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[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on February 24, 2026. ]

[00:00:03]

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

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@SOMERSETCOUNTYNJ.GOV. DIRECTOR ROBINSON.

THANK YOU. PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR REFLECTION.

PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 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.

MAY WE CONTINUE TO BE LEADERS FOR ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.

AND MAY WE TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LOST THEIR LIVES.

AND AS WE CONTINUE TO WORK FOR AND WITH THE PEOPLE OF SOMERSET COUNTY THROUGH THESE TROUBLING TIMES.

THANK YOU. WELCOME EVERYONE TO FEBRUARY 24TH, 2026 WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA AND ITEMS ON THERE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 10TH, 2026. 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. I HAVE BRIEF REMARKS. AS I JUST CAME OFF OF THE NACO LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE, WHERE BIPARTISAN LEADERSHIP FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY GATHERED TO TALK ABOUT POLICIES AND HOW THIS 119TH CONGRESS IS RAPIDLY AND FAST, PACING SOME OF THE LEGISLATION THAT IMPACTS US AS COUNTY.

AND ALSO AT THE LOCAL LEVEL THINGS SUCH AS FEMA AND RESOURCES FOR STORM RECOVERY.

THE H.R. 1, THE BIG BILL WITH SNAP BENEFITS AND MEDICAID IMMIGRATION AND ICE AND AND ALSO DATA CENTERS AND LAND USE FOR ESPECIALLY COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES.

SO MORE TO COME ON THAT THERE WERE 19 RESOLUTIONS PASSED THAT WILL BE SENT ON TO OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AND MORE TO COME AND I'LL PASS THE INFORMATION ALONG AS WE CONTINUE TO PUSH FORWARD, PUSH FORWARD AND MAKE SURE WE'RE REPRESENTING OUR CONSTITUENTS TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY AND BRINGING RESOURCES BACK TO SOMERSET COUNTY.

AND WITH THAT I HOPE EVERYONE FARED PRETTY WELL THROUGH THE STORM.

I WAS LOOKING AT MY RING DOORBELL. I SEE WE GOT SOME PLACES 3, 4 FEET IN SOME AREAS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

I DON'T KNOW THROUGHOUT THIS COUNTY, BUT CERTAINLY KUDOS TO VINNIE AND YOUR TEAM.

AND I WON'T STEAL THE THUNDER OF COMMISSIONER MARANO.

BUT THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. THE UPDATES WHEN THEY COME, I'M LOOKING OUT FOR THEM AND I'M SHARING WHAT I CAN SHARE.

SO PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU ALL NEED TO DO YOUR JOB IN A MANNER THAT IS SAFE, AND THAT CAN CONTINUE TO KEEP THE ROADS CLEAR SO THAT WE CAN GET BACK TO BUSINESS.

SO AGAIN, THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR. THANK YOU.

YES. ALSO, MY THANKS TO YOU, VINNIE, AND ALL YOUR STAFF AND THE STAFF REALLY OF THE COUNTY AND REALLY WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ALL MAINTAINED SAFE SAFETY.

AND I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR THAT. SO I THINK CERTAINLY THE STORM IS NOW PASSED.

WE'RE STILL MAYBE A FEW MORE COMING OUR WAY, BUT WE'LL HAVE TO WEATHER THOSE STORMS AS THEY SAY.

ON SATURDAY I CELEBRATED THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH FOLKS AT BRIDGEWATER COMMONS MALL, WHICH WAS A GREAT EVENT.

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. IT'S I UNDERSTAND IT'S THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE.

SO I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THAT ALSO. YOU KNOW, I THINK IT WAS GREAT HAVING THE DANCERS AND PEOPLE PARTICIPATE.

THE MALL WAS PACKED. THERE WERE, YOU KNOW, I MEAN, ON COUNT, I DIDN'T COUNT.

THERE WAS PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THERE WATCHING CIRCULATING THE WHOLE MALL.

