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IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON DECEMBER 21ST,
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on January 13, 2026.]
2025. ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.FOR PUBLIC ACCESS PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@SOMERSETCOUNTYNJ.GOV.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
MAY WE BE GUIDED WITH OUR DELIBERATIONS TODAY WITH WISDOM AND CLARITY.
HELP US SERVE OUR COMMUNITY WITH INTEGRITY AND MAKE DECISIONS THAT BENEFIT ALL.
THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO JANUARY 13, 2026, OUR 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 COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 27TH. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING UNLESS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION ARE NEEDED IN A MANNER NECESSARY TO CONTINUE COUNTY BUSINESS. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
HERE. COMMISSIONER MARANO. HERE. COMMISSIONER SOOY.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. HERE. DIRECTOR ROBINSON.
HERE. WE MOVE ON TO COMMISSIONER REPORTS. I WILL YIELD THE FLOOR TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
I GUESS THAT'S ME THEN, RIGHT? YEAH. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MELONIE AND LIZ FOR YOUR REELECTION.
I WANT TO THANK GOVERNOR MURPHY FOR COMING TO SOMERSET COUNTY ONCE AGAIN.
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL OF YOU. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BOARD.
AND I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT FOR THIS POSITION.
I'VE BEEN ON THE ENERGY COUNCIL FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
I'VE BEEN APPOINTED NOW AS THE LIAISON TO THE ENERGY COUNCIL FOR THE TIME I'VE BEEN A COUNTY COMMISSIONER, BUT I WAS ACTUALLY APPOINTED ORIGINALLY TO THE VERY FIRST APPOINTMENT TO THE ENERGY COUNCIL BACK, ACTUALLY, WHEN JACK RILEY WAS A FREEHOLDER, WHEN HE CREATED THE ENERGY COUNCIL.
AND, IT'S AN IMPORTANT BOARD. WE LOOK AT A LOT OF DIFFERENT ISSUES, INCLUDING ENERGY ACROSS OUR USE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT ALSO ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, ISSUES REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE.
WE KNOW FARMING IS AN INCREDIBLE NOT ONLY INDUSTRY IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BUT AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS.
IT PUTS FOOD ON OUR TABLES. AND SO WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO DO THAT, ESPECIALLY AS WE LOOK ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND CERTAINLY ACROSS SOMERSET COUNTY, ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY. THERE'S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE.
AND WE CAN DO THAT WITH OUR FARMERS GROWING IT AND BRINGING IT CLOSE TO ITS SOURCE.
I'M ALSO A LIAISON TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION.
JUST CAME FROM THE MEETING OF THE PARK COMMISSION ABOUT 20 MINUTES AGO.
AND YOU KNOW, THEY ARE AN INCREDIBLE GROUP OF FOLKS THAT WORK REAL HARD THAT WORK FOR THE COUNTY, FOR THE PARK COMMISSION. PEOPLE SOMETIMES ASSOCIATE THE PARK COMMISSION WITH THE ROUNDS OF GOLF.
255,000 ROUNDS OF GOLF WERE PLAYED IN 2025. THAT'S AN AMAZING TESTAMENT.
BUT IT'S ALSO AMAZING THAT THE PROXIMITY TO MANY SOURCES OF PLAY, PEOPLE COME TO SOMERSET COUNTY BECAUSE WE HAVE SUCH GREAT COURSES, BUT THAT'S ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE RESOURCES THAT WE MAINTAIN IN SOMERSET COUNTY, INCLUDING THE PARKS THAT WE OWN, THE NATURAL RESOURCE PARKS THE RECREATIONAL PARKS, THE BALL FIELDS, THE PICKLEBALL COURTS, WHICH ARE PLAYED ALL THE TIME, FULLY OCCUPIED.
UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE PLAYING RIGHT NOW IN THIS WEATHER.
SO, YOU KNOW, REALLY, MY HAT'S OFF TO THE PARK COMMISSION AND THE WORK THEY DO.
BUT TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE THE BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES, WHICH I ALSO LIAISON TO.
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TRYING TO HELP PEOPLE WITH A LOT OF NEEDS THAT THEY HAVE.AS WE LOOK AHEAD IN 2026 THE REAL CUTS TO SNAP AND TO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID AND THOSE ISSUES ARE GOING TO BE FRONT AND CENTER AND GOING TO BE A DIRECT IMPACT ON FOLKS THAT ARE SERVED THROUGH THE BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
SO WE'RE GOING TO BE TRYING TO SEE HOW DO WE WHETHER THOSE, THOSE REAL ISSUES TOGETHER MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN, YOU KNOW, MINIMIZE THE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITIES.
GREAT PEOPLE. WE HAVE A WORLD RENOWNED PLANNING AND ENGINEERING STAFF IN THE COUNTY.
I DID SEE WALTER LANE THE OTHER DAY AT AN EVENT.
IT WAS GOOD TO SEE HIM. I KNOW HE'S DOING WELL AT THE STATE.
BUT YOU KNOW, THE PLANNING BOARD IS SO IMPORTANT IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
WE HAVE WON AWARDS ACROSS NOT ONLY THE STATE, BUT EVEN SOME NATIONAL PLANNING AWARDS.
SO THAT'S ALL I GOT TO SAY RIGHT NOW. END OF MY COMMENTS.
THANK YOU. I'D LIKE TO CHECK EVERY YEAR.
