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[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on November 12, 2025.]
2025, ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.FOR PUBLIC ACCESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTY BOARD MEETING AT THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
MAY WE CONTINUE TO BE LEADERS FOR ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES, AS WE JUST COMPLETED THE CELEBRATION OF OR MEMORIAL FOR VETERANS DAY. WE SALUTE AND CELEBRATE ALL VETERANS, THOSE WHO ARE STILL WITH US AND THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
WE THANK THEM AND REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICES THAT THEY MADE SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS. THANK YOU. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE. OH, EXCUSE ME.
THAT WAS KELLY'S LINE. WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE NOVEMBER 12TH WORK SESSION IN SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 25TH. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING UNLESS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION ARE NECESSARY, AND TO CONTINUE COUNTY BUSINESS. ROLL CALL PLEASE.
COMMISSIONER GRANER. HERE. COMMISSIONER DRAKE.
COMMISSIONER SOOY. HERE. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
HERE. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. HERE. SO BECAUSE OF OUR RESCHEDULED DATE COMMISSIONER DRAKE ACTUALLY TEACHES. SO HIS CLASS IS ON TONIGHT, SO HE IS EXCUSED.
BUT NONETHELESS, WE WILL GO INTO OUR COMMISSIONER REPORTS.
I'M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT ON LAST THURSDAY, WE DID THE RIBBON CUTTING FOR OUR SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE LYONS STATION IN BEDMINSTER TO THE LAST MILE TO THE LYONS VA MEDICAL CENTER. WE WITH A PARTNERSHIP WITH DOT, WITH TRANSIT AND WITH DMAVA, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERAN AFFAIRS, OUR COUNTY STAFF, OUR VSO OR VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE, AND ALL THE COMMISSIONERS WERE THERE TO CUT THE RIBBON, AND THIS WAS, AS I UNDERSTAND THIS WAS A PROJECT LONG OVERDUE. AND SO WE WERE HAPPY TO BE THERE. AND SHUTTLE SERVICE STARTED ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7TH.
AND THAT SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL CONTINUE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:30 TO 4:30.
AGAIN, WHAT A WAY TO HONOR OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN WHO WERE UNABLE TO GET TO THAT LAST MILE TO VA MEDICAL CENTER WITHOUT SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE. SO WE THANK YOU FOR THAT.
ALSO, WE HAVE MANY VETERANS CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK, THIS PAST FEW DAYS.
SO AS WE CONTINUE TO HONOR THE VETERANS ATTENDED THE MARINES 250TH CAKE CELEBRATION AS THEY CELEBRATED THEIR 250TH BIRTHDAY. I WAS ONE OF THE HONOREES WHERE THEY ACTUALLY GIVE YOU THE FIRST CUT OF THE CAKE ALONG WITH THE OLDEST MARINE IN THE COUNTY. HE ACTUALLY CUT THE CAKE ALONG WITH ONE OF OUR VERY OWN SHERIFF'S OFFICER WHO WAS A MARINE. IT WAS JUST A WONDERFUL THING TO SEE AND BE WITH MY FELLOW VETERANS, ALONG WITH THE YOUNGEST MARINE, TO BE ABLE TO SEE THAT CELEBRATION, THAT TRADITION, GO FORWARD.
SO THANK YOU TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FOR CONTINUING THAT CELEBRATION.
YOU CAN SEE ALL OF OUR INFORMATION REGARDING REGARDING THE DEADLINES AND THE INFORMATION, THE THEME AND WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ON OUR WEBSITE. ALSO ATTENDED THE BLUE MASS DIOCESE OF METUCHEN, WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT WERE IN IN ATTENDANCE AND THE THE PRIEST ACTUALLY.
EXCUSE ME. YEAH. THE PRIEST ACTUALLY PRAYED OVER LAW ENFORCEMENT, PRAYED FOR THEIR FAMILIES,
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THE SAFETY, AND CONTINUED TO UPLIFT THEM IN THE WORK THAT THEY DO.ALSO THIS SATURDAY. EMERGENCY SNAP FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE THROUGH, WHICH WILL BE TAKING PLACE AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING AT 411 CHIMNEY ROCK ROAD IN BRIDGEWATER.
THAT IS THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M..
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE THIS ASSISTANCE IS A VALID SNAP OR NEW JERSEY FAMILIES FIRST CARD OR A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE ID CARD. PHYSICAL PROOF OF SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENCY ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE SEEN ON OUR WEBSITE. BUT AGAIN, EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE THROUGH THIS SATURDAY FOR 11 CHIMNEY ROCK ROAD. THE TIME WILL BE 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AND ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
AND THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
THANK YOU. DIRECTOR. FIRST OFF, I WANT TO CONGRATULATE COMMISSIONER GRANER.
SO CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND SHERIFF RUSSO AND SURROGATE JALLOH ON SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS.
AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT MADE THE ELECTION PROCESS SO SMOOTH AND SO EFFICIENT.
OUR ELECTION WORKERS HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR WEEKS NOW BECAUSE OF EARLY VOTING AND VOTE BY MAIL AND THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE, THEY THEY DO A GREAT JOB AND OUR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT THAT OVERSEES THEM WHEN THEY'RE HERE JUST FOR THEIR SAFETY.
WE THANK EVERYBODY THAT'S INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS.
I KNOW OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES DEPARTMENT PICKS UP THOSE BALLOTS IN THE IN THE VOTE BY MAIL BOXES.
SO THIS IS A TRUE TEAM EFFORT HERE THAT'S DONE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND SECURE ELECTIONS.
AND I THANK EVERYONE PUBLICLY FOR THOSE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS.
ALSO, COMMISSIONER GRANER AND I HAD THE PLEASURE OF GOING TO RARITAN BOROUGH THIS PAST WEEKEND BECAUSE THEY OPENED UP THEIR NEW FOOD PANTRY, WHICH THEY'RE WORKING IN COORDINATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY FOOD BANK NETWORK.
SO THAT'S VERY EXCITING OPPORTUNITY OVER THERE FOR THOSE IN NEED AND IN RARITAN.
THE BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE AND THE AMERICAN LEGION.
IT WAS A REALLY BEAUTIFUL EVENT, AS ALWAYS. SO THANK YOU.
AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS. THANK YOU.
DIRECTOR ROBINSON. COMING UP DIRECTOR TALKED ABOUT OUR CHIMNEY ROCK EMERGENCY SNAP.
LET'S TALK ABOUT PUBLIC WORKS. 508 CARS WERE AT OUR FIRST SATURDAY EVENT, TRANSPORTATION.
LAST MONTH FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 5621 MEALS WERE DELIVERED TO PEOPLE'S HOMES.
12,667 TRIPS WERE PROVIDED TO OUR SENIORS IN PARATRANSIT, AND 5559 RIDES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT THE LIBRARY. VERY EXCITING EVENTS COMING UP NEXT WEEK.
THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 15TH AND 16.
SO THAT WILL BE FOR ANYBODY WITHIN THE SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM.
AND I KNOW OUR SURROGATE HAS GONE ON THE ROAD TALKING ABOUT THIS TO VARIOUS PEOPLE.
YOU'RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO START TALKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING, SO EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
GO TO THE COUNTY WEBSITE AND THERE'S A LINK THERE TO SIGN UP.
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AND THANKS TO THE COUNTY TEAM FOR HELPING US GET THAT INFORMATION OUT, I APPRECIATE IT.THE RUTGERS FOUR-H, THEY ARE SELLING WREATHS FOR ANYBODY THAT'S INTERESTED.
$5 IF YOU WANT A BOW. THEY'RE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
SO IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, I WOULD HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO EMAIL AND I THINK YOU WILL BE VERY, VERY HAPPY. AND THE LAST THING I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS WE GOT AN EMAIL FROM THE TAX BOARD, AND I JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
AS A FORMER TAX BOARD COMMISSIONER, ALONG WITH COMMISSIONER GRANER, WHO ALSO SERVED ON THE TAX BOARD, I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THAT OUR COUNTY'S TAX BOARD IS THE MOST EFFICIENT TAX BOARD IN THE STATE.
WE HAVE THE LOWEST COMBINED COEFFICIENT OF DEVIATION AND THE HIGHEST DIRECTORS RATIOS.
AND OUR TAX BOARD ADMINISTRATOR, CHARLES EADER, IS GOING TO BE HONORED DOWN AT THE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES BY THE AMANJ THAT'S THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL ASSESSORS OF NEW JERSEY FOR ALL OF THE WORK HE'S BEEN DOING ON PRESENTING AND SUPPORTING ANNUAL REASSESSMENT PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. ANNUAL REASSESSMENT PROGRAMS REDUCE THE NUMBER OF APPEALS.
WHEN THE LESS APPEALS YOU HAVE, THE LESS LEGAL BILLS.
THAT'S BETTER TAX SAVINGS FOR YOUR YOUR RESIDENTS.
SO HAVING LESS APPEALS IS BETTER FOR EVERYONE.
AND ANNUAL REASSESSMENT PROGRAMS REALLY SUPPORT THAT.
SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. OH, AND THE OTHER THING I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THERE, DIANE SARACHI IS THERE.
AND WITH HER LEADERSHIP THEY ARE DIGITIZING ALL THE TAX INFORMATION BACK, THEIR GOAL IS GOING BACK TO 1906. SO RIGHT NOW THEY'VE GONE BACK TO THE 1940S USING MICROFILM TECHNOLOGY TO NOW GOING ON TO DIGITAL.
