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>> IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE,
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on October 14, 2025.]
NEW JERSEY, ON JANUARY 12TH, 2025, ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.ADDITIONALLY, THIS MEETING IS BEING DIGITALLY RECORDED AT LIVE STREAMED ON THE SOMERSET COUNTY WEBSITE.
FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTY BOARD MEETING AT CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US.
THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING 908-231-7075.
>> YEAH. PLEASE RISE, EVERYONE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR REFLECTIONS.
MAY WE CONTINUE TO LIVE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE VISION AND MISSION OF THE COUNTY, WHICH IS BEING COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN PUBLIC SERVICE, PROMOTING WELL BEING OF ALL RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT, AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP.
THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE OCTOBER 14TH WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 28TH.
NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME, UNLESS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION IS IN A MANNER NECESSARY TO CONTINUE COUNTY BUSINESS. ROLL CALL, PLEASE.
>> COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
>> HERE. WE WILL GO INTO OUR REPORTS.
I JUST WANT TO UPLIFT TWO THINGS.
ONE IS OUR SECOND ANNUAL VETERANS RESOURCE JOB AND WELLNESS FAIR, WHICH IS THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, FROM 4:00 PM-7:00 PM AT VFW POST 2290 IN MANVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
THAT ADDRESS IS 600 WASHINGTON AVENUE, MANVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
WE HAVE A LOT OF VENDORS AND COMPANIES THERE, OUR OWN VSO THAT WILL BE THERE TO ASSIST MY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
ANY VETERANS AND/OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, SPOUSES AND CHILDREN ARE LOOKING FOR WORK.
THIS RESOURCE JOB AND WELLNESS FAIR IS THE PLACE TO BE.
AGAIN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 04:00 PM-7:00 PM AT THE MANVILLE VFW POST 2290.
ALSO, WE HAVE THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN, OUR THIRD ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST.
NOTICES HAVE GONE OUT TO ALL THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COUNTY.
THIS IS A WRITTEN ESSAY ABOUT A WOMAN IN HISTORY WHO HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON IMPROVING THE RIGHTS OR STATUS OF WOMEN.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, AT 11:59 PM.
WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED NOVEMBER 24TH, AND WINNERS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED HERE AT THE COMMISSIONER'S MEETING IN DECEMBER.
THIS IS OPEN TO ALL SOMERSET COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADE SIX THROUGH 12TH.
ONE ENTRY PER STUDENT, AND ESSAYS MUST BE ORIGINAL AND WRITTEN BY THE STUDENT.
NO AI GENERATED OR PLAGIARIZED WORK.
THOSE ESSAYS THAT ARE AI GENERATED OR PLAGIARIZED WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE CONTEST.
AGAIN, IT'S GRADE SIX THROUGH EIGHT, 300 WORDS, GRADES NINE THROUGH 12, 500 WORDS.
THEN THE FORMATTING AND EVERYTHING IS BEING PROVIDED.
BUT AGAIN, THIS IS ON OUR COUNTY WEBSITE UNDER COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN.
>> I'VE BEEN A BUSY FEW WEEKS.
WE ATTENDED THE MONTGOMERY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRANCH, WHICH WAS A LOVELY THING THAT THE TOWNSHIP DOES TO APPRECIATE THEIR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND THEIR VOLUNTEERS.
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPEAKING AT ROBOCON AT THE BRIDGEWATER MALL, WHICH WAS REALLY AWESOME.
IT WAS A WEEKEND EVENT FOR STUDENTS HERE COMPETING FROM ACROSS THE STATE, SHOWING THEIR ROBOTICS.
REALLY EXCITING TO SEE WHAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DOING WITH THAT A DIVISION OF SCIENCE.
THE STATS HOUSE HAD A GHOST ENCOUNTER EVENT THAT WE WENT TO ON AN EVENING.
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BUT IT WAS VERY FUN.IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO SPEND SOME TIME AT ONE OF OUR HISTORIC HOMES.
SPEAKING OF HISTORIC HOMES, WE HAD THE WEEKEND JOURNEY TO THE PAST.
IF YOU WANT TO PLAN A RAINY WEEKEND, JUST PLAN IT FOR NEXT YEAR'S WEEKEND JOURNEY TO THE PAST, BECAUSE WE'RE ALWAYS GUARANTEED AT LEAST ONE DAY OF TORRENTIAL RAIN.
THANKS TO CAITLIN AND ALL OF HER TEAM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.
THEY DID A REALLY WONDERFUL JOB WITH THAT.
WE APPRECIATE IT. IT WAS REALLY FUN.
I GOT TO STOP AT SOME PLACES ON SATURDAY.
IT WAS REALLY WELL DONE. ALSO HAD THE 1770S FESTIVAL.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARKS COMMISSION THAT TEAMED UP WITH OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE FOR THAT AT THE LORD STIRLING MANOR.
THEY WERE SHOWING OFF A LOT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG ITEMS THAT THEY HAD FOUND, WHICH WAS VERY EXCITING, AND THE DIG IS STILL CONTINUING, SO PEOPLE WERE ON HAND TO EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THAT.
GOOD HISTORIC WEEKENDS IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
WE HAD THE PINK CAR CEREMONY WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, WHICH WAS REALLY WELL DONE.
I SEE THE SHERIFF'S GOT HIS PINK BADGE.
THANKS FOR PROMOTING THAT AND KEEPING PEOPLE AWARE.
THEY DO HAVE A QR CODE ON THEIR VEHICLES SO THAT PEOPLE CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A MAMMOGRAM AT ANY TIME.
IF YOU SEE ONE OF THOSE VEHICLES OUT AND ABOUT, AND YOU HAVEN'T HAD A MAMMOGRAM YET, GO CHECK IT OUT AND GET THAT TAKEN CARE OF FOR YOU.
WE ALSO HAD THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEW TECH BUILDING, BUT I'M SURE COMMISSIONER GRANER WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THAT.
WE ATTENDED A DIWALI CELEBRATION IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, WHICH WAS A LOT OF FUN.
TODAY, I WAS AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY FOOD BANK.
[LAUGHTER] YES THE SOMERSET COUNTY FOOD BANK IN I GUESS THAT'S TECHNICALLY BRIDGEWATER OR BOUND BROOK THERE.
TECHNICALLY, YEAH, IT'S RIGHT ON THAT BORDER.
BUT WE HAVE A BOX THAT LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THE FREE NEWSPAPER BOXES, YOU JUST OPEN THE DOOR AND GRAB A PAPER.
OF COURSE, IT'S FREE OF CHARGE.
WE'RE HOPING TO SPREAD THAT MESSAGE OUT THERE.
WE THANK THE SOMERSET COUNTY FOOD BANK FOR GIVING US THE REAL ESTATE TO PROVIDE THAT AND OUR HUMAN SERVICES TEAM FOR MAKING SURE THAT THEY'RE EQUIPPED WITH ENOUGH NARCAN WHENEVER THEY NEED IT.
PLEASE, IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BOX OF NARCAN IN YOUR HOUSE, GET ONE.
THEY'RE FREE. HUMAN SERVICES WOULD LOVE TO GIVE YOU ONE.
YEAH, I DON'T THINK I EXPECT I'M GOING TO NEED IT OR MY HUSBAND, BUT LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING.
I DON'T KNOW WHO'S GOING TO COME OVER OR BE OUTSIDE OR BE NEXT DOOR OR WHEREVER.
IT'S FREE. PUT IT IN YOUR HOUSE, KEEP IT, AND SAVE A LIFE, PLEASE.
PUBLIC WORKS. WE HAD A BUSY WEEK, HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE.
WE GOT 46,550 POUNDS OUT OF THE LANDFILLS FROM 732 CARS.
THE NEXT EVENT FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE IS ON OCTOBER 18TH FROM, 9-2 IN HILLSBORO AT THE SOUTH COUNTY GARAGE.
AT OUR SHREDDING EVENT IN SEPTEMBER, WE HAD OVER 800 CARS NEXT TIME FOR SHREDDING, OCTOBER 25TH.