ALL RIGHT. SO WE HAD MANY HISTORIC REORGS THIS YEAR.
WE HAD BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, SOMERVILLE, GREEN BROOK, HILLSBOROUGH AND I ALSO ATTENDED OUR SURROGATES REORGANIZATION MEETINGS AND SWEARING INS. I DO WANT TO JUST RECAP A LITTLE BIT OF ALL OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR LAST YEAR, BECAUSE I AM INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THE TEAM THAT WE HAVE UP HERE, ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN REELECTED.
HAPPY TO, YOU KNOW, SERVE ANOTHER FEW YEARS WITH YOU GUYS.
AND, YOU KNOW, OUR STAFF JUST MAKES ALL THESE THINGS POSSIBLE.
SO A FEW OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHICH MADE SOMERSET COUNTY JUST INCREDIBLY STRONG.
THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF SOMERSET COUNTY'S BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, WE STRENGTHENED OUR BUSINESS CLIMATE, SUPPORTED LOCAL EMPLOYERS, AND CONTINUE TO ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENTS TO THE COUNTY, FROM SMALL BUSINESSES TO GLOBAL COMPANIES SOMERSET REMAINS A PLACE WHERE INNOVATION, TALENT AND OPPORTUNITIES MEET. OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS ARE PAYING OFF.
WE'RE SEEING SMART GROWTH, GROWTH THAT RESPECTS OUR COMMUNITIES.
INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND CREATES GOOD PAYING JOBS WITHOUT LOSING WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTY SPECIAL.
A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THIS PARTNERSHIP IS THE TD BANK BALLPARK.
THE PATRIOTS STADIUM CONTINUES TO BE MORE THAN A SPORTS VENUE.
IT'S A REGIONAL DESTINATION, AN ECONOMIC ENGINE, AND A GATHERING PLACE THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, DRIVES LOCAL BUSINESS, AND SHOWCASES SOMERSET COUNTY TO VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE REGION.
LOOKING AHEAD, OUR FOCUS IS CLEAR SUPPORTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, HELPING BUSINESSES GROW AND STAYING HERE, INVESTING IN VIBRANT DOWNTOWNS AND MAKING SURE THAT SOMERSET COUNTY REMAINS COMPETITIVE IN A CHANGING ECONOMY.
AS WE COME TO THIS HISTORIC MILESTONE WITH OUR 250TH CELEBRATION OF OUR COUNTRY, SOMERSET HAS A POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR OUR HISTORY WHILE SHOWCASING OUR FUTURE, OUR INNOVATION, OUR DIVERSITY, AND OUR SHARED BELIEFS AND PROGRESS.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER, AND THANKS FOR EVERYBODY.
CONGRATULATIONS. THANKS TO THE TEAM FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A GREAT INAUGURATION THERE FOR US.
EVERYTHING WENT REALLY SMOOTHLY. SO I APPRECIATE IT AGAIN.
AND CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN LIZ AND DARREN AND TINA.
SO IT'S GOOD. I HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY.
[APPLAUSE] SO I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT. THANK YOU.
WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT REPRESENTATION NOW FOR, I BELIEVE, TWO YEARS.
SO I'M LOOKING VERY FORWARD TO SERVING ON THAT COUNCIL.
WE GOT A WHOLE NEW CROP OF COUNCIL MEMBERS BECAUSE THEY HAD NUMEROUS VACANCIES TO THE POINT WHERE THEY COULD NOT MAKE A QUORUM FOR, I THINK, THE LAST SIX MEETINGS. SO A VERY INTERESTING COUNCIL IT'S DEALING WITH A LOT OF THE MASTER PLAN.
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT MAY NOT KNOW, 17% OF THE STATE IS COVERED BY THIS HIGHLANDS REGION,
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AND IT PROVIDES 70, SEVEN ZERO PERCENT OF THE DRINKING WATER TO OUR STATE'S RESIDENTS.SO IT'S VERY VITAL THAT WE DO GOOD WORKS ON THERE.
SO I'M VERY EXCITED. SO BEAR WITH ME AS I TRY TO NAVIGATE HANDLING BOTH ROLES AS WE MOVE FORWARD.
BUT I'M VERY HAPPY TO DO THAT. LIKE COMMISSIONER SOOY, I WAS AT SOME REORGANIZATION MEETINGS, BOUND BROOK, GREEN BROOK AND BRIDGEWATER, WHICH WERE VERY GOOD.
I WANT TO WELCOME PAUL MCCALL BACK FOR HIS CAMEO ROLE HERE IN 2026.
THERE WAS A LITTLE DELAY. SO IF ANYBODY'S ASKING YOU, THEY ARE COMING.
WE'RE JUST A LITTLE BIT BEHIND SCHEDULE HERE, SO BEAR WITH US AS WE GET THOSE OUT TO YOU.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, WE HAD 529 CARS.
AND I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU A YEAR END RECAP FOR OUR TRANSPORTATION NUMBERS.
WE STARTED OUR VETERANS SHUTTLES. SO FOR YEAR 2025, WE HAD 275 VA TRIPS, WHICH WAS PRETTY GOOD BECAUSE THAT DIDN'T LAUNCH UNTIL NOVEMBER OR SOMETHING. SO THAT'S REALLY CATCHING ON NOW, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING.