AND THEY'RE GOING TO GO TO THE MICROFICHE NEXT TO DIGITIZE THAT.
THAT WOULD GO BACK TO 1906. SO THIS IS GREAT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
IT'S GREAT FOR ANY KIND OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH THAT PEOPLE ARE DOING.
AND IT ALSO ELIMINATES A LOT OF FILE SPACE THAT WE NO LONGER NEED ONCE WE DIGITIZE THESE RECORDS.
SO REALLY GOOD NEWS FROM THE COUNTY TAX BOARD.
I THINK THE COUNTY TAX BOARD DOESN'T GET ENOUGH RECOGNITION THAT THEY DESERVE.
SO THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
AND NOW I KNOW WHERE TO PICK UP MY WREATHS. FEW REPEAT SUBJECTS, BUT WE HAD THE SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY GRAND REOPENING. SO THE LIBRARY, IT'S MORE THAN JUST BEING ABLE TO GET BOOKS.
AND NOW THAT WE'VE MOVED INTO THE DIGITAL SPACE, WE CAN ACCESS THAT ONLINE AS WELL.
BUT IT'S TRULY A COMMUNITY CENTER. SO WE ACTUALLY SAW SOMERSET LEADERSHIP, THE CURRENT CLASS.
THEY SET UP A LITTLE FOOD PANTRY SO YOU CAN BE ABLE TO COLLECT ANY SORT OF CANNED GOODS OR NON-PERISHABLES AT THE CONVENIENCE AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND WITH DIGNITY. AS FOOD INSECURITY IS A GROWING NEED.
IF ANYONE HAS NOT BEEN TO MATHENY'S CAMPUS OVER IN PEAPACK-GLADSTONE, IT'S RIGHT BEHIND, YOU KNOW, OUR PARK THERE AND IT IS. YOU KNOW, THEY'RE DOING GOD'S WORK.
THEY HAVE THE MOST SEVERELY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS, BUT THE AMOUNT OF LOVE AND CARE THAT THESE PEOPLE PUT IN TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE A FAMILY, EVEN WHEN SOME OF THEM WERE ABANDONED YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF THEIR MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
BETHANY MAKES SURE THAT THEY HAVE A HOME AND THEY HAVE ALL THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED.
SO THEY HAD AN ART AUCTION AND A FEW OTHER WAYS TO TRY TO RAISE MONEY.
SO YOU GET, YOU KNOW, A LITTLE BENEFIT. AND IT'S ALL DONE BY THE STUDENTS, TOO.
BUT THEY'RE JUST REALLY MAGNIFICENT PIECES. AND IT'S A LITTLE PIECE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THE LYONS VA SHUTTLE WAS A TREMENDOUS YOU KNOW, LAUNCH THAT WE DID LAST WEEK AS WELL.
GROWING UP OVER IN BERNARDSVILLE, BASKING RIDGE AREA, WE REALIZED THAT WITH THE SUBURBAN SPRAWL, IT'S HARD FOR PEOPLE TO GET AROUND, ESPECIALLY, YOU KNOW, AS YOU GET OLDER OR IF YOU HAVE DIFFERENT YOU KNOW,
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PHYSICAL CHALLENGES TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ON YOUR OWN OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.BUT THIS GIVES PEOPLE A WAY TO BE ABLE TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO THE VA HOSPITAL A FEW TIMES A DAY.
SO THAT'S SOMETHING WE'RE VERY PROUD OF. AND HAPPY VETERANS DAY.
I KNOW WE HAVE A FEW VETERANS IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL FOR SOME OF OUR STAFF, SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND ALL THAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO ON OUR FRONT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY. AND ANOTHER CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE NEWLY ELECTED AND REELECTED TO MY COLLEAGUES HERE AND OUR OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS. BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING WITH YOU FOR ANOTHER YEAR OR ANOTHER FEW YEARS.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
COMMISSIONER SOOY. CONGRATULATIONS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO ON YOUR REELECTION.
TO REITERATE AND I'M SORRY, I'M THROWN OFF. IN OCTOBER.
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SNAP COMPARED TO AUGUST, WHEN 12,005 RESIDENTS IN 6668 HOUSEHOLDS WERE REPORTED TO RECEIVE BENEFITS. OF THE OCTOBER RESIDENTS, 3000 903,172 ARE 60 OR OLDER, 4290 ARE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. THE RECENT DELAY IN SNAP BENEFITS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED THE COMMUNITY, CAUSING BOTH THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK AND THE FOOD BANK NETWORK TO SEE AN AVERAGE OF 20 OR MORE NEW GUESTS EACH DAY.
OTHER LOCAL PANTRIES, INCLUDING FEEDING HANDS MONTGOMERY AND HILLSBORO ALSO EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN NEW GUESTS, THOUGH THEY CONCURRENTLY SAW A RISE IN FOOD AND MONETARY DONATIONS.