BUT I ALSO WANT TO COMMEND THE BRIDGEWATER COMMONS MALL FOR REALLY HOSTING THESE KIND OF DIVERSITY EVENTS, BECAUSE I THINK THEY REALLY BROUGHT PEOPLE IN TO EXPERIENCE THESE THINGS.

BUT IT OPENS THE MALL UP AS A SOURCE OF COMMUNITY LOCATION FOR THESE KIND OF EVENTS.

SO I THINK IT WAS REALLY A LOT OF CREDIT TO THEM TO CONTINUE TO HOST THESE EVENTS.

SO THANKS FOR THAT. ALSO, I WANT TO COMMEND THE PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PRESIDENT'S DAY SALE OF THEIR GIFT CERTIFICATES.

IT ALWAYS SOUNDS LIKE A THING THAT'S HARD TO IMAGINE.

BUT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, WHEN NOT NOT AS MANY PEOPLE ARE GOLFING, THEY HAD THIS IDEA THAT IF THEY SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES, WHICH PAY FORWARD THE PRICE OF GREENS FEES AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE GOLF COURSES, THEN THEY CAN CERTAINLY BRING IN SOME REVENUE.

[00:05:08]

AND TO THE POINT WHERE THE FIRST DAY SALES, THEY BROUGHT IN OVER $700,000 WORTH OF GIFT CERTIFICATES.

SO I DIDN'T HEAR THE FINAL NUMBER, BUT I THINK IT WAS AROUND $2 MILLION.

SO DEFINITELY IS A IS A HUGE PLUS TO THEIR BUDGET.

NOW THAT PEOPLE AREN'T PLAYING GOLF AT THIS POINT IN TIME SIMILARLY, AT THE PARK COMMISSION, THE PICKLEBALL PASSES ARE NOW ON SALE. WE CONSTRUCTED 6 PICKLEBALL COURTS, AND THEY'VE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN NORTH BRANCH PARK.

AND IT WAS DETERMINED AT THAT TIME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO BRING A PUT TOGETHER, A PERMITTING STRUCTURE.

AND SO YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A PERMIT. IT DOES COST $50 FOR NONRESIDENTS, BUT ALLOWS YOU TO PLAY AT THESE COURTS, ALLOWS YOU TO RESERVE TIME. AND I HAVEN'T HEARD OF ANY ANY NEGATIVE SCHEDULING ISSUES.

AND IT'S THEY'RE OCCUPIED PRETTY MUCH, YOU KNOW, THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE DAY.

BUT THIS PERMIT WOULD ALLOW YOU TO PLAY AT THOSE AT THOSE COURTS BETWEEN MARCH 15TH THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST.

THERE IS A $100 FEE FOR NONRESIDENTS SO RESIDENTS CAN SIGN UP FOR $50.

AND THEN I JUST WANT TO ALSO NOTE THAT NOW IS THE TIME TO TO SECURE YOUR SPECIAL USE PERMITS IN THE SUMMERS COUNTY PARKS YOU CAN RESERVE PERMITTING FOR PICNIC GROVES FOR GAZEBOS. IF YOU'RE HAVING THAT FAMILY OUTING EVENT, YOU WANT TO GET A PICNIC GROVE AND HAVE A PICNIC IN THE IN THE PARKS. YOU CAN SIGN UP AND GET PERMITS FOR THAT.

IT RESERVES THAT SPACE. ALSO, IF YOU ARE IN THE MODE OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS.

NOT ONLY WE HAVE THE THE COLONIAL PARK ROSE GARDEN TO VAN DER ROSE GARDEN, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE.

AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE QUITE COMMON THERE. YOU WILL NEED A PERMIT FOR THAT.

BUT ALSO THE JEWEL OF SOMERSET COUNTY IS THE BUCK GARDENS, WHICH IS ALSO ANOTHER INCREDIBLE GARDEN PLACE IN FAR HILLS.