45,824 PUBLIC TRANSIT TRIPS. 71,592 HOME DELIVERED MEALS AND 130,670 PARATRANSIT TRIPS. PARATRANSIT AND SENIOR.
I ALSO WANT TO GIVE A CONGRATULATIONS TO PIERCE GORNSTEIN OF WATCHUNG HILLS REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL.
HE WAS THE WINNER OF THE STATE WIDE LOGO COMPETITION FOR THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY, SPONSORED BY THE STATE HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND THE CROSSROADS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. KELLY, DO YOU THINK WE COULD GET SOME KIND OF A PROCLAMATION FOR HIM OR SOMETHING THAT WE COULD? THAT WOULD BE GREAT. HE'S FROM WARREN TOWNSHIP.
AND OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET. WE ARE PLANNING THIS YEAR TO GET A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION SENT OUT TO ALL THE MUNICIPALITIES, DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIVISION HEADS. JUST LETTING FOLKS KNOW THAT THE BOARD IS THERE AND IT'S THERE FOR YOUR HELP IF YOU NEED THEM.
AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
I WANT TO ECHO YOUR SENTIMENTS. I ALWAYS HAVE TO FOLLOW YOU.
[LAUGHTER] THAT'S THE THING. BUT I WANT TO, YOU KNOW, I WANT TO ECHO COMMISSIONER MARANO'S SENTIMENTS AND SAY THAT I'M INCREDIBLY HONORED TO BE ON THIS BOARD FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH THESE EXCELLENT COMMISSIONERS UP HERE.
AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT SAY THAT THE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR THE COUNTY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE REAL, YOU KNOW, THE REAL WORK OF MAKING THIS THE BEST COUNTY IN THE STATE. SO THANK YOU.
I'VE GOT SOME REPORTS FOR YOU. SO THE FOOD BANKS THE HUMAN SERVICES NAVIGATORS TEAM HAS BEEN ADDRESSING A WIDE SPECTRUM OF NEEDS, INCLUDING THE PRIMARY NEEDS OF FOOD, HEALTHCARE, AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE, IN ADDITION TO EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, LEGAL, SUBSTANCE USE, SENIOR SERVICE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND TRANSPORTATION, FOOD RELATED ASSISTANCE REMAINS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY, AND THE NAVIGATORS ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN HUNGER AND LONG TERM STABILITY, INCLUDING HELP WITH SNAP APPLICATIONS, THE PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE, EDUCATION ON ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS, AND ENSURING GEOGRAPHICALLY ACCESSIBLE FOOD SERVICES.
A CRITICAL SERVICE GAP HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED ABOUT TRANSPORTATION TO THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK.
OUR NAVIGATORS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION TOOLS TO THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTION OF NARCAN AND MEDICATION DISPOSAL KITS, AS WELL AS NARCAN ADMINISTRATION TRAINING. THE SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL WAS AWARDED THE NJ FARM TO SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTATION AND STAYING POWER PROJECT. THEY'RE RECEIVING $9,000 TO OBTAIN THREE HYDROPONIC TOWERS OUR SUBMITTED PROPOSAL AND PLAN IS TO GROW EDIBLE FOODS IN THEM. IT'S A CROSS-CURRICULAR PROJECT INVOLVING SEVERAL CTE PROGRAMS. THEY'RE EXPLORING A $30,000 WORK BASED LEARNING GRANT TO BE USED ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TOOLS AND CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT FOR WORK BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS. THE RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS GOING TO HOST AN ALL COLLEGE DAY THIS THURSDAY, A CHANCE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE RVCC COMMUNITY TO MEET AND PREPARE FOR THE
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SPRING SEMESTER, WHICH WILL BEGIN NEXT WEDNESDAY.THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL COORDINATE PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS EXERCISES OVER THE NEXT TWO AND A HALF YEARS TO SUPPORT OUR COUNTY'S PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE CAPABILITIES. THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT THROUGH COORDINATED PLANNING AND COLLABORATION AMONG VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS AND SOLIDIFIES THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH.
THEY LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH COUNTY AND THE COUNTY, AND THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THIS PROJECT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS PLANNING A STIGMA FREE SUMMIT TOWARD THE END OF MAY AS A FOLLOW UP TO THE HUMAN SERVICES STIGMA FREE CONFERENCE LAST YEAR, AND THEY'RE GOING TO LET US KNOW WHEN THEY HAVE A DATE.
THE NEXT MENTAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 5TH VIA ZOOM AT 5 P.M..
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY THE EMERGENCY SERVICE TRAINING ACADEMY IS GOING TO BE HOLDING ITS FALL 2025 GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR FIRE AND EMT STUDENTS ON JANUARY 30TH. THEY STARTED THEIR NEW CLASSES THERE.
THE SPRING SEMESTER HAS BEGUN WITH SEVEN NEW CLASSES BEING OFFERED, AND OEMS STARTED THE YEAR STRONG WITH 21 CALLS FOR RESPONSE AND COORDINATION AND SUPPORT WITHIN THE COUNTY AND PROVIDING MUTUAL AID TO SURROUNDING COUNTIES FIVE TIMES.
AND THEN I HAVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH HAS BEEN HARD AT WORK.
THE FIRST ONE FOR 2026 IS AT 12 P.M. ON THURSDAY, THE 22ND OF JANUARY.
VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON IN THE THIRD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM AT 27 WARREN STREET HERE IN SOMERVILLE.
THE AGENDA WILL BE ON THE BOARD WEBSITE. ALL JOB SEEKERS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES, ARE ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND AN IN-PERSON, MULTI-EMPLOYER INCLUSIVE HIRING RECRUITMENT EVENT PRESENTED BY THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH, FROM TEN TO NOON IN THE FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF 27 WARREN STREET.
UPCOMING SUBJECTS INCLUDE TOMORROW'S ONE ON ACING THE INTERVIEW.
FOR REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION, VISIT THE BOARD'S WEBSITE.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE. THANK YOU. WE MOVE RIGHT ALONG.
AND JUST THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG EVENING. FOR THE RECORD, SINCE THIS IS OUR FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING, WE WILL HAVE TO READ INTO THE RECORD BOTH MEETINGS, EVERYTHING ON THE AGENDA.
BOTH MEETINGS. ASSEMBLYWOMAN ALIXON COLLAZOS-GILL, LETTER OF KNOWLEDGE AND RECEIPT OF THE SUPERFUND CLIMATE ACT RESOLUTION FROM OUR SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, NOTICE OF PAVEMENT PRESERVATION CONTRACT ROUTE 22 THROUGH BRANCHBURG, BRIDGEWATER, AND READINGTON TOWNSHIPS. TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN RESOLUTION SUPPORTING NEW JERSEY IMMIGRANT TRUST ACT.
AND MICHELLE BRYSON EMAIL RESIGNING FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY LGBTQ PLUS BOARD.
26-201 IS THE SAME FOR THE BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK.
202 IS THE SAME FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER.
203 IS THE SAME FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN.
204 IS THE SAME FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH.
205 FOR THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE. 206 FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTGOMERY.
209 AGAIN THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR PRINTING SERVICES.
210 IS AUTHORIZING A SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND SOMERSET TREATMENT SERVICES FOR PRINTING SERVICES, AND 211 IS AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AFFILIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE RUTGERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY FOR SPRING 2026 SORRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.
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I GOT A GREEN LIGHT. TEST, TEST, TEST. TOMMY, THAT WAS THE ISSUE.TOMMY. THAT WAS THE ISSUE. [LAUGHTER] 26-216, AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING UP TO $11,632 FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONTINUING THE RIGHT TO KNOW PROGRAM.
RIGHT TO KNOW GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF 7-1-26 THROUGH 6-30-27.
YOU GOTTA TRY 217 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT WITH VARIOUS CONTRACTORS.
218 AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE SERVICE AGREEMENT 26-7234-8083-RA BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $17,571.00.
219 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND VARIOUS MUNICIPALITIES TO BORROW CERTAIN EQUIPMENT FROM THE ROAD AND BRIDGE DIVISION, SUCH AS SMALL EQUIPMENT AND OR MACHINERY OWNED BY THE COUNTY, IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE COMPLETION OF A JOB.
2020 AUTHORIZING, CONCURRING, OR ACTUAL CONCURRENCE WITH BERNARDSVILLE BOROUGH ORDINANCE NUMBER, BERNARDSVILLE ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025, 2034, ESTABLISHING A FIVE WAY STOP INTERSECTION AT CLAREMONT ROAD MINE ROAD SENEY ROAD INTERSECTION WITH SUPPLEMENTING AND AMENDING CHAPTER SEVEN OF THE BOROUGH CODE ENTITLED TRAFFIC.
OKAY. RESOLUTION 26-211, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A 12 MONTH CONTRACT FROM JANUARY 1ST, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2026, FOR TOURISM AND SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION, INC. AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP, DOING BUSINESS AS THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, NOT TO EXCEED $275,000 PENDING ADOPTION OF THE 2026 BUDGET, AND AUTHORIZING THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEARLY PAYMENT OF $137,500. RESOLUTION 26-222 FROM THE COUNTY CLERK.
THIS IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MURPHY, ORLANDO AND RAINONE COUGHLIN MINCHELLO FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR ELECTION AND LAND TITLE MATTERS NOT TO EXCEED $10,000. RESOLUTION 26-223 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ROYAL PRINTING UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC CONTRACTS LAW.
GOODS AND SERVICES NECESSARY OR REQUIRED TO PREPARE AND CONDUCT AN ELECTION FOR PRINTING SERVICES FOR THE 2026 FIRE ELECTION TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $123,680. RESOLUTION 26-224 ELECTION BOARD AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR ELECTION SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE. OUT OF ELECTION GOODS AND SERVICES PRODUCT WARRANTY.
LICENSE AND MAINTENANCE FEES TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $317,663.05.
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NEW JERSEY FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR THE YEAR 2026.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $60,000. 26-226. AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO KEY-TECH AT KEYPORT, NEW JERSEY, FOR LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET FOR YEAR 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $80,000. 26-227 AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO MARK TINDER APPRAISALS IN SOMERVILLE FOR AS NEEDED APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $20,000. 26-228 AUTHORIZING AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO STRUNK-ALBERT ENGINEERING OUT OF EAST STROUDSBURG, PA FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR THE YEAR 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,000. 229 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION IN THE COUNTY FOR AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $20,000. 230 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO PRESTIGE ENVIRONMENTAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION IN THE COUNTY ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT IS $20,000. AWARD A CONTRACT TO STERLING DISANTO AND ASSOCIATES FOR REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND ACQUISITIONS IN THE COUNTY ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR THE YEAR NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $40,000.