IN RESPONSE, SOMERSET COUNTY, THROUGH AN EMAIL FROM COLLEEN MAHR TO OVER 11,000 MEMBERS OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, GENERATED $170,000 IN MONETARY DONATIONS IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK FOR THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK AND THE FOOD BANK NETWORK.
THANK YOU. AS WELL AS NUMEROUS COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVES AND DISTRIBUTION EVENTS.
A TOTAL OF 64 EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED IN SIX RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS.
THE KITS, WHICH INCLUDED ITEMS LIKE BLANKETS, SOCKS, PUZZLES, BOOKS AND EYE MASKS, ALL DONATED BY COUNTY EMPLOYEES, WERE ASSEMBLED THROUGH THE TEAMWORK OF COUNTY STAFF, SHOWCASING THEIR COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEERISM AND SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE THE BEST STAFF IN THE STATE, IF NOT THE COUNTRY.
ADDITIONAL ONGOING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY INCLUDE THE ADOPT A FAMILY INITIATIVE, VARIOUS COMMUNITY DINNERS, THE MUNICIPAL CHURCH HOSTED FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TOWNS LIKE MONTGOMERY AND BOUNDBROOK.
KUDOS TO THE HUMAN SERVICES, HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND OEM FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL TEAMWORK ON THE EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT AND TO ALL THE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ON ASSISTING THE FOOD INSECURE. OVER AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL, THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION HERE HAS BEGUN A NEW COLLABORATION WITH THE SCHOOL AND ITS LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM.
THE PROGRAM IS GOING TO LAUNCH IN JANUARY. STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, WHERE THEY CAN LEARN THE SKILLS NEEDED TO BECOME A COUNTY DISPATCHER AND EARN BASIC TELECOMMUNICATOR CERTIFICATION.
AND 2 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 19TH AT SIOUX FALLS HEADQUARTERS IN MORRISTOWN.
SINCE THE LAST MEETING, OEM HAS RESPONDED TO 28 CALLS FOR RESPONSE, COORDINATION AND SUPPORT WITHIN THE COUNTY AND PROVIDED SUPPORT THROUGH MUTUAL AID TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOUR TIMES. THEY PROVIDED SUPPORT AND COORDINATION TO INCLUDE AN EOC ACTIVATION FOR THE NOVEMBER 4TH ELECTION, AND HAVE ALSO ACTIVATED THE EOC IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR THE SNAP BENEFIT CONCERNS THEY'RE PROVIDING PLANNING, COORDINATION AND SUPPORT FOR THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION THIS SATURDAY.
ON THE EAST SIDE, THEY HELD 64 CLASSES FOR FIRE, EMS, OEM AND OR LAW ENFORCEMENT SINCE OCTOBER 28TH AND ARE BUSY SCHEDULING CLASSES FOR THE ACADEMY'S 2026 SPRING SEMESTER, WHICH WILL START AT THE END OF JANUARY.
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THEY'RE SPONSORING THE FARMERS PRODUCE PROGRAM, WHICH IS ALSO SUPPORTING FOOD INSECURITY INITIATIVES.AND THANK YOU. THAT IS MY REPORT. THANK YOU. AND I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE WHO ARE RETURNING ON A JOB WELL DONE. AND EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NEWLY ELECTED OUT THERE THROUGHOUT SOMERSET COUNTY.
AT THIS TIME, WE WILL MOVE RIGHT INTO OUR MEETING WHERE WE HAVE THE COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER, NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR OCTOBER 2025, IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,462,291.46.
AND WE MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS. RESOLUTION 25-2200 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF COUNTY BRIDGE, F0807 DAVENPORT STREET OVER PETERS BROOK FOR SOMERVILLE.
CONTRACT 25016. RESOLUTION 25-2201 APPROVING PLANS AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP CONTRACT 25019.
2202 IS AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR SERVICES WITH THE REGIONAL CENTER PARTNERSHIP OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR 2025, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED IS $65,792.25.
RESOLUTION 25-2203, AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2021 HOME-ARP ACTION PLAN TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO REALLOCATE PREVIOUSLY AWARDED FUNDS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $143,179. RESOLUTION 25-2204 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF HOME-ARP FUNDS FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,067. RESOLUTION 25-2205 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO OFFICIALLY RENAME JUVENILE INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES, ALSO KNOWN AS YOUTH RECEIVING, TO THE OFFICE OF YOUTH JUSTICE IN ITS OFFICIAL TITLE, SIGNAGE, COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTS, AS WELL AS INTERNAL AND PUBLIC FACING MATERIALS TO BETTER REFLECT ITS MISSION, VALUES AND COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE IT SERVES.
THIS WILL BE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2026. RESOLUTION 205-2206 AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES, CONTRACT 26-689-ADA-1-SOR FOR SOMERSET COUNTY INNOVATION GRANT FUNDING FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $113,960. NO COUNTY MATCH IS REQUIRED.