WE DELIVERED SOME ADDITIONAL TOTEN WARREN TOWNSHIP FOR A RECYCLING PROGRAM.
YES, FINNY. THOSE WERE DELIVERED NOW.
SCHEDULED TO BE DELIVERED.THANK YOU.
GOOD NEWS. OUR TEAM AT THE MOSQUITO CONTROL HAS FOUND NO BAD GUYS OUT THERE.
THERE'S BEEN NO HUMAN BORN ILLNESSES REPORTED. THAT'S GREAT.
OUR LED LIGHTING CONVERSION HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT 20 GROVE AS WE CONTINUE TO TRY TO CONSERVE AS MUCH ENERGY AS WE CAN AND GO WITH THE MOST EFFICIENT WAYS POSSIBLE.
TRANSPORTATION, BIG NEWS IS THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THAT SHUTTLE VAN FROM THE TRAIN STATION AND LIONS TO THE LIONS VA HOSPITAL, AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE OUR OFFICIAL KICKOFF FOR THAT IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
THAT'S A STATE GRANT PROGRAM THAT WE'RE WORKING WITH TO GET A VEHICLE.
IT'S REALLY AWESOME THAT WE COULD HELP OUR VETERANS THAT WAY.
MAYBE WE CAN GET A SHUTTLE TO GET THEM TO THE VETERANS FAIR FROM THE TRAIN STATION NEXT TIME.
WE HAVE TWO APPLICATIONS FOR OUR TRAILS PROJECTS THAT WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE NEXT MONTH.
SPEAKING OF OPEN SPACE, I BROUGHT TISSUES WITH ME BECAUSE OUR BELOVED TOM BUCCINO, THAT'S BEEN RUNNING THAT PROGRAM FOR THE PAST 27 YEARS IS TAKING SOME TIME OFF AND WE'LL BE RETIRING FROM THE COUNTY THIS YEAR.
[APPLAUSE] I'M GOING TO GIVE HIM A STANDING ELEVATION.
IF HE CHANGES HIS MIND, JUST LET ME KNOW.
BUT TOM HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SAVING
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THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND IN THIS COUNTY.THIS COUNTY LOOKS THE WAY IT IS, HAS THAT BUCOLIC FEEL THE WAY IT HAS BECAUSE OF YOUR WORK AND EFFORTS.
WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN THIS COUNTY IS A LEGACY THAT CANNOT BE MATCHED.
YOU KNOW HOW FOND I AM OF OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION.
WE WILL DEEPLY MISS YOU, BUT YOU'RE NOT GONE YET, SO YOU BETTER KEEP GOING BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE LAND TO PRESERVE.
LIBRARY, THE SOMERVILLE BRANCH REOPENED.
I UNDERSTAND IT'S LOOKING BEAUTIFUL.
I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO STOP BY THERE YET.
PPAC GLADSTONE SCHEDULED TO RELAUNCH OFFICIAL RELAUNCH THERE IS DECEMBER THE 6TH. THEY'RE ALMOST FINISHED.
BOUND BROOK, WE'VE GOT SOME WORK TO DO WITH THAT REMEDIATION FROM ASBESTOS, SO THAT SHOULD BE OPENING UP.
WE THINK NEXT SPRING, THEY'RE HIRING SOME FOLKS NOW.
FYI, THE LIBRARY SYSTEM WILL BE CLOSED, NOVEMBER 15TH AND 16TH, BECAUSE THEY ARE INTEGRATING A NEW CATALOG SYSTEM THERE, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING BECAUSE THAT'S GOING TO ALLOW US ADDITIONAL WORKS INTO OUR CATALOG OVERALL.
IT'S A REALLY GREAT THING THAT'S GOING ON OVER THERE.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WE TOUCHED ON SOME OF THE STUFF CULTURAL AND HERITAGE DID.
BUT COMING UP ON OCTOBER 23RD, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE OUR OPEN AIR OPEN SPACE ART EXHIBIT, WHICH IS, REMEMBER LAST YEAR, WE DID THE FARM TO FRAME, WHICH WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
THIS YEAR, WE'RE SHOWCASING OUR OPEN SPACES WITH ARTISTS.
WE'VE GOT 30 ARTISTS, 12 PARKS, THEY'LL BE ON DISPLAY FROM OCTOBER 17TH THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.
THEN AFTER THAT, THAT DISPLAY WILL BE DOING A ROAD SHOW AROUND THE COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE WITH A VERY LENGTHY REPORT.
I APPRECIATE IT, AND I GUESS WE'RE ON TO COMMISSIONER SOOY.
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>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I MENTIONED LAST TIME IN OUR MEETING, WELCOME TO FALL.
IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO BE ABLE TO REINSTITUTE SOME INFORMATION I GAVE LAST TIME, BUT WE'RE IN PRIME AG TOURISM SEASON.
OUR FARMERS ARE REALLY DEPENDENT ON YOU, AND OUR PUMPKINS ARE READY FOR THE PICKING, THE HAY RIDES, CORN MAZES AND FARMERS MARKETS ARE READY FOR YOU.
COME ON OUT, ENJOY A GREAT DAY IN SOME OF OUR FARMS. ON OUR COUNTY HOME PAGE, YOU CAN ACTUALLY ENTER FARM MARKETS ON THE SEARCH BUTTON AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO A FULLY INTERACTIVE MAP OF ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING FARMS IN SOMERSET COUNTY, AND YOU CAN LEARN WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER, SO PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.
ALSO, PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH FARM EQUIPMENT THAT'S ON THE ROADS.
WE'VE HAD A FEW INSTANCES RECENTLY.
WE WANT TO BE SURE THAT FARMERS ARE PROTECTED, SO PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH ANY FARM EQUIPMENT THAT'S ON OUR ROADS.
SIMILARLY, AS AUTUMN STARTS TO FALL, THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES IS CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS FALL LEAF CLEANUP PROGRAM.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS ARE BEING ASKED TO BREAK LEAVES FOR REGISTERED SENIORS AND DISABLED HOMEOWNERS ANY DAY DURING THE WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING FROM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 THROUGH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22.
IF YOU ARE ELDERLY OR DISABLED SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENT IN NEED OF THIS SERVICE, YOU CAN CONTACT THE OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES AT 704-6301 AND GIVE THEM YOUR INFORMATION, AND YOU'LL GET PUT ON THE LIST.
THEN FINALLY, SOMERSET COUNTY CONTINUES TO COLLECT INFORMATION REGARDING THE DESIRED LOCATIONS FOR EV CHARGING STATIONS AS PART OF OUR COUNTY EV READINESS CHARGING PLAN.
RECENTLY, IT WAS GREAT TO SEE AT THE SOMERVILLE STREET FAIR.
WE HAD AN OUTREACH BOOTH COMPLETE WITH MAPS AND POSTED NOTES AND RESIDENTS WERE ABLE TO IDENTIFY LOCATIONS ON A MAP WHERE THEY BELIEVE CHARGING STATIONS SHOULD GO.
THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT DESIRED INFORMATION.
RESIDENTS ARE CONTINUED ARE ENCOURAGED TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROJECT BY CONTACTING OR EMAILING EVSTUDY@CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US.
THEN YOU CAN REGISTER ANY QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION YOU HAVE.
BUT THIS PLAN IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE CERTAINLY AS WE LOOK AT EV READINESS.
IT'S REALLY JUST IDENTIFYING LOCATIONS WHERE WE BELIEVE THE MOST ACCEPTABLE LOCATIONS WOULD BE.
DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE'RE GOING TO BUILD THEM ALL, BUT IT MEANS THAT AT LEAST WE'RE IDENTIFYING THE BEST LOCATIONS WHERE WE BELIEVE THIS INVESTMENT SHOULD TAKE PLACE.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. AS YOU'VE HEARD, WE ALL ATTENDED THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEW STATE OF THE ART ADDITION AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS ON THIRD.