232 WAS AWARD A STATE CONTRACT PURCHASE FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND LICENSING FOR GIS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOFTWARE, AND ANNUAL GIS DESKTOP LICENSING FROM ESRI ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS OUT OF REDLAND, CALIFORNIA, UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT 25-TELE-82239.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $55,363. 233 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BETTINA SHOLK REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL FOR REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND ACQUISITIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 2026 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $40,000. AND 234 IS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO MARK TINDER APPRAISALS FOR REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND ACQUISITION IN THE COUNTY ON AN AS NEEDED AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 2026 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.
GOOD EVENING. 26-235 IS AN AWARDED CONTRACT TO MMA SECURITIES LLC IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE CO-FIDUCIARY ADVISORY FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY 457 PLAN. IT'S A ONE YEAR CONTRACT WITH FOUR OPTIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS, AND 26-236 IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT TO COMPRISE TECHNOLOGIES IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS FOR CREDIT CARD AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PROCESSING. IT'S A TWO YEAR CONTRACT WITH THREE ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS.
RESOLUTION 26-237 AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHI OUT OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR ZIX EMAIL SECURITY SUITE USING THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $43,920.45. RESOLUTION 26-238 AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER R25-2309 FOR INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR TO REVISE THE STRINGER ACCOUNT NUMBERS FOR CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS.
THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 26-240. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0015-24 TO IMWOTH TOMS RIVER NEW JERSEY FOR MOBILE PAPER SHREDDING SERVICES FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
THIRD YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT. 26-241 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT CY-XS-0001-26 TO CME ASSOCIATES FROM PARLIN NEW JERSEY FOR RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION SERVICES AS ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, NOT TO EXCEED 25,000. 26-242 AWARD OF CONTRACTS CC-0109-25R FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DISPOSAL PROGRAM TO ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURERS RECYCLING COMPANY, LLC.
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SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT FROM JANUARY 1ST, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31ST, 2026.26-243 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO CME ASSOCIATES, MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ FOR STORAGE, TANK SYSTEM INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, ANNUAL TESTING, COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
NOT TO EXCEED $159,200.00. 244 AUTHORIZING AWARD OF FORMAL QUOTE RFQ-0093-25R TO GREELCO FOR BRISTOL DONALD PARTS IN RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY. THESE ARE VALK SNOWPLOW PARTS NOT TO EXCEED $59,729.40.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,000. RESOLUTION 26-246.
THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO CITYDATA OUT OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,500. RESOLUTION 26-247 FROM THE COUNTY CLERK.
THIS IS AMENDING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO W.B.
MASON, WILENTZ, GOLDMAN, AND SPITZER AND SHAIN SCHAFFER.
RESOLUTION IS TO CANCEL THE OPEN 2025 BLANKET'S.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED MINUS $16,428.11 OUT OF THE COUNTY CLERK RESOLUTION 26-248.
THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO ALPHA I, INC., ALSO KNOWN AS VILLAGE OFFICE SUPPLY, UNDER CONTRACT R25-1912 FOR WATER AND RENTAL UNIT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $400.
AT MONTVALE, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,397.92.
RESOLUTION 26-250 FROM THE COUNTY CLERK IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO ROYAL PRINTING FOR THE 2025 ELECTION PRINTING SERVICES AND ALPHA ONE VILLAGE OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR THE DECEMBER RENTAL FEE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $162,948.01.
26-251 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO R.S.
OPEN ENDED CONTRACT CC-0108-24R FOR TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.
RESOLUTION 26-252 IS PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.
RESOLUTION 26-253 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS WERE PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT AND NAVIENT INCORPORATED OUT OF VERONA, WISCONSIN FOR ONBASE SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT FOR THE FOURTH YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $82,719.48. RESOLUTION 26-254, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO THE SAME NAVIENT OUT OF VERONA, WISCONSIN, FOR ONBASE RETENTION DASHBOARDS AND ENTERPRISE SUBSCRIPTION TRAINING.
WELL, THAT'S THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES. AUTHORIZATION.
I'M SORRY. RESOLUTION 26-255 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO WINDSTREAM OUT OF CEDAR RAPIDS FOR INTERNET AND VOICE OVER IP SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2025. INVOICE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $44,995.59. JAMES. YES, I KNOW THIS IS TOTALLY UNRELATED TO THOSE THREE ITEMS, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THOSE LITTLE VIDEOS WE HAVE TO WATCH FOR EMAIL SECURITY AND ALL THAT STUFF.
THEY'RE VERY INFORMATIVE. THEY'RE CUTE. I THINK THEY'RE REALLY GOOD. AND I'M GLAD YOU'RE GETTING THAT DONE AND SENT OUT. AND THERE'S IRONY TO IT BECAUSE WE'VE HAD A FEW PEOPLE SAYING, OH, THEY'RE TOO LONG. AND THEN WE LOOK AT IT AND WE'RE LIKE ONE PERSON PARTICULARLY, WE GOT THIS ALL THEIR LITTLE LIKE THREE STARS OR TWO STARS AND WE'RE LIKE, AND YOU'RE THE ONE THAT CLICKED THE FISHING LINE.
