[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on September 23, 2025.]
[00:00:07]
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.
PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US.
THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075.
ALLEGIANCE]. LET'S CONTINUE TO LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. CONTINUE TO BE HUMANE TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER, AND BUILD AND MOVE TOWARDS WORKING TOGETHER INSTEAD OF DRIVING APART.
THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2025TH MEETING OF SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT OUR NEXT MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 14TH. 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 GRANER. HERE. COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
HERE. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
HERE. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. HERE. IT HAS BEEN QUITE A BUSY 2 WEEKS, SO I'LL JUMP RIGHT INTO MY REPORTS.
I WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE OF OUR 2ND ANNUAL VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH AT 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM AT THE VFW POST 2290, IN MANVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
AND THAT ADDRESS IS 600 WASHINGTON AVENUE, MANVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CALL (908) 704-6300.
WE HAVE EXHIBITORS SUCH AS HACKENSACK MERIDIAN, YMCA, AMERICAN RED CROSS, FEDEX, WALGREENS, AND MANY OTHERS. SO PLEASE JOIN US ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH.
ON YESTERDAY, WE HAD OUR SOMERSET COUNTY CHAPTER MEETING OF THE COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR ACTION.
IN ATTENDANCE WERE MANY ENGINEER FIRMS, STATE AGENCIES AND PARTNERS SUCH AS JCP&L, NJ TRANSIT, AMERICAN WATER AND NJDEP. SOME OF THE PROJECTS DISCUSSED WERE SPECIFIC TO OUR COUNTY, SUCH AS THE GREEN BROOK FLOOD PROJECT, UPGRADES TO THE BERNARDSVILLE TRAIN STATION, UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, AND WE CONTINUE TO PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING A GREAT PLACE TO RUN A BUSINESS OR RAISE A FAMILY, AND IN LARGE PART DUE TO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOW WE TAKE THAT MATTER VERY SERIOUSLY.
THANK YOU TO MATT LOPER FOR PRESENTING TO THE GROUP THAT 26 PROJECTS WERE IN THE COST OF $42 MILLION WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE YEAR TO COME. AND LAST YEAR, 2024, 14 PROJECTS TOTALING $18 MILLION WERE COMPLETED.
SO KUDOS. [APPLAUSE] I THINK WE ALL KNOW AND UNDERSTAND HOW BUSY AND HOW MUCH WE DO, BUT SEEING IT BEING PRESENTED IN 1 PLACE ON 1 AGENDA, IT WAS LIKE, WOW, WE DO A LOT.
AND THAT'S JUST ON THE ENGINEERING AND PLANNING SIDE.
SO JUST JUST LOOKING FORWARD TO 2026. ALSO, I ATTENDED THE COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION THE OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING OF THEIR FRANKLIN HUB. THEY HAVE BEEN SERVICING SOMERSET COUNTY SINCE 2017.
AND THEM HAVING A BRICK AND MORTAR OR PERMANENT PLACE TO, TO LAND AND TO CONTINUE TO BEING THE LEAD IN OUR COUNTY'S RESPONSE TO SUBSTANCE USE THROUGH PREVENTION, HARM REDUCTION, EDUCATION AND RECOVERY SUPPORT.
GIVES THEM THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DO JUST THAT. THEY HAVE BUILT A STRONG PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS LIKE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LINCOLN GARDENS, ZUFALL HEALTH, AND OUR OWN SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE.
SO AS THEY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS COST FREE RECOVERY PEER TO PEER RECOVERY SERVICES, HARM
[00:05:05]
REDUCTION, OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 7DAYS A WEEK.SO KUDOS TO THEM AND MUCH SUCCESS. THEN WE ALSO HAD RVCC WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER RIBBON CUTTING, AND WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK RVCC FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND CONTINUING TO HELP US EXPAND THEIR WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS. THAT CREATES GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL STUDENTS.
THAT MAKES IT TOP OF THE LINE AND A PROGRAM THAT IS SECOND TO NONE.
SOMERSET COUNTY HAS SOME OF THE BEST COMPANIES LEADING IN CELL AND GENE THERAPY.
WE HAVE J&J, SOLARIS, ROCHE, REGENERON, LEGEND BIOTECH, JUST TO NAME A FEW.
AND IT'S JUST GOOD TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE EXPANDING AND GROWING RIGHT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
AND THEY SHARED WITH US THE REASON WHY THEY CHOSE SOMERSET COUNTY.
BUT THIS GOVERNING BODY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN RVCC, KEEPING IN MIND THAT BUSINESSES NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IS TO ACCESS TO, IS BEING HAVING ACCESS, EXCUSE ME, TO OUR TALENTED STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS.
AND WITH CONTINUED INVESTMENTS, ALIGNMENT AND INNOVATION, OUR WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER WILL BE A NATIONAL MODEL FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES POWER, POWER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL MOBILITY.
SO WE'RE LEADING WE'RE LEADING THE WAY. SOMERSET COUNTY CONTINUES TO BE A GREAT PLACE AND THE NUMBER 1 PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLACE AND PLAY AND VISIT. AND WE WILL CONTINUE IN THAT VEIN.
AND THANK YOU FOR THE COMMISSIONERS WHO JOINED ME IN THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE WORKFORCE TRAINING.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMISSIONER SOOY. AND OF COURSE, WE HAD OUR 911 CEREMONY ON LAST WEEK AND REMEMBERING AND THAT WE SHALL NEVER FORGET AS WE COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, AS WE COME TOGETHER AS A NATION PUTTING DOWN OTHER THINGS THAT THAT TEND TO SEPARATE US AND SEEING THE HUMANITY IN THOSE THAT WE COME ACROSS.
