[00:00:01] 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. ADDITIONALLY, THIS MEETING IS BEING DIGITALLY RECORDED AND LIVE STREAMED ON THE SOMERSET COUNTY WEBSITE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@SOMERSETCOUNTY.NJ.GOV. THE MEETING MAY. THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING BY CALLING (908) 231-7075. DIRECTOR ROBINSON, RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR REFLECTIONS. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE |LAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. AS WE ENTER TO A SEASON OF THANKSGIVING, MAY EACH ONE REPRESENTED HERE TODAY AND THEIR FAMILIES. BE SAFE, BE BLESSED AND BE WELL. AS WE CONTINUE TO LEAD THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET BEING COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN PUBLIC SERVICE, PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF ALL RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR NOVEMBER 25TH WORK SESSION 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 DECEMBER 9TH. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING UNLESS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION ARE NEEDED IN A MANNER NECESSARY TO CONTINUE COUNTY BUSINESS. FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE SOMERSET COUNTY CHAIR PEG SCHAFFER, AS SHE'S JOINING US THIS EVENING TO ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE TO LIZ GRANER. SO CONGRATULATIONS TO LIZ ON YOUR SPECIAL [APPLAUSE] ELECTION AND SWEARING IN AN EXCITING MOMENT FOR BOTH YOU AND OUR COMMUNITY. DO YOU WANT TO? OKAY. OKAY. MY HONOR TO DO THIS. SO I ELIZABETH GRANER. FOR THE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHMENT SOLEMNLY SWEAR ALL THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE [APPLAUSE]. CONGRATULATIONS COMMISSIONER GRANER. SO I'M GOING TO DO THIS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY SINCE IT IS HER SWEARING IN. I'M GOING TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER GRANER TO START OFF WITH HER COMMISSIONER REPORTS. AND THEN WE'LL START AT THE TOP AND GO DOWN SO CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU, MADAM DIRECTOR, AND THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE. YOU KNOW IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE. SO I HAVE A COUPLE OF THINGS TO SAY. SO THE FOOD BANKS, IN RESPONSE TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND DELAYS IN SNAP BENEFITS, MANY AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS STEPPED UP DURING THIS TIME OF CRISIS TO HELP FAMILIES AND OUR LOCAL FOOD BANKS. THE COUNTY WAS ABLE TO GET TO SECURE OVER $180,000 IN DONATIONS TO THE FOOD BANK OF SOMERSET, FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK. FOOD DRIVES HAPPENED IN SMALL VENUES LIKE LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY IN FRANKLIN, AS WELL AS LARGE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS. ON SATURDAY THE 15TH OF NOVEMBER, THE FOOD BANK NETWORK, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY, HOSTED A FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS AND FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO 1,852 RESIDENTS, INCLUDING A FEDERAL WORKER DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE [00:05:03] SHUTDOWN. PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR ADOPTIVE FAMILY INITIATIVE, WHERE A $48 DONATION WILL PROVIDE A FAMILY OF FOUR HOLIDAY DINNER. DONATIONS CAN BE MADE NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 20TH TO EITHER SHIP IN SOMERVILLE, THE FOOD BANK, FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY, FRANKLIN FOOD BANK, FEEDING HANDS, OR THE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NETWORK IN HILLSBORO. THE NEXT COHORT FOR THE RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN COURSE STARTS IN JANUARY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE COUNTY PAGE OR GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD IS CURRENTLY RECRUITING INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN JOINING. OEM HAS RESPONDED TO 21 CALLS WITHIN THE COUNTY AND PROVIDED SUPPORT THROUGH MUTUAL AID TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES FIVE TIMES SINCE OUR LAST MEETING, AND HELD 52 CLASSES FOR FIRE, EMS, OEM OR LAW ENFORCEMENT, THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANKS WE WILL HAVE OUR COMMITTEE REPORTS IN THE ORDER THAT WE NORMALLY HAVE IT IN. AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS COMMISSIONER GRANER. UPDATE ON OUR VETERANS SHUTTLE SERVICE. IT'S BEEN 11 DAYS. I THINK TODAY MAKES THE 12TH DAY OF HAVING THE SERVICE IN PLACE. AND IT HAS SHOWN TO HAVE CONSISTENT UTILIZATION THROUGHOUT THESE FIRST TWO WEEKS, WITH RIDERSHIP FROM ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 12 PERSONS PER DAY. THE MIDWEEK PEAK WAS ON NOVEMBER 19TH AND SUGGESTS A STRONG DEMAND FOR THE UTILIZATION OF THIS SERVICE, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO PARTNER WITH US TO MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS A STEADY PATTERN