IT'S A NEW STATE OF THE ART, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION BUILDING FUNDED IN PART BY US, AND IT'S ENABLING US TO EDUCATE SOME VERY EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS IN SOME VERY HIGHLY COMPETITIVE FIELDS, INCLUDING MEGATRONICS ENGINEERING, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OR MEAM, BE&M, WHICH IS BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER GREAT STUFF,
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COMPUTER SCIENCE, HEALTH EDUCATION, BIO-MEDICS, VERY COOL STUFF.THERE WILL BE A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW CANOPY AT THE FOOD BANK NETWORK AT SOMERSET COUNTY IN BRIDGEWATER ON THE 28TH.
KATE RUSSO FROM OUR DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES REPORTS THAT IN 66 HOURS AT THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK, WE'VE SEEN 167 DIFFERENT CLIENTS PLACED 15 CLIENTS IN CASE MANAGEMENT, PROVIDED RESOURCES TO 137 CLIENTS, INCLUDING UTILITIES, ADDITIONAL FOOD RESOURCES, HEALTHCARE, AND SENIOR SERVICES, WHICH ARE TRENDING THE HIGHEST IN THAT LOCATION.
AT THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY IN BOUNDBROOK, IN 60 HOURS.
THEY'VE HAD 147 CLIENT CONTACTS, AID AND CASE MANAGEMENT, 131 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PROVIDED, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL FOOD RESOURCES, SCHOOL MEALS, UTILITIES, AND EMPLOYMENT, WHICH IS TRENDING THERE.
ON SEPTEMBER 21ST, THEY WRAPPED UP FIVE MONTHS OF THE OUTREACH PROGRAM THROUGH THE COUNTY.
IN WHICH THEY HIRED 54 CANVASSERS, INCLUDING 21 BILINGUAL CANVASSERS.
FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, CANVASSED NINE TOWNS, KNOCKED ON 97,298 DOORS, HAD 18,907 CONVERSATIONS WITH RESIDENTS AND PROVIDED 3,787 RESOURCES.
01,273 RECEIVED SENIOR SERVICES, INCLUDING NJ STATE TAX RELIEF INFORMATION, SENIORNESS CENTER LOCATIONS, AND MEALS ON WHEELS, 01,468 NARCAN KITS WERE DISTRIBUTED.
FOOD BANKS AND OUR HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION ARE DOING THE GREAT WORK OF ENSURING THAT WE TAKE CARE OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, A CONTINUED, HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO YOU ALL.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RICHARD HALL, THE HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION IS HAVING OUR HARM REDUCTION MODEL KICKOFF ON THE 23RD, IN WHICH OUR OWN HEALTH OFFICER HONCHI BOT WILL SERVE AS A PANELIST.
OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE WORKING WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OUR STATES FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS TO TRACK ACCESS GAPS IN PEDIATRIC COVID-19 VACCINATIONS.
THERE'S BEEN A STRONG TURNOUT FOR OUR FLU CLINICS AT MUNICIPALITIES THAT ARE RUN BY THE COUNTIES THAT WE SERVE.
THEY'LL BE SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION FOR OUR ACCREDITATION BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACCREDITATION BOARD, DUE TO THE HVAC PROJECT AT RICHARD HALL, CLINICS ARE RELOCATING TO 27 WARREN STREET HERE IN SOMERVILLE.
WE'LL CONTINUE TO OFFER OFF SITE MOBILE CLINICS, INCLUDING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ACCESS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, THE LITERACY SERVICES ARE LAUNCHING THIS WEEK.
THEY'RE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SHEET METAL WORKERS, LOCAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, WHICH IS A FOUR YEAR PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY EXPERIENCE.
SO IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THAT, PLEASE SEE THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OF GREATER RATON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE.
TOMORROW IS THE JUDICIARY JOBS EVENT IN FLEMINGTON, AND THURSDAY WILL BE THE VETERANS RESOURCE AFFAIRS, BOTH IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES.
THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD IS GOING TO MEET ON NOVEMBER 6, THEN THE STIGMA FREE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON 21 NOVEMBER.
WE HAVE A VERY DEDICATED BOARD, AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACHIEVED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BEHAVIOR HEALTH SYSTEM NAVIGATOR STEPHANIE BILLEZ WAS THE CREATION OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDER SEARCH TOOL ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE, WHICH HELPS RESIDENTS MORE EASILY NAVIGATE AVAILABLE SERVICES.
SO FAR IN OCTOBER, OUR OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAS RESPONDED TO 26 CALLS FOR RESPONSE COORDINATION AND SUPPORT WITHIN THE COUNTY AND HAS PROVIDED SUPPORT THROUGH MUTUAL AID TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOUR TIMES.
THEIR FALSE CERT OR COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM COURSE STARTED SEPTEMBER 29.
THE COURSE EDUCATES SYSTEMS ABOUT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND CERTIFIES THEM IN CERTAIN SKILLS TO ASSIST THEIR LOCAL RESPONDERS AND LOCAL OEM COORDINATOR DURING DISASTERS.
EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING ACADEMY, ALSO KNOWN AS ESTA, HAS HELD 51 CLASSES FOR FIRE, EMS, OEM, AND OR LAW ENFORCEMENT SINCE OCTOBER 1.
THEY'LL CONTINUE TO WORK ON PREPARING FOR ANYTHING THAT COMES OUR WAY AND ARE ALWAYS READY TO SUPPORT US 24 SEVENTHS, SO KUDOS TO LISA WERNER AND EVERYONE ELSE AT OEM.
>> THANK YOU, EVERYONE. WE MOVE ON TO OUR COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, INVITING ENTITIES TO APPLY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 LOCAL FREIGHT IMPACT FUND GRANT PROGRAM.
MAMA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION, SUPPORTING PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURED, PRODUCE, AND/OR MINED IN THE US, AND TO ESTABLISH A BY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE TO ANY FUTURE RFPS, RRPS, AND RFQS.
MAMA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OPPOSING A PROPOSED SETTLEMENT BETWEEN THE NJDEP, AND THE THREE M COMPANY REGARDING PFAS AND JANET SAMUELS, NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN.
ALEX KLINE NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY LGBTQ+ ADVISORY BOARD.
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WE WILL NOW HAVE OUR PRESENTATION.THE FIRST PRESENTATION WILL BE THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ACCREDITATION AWARD.
>> THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. I JUST NEED MY HONOR, AND I PROMISE THAT I DID WRITE THIS.
[LAUGHTER] I'M HERE TO ACTUALLY RECOGNIZE THE SHERIFF RUSSO AND HIS DEPARTMENT FOR HAVING A CHIEF ACCREDITATION AND JUST SO I CAN ADD SOME CONTEXT OF WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SAY, ONLY 54% OF ALL THE AGENCIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT IS INCLUSIVE OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE, PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
OUT OF ALL THOSE, 54% HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MADE IT THE FIRST TIME TO OUR PROGRAM.
THAT SHOWS HOW RIGOROUS IT IS AND THE COMMITMENT THAT IT TAKES FROM ANY AGENCY WHATSOEVER TO COMMIT TO OUR PROGRAM.
IF YOU INDULGE FOR TWO MINUTES, I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ACHIEVEMENT.
THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS MADE A COMMITMENT TO ADHERING TO BEST PRACTICES AT THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL IN A HIGHLY REGARDED STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION PROGRAM.
THIS PROGRAM, ADMINISTERED TO THE NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE AND THE NEW JERSEY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION COMMISSION HAS SAILED TO TRANSPARENTLY DEMONSTRATE THE PROFESSIONALISM, TRANSPARENCY, AND PREPAREDNESS OF STATE'S LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC SAFETY SYSTEM.
NOW, DURING THESE UNIQUELY CHALLENGING TIMES AND THE THREAT TO OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY, ENCOURAGING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO FOLLOW STANDARDIZED PRACTICES AND POLICIES IS POTENTIALLY LIFE SAVING AND COST EFFECTIVE INVESTMENT OF TIME AND RESOURCES.
ACCREDITATION GIVES AN AGENCY A PROFESSIONAL STATUS.