SO WITH THAT, THAT ENDS MY REPORT. OOPS. SORRY ABOUT THAT.
THANKS, DIRECTOR. SO, YEAH, THIS IS THE REASON WHY MY HUSBAND HAS GOT A MILK CARTON OUT FOR MY FACE ON IT, BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SO BUSY AND WE HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE PLACE.
911 EVENT WAS GREAT AS ALWAYS. THANKS TO EVERYBODY ON THE TEAM THAT PUT THAT TOGETHER.
YOU GUYS DO AN EXTRAORDINARY JOB FROM F&S SETTING THINGS UP TO PIO GETTING EVERYTHING PREPPED.
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE. YOU GUYS ARE THE THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE OF EVERYTHING.
YOU SEEM TO BE INVOLVED WITH EVERYTHING TO THAT.
WE PUT ON AN EVENT. SO EVERYBODY THAT MADE THAT POSSIBLE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. KATE KATZER FROM PLANNING DID A FABULOUS JOB ON THE INFLUENCING AG PANEL.
I'LL LEAVE MY COMMENTS FOR COMMISSIONER DRAKE BECAUSE HE WAS A WONDERFUL MC.
I GOT TO HOST A PANEL, BUT SHE'S DOING WONDERFUL THINGS FOR OUR AG COMMUNITY ON THERE, COMMISSIONER GRANER AND I WENT TO ANOTHER FARM, ROSS FARMS IN BERNARDSVILLE, TO SEE THE UNVEILING OF THE NEW MURAL.
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE HAS TO GET OUT THERE AND SEE IT. IT'S FABULOUS.
SHE, THE ARTIST, TOOK A WHOLE WALL IN THE HALLWAY OF THE HISTORIC HOME AND DEPICTED THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED THERE AND THE LIFE OF THIS HOME AND THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE IS, IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.
SO IT WAS A WONDERFUL EVENT THAT COMMISSIONER GRANER AND I HAD A CHANCE TO GET TO SEE.
THEY'RE VERY HAPPY, OF COURSE, BECAUSE THAT IS A COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY.
PART OF OUR PARK SYSTEM. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SHERIFF'S OFFICERS THAT WERE AWARDED AND RECOGNIZED AT THEIR AWARDS CEREMONY. SO BIG THANKS TO ALL THE SHERIFF'S OFFICERS AND THEIR SUPPORT TEAM THAT KEEP US ALL SAFE HERE IN THE COUNTY.
IN MONTGOMERY. ANOTHER BARN. THIS HAS BEEN BARN MONTH, I'M TELLING YOU.
THE QUILT BARN PROJECT. THIS IS A REALLY, REALLY COOL THING.
THANKS TO OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM GRANTS, I WAS INVITED TO SEE THIS FIRST SQUARE OF A QUILT THAT WAS HUNG ON THE AGRIDOR FARM IN MONTGOMERY. THERE WILL BE ANOTHER SQUARE OF THE QUILT THAT WILL BE HUNG AT THE HIDDEN SPRINGS LAVENDER AND ALPACA FARM IN MONTGOMERY. AND THERE ARE 4 OTHER QUILTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE ADORNED ON DIFFERENT BARNS.
[00:10:03]
THE IMPETUS HERE IS TO GET VISITORS. THIS IS A TOURISM DRAW.THESE BARN QUILT TOURS ARE FOR A CERTAIN DEMOGRAPHIC.
PEOPLE DRIVE ALL OVER AND FIND THESE BARN QUILT TOURS.
SO IT LENDS TO TOURISM FOR US, BUT IT ALSO LENDS TO THE BEAUTY.
AND THE AG COMMUNITY WAS SO HAPPY TO BE PART OF THAT.
THAT COHESIVE ENERGY THAT WE'RE PUTTING FORWARD, AND THIS ALL FITS WITH OUR MASTER PLAN THAT PLANNING HAS BEEN PUTTING TOGETHER, PUTTING TOGETHER AGRICULTURE, HISTORY AND OPEN SPACE AND TYING EVERYTHING TOGETHER.
SO THIS WAS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF HOW THAT'S GETTING PUT INTO MOTION.
SO THEY WERE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE ARTS GRANT.
SO HOPEFULLY THEY'LL HAVE ANOTHER ONE IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE IT'S REALLY COOL LOOKING.
THEY DID GIVE ME SOME STICKS TO TRY TO DANCE WITH.
LIZ, YOU WERE MUCH BETTER THAN I WAS. I PAUL HE WAS THERE TOO.
PAUL DIDN'T EVEN TRY. I WAS AFRAID I WAS GOING TO GIVE SOMEONE A CONCUSSION.
I WAS A LITTLE WORRIED. I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD FIT WELL IN, YOU KNOW.
COMMISSIONER GIVES CONCUSSION TO DANCE ORGANIZER.
BUT WE MANAGED TO GET OUT UNSCATHED, AND EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME.
GRANER. DRAKE AND I ALSO WALKED IN THE BASILONE PARADE.
WE WERE VERY BUSY THIS WEEKEND TOGETHER, WHICH WAS VERY LOVELY.
AND RARITAN. AND THEN, OF COURSE, AS THE DIRECTOR TALKED ABOUT THE LIBIAO ROBOTICS IN HILLSBOROUGH TODAY, WHICH WAS INCREDIBLE. I MEAN, IT. IT LOOKS LIKE LITTLE BEES BUZZING AROUND THESE ROBOTS, LIFTING AND GETTING PACKAGES AND BRINGING THEM DOWN AND SWINGING THEM ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT.
