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[00:00:01]

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

[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on March 10, 2026.]

I 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.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THOSE SOLDIERS WHO SACRIFICED IT ALL AS THIS COUNTRY IS GOING THROUGH A BIT OF A TRANSITION. BUT WE DO REMEMBER THE FALLEN.

THANK YOU. WELCOME TO WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH. AND SINCE WE HAVE A PREDOMINANTLY WOMEN'S BOARD COMMISSIONER BOARD, KUDOS AND HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

I'D LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE MARCH 10TH WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION ONLY AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 24TH. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING UNLESS THE MEASURE AND ITS ADOPTION ARE NEEDED IN A MANNER NECESSARY TO CONDUCT COUNTY BUSINESS.

ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER. HERE. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

HERE. COMMISSIONER SOOY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.

HERE. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. HERE. I WILL RESERVE MY COMMENTS TO THE NEXT MEETING.

SO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR. I JUST HAVE A FEW ITEMS. IT IS SPRING IN ABOUT 12 DAYS, I'M TOLD. BUT WE HAD A MEETING WITH THE COUNTY BOARD OF AG, AND I WAS TALKING TO SOME OF OUR FARMERS ARE ON THE BOARD AND THEY'RE ALREADY WORKING THEIR FIELDS.

SO THAT'S A GOOD THING. NOW THAT THE SNOW IS HOPEFULLY GONE BEHIND US.

BUT THAT ALSO BRINGS UP THE QUESTION ABOUT FARM EQUIPMENT.

AND JUST BE MINDFUL THAT FARM EQUIPMENT MAY BE PRESENT ON SOME ROADS, DEPENDING UPON PREVALENCE OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN THE AREA.

SO JUST BE MINDFUL AND BE RESPECTFUL. IF YOU RECALL, LAST YEAR WE HAD AN INCIDENT IN THE COUNTY WHERE THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND MAYBE THINGS COULD HAVE TURNED OUT WORSE. BUT THAT WAS AN EVENT THAT OBVIOUSLY WAS A RESULT OF MAYBE SOME ISSUES, BUT WE'RE GOING TO JUST BE MINDFUL OF FARM EQUIPMENT ON THE ROAD IS MY POINT.

JUST WANT TO MENTION ABOUT THE PARK COMMISSION.

WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO HEAR THAT RECENTLY IN ATLANTIC CITY AT THEIR, AT THEIR ANNUAL CONFERENCE OUR SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION RECEIVED TWO STATEWIDE AWARDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION.

THERE WAS THE THANKFUL LIGHTS PROGRAM, WHICH IS SPONSORED AT BUCK GARDENS, INCREDIBLE LIGHT PROGRAM THAT WAS WON AN AWARD AND THEN ALSO THE COUNTY FOR THE 1770S FESTIVAL ALSO RECEIVED AN AWARD, SO BOTH AWARDS WERE TO THE PARK COMMISSION.

SO IT'S REALLY GREAT NEWS AND GREAT TO SEE THAT NOT ONLY BEING RECOGNIZED, BUT THE KIND OF PROGRAMING THAT WE'RE PUTTING OUT TO THE PUBLIC IS, IS REALLY TOP NOTCH. AND THAT'S A DEMONSTRATION.

ALSO, I WANT TO COMMEND THE PARK COMMISSION FOR I KNOW THEY'VE BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD ON THEIR WEBSITE AND HAVE REALLY UPDATED IT QUITE A LOT.

AND IT'S CERTAINLY MORE USER FRIENDLY, A LOT MORE CATEGORIES, A LOT MORE EASY TO SORT OF WORK THROUGH.

YOU'LL FIND THAT WE'VE REINTRODUCED OR BROUGHT BACK HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS, WHICH HADN'T BEEN OUT AT THE STABLE SINCE PRIOR TO COVID.

AND SO THE STATE STABLE IS NOW OFFERING RIDING LESSONS.

AND THEN ALSO NOW THAT THE SPRING IS HERE AND EVERYONE GETS GOLF FEVER PROBABLY INCLUDING MYSELF THE, THE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION USES A VERY SOPHISTICATED AND VERY WELL ORGANIZED GOLF TEE TIME SCHEDULING SYSTEM.

SO IF YOU WANT TO GET, YOU KNOW, GOOD TEE TIMES, IT'S YOU WORK, YOU KNOW, YOU GO ONLINE, YOU GET ONTO THE SYSTEM, YOU SIGN UP FOR TEE TIMES AND IT WORKS VERY WELL AND CERTAINLY ALLOWS PEOPLE TO GET OUT ON THE TIMES THAT THEY WANT.

AND THEN ALSO LAST MEETING I MENTIONED THAT WE ARE PICKLEBALL COURTS, WHICH, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES IF YOU ADVERTISE TOO MUCH, THEY GET OVERWHELMED. BUT WE DO HAVE A NORTH AT NORTH BRANCH PARK.

THERE'S CERTAINLY HIGH DEMAND FOR THOSE, THOSE FACILITIES.

AND WHAT THEY'VE DONE IS THEY IMPLEMENTED A, A PERMIT SYSTEM WHERE YOU CAN SIGN UP AND GET A PERMIT AND THEN ALLOWS YOU TO SORT OF HAVE AS FIRST DIBS AT USING THOSE COURTS. AND I THINK THAT'S WORKED OUT WELL FOR THE PARK COMMISSION.

AND THEN FINALLY, I'LL JUST ADD THAT THE PARK COMMISSION DOES HAVE FULL TIME POSITIONS POSTED ON THE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION WEBSITE.

AND ALSO SEASONAL POSITIONS ARE CERTAINLY OPENING.

SO IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO GET A SEASONAL JOB, WHETHER YOU'RE IN SCHOOL OR WHAT HAVE YOU, YOU KNOW, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE POSITIONS THERE IN THE PARK COMMISSION, THERE'S CERTAINLY A GREAT ORGANIZATION TO WORK FOR. SO THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK

[00:05:06]

YOU. ALL RIGHT. SO THERE'S A THEME WITH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY.

AS WE CELEBRATE THIS, WE HAD A CELEBRATION WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP.

AND WHEN YOU HEAR AN 8:30 START, YOU'RE THINKING IT'S GOING TO BE A LATE ATTENDANCE, BUT IT WAS A FULL HOUSE.

WE HEARD FROM CINDY NORFLEET FROM VAN CLEEF ENGINEERING, RACHANA KULKARNI WHO IS A PHYSICIAN OVER AT ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON AND THE DIRECTOR OF CARDIOLOGY. SRDJANA BEJKOVSKA, FORGIVE ME IF I MISPRONOUNCE ANYONE'S NAME, THE DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AT ROCHE AND A WHOLE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP PANEL.

IT WAS SO WELL ATTENDED WE EVEN HAD A FEW GUYS THAT SHOWED UP TOO, IN SUPPORT OF THE DAY.

AND EVERYONE'S LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR. ON THE NJTPA FRONT, WE HAD A FULL PRESENTATION FOR FIFA.

IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE BUZZ ALREADY WITH EVERYONE TRYING TO COORDINATE, WHETHER IT'S WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY OR JUST MAKING SURE TO SEE HOW OUR INFRASTRUCTURE IS GOING TO HANDLE THIS MASS INFLUX OF PEOPLE FOR THIS MAJOR EVENT.

IT WAS REPORTED THAT WE ARE PLANNING ON TRANSPORTING 20,000 PEOPLE PER HOUR TO METLIFE.

AND AS THEY START TO STUDY DIFFERENT MAJOR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE US AND MAJOR CITIES THE COMPARISON WAS MADE TO A TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT AND WHO WAS ABLE TO FAIR THAT. AND THAT'S LIKE THE, I WOULD SAY THE PREPARATION FOR TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS TO SEE IF WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE FIFA.

SO WE ARE STARTING TO WORK ALONGSIDE OF NEW JERSEY TRANSIT DOT AND MANY OF OUR OTHER PARTNERS.

THE NJ TPA IS A REGIONAL FEDERALLY FUNDED BOARD.

SO WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO IS WITHIN ALL THE YOU KNOW, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE CENTRAL, WE ARE LOOPED INTO THAT.

BUT WE ARE WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THESE PARTNERS TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THOSE COMMON SENSE YOU KNOW, PROBLEMS THAT WE'RE FORESEEING BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO BE A, A MASSIVE IMPACT ON TO OUR TRANSPORTATION, MAKING SURE WE'RE NOT DOING ROAD WORK AT THE SAME TIME.

TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE ALL THOSE PROBLEMS. SO WE ARE THINKING ABOUT IT.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT'S, YOU KNOW, WE'RE, WE'RE HOLDING OUR BREATH OR ANYTHING ABOUT, BUT WE'RE WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS THERE AND SEEING HOW WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT.

I WAS ALSO ELECTED THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD FOR THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE FOR THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY THIS PAST WEEK.

SO I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING IN THAT NEW CAPACITY.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER.

SO, OKAY, WE'RE LOOKING FOR A TRIPLE PLAY. WHEN I SAY THAT WE'VE GOT A GOLD IN MEN'S HOCKEY.

WE'VE GOT A GOLD IN WOMEN'S HOCKEY. AND NOW I'M FEELING THE GOLD FOR SLED HOCKEY.

AND I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO GREEN BROOK OWN JOSH PAULS, WHO IS IN HIS FIFTH OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE SLED COMPETITION. HE HAS MORE OLYMPIC MEDALS. I THINK HE'S ON THE RECORDS FOR PARALYMPIC MEDALS.

HE WAS THE FLAG BEARER FOR THE PARALYMPIC GAMES.

HE IS THE TEAM CAPTAIN FOR THE PARALYMPIC GAMES AND HE'S FROM MY HOMETOWN OF GREEN BROOK NEW JERSEY.

SO SOMERSET ZONE JOSH PAULS [APPLAUSE] THEY JUST WON TODAY.

THEY PASSED THEIR GROUP STAGE. THEY TOTALLY UNBEATEN.

SO WE'RE LOOKING FOR A THREE ON THOSE GOLD MEDALS FOR OUR PARALYMPIANS OVER IN ITALY.

SO WISH THEM WELL. GET SOME PRAYERS TO KEEP THEM ALL HEALTHY AND BRING HOME THE MEDALS BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.

SO I HAD A GREAT TIME. ONE OF MY FAVORITE DAYS IS COMMISSIONER, IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR H FAIR, WHICH IS A BIG ONE FOR ME. THE OTHER ONE IS READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY.

IT IS SUCH AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO SPEND TIME WITH THOSE CHILDREN.

I JUST LOVE THEM. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO GO TO THE WARREN TOWNSHIP CENTRAL SCHOOL.

I HAD A THIRD GRADE CLASS. IT WAS JUST IT WAS REALLY A GREAT TIME.

I THINK. LIZ, YOU WENT TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN WARREN, RIGHT? SO THAT WAS A GREAT DAY. WHAT A WONDERFUL THING TO TO GET KIDS EXCITED ABOUT LITERACY.

I ALSO ATTENDED A VIRTUAL SEMINAR ABOUT THE GATEWAY PROJECT, GATEWAY AT RISK.

YES, FUNDING WAS RELEASED FOR THIS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF, LET'S SEE, $263 MILLION, BUT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR PROJECT THAT THEY CAN'T CONTINUE TO BID OUT, THE NEXT STAGES OF WHICH COSTS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DELAY TIME.

UNTIL WE GET ALL THE LAWSUITS CLEARED THROUGH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SO THAT HOPEFULLY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMES BACK TO SOME SENSES AND SAYS,

[00:10:05]

YES, THIS PROJECT WAS ALREADY APPROVED IN A PRIOR CONGRESSIONAL SESSION, AND WE HAVE TO APPROVE FUNDING.

SO KEEP ADVOCATING FOR THIS PROJECT. THIS IS VITAL FOR OUR NATION'S INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT CRITICAL FOR OUR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMY. SO PLEASE, ANYBODY YOU TALK TO, WE GOT TO HAVE GATEWAY.

WE'VE GOT TO HAVE FUNDING. I HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE WOMEN'S DAY BREAKFAST WITH COMMISSIONER SOOY.

AS SHE SAID, IT WAS JAM PACKED. IT WAS REALLY BEAUTIFUL IN THERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS SATURDAY WILL BE THE HERITAGE TRAILS MIDDLEBROOK SYMPOSIUM AT RVCC.

WE'VE ALSO GOT THE SAINT PAT'S CELEBRATIONS HERE IN SOMERVILLE ON SUNDAY.

ON SAINT PATRICK'S DAY ITSELF, MARCH 17TH, OUR LOCAL WORKING GROUP WILL BE HELD AT THE FOUR H CENTER THAT IS, OUR SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT WILL BE HOSTING OUR AG BOARD.

KATE KATSURA WILL BE THERE STAFFING A TABLE. WE'LL HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FEDERAL, COUNTY, STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS FOR DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AGRICULTURE, REGENERATIVE FARMING, RIGHT TO FARM LAWS, ETC. WE'VE ALSO GOT A SHREDDING EVENT ON MARCH 21ST AT THE NORTH COUNTY GARAGE.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'VE GOT THIS GIANT BOX ABOUT YAY BIG BECAUSE I WAS GETTING READY FOR MY TAXES AND I'VE GONE THROUGH SO MUCH STUFF.

SO VINNY, TELL HIM TO HAVE A SEPARATE TRUCK JUST FOR MY CAR WHEN IT PULLS UP, WILL YOU, PLEASE? AND THANKFULLY, WE'RE NOT THANKING VINNY FOR ANY SNOW REMOVAL THIS TIME, SO LET'S KEEP THAT UP.

VERY GOOD. PUBLIC WORKS THOUGH, WE'VE GOT 3400 PUBLIC TRANSIT TRIPS.

WE'VE GOT 8700 PARATRANSIT TRIPS AND 5000 HOME DELIVERED MEALS WERE SENT OUT LAST MONTH.

THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MET AND THEY PRESENTED THEIR DRAFT BUDGET, AND I THINK THEY'RE DEALING WITH THE SAME GORILLA IN THE ROOM AS WE ARE.

32% INCREASE IN HEALTH CARE COSTS AND AN 11% INCREASE IN INSURANCE COSTS.

SO IT'S BEEN A REAL JUGGLING ACT FOR FINANCE TO GET THROUGH THESE THINGS AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET A BALANCED BUDGET AND GET A BUDGET OUT THAT'S REASONABLE.

SO THE DRAFT BUDGET WAS PRESENTED TO THE LIBRARY COMMISSION THIS PAST WEEK.

WE ALSO MET AT THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE AT OUR APRIL MEETINGS.

BE PREPARED BECAUSE THESE WILL BE A LITTLE LONGER, BECAUSE WE'VE GOT TEN HISTORY GRANTS THAT WILL BE AWARDED ON OUR FIRST MEETING AND 18 ARTS GRANTS THAT WILL BE AWARDED AT OUR SECOND MEETING.

SO BANK IN EXTRA TIME FOR THE APRIL MEETINGS.

OKAY. THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK IS COMING UP APRIL 10TH THROUGH 12 WEEKEND.

SO PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS, THERE'S ACTIVITIES ALL THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.

AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER MARANO.

IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO FOLLOW YOU [LAUGHS] SO THERE ARE STILL SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOUR H AG VENTURE DAYS, WHICH IS A SPRING BREAK KIND OF DAY CAMP FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES FIRST THROUGH FIFTH GRADES.

THE FOUR H SPRING CRAFT SHOW WILL BE HELD MARCH 21ST AT THE FOUR H CENTER IN BRIDGEWATER.

IN FEBRUARY 34 STUDENTS COMPLETED ANNIE'S PROJECT 101, A SIX WEEK COURSE PROVIDING 18 HOURS OF FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING.

RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IS ALSO CONDUCTING A STATEWIDE FARM SAFETY NEEDS ASSESSMENT TO GUIDE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PROGRAMS FOR FARMERS AND COMMERCIAL FISHERS.

RECRUITMENT IS UNDERWAY FOR THE NEXT RUTGERS MASTER GARDENER COHORT, WITH TRAINING RUNNING FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH MARCH THIS SEPTEMBER THROUGH NEXT MARCH.

IN ADDITION, RUTGERS IS PARTNERING WITH BOUND BROOK COMMUNITY GARDEN, OUR WJ BARNABAS AND BOUND BROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON A SPANISH LANGUAGE GARDENING PROGRAM LAUNCHING IN MAY. IN FEBRUARY, THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY LOGGED 60 HOURS, SERVED 85 CLIENTS, REFERRED 14 TO CASE MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDED 98 RESOURCES.

THE FRANKLIN FOOD BANK LOGGED 55 HOURS, SERVED 89 CLIENTS, REFERRED 18 TO CASE MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDED 107 RESOURCES.

THE 2026 STIGMA FREE SUMMIT WILL BE HELD AT THE ON JUNE 4TH AT RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

THE OPIATE SETTLEMENT NETWORKING MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, APRIL 20TH, BRINGING TOGETHER COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO COLLABORATE ON INITIATIVES FUNDED THROUGH THE OPIATE SETTLEMENT. ACCORDING TO A RECENT REPORT FROM THE STATE DRUG MONITORING INITIATIVE, SOMERSET COUNTY HAS THE LOWEST PER CAPITA RATE IN NEW JERSEY FOR DRUG ARRESTS, OVERDOSES, NALOXONE ADMINISTRATIONS AND OTHER DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS.

THIS REFLECTS YEARS OF COLLABORATION AND DEDICATION BY PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

EFFORTS. YES. THIS. THANK YOU [APPLAUSE] TEAH, IT'S REALLY GOOD.

SO EFFORTS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SUPPORTS STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS AND ADDRESS STIGMA, MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH.

THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES IS HOSTING A RESOURCE EXPO ON APRIL 25TH AT THE SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER IN BRIDGEWATER.

[00:15:08]

INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGISTER CAN BE FOUND ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE OR BY CALLING (908) 704-6346.

TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERESTED SENIORS.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS HAS AWARDED RVCC AND THE DANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS 2026 PARTNER AWARD, WHICH RECOGNIZES THE DYNAMIC TEN YEAR PARTNERSHIP AND A RECENT ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY THAT REVEALS EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED IN RVCC THE STATE RETURN, RECEIVES A RETURN OF $6. SO IT'S LIKE IT GROWS MONEY FOR US.

THE SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL HAS 20 STUDENTS DOWN IN ATLANTIC CITY PARTICIPATING IN THE FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

THE AG SCIENCES PROGRAM HAS PLACED AUDIO RECORDERS AROUND CAMPUS TO GATHER AND ANALYZE DIFFERENT BIRD CALLS.

IT'S PRETTY COOL.

[LAUGHS] WELDING INSTRUCTOR RICHARD MENKE WAS NOMINATED AND SELECTED FOR THE WDAH TEACHERS WHO ROCK CLASS OF 2026 RECOGNITION PROGRAMS. LOTS OF GREAT STUFF GOING ON AT THE VO TECH.

THE GREATER WORK, GREATER MERIT AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

BOARD IS HOSTING A CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK ON APRIL 30TH AT RVCC.

YOUTH, RECENT GRADUATES AND JOB SEEKERS ARE INVITED TO COME TO THE EVENT AND LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP AND OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR REGION.

GO TO THE GRWW WEBSITE AND CLICK ON APRIL 30TH TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER.

THE VOLUNTEER SERVICES AARP FREE TRACKS TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM HAS RECEIVED OVER 2000 CALLS SINCE IT OPENED IN FEBRUARY.

COUNSELORS MEET WITH PEOPLE AT SIX SITES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. THEY'RE NEARING CAPACITY.

PRETTY MUCH EVERY SESSION. SO THEY'RE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE NOT TO WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE TO FILE YOUR TAXES.

THE VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS SAY THAT HELPING PEOPLE COMPLETE THEIR TAXES IS VERY SATISFYING, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY CAN GET REFUNDS AND REBATES.

WE'D LIKE TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM SO IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING FOR NEXT TAX SEASON, GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SERVICES PAGE ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE AND COMPLETE THE BRIEF VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

TRAINING FOR THE PROGRAM BEGINS IN THE FALL. WE ESPECIALLY NEED SPANISH SPEAKING VOLUNTEERS, NOT ONLY FOR THIS PROGRAM. FOR OUR OTHER PROGRAMS AS WELL.

AND MADAM DIRECTOR, THAT IS MY REPORT. SO WE HAVE A COUPLE OF COMMUNICATIONS.

ONE IS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY NOTIFICATION OF GUIDE RAIL REPLACEMENT CENTRAL CONTRACT FIVE NJ DOT PROJECT.

THEN THE COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR FEBRUARY 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,288,418.19.

RESOLUTION 26-600 IS AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SUBCONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GREATER RARITAN, WDB AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FOR FUNDING OF TRANSPORTATION FOR OUR WORKFORCE NEW JERSEY CAREER SEEKERS.

RESOLUTION 26-601 AUTHORIZING TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOR THE HOUSE AND FARM IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF A EXISTING FIVE YEAR LEASE THAT IS TO EXPIRE ON MARCH 31ST, 2026.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS APPLIED AND GOT A 2025 GRANT TO CONTINUE THE RESTORATION OF THE HOUSE FOCUSING ON THE INTERIOR, THE EXTERIOR IS ALMOST TO COMPLETION AND THE WAGON HOUSE IS NOW ERECT AND JUST NEEDS ELECTRICAL WORK AND STAINING.

THE EXTERIOR IS ALMOST A COMPLETION. THE FRONT PORCH STILL NEEDS WORK, AND THE INTERIOR IS WHAT IS GOING TO BE FUNDED BY THE 2025 GRANT.

SO THIS GRANT WILL INCLUDE RESTORATION OF THE GROUND FLOOR AND THEN PART OF THE SECOND FLOOR.

OH THAT'S AWESOME. THAT'S GREAT. GOOD EVENING. 26-602 IS IS APPROVING THE SOMERSET COUNTY FUND BALANCE POLICY.

ANY QUESTIONS? GOOD EVENING. TOM'S NOT HERE RIGHT NOW.

SO. 603 AUTHORIZING A NO COST EXTENSION FOR THE GRANT ENTITLED 2-SFY 2025 ARRIVE TOGETHER CRITICAL INCIDENT MODEL GRANT PROGRAM.

[00:20:03]

THE ORIGINAL DATES OF THE GRANT ARE APRIL 1ST, 2025 THROUGH MARCH 31ST, 2026.

THE REVISED NO COST GRANT EXTENSION DATES WILL NOW BE FROM APRIL 1ST, 2025 THROUGH AUGUST 1ST, 2026.

26-604 AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET TO APPLY TO NJ TRANSIT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A COORDINATED HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PLAN CHSTP UPDATE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF UP TO 150,000, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED.

26-605 AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET TO APPLY TO NJ TRANSIT FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN TRANSPORTATION WEBSITE AND COMPLIANCE ENHANCEMENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF UP TO 20,000 AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED 20% COUNTY TO MATCH IF AWARDED.

26-606 IS AUTHORIZING TWO QUALIFIED EMPLOYERS FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB WORK EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING PROGRAMS. APPRENTICESHIP ON THE JOB TRAINING CONTRACTS.

GRANTS CONTRACT COM-O113-26R.

RESOLUTION 26-607. AWARD OF CONTRACT COM0024-23 TO CORPORATE COUNSELING ASSOCIATES FOR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE FOURTH YEAR OF A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,000. RESOLUTION 26-608 AWARD OF CONTRACTS UTILIZING THE OPTIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO PREMIUM PRODUCTIONS OF PLEASANTVILLE, NEW YORK FOR PRINTING AND MAILING SERVICES FOR TWO EDITIONS OF AN UNFOLDED DIRECT MAIL NEWSLETTER WITH A MINIMUM OF 25% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT. RESOLUTION 26-609. AWARD OF CONTRACT 23018 TO UNDERGROUND UTILITIES CORP.

LINDEN NEW JERSEY FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE L1014 STIRLING ROAD OVER STONY BROOK TOWNSHIP OF WARREN.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,438,194. RESOLUTION 26-610 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO T2 UES CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY FOR OPEN END CONTRACT FOR SUBSURFACE UTILITY INVESTIGATION.

ONE YEAR CONTRACT EFFECTIVE APRIL 1ST, 2026, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR.

TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $167,775. RESOLUTION 26-6 11 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DE SAPIO CONSTRUCTION, INC., FRENCHTOWN, NEW JERSEY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SOMERSET COUNTY STREET SWEEPING BUILDING, 360 ROYCEFIELD ROAD IN HILLSBOROUGH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,057,000.

26-612 IS RESCINDING ITEM NUMBER 179 FROM NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS, INC.

FOR GOLF COURSE AND PARK MAINTENANCE MATERIALS CONTRACT CC-0022-26 AND THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION WAS 25-2477.

26-613. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO AME, INC. UTILIZING CONTRACT CC-0010-23 FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SMA UPGRADE COVERING ALL NIAGARA SUPERVISORS, JACE AND SERVERS AND VARIOUS COUNTY SITES NOT TO EXCEED $33,571.44. 614 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MERCHANTVILLE OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR UTILIZING CONTRACT 21-GNSV1-01461 FOR NEW SPRINGS AND NEW OPERATOR, DOOR NUMBER FIVE AT THE RECYCLING CENTER AT 40 PAOLINI LANE.

TOTAL NOT NOT TO EXCEED $23,078. 26-615 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0039-25 FOR ROAD SAFETY SYSTEMS, LLC, J. FLETCHER CREAMER AND SON, INC.

CHEMUNG SUPPLY CORP GUARDRAIL AND GUIDE RAIL PARTS.

THIS IS THE FIRST OF A SIX MONTH. THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF A SECOND YEAR OF TWO YEAR CONTRACT CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE TIME OF EACH

[00:25:08]

ORDER IS PLACED. 26-616 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO FILEBANK OAKLAND, NJ. R-25-1381 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18750.

26-617. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC.

IN POTTSTOWN, PA FOR ANNUAL PHOTO ID SYSTEM MAINTENANCE.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,637.98. 26-618 AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT TO TREASURER, STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR OVER PAYMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 22 MAT GRANT FUNDS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,549 AND 26-619 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO INSTITUTE FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY FOR THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT EVALUATION FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $450. 26-620. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,819.64.

26-621, IS AUTHORIZING A REIMBURSEMENT OF COST RECOVERY FUNDS RECEIVED ON BEHALF OF ELIZABETH AVENUE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY FOR A GAS TANKER INCIDENT IN BEDMINSTER,NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,487.50. 26-622 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR CASH DONATION, IDRC FEES, LAND REVIEW, LAND REVIEW FEE AND CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS FEES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $928. 26-623 IS PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.

RESOLUTION 26-624 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO OPTIMUM BUSINESS AT PHILADELPHIA, PA FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $281.70.

RESOLUTION 26-625, AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR THE PREVIOUSLY AWARDED WHITSON'S CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY SHELF STABLE MEALS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,992.78. 26-626 AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FOR UNUSED FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM FUNDS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $12,047. 26-627 AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FOR UNUSED SENIOR SHOPPER PROGRAM FUNDS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $13,564.59.

26-628 AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PRACTICE HOME CARE SERVICES FOR UNUSED CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE PROGRAM FUNDS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,525.71. RESOLUTION 26-629 AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ARGOT.

TRANSLATION INCORPORATED FOR RICHARD HALL, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER VIDEO AND AUDIO TRANSLATION SERVICES.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,500. 26-630. AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO HORIZON PEDIATRIC CONSULTANTS, LLC. DOING BUSINESS AS ROCKING HORSE REHAB, BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY. CONTRACT CC-0154-25R3 FOR RICHARD HALL, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER EQUITY, EQUINE THERAPY SERVICES, TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.

26-631 IS AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR QUALIFICATS SYSTEMS INCORPORATED CONTRACT CC-0121-20 FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, QUALIFACTS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $43,500. GOOD AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 26-632 IS AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO RWJ UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SOMERSET, SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY, FOR POLICE AND FIRE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PHYSICAL.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $335. THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 26-633. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO VERIZON BUSINESS.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,693.93. RESOLUTION 26-634 APPROVAL TO PAY FOR CONFIRMING

[00:30:08]

ORDER TO ID CARE FOR NURSING, CLERICAL AND PHYSICIAN SERVICES.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $26,314.17.

26-635 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PUMPING SERVICES INC.

FROM MIDDLESEX FOR THE EMERGENCY PUMPING SERVICES AT THE BUILDING AT 80 EAST HIGH STREET.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,796.01. 26-636 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO REPUBLIC SERVICES INC, ALLIED WASTE SYSTEMS INC AND FOR THIS IS FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $3,402.68.

26-637 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO ATLANTIC SALT INC NOT TO EXCEED $152,011.79.

AND I HOPE THAT'S ALL WE HAVE TO BUY THIS YEAR ON THAT.

26-638 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO LIONETTI ASSOCIATES, LLC.

LORCO PETROLEUM SERVICES IS A REMOVAL OF USED OIL NOT TO EXCEED $606.

26-639. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL, INC. FOR FUEL NOT TO EXCEED 165,000. 26-640. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO BRT TECHNOLOGIES LLC, MANTUA, NEW JERSEY FOR MOD FOUR AND CAMA DATA FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF TAXATION AND THE 21 MUNICIPALITY, EXCUSE ME, 21 MUNICIPAL TAX ASSESSOR OFFICES FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH OF 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $48,435.

26-641 IS AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD YEAR OF A FOUR YEAR GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT.

GRDWB-COM-001-23 FOR CAREER TRAINING SERVICES WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,164,588.92 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026. THANK YOU ALL. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 26-600 THROUGH 26-641 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR MARCH 24TH MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE.

COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

YES, RECUSED FROM 26-636. ABSTENTION FROM 26-636.

NOTED. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.

YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED.

WE HAVE 26-554 IS AUTHORIZING A PERFORMANCE BOND TRANSFER FROM ARGONAUT INSURANCE COMPANY TO SIRIOUS POINT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, 26-555 IS AWARD OF A THREE MONTH EXTENSION FOR CONTRACT 72-21 CREDIT CARD ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PROCESSING FOR ALLPAID INC. DUE TO CONTINUALLY CONTINUATION OF SERVICES, WHILE THE AWARDED CONTRACTOR FOR 72-26 TRANSITIONS. 26-556 IS AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF MCCPC CONTRACT 15-A, LINE NUMBER SEVEN TO PURCHASE ONE 2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE CK10706 4 WHEEL DRIVE, FOUR DOOR FACTORY OPTIONS FROM NIELSEN, CHEVROLET, CHEVROLET IN DOVER NEW JERSEY.

TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $58,071.52.

26-577 IS AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH TEMPORARY EMERGENCY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2026 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL BUDGET ACT.

26-558 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO COGLEY INVESTMENT CORP.

AND J&G LUBRICATION MIKE'S TOWING AND RECOVERY SANITATION EQUIPMENT, NORCIA CORPORATION.

AND THESE ARE ALL FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED 22,000.

IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD RESOLUTION 26-554 THROUGH 26-558 TO OUR REGULAR SESSION? MOTION. SECOND. ROLL CALL. ANY QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO.

[00:35:03]

YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.

YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING.

ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK. FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME.

NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? SO MOVED. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE, AYE. AYES HAVE IT.

ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK. AND DO WE HAVE ANYONE ON THE PHONE OR ANY EMAILS WAITING? WE DO NOT. THANK YOU.

I DON'T KNOW, THE CLOCK'S TICKING. TICK TICK TICK TICK TICK TICK.

I'LL HUSTLE. SURE. RICHARD DICK MYERS, 281 OLD YORK ROAD, BRIDGEWATER.

I'M HERE WITH JP LEVIN AND TIM PINEAU TO PRESENT THE PROGRAM CALLED HONOR AND REMEMBER, THERE'S ALSO A SISTER PORTION OF IT CALLED HONOR AND SACRIFICE.

HONOR AND REMEMBER IS THE PART THAT AWARDS THE FLAG I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU TO FALLEN MILITARY.

THAT CAN BE KIA, COULD BE TRAINING ACCIDENT ALSO COULD BE DUE TO SUICIDE.

SAME THING WITH THE HONOR AND SACRIFICE SIDE.

THAT'S FIRST RESPONDERS. SO THAT'S LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE EMS, EMT THAT CAN BE THE 24 HOUR RULE.

HEART ATTACK ON YOUR WAY TO WORK. SUCH AS WHAT WE HAVE RON JAEGER, WHO WAS KILLED YEARS AGO ON HIS WAY INTO WORK, WHO WAS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICER WHO I KNEW RONNIE FROM WHEN I STARTED IN GREEN BROOK, MELONIE HOMETOWN.

AND THEN I CAME TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE. HE CAME TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. SO THIS FLAG I'M SHOWING YOU HERE IS A SYMBOL DESIGNED BY A GENTLEMAN, GEORGE LUTZ, WHO IS THE FOUNDER OF THE PROGRAM, WHOSE SON WAS KILLED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM IN 2005.

HE STARTED THE PROGRAM IN 2008, WHEN HE FOUND OUT FROM FAMILIES THAT AFTER THE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF ALL FUNERALS HAD ENDED, THEY WERE LEFT EMPTY. AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME AS AN EIGHT YEAR OLD KID, WHEN MY UNCLE WAS KILLED IN VIETNAM, IT WAS OUR FAMILY DEALT WITH THAT. MY DAD WAS THE OLDEST OF 11.

SEVEN OUT OF EIGHT BROTHERS SERVED IN THE MILITARY.

MY DAD SERVED AS YOU DID IN THE AIR FORCE. SO THIS FLAG MEANT A LOT TO ME WHEN I RECEIVED IT.

WE JUST DID TIM AND I AND JP AND I JUST DID A COUPLE FLAGS, ONE TO A FAMILY OF A 19 YEAR OLD WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE IN A BARRACKS 19 YEARS OLD. IT'S NOT EVEN ELIGIBLE TO DRINK A BEER, BUT HE'S SERVING IN OUR FORCES.

THEN I JUST DID ONE SUNDAY TO THE [INAUDIBLE] MOM, ON HIS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS FATAL CRASH IN WATCH ON P DAY.

SO THEY BOTH WENT OVER TREMENDOUSLY. VERY WELL RECEIVED.

FAMILIES WERE VERY THANKFUL FOR THIS PROGRAM.

I DID BEFORE I LEFT AND WENT ON A CRUISE FOR HONOR AND REMEMBER, I PRESENTED A FLAG TO THE GENTLEMAN OUT OF STATEN ISLAND.

SO IT'S STAFF SERGEANT MICHAEL O'LEARY WHO JUST RECENTLY RECEIVED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR.

SO THESE FLAGS GO TO EVERYBODY. THEY'RE GOING TO.

THAT MEANS AN IMPACT TO THESE FAMILIES. THERE'S RESOLUTIONS, PROCLAMATIONS THAT ARE PRESENTED TO THE FAMILIES ALSO WITH THE NAME OF THE FALLEN AND SIGNED OFF BY THE THE FOUNDER OF THE PROGRAM.

I PRESENTED YOU WITH LITTLE PAMPHLETS THERE THAT DESCRIBE ALL THE COLORS OF THE FLAGS.

I DON'T HAVE UNFORTUNATELY, I DON'T HAVE AN HONOR AND SACRIFICE FLAG WITH ME.

BECAUSE WE JUST DID OUR FIRST ONE IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

THIS IS A NEW PROGRAM TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

I HAVE NEW JERSEY, PHILADELPHIA, THE BOROUGHS OF NEW YORK, AND THE POCONOS.

THEY ASKED ME TO COVER THESE THINGS, AND I'VE BEEN UP AND DOWN THIS STATE. WE'VE DONE FIVE FLAGS SO FAR, AND I KICKED THIS PROGRAM OFF IN SEPTEMBER AFTER RECEIVING THE FLAG IN APRIL FROM MY UNCLE.

SO WE'RE HERE JUST ASKING FOR THIS PROGRAM TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE COUNTY.

WE HAVE A GOLF OUTING COMING UP ON JUNE 2ND TO HELP TRY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THESE FLAGS, BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW FAMILY IS GOING TO PAY FOR THESE FLAGS.

YOU WANT TO ORDER ONE ON YOUR OWN, THAT'S UP TO YOU.

YOU CAN DO THAT. BUT THE FAMILY GETS TO PRESENTED THOSE FLAGS DO NOT PAY FOR THOSE FLAGS.

THEY'RE STRICTLY FROM DONATIONS FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS VFW, LEGIONS, CORPORATIONS, WHOEVER.

AND WITH THAT SAID, WE'RE JUST THERE'S A BILL PENDING NOW IN CONGRESS, IN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, WHICH THE CONGRESSMAN FROM SOUTH JERSEY, JEFF VAN DREW, SITS ON.

IT'S CALLED H.R. 1363. WE'RE TRYING TO GET THIS FLAG RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL SYMBOL.

SO WE'RE TRYING TO WRITE ALL OUR CONGRESSMEN, OUR SENATORS, TO GET BEHIND IT, TO GET IT OUT THERE, TO SHOW SUPPORT TO THE HONOR AND REMEMBER FAMILIES.

I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER SOOY, FOR INVITING US AS WE MET AT A FUNCTION THE OTHER DAY.

SO I THANK YOU. IF I CAN, I'M SORRY TO ADD TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICER, RON YEAGER, WHO WAS KILLED IN.

NAME AND ADDRESS, EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW. YEAH, DEFINITELY.

[00:40:03]

FOR THE RECORD. TIM TYMPANO. 779 STARVIEW WAY IN BRIDGEWATER.

MY PARTNER WAS RON YEAGER. THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICER WHO WAS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

AND SO THIS PROGRAM, I JUST THINK IS, IS A HOME RUN FOR NOT JUST THIS COUNTY, BUT FOR ALL 21 COUNTIES.

SO WE'RE HAPPY TO, WE'RE HONORED THAT YOU GUYS HAD US HERE TONIGHT. THANK YOU. AND JUST ONE QUICK SECOND.

JP11 491 KNOLLWOOD DRIVE, BRIDGEWATER. IF WE CAN BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THIS THIS FLAG IS RECOGNIZED AT THE STATE LEVEL. AND OBVIOUSLY YOU GUYS ARE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL.

AND IF WE CAN MAYBE AT THE NEXT MEETING, WE CAN PRESENT A DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR YOU GUYS TO LOOK AT.

AND MAYBE YOU GUYS CAN RECOGNIZE THIS FLAG IN A RESOLUTION.

AND THEN WHAT WE'RE ALSO LOOKING FOR IN THE FUTURE IS TO FLY THE FLAG, MAYBE LIKE I THINK, WHAT IS IT, MAYBE LIKE FOUR TIMES A YEAR, LIKE VETERANS DAY MEMORIAL DAY, EVERYTHING THAT'S AFFILIATED WITH THE MILITARY AND THE WARS AND SO FORTH LIKE THAT.

AND BEFORE I LEAVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE.

THANK YOU. AND IF YOU KNOW ANY FAMILIES, PLEASE.

I PRESENT YOU MY CARDS. REACH OUT. HAVE THEM REACH OUT TO ME.

I WOULD SAY DON'T WAIT TILL THE NEXT MEETING. YOU CAN SEND THE INFORMATION OVER TO OUR CLERK.

AND THEN WE CAN GO FROM THERE. BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

AND SOME PEOPLE MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW THAT SERVICE MEMBERS SOMETIMES SUFFER IN SILENCE IN THEIR WOUNDS THAT YOU MAY NOT SEE.

SO THE HIGH RATE OF SUICIDE. SO THANK YOU FOR HONORING THEIR MEMORY AND THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING.

AND WE ALL ALWAYS REMEMBER, SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? STILL NO EMAILS? ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? SO MOVED. ALL IN FAVOR? AYES HAVE IT. IT IS 5:42.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.