THIS PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITED STATUS DEMONSTRATES SHERIFF DARREN RUSSO'S FIRM COMMITMENT TO STATE AND NATIONAL STANDARDS AND THE CONTINUED EXPECTATIONS FOR QUALITY, PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL POLICING.
NOW I SHOULD SHARE THAT ACCREDITATION PROVIDES OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE OF AN AGENCY'S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CAN BE MORE CONFIDENT IN THE AGENCY'S ABILITY TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS, AND OFFICER SERIFS OFFICERS AND ACCREDITED AGENCY CAN TAKE PRIDE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN OBJECTIVELY RECOGNIZED FOR THE PROFESSIONALISM AND ADHERING TO THE HIGH STANDARDS.
NOW, THE INITIAL ACCREDITATION MAY TAKE UP TO 36 MONTHS.
IN THIS CASE IT DIDN'T TAKE THAT MUCH THAT LONG BECAUSE THE SHERIFF AND HIS STAFF WERE SO DILIGENT.
BUT OUT OF THAT REPORT THAT HE GENERATED AND THAT TENSION THAT WE CREATE WHEN WE COME TO VISIT YOU AT THE END OF THE PROCESS.
ANY IN PERSON MEETING, THERE'S A REPORT THAT IS GENERATED THAT I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO RECOMMEND TO THE COMMISSION OR NOT.
IN THIS CASE, OBVIOUSLY, IT WAS RECOMMENDED FOR ACCREDITATION.
IF I MAY JUST SHARE WITH YOU AND PARAPHRASE OF WHAT WAS SAID IN THAT REPORT, UNDER SHERIFF DARREN RUSSO'S LEADERSHIP, WHETHER FUTURE ISSUES INVOLVE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY, STAFFING OR POPULATION INCREASES, THIS AGENCY CONTINUES TO ASSERTIVELY MOVE FORWARD WITH A COMMITMENT TO FOLLOWING BEST PRACTICES, WITH A PREPAREDNESS PLAN AND A VERIFICATION OF EXCELLENCE.
ANOTHER THING THAT I FIND REMARKABLE IS TYPICALLY, PARTICULARLY IN AGENCIES THAT COME TO A PROCESS FOR THE FIRST TIME.
WHEN WE COME HERE FOR THAT FINAL VISIT, WE FIND AN ISSUE THAT WE NEED TO RESOLVE RIGHT THEN AND THERE.
DOESN'T PREVENT YOU FROM BECOMING ACCREDITED, BUT A DISCUSSION THAT WE HAVE IT CERTAINLY RELATES TO ONE OF THE PROOF TWO STANDARDS.
IN THE CASE OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF POLICE DEPARTMENT, WE DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING, SO THAT WE FIND THAT ASSESSMENT REMARKABLE, INDEED.
IT IS THE OPINION THAT DESERVES A CLAP.
[APPLAUSE] SO IT IS THE OPINION OF THE ASSESSMENT TEAM THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS A HIGH LED PROFESSIONAL AND COMMITTED AGENCY, WHICH EXEMPLIFIES ALL OF THE TENANTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION AT THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL.
IT IS, INDEED, AGAIN, MY HONOR HERE TONIGHT ON BEHALF OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE ASSOCIATION AND CHIEFS OF POLICE AND THE NEW JERSEY LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION TO CONGRATULATE SHERIFF DARREN RUSSO, CREDIT MANAGER, SERGEANT ANTOINETTE HARTMAN, THE MEMBERS OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE COMMISSIONERS, AND THOSE CITIZENS THAT THEY SO PRIVATELY SERVE FOR ACHIEVING THEIR STATE ACCREDITATION, JOINING A VERY INCLUSIVE GROUP OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT MAKE THIS COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN POLICING.
TO ALL INDEED, CONGRATULATIONS.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. WOULD MY TEAM COME ON UP HERE FOR A SELFIE.
THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
IT GOES BACK, WE'VE BEEN HERE SIX YEARS.
THIS HAS GONE BACK A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND A HALF WHEN WE STARTED THIS.
BUT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, EVERYTHING HE SAID IS NOT POSSIBLE, WHAT I DO AND WHAT THESE OFFICERS DO.
I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT.
THIS STARTED WITH MY UNDER SHERIFF KAMINSKI, WHERE HE BROUGHT IT UP, LIKE I SAID, PROBABLY ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO,
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I THINK WE STARTED LOOKING INTO IT, AND I SAID, IT'S NOT A BAD IDEA.HAVING AN OUTSIDE AGENCY LOOK AT YOUR RULES, REGULATIONS, SOPS, POLICIES, LITTLE TRANSPARENCY.
I THINK THAT'S WHAT HE SAID. HE SAID, "LET'S ROLL WITH IT. LET'S GO.
WHO ARE WE GOING TO GET TO DO IT?" IT WASN'T ME BECAUSE I'M NOT DOING ALL THAT PAPERWORK AND STUFF. NO OFFENSE.
BUT WE HAD SERGEANT HARTMAN THAT TOOK IT AND REALLY RAM WITH IT AND SHE HAD OFFICER MARTIN AND OFFICER TAMARCO, AND UNDER SHERIFF WARDEN TIM PINO, WHO JUST DIDN'T STOP.
EVERY TIME THINGS COME BACK TO LOOK AT THIS, AND WE NEED MORE OF THIS, MORE OF THAT.
BUT I WILL SAY IT'S PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME I GOT 100, FIRST TIME IN ANY TEST OR ANY CERTIFICATION.
I'M GOING TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THAT ONE.
I GOT MYSELF 100. I THANK THEM.
THIS IS FOR US FOR THE COUNTY.
I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU GUYS DID AND ALL THE SUPPORT I'VE HAD. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
>> STAY FOR PICTURE. [BACKGROUND]
>> CONGRATULATIONS. GOOD JOB, EVERYBODY. NICE WORK.
>> CAN YOU ALL STAY FOR THE NEXT ONE? I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE TO GO.
CAN YOU JUST FOR THIS NEXT PRESENTATION, AND THEN YOU'RE FREE TO GO.
WE HAVE THE CIVIC OPERATIONS GROUP AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR WILL PRESENT.
>> DO I HAVE JACOB SMITH AND CHRIS WATSON HERE? [APPLAUSE]
>> COME ON UP. LISTEN, YOU GUYS HAVE KNOCKED ON MORE DOORS THAN ME, AND I'M RUNNING FOR OFFICE, SO YOU SHOULDN'T BE SHY AT ALL. JACOB.
>> CHRIS. I WANT TO TELL YOU WHAT THESE GUYS DID.
THEY ARE PART OF OUR CIVIC OPERATIONS.
COME CLOSER. I'M OKAY, I SWEAR. I'VE BEEN VETTED.
THE SHERIFF OFFICERS GAVE ME A BACKGROUND CHECK AND EVERYTHING.
[LAUGHTER] THESE GUYS ARE PART OF OUR CIVIC OPERATIONS GROUP, AS WE COMMONLY CALL COG OVER HERE.
WITH CARES MONEY THAT WE RECEIVED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, OUR HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID, LET'S GET OUR PEOPLE OUT ON THE STREET TO FIND OUT WHAT THE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE ARE.
LET'S BRING US TO WHERE PEOPLE ARE.
AS WAS REPORTED BY COMMISSIONER GRANER BEFORE, HOW MANY DOORS THEY KNOCKED.
>> COULDN'T YOU HAVE GOTTEN THE TWO MORE JUST TO GET TO EVEN 300.
[LAUGHTER] CLOSE TO 100,000 DOORS.
IT'S PREACHING TO PEOPLE AND GOING THROUGH COMMUNITIES AND DOWNTOWNS AND EVENTS.
I'VE SEEN THEM AT VARIOUS EVENTS THAT I'VE ATTENDED, STAFFING TABLES, EXPLAINING WHAT THE COUNTY CAN DO TO HELP THEM.
WHAT CAN THE COUNTY DO TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR NEEDS? LET'S CONNECT YOU TO THE NEEDS THAT YOU HAVE.
BUT THESE TWO TOOK IT LIKE A GIANT STEP FURTHER, LIKE THE MEN ON THE MOON.