IT'S INCREDIBLE. SO WE ARE LEADING THE WAY. THIS WILL BE THEIR NORTH AMERICAN SHOWROOM.
WE EXPECT A LOT OF VISITORS TO COME OUT HERE TO VISIT AND SEE THIS IN OPERATION.
SO THIS IS TYING DIRECTLY INTO EVERYTHING WE'VE BEEN PLANNING FOR, TO DRAWING TOURISM.
AND WHEN I ASKED THE THE LEADERS THERE. SO WHAT DREW YOU TO SOMERSET COUNTY? YOU KNOW, THEY LOOKED THEY TOLD ME AT 300 LOCATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES, NORTH AMERICA, 300.
THEY CHOSE HILLSBOROUGH BECAUSE OF OUR LOCATION, BECAUSE OF THE CONVENIENCE BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND BOSTON, NEW YORK AND PHILLY. BUT THEN, NUMBER 2, IT'S BEAUTIFUL HERE, HE SAID.
IT'S SO CLEAN. THE PEOPLE ARE SO FRIENDLY, SO ACCEPTING.
AND NUMBER 3, YEAH, WE ALREADY WENT TO PRINCETON UNIVERSITY TO WALK AROUND.
SO LOVELY. LOVELY EVENTS THERE. UPCOMING. I HOPE TO SEE YOU.
WE'VE GOT SOME HISTORY EVENTS COMING UP. OCTOBER'S HISTORY MONTH ON 10-5, THE 1770S FESTIVAL IS GOING TO BE TAKING PLACE AT THE LORD STIRLING PARK, AND THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND IS THE BIG WEEKEND JOURNEY TO THE PAST.
NOW, I ALWAYS SAY THAT AUGUST THE 4H FAIR IS MY VERY FAVORITE.
SO I'M GOING TO SAY THE WEEKEND JOURNEY TO THE PAST IS LIKE MY 2ND FAVORITE WEEKEND IN SOMERSET.
WELL, MY 1ST FAVORITE WEEKEND, THE 4H IS MY 1ST FAVORITE WEEK BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WEEKENDS.
SO THIS IS LIKE, YEAH, I'M TRYING TO I'M TRYING TO BE NICE TO ALL MY KIDS HERE.
BUT THAT'S REALLY GOING TO BE GREAT. I HOPE YOU GO.
COMING UP, I JUST WANT TO CONGRATULATE VINNIE RUSSO, OUR NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
I DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO SAY IT. [APPLAUSE] LAST MEETING, SO CONGRATULATIONS.
GOOD TO SEE YOU HERE, VIN. OUR SHRED EVENT ON 927, WE HAD OH, I'M SORRY.
WE WILL HAVE A SHRED EVENT ON 927 AT THE SOUTH COUNTY GARAGE.
IT'S FROM 9 TO 1. OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET ON THE HORIZON OCTOBER 9TH.
WE ARE OFFERING A FREE WEBINAR WITH OUR OWN SURROGATE, TINA JALLOH.
SHE'S GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING.
NOW, ESTATE PLANNING APPLIES TO EVERYBODY, SO EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS WEBINAR.
BUT LISTEN IT IT APPLIES TO EVERYONE. SO WE INVITE EVERYONE TO ATTEND A FREE EVENT.
OUR OWN TINA JALLOH WILL BE DOING THAT. AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER SERVICES THAT THE SURROGATE OFFICE OFFERS, SUCH AS ADOPTIONS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO. CULTURAL AND HERITAGE.
THAT WAS LAST WEEK. I GAVE THAT REPORT. SO I AM ALL A WRAP.
THANKS FOR LISTENING. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER.
AS WE REFLECT ON THE FACT THAT 2024 WAS THE 2ND HOTTEST YEAR AFTER 2012 IN ALL RECORDED HISTORY,
[00:15:04]
AND THAT SOME PREDICTIONS BY THE END OF THE CENTURY INDICATE THAT OUR CLIMATE IN NEW JERSEY COULD BE MORE LIKE SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. IT'S GOOD TO SEE THAT THE LARGEST CLIMATE WEEK NYC TO DATE HAS OFFICIALLY KICKED OFF IN NEW YORK CITY.FROM SEPTEMBER 21ST THROUGH THE 28TH, THE WORLD'S LARGEST CLIMATE GATHERING WILL BRING GLOBAL LEADERS, INNOVATORS AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER IN NEW YORK CITY AND ONLINE TO ACCENTUATE THE TRANSITION TO A CLEANER AND FAIRER FUTURE.
THIS YEAR'S THEME, POWERON, CALLS ON ALL OF US TO STAY AMBITIOUS AND DRIVE PROGRESS, FROM CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE FINANCE TO TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY AND GREEN JOBS. AS WAS MENTIONED BEFORE LAST WEEK WE ATTENDED AT THE COUNTY AND COUNTY AG BOARD CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE SUMMERS COUNTY AG DEVELOPMENT BOARD AT DUKE FARMS. AND WE THANK DUKE FARMS, REALLY FOR THEIR STEWARDSHIP AND THEIR THEIR SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP AND FOR REALLY SUPPORTING THIS EVENT.