AND INDICATION OF THE NEED FOR THIS SERVICE. WITH 76 RIDERS IN LESS THAN TWO FULL WEEKS OF OPERATION, WE'RE SEEING ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF THIS IMPORTANT RESOURCE AND IT REPRESENTS A REAL IMPACT. IT IS EASIER FOR VETERANS TO ACCESS THE SERVICES AND APPOINTMENTS THAT THEY NEED. AND THROUGH THIS SERVICE, WE WERE ABLE TO CARRY THEM THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY. SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL WHO PARTNERED WITH US. ALSO, THE EMERGENCY SNAP FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE THAT WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 15TH. WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE VOLUNTEERS OUR SERVE PROGRAM SOMERSET PATRIOTS UNITED WAY, OUR OWN STAFF WHO TOOK THE TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS. WE HAD WELL OVER 400 CARS DURING THE FIRST SHIFT. WE SAW FAMILIES WHO WHO CRIED AND POUR OUT THEIR HEART AND GRATEFULNESS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT. IT'S UNFORTUNATE. IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HERE WE ARE HAVING TO CONTINUE TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE IN A COUNTRY THAT IS SO RICH. AGAIN, YOUR SERVICE AND COMPASSION MADE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE FOR THESE FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY. AND SINCE THE THE BEGINNING OF LAST WEEK, WE WERE IN ATTENDANCE OF THE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES. ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES AND I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND WHERE WE CONNECTED WITH LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE, EXCHANGE IDEAS ATTENDED SESSIONS WHERE WE CAN GLEAN INFORMATION ON HOW WE CAN CONTINUE TO BETTER SERVE OUR RESIDENTS. ALSO, THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP IS HAVING THEIR 40 UNDER 40. I'LL YIELD MY COMMENTS TO COMMISSIONER SOOY AS THE PRIMARY LIAISON. BUT WE HAVE TWO OF OUR VERY OWN THAT WILL BE CELEBRATED ON THAT EVENING. ALSO WANT TO ENCOURAGE OUR RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO CONSIDER SERVING ON A COUNTY BOARD OR COMMITTEE. THIS IS A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO CONTRIBUTE. YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST AND YOUR RESUMES TO OUR WEBSITE WHICH IS WWW.SOMERSETCOUNTY.NJ.GOV AND NOTICE THE NEW .GOV THAT WE HAVE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.SOMERSETCOUNTY.NJ.GOV. AND ALSO AS WE CELEBRATE THE REELECTION OF OUR COLLEAGUES THAT OUR REORGANIZATION IS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 9TH AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY. AND THEN HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE, TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES. BE WELL. BE SAFE. BE BLESSED. AS WE CONTINUE TO BE THANKFUL NOT ONLY FOR OUR LOVED ONES, BUT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND FOR LIFE AND ALL THAT WE HAVE. AND BEING GRATEFUL TO BE ABLE TO BE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS. SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR, AND THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF WHO MAKE THIS COUNTY SUCH A PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE. YOU GUYS ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF WHAT WE DO UP HERE. WE TALK AND WE SET POLICY. BUT YOU GUYS ARE THE IMPLEMENTERS, AND WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOUR SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOMERSET COUNTY. [00:10:03] SO THANK YOU AND HAVE A VERY BLESSED THANKSGIVING FOR YOUR FAMILIES. I TOO ATTENDED THE LEAGUE MUNICIPALITIES. ONE OF THE THINGS I DID ATTEND WAS A LUNCHEON BY THE NEW JERSEY ASSESSORS ASSOCIATION, BECAUSE THEY RECOGNIZED OUR ADMINISTRATOR, CHARLES EADER, FOR HIS EXCELLENCE IN PROMOTING ANNUAL REASSESSMENT. HE WAS VITAL IN THE DISCUSSIONS WITH ATLANTIC COUNTY CONVINCING THEM THAT ANNUAL REASSESSMENT IS THE WAY TO GO. SO FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DO NOT KNOW, SOMERSET COUNTY IS THE LEADER IN TERMS OF ASSESSMENTS IN THE COUNTY. WE HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF APPEALS IN THE STATE, AND IT'S A VERY IMPRESSIVE THING. THE LESS APPEALS, THE LESS TAX DOLLARS THAT ARE SPENT. SO ANNUAL REASSESSMENT MAKES GREAT FINANCIAL SENSE AND IS FAIR TO ALL PEOPLE. SO GOOD WORK BY CHARLES EADER AT THE TAX BOARD IN OUR PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION. WE HAD OUR SHREDDING EVENT, 1141 CARS. OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET. THEY HELD A WEBINAR WITH OUR SURROGATE, TINA JALLOH. SHE WENT OVER ESTATE PLANNING. IT WAS VERY, VERY WELL DONE. SO THANKS TO SURROGATE JALLOH CULTURAL AND HERITAGE. ALTHOUGH THE WALLACE HOUSE IN SOMERVILLE IS A STATE POSSESSION, NOT A COUNTY, WE ARE PLEASED TO FIND OUT THAT THE FEDERAL PARKS COMMISSION HAS GRANTED A $1.2 MILLION AWARD FROM THE FEDERAL PARK SERVICE TO THE WALLACE HOUSE FOR REPARATIONS AND RESTORATIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING THERE. SO VERY, VERY EXCITING NEWS, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE 26 CELEBRATIONS THAT WE ANTICIPATE. OUR OPEN SPACE ADVISORY BOARD MET AS WE BID A FOND FAREWELL TO TOM BOCCINO, WHO'S RETIRING TOMORROW. TONIGHT IS HIS LAST MEETING WITH US AS AN OFFICIAL COUNTY EMPLOYEE, AND I'VE THANKED HIM FOR HIS SERVICE BEFORE, BUT CAN'T SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH. WE HAD THE FIRST OF OUR TWO TRAIL GRANTS. PROPOSED TO THE COMMITTEE. SO VERY EXCITING. THE TOWNS ARE COMING ON BOARD WITH THEIR IDEAS FOR TRAILS. SO VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT. AND WE'RE GOING TO BE DISCUSSING AN EXECUTIVE SOME OF THAT. AND IF I MAY BE SO KIND, I'D LIKE TO READ A LETTER FROM A LEADERSHIP SOMERSET GRADUATE. SHE SAID, DEAR COMMISSIONERS AND LEADERSHIP SOMERSET TEAM. I'M WRITING AGAIN TO SHARE MY APPRECIATION FOR THE LEADERSHIP SOMERSET PROGRAM AND THE IMPACT IT CONTINUES TO HAVE FOR ME, MY FELLOW GRADUATES AND FUTURE LEADERS. IN MY LAST EMAIL, I SHARED THAT I COMPLETED WELDING CERTIFICATION TRAINING AT THE FACILITY THAT I FIRST LEARNED ABOUT THROUGH LEADERSHIP SOMERSET. TODAY, I'M EXCITED TO SHARE THAT I WILL NOW BE LEADING THE WELDING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN THE NEW WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER. WHAT MAKES THIS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL IS THAT THIS PROGRAM REACHES PEOPLE WHO ARE OFTEN FACING REAL SOCIOECONOMIC BARRIERS. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT WELDING. IT'S ABOUT GIVING PEOPLE ACCESS TO EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RESUME BUILDING, AND THE KIND OF NETWORKING AND SUPPORT THAT CAN CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF SOMEONE'S LIFE. TECHNICAL TRAINING IS EXPENSIVE AND OUT OF REACH FOR MANY IN SOMERSET COUNTY, AND PROGRAMS LIKE THIS OPEN DOORS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE STAY CLOSED. SO I ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING AND EXPANDING LEADERSHIP PROGRAMING AS WELL AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACCESSIBILITY ACROSS THE COUNTY, ESPECIALLY PROGRAMS THAT ARE LOW COST OR BETTER YET, FREE. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BELIEVING IN THE VALUE OF LEADERSHIP SOMERSET, AND FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT AND FUND A PROGRAM THAT CREATES OPPORTUNITY WHERE IT'S NEEDED MOST. THE RIPPLE EFFECTS GO FAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN EXAMPLE OF THAT AND FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL. SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS A REALLY BEAUTIFUL LETTER OF THANKS FROM JENNIFER LOUGHRAN, WHICH DOVETAILS INTO SO MANY THINGS THAT THE COUNTY HAS BEEN DOING TO SUPPORT OTHERS. SO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE TIME TO READ THAT. AND THANK YOU, JENNIFER, FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE. AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. ALL RIGHT ECHOING SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES REMARKS, I ALSO ATTENDED THE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES. I TOO WANT TO CONGRATULATE CHARLES EADER FOR HIS TREMENDOUS WORK THAT HE'S DONE. I KNOW NO ONE REALLY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THE TAX BOARD BECAUSE OF SOME PEOPLE'S LEAST FAVORITE AREA. BUT IT REALLY DOES HELP ALLEVIATE ANY BURDEN FOR ANY OF THOSE THINGS THAT PEOPLE MIGHT SEE. FOR, YOU KNOW, THAT BILL AT THE END OF THE DAY. SO HE HAS BEEN DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB. I ALSO ATTENDED THE ZUFALL DENTAL SUITE RIBBON CUTTING, AND THE LAST YEAR WE ADDED DENTAL OPERATORS TO OUR SOMERVILLE OFFICE, MORE THAN DOUBLING OUR DENTAL CAPACITY IN SOMERSET COUNTY. IMPROVING ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE FOR MEDICAID AND UNINSURED PATIENTS. [00:15:01] IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT ZUFALL DOES AND WHAT THE NETWORK REALLY LOOKS LIKE. SINCE 2014, SOMERVILLE IS ONE OF OUR 13 LICENSED CLINICAL FACILITIES IN THE ZUFALL NETWORK AND HAS PROVIDED HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE TO MORE THAN 28,000 NEIGHBORS IN NEED. OUR NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED QUALITY AWARDS THAT THEIR BRIGHT AND WELCOMING FACILITIES. THEY EXEMPLIFY HOW OUR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS DELIVER NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENT CARE. THE OPEN HOUSE THAT I ATTENDED WAS A WAS A STEPPING STONE TO BE ABLE TO SEE AND UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE LIFE CHANGING CARE THEY PROVIDE, AND THEIR STAFF WAS REALLY REMARKABLE. YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW THAT THIS WAS AN AFFORDABLE OPTION THAT KEEPS HEALTH CARE OPTIONS ACCESSIBLE. THE DENTAL AREA WAS SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY STARTED DURING COVID, AND THIS IS JUST A TREMENDOUS WAY TO BE ABLE TO HELP ACCESS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. THEY ALSO HIGHLIGHTED OUR MOBILE UNIT AS PART OF THE ONE ON THE ROAD FOR GOOD HEALTH TOUR ON THE NEW ZUFALL HEALTH MOBILE MEDICAL. AND IT HAS EVERYTHING THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY ASK FOR. WHAT WE REALIZED IS THAT SOMERSET COUNTY, IT'S NOT EXACTLY EASY TO HAVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCESS BECAUSE OF THAT SUBURBAN SPRAWL. SO WHEN YOU HAVE A MOBILE UNIT LIKE THAT, WE'RE ABLE TO REACH OTHER AREAS THAT WE WOULDN'T TRADITIONALLY BE ABLE TO. SOMERVILLE WAS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR A BRICK AND MORTAR SITE, BECAUSE WE DO HAVE THAT TRANSIT LINE, AND WITH IT BEING ONLY 2.1MI², IT'S VERY WALKABLE, WHICH WE'RE PROUD OF. OVER ON THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FRONT. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR ROBINSON, FOR LEAVING THAT FOR ME TO CONGRATULATE SOME OF OUR EMPLOYEES THAT WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED FOR THE 40 UNDER 40 AWARDS. WE HAVE RIHANNA JOHNSON FROM HUMAN SERVICES AND TARA MACHOS FROM FINANCE. ON DECEMBER 8TH, WE'LL BE HOLDING OUR ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGH AWARDS LIKE 40 UNDER 40. ADAM SACHSE, THE CEO OF TOURISM AND ECONOMICS. THEY'LL BE PRESENTING ON AN EXPECTED TRAVEL HEADLINE INTO 2026. THE PARTNERSHIP HAS ITS 50TH 50TH RIBBON CUTTING OVER THE LAST YEAR'S WEEK OF NEW HAMPTON INN IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. ANY BUSINESSES LOOKING TO HOST A MEETING WITH 50 PEOPLE OR LESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 26, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP AND SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. BUT YOU CAN REACH THEM AT INFO@CVP.ORG AND HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. SO MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IS FROM OCTOBER 15TH THROUGH DECEMBER 7TH. MEDICARE COSTS AND COVERAGES CAN CHANGE EACH YEAR AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND YOUR THESE IMPLICATIONS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, OR THE SCHIP PROGRAM OFFERS FREE, CONFIDENTIAL AND UNBIASED GUIDANCE TO HELP YOU COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS AND MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR NEEDS? APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE, WITH LIMITED AVAILABILITY AT THE SENIOR WELLNESS CENTERS, AND YOU CAN CALL (908) 704-6319 OR EMAIL SHIP@CO.SOMERSET.NJ.US. IT'S ALSO INTERESTING THAT THE NOVEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER FROM THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AND HAS A LOT OF GREAT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS, BUT I FOUND AN INTERESTING ARTICLE THAT NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH. AND RAINA POST, WHO'S A CLINICAL SUPERVISOR AT RICHARD HALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, WROTE, GRATITUDE HELPS US APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE INSTEAD OF WHAT WE DON'T. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT INDIVIDUALS WHO PRACTICE GRATITUDE EVERY DAY ARE NOT ONLY HAPPIER, BUT HEALTHIER. LEARNING TO BE GRATEFUL CAN HELP PEOPLE APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE OFTEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED. CERTAINLY I'M GRATEFUL FOR OUR PARKS AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION. WE HAD A MEETING THIS MORNING, SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION, AND THEY DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB. TWO OF THE THINGS THAT WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY WAS THAT THE GREEN OAK GOLF COURSE WAS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE BY THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY AND HAS BEEN CERTIFIED AS AN AUDUBON COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY. THIS IS THE THIRD OF OUR FIVE GOLF COURSES TO BE AWARDED THIS HONOR. NOW, THE PROCESS TO BE AWARDED COOPERATIVE SANCTUARY BY NEW JERSEY AUDUBON IS EXTENSIVE AND REQUIRES A THREE YEAR DEMONSTRATION TO NOT ONLY THE HABITAT PRESERVATION BUT ALSO THE PROTECTION OF WATER QUALITY AMONG OTHER RANKING CRITERIA. SO REALLY, KUDOS TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION FOR THAT GREAT AWARD. BUT I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER. THE NATURALIST AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER JUST COMPLETED A YEAR LONG STUDY OF BIODIVERSITY AT THE LORD STIRLING PARK. [00:20:03] AND THEY'VE DOCUMENTED THAT OVER 2500 INDIVIDUAL SPECIES OF FLORA AND FAUNA NOW RESIDE IN THE PARK. THESE KINDS OF EXTENSIVE NATURAL RESOURCE INVENTORIES HELP US IDENTIFY CHANGING PATTERNS IN THE ENVIRONMENT. AND I WANT TO AGAIN COMMEND THEM FOR THAT GREAT WORK. AND THERE'S A COUPLE EVENTS HAPPENING AT THE PARK COMMISSION. INCLUDING FROM DECEMBER 5TH THROUGH DECEMBER 28TH. IT'S THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES THAT'S HELD AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER FROM 09:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. AND