SO THOSE 2 PLACES YOU CAN RESERVE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS AND GREAT, GREAT PHOTOS FOR, YOU KNOW, IN THAT LOCATION. BUT THAT'S END OF MY REPORT.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. AND I, TOO, CELEBRATED THE CHINESE NEW YEAR OR THE YEAR OF THE HORSE WITH DIRECTOR ROBINSON OVER AT THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER. AND IT WAS A FULL HOUSE.

SO IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR CENTER IT IS, YOU KNOW, FULL EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT IT IS OPEN.

AND THE PERFORMANCES OF SOME OF THE BEST I'VE ACTUALLY SEEN FOR.

OUT OF ALL THE OTHER LOCATIONS THAT WE'RE CELEBRATING, WE HAD DANCERS, SINGERS, MUSICIANS, THE WHOLE NINE YARDS AND IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE.

BUT I HAVE TO GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT TO THE STAFF.

THE REASON WHY IT'S SO WELL ATTENDED EVERY DAY IS BECAUSE OF THEIR DEDICATION TO THAT SITE, AND THEY CONTINUE TO DO THAT. SO THANK YOU. OVER ON THE NJTPA FRONT WE HAD A JOINT PROJECT PRIORITIZATION COMMITTEE AND A FREIGHT INITIATIVES COMMITTEE.

THERE WAS A REPORT THAT WAS GIVEN THAT DETAILED A LITTLE RECAP ON WHERE WE ARE WITH THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRY.

AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE ARE SEEING THAT FOR LARGE SPACES, THEY ARE ACTUALLY GIVING AWAY UP TO A YEAR OF FREE RENT TO BE ABLE TO GET TENANTS. SO THAT'S A SIGN FOR THAT MARKET.

AS WE START TO SEE A PIVOT THERE OVER FOR LAKOTA.

AND IF YOU ARE AS EXCITED ABOUT ALPHABET SOUP WITH ALL THESE ACRONYMS, THAT MEANS THE LOCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE.

THEY HAD A FEW. THEY HAD A MEETING AND THERE WERE A FEW UPDATES WITH EVENTS ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH.

THERE WAS A EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY FOR A FREE ONE HOUR PEER LEARNING SESSION ON MATERNAL AND INFANT MENTAL HEALTH.

IF YOU HAVEN'T CHECKED OUT THIS ORGANIZATION THEY DO QUITE A FEW EVENTS OVER ON FEBRUARY 26TH AT 11 A.M.

YOU CAN ACTUALLY LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC FROM LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL EXPERTS.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PHYSICIANS, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, DENTISTS, NURSES, NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND PHARMACISTS, EMTS AND ATHLETIC TRAINERS.

YOU CAN VISIT OUR SOMERSET COUNTY WEBSITE TO GET MORE INFORMATION FOR THE OPIOIDS AND PREGNANCY AND NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME EVENT.

AND OVER AT THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP. WE HAVE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.

IT'S NEXT FRIDAY ON THE 6TH. WE EXPECT 300 BUSINESSWOMEN AND POTENTIALLY 20 MEN FOR ONE OF OUR LARGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR,

[00:10:05]

BIZ FEST EXHIBITS. EXHIBIT BOOTHS JUST OPEN EVENT.

THE EVENT IS 6 4 AT THE TD BANK BALLPARK. SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANKS, COMMISSIONER.

SOOY. SO VINNIE, IT'S GETTING OLD. YOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

I MEAN, EVERYBODY'S GETTING TIRED OF HEARING IT, BUT I THINK YOU MAY HAVE TO DO A GREAT JOB AGAIN TONIGHT AND TOMORROW.

SO I HOPE THERE'S A LOT OF NO DOZE OR MONSTER OR WHATEVER KEEPING THESE GUYS AWAKE.

BUT ANYWAYS, AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I JUST TRUST THAT YOU WILL SHARE ALL OF OUR COMPLIMENTS FROM THIS ENTIRE BOARD TO YOUR TEAM.

THANK YOU. OPEN SPACE ADVISORY BOARD MET. I SEE LARISSA PAXTON HERE TOO.

WE HAD OUR ANOTHER TRAILS GRANT APPLICATION FROM PEAPACK-GLADSTONE.

THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL. SO HOPEFULLY MORE TO COME ON THAT ONE.

LOOKING FOR A VIBRANT TRAIL PROGRAM THROUGH SOMERSET COUNTY THROUGH THIS PROGRAM.

AND LASTLY, OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET THEY WANT TO COMMUNICATE OUT WITH MUNICIPALITIES, LET THEM KNOW THEY'RE THERE AND THEY'RE THERE TO HELP THEM WITH ANYTHING THAT THEY MAY NEED AS A RESOURCE TO THEM.

SO WE'VE GOT A LETTER OUT TO ALL OF OUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES ALERTING THEM THAT THEY'RE THERE FOR HELPING.

AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES IS CURRENTLY PLANNING ITS SENIOR AND DISABILITY SERVICES EXPO, FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH AT THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER.

THIS YEAR'S THEME IS THE POWER OF BELONGING. THE AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE EXPO PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES CONNECT TO LOCAL RESOURCES SUCH AS SENIOR WELLNESS CENTERS SNAP NAVIGATORS, AND TRANSPORTATION. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, WORKSHOPS AND LOCAL AND STATE AGENCIES ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EXPO. WORKSHOPS AND SCREENINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING GLAUCOMA, VISION, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND PROBLEM GAMBLING SCREENINGS.

COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE, BUT ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE, SO PLEASE CONSULT THE COUNTY WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

OVER AT THE RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND REMINDING YOU THAT THE 4.H AG VENTURE WEEK IS MARCH 31ST THROUGH APRIL 2ND.

IT'S THREE FULL HANDS ON DAYS OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS FROM SOMERSET COUNTY AND GRADES 1ST THROUGH 5TH DURING THEIR SPRING BREAK, AND THE 4 TOPS CAMP IS TAKING PLACE FROM JUNE 20TH THROUGH 26TH.

IT'S A 5 DAY CAMP FOR STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED 1ST THROUGH 5TH GRADES IN SOMERSET COUNTY.

KATE BROWN FROM AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, RECEIVED A $2,500 GRANT FROM THE VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY TO STUDY APPLICATION OF DRONES FOR AERIAL SEEDING COVER CROPS IN A STANDING PUMPKIN CROP.

THERE YOU GO. AT THE RUTGERS SNYDER RESEARCH AND EXTENSION FARM JESS SCHICK AND SEVERAL RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF SOMERSET COUNTY HOSTED A WINTER SOWING WORKSHOP ON SOW NOT CW, ON JANUARY 28TH, WHICH DREW 19 PARTICIPANTS.

PART 2 OF THIS HANDS ON SERIES WILL FOCUS ON TRANSPLANTING WINTER SOWN SEEDLINGS OF NATIVE PLANTS, AND IT WILL BE HOSTED AT THE TED BLOOM OR BLOOM FOR EACH CENTER FROM APRIL 29TH.

FROM 7 TO 9. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES IS SCIENCES IS LAUNCHING THE LIVING WELL MONTH AND NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH IN MARCH WITH A PROCLAMATION, SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES AND EVENTS.

THERE ARE CONTINUING ALZHEIMER'S WORKSHOPS WEEKLY ON FRIDAYS IN FEBRUARY.

THEY'RE PRESENTING WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH FC ON MARCH 18TH TO THE NEWLY RELEASED NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS, AND ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE NEW JERSEY EMPOWER TO PREVENT DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAMS. STARTING IN MARCH AND MAY THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES SPONSORED A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON IMMIGRATION.

THE PRESENTERS, SNEHA BATRA, WHO IS AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY, AND JOYCE PHIPPS, WHO IS AN ATTORNEY AND DIRECTOR OF CASA DE ESPERANZA, PROVIDED KEY LEGAL CONCEPTS ABOUT IMMIGRATION AND RECENT UPDATES IN IMMIGRATION LAW.

THERE WERE 87 ATTENDEES, AND THEY WERE GIVEN GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES TO BRING THEIR COMMUNITY TO BRING TO THEIR COMMUNITY OR PLACE OF WORK.

ON THURSDAY, THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES IS HOSTING DETECTIVE TOM LAIRD SOMERSET FROM THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IN A WORKSHOP ON INTERNET SAFETY.

THIS WORKSHOP IS APPROPRIATE FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND STAKEHOLDERS WHO WORK WITH YOUTH AND FAMILIES, AND IT WILL AIR FROM 7 TO 8 P.M. 8:30 P.M.. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO BROADEN OUR OUTREACH THROUGH EVENTS THAT ARE NOT JUST HELD DURING WORKING HOURS.

AND MADAM DIRECTOR, THAT IS MY REPORT. THANKS.

[00:15:04]

SO WE MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS. ENGINEERING AND PLANNING.

26 500 IS APPROVING A PROPERTY PARCEL MAP AND DESIGNATED AREAS TO BE ACQUIRED FOR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE PURPOSES, AND AUTHORIZING THE EARLY APPRAISAL OF LANDS AND TITLE SEARCHES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE G, 1405 LLOYD ROAD OVER INDIAN GROVE BROOK IN BERNARDSVILLE BOROUGH IN THE COUNTY.

WE'RE GOING TO BE BIDDING THIS PROJECT LATE THIS YEAR, AND WE'LL GO ON TO CONSTRUCTION IN 2027.

501 IS APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR A CLEAN AGENT FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FOR SOMERSET COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING HERE, 20 GROVE STREET. THIS IS FOR A CHEMICAL FREE, A CHEMICAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.

COST ESTIMATE IS $130,000. AND IT WILL TAKE THREE MONTHS TO CONSTRUCT.

THIS IS FOR THEIR 2 OF THEIR RECORDS ROOMS WHICH REQUIRE A NON WATER FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM.

502 IS APPROVING PLANS AND RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF A FLOATING DOCK AT LORD STERLING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER.

BERNARDS TOWNSHIP. COST ESTIMATE IS $75,000, AND THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 DAYS TO COMPLETE.

AND 503 IS APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES, VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. THIS IS OUR BRIDGE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT AS NEEDED.

AS NEEDED BASIS. GOOD EVENING.

26 504 IS AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF A CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET TO ESTABLISH THE METHOD OF MANAGING CASH BY THE COUNTY FINANCE DIVISION. AND THIS IS A CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN.

WE PRETTY MUCH UPDATE ANNUALLY, SO IT'S JUST BEING UPDATED.

RESOLUTION 26 505 AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO ACCEPT THE FISCAL YEAR 25 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT PROGRAM SUB GRANT AS APPLIED FOR RESOLUTION R 24 603 FOR A GRANT PERIOD BETWEEN OCTOBER 1ST, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026. SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DOES ACCEPT FUNDING UP TO THE $58,615.15.

NO IN-KIND MATCH IS REQUIRED. JOHN WE WOULD BE REMISS IF WE DIDN'T THANK YOUR TEAM BECAUSE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND 911 ARE BEHIND THE SCENES AND THEY GET FLOODED WITH CALLS WHEN THERE ARE EMERGENCIES AND AND STORMS. SO KIND OF TO OUR HEADS AND NOT OUR HEARTS. BUT THANK YOU TO YOUR TEAM.

I KNOW VINNY WAS STEALING THE SHOW. I KNOW IT WAS.

HE WAS GOING TO OFFER THAT THERE IN THE FRONT, YOU GUYS IN THE BACKGROUND. BUT IT'S THE TEAM THAT MAKES THE DREAM WORK.

SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

506 REJECTING THE BIDS FROM GRT UTILICORP INC FOR THE SELF-CONTAINED HYDRAULIC POST DRIVER WITH OPTIONAL DRILL ATTACHMENT AND 2 UNDERBODY TOOLBOXES MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON A 2025 INTERNATIONAL.

THEY JUST FAIL TO PROVIDE A COUPLE OF CERTIFICATIONS.

507 AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP, BOUND BROOK, GREEN BROOK, MILLSTONE, NORTH PLAINFIELD AND SOMERVILLE BOROUGH TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION, RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR SIGNING RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORTS AT A RATE OF $48 PER HOUR. 508 AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AND THE BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN 2026.

RESOLUTION 26 509 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ELECTION SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA FOR ELECTION GOODS AND SERVICES TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR 2026 ELECTIONS. THE PRIMARY AND EARLY VOTING, AS WELL AS EQUIPMENT, PARTS AND REPAIRS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $134,853.43.

510 IS A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER 1 TO STRUNK-ALBERT ENGINEERING FOR THE MECHANICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT IS $15,000. NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $40,000.

THIS IS USED ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS THROUGHOUT OUR COUNTY BUILDINGS THAT WE OWN.511 IS AUTHORIZING

[00:20:01]

CHANGE NUMBER 3 AND FINAL PAYMENT TO COX CORP FOR BRANCHBURG FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE C0701 SOUTH BRANCH ROAD OVER THE BROKAW BROOK TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT IS $299,034.11. AS NEEDED, THE AS BID AMOUNT IS AND $307.69 FOR FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $4,296,672.41.

INCLUDES CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1, WHICH WAS FOR 453,000.

CHANGE NUMBER 2, WHICH WAS FOR AN AMOUNT OF $377,638.

THIS INCREASES FOR $299,034. THIS PROJECT WAS COMPLETED LAST YEAR.

THIS PARTICULAR CHANGE ORDER INVOLVES MORE GRADING THAT WAS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROJECT ON THE ROAD NEXT TO A BUNCH OF DRIVEWAYS THAT WERE ON THE ON THE PROJECT. UTILITY RELOCATION, STORMWATER WORK AND PAVEMENT RESTORATION.

GOOD AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 26 512 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF FIREARM HOLSTERS FROM ATLANTIC TACTICAL OUT OF JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $797.50 26.5 13, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS FOR THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FROM MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES OUT OF SANDY HOOK, CONNECTICUT, UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT NUMBER 17 00751.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $23,606.25. THANK YOU.

OKAY. RESOLUTION 26 514, THIS IS AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0081-25 TO GARDEN STATE LANDSCAPING, GOOD TREE STUMP REMOVAL, TREE SURGEONS, AND COUNTYWIDE TREE REMOVAL.

THIS IS THE SECOND OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT. CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE TIME THAT THE ORDER IS PLACED.

SO I GOT EXCITED THERE FOR A SECOND. 516. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC 010026 FOR COMMERCIAL LAWN PARK AND GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT OF CENTRAL JERSEY AND ELMER, FIRST OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 1000.

I'M SORRY, WHAT WAS THAT? OH FIVE. WAS THIS. OH, THERE YOU GO. AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0059-25 FOR AUCTIONEER SERVICES.

INTERNET. WEB BASED AUCTION SERVICES TO SELL COUNTY SURPLUS PROPERTY AND LIQUIDITY SERVICES OPERATION LLC.

GOVDEALS OF MD 2ND YEAR OF A 5 YEAR CONTRACT.

OH MY GOD, THIS IS HARD. I'M SORRY. 1 MORE. I KNOW, LACK OF SLEEP BY THE WAY IT WAS 12 TO 18IN WAS THE THE AMOUNT WE GOT FOR THE TOWN.

OKAY HERE WE ARE. LET ME JUST YEAH. ALL RIGHT, HOLD ON.

LET ME. JUST BECAUSE I'M HAVING TROUBLE. OKAY.

OH, HERE WE GO. RESCINDING OPTION B, SOLID TIRE REPLACEMENT FOR SERVICE TREE FOR THE SERVICE TIRE TRUCK CENTER EDISON FOR RECAPPING.

SOLID TIRE REPLACEMENT FOR CONTRACT CC-0016-25S RESOLUTION R25-2484.

RESOLUTION 26-518. THIS IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO CLEARY GIACOBBE, ALFIERI, JACOBS AND RAINONE COUGHLIN FOR LEGAL SERVICES RENDERED TO THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET DURING THE 2020 CALENDAR YEAR.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $37,863.23. 518 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCTION FOR THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS OF VARIOUS PARK COMMISSION STRUCTURES.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $5,360.45 520. IS APPROVAL TO PAY AND CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE NEW JERSEY ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION FOR REGISTRATION FEES FOR THE 69TH ANNUAL NEW JERSEY ASPHALT PAVING CONFERENCE FOR 3 ENGINEERING STAFF MEMBERS, NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $597. 26-521 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO TWO RIVERS TITLE COMPANY, LLC FOR A TITLE SURVEY OF COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY 330 CHESTER AVENUE IN BRANCHBURG. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $405 AND 26-522 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING OF THE SAME.

[00:25:05]

RESOLUTION 26-523 IS AMENDING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS TO CANCEL THE BALANCE OF FUNDS FOR THE NORTH STAFFING GROUP, LLC. THESE FUNDS WERE ENCUMBERED FOR TEMPORARY STAFFING AT THE SENIOR CENTERS LAST YEAR AND WILL NOT BE USED.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,521.39. RESOLUTION 26-524 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT WITH ALCOHOL MONITORING SYSTEMS, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO. AUTHORIZED PER RESOLUTION 25-1321 ON JULY 22ND, 2025.

TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,696.88. RESOLUTION 26-525.

AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT WITH MIDDLESEX COUNTY TREASURER, NORTH BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY FOR YOUTH DETENTION HOUSING FOR QUARTERS 2 THROUGH 4.

AUTHORIZED POOR RESOLUTION 25-1246 ON JULY. ON JUNE 24TH, 2025, TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $9,709.16. RESOLUTION 26-526 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO UNIQUE SECURITY AND CONSULTING SERVICES OF BRANCHBURG, NEW JERSEY, FOR JANUARY SECURITY SERVICES AT 27 WARREN STREET.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,576. RESOLUTION 26-527 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER FOR WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS INCORPORATED FOR FOOD FOR THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMING OCTOBER 2025.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6.69.

26-528 APPROVAL TO PLAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO GOLD TYPE BUSINESS MACHINES FOR INFOCOM TERM JANUARY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,862.

RESOLUTION 26.529 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0024-24 FOR ORE POWER, LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT BATTERIES.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,400. RESOLUTION 26-530.

AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FROM RESOLUTION 25-2076 TO EMPOWER SOMERSET, INC.. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,192.22.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT. 531 AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FIRST LOCK LOCKSMITH OF HAMILTON.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,026. 532 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $914.76. 26-533. APPROVAL TO PAY.

CONFIRMING ORDER TO LANDER OF GARWOOD. FOR ADDITIONAL FEES NOT TO EXCEED $116.60.

OKAY. 26-534. AMENDING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO USDA FROM SAINT LOUIS FOR 2025. WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. SERVICES FOR CANADIAN GOOSE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT NOT TO EXCEED $14,770.87.

26=535. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO TAYLOR OIL COMPANY FROM SOMMERVILLE FOR DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID NOT TO EXCEED 20,000. 26-536. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO BOB'S UNIFORM SHOP.

THIS IS FOR SAFETY CLOTHING NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.

26-537. AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FLEMINGTON DEPARTMENT STORE, AND AGAIN, THIS IS ALSO FOR SAFETY CLOTHING FOR NOT TO EXCEED 1326 538 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MAZZA RECYCLING SERVICES. AND THIS IS FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $37,367.58.

OKAY. 539 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MASA RECYCLING SERVICES FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $48,035.50. 540 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICOVA FOR RECYCLING DBA RECYCLING. CITY OF CLIFTON.

THIS IS ALSO FOR COMMODITIES FOR $27,010.19. 541 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TAYLOR OIL COMPANY OF SOMERVILLE IS AN EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF DEF, WHICH IS DEF $716.40 542

[00:30:08]

APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICHIE'S TIRE SERVICES. THIS IS FOR USED TIRE DISPOSAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,900.

OKAY. 543 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FOR DEER CARCASS REMOVAL SERVICES OF CREAM RIDGE. NOT TO EXCEED $18,326. 544 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ATLANTIC SALTS.

ALSO TO MESSERCOLA EXCAVATING. THIS IS ALL FOR SNOW REMOVAL, NOT TO EXCEED $461,863.62. 26 545 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR GRANFALLOON IN BROOKLYN.

FOR EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCES AT VARIOUS SOMERSET COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS NOT TO EXCEED $3,700.

26-546. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 66,000.

MULTIPLE VENDORS.26-547 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO NEOPART TRANSIT.

NOT TO EXCEED $4000. 26-548. APPROVAL TO PAY.

CONFIRMING ORDER TO CAMPBELL FREIGHTLINER FOR $3,159.57.

ALLEGIANCE TRUCKS AND FOR BRIDGE FROM BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT FOR $67.49.

FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $3,227.06.

26-549. AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0088-23. TO COMMUNITY IN CRISIS.

INCORPORATED FOR COMMUNITY BASED POP UP SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 1ST, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH OF 2027.

4TH YEAR OF A 4 YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.

RESOLUTION 26-550. AWARD OF CONTRACT CYCOM-0104-25 TO COMMUNITY AND CRISIS INCORPORATED FOR RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1ST, 2026 THROUGH MARCH 31ST, 2027.

2ND YEAR OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $150,000.

RESOLUTION 26-551 AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO COMMUNITY CRISIS, BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM UTILIZING THE 3RD OPTIONAL YEAR OF 3 OPTIONAL 1 YEAR EXTENSIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR APRIL 26TH THROUGH INCLUDING DECEMBER 26TH.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $37,503. THANK YOU.

HOLY COW! SORRY. 552. WHERE THE CONTRACT. CC-0134-26 TO RADIAC RESEARCH CORP OF BROOKLYN FOR TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM SOMERSET COUNTY.

NOT TO TOTAL. NOT TO EXCEED $76,668. FIRST OF A 3 YEAR CONTRACT.

IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 26-500 THROUGH 26-552 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR MARCH 10TH, SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.

YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY.

YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR. DRAKE. YES. DIRECTOR. ROBINSON.

YES. 26-448 IS APPROVED. THE RIGHTS OF WAY USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY AND PILOT FIBER, NJ, LLC. 26-449 APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDER TO BE SAFE FOR MONTHLY SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL FOR THE ACCESS CONTROL PANELS. TOTALS NOT TO EXCEED $20,520.

ALL RIGHT. I'M GOING HOME. ALL RIGHT. I'M SORRY.

ALL RIGHT. 450 AWARD A CONTRACT FOR OPEN END COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM.

CONTRACT CC-0049-26 FOR FLAGS, GRAVE MARKERS, FLAGPOLE REPAIRS.

THIS IS THE 1ST OF A 2 YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.

451. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0145-26. TO HAIGS SERVICE CORPORATION FOR INSPECTION AND TESTING AND MONITORING OF ALARM SYSTEMS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY LOCATIONS.

THIS IS A 1 YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE MARCH 1ST, 2026, WITH AN OPTION OF A 2 YEAR EXTENSION NOT TO EXCEED $45,060.

[00:35:06]

IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTIONS 26-448 THROUGH 26-451 TO OUR REGULAR MEETING.

SO MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.

COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.

YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING WITH ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK.

FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME. WE DO TAKE QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL AND VIA TELEPHONE.

IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC MOTION? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE HAVE NONE. SEEING NONE.

HEARING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC FOR THIS PORTION OF THIS MEETING? MOTION TO CLOSE. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.