SO WE SUPPORT THEM. BUT THIS CONFERENCE BROUGHT TOGETHER FARMERS, POLICYMAKERS AND RESIDENTS TO TALK TOGETHER, TO TALK ABOUT HOW TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE IN THE COUNTY AND REALLY IN THE STATE, AND FOCUS ON THE BUSINESS SIDE AND SPECIFICALLY LOOKED AT ACTIONS AFTER THE HARVEST.
I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE TYLER BROWN, WHO WAS FROM OUR PIO OFFICE, WHO IS AN INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHER, AND HE DID SOME AMAZING WORK NOT ONLY PHOTOGRAPHING THE FARMERS, BUT THEN PUT TOGETHER THESE DISPLAY BOARDS THAT WERE SO EXQUISITE THAT REALLY PUT CAPTURED THE NOT ONLY THE HEART OF THE AGRICULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO THE HEART OF THE INDIVIDUAL FARMERS. SO THAT WAS GREAT WORK. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM FOR THAT. AND THEN CERTAINLY WELCOME TO FALL.
I BROKE OUT MY TWEED JACKET. I THINK I PUT AWAY MY MY ALL PURPOSE BLUE FOR A LITTLE WHILE.
SO YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FARMS NEAR YOU? WE HAVE A GREAT RESOURCE.
OUR RESOURCE, OUR COUNTY HOME PAGE, CAN TAKE YOU TO FARM MARKETS ON THE SEARCH BUTTON.
AND IT'S AN AMAZING AWARD WINNING WEBSITE FROM THE COUNTY.
AND IT'S REALLY A COLLABORATION BETWEEN OUR GIS DEPARTMENT AND THE COUNTY AG BOARD TO REALLY PRESENT THIS INFORMATION IN A VERY INTUITIVE, USER FRIENDLY WAY THAT YOU CAN FIND. AGAIN, THE FARMS CLOSEST TO YOU THAT OFFER THE PRODUCTS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.
YOU KNOW, YOU CAN TALK ABOUT WHETHER THERE WAS A LEVEL OF IMPATIENCE FROM THE DRIVER AND SO FORTH.
BUT LET'S ALSO RECOGNIZE THIS TYPE OF EQUIPMENT IS DESIGNED FOR WORK ON FARMS. BUT OFTEN OUR AGRICULTURAL FIELDS ARE SEPARATED BY ROADS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT.
WHEN YOU SEE FARM EQUIPMENT ON THE ROAD TRAVELING FROM FIELD TO FIELD.
THAT'S REALLY ONE THING WE HAVE TO DO. AND THEN I'LL JUST SAY CONCLUDE THAT AS AUTUMN LEAVES START TO FALL, THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES IS CALLING FOR FOR PEOPLE, FOR VOLUNTEERS, VOLUNTEERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS FALL LEAF CLEANUP CLEAN UP PROJECT.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS ARE BEING ASKED TO RAKE LEAVES FOR REGISTERED SENIORS AND DISABLED HOMEOWNERS ANY DAY DURING THE WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING, FROM SATURDAY 15TH THROUGH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND.
AND IF YOU'RE ELDERLY OR DISABLED SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENT AND NEED THIS SERVICE, YOU CAN REACH OUT AND CONTACT THE OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES AFTER OCTOBER 2ND AND REGISTER. AND WE'LL GET SOME FOLKS OUT THERE TO HELP YOU OUT.
YOU CAN YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE IF YOU'RE A TEAM MEMBER.
SO THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK YOU. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, COMMISSIONER, FOR THE RECORD.
COMMISSIONER SOOY IS HERE. AND AFTER YOUR REPORT.
COMMISSIONER SOOY. THE FLOOR IS YOURS AFTER. OKAY.
THANK YOU, MADAM DIRECTOR. THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTIES FALL FUNDRAISER WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH AT BRIDGEWATER MANOR. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT SOMERSETFOODBANK.
[00:20:04]
RESIDENTS. WE MUST EXPLORE COLLABORATIVE, LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT NO FAMILY GOES HUNGRY.NEW HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS AND INDUSTRY TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE UNDERWAY.
RVCC REMAINS A REFLECTION OF THE VITAL DIVERSITY OF THE ONGOING AMERICAN EXPERIMENT, IN SPITE OF CHALLENGES TO ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOW INCOME, FIRST GENERATION AND UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS AT OVER AT THE VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
THESE STUDENTS WERE AWARDED EITHER THE SCHOOL RECOGNITION AWARD OR THE FIRST GENERATION RECOGNITION AWARD, WHICH BOTH REQUIRE STUDENTS TO HAVE A GPA OF B+ OR HIGHER, WHILE ALSO SCORING IN THE TOP 10% OF THE PSAT AT THE SCHOOL, AS WELL AS A SCORE OF 3 OR HIGHER ON 2OR MORE AP EXAMS BY THEIR JUNIOR YEAR, WHICH IS.
THAT'S PRETTY. BY JUNIOR YEAR, THAT'S REALLY.
THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEW BUILDING IS IMMINENT, YET STILL, AS OF RIGHT NOW, TBD.
SO THAT WILL HOPEFULLY HAPPEN VERY, VERY SOON.
THE 1ST EVENT IS AN INTRODUCTION TO GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD SERVICES.
THIS YEAR'S SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM WILL REACH ITS END ON OCTOBER 15TH.
94 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON COUNTIES TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAM, WORKING AT 36 JOB SITES, INCLUDING SEVERAL AT SOMERSET COUNTY DIVISIONS.
WE ALSO HAD THREE MUNICIPALITIES IN 17 PRIVATE AND NONPROFIT COMPANIES TAKE PART.