DO YOU WANT ME TO TELL THE STORY, YOU GUYS WANT TO TELL THE STORY? YOU TELL THE STORY, 'CAUSE IT'S YOUR STORY TO TELL.
>> WE'RE JUST WALKING AROUND, WE'RE KNOCKING DOOR TO DOOR, TALKING TO EVERYBODY ABOUT THE STUFF THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT FREE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.
BUT I'M WITH CHRIS 'CAUSE WE'RE PARTNERS AND WE'RE JUST WALKING DOWN THE STREET, AND I'M LIKE, RANDOMLY, I JUST SEE, LIKE, IS THAT INCENSE OR SOMETHING OUTSIDE? BUT THEN WE WALK CLOSER, WE WALK PAST THIS HOUSE AND THERE'S A LOT MORE SMOKE THAN JUST INCENSE.
THERE'S LIKE A LITTLE HOLE ON THE PORCH THAT'S WAS BURNING OUT.
WE JUST LEFT IN ACTION, AND THEN CHRIS CALLED THE POLICE AND THEN I JUST KNOCKING ON THE DOOR, EVERYBODY GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.
LUCKILY, EVERYBODY WAS ABLE TO GET OUT AND THE POLICE CAME AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME SUPER QUICK.
THAT'S IT. IT WAS PRETTY GOOD.
>> THAT WAS IT. THAT'S IT. THAT'S A LOT OF IT.
>> HOW ABOUT YOU CHRIS, YOU WANT TO GET ANYTHING?
>> I JUST WANT TO MAYBE GIVE A LITTLE BIT MORE PERSPECTIVE, BECAUSE JAKE GAVE THE STORY, BUT IT'S JUST CRAZY HOW IN THAT INSTANCE WHERE IT WAS ONE OF THE DOORS ON OUR LIST.
AS WITH ANYTHING, AS WITH A CAMASER, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO HIT A BUNCH OF
[00:35:01]
HOUSES IN A CERTAIN TIME FRAME OR YOU GO TO HOUSE TO HOUSE, BUT IT'S LIKE ONE OF THOSE FEW INSTANCES WHERE WE WERE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME, WHERE WE COULD HAVE HIT EVERY OTHER HOUSE, BESIDES THAT ONE, THAT ONE SPECIFIC ONE, WE COULD HAVE WENT DOWN ANY OTHER STREET, BUT WE HAPPENED TO GO DOWN THAT ONE STREET WHERE THAT HAPPENED.THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE, BUT LUCKILY, ME AND JAKE, WE JUST SPRUNG INTO ACTION, AND WE WERE THERE.
IT'S CRAZY. IT'S A WEIRD FEELING.
IT'S EXCITING IN A WAY, BUT ALSO, YOU KNOW, IT'S LIKE WOW, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A HOUSE.
THAT COULD HAVE BEEN SOMEONE'S LIFE, AND WE PREVENTED ALL THAT.
>> YES. THE MANAGEMENT TEAM FROM THE COG GROUP. ARE THEY HERE? YOU WANT TO COME UP, AND WE'LL GET THE PICTURE TOGETHER? WHO ELSE WE NEED?
>> PARENTS. ARE PARENTS HERE? COME ON.
>> THANK YOU TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR STAYING.
I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE APROPOS, SINCE THESE TWO YOUNG MEN DID A COURAGEOUS ACT, AND WAS AS THEY SAID, THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
SO THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS.
WE WILL GO RIGHT INTO OUR NEW BUSINESS.
25-2000, ARE WE DOING IT?THANK YOU.
>> THEY ALL LEFT ON YOU. THIS IS 25-2000 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE UNITED STATES DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT 1033 PROGRAM, INFORMALLY KNOWN AS THE 1033 PROGRAM TO ENABLE THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO REQUEST AND ACQUIRE ACCESS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT.
2001 IS AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EQUITABLE AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, UNITED STATES MARSHAL SERVICE FOR 2026.
2002, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND EQUITABLE AGREEMENT, AND CERTIFICATION WITH SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR, 2003, AUTHORIZING AN EXECUTION OF AN EQUITABLE AGREEMENT, CERTIFICATION WITH SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DEA, AND 2004, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NJ MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM, GRANT FUNDING AMOUNT FOR 2025-2026 YEAR IS $152,958.
>> RESOLUTION 2005, APPROVING THE PROPERTY PARCEL MAP AND DESIGNATING ROAD AREAS TO BE ACQUIRED FOR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE PURPOSES AND AUTHORIZING THE EARLY APPRAISAL OF LANDS AND TITLE SEARCHES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF COUNTY BRIDGE F0807 DAVENPORT STREET OVER PETERS BROOK.
RESOLUTION 25-2006, APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION, EXECUTION OF A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 PROJECTS, INCLUDED IN THE 2026 ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
2007 IS APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, IS A LIST OF PROJECTS THAT WE USE DOT COUNTY 8 TOUR.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2008, AUTHORIZING SOMERSET COUNTY TO APPLY FOR THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY, FISCAL YEAR 2027 SUBREGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED,
[00:40:02]
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $143,682.50.>> GOOD EVENING. 25-2009 IS ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY AUDIT.
25-2010 IS APPROPRIATING UNALLOCATED OPEN SPACE RESERVE FUNDS FOR THE PRESERVATION AND REPAIR OF THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE EXTERIOR IN SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY.
25-2011 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT.
THAT'S FOR THE PARK COMMISSION.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2012, AUTHORIZING THE DESIGNATION OF A 48-HOUR INTOXICATED DRIVER RESOURCE CENTER TO NEW HOPE INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE FOR SOMERSET COUNTY.
25-2013, AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY GOVERNORS COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2026, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $156,009.
25-2014, AUTHORIZING RICHARD HALL, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER TO APPLY FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES FOR CAPACITY BUILDING: SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT, CONTINUUM FUNDING TO DEVELOP PROGRAMMING FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES, CO-OCCURRING DISORDER SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD, JANUARY 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW FOR A SECOND YEAR CONTINGENT ON FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE, NO FUNDING MATCH IS REQUIRED.
RESOLUTION 25-2015, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES TO APPLY TO THE NEW JERSEY YOUTH JUSTICE COMMISSION FOR THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMISSION, STATE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FAMILY COURT GRANTS FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2026, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.
RESOLUTION 25-2016, AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES TO APPLY TO THE NEW JERSEY JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION FOR THE JUVENILE DETENTION ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION, JDAI INNOVATIONS FUNDING GRANT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31, 2026, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.
GRANT JDAI-26-IF-18, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $120,000, AND NO COUNTY MATCH IS REQUIRED.
>> [NOISE] 25-2017 AUTHORIZING THE SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE TOWNSHIP OF BEDMINSTER FOR CDL TRAINING.
>> 25-2018, AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0099-24 TO CITYDATA INC, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA FOR WEB-BASED ANALYTICS APPLICATION SOFTWARE SERVICES.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2019, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NATIONAL LAWN SPRINKLERS INC., FOR THE GREEN KNOLL GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM, BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,146,500.
RESOLUTION 25-2020, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SAFEWAY CONTRACTING INC., FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE, 202 MOUNT AIRY ROAD, BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
RESOLUTION 25-2021, AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO MILLS+SCHNOERING ARCHITECTS FOR A DESIGN OF THE WASHINGTON VALLEY PARK INTERPRETIVE CENTER.
RESOLUTION 25-2022, CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER 1 TO BETTINA SHOLK REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL FOR AS NEEDED APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2025.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,000 NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $30,000.
RESOLUTION 25-2023, AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR KALOGRIDIS CONTRACTING FOR REPLACEMENT OF
[00:45:03]
COUNTY BRIDGE C0705 OLD YORK ROAD IN BRANCHBURG.THE AS BID CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $1,377,087.
FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $1,364,247.27, IS A DECREASE OF $12,839.73.
RESOLUTION 25-2024, AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE FCS GROUP FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FIREPROOFING AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL, 40 GROVE STREET.
THE AS BID CONTRACT IS $56,200.
THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $46,200.
CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1 IS A DECREASE OF $10,000.
THIS IS THE AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-004-25 TO THE CENTER FOR GREAT EXPECTATIONS, CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER, HOME OF SOMERSET COUNTY, LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST JERSEY, AND SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 HOMELESSNESS TRUST FUND ACTIVITIES.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2026, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO INTRADO LIFE & SAFETY SOLUTIONS CORP FOR SPATIAL COMMAND AND CONTROL NEXTGEN 911 MAPPING, UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 83916.
THREE-YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $190,599.50.
RESOLUTION 25-2027, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL FOR RAVE SMART 911 SUBSCRIPTION UTILIZING NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT CK04 24-38.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $42,940.55.
RESOLUTION 25-2028, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO TRAIN'S TOWERS TO PROVIDE LABOR AND MATERIALS TO INSTALL AN ANTENNA AND TTA AND RELATED SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE GREEN BROOK SST SITE, UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 24-TELE-104069.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,482.80.
RESOLUTION 25-2029, AWARD OF CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00810 TO SKYLANDS AREA FIRE EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING, LLC, FOR FIVE GEAR SETS FOR THE EMERGENCY SERVICE TRAINING ACADEMY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $21,637.15.
>> CONTRACT 25-2030, AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-9098-25 TO SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC., TO FURNISH, DELIVER AND INSTALL SIEMENS CARD ACCESS, PANIC BUTTONS, DOOR RELEASE BUTTONS, AND PROGRAMMING AT VARIOUS COUNTY FACILITIES, NOT TO EXCEED $67,900.
25-2031 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO FIRSTLINE LOCKSMITH LLC, UTILIZING CONTRACT CC-0148-25 TO FURNISH AND INSTALL FRONT AND EXTERIOR AUTOMATIC DOORS AT 202 MOUNT AIRY ROAD, NOT TO EXCEED $29,398.44.
CONTRACT 25-2032 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0146-25 TO GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS, INC., FOR PAINTING AND WALL COVERINGS FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.
205-2033, AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0127-25 TO FURNISH AND DELIVER OF CONTAINERS.
IT'S A FIRST OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.
>> 25-2034 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO FUTUREWORK SYSTEMS FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT, DATA REPORTING ANALYSIS, FUNDS AWARDED TO THE GREATER RARITAN WDB.
2035 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR THE 2025 MEETING NEW JERSEY'S NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY IN OCTOBER, FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB.
[00:50:02]
AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO BARNABAS HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP.25-2037 SAYS, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO WEX HEALTH.
>> 25-2038, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PRIME HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
25-2039, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO AXON FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF.
AND 25-2040, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,977.88.
IT'S THE RED BANK VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL IN HILLSBOROUGH AND GTBM IN EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY.
>> 25-2041, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO FLATBUSH MOVING OF LINDEN, NEW JERSEY, AND ROYAL PRINTING OF WEST NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, FOR EXPENSES INCURRED FOR THE SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2025, BRANCHBURG SPECIAL SCHOOL ELECTION.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,341.10.
25-2042, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THOMPSON REUTERS-WEST OF ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA FOR LEGAL SUBSCRIPTIONS.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2043, AUTHORIZING CLOSING AND RETURNING REMAINING FUNDS FOR SIX PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $141,896.27.
RESOLUTION 25-2044, AUTHORIZING CLOSING AND RETURNING REMAINING FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO MARK TINDER APPRAISALS FOR AS NEEDED APPRAISALS FOR THE 2024 SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED NEGATIVE $16,200.
RESOLUTION 25-2045, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR OPERATION OF A FLOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $46,226.25.
RESOLUTION 25-2046, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO KONKUS CORP FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS FOR FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE TO BRIDGE L0909, ROCK AVE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,056. YES.
>> ROCK AVE, THIS IS THE NON-COUNTY PART NORTH OF 22.
I THINK IT'S RIGHT ON THE BORDER.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2047 IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE ATTENDANCE OF KATE KATZER TO THE TOM EVERETT SCHOLARSHIP PICNIC AT ABMA'S FARM IN HILLSBOROUGH ON SATURDAY, 6, 2025.
NOT TO EXCEED AN AMOUNT OF $50.
>> 25-2048 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO INCREASE AN AMOUNT OF A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO J.
DANIELLA FAMA FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR CIVIL COMMITS.
AMOUNT IS GOING UP FROM 35,000 TO 53,000.
25-2049 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO SCHOLL & WHITTLESEY, LLC.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2050 IS INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, WORKFIRST NEW JERSEY, TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $523,280.
2051 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF
[00:55:01]
REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, WORKFIRST NEW JERSEY GENERAL ASSISTANCE/SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $357,517.2052 IS THE INSERTION OF SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FROM THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY, COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $316,637.
2053 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY, IMPAIRED DRIVING, SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON COUNTIES GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,480.
2054 IS THE INSERTION OF SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE, NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY, DISTRACTED DRIVING INITIATIVE, SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON COUNTIES GRANT, THE AMOUNT OF $235,100.
2055 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, LEAP IMPLEMENTATION GRANT, THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.
2056 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY, OCCUPANT PROTECTION GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,910.
2057 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DISASTER RESPONSE CRISIS COUNSELING GRANT FOR THE AMOUNT OF $35,000.
2058 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, VETERANS TRANSPORTATION GRANT FOR $18,000.
AND 2059 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,058.65.
25-2060 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NW FINANCIAL GROUP, BLOOMFIELD NEW JERSEY, AND GIBBONS PC, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.
2061 IS AUTHORIZING A CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NW FINANCIAL, BLOOMFIELD NEW JERSEY AND GIBBONS PC IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY,.
2062 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR OVERPAYMENTS TO SOMERSET COUNTY.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,412.90.
AND 2063 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2064, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO VITAL RECORDS HOLDINGS FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND PHYSICAL STORAGE AND SERVICE FOR JUNE, JULY 2025 INVOICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,372.93.
RESOLUTION 25-2065, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR WINDSTREAM INTERNET FOR INTERNET AND VOICE OVER IP SERVICES FOR JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2025 INVOICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $44,874.13.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2066, AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-1165, ADOPTED JUNE 11, 2025, TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT CERTIFIED FOR WHITSONS, ISLANDIA, NEW YORK BY $27.37.
TOTAL CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $141,263.92.
25-2067, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO A SAKER SHOPRITE, HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE SENIOR ART SHOW.
25-2068, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ATW REFRIGERATION, AMITYVILLE, NEW YORK, FOR THE W.B.
FREEZER DIAGNOSIS, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
25-2069, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GARY REED, ASBURY, NEW JERSEY, FOR GUITAR PERFORMANCE AT THE SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER AT BASKING RIDGE.
25-2070, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO SHOPRITE OF HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY FOR NUTRITIOUS SNACKS FOR MIND OVER MATTER PARTICIPANTS.
THIS IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED SERVICE.
25-2071, AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR
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PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT UNDER RESOLUTION 25-447 WITH ALCOHOL MONITORING SYSTEMS OF GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,117.98.
25-2072, AUTHORIZING RETURN OF FUNDS TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR UNSPENT DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING GRANT FUNDS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,000.
25-2073, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO VITAL RECORDS HOLDINGS, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, FOR SHREDDING SERVICES.
25-2074, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO W.B.
MASON FOR LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR THE STAR PROGRAM CLIENTS.
RESOLUTION 25-2075, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S ASSOCIATION OF ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA FOR REGISTRATION FEES, VERIZON NEW JERSEY, ALBANY, NEW YORK FOR INTERNET SERVICES, AND DAVID M. BITTRICH, DOING BUSINESS AS D&B AUTO SUPPLY, MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY FOR PARTS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,979.03. THANK YOU.
>> RESOLUTION 25-2076, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACT TO EMPOWER SOMERSET INC., CONTRACT CY-COM-0087-24 FOR SERVICES TO EXPAND AND INTEGRATE THE OVERDOSE FATALITY REVIEW TEAM.
>> YOU GUYS GOT YOUR SEAT BELTS ON? 25-2077 AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CONSERVE FLAG COMPANY FOR MATERIALS AND SERVICES.