[LAUGHTER] SO IT WAS LIKE, YEAH JUST GO THROUGH IT A LITTLE FASTER, YOU KNOW?
[00:35:03]
SURE. AND NOT LISTEN TO IT. BUT. YES. AND NOW WE HAVE TO DO IT EVERY MONTH.IT'S GETTING BAD OUT THERE. YEAH, YEAH. NO, IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD IT'S A GOOD REMINDER TO PEOPLE.
SOMETIMES IT'S OBVIOUS, BUT IT'S A GOOD REMINDER.
AND SOME THINGS ARE NEW AND IT'S GOOD. SO I'M GLAD WE'RE DOING IT.
YES. AND I'D LIKE TO REMIND EVERYBODY'S FAMILIES TO DO IT AS WELL.
IT'S REALLY IT'S JUST HAPPENING SO MUCH. AND I KNOW THE FBI AND I FEEL REALLY BAD FOR THEM PROSECUTORS, EVERYBODY AROUND THE COUNTRY, THERE'S JUST. YOU CAN'T KEEP UP WITH IT.
NO. AND PEOPLE ARE LOSING A LOT. SO. BUT THANK YOU.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOU'RE WELCOME. RESOLUTION 26-256 FOR RICHARD HALL, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO HORIZON PEDIATRIC CONSULTANTS, DOING BUSINESS AS ROCKING HORSE REHAB BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY.
CONTRACT 0154-25R3 FOR RICHARD HALL, EQUINE THERAPY SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,250.
RESOLUTION 26-257. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RETRIEVER MEDICAL DENTAL PAYMENTS DOING BUSINESS AS RECTANGLE HEALTH, VALHALLA, NEW YORK FOR BRIDGE COMPLIANCE FOR HIPAA.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,904. 26-258 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FFF ENTERPRISES, INC.. TOTAL REDUCTION NOT TO EXCEED $96,920.
26-259 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO GRAFAS PAINTING CONTRACTORS OF MILLBURN JULIUS ROEHRS COMPANY OF FARMINGDALE AND TRI COUNTY PEST CONTROL FROM CARNEYS POINT, NEW JERSEY SERVICES A TOTAL OF $11,622.96.
26-260 AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO AGNI ENTERPRISES.
HAND AND HEELS SAFETY SUPPLIES FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA, AND TAYLOR OIL COMPANY OF SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,000. 26-261 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO BON VENTURE SERVICES LLC FROM FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY, FOR PLACEMENT ADVERTISING IN HILLSBOROUGH STAR DINER NOT TO EXCEED $600.
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTION? 26-200 THROUGH 26-261 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE 27TH OF JANUARY.
SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY.
ABSTENTION FROM 26-230 NOTED. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.
FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME. STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS.
FOR THE RECORD, IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC MOTION? SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC? HI, I'M SANJAY BERRY FROM 2 QUEENBERRY WAY, BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY.
FIRST I WANT TO WISH ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE STAFF ARE VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT A TOPIC I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF, I WOULD SAY STARTING FROM OCTOBER, ABOUT ALLEN ROAD, WHICH IS A MAJOR ROAD WHICH RUNS THROUGH BASKING RIDGE AND BERNARDS AND BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
OR SOME STUDIES WERE GOING TO START A TRAFFIC STUDY AND COULD BE A SPEED STUDY.
I KNOW THERE WERE 4 TO 6 MONTHS LONG. SO. COUNTY COUNSEL.
SO AGAIN, YOU DON'T DO THOSE TYPE OF STUDIES OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
SO THEY SHOULD BE STARTING THIS SPRING AND THEN WE'LL HAVE MORE INFORMATION.
SO DO WE KNOW LIKE WHAT'S THE TIMEFRAME TWO MONTHS FOUR MONTHS.
IT DEPENDS ON WHAT IT REVEALS. RIGHT. SO IT MIGHT BE A QUICK STUDY.
IT'S THERE'S NO SET TIME FRAME. IT USUALLY IS A COUPLE OF MONTHS.
THEY DO TRY TO GO OUT MORE THAN ONE DAY. SO THEY TRY TO GO OUT OVER SEVERAL DAYS, DIFFERENT DAYS, DIFFERENT WEEKS TO GET DIFFERENT TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND STUDIES.
SO THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT STUDIES OF TRAFFIC.
[00:40:01]
AND. IT'S ALL ONE BIG STUDY. OKAY. BUT IT WILL BE STARTING IN THE SPRING.SO IF ANOTHER ACCIDENT HAPPENS WE JUST SAY THE STUDY IS GOING ON.
SO. SIR WE HAD THIS CONVERSATION ALREADY. YEAH I KNOW.
BUT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LIKE ANY OF THE ANSWERS I GIVE YOU. OKAY.
THAT'S FINE. I'M JUST I'M JUST A TAXPAYER. I JUST WANTED AN UPDATE ON IT.
I'M A TAXPAYER ALSO, SIR. THANK YOU. YOU'RE WELCOME.
ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? I HAVE MY PREPARED REMARKS.
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I SPOKE HERE, SO LET ME REINTRODUCE MYSELF.
MY NAME IS DAN ARONSON AND A PROFESSOR EMERITUS ECONOMICS AT RVCC LAST SPRING.