38 ATTENDEES COMPLETED THE MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP LAST WEEK, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD IS HOPEFUL THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION WITH SAFE PLACE COUNSELING AND THERAPY CENTER.
THEY HAVE AN IN-PERSON MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING THIS THURSDAY AT 5.
ALSO, THIS THURSDAY IS SAVE A LIFE DAY. SAVE A LIFE DAY IS A NATIONAL INITIATIVE.
I HAVE A VISUAL DEDICATED TO PREVENTING OVERDOSE DEATHS.
HOLD IT. COULD YOU HOLD IT, PLEASE? THANK YOU. THANK YOU. PAUL.
THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTION OF FREE NALOXONE, A LIFE SAVING MEDICATION THAT REVERSES OPIOID OVERDOSES, ALL 50 STATES ARE PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR WITH OVER 900 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
THE GOAL FOR US IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY RESIDENT IN SOMERSET COUNTY HAS ACCESS TO LIFE SAVING NALOXONE, AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HOW TO OBTAIN ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES.
OVER 30 SITES AVAILABLE WILL BE AVAILABLE ACROSS THE COUNTY, OPERATING OPERATED BY 15 ORGANIZATIONS IN 16 MUNICIPALITIES, SOME WITH MULTIPLE SITES. SOMERSET COUNTY HAS A VERY HIGH NUMBER OF SITES IN COMPARISON TO OTHER OTHER COUNTIES.
KUDOS TO STEPHANIE BILLETS. HUMAN SERVICES NAVIGATOR IN THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING, WHO RECRUITED PARTNERS TO HELP PARTICIPATE AND ORGANIZE THE EFFORT.
AND THERE'S. BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE. I'VE RECENTLY BECOME CO-CHAIR OF THE.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. IT'S AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE.
I'VE RECENTLY BECOME CO-CHAIR FOR THE COUNTY COUNCIL ON JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT AND MET WITH ERIKA HEIN, ANTONIETTA FALLIN, AND CO-CHAIR MARY MILLMAN [INAUDIBLE] FAMILY DIVISION MANAGER OF VICINAGE.
VICINAGE. VICINAGE 13. THE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, THE LEAD FREE KIDS FAMILY FAIR WILL BE HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS AND DAYCARE IMMUNIZATION AUDITS WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGH OCTOBER.
THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION FOR RECERTIFICATION WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACCREDITATION BOARD IN OCTOBER, AND FLU CLINICS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES COVERED BY THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
NEXT TUESDAY FROM 2:30 TO 7:30 AT THE PUBLIC HEALTH CLINIC LOCATED AT HARRISON SCHOOL IN NORTH PLAINFIELD, SOMERSET COUNTY, CHILDREN AGED 18 AND YOUNGER WHO ARE UNINSURED AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE OR ENROLLED IN NEW JERSEY FAMILY CARE PLAN ARE ELIGIBLE.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. WELL, COMMISSIONER DRAKE IS ON FULL ON FALL MODE RIGHT NOW.
[00:25:05]
I'M STILL IN DENIAL THAT SUMMER IS OVER. WEARING MY SEERSUCKER OVER HERE NOW.THE 22,000 SQUARE FOOT EXPANSION INCLUDES 2 CLEAN ROOMS AND A STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING SPACE FOR MECHATRONICS AND ROBOTICS, WELDING AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY. THE WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER ALSO FEATURES A TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE WHERE EQUIPMENT PROVIDERS CAN DEMO THEIR LATEST PRODUCTS.
OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE COMPANY SINCE 2022, CONNECTING THEM WITH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES, MAKING INTRODUCTIONS FOR THEM AT BIO INTERNATIONAL, AND HELPING TO COORDINATE THEIR NATIONAL SALES MEETING OVER AT NATIRAR IN 2024.
AND AFTER CONVERSATION WITH THE TEAM AND THE EXECUTIVES, EVERYONE IS WORKS.
MANY OF THEM WORK, LIVE AND PLAY IN THE REGION.
SO IT'S THAT BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP MODEL THAT'S FULLY ENACTED RIGHT THERE.
THEY SPECIALIZE IN ROBOTIC SYSTEMS FOR WAREHOUSES AND OTHER LOGISTICS FACILITIES.
AT THE SHOWROOM, CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE THE TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION.
WHILE THERE WON'T BE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF ON SITE STAFF, THEIR SHOWROOM HAS POTENTIAL TO DRIVE BUSINESS TOURISM AS CUSTOMERS COME FROM AROUND THE WORLD. OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM HAS BEEN SUPPORTING LIBIAO SINCE THE SINCE MARCH, CONNECTING THEM WITH TOWNS, PROVIDING INFORMATION ON LOCAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND HELPING TO COORDINATE OTHER LOGISTICS GOING FORWARD AND POWERING AHEAD FOR SOMERSET COUNTY.
THE 12 MONTH STUDY, FUNDED BY THE NJTPA WILL FOCUS ON REDUCING EMISSIONS, IDENTIFYING ELECTRIC VEHICLES, CHARGING CORRIDORS AND DETERMINING WHICH COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES CAN SUPPORT THE INSTALLATION OF EV CHARGING STATIONS FOR PUBLIC AND COUNTY OWNED VEHICLES.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU EVERYONE.
AT THIS TIME, WE WILL HAVE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS.
THERE ARE QUITE A FEW TEAMS, SO I'M GOING TO ASK LEANNE MILLER ANYONE FROM THE I.T.