RESOLUTION 25-2207 AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 COUNTY PROSECUTOR INSURANCE FRAUD REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING AWARDED TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 300,000. THANK YOU.
25-2208 AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO R24-1803, WHICH IS FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL FOR A THREE YEAR TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31ST, 2028.
25-2209 AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT FOR R24-207, WHICH IS FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY WORKING GROUP FOR A THREE YEAR TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31ST, 2028.
25-2210 AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH BOUND BROOK FOR PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF JANUARY 1ST, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2028. QUESTION. SO WE WERE PROVIDED THE LIST FOR PEOPLE FOR THE FOR THE COUNCIL AND FOR THE WORKING GROUP. CAN YOU JUST KIND OF EXPLAIN I RECOGNIZE SOME OF OUR EMPLOYEES STAFF.
SOME ARE EMERGENCY WORKERS AND THEN OTHER NAMES I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE.
CAN YOU TELL ME HOW THOSE THAT LIST WAS PROVIDED? OR IS EVERYBODY A REAPPOINTMENT? NOT EVERYONE'S A REAPPOINTMENT.
LIKE, I'M NEW TO THE LIST. RIGHT. SO. YEAH. THEY'RE NOT ALL.
I WOULD HAVE TO GET BACK TO YOU ON THAT COMMISSIONER. JUST BECAUSE, I DON'T KNOW, WE CAN GO OVER THE SPECIFIC ONES THAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO. THAT WAY, I CAN GIVE YOU A MORE INFORMED ANSWER. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.
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OKAY. RESOLUTION 2211 AUTHORIZING A SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR OPERATING ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SAGE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECT FUND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VETERAN SHUTTLE SERVICES FOR FY 2026 AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS UPON ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING NOT TO EXCEED 400,000. NO COUNTY MATCH REQUIRED. OKAY.EXCUSE ME. 25-2212. AWARD OF CONTRACT JCC-COM-9001-24R TO B SAFE, LLC FOR MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT AND REPAIRS OF THE OLTIS SECURITY SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT WITH THREE OPTIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS.
25-2213 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO NAIK CONSULTING GROUP FOR EVALUATION OF CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS FOR BRIDGE D0204 GEORGETOWN-FRANKLIN TURNPIKE (CR 518) OVER BEDEN'S BROOK, MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, AND BRIDGE G0702, SOUTH MAIN STREET/FINDERNE AVENUE, OVER THE RARITAN RIVER BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE AND BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $180,085.28. RESOLUTION 25-2214.
AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO BOSWELL, INC.
FOR SOMERSET COUNTY GUIDE RAIL REPLACEMENT PLAN.
RESOLUTION 25-2215 AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP.
FOR THE PURCHASE OF CHECKPOINT SERVICES FOR OUR FIREWALLS AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR DECEMBER 1ST, 2025 TO NOVEMBER 30TH, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $114,427.
RESOLUTION 25 2216 AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP.
FOR THE ANNUAL LICENSES AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR SYSAID IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $34,884.78.
RESOLUTION 25-2217. AN AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0004-25 TO 188 WEST HIGH SOMERVILLE. IN THE AMOUNT OF $359,263.
ADVANCING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $244,189 AND WHEATSWORTH PROPERTIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000 FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2025 HOME ACTIVITIES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $853,452. RESOLUTION 25-2218 AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0079-25 TO THE CENTER FOR GREAT EXPECTATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 HOME OF SOMERSET COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,000, AND LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST JERSEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,179 PROGRAM YEAR 2021. HOME ARP ACTIVITIES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $143,179.
RESOLUTION 25-2219, AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0121-20 AND CC-0121-20S2 TO QUALIFACTS SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE FOR UPGRADES, MAINTENANCE, AND SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM FOR THE RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.
THIS IS THE SIXTH YEAR OF A SEVEN YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $150,000. 25-2220. AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0106-26 TO RELIAS LLC, MORRISVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA FOR UPGRADES, CONTINUED MAINTENANCE, AND SUPPORT OF A WEB BASED LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER. FIRST YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,725.36. RESOLUTION 25-2221 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-COM-0097-24 TO AMMON ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES, LINDEN, NEW JERSEY, FOR LABORATORY TESTING OF DRUGS OF ABUSE FOR THE RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND
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WELLNESS CENTER. SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR THREE ADDITIONAL YEARS.25-222 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $163,236. 25-223. AWARD OF CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00827 TO GEN-EL SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, LLC FOR TWO SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $23,023.26.
2224 AUTHORIZING UTILIZATION OF ESCNJ 23/24-11 TO PURCHASE ONE 2026 FORD EXPEDITION WITH ACTIVE FOUR 4X4 WITH FACTORY OPTIONS AND THREE 2026 FORD EXPLORERS WITH ALSO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE NOT TO EXCEED $183,570.52. ALL RIGHT.