25-2078, AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO HAIG SERVICE CORPORATION FOR MAINTENANCE.
25-2079, AMENDING RESOLUTION R25-1778 FOR INDUSTRIAL COOLING CORP TO ADJUST AMOUNT FOR AN ERROR.
REQUISITION 294070 TO BE INCREASED BY $0.90.
2080 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED FUNDS FOR AME INC., AND SIEMENS INDUSTRY.
2081, APPROVAL TO A CONFIRMING ORDER TO GENSERVE LLC.
2082, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PRINCETON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR RESPIRATOR AND FIT TEST FOR PUBLIC WORK FLOATERS.
2083, CANCELING OF APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER R24-1830 FOR CONCENTRA MEDICAL CENTER FOR RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING NOT TO EXCEED $259.
2084, AMENDING R25-1784 FOR RICHIE'S TIRES SERVICE INC., MIDDLESEX, DUE TO A CLERICAL ERROR.
2085, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT CC-9097-25.
THIS IS FOR FURNISHING AND DELIVERY OF ONE TOYOTA MODEL 50-8FGU25 FORKLIFT OR EQUIVALENT TO SOMERSET COUNTY RECYCLING DIVISION, NOT TO EXCEED $44,659.53.
2086 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RADIAC RESEARCH FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2025.
2087, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO REPUBLIC SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,821.99.
2088, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO REPUBLIC SERVICES FOR COMMODITIES.
2089, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SIGNAL CONTROL PRODUCTS FOR AND ORCHARD HOLDINGS FOR ELECTRICAL UNDERGROUND APPURTENANCES, NOT TO EXCEED $66,000.
2090 AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATION OF FUND FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR UNIFORMS.
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TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $21,000.2091, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY PRODUCTS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN, SUPPORT, HARDWARE AND DEVICES, NOT TO EXCEED 15,000.
2092, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO CONTINENTAL HARDWARE AND NJ LUMBER AND SUPPLIES NOT TO EXCEED $6,000.
2093, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FIRSTLINE LOCKSMITH LLC.
THIS IS FOR LOCKSMITH SERVICES AND LOCKING HARDWARE.
2094, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY RECYCLERS, FOR A TICKET TO THE OCTOBER 22, 2025 EVENT.
>> 2095, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO NJ COMPOSTING COUNCIL.
THAT'S FOR FOUR TICKETS TO THE EVENT FOR OCTOBER 15TH, NOT TO EXCEED $145.
APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO NJ CLEAN COMMUNITIES COUNCIL.
THIS IS FOR REGISTRATION FOR OUR GRADUATE, REALLY.
GREG GRIFFIN, FOR THE OCTOBER 8TH EVENT, NOT TO EXCEED $75.
2097, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS.
2098, AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $23,876.99.
2099, AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FLEET DATA SYSTEMS, NOT TO EXCEED 1,750.
2099A, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS, NOT TO EXCEED $21,842.49.
2099B, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR INDEPENDENCE CONTRACTORS OF BRIDGEWATER FOR FLEET DATA SYSTEMS AND FUEL VENDORS, NOT TO EXCEED $5,570.
>> THEN YOU NEED THIS. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 25-2000 THROUGH 25-2099B, TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR OCTOBER 28TH MEETING?
>> YES, BUT PLEASE NOTE RECUSED FROM 25-2087 AND 2088.
>> ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION AT TONIGHT'S MEETING.
25-1959 IS AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR A SEWER FORCE MAIN WITHIN THE COUNTY'S RIGHTS OF WAY WITH BONNIE BURN REDEVELOPERS URBAN RENEWAL AND THE BOROUGH OF WATCHUNG, 1960 IS AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A SUBLEASE BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND GREATER ONE STOP CAREER TRAINING SERVICES.
1961 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO KEEFE LAW FIRM FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS FOR '25, '26 CALENDAR YEARS.
>> 1962 IS AMENDING R25-1860 ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2025 TO INCREASE THE PROGRAM YEAR 2025 AWARD TO THE CAREER TRAINING SERVICES OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026, BY THE AMOUNT OF $600,645.95.
1963 IS AUTHORIZING THE THIRD YEAR OF A FOUR-YEAR GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT FOR THE ONE-STOP OPERATOR SERVICES WITH EMPOWER SOMERSET FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $105,586.52.
1964 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR, PREVIOUSLY, AWARDED CONTRACTS TO SOUNDS OF TOMORROW ACADEMY TO PAY OUR LAST TWO STIPENDS FOR OUR FINAL 94 PARTICIPANTS IN THE 2025 SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM.
1964 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING AN ORDER TO MIDDLE EARTH FOR
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YOUTH VISIONS OUTREACH SERVICES IN AUGUST 2025 FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $12,310.77.
>> 25-1966, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO PREMIUM PUBLICATIONS FOR PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES FOR OUR NEWSLETTER, NOW BEING PRINTED ON 25% POST CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT.
>> 25-1967, CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER 1 TO H2M ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS FOR JAKE'S LAW, NORTH BRANCH PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION, 355 MILLTOWN ROAD IN BRIDGEWATER.
NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $181,565.
>> 25-1968, AUTHORIZING A THREE-MONTH NO COST EXTENSION FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY DOCENT TRAINING PROGRAM, PHASE 11 WITH AHALI CONSULTING.
THIS IS AMENDING RESOLUTION R22-427, AUTHORIZING THE FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET IN CONNECTION WITH A COST SHARE PURCHASE OF THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EASEMENT UNDER THE COUNTY PLANNING INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM OVER BLOCK 76, LOT 34, WHICH IS KNOWN AS DEERFIELD CREEK FARM ON CASE ROAD IN BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP.
BASED ON THE N.J.A.C 2:76-26 STATEWIDE FORMULA VALUE EFFECTIVE APRIL 7, 2025, TOTAL INCREASE NOT TO EXCEED $379,231.74.
THE SADC, THE STATE WILL REIMBURSE US, $970,121.68, WHICH IS 80% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF $1,333,921.44.
>> RESOLUTION 25-1970, APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR INDIVIDUAL TRAINING ACCOUNTS FOR JOB SEEKERS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED TRAINING THROUGH THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
>> RESOLUTION 25-1971, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR DR. HOWARD GILMAN OUT OF HOLMDEL DOWN, NEW JERSEY, FOR FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,000. THANK YOU.
>> 25-1972, AWARD OF CONTRACT MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL, LLC, UTILIZING CONTRACT CC-0027-24 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING CARRIER SPLIT SYSTEM IN THE TRAFFIC OFFICE.
25-1973, AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DIRECT FLOORING OF FLEMINGTON, UTILIZING ESCNJ 23/24-14 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF CARPETING AND FLOORING AT THE TRAFFIC SAFETY BUILDING AT 750 EAST MAIN STREET IN THE FRONT OFFICE, THE BREAK, AND BATH.
25-1974, REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT, CONTRACT CC-0021-25 DUE TO THE NEED TO SUBSTANTIALLY REVISE SPECIFICATIONS.
25-1975, AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0036-25 FOR RED DYED NUMBER 2 DIESEL FUEL, ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL, RED DYED WINTER BLEND DIESEL, AND FUEL OIL TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL, MULTIPLE VENDORS.
>> THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION, TO ADD RESOLUTION 25-1959 THROUGH 25-1975, TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR MEETING THIS EVENING?
>> YES. NOW, WE'RE AT THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK MAY COME UP.
FIVE MINUTES, NO YIELDING OF TIME.
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PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.WE WILL ALSO ENTERTAIN ANY QUESTIONS BY TELEPHONE AND OR EMAIL.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN UP TO THE PUBLIC?
>> AYE. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? WHILE THIS GENTLEMAN IS COMING UP, DO WE HAVE ANYTHING? THANK YOU.
>> EARL STONY [PHONETIC] RIVERSIDE DRIVE, BASKING RIDGE.
EARLY VOTING STARTS OCTOBER 25TH.