DANIEL ALLEN, PHIL CONSALVO AND ROBERT, IS IT [INAUDIBLE]2 HUMAN SERVICES, RAQUEL [INAUDIBLE] TERESA EDWARDS, NICOLE FRANKLIN, MONICA MULLIGAN, CHRIS PEEK AND MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ.
AND FROM F&S, CHRIS [INAUDIBLE], DENNIS RILEY, DREW REYNOLDS, DON SWEENEY, AND JOE WISE.
PLEASE COME FORWARD. [APPLAUSE] F&S HAS BEEN HERE. EVERY MEETING THAT JUST JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU THE PHENOMENAL WORK THAT YOU ALL DO.
BUT WE DO RECOGNIZE ALL THE GREAT TALENT THAT WE HAVE HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
AND YOU ALL ARE BEING RECOGNIZED WITH THE TEAM AWARD.
SO IT READS CERTIFICATE TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE IN THE DEPARTMENTS THAT I JUST NAMED, IN RECOGNITION AND SINCERE APPRECIATION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN FURTHERING THE CAUSE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT, THE TEAM ABOVE WORKED SEAMLESSLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, MOVING THE GREATER RARITAN ONE STOP CAREER CENTER IN HUNTERDON COUNTY DURING A VERY HOT SUMMER WEEK. THIS INVOLVED BOXING UP FILES, MOVING FURNITURE, IT AND RELATED ITEMS, AND COORDINATING WITH 3 DIFFERENT STATE TEAMS, ALL WITH CONSTANT AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION. THE COUNTY MOVED THE STATE FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT.
WE DID NOT RECOGNIZE EVERYONE OR LEFT SOME NAMES OFF.
[00:30:04]
SO WE CORRECT OUR WRONGS, AND WE CAME BACK, AND WE DID IT A SECOND TIME.SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. ANYBODY WOULD LIKE TO SAY ANYTHING? FIRST, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE TEAM RECOGNITION AWARD.
IT WAS A BIG JOB. A LOT OF PIECES, A LOT OF MOVING PIECES CAME TOGETHER REALLY GREAT.
THE OTHER THING, I'D JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO MY STAFF.
YOU GUYS DO IT EVERY DAY, AND IT'S AN HONOR TO WORK WITH YOU GUYS.
A. LITTLE CAMERA SHY. A LITTLE CAMERA SHY. NO.
TEAMWORK. [APPLAUSE] CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. IMPATIENT DURING OUR REPORTS AND.
MEETING. WE HAVE COMMUNICATIONS. NJ TRANSIT NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR INFORMATION AND COMMENTS CONCERNING THE SENIOR CITIZEN AND DISABLED RESIDENTS TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACT. AND WE MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS.
RESOLUTION 25-1901. AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS TO GREENBROOK ROAD WEST, RIDGEFIELD ROAD, ROCK AVENUE, GREENBROOK ROAD EAST, AND ROCK AVENUE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,200. RESOLUTION 25-1902 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE TOWNSHIP OF BERNARDS FOR A RECTANGULAR, RAPID FLASHING BEACON SYSTEM ON MOUNT AIRY ROAD AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH STACEY LANE.
GOOD EVENING. 25-1903 IS AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING THROUGH THE GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 IN 25-1904.
IS AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY AND SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION FOR THE GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT THAT I JUST MENTIONED ABOVE. 25-1905 IS CERTIFYING THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAS REVIEWED THE SECTIONS OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT ENTITLED GENERAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COMPLETED 2024 AUDIT, AND YOU ALL SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED YOUR COPIES IN VIA EMAIL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, LET ME KNOW. THANKS. HELLO.
RESOLUTION 25-1906 AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO RESOLUTION 24-2404 AND ALLOWING FOR THE DECREASE OF ALLOCATION OF FUNDS OF $10,487 TO BE DELETED FROM THE 2025 AREA PLAN CONTRACT.
WHICH WILL RESULT IN A NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $505 FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2025. THIS REPRESENTS A SMALL REDUCTION IN OUR FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING SERVICES. RESOLUTION 25-1907 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE 2025 COUNTY SALARY REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2025 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2025.
FOR EMPLOYEES LISTED ON THE SALARY ADDENDUM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $177,067.
[00:35:03]
25-1908 AUTHORIZING RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER TO APPLY TO THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES TO DEVELOP SUPPORT TEAMS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY. THIS IS THE STAR PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026 AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $417,986. NO FUNDING MATCH REQUIRED.
GOOD AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 25-1909 AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR THE FY 24 VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT GRANT PROGRAM FOR AN AMOUNT OF UP TO $144,000. THIS COUNTY MATCH OF $36,000, FOR A TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT OF $180,000, TO ACCEPT FUNDING OF AWARD AND INSERTION OF FUNDS INTO THE BUDGET. THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 25-1910 AUTHORIZING THE 911 COMMUNICATIONS TO APPLY TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, OFFICE OF EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION 911 GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2026. 25-1911 RESOLUTION EXECUTING A AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND RAWHIDE RESCUE TO PROVIDE PET TRANSPORTATION FOR INCIDENTS WHEN THE COUNTY ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM IS ACTIVATED UNDER THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, SHOULD THE NEED ARISE. FROM OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER 13TH, 2030.
SO THERE'S A THE COUNTY ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM.
USUALLY IT'S NOT FOR JUST A SINGLE PET. IT'S, YOU KNOW, FOR MAYBE LIKE AN APARTMENT FIRE WHERE THERE'D BE MULTIPLE ANIMALS THAT WOULD BE DISPLACED OR LIKE AN ANIMAL SHELTER THAT EXPERIENCED A FIRE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
OKAY, I WAS CURIOUS. THANK YOU.