2225. AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF BC-BID-24-43 TO PURCHASE ONE 2025 FORD EXPEDITION AND TWO 2025 FORD EXPLORERS ALL WHEEL DRIVE OR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, NOT TO EXCEED $142,919.10. 2226 AUTHORIZING UTILIZATION OF 23-FLEET-41909 TO PURCHASE ONE 2025 FORD ESCAPE ACTIVE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT, YOU KNOW, NOT TO EXCEED $30,114.60.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED. EXCUSE ME. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $600.
25-2228. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO KONKUS CORPORATION OF HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF COUNTY BRIDGES.
CONTRACT 25-006. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $600,000.
2229 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE DUKE FARMS FOUNDATION, HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM INFLUENCING AGRICULTURE AFTER THE HARVEST EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2025.
RESOLUTION 25-2230 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, SECURITY ENHANCEMENT, MVC LEASE GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $152,958.
2231 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LOCAL CORE CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS LINKS GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,038. 2232 IS INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES CHILDREN'S INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,044 AND 2233, IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, RIGHT TO KNOW GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,632.
25 2234 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS.
FEES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $200 2235 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PHOENIX ADVISORS, HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,500.
AND 2236 IS PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.
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CONGREGATION. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $28,028.42.25-2238 APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO PREVENTION RESOURCES, INC., FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY, FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF PRESENTATIONS AT THE SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $493.91. 25-2239 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE FAR HILLS RACE MEETING ASSOCIATION, FAR HILLS, NEW JERSEY, FOR A VENDOR TABLE FEE FOR AN OUTREACH EVENT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $375. 25-2240 APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO VITAL RECORDS HOLDINGS, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE FOR SHREDDING SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $132.
FOR VARIOUS SERVICES TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,089.76. THANK YOU.
25-2242. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO FIRE-DEX GW, LLC DBA GEAR WASH FOR ADVANCED CLEANING AND INSPECTION OF FIREFIGHTER GEAR. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,006.50.
22. TWO. 43. 25. TWO. TWO. 43. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RUTGERS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEW JERSEY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S BASIC CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM.
NOT TO EXCEED 10,000. 2245 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SIGNAL CONTROL PRODUCTS NOT TO EXCEED $1,375. 2246. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION R25-1778 APPROVED AT THE SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2025 COMMISSIONERS MEETING TO REMOVE THREE LINE ITEMS REFERENCING MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL, LLC, AS THE INVOICE PRICING WAS DETERMINED TO NOT BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT RATES NOT TO EXCEED $104,693. 2247. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL FOR SERVICES, REPAIRS AND MATERIALS NOT TO EXCEED $110,193. 2248. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATE OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FLEMINGTON DEPARTMENT STORE. NOT TO EXCEED $650.
2249. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RADIAC RESEARCH CORP OF BROOKLYN.
NOT TO EXCEED $43,642.30. 2250. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MAZZA RECYCLING SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $30,808.66. 2251 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO DEER CARCASS REMOVAL NOT TO EXCEED 25,000 2252. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.
YOU KNOW NOT TO EXCEED $600. 2253 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED 43,000. 2254. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO MODERN HANDLING EQUIPMENT NOT TO EXCEED 5000. 2255 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $13,414.97. 2256 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO WHITEMARSH CORPORATION OF MIDDLESEX FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $275.21. THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 25-2200 THROUGH 22-5, EXCUSE ME, 2256, TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 25TH.
SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
YES. DIRECTOR. ROBINSON. YES. RESOLUTION 25-2141 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
[00:40:03]
$1,145,982. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THIS RESOLUTION? 25-2141 TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR SESSION.MOTION. SECONDED. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. 2142 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ACRISURE LLC FOR RISK MANAGER FOR SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION. FIRST YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT WITH TWO ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS.
2143 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT OR AN EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT TO ACB SERVICES, INC.
PURSUANT TO NJSA 40A-11-6. 2144 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AT LEAST EXTENSION BETWEEN MIDDLE EARTH AND THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET. 2145 IS AMENDED R24-2411 TO CORRECT THE CONTRACT AWARD TOTAL FOR CONTRACT CY-COM-0094-23 WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT.
WHAT IS THAT CONTRACT AWARD BEING CHANGED TO? YEAH. IT'S JUST THERE WAS A $35,000 REDUCTION.
THAT'S ALL IT IS. THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 25-2146 IS AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN THE SOMERSET COUNTY RECREATION OPEN SPACE INVENTORY. AND THIS IS IN RELATION TO OUR GRANT FOR THE HILLSBORO COUNTRY CLUB ACQUISITION.
