[00:00:01] IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. [Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on April 14, 2026.] 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 COUNTY BOARD MEETING AT SOMERSETCOUNTYNJ.GOV. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. THANK YOU. MAY WE 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 USE WISDOM, GOOD GOVERNANCE, AND BE THE LEADERS FOR ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES. SOMERSET COUNTY BEING ONE OF THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY AND VISIT. THANK YOU. WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE APRIL 14TH WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA AND ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COMMISSIONER MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 28TH. 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? YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO? HERE. COMMISSIONER SOOY? DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE? HERE. DIRECTOR ROBINSON? HERE. WE MOVE ON TO OUR COMMISSIONER REPORTS. AS YOU SEE, THERE'S A BEAUTIFUL AGED FLAG THAT'S SITTING BEFORE US. IT IS THE 36 STAR GRAND LUMINARY AMERICAN FLAG, CIRCA 1865. AND THERE WILL BE A PRESENTATION LATER ON. SO WE'LL TALK ABOUT MORE ABOUT THE FLAG AND WHAT IT MEANS. OPENING DAY FOR SOMERSET COUNTY SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL. WE CELEBRATED THE KICKOFF OF SOMERSET COUNTIES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL INITIATIVES, HONORING THE COUNTY'S ROLE IN AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, HISTORICAL REFLECTION, AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT BRING OUR SHARED HISTORY TO LIFE. WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY WE HAD AT THE BALLPARK. CELEBRATING THEIR OPENING DAY RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES. WE HAD SOME GUESTS WHO THREW OUT THE FIRST PITCH. BUT CERTAINLY THERE WERE A LITTLE NERVOUS, BUT NONETHELESS, THEY DID GET IT OVER THE PLATE. AND CELEBRATING IN THAT MANNER WE HAD COMMUNITY SPIRIT, LOCAL PRIDE, AND THE START OF ANOTHER EXCITING BASEBALL SEASON RIGHT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY. WE ALSO ATTENDED THE GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY Y'S ANNUAL CELEBRATION CELEBRATING THEM WANTING TO FUNDRAISE, AND THEIR GOAL THIS YEAR WAS $1.4 MILLION. AND DRUMROLL, THEIR GOAL THAT THEY RAISED TO DATE WAS AT THAT NIGHT WAS $1.394 MILLION. SO VERY, VERY CLOSE. SO IT'S PROBABLY UP TO DATE BY NOW AND THEY PROBABLY HAVE EXCEEDED THAT GOAL. AND ALSO OUR VERY OWN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ED RECEIVED THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD AND ALSO SOMERSET COUNTY, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP'S COUNCILMAN RAMA ANBARASAN RECEIVED AN AWARD AS WELL FOR HE AND HIS WIFE'S ONGOING SUPPORT OF THE Y NOT ONLY ONCE, BUT TWICE AS A LIFELONG RESIDENT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY. THEY WERE PART OF THE INITIATIVE IN GETTING THE HILLSBORO Y UP AND RUNNING, AND NOW THEY ARE WORKING TO GET A Y IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. ALSO ATTENDING THE CELEBRATION, RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY LEADERS, HIGHLIGHTING THE Y'S CONTINUED IMPACT AND STRENGTHENING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. AND WE ALSO HAD THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT NETWORKING MEETING. THIS WILL BE WE WILL BE DELIVERING REMARKS AT THE COUNTYWIDE NETWORKING MEETING FOCUSED ON OPIOID SETTLEMENT EFFORTS, EMPHASIZING COLLABORATION, RESOURCE ALIGNMENT, AND INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS SUBSTANCE USE AND SUPPORT RECOVERY ACROSS OUR COMMUNITIES. ALSO, WITH