25-1912 IS A WORD OF CONTRACT CC-0124- 25 TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOTTLED WATER AND COOLER RENTALS AND BOTTLED WATER. FIRST YEAR OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT.
25-1913. THIS IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MONARCH HOUSING ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE HOMELESS PLANNING SERVICES RELATED TO THE CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 THROUGH AUGUST 31ST, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $14,000. 25-1914 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ZUFALL HEALTH CENTER OF DOVER, NEW JERSEY FOR AN FQHC AS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER PROVIDER TO OPERATE AND MANAGE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SUITES AT RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.
FIRST YEAR OF A 5 YEAR CONTRACT. 25-1915 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL FOR EVERBRIDGE MASS NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UTILIZING THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT FOR A COVERAGE TERM OF NOVEMBER 1ST, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $92,888.58. 25-1916 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO GEN-EL SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, LLC FOR 2 MULTIRAE MONITORS FOR THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18,469.90. 25-1917 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO GRAINGER FOR 5 ENCAPSULATED SUITS FOR THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18,168.02.
25-1918 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CC-0144-24 FOR FIRST LOCK.
THIS IS A SECOND OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $2,500.
25-1919 IS AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0054-24 TO ATLANTIC, SALT AND MORTON.
THIS IS FOR ROCK SALT. NOT TO SECOND OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000/.
CC-1920 IS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO DEER CARCASS REMOVAL SERVICES.
[00:40:06]
AND THIS IS SECOND YEAR OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 30,000.25-1921 IS A 2 YEAR CONTRACT. THIS IS FOR TOOL RENTALS.
MULTIPLE VENDORS NOT TO EXCEED $80,400.
CHARGES FOR LOCAL CHARGES FOR LOCATION ANALYTICS SOFTWARE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,200. 25-1923 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO DSI MEDICAL SERVICES FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2025, DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,119. 1924 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS OF NEW JERSEY FOR JUNE 2025. OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $367.00.
25-1925 AMENDING RESOLUTIONS R24-2400 AND R25-434 TO RESCIND, LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM FUNDS AND AMEND CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO THE BOUND BROOK REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP.
A REDUCTION OF $11,000. 25-1926 IS AMENDED SO SAME RESOLUTIONS TO REALLOCATE LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION'S 2025 LOCAL ARTS PROGRAM GRANT GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTEES IN THE SAME AMOUNT OF $11,000 FROM THE NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS.
RESOLUTION 25-1927 IS INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CHILDHOOD LEAD EXPOSURE PREVENTION PROJECT GRANT AND THE AMOUNT OF $261,998. 20-1928 IS INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LOCAL CORE CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $245,027.
1929 IS INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000. 1930 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $305,434.
1932 IS AUTHORIZING RETURN OF FUNDS TO THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR COVID 19 PANDEMIC DISASTER ASSISTANCE OVERPAYMENT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $129,463.56.
25-1933 IS THE APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO NEW JERSEY HOUSING AND MORTGAGE FINANCE AGENCY FOR THE ANNUAL HOMELESSNESS HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SUBSCRIPTION TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,000.
25-1934 IS THE APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO SUPPLEE, CLOONEY AND COMPANY TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,975, AND 1935 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.
25-1936 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO NOT AN EASY FIX INC.
HAMPTON, NEW JERSEY, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED FOR OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $500. 25-1937 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY. FOR SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS AND CODE BLUE SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH MARCH 31ST, 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $259,407.
25-1938 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FOR THE GAMBLING DISORDER CLINICIAN SERVICES PROGRAM THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $123,961. NO FUNDING MATCH REQUIRED. 25-1939 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF
[00:45:03]
FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NATIONAL FLAG AND DISPLAY COMPANY, DOING BUSINESS AS METRO FLAG COMPANY TO PURCHASE AMERICAN FLAGS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $9,359.96, AND APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE [INAUDIBLE] 25-1940 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS FOR TICKETS FOR THE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT ON AUGUST 22ND, 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $722.25-1941 AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR ORE POWER, LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT BATTERIES AT JOHNSTON DRIVE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,880. 25-1942 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO CSC TKR LLC, DOING BUSINESS AS OPTIMUM FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE BALANCE.
OKAY. ALL RIGHT. RESOLUTION 25-1943 AUTHORIZED THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SMART STITCH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $300. RESOLUTION 25-1944 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO BAYSHORE RECYCLING CORPORATION NOT TO EXCEED $35,851.13.
25-1945 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO DOT DESIGNING.
THIS IS FOR CLOTHING NOT TO EXCEED $3,689.25.
RESOLUTION 25-1946 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO DURAMAX HOLDINGS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS. THIS IS FOR ROLL OUT CARTS NOT TO EXCEED $21,810.
25-1947 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MAZZA RECYCLING SERVICES, AND THIS IS NOT TO EXCEED $26,729.35. 25-1948 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICHIE'S TIRE SERVICE NOT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,900. 25-1949 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUND FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO.
WELL, THIS IS ALL FOR PLOW PARTS. CRESTON HYDRAULICS NOT TO EXCEED $32,500.
25-1952 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GRAND FALLOONS.
YOU KNOW, FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL, $2,400.
TRANSPORTATION. APPROVAL TO PAY. OKAY. 250-1953.
APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER TO AMERICAN TIME RECORDER.