RESOLUTION 25-2147. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING 2026 AREA PLAN UPDATE AND CONTRACT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE NEW JERSEY STATE DIVISION ON AGING SERVICES FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE BUDGET PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,157,096.
COUNTY MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT NOT TO EXCEED 1,000,412 $594 REQUIRED.
25-2148. THIS IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR PAYMENT FOR TWO RICOH COPIER MONTHLY RENTAL FEES FOR SEPTEMBER 2025, AND FOR INDIVIDUAL TRAINING ACCOUNTS FOR JOB SEEKERS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED TRAINING THROUGH THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $41,575.83. RESOLUTION 25-2149. AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A $3,000 MONETARY DONATION FROM EVEREST GLOBAL SERVICES, INC. TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY OPERATIONAL SUPPORT PURPOSES.
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 25-2142 THROUGH 25-2149 TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR SESSION TODAY? SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO.
YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. BEFORE WE OPEN UP TO THE PUBLIC, I'M GOING TO ASK OUR ENGINEER, MATT LOPER, TO PLEASE COME FORWARD. AND AS HE COMES FORWARD, I'LL JUST SAY WE RECEIVED SEVERAL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING ALLEN ROAD.
AND IT'S ONGOING ISSUES, BUT THE MOST RECENT ISSUE.
AND UNDERSTAND THAT WE TAKE THESE MATTERS SERIOUSLY, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR ROADS ARE SAFE, NOT ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE DRIVING VEHICLES, BUT THOSE WHO ARE PEDESTRIANS AND FOR ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS.
SO AT THIS TIME, I'M GOING TO ASK MATT LOPER TO PLEASE COME FORWARD.
THANK YOU. DIRECTOR. JUST A QUICK OVERVIEW, JUST TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON THIS ROAD.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO AREN'T AWARE, ALLEN ROAD IS A COUNTY ROAD IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIPS CONNECTING MARTINSVILLE ROAD ALL THE WAY TO THE EAST AND ROUTE 202 I-287 TO THE WEST. IT HAS ONE MAJOR INTERSECTION SOMERVILLE ROAD, WHICH GOES NORTH SOUTH THAT'S NEAREST TO MARTINSVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION.
HILLS DEVELOPMENT IS HAS SEVERAL THOUSAND UNITS IN IT WITH CONDOS AND HOUSES.
WE ARE AWARE THE ENGINEERING DIVISION IS AWARE OF THE TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON ALLEN ROAD AND VAN DER BEER DRIVE AND BERNARDS TOWNSHIP THAT OCCURRED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST. WE ARE AWARE OF THE PETITION THAT IS BEING SIGNED BY RESIDENTS OF THE COMMUNITY.
[00:45:07]
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. THE BERNARDS TOWNSHIP ENGINEER REACHED OUT TO OUR OFFICES REQUESTING A MEETING TO SET UP TO DISCUSS THIS ALLEN ROAD TO DISCUSS ALLEN ROAD IN VAN DER VEER. WE HAVE A LONG STANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, THEIR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.WE'VE WORKED WITH THEM IN THE PAST, SPECIFICALLY ON ALLEN ROAD.
AS CITED BY THE EMAIL FROM THE ENGINEER OVER THE YEARS, THE TOWNSHIP AND THE COUNTY HAVE WORKED TOGETHER ON OR REVIEWED VARIOUS TRAFFIC ISSUES AND ACCIDENTS ALONG ALLEN ROAD AND THE HILLS. DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGNS WERE ADDED, CROSSWALKS AND RAMPS UPGRADED, AND SIGNAGE IMPROVED. AS STATED BY THE ENGINEER, THERE WAS, THERE WAS ANOTHER SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON ALLEN ROAD AT THE INTERSECTION OF VAN DER VEER THIS PAST WEEKEND, WHERE A PEDESTRIAN WAS HIT BY A CAR.
GOOD NEWS IS WE'VE SET UP THE MEETING WITH BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
WE'LL OBVIOUSLY HAVE AN OPEN MIND INTO WHAT THEY WANT TO LOOK AT FOR THE ROAD.
WE DID THE FOLLOWING. WE REVIEWED EXISTING CONDITIONS OF PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES.
THROUGH OUR STUDY, WE DID A SPEED STUDY, WE DID CRASH ANALYSIS, AND THEN WE IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS ALONG ALLEN ROAD, INCLUDING NEW CROSSWALKS AT FOUR INTERSECTIONS, INCLUDING INDEPENDENCE DRIVE, GREEN MOUNTAIN DRIVE, PATRIOT HILL DRIVE, AND VAN DER VEER DRIVE WEST.
WE INSTALLED A RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING BEACON AT THE EASTERN SHOPPING CENTER AND FEDERAL DRIVE, AND WE INSTALLED TWO DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGNS AT TWO LOCATIONS TO SUPPLEMENT POLICE ENFORCEMENT.
WE RECENTLY HAD DISCUSSIONS IN 2023 WITH BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
WE LOOKED AT SIGNAL SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENTS. WE TALKED ABOUT A STREET SMART CAMPAIGN.
WE TALKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF ADDITIONAL RFPS, AND WE TALKED ABOUT A NEW CROSSWALK AT WELLINGTON DRIVE, AS WE DID IN 2017-18 AND IN 2023 THE COUNTY WILL MEET WITH THE TOWNSHIP TOMORROW TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS, TAKE ACTION, COORDINATE WITH THE TOWNSHIP AND I'LL MAKE SURE I COMMUNICATE WITH THE COMMISSIONERS ON THAT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, WE WILL OPEN UP THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING.
THOSE WISHING TO SPEAK, PLEASE COME UP. STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.
FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME AND NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC MOTION? ALL IN FAVOR? ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? HELLO.
GOOD EVENING EVERYBODY. I AM SUHAS KUNDARKI FROM BASKING RIDGE.
36 CONSTITUTION WAY OF ALLEN ROAD. LIVE AT THE JUNCTION OF FEDERAL AND ALLEN ROAD.
SO, YES, I'M AWARE OF ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS DONE IN 2017, 2018.
THE RADAR SIGNS, THE ALERT, THE FLASHING LIGHT, YOU KNOW, TRIGGERED BY PEDESTRIAN.
UNFORTUNATELY, THEN AND EVEN NOW, I FEEL IT'S NOT A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT.
I WALK MY DOG EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST ALMOST 8 OR 9 YEARS, CROSS THE ROAD FOUR TIMES A DAY.
AND I FIND THAT DRIVERS DON'T YIELD OR STOP AT THE CROSSWALK.
EVEN WHEN I HIT THE LIGHT, BECAUSE I'M VERY CLOSE TO, IT'S LIKE PROBABLY 100FT FROM WHERE I LIVE.
SO I DO THINK A LOT OF CHANGES WERE DONE IN 2018.
IT'S PRETTY STEEP UP AND DOWN. BUT THE CURRENT SETUP ISN'T WORKING.
A TRAFFIC LIGHT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED. BUT I BELIEVE ONE OR MAYBE MULTIPLE AGAIN, PEDESTRIAN TRIGGERED TRAFFIC LIGHTS MIGHT BE HELPFUL. SO PLEASE EXPLORE THAT AMONGST THE VARIOUS OTHER THINGS THAT THE RESIDENTS HAVE PETITIONED FOR.
[00:50:09]
I'D LIKE TO ADD OR ECHO ONE COMMENT ABOUT BETTER STREET LIGHTING, ESPECIALLY AT THE CROSSWALKS, BECAUSE SOME OF THE CROSSWALKS ARE REALLY DARK.AND EVEN IF A WELL-INTENTIONED DRIVER. IS DRIVING PAST AT A REGULAR SPEED, AS IN AT 35 MILES AN HOUR, IT'S UNLIKELY THEY WILL SEE THE THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING UNLESS, YOU KNOW, IT'S TAKING CARE WEARING ALL SOME VESTS, LIGHTS AND ALL OF THAT. I DO WEAR THAT BUT STILL NOBODY STOPS.
SO AND IT'S NOT JUST AN ISSUE AT NIGHT. I'VE SEEN THEY DON'T STOP EVEN DURING THE DAY.
IT WASN'T AS BAD AN ISSUE UP UNTIL COVID, BUT AFTER COVID IT JUST BECAME IMPOSSIBLE.
AS IN, I KNOW IT'S BEEN A PHENOMENON US WIDE THAT NOT STOPPING FOR PEDESTRIANS BUT CONSIDERING THE ACCIDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING EVERY FEW YEARS. I THINK IT'S TIME TO RETHINK AND PROBABLY TAKE STEPS WHICH ARE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PEDESTRIANS.
MAYBE WE NEED TO BIAS TOWARDS THE PEDESTRIANS HERE A LITTLE BIT.
NO PHONE CALLS, BUT YOU DID RECEIVE A BUNCH OF EMAILS ON THIS TOPIC.
IF I JUST MAKE A COMMENT. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
AND I ALSO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY. SO, YOU KNOW, AS A NEIGHBOR, I JUST, YOU KNOW, THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT HERE AND EXPRESSING THAT TO AND, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE SAFETY AND FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR ALL THE RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT IT'S NOT FALLING ON DEAF EARS ESPECIALLY, YOU KNOW, I WALK THE SAME TRAILS.
SO. AND I ALSO I ALSO I LIVE IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NOT FAR FROM ALLEN ROAD.
I'M SORRY THAT YOU HAVE TO BE HERE TONIGHT. SEEING NOTHING FURTHER IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE? PUBLIC MOTION SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR, I HAVE IT. WE WILL MOVE INTO OUR REGULAR.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.