CAN YOU STATE YOUR ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD, PLEASE? WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY. DO YOU NEED THE PRECISE STREET ADDRESS? 401ST STREET. SINCE YOU BROUGHT THAT UP, I WAS ABLE TO JUST JUMP ON THE TRAIN RIGHT THERE AND JUMP OFF RIGHT HERE.
AND I WANT. YOU'LL SEE IN A MINUTE. I WANT EVERYBODY TO HAVE THAT TYPE OF CONVENIENCE.
LAST SPRING, COMMISSIONER SINGLETERRY BEING APPOINTED TO A NEW POSITION WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION THAT I HOSTED AT THE COLLEGE. AS YOU KNOW, THE DISCUSSION INVOLVED A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT THAT WOULD INCLUDE INVESTMENTS IN LOWER COSTS. SUCH A CONTRACT WOULD BENEFIT TAXPAYERS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ALIKE.
AND I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU WERE WILLING TO PARTICIPATE.
I CAME HERE TO GIVE YOU A COUPLE OF UPDATES. I MADE THE THIS IS IMPORTANT.
I MADE THE CASE TO LEADERS OF MY FACULTY UNION THAT SINCE MANAGEMENT HAD FACILITATED DISCUSSION OF A PRO-LABOR IDEA, IT WAS IN OUR SELF-INTEREST TO REINFORCE WHAT MANAGEMENT HAD DONE.
FOR SAKE OF DISCRETION, I'M NOT GOING TO MENTION THE SPECIFIC PROPOSAL I MADE TO THE UNION LEADERS.
THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT I SHOULD PUT MY IDEAS IN A SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER.
IN OTHER WORDS, LABOR LEADERS WERE FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF MANAGEMENT IN FACILITATING COMMUNICATION.
OF COURSE, JUST AS A DISCUSSION OF IDEAS ON THE PART OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTED MANAGEMENT TO NOTHING THE SAME GOES FOR MY COLLEAGUES IN THE UNION. I WAS THINKING OF OMITTING THE NEXT COUPLE OF PARAGRAPHS BECAUSE THEY ARE ORIENTED TO A HUNTERDON COUNTY, BUT SINCE THEY INVOLVE INVESTMENTS IN REDUCED COSTS BY THE COMMUNITY SERVED BY THE COLLEGE, I'M GOING TO PROCEED. SO HERE'S THE OTHER UPDATE.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUCH A DEVELOPMENT IS THAT DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSIT MAKES POSSIBLE EFFECTIVE TRANSIT IN THE SUBURBS. THIS NOT ONLY ALLEVIATES AUTOMOBILE COSTS, IT FREES UP PUBLIC PARKING LOTS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HOUSING. SUCH HOUSING CAN BE UPSCALE YET AFFORDABLE BECAUSE OF THE AVOIDED COST OF LAND.
IT MEANS WE COULD RECRUIT EXCELLENT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING TEACHERS, WHILE SPARING TAXPAYERS THE NEED TO PAY A PREMIUM TO THOSE EMPLOYEES TO AFFORD THE HIGH COST OF LIVING. TEACHERS HOUSING IS BEING BUILT ACROSS THE US.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO INVEST IN LOWER COSTS AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL AND IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I COULD EXPLAIN HOW CERTAIN CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH INVESTMENTS.
[00:45:07]
EVEN IF SOMERSET COUNTY IS NOT INTERESTED IN UPGRADING ITS TRANSIT SERVICE, YOU CAN STILL INVEST IN LOWER COSTS.IT'S ACTUALLY ATTAINABLE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, THEREBY LOWERING FUTURE HEALTH CARE COSTS.
AND LET ME QUICKLY INTERJECT THAT, MR. FODOR.
FODOR VERY NICELY OFFERED TO FOLLOW UP AND TALK TO ME ABOUT THAT.
ALL OF THE ABOVE INVOLVES CAPITAL FUNDING, AND IF YOU MEET WITH ME, I COULD EXPLAIN HOW THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL CONTRACT WOULD INCLUDE AN EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN.
THAT BRINGS ME TO MY REQUEST. SINCE THE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WERE NOT REPRESENTED AT THE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION LAST SPRING, I'M ASKING IF ONE OF YOU WOULD PLEASE MEET WITH ME AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.
THAT'S MY REQUEST. I WONDER IF YOU COULD RESPOND TO MY REQUEST NOW, BY ANY CHANCE? I DON'T THINK WE'RE IN A POSITION TO RESPOND TO YOUR REQUEST RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE WE WOULD NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHO WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY AND OR CONSULT WITH LEGAL. BECAUSE HONESTLY, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO.
YOU KNOW, I WASN'T CLEAR. YEAH, THE TIME IS CLEAR.
IF YOU COULD PROVIDE THAT LETTER OR YOUR TOPICS TO OUR CLERK.
THEN WE COULD GET RESPOND TO YOU AT A LATER DATE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOU'RE WELCOME. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS. PAUL. TIME IS UP, SIR.
OKAY, I THOUGHT I HEARD A BUZZER. [LAUGHTER] PAUL MCCALL, 54 ROBIN PLACE, PARLIN, NEW JERSEY.
SOMERSET COUNTY IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, I STARTED HERE WHEN I WAS 18 YEARS OLD AS A BRIDGE WORKER.
SO SOMERSET COUNTY HAS BEEN MY ENTIRE LIFE. PUBLIC SERVICE HAS BEEN MY ENTIRE LIFE.