NOT TO EXCEED $4,824. 25-1954 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO SCHULMAN, WIEGMANN AND ASSOCIATES. NOT TO EXCEED $647.15. 25-1955 AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO DATA FLEET SYSTEMS NOT TO EXCEED $6,000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $78,000. 25-1954 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL NOT TO EXCEED $49,891,28.. OKAY. 25-1958 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS, VARIOUS VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $15,512.27.
[LAUGHTER]. IS THERE A MOTION TO TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS? 25-1900 THROUGH 25-1958 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 14TH.
SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER DRAKE. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY.
YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO. I'M NOT SURE. MAYBE.
VINNIE, CAN YOU READ THOSE ALL AGAIN? [LAUGHTER] OKAY, OKAY.
YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON? YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION.
SURE. 25-1853 IS AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 9 LOTS 25 TO 31, IN THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE, FROM THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET TO THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE.
[00:50:05]
TO 1854, IS AUTHORIZED AN EXECUTION OF A PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN WICHITA COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER AND HUMANA INSURANCE COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES. 1855 IS AN APPROVAL OF AN ADDENDUM TO A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY, THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION AND TRILOGY REPERTOIRE, INC., AND 1856 IS AUTHORIZED IN THE USE OF COMPETITIVE CONTRACTING PURSUANT TO 40A:11-4.1(L) FOR MAINTENANCE, CUSTODIAL, AND GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES.HOLD ON BEFORE YOU GO. TOM PACINO, IS THAT BOROUGH OF MANVILLE? IS THAT THAT SMALL PROPERTY THAT WAS BOUGHT WITH THE OPEN SPACE? AND THEN WE IT WENT TO MANVILLE. IS THAT THE SAME ONE? THIS IS THE PROPERTY ON DUKES PARKWAY BETWEEN 8TH AND 9TH AVENUES.
IT'S A SERIES OF SMALL LOTS. IT'S VACANT. IT WAS ONE THAT WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION BY MANVILLE.
THEY ASKED IF WE'D HELP THEM PRESERVE IT. AND THE IDEA IS THAT WE PRESERVE IT AND CONVEY IT TO THEM.
WAS BASICALLY A FLOOD BUYOUT PROJECT. IT WAS IN A FLOOD ZONE.
IT WAS IN AN AREA TARGETED FOR FLOOD BUYOUTS.
25-1857 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN AND WDB TO ACCEPT UP TO $880,797.00N IN WORKFORCE NEW JERSEY GRANT FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026. I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS A BIG WIN FOR US.
NOT ONLY ARE THEY KEEPING US STEADY WITH THE FUNDS OF $730,000, WE GOT THE LAST PROGRAM YEAR, BUT WE ASKED FOR AND WERE GIVEN AN ADDITIONAL $150,000 TO CONTINUE TRANSPORTATION THAT WILL BE ABLE TO EXPAND NOT ONLY TO OUR TANF, TO OUR CURRENT TANF CUSTOMERS, BUT ALSO TO OUR GA AND SNAP CUSTOMERS WHO NEED THE SERVICE.
SO THIS IS A REALLY GOOD PROGRAM. A GOOD, GOOD REWARD FOR US.
25-1858 IS AUTHORIZING THE REALLOCATION OF PREVIOUSLY AWARDED PROGRAM YEAR 2024 WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT FUNDING AND WORKFORCE NEW JERSEY FUNDING FOR THE 3RD YEAR OF A 4 YEAR GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT FOR CAREER TRAINING SERVICES WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AND AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $599,227.13, AND WE OWE A FUNDING FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,599.55 IN WFNJ FUNDING FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2025. 1859 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT 200 COUNTY POLYTECH AND MIDDLE EARTH FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY. WE OWE A YOUTH OUTREACH REFERRAL AND WORK BASED LEARNING.
THIS IS THE 5TH YEAR OF A 4 YEAR CONTRACT THAT ENDS ON JUNE 30TH, 2026.
THE GRANT PERIOD IS JULY 21ST, 25 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $298,457.55. 1860S. AMENDING R25-1799I ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 9TH TO CORRECT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR ERROR TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $242,244.05. 1861 IS APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING AN ORDER TO EMPOWER SOMERSET FOR ONE STOP OPERATOR SERVICES FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2025 FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $27,500. IN 1862 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO MIDDLE EARTH FOR YOUTH VISIONS PROGRAM AND YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES IN JULY 20TH 25 TO 100 COUNTY POLYTECH FOR YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2025.
FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $19,431.68.
RESOLUTION 1863 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SIEMENS.
THIS IS FOR SIPASS DOOR LOCKS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,872.
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTION 25-1853 THROUGH 25-1863 TO THIS AFTERNOON'S MEETING.
OUR REGULAR MEETING. MOTION. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.
COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
[00:55:04]
NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.AND WE ENTERTAIN COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL AND BY TELEPHONE.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? MOTION SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT.
GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS DEBBIE NORRIS. I AM A FARMER IN SOMERSET COUNTY, HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY.
I JUST WANT TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW A COUPLE OF THINGS.
01, THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT THAT YOU'VE GIVEN TO THE FARMERS.
THIS IS NATIONAL FARM SAFETY WEEK, SO THANK YOU FOR POINTING OUT THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED.
THE EFFORT, THE PASSION, THEIR DEDICATION GOES FAR BEYOND ANYTHING.
SO I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU GUYS VERY MUCH AND LET YOU KNOW.
THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? ANY PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS? WE HAVE NONE. HEARING NONE. SEEING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT.
WE WILL MOVE RIGHT INTO.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.