WHY IS IT THE CLERK'S OFFICE NOT GOING TO SEND OUT THE SAMPLE BALLOTS UNTIL OCTOBER 22ND? HOW ARE PEOPLE GOING TO GET THESE SAMPLE BALLOTS IN TIME TO SAMPLE THEM? I KNOW LAST ELECTION, I DIDN'T GET MINE, AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET OURS UNTIL AFTER WE VOTED.
THERE'S NO REASON FOR IT TO BE WAITING THIS LONG.
I'D LIKE EACH COMMISSIONER TO, ACTUALLY, COMMENT ON IT SINCE MANY OF YOU ARE GOING UP FOR RE-ELECTION.
BECAUSE, OBVIOUSLY, IT'LL AFFECT YOUR ELECTION IF PEOPLE AREN'T GOING TO GET TO THE SAMPLE BALLOTS TO SEE WHO'S ON THE BALLOT.
I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PUBLIC QUESTION.
I DON'T THINK SO BECAUSE NO ONE'S TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT WITHOUT A SAMPLE BALLOT, I WOULDN'T KNOW, AND I WOULDN'T EVEN BE ABLE TO STUDY IT.
IF THE COMMISSIONS ARE GOING TO ALLOW THIS, THEN IT JUST TELLS ME THAT YOU'D JUST RATHER HAVE PEOPLE BE STUPID AND NOT KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE ON THE BALLOTS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. WE WILL REACH OUT TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE AND FIND OUT WHY THE DELAY, ACCORDING TO YOUR STATEMENT.
THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? YES.
>> HI. GOOD EVENING. JEFF FUSS. I'M FROM MARTINSVILLE.
I'M THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CHAIRMAN.
>> FOREST VIEW DRIVE IN MARTINSVILLE.
I'VE SERVED WITH MANY OF YOU ON COMMITTEES, AND I THINK THOSE THAT YOU KNOW ME, ESPECIALLY MR. DRAKE, I'M VERY RARELY AT A LOSS FOR WORDS, BUT TODAY, IT DROVE ME TO A PLACE THAT I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE.
BECAUSE I'VE SERVED TWO TERMS ON OPEN SPACE.
I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO, TOM, MANY YEARS AND TO HEAR HIM LEAVING, IT BREAKS MY HEART BECAUSE HE IS ABSOLUTELY THE HEART AND SOUL OF THAT PORTFOLIO. IT'S AMAZING.
I THINK NEW JERSEY GETS A BAD RAP, ESPECIALLY SOMERSET COUNTY, BECAUSE YOU HEAR NEW JERSEY AND YOU INSTANTLY THINK OF NEWARK AIRPORT, BUT THE REALITY IS OUR COUNTY'S STUNNING.
IT'S BEAUTIFUL, AND STUNNING IS PROBABLY NOT EVEN THE RIGHT WORD FOR IT.
ONE OF OUR PARKS HAS A WORK ORDER, AND IT'S CONTRACT 25-001.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S AN OPEN SPACE ISSUE, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A PARKS COMMISSION ISSUE, BUT IT'S AN EXPENSIVE ISSUE.
AS CHAIRMAN OF OUR TOWN ZONING BOARD, I SPENT A LOT OF TIME DEALING WITH UNSCRUPULOUS DEVELOPERS THAT TAKE DOWN MORE TREES THAN THEY'RE ALLOWED.
VERY OFTEN, WE GO TO SATELLITE PHOTOS AND WE LOOK AT TRULY HOW MANY TREES WERE TAKEN OUT.
THAT'S THE AMAZING THING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY NOW AND AI TO YOUR POINT.
KIDS CHEAT, BUT IT ALSO CREATES SOME GOOD THINGS IN SOCIETY, AND THE FACT THAT I CAN GO BACK AND LOOK 50 YEARS OF SATELLITE REPORTS AND SEE HOW MANY TREES WERE THERE BEFORE DEVELOPER WAS THERE IS GREAT.
THIS CONTRACT 25-001 FOR $946,000 IS CREATING A NEW ACCESS ROAD TO WASHINGTON VALLEY PARK.
I THINK IT'S KNOWN AS HAWK POINT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT HAVEN'T BEEN UP THERE GO BECAUSE IT'S A BEAUTIFUL PLACE.
THE RAPTOR TRUST IN BASKING RIDGE, THEY RELEASE ALL THEIR REHABILITATED ANIMALS THERE.
LONG HILL. THEY RELEASED THEIR HAWKS THERE.
I'VE BEEN UP THERE WITH, CHRIS.
IT'S AMAZING. MILLER LANE IS THE ACCESS ROAD.
I GUESS THIS CONTRACT IS TO CREATE A NEW ROAD TO BYPASS MILLER LANE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE SURVEY, AND I AM NOT AN ENGINEER, BUT I HOPE THAT SOMEBODY WILL ASK THE COUNTY ENGINEER ABOUT THIS.
IT'S A COMBINATION OF OPEN SPACE AND GREEN ACRES.
GREEN ACRES IS VERY SPECIFIC UTILIZATION GUIDELINES WHEN YOU REMOVE A TREE.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT CONTRACT FOR $946,000, THEY WERE TO TAKE OUT 34 TREES.
WHEN I TELL YOU I WENT UP THERE TODAY, THERE WERE PILES OF WOOD CHIPS THAT LITERALLY WERE THE SIZE OF MY HOUSE. IT WASN'T ONE PILE.
IT WAS A QUARTER MILE OF WOOD CHIPS.
I TELL YOU, YOU CAN'T NOT HAVE SERVED ON OPEN SPACE AND GO AND SEE THIS, AND IT DOESN'T MOVE YOU.
I WENT BACK AND I LOOKED AT THE SATELLITE PHOTOS.
AGAIN, I'M NOT AN EXPERT AND I'M NOT PROCLAIMING TO BE AN EXPERT.
SOMEBODY HOSE ABOUT 350-500 TREES BACK TO WHOEVER IS THE CONTRACTOR.
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WE HAD AN EXISTING ROAD TO MILLER LANE TO GET TO HAWK POINT.I GUESS WE'RE BUILDING A NEW ROAD FOR $946,000.
THE AMOUNT OF TREES THAT WERE TAKEN OUT, I TRULY HOPE SOMEBODY LOOKS AT.
HAVING WORKED WITH, TOM, THE HARDEST WORKING MAN I'VE EVER EVER WORKED WITH AT THE COUNTY, I'D GO UP THERE AND LOOK AT IT.
MAKE IT BE YOUR LAST STOP, BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO MOVE YOU.
IF SOMEONE DID THIS AS A CASE ON THE ZONING BOARD, I WOULD SPEND THE REST OF MY DAYS AS A VOLUNTEER TO GET THOSE 350-500 TREES BACK.
THAT CONTRACT WAS FOR 34 TREES, AND I'M TELLING YOU THERE'S OVER 300 TREES THAT ARE WOOD CHIPPED.
THE WORST PART IS, AS I WAS DRIVING AWAY, THE CONTRACTOR WAS USING A CARBIDE BIT TO GRIND DOWN THE STUMP, SO YOU CAN'T EVEN GO BACK AND DRIVE YOUR CAR.
I DON'T THINK ANY OF YOU DID ANYTHING WRONG.
BUT IF YOU GO UP THERE TOMORROW AND LOOK AT IT, ALL THOSE STUMPS HAVE BEEN GROUND DOWN.
THERE'S NO WAY TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED HERE.
OTHER THAN VOSSER LANE, WHICH BRIDGEWATER HAD TO FIX AFTER IDA, WE SPENT $1 MILLION.
THERE WAS A UPS MAN THAT HAD RESCUE SOMEONE ON ROUTE 22 WEST FROM THE FLOODING.
THAT'S THE TOP OF THIS CREST TO THE BOTTOM OF ROUTE 22.
THOSE TREES ARE ALL THAT'S PREVENTING US FROM FLOODING. I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO IT.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK.
I HOPE YOU GO AND CHECK THIS OUT. GOOD NIGHT, EVERYONE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? SEEING NONE, HEARING NONE, MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING?
>> AYES HAVE IT.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.