AND I'VE BEEN THROUGH MANY FREEHOLDERS FOUR ADMINISTRATORS, FOUR COUNTY COUNCILS AND EIGHT COMMISSIONERS WITH OUR NEW COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER GRANER. AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS HAS BEEN BY FAR THE BEST GROUP OF COMMISSIONERS THAT I'VE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH. YOU ARE JUST SAYING THAT PAUL. [LAUGHTER] AND BECAUSE I'M RETIRING, IT DOESN'T MATTER. I DON'T HAVE TO SAY THAT. BUT IT TRULY HAS.
AND THAT, HONESTLY, IS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS GROUP BECAUSE I'VE SEEN A LOT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS COME AND GO AND YOU CARE, YOU GET INVOLVED. YOU BELIEVE IN THE ORGANIZATION, WHICH I CAN'T SAY THAT OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS DIDN'T.
BUT YOU CAN SEE IT MORE AND I KNOW I APPRECIATE THAT.
I KNOW THE EMPLOYEES APPRECIATE THAT. I ESPECIALLY WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER MARANO, WHO I'M SURE EVERYBODY HERE KNOWS IN THE COUNTY, POSSIBLY THE STATE, SHE'S MY FAVORITE COMMISSIONER. AND THAT IS NO OFFENSE TO ANYBODY ELSE.
AND I'M SO HAPPY THAT SHE STILL IS THE LIAISON TO PUBLIC WORKS.
AND SHE WALKED UP TO ME, AND I'M SIX FIVE AND SHE'S SHORTER THAN ME, I'M NOT SURE HOW TALL SHE IS AND SAID, I'M THE LIAISON TO PUBLIC WORKS, AND I WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON AROUND HERE.
SO FROM THAT POINT FORWARD, WE TALKED BASICALLY EVERY DAY.
AND THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS AND THE PEOPLE ALSO.
BUT I DO MISS TALKING TO THE COMMISSIONER EVERY DAY.
WHEN VINNIE TOOK OVER AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ONE OF THE HARDEST AND TOUGHEST THINGS THAT I HAD TO DO WAS STOP CALLING BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY. AND I THINK, I'M SURE HE'S DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB.
I THINK THE MONTHS OF TRAINING HELPED OUT. BUT SOMERSET COUNTY ITSELF HAS JUST BEEN A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR. I USED TO LIVE IN SOMERSET COUNTY MANY YEARS AGO, BUT I TRULY DO APPRECIATE THE COMMISSIONERS AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND HOW WELL THEY HAVE RUN THE ORGANIZATION. SO I WANTED TO COME UP HERE AND FORMALLY SAY THAT I HAVEN'T.
I WANTED TO GO TO REORG MEETING. I COULDN'T MAKE IT.
BUT TRULY, YOU'VE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB. I'M SURE YOU'LL CONTINUE TO DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB.
I DIDN'T HAVE TO COME DO THIS. BUT WHEN YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AND SOMERSET COUNTY IS A PART OF YOU, I MEAN, TO ME IT IS A PART OF ME. IT'S BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
[00:50:03]
DON'T TELL MY WIFE OR MY KIDS. IN MY LIFE FOR THE LAST 36 YEARS, I GAVE UP BIRTHDAY PARTIES, CHRISTMAS, FAMILY FUNCTIONS, HOLIDAYS TO COME HERE AND SERVE THE PUBLIC.AND I TRULY DID ENJOY IT. AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL.
AND I ALSO WANT TO THANK COLLEEN, BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T MAKE ME STAND DOWN IN THE ATRIUM SHAKING HANDS FOR SOME BIG RETIREMENT PARTY, BECAUSE THAT IS NOT THE WAY I AM. FOR ME, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT THE TAXPAYER AND THE EMPLOYEE AND WHAT THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WANT US TO DO.
AND IT WAS NEVER ABOUT ME. AND HOPEFULLY EVERYBODY WHO TAKES ON FROM NOW REALIZES THEM.
ALSO, IT'S NOT ABOUT THEM, IT'S ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU.
[APPLAUSE] I'M NOT STAYING FOR THE SECOND MEETING. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? EMAILS, IF I MAY. JUST THANK YOU AGAIN, PAUL, FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS.
IT WAS TRULY AN HONOR, A PLEASURE AND A PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH YOU.
SO I TRULY AM GRATEFUL ABOUT THAT AND THE WAY YOU SHARED EVERYTHING WITH ME TO SAY, OKAY, THIS IS HOW THINGS ARE DONE. THIS IS HOW WE WORK HERE.
SO YOU ALWAYS HAVE BEEN THE CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL, AND WE SO APPRECIATE YOU GIVING YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE TO SOMERSET COUNTY AND ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE FOR US. SO THROUGH FLOODS AND FIRES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, YOU HAVE BEEN THERE.
SO THANK YOU ALSO FOR TRAINING VINNIE. WELL HE STEPPED RIGHT INTO THE ROLE.
HE'S DOING GREAT. YOU KNOW HE STILL HAS. YOU KNOW WE STILL HAVE A FEW THINGS.
FLOW. WE'LL GET HIM THERE. BUT AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE KIND WORDS I APPRECIATE IT.
THANK YOU. NO PHONE CALLS, NO EMAILS. NONE. ALL RIGHT.
IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? MOTION TO CLOSE. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL MOVE ON TO OUR.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.