THIS, THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES FORUM ON CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION, WE WILL SPEAK AT A FORUM HOSTED BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES, RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REINFORCING THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY INTERVENTION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY. AND FINALLY, SAFE AND SOUND SOMERSET VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION RECEPTION WAS HELD ON LAST WEEK WHERE WE ATTENDED AND PROVIDED REMARKS AS WE CONTINUE TO PARTNER WITH THEM. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION HOSTED BY THEM, HONORED THE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS WHO SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND [00:05:04] STRENGTHEN THE COUNTY'S NETWORK OF CARE AND PROTECTION. AND THAT IS ONE OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT'S PERSONALLY NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART AS A SUMMER, AS A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR AND THRIVER, THEY ARE DOING PHENOMENAL WORK AND IT HAS BEEN OVER 30 DECADES, 30 YEARS OVER THREE DECADES THAT THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE WORK IN THE COMMUNITY. SO LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND THE WORK THAT THEY DO. [APPLAUSE]. AND AT THIS TIME. DEPUTY DIRECTOR. SURE. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. THIS YEAR'S 250TH INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS AND FAMILY FUN DAY ARE PLANNED AT NORTH BRANCH PARK ON FRIDAY, JULY 3RD, 2026. MAKE A NOTE OF THAT BECAUSE IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT. NORMALLY ON YEARS WE'VE BEEN ON THE 4TH OF JULY, BUT THIS YEAR FOR MANY REASONS IT IS PLANNED FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY JULY 3RD. AND FOOD TRUCKS, FAMILY FUN EVENTS AND PICNICKING. AND A BAND IS PLANNED TO START AROUND 5:30 WITH THE FIREWORKS TO START JUST AFTER DARK. AND AS ALWAYS, ADMISSION IS FREE. THERE'S ALSO TRANSPORTATION, OFTEN FROM THE SHUTTLE BY RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. SO PLAN YOUR ATTENDANCE AND LOOKS TO BE A GREAT DAY. GOLF COURSES ARE ALL OPEN. SIGN UP FOR YOUR PREFERRED TEE TIMES ON OUR COUNTY GOLF WEBSITE. SUMMER CAMPS AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ARE QUICKLY FILLING UP, SO PLEASE ATTEND THOSE. AND ALSO, SINCE COVID YOUTH HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS ARE BACK AT THE STABLE IS THE FIRST TIME, OR AT LEAST THIS YEAR SINCE SINCE COVID. SO THE HORSES ARE NOW TRAINED AND HELPING OUR YOUTH RIDE THEIR HORSES. AND IN OUR PARKS, THE DAFFODILS ARE NOW IN BLOOM. IF YOU VISIT COLONIAL PARK. AND COLONIAL PARK IS ALSO PLANNING ANOTHER GREAT DAY FOR THE ROSE DAY FESTIVAL, PLANNED IN MID-JUNE. BUCK GARDENS IN FAR HILLS WILL ALSO BE SOON IN FULL BLOOM. IT'S REALLY AN AMAZING PLACE. AND WE ALSO ARE GRATEFUL TO THE BUCK FAMILY FOR THEIR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THIS PUBLIC GARDEN. AND JUST TO PLUG OUR FARMERS, I SAW A LARGE PIECE OF FARM EQUIPMENT ON A COUNTY ROAD YESTERDAY, AND IT REMINDED ME OF MY REQUEST FOR THE LAST TWO MEETINGS TO DRIVE CAREFULLY AND JUST BE PATIENT. AND I'VE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH FARMERS IN THE PAST AND UNDERSTAND THAT DRIVING A LARGE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IS PRETTY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER ON A ROAD THAT IS MUCH EASIER THAN IT IS ON AN OPEN FIELD. SO PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE AND GIVE THEM PLENTY OF SPACE. AND FINALLY, MANY OF OUR FARMS OPERATE AS A COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE OR WHAT'S KNOWN AS A CSA. THESE PROGRAMS ENABLE YOU TO INVEST IN A SHARE OF THE CROPS TO BE