THERE'LL BE ABOUT 50 DIFFERENT TREES OF VARIETIES DECORATED. IT'S ALSO A GREAT EVENT NOT ONLY TO BRING TOYS FOR TOTS. IF YOU CAN BRING UNWRAPPED GIFTS TO DONATE BY DECEMBER 14TH. BUT I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE. THE FINAL COMMENT IS ON DECEMBER 6TH. THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT SESSIONS FOR WHAT IS CALLED SENSITIVE SANTA. AND IT'S BEING HELD BY OUR INCREDIBLE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION, 365 MILLTOWN ROAD IN BRIDGEWATER. AND ESSENTIALLY, WHAT IT WILL ALLOW IS SANTA IS READY TO MEET CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR SIBLINGS FOR SENSORY FRIENDLY PHOTO EXPERIENCE. THIS EVENT OFFERS A QUIET SETTING FOR THOSE NEEDING EXTRA TIME AND NO LINES FOR LESS STRESS. WHILE WAITING, FAMILIES CAN ENJOY HANDS ON SENSORY ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS AND A TRACKLESS TRAIN RIDE OUTSIDE IN THE PARK. EACH FAMILY RECEIVED A FRAMED PHOTO AND SPECIAL KEEPSAKE. BUT TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT IS RECOMMENDED BY DECEMBER 3RD. AND THERE'S TWO SESSIONS, ONE FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M. AND THEN FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M. SO THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE SANTA REALLY THROUGH OUR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM. SO I WANT TO COMMEND THEM FOR THAT GREAT PROGRAM. AND THAT'S MY REPORT THANK YOU. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A PRESENTATION OF 911 COMMUNICATIONS JOHN FODOR AND CHIEF FERREIRO FROM WARREN TOWNSHIP. THANK YOU [LAUGHTER]. THANKS FOR BEING HERE, CHIEF. CONGRATULATIONS COMMISSIONER THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO PRESENT LETTERS OF COMMENDATION HOW AM I ASSUMING THE POSITION OF CHIEF OF POLICE [00:25:25] THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS. IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE AND AN HONOR WORKING WITH ALL OF YOU THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] ANY OTHER RECIPIENTS WANT TO SAY ANYTHING? [LAUGHTER] THANK YOU VERY MUCH, CHIEF. WE'RE EXTREMELY HONORED TO RECEIVE THIS LEVEL OF RECOGNITION. IT'S BEEN A FANTASTIC COLLABORATING WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT AND YOUR TEAM. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO YEARS OF CONTINUED COLLABORATION WITH YOU GUYS. THANK YOU SO THANK YOU. WE HAVE SEVERAL COMMUNICATIONS PSE&G NOTICE OF FILING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPROVAL OF ITS CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MEDIUM HEAVY-DUTY PROGRAM. PSE&G NOTICE OF FILING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPROVAL OF THE NEXT PHASE OF GAS SYSTEM MODERNIZATION PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED COST RECOVERY MECHANISM, ALSO KNOWN AS GSMP ROMAN NUMERAL II EXTENSION MONMOUTH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION REQUIRING TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVERS TO COMPLETE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING COURSE AND SUPPORTING TRAINING FOR ADDITIONAL TYPES OF DRIVERS. MONMOUTH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY AND BOROUGH OF LITTLE SILVER TO APPLY FOR A LOCAL EFFICIENCY ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM KNOWN AS LEAP IMPLEMENTATION GRANT. WARREN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD THAT WOULD IMPOSE NEW REGULATIONS AND CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS ON HOMESCHOOLING FAMILIES. COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER ELECTION STATEMENT FOR THE NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025 GENERAL ELECTION, DETERMINING THAT BERNIE'S TINA JALLOH WAS DULY ELECTED TO COUNTY SURROGATE. ALSO, ELECTION STATEMENT FOR NOVEMBER 4TH GENERAL ELECTION. DETERMINING THAT DARREN RUSSO WAS DULY ELECTED TO COUNTY SHERIFF. COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER ELECTION STATEMENT. GENERAL ELECTION. DETERMINING THAT ELIZABETH GRANER WAS DULY ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. AND FINALLY, BUT NOT LEAST, WE'RE PROUD THAT THE ELECTION STATEMENT FOR NOVEMBER 4TH GENERAL ELECTION, DETERMINING THAT MELONIE MARANO WAS DULY ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. [APPLAUSE] ALL RIGHT. ENGINEERING AND PLANNING. GOOD EVENING RESOLUTION 25-2300 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR THE 2025 ROAD RESURFACING AND ADA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM. VARIOUS ROUTES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, CONTRACT 25007. OKAY 2026 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. 2026. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? [LAUGHTER] GOOD EVENING RESOLUTION 2303. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0040-24 TO ROYAL PRINTING SERVICES FOR VOTING AUTHORITY BOOKLETS TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS. SECOND YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $45,156.28. RESOLUTION 25-2304 CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER 1 TO KEY-TECH FOR TESTING AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR COUNTY ROAD BRIDGE AND BUILDING PROJECTS ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET FOR YEAR 2025. [00:30:07] TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,000. NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $85,000. RESOLUTION 25-2305 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO GSP PROPERTIES OUT OF MENDHAM NEW JERSEY FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR REPAIR OF VARIOUS PARK COMMISSION STRUCTURES IN SOMERSET COUNTY. MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,864,573.25. RESOLUTION 25-2306 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES FOR DESIGN OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF MOUNTAIN AVE AND LELAND AVE IN NORTH PLAINFIELD BOROUGH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $244,270. I'M SO GLAD YEAH DESIGN, PERMITTING AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE SKILLMAN PARK MAINTENANCE FACILITY IN MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $87,241. RESOLUTION 25-2308 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO VERDANTAS, LLC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK IN HILLSBOROUGH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $28,000. GOOD AFTERNOON 25-2309 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORENSIC EXAMINATION TOOL FROM INSIDE PUBLIC SECTOR UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $36,411. 25-2310 AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO EAST COAST EMERGENCY LIGHTING OUT OF MILLSTONE, NEW JERSEY, UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIRENS IN NEW DETECTIVE VEHICLES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $56,356.65. 25-2311 AWARD A CONTRACT TO X-RAY IMAGING AT A WYCKOFF, NEW JERSEY, FOR FURNISHING, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION OF X-RAY SECURITY SCREENING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $34,558 THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 25-2312 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHI FOR ABSOLUTE NET MOTION SOFTWARE UTILIZING COOPERATIVE CONTRACT CK 04 24-38. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $34,078. RESOLUTION 25-2313 AWARD A CONTRACT TO CC-9056-23 TO KTF FIRE TRAINERS, LLC FOR FTK T-2000 AND 0100 BURN TRAINING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. FOURTH YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT. 2314 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0117-23 TO JULIUS ROEHRS COMPANY FOR INTERIOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AT 40 NORTH BRIDGE STREET. SECOND OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $780. 2315 AWARD CONTRACT CC-0034-24 TO COGLEY INVESTMENT CORP AND J&G LUBRICATIONS FOREST HILL FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $200. 2316 AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0091-24 TO STORE TRACTOR AND BRANCHBURG. THIS IS SECOND OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT FOR PARTS NOT TO EXCEED $1,000. CONTRACT 2317 AWARD CONTRACT CC-0053-24R2 TO FASTENAL COMPANY. THIS IS FOR BAIL WIRE FOR RECYCLING PROGRAM A SIX-MONTH CONTRACT. 2318 AWARD CONTRACT CC-0066-24 TO CHALLENGER, FORD AND PATTERSON THIS IS FOR SPLIT RAIL FENCE AND THIS IS THE SECOND OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000. 2319 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0119-24 TO RITCHI'S TIRES OF MIDDLESEX. THIS IS FOR RECYCLING CARS ENTIRE TRUCK TIRES. THIS IS THE SECOND OF A TWO YEAR OF A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT. OKAY 2320 AWARD CONTRACT CC-0043-25 TO LUBRICANT WELL VARIOUS VENDORS AS LISTED ON THE AGENDA. THIS IS FOR HYDRAULIC OILS VERSUS THE TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $1,500. GOOD EVENING, RESOLUTION 25-2321. THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO CHASAN LAMPARELLO MALLONE [00:35:08] IN SECAUCUS AND CLEARY GIACOBBE ALFIERI OF MATAWAN, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $100,000. RESOLUTION 25-2322 THIS IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO MANHATTAN BAGEL FOR REFRESHMENTS THAT WERE ORDERED FOR THE HARM REDUCTION WORKSHOP, HOSTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AND MY OFFICE ON OCTOBER 23RD, AT WHICH MAYORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND POLICE CHIEFS WERE IN ATTENDANCE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $198.93 THANK YOU. COUNTY CLERK APPROVAL RESOLUTION 25-2323. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO COUNTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS AT A NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA FOR 2025. VOTER REGISTRATION LIST. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,023.37. 25-2324 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO B SAFE, LLC FOR $5,000. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,000. 25-2325 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,374.79. RESOLUTION 25-2326 AMENDING AND CANCELING FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO KONKUS CORPORATION OUT OF HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES. VARIOUS LOCATIONS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED NEGATIVE $500,000. RESOLUTION 25-2327 AMENDING AND CANCELING FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO SPARWICK CONTRACTING, INC. OUT OF LAFAYETTE, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES OF VARIOUS LOCATIONS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED NEGATIVE $106,264.98. RESOLUTION 25-2328 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $156,009. 25-2329 IS AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PAYROLL CHECKS FOR THE LAST HALF OF DECEMBER ON DECEMBER 23RD, TO ALLOW THE FINANCE OFFICE TO COMPLETE THE YEAR END CLOSEOUT IN A TIMELY MANNER. 25-2330 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR THE IDRC AND LAND DEVELOPMENT FEES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $828 AND 25-2331 IS PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. RESOLUTION 25-2332. THIS IS AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR THE ADULT DAY CENTER OF SOMERSET COUNTY, INC. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $71,962. 25-2333 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO THE ADULT DAY CARE OF SOMERSET COUNTY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $93,271. 25-2334 APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO ADULT DAY CENTER OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR THEIR THIRD QUARTER EXPENSES FOR ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $73,128. RESOLUTION 25-2335 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR RICHARD ZYGADLO VETRASPEC SOFTWARE TO TYLER TECHNOLOGIES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $152.54. RESOLUTION 25-2336 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO VARIOUS VENDORS, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,093.37 THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 25-2337 APPROVAL TO PLAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO EMSL ANALYTICS, INC. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD TESTING. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $484. 2338 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO GRAFAS PAINTING NOT TO EXCEED $36,172.78. 2339 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR [00:40:02] PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO SIGNAL CONTROL PRODUCTS OF BRANCHBURG. NOT TO EXCEED $895. 2340 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO INTEGRATED TURF MANAGEMENT OF PA NOT TO EXCEED $435. 2341 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO VARIOUS VENDORS NOT TO EXCEED $43,242.16. 2342 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GRAND FALLOONS, OF BROOKLYN NOT TO EXCEED $800. THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR SCHOOLS ON SOLID WASTE 2343 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON. YOU KNOW, BARNABAS HEALTH. THIS IS NOT TO EXCEED $2,965. OKAY. 2344 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FLEET DATA SYSTEMS. THIS IS FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE TO FLEET DATA FUEL SYSTEM, NOT TO EXCEED $20,000. 2345 APPROVING TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR VARIOUS VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS. NOT TO EXCEED $11,964.88. RESOLUTION 25-2346 OF OUR TAX BOARD. THIS IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO NOOR STAFFING GROUP OUT OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK, FOR CLOSEOUT OF TEMPORARY STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FINAL INVOICE. THE TOTAL IS NOT TO EXCEED $878.48. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTION 25-2300 THROUGH 25-2346 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 9TH. SO MOVED. SECOND COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES, COMMISSIONER DRAKE. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO. YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED? 25-2260 IS REJECTING AN RFP RESPONSE FOR WORK FIRST NEW JERSEY THE JOB SEARCH, SUPPORTED WORK AND COMMUNITY WORK EXPERIENCE FOR HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, AS A RESPONSE EXCEEDED THE APPROPRIATED AMOUNT. 25-2261 IS AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD YEAR OF A FOUR YEAR GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT FOR CAREER TRAINING SERVICES WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,014,588.92 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026. AND THIS IS BECAUSE WE ARE SEEING A REAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING FOR TRAINING. 2262 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE HUNTERDON COUNTY EDUCATIONAL COMMISSION FOR RENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER IN FLEMINGTON, THE FROM JULY 2025 TO NOVEMBER 8TH, 2025 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,000. GOOD EVENING. 25-2263 IS A TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATIONS IN THE 2025 COUNTY BUDGET. RESOLUTION 25-2264, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CONTINENTAL HARDWARE INCORPORATED. CONTRACT CC-0112-24 FOR LUMBER AND SUPPLIES FOR THE WHEELCHAIR RAMP PROGRAM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,560. RESOLUTION 25-2265 AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM DOING BUSINESS AS NEOGOV OUT OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY SOFTWARE FOR VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS. FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $39,468.37 THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 2266 AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0110-25 TO ACB SERVICES THIS IS THE FIRST OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT. THIS IS FOR CLEANING. LET'S SEE OKAY 2267. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0129-25 TO VARIOUS VENDORS AS LISTED ON THE AGENDA. THIS IS FOR REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR VEHICLES NOT TO EXCEED $62,500. THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTION 25-2260 THROUGH 2267 TO THE AGENDA FOR THIS AFTERNOON? [00:45:04] MOTION. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER DRAKE. YES DEPUTY DIRECTOR MARANO. YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. THIS IS THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK. YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME. WE ALSO ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS VIA TELEPHONE AND EMAIL. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? MOTION SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. HELLO RAJKUMAR GANESH, 45 HAMILTON ROAD, BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY. HERE FOR THE ISSUE WITH ALLEN ROAD, WHERE WE HAD A RECENT DEATH OF A RESIDENT WHILE TRYING TO CROSS ALLEN ROAD. AND WE WANTED TO BRING THE MATTER TO YOUR ATTENTION AND MAKE SURE THERE'S PROMPT RESPONSE AND SWIFT RESPONSE AND PROMPT ACTION ON THIS ON THIS MATTER, WE ALSO ARE ASKING IF WE HAVE ABOUT OVER 1200 PEOPLE WHO SIGNED A PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG, AND WE WANT TO REQUEST A FORMAL RESPONSE IF POSSIBLE, IF THAT IS THE FORUM, IF THAT IS NOT THE FORUM, THEN ADVISE US ON WHICH FORUM TO DO THIS SO THAT WE CAN GET A FORMAL RESPONSE BACK ON THIS. A LOT OF PEOPLE HOPING THERE WILL BE REAL CHANGE THIS TIME. AND YEAH, AND IT IS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT A RESIDENT PASSED AWAY. SO THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE, YES, WELCOME. BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO REVERSE THINGS. AND HOPEFULLY WE DON'T ENCOUNTER THIS ANOTHER TIME IN THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU. ANY TYPE OF FORUM RESPONSE YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO ADRESS THAT. THANK YOU. SO WE'RE NOT GOING TO RESPOND TO PETITIONS, RIGHT? THAT'S JUST NOT THE PROCESS. WHAT DID OCCUR THOUGH, AS INDICATED IN OUR LAST MEETING, THE TOWN DID MEET WITH COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES. SO BOTH TOWN AND COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS HAVE MET. WE DID RECEIVE A REQUEST FOR SOME ACTION FROM THE TOWN TO CONDUCT SOME STUDIES, TRAFFIC COUNTS, PEDESTRIAN COUNTS, AND TO DO ANOTHER EVALUATION OF THAT INTERSECTION AND THAT ROAD SYSTEM. SO THAT IS NOW GOING TO START ITS PROCESS. THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, IS NOT SOMETHING THAT GETS DONE IN ONE TIME OR TWO TIME. YOU WANT TO DO TRAFFIC COUNTS AT DIFFERENT TIMES, DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR, DIFFERENT TIMES A DAY. PEDESTRIAN COUNTS THE SAME THING. DIFFERENT PEOPLE WALK ON WEEKENDS, THEN DO MONDAY TO FRIDAY. SO THAT'S A SEVERAL MONTH PROCESS TO REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT AND WHO AND HOW THAT THAT ROAD SYSTEM IS USED. WE'LL TAKE THOSE STUDIES. WE'LL SIT WITH THE TOWN ENGINEERS AND THEY WILL EVALUATE IT AND MAKE A DETERMINATION IF THERE ARE ANY IMPROVEMENTS THAT CAN BE MADE TO ALWAYS IMPROVE VEHICLE, PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE SAFETY IN THE AREA. SO THAT IS UNDERWAY AND UNDER REVIEW. I MEAN, I DON'T KNOW ANY MORE FORMAL RESPONSE THAT I CAN GIVE YOU THAN THAT. IF YOU WANT THAT IN WRITING OR SOMETHING, YOU CAN EMAIL ME AND I CAN PUT THAT BACK TO YOU. BUT THAT'S WHAT HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, THREE WEEKS. RIGHT? THE ACCIDENT WAS ON HALLOWEEN. IT IS NOVEMBER 21ST, SO WITHIN THREE WEEKS WE'VE MET WITH THE TOWN, WE'VE HAD CONVERSATIONS, AND THERE IS AT LEAST A STUDY OR PLAN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT OCCURRED AND HOW DO YOU PREVENT ACCIDENTS IN THAT AREA OR EVERYWHERE WHERE THERE ARE ROADS AND PEDESTRIANS. THERE ARE NO EMAILS OR TELEPHONE CALLS OR ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? HEARING NONE AND SEEING NONE. WE, IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? MOTION. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.