $71,360.
25 943 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR LOCKSMITH FIRE PROTECTION.
ELEVATORS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 57,500. 25 944 IS APPROVAL OF PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO LANDAUER AND INDUSTRIAL COOLING CORP FOR VARIOUS SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18094.88. 259-45 IS AMENDING R 25-223. WE HAD A CORRECT THE CONTRACT NUMBER.
AND THIS WAS FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 5000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 5000. 25-947 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO KEYPORT ARMY NAVY, AND THIS IS FOR UNIFORMS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 1100.
25-949 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL FOR GASOLINE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $157,926.13. 25-950 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MULTIPLE PARTS AND REPAIR VENDORS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $73,173.91.
THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTION 25-902 THROUGH 25-950 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR MAY 13TH. ROLL CALL PLEASE.
RESOLUTION 25849. THIS IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO BE KNOWN FOR LEGAL SERVICES.
TOTAL AMOUNT TO EXCEED $27,016.96. 25 850 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH SIEMENS INDUSTRY FOR SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR PASS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,900.
25851 IS AUTHORIZING OUR FIRST GROUP OF QUALIFIED EMPLOYERS FOR OPTION A APPLICATION TO REQUEST BE THE PARTICIPANT FOR 2025 GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM.
AND THIS WILL ALLOW US TO GO OUT ONCE MORE. WE HAVE ABOUT $35 MILLION READY.
8852 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR SUMMER THROUGH EXPERIENCE PROGRAM SERVICES FOR [INAUDIBLE] COUNTY IN SOMERSET COUNTY TO CREATIVE MARKETING ALLIANCE FOR OPTION C DIGITAL OUTREACH, MARKETING AND UPDATING OF EXISTING LANDING PAGE SERVICES, AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,900 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF APRIL 1ST, 2025 TO OCTOBER 31ST, 2025. NA 53 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN [INAUDIBLE] TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT UP TO $1 MILLION IN PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY GRANTS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD. THAT SHOULD BE FOR A TWO YEAR PERIOD.
[01:05:03]
SORRY, I SCREWED UP FOR JUNE. FROM JUNE 1ST, 2025 TO MAY 31ST, 2027.WE HAVE A LOT. I KNOW JEAN, MY COORDINATOR, TOOK OVER 12 CALLS OVER THE WEEKEND FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE SUDDENLY REALIZING, OH, MY KID WANTS TO WORK. SEVERAL OF THEM, THOUGH, ARE THEY'RE EITHER TOO YOUNG OR THEY ONCE THEY REALIZE WHAT'S ENTAILED, THEY'RE NOT INTERESTED. SO IT'S REALLY NOW THE NEXT MONTH IS TRYING TO PUT THE PUZZLE TOGETHER OF WHO'S GOING TO GO TO WHAT COMPANY, AND WILL A COMPANY WANT THEM TO RELOCATE, WANT THEM.
BUT I'M CONFIDENT THAT WE'LL GET ALL 90 POSITIONS FILLED BY THE END OF JUNE.
16. TEAM. AND IF THEY'RE 16 AND 17, THEY HAVE TO GET THERE.
THEY HAVE TO GET THEIR WORKING PAPERS, OF COURSE. RESOLUTION 25-854. I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A THREE MONTH PILOT PROGRAM ADVERTISING LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH BRIDGEWATER COMMONS MALL. AND IT'S GOING TO BE REALLY GREAT TO HELP US PROMOTE OUR COUNTY SERVICES IN A UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT AND INNOVATIVE WAY.
THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 20 5-8 55 INSTITUTE ADOPT GUIDELINES FOR USE OF COUNTY OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION TRUST FUNDS FOR MUNICIPAL FUNDING THROUGH THE TRAILS GRANT PROGRAM.
GOOD EVENING. 25. 856 IS AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A TEMPORARY EMERGENCY BUDGET.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NJSA 40A4-20 AND 25857 IS APPROPRIATING UNALLOCATED OPEN SPACE RESERVE FUNDS FOR VARIOUS PARK IMPROVEMENTS.
SO ROLL CALL, PLEASE. YES. YES.
YES. SO WE MOVE ON TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING.
ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES.
NO YIELDING OF TIME. NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.
PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR? I. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK? HELLO. MY NAME IS DAN ARONSON. I'M PROFESSOR EMERITUS ECONOMICS AT RVCC, WHERE I TAUGHT FOR 35 YEARS.
I'M GOING TO BE HOSTING A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT THE COLLEGE ON INVESTMENTS IN LOWER COSTS.
AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL. THERE WILL BE MULTIPLE ASPECTS TO THE DISCUSSION, INCLUDING CONTRACTUAL IDEAS THAT WOULD BENEFIT ALL SIDES. WHEN I HOSTED A CONFERENCE ON THESE IDEAS IN 2017, FREEHOLDERS, AS THEY WERE THEN CALLED FROM BOTH SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON COUNTIES, IMMEDIATELY ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO ATTEND.
TODAY, I'M INVITING YOU TO ATTEND THE UPCOMING ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION.
ROOMS ARE RESERVED FOR THE FIRST TEN DAYS IN JUNE.
WE'D BE HAPPY TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR SCHEDULE. ALTHOUGH COUNTY LEADERS IN 2017 DID GIVE MY IDEAS A HEARING, THEY WERE AN EXCEPTION. PEOPLE RARELY LISTEN TO IDEAS THAT DIVERGE FROM BUSINESS AS USUAL, WHICH EXPLAINS WHY EVERYONE ENDURES THE BURDENS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILED STATUS QUO.
GIVEN THE TENDENCY OF PEOPLE TO DISMISS IDEAS THAT DIVERGE FROM BUSINESS AS USUAL, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD NEVER GET THE COMPREHENSIVE HEARING THAT MY IDEAS DESERVE. THEN LAST FALL, I SUBMITTED A MANUSCRIPT TO THE OFFICE OF CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, WHO REPLIED THROUGH AN ASSISTANT THAT SHE WAS INTRIGUED BY MY IDEAS AND THAT I SHOULD FORWARD THOSE IDEAS TO CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR
[01:10:08]
WHO WERE WILLING TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RVC BOARD OF TRUSTEES GAVE ME AN EXTENDED HEARING, AFTER WHICH I WAS GRANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO HOST A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION.I CAME HERE TO TALK TO YOU FACE TO FACE, BY THE WAY.
I WAITED HOURS TO GET TO THIS POINT. I'M HOPING THAT YOU GIVE AN AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSE TO MY INVITATION. WE DON'T. YEAH, WE NEED THE DATES AND WE GIVE THAT TO OUR CLERK BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE OUR CALENDARS IN FRONT OF US, SO. WELL, LIKE I SAID, IT WOULD PROBABLY BE THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF JUNE.
WE WOULD ACCOMMODATE YOUR SCHEDULE. BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU NEED A TIME OR A CHOICE OF TIMES, BUT REALLY, I'M HOPING TO LEAVE TODAY WITH AN AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSE TO THE INVITATION, EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T GIVE YOU A PRECISE DATE. IF WE'RE AVAILABLE, WE'LL MAKE IT.
IF WE'RE AVAILABLE. I'LL WORK IT AROUND. SO I WILL CONTACT THE CLERK.
AND YOU MADE ME HAPPY. AND THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH.
AND I AIM TO MAKE YOU EVEN MORE HAPPY. THANK YOU.
DO WE HAVE PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS? NO ONE TO FOLLOW THAT ACT.
IF NOTHING FURTHER, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL MOVE ON TO 6:00.
BECAUSE I GUESS WE'LL IN. ANY ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONER REPORTS.
ANYTHING ANYONE FORGOT?
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.