PRODUCED THROUGH THE GROWING SEASON IN EXCHANGE FOR A PAYMENT UP FRONT. THIS GIVES THE FARMER WORKING CAPITAL AT A TIME WHEN DOLLARS ARE THIN EARLY IN THE SEASON, UNTIL THE CROPS ARE READY TO HARVEST. CERTAINLY DIFFERENT FARMS HAVE DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS, BUT WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUPPORT OUR FARMERS AND CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN THE CSA. AND THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK YOU. SO I TOO ATTENDED OPENING DAY AT THE BALLPARK AND NOTHING KICKS OFF SPRING LIKE THAT. IT WAS ACTUALLY WARM FOR A CHANGE, WHICH EVERYONE APPRECIATED. IT'S HIT OR MISS WITH THAT. BUT WE HAD AN EXCELLENT TURNOUT TO KICK OFF OUR SEASON AND THERE ARE NEW HATS, SHIRTS, AND EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF OUR COUNTRY AS WE INCORPORATE OUR VERY OWN PATRIOT STADIUM TO CELEBRATE THIS. MY REPORT IS GOING TO BE VERY BRIEF BECAUSE WE HAVE A FULL PRESENTATION FOR THE BUDGET, BUT JUST HIGH LEVEL FOR WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT. AND I HAVE TO GIVE SO MUCH CREDIT TO OUR TEAM. OUR CFO YOU KNOW, OUR ADMINISTRATOR AND EVERYONE THAT SAT DOWN WITH US AND ALL THE DIVISION HEADS. WE HAVE 52 DIVISIONS IN SOMERSET COUNTY. AND FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN CONTROL WITHIN OUR OPERATING BUDGET, WE ACTUALLY STAY BELOW 2% WHILE MAINTAINING ALL SERVICES. SO DURING SOME VERY TOUGH TIMES, WE SAW, YOU KNOW, CUTS FROM DIFFERENT GRANT PROGRAMS FROM THE FEDERAL LEVEL, LOTS OF PRESSURE DURING, YOU KNOW, SOME CLIMBING ENVIRONMENTS OUTSIDE OF, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE CAN CONTROL. WE'LL GET TO SOME MORE OF THAT IN THE LARGER PRESENTATION LATER ON TODAY. THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. [00:11:57] AND THANK YOU COMMISSIONER GRANER FOR TURNING MY MIC ON. SO OVERALL Q1, WE HAD 29,000 SENIOR AND DISABLED TRIPS. OUR PUBLIC TRANSIT, 4,400 TRIPS IN Q1. AND WE'RE LOOKING AT THOSE ROUTES, SEEING HOW WE CAN MAKE SOME EFFICIENCIES AND IMPROVEMENTS THERE. WE ALSO MARK YOUR CALENDARS JULY 8TH, NOON, 10 TO NOON AT 27 WARREN STREET. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FORUM FOR SENIOR AND DISABLED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT WE MUST DO TO CONTINUE OUR FUNDING WITH NEW JERSEY TRANSIT. BUT IT IS A WELCOME REQUIREMENT BECAUSE WE REALLY DO LIKE HEARING THE CONCERNS AND THOUGHTS OF PEOPLE THAT ATTEND THAT MEETING, AND IT GIVES US GOOD IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE. SO THAT IS ON JULY 8TH, 10 TO NOON AT 27 WARREN STREET. CULTURAL AND HERITAGE IS GOING TO BE MAKING SOME AWARDS TONIGHT. AND WE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS VERY LARGE SIZE FLAG LATER. SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL. 1,400 STUDENTS HAVE SIGNED UP ALREADY, WHICH MEANS WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. SO IF THERE'S ANYBODY THAT IS INTERESTED AND HAS TIME, IT IS DURING THE WEEK, DURING THE DAY. BUT IF YOU HAVE TIME, PLEASE SEE CAITLIN AND HER TEAM. THEY NEED VOLUNTEERS. I THINK KATIE HIMICS IS REALLY IN CHARGE OF THAT AND SHE'LL SEND YOU OVER TO KATIE. GOOD NEWS, THE HOWE FARMSTEAD IN COLONIAL PARK. THE WAGON HOUSE IS DONE. I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT. AND WE CONTINUE TO MAKE THOSE IMPROVEMENTS AT HOWE. ANOTHER ONE, JULY 8TH. MARK YOUR CALENDARS. 6 P.M.. WE'RE GOING TO BE READING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE RIGHT AT THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. I BELIEVE WE HAVE IT INSIDE BECAUSE OF, YOU KNOW, JUST TO MAKE IT MORE CLIMATE CONTROLLED. BUT THAT SHOULD BE VERY GOOD. IT'S THE STATE OF HAWAII THAT'S ORGANIZING THIS AND TRYING TO GET ALL PLACES AROUND THE WORLD TO BE READING THIS ALL AT THE SAME TIME. SO IT'S REALLY AWESOME. GO HAWAII. THE LAST IN, BUT HEY, STILL THERE. OPEN SPACE. WE'VE GOT A TRAILS GRANT ON THE AGENDA TONIGHT FOR PEAPACK-GLADSTONE, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING. WE ALSO HAVE A TRAIL GRANT THAT WAS PROPOSED BY HILLSBOROUGH THE PAST WEEKEND AND A SPECIAL PROJECT GRANT PROPOSED BY THE D&R GREENWAY TRUST. SO MORE TO COME ON THOSE. AND OUR LIBRARY MET. I WAS AT A LOT OF MEETINGS THESE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE BUDGET PASSED AT THE LIBRARY AND IT'S ON OUR AGENDA TONIGHT. SO THAT WAS VERY GOOD. AND THE LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR WANTS ME TO MAKE SURE THAT I SAY IT WITH GUSTO THAT WE GOT THE LIBRARY BUDGET. SO, PETER, IF YOU'RE WATCHING, I DID IT WITH GUSTO. WE ARE ALSO HOLDING COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK AT OUR LIBRARIES THIS WEEK, SO THERE'S INFORMATION, TABLES AND RESOURCES ABOUT COUNTY GOVERNMENT AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD MET AND I WOULD LIKE ALL OF OUR COMMISSIONERS TO. PLEASE NOTE MAY 14TH, 6 P.M., RIGHT DOWN IN THE VETERANS PLAZA OUTSIDE. [00:15:04] IF IT'S INCLEMENT WEATHER, WE'LL MOVE IT INSIDE TO THE MAIN LOBBY. WE WOULD LOVE IT IF ALL OF YOU COULD ATTEND. THE CEREMONY PROMISES TO BE SHORT AND SWEET, SO YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE HERE FOR HOURS. IT'LL GIVE YOU PLENTY OF TIME TO ENJOY DINNER IN DOWNTOWN SOMERVILLE AFTERWARDS, IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES. BUT IT'S 5/14 AT 6 P.M.. THERESA, PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL OF OUR CALENDARS ARE MARKED FOR THAT VETERANS PLAZA FOR OUR PRIDE CEREMONY. AND THIS YEAR, LGBT ADVISORY BOARD IS PARTNERING WITH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP FOR THEIR PRIDE EVENT IN JUNE, WHICH IS TAKING PLACE IN FRANKLIN ON JUNE THE 13TH. SO I WILL TAKE A DRINK OF WATER NOW AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENING. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER MARANO. HUMAN SERVICES CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS COMMUNITY OUTREACH THROUGH A SERIES OF COLLABORATIVE, RESOURCE DRIVEN EVENTS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN OUR COUNTY OF ALL AGES. ON AUGUST 8TH, THE DEPARTMENT IS GOING TO HOLD A BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE EVENT AT TD BALLPARK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOMERSET PATRIOTS, WITH ANCHOR SUPPORT FROM THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY AND THE UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. THE EVENT WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS IN GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12 WITH ESSENTIAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES, FOOD RESOURCES AND ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES. THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO COLLABORATE WITH GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, THE GIVING NETWORK, AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM OF NEW JERSEY TO, WHY IS IT, OKAY, TO HOST ITS 10TH ANNUAL FREE COMMUNITY EVENT ON MAY 15TH IN SOMERVILLE, OFFERING RESIDENTS CRITICAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AND SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES. IN ADDITION TO THESE DIRECT INITIATIVES, THE DEPARTMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING BROADER COMMUNITY WELL-BEING THROUGH AWARENESS AND OUTREACH EFFORTS. THE ANNUAL STIGMA FREE SUMMIT WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 4TH AT RVCC, WITH THIS YEAR'S THEME NOURISHMENT: MIND, BODY AND SOUL, ENCOURAGING HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. PHASE TWO OF THE COMMUNITY CANVASING PROGRAM IS GOING TO LAUNCH THIS MONTH IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. BUILDING ON LAST YEAR'S SUCCESS OF REACHING OVER 97,000 HOUSEHOLDS. THE INITIATIVE PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO ESSENTIAL HUMAN SERVICES, INCLUDING SENIOR SUPPORT, UTILITY ASSISTANCE, EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES, TREATMENT OPTIONS, FOOD ACCESS, ENSURING THAT VULNERABLE POPULATIONS REMAIN INFORMED AND SUPPORTED. EMPLOYERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INVITED TO TAKE PLACE IN THE 2026 SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM, SPONSORED BY THE GREATER WORKFORCE, GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 24, AND WILL WORK WITH 180 HOURS, WITH EMPLOYERS ACCOMPANIED BY 20 HOURS OF CAREER READINESS TRAINING FROM THE BOARD. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY. THE BOARD WILL HOST AN EXPERIENCED TALENT RECRUITMENT EVENT ON APRIL 30TH IN FLEMINGTON. THIS EVENT WILL FOCUS ON CONNECTING EMPLOYERS WITH FULL AND PART TIME HIRING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCED WORKERS AGES 55 AND OVER. THE YOUTH COMMITTEE IS HOSTING PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE, A FREE IN-PERSON CELEBRATION FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK AT THE RVCC CONFERENCE CENTER ON THE EVENING OF APRIL 30TH. THE EVENTS OPEN TO STUDENTS, RECENT GRADUATES AND OTHER JOB SEEKERS. UPCOMING JERSEY JOB CLUB WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE ACING THE INTERVIEW ONE AND TWO TOMORROW AND FRIDAY, RESUME WRITING MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY, PLANNING YOUR JOB SEARCH NEXT FRIDAY AND NETWORKING ON MONDAY THE 27TH. THE COUNTY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS HAD BEEN PROPOSED FOR ELIMINATION BY THE FEDERAL BUDGET BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. HOWEVER, IN SOME GOOD NEWS, THEY'RE PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE FORMULA ALLOCATIONS ACTUALLY INCREASE THEIR BUDGETS TO THE TUNE OF 10% TO OVER $750,000 FOR HOME, AND A 3% INCREASE TO SLIGHTLY UNDER $1.2 MILLION FOR THE BLOCK GRANT, WHICH IS GREAT. THE 4-H SPRING CARNIVAL IS SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH AT THE FOUR H CENTER ON MILLTOWN ROAD IN BRIDGEWATER. THE 4-H SENIOR COUNCIL WON SECOND PLACE IN THE NATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP ENTRY GRADE 12 FROM THE DAR JUNIOR AMERICAN CITIZENS CONTEST. THEY'LL BE RECOGNIZED AT THE FAIR BY THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION. THE COUNTY'S AARP TAX, FREE TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM, RUN BY VOLUNTEER SERVICES, WAS AGAIN A SUCCESS. BY APRIL 8TH ALL APPOINTMENTS AT ALL SIX SITES HAD BEEN FILLED, AND THIS YEAR THEY SET A RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS AND RETURNS FILED. NOW THE TAX SEASON IS DONE. THEY'RE GOING TO BEGIN THEIR BLUE CREW PROGRAM, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED LAST YEAR AND IS DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE COMPLETE THEIR PAS-1S MORE [00:20:02] COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE BLUE BOOK. THE PAS-1 HELPS SENIORS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES FILE THEIR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF UNDER THE SENIOR FREEZE ANCHOR AND STAY ON J PROGRAMS. LAST YEAR, THEY HELPED 85 PEOPLE IN PERSON COMPLETE THEIR PAS-1S AND ANSWERED HUNDREDS OF CALLS AND QUESTIONS. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THEIR PAS-1S OR WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW JERSEY'S PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS, PLEASE CALL 908 5415710. AND I'M GOING TO END ON ANOTHER GOOD NOTE. RVCS ASEPTIC PROCESSING AND BIOMANUFACTURING PROGRAM WAS RECOGNIZED THIS WEEK AT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES ANNUAL CONFERENCE AS THE WINNER OF THEIR BEST PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. RIGHT. ISN'T THAT GREAT? YEAH. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT, SO WE MOVE ON TO COMMUNICATIONS. WE HAVE THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT STUDY. THIS LETTER IS REGARDING OLD ROUTE 27, BRIDGE OVER MILLSTONE RIVER, HEATHCOTE BROOK AND DELAWARE AND RARITAN CANAL. THE BOROUGH OF WILDWOOD CREST, COUNTY OF CAPE MAY RESOLUTION DATED APRIL 1ST, 2026 IN SUPPORT OF THE SENATE. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NUMBER 106 REGARDING NEW JERSEY PACT, THAT'S PACT/REAL RULES. MONMOUTH COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE NEW JERSEY COUNTY OPTION HOSPITAL FEE PROGRAM. AND FINALLY, COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER, NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR MARCH 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,322,647.79. AND THAT WAS RETAINED BY THE COUNTY FOR ITS OWN USE IN THE AMOUNT OF 400 AND, $541,315.72. OPEN SPACE GRANT. ALL RIGHT. RESOLUTION 26-800, AUTHORIZING A GRANT TO THE BOROUGH OF PEAPACK IN GLADSTONE FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY OPEN SPACE TRUST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER THE PEAPACK BROOK. AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $410,000. OKAY. IT'S BEEN INTRODUCED. AND IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THIS RESOLUTION TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR APRIL 28TH? SECOND. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL. A GREAT APPLICATION. THAT'S MY COMMENT. IS REALLY IT WAS A REALLY GREAT APPLICATION BY THE TOWN, THE BOROUGH AND I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE. ALL RIGHT. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER? YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO? YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY? YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE? YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON? YES. MOVE ON TO NEW BUSINESS, ENGINEERING AND PLANNING. RESOLUTION 26-801. APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE NO. D1003 BURNT MILLS ROAD OVER MILL RACEWAY, TOWNSHIP OF BRANCHBURG. CONTRACT 25022. RESOLUTION 26-802. APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGES NOS. G1404 AND G1405, BOTH ON LLOYD ROAD, BOROUGH OF BURNSVILLE. CONTRACT 26006. RESOLUTION 26-803. AUTHORIZING SUPPORT FOR NJDO, NJDOT PROJECT TO REPLACE COUNTY BRIDGE NO. FO508 HAMILTON ROAD CULVERT OVER TRIBUTARY OF ROYCE BROOK IN HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. RESOLUTION 26-804. AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE NO. G1405 LLOYD ROAD OVER INDIAN GROVE BROOK IN BURNSVILLE. CONTRACT 26006. 26-805 IS AUTHORIZED IN THE SPRING 2026 ONLINE AUCTION, AS PER CY-COM-0059-25. THE AUCTION OPENS MAY 13TH, 2026 AND CLOSES MAY 20TH, 2026. RESOLUTION 26-806, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AFFILIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX FOR THE SPRING AND FALL 2026 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. NO FUNDING REQUIRED. RESOLUTION 26-807. AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ADMINISTER THE 2026 SENIOR FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR THE 60 PLUS POPULATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,750 FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026. NO MATCH REQUIRED. [00:25:01] ELIGIBLE LOW INCOME SENIORS RECEIVE VOUCHERS TO PURCHASE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM PARTICIPATING FARMERS MARKETS. GOOD AFTERNOON. RESOLUTION 26-808. AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED FOR THE FY 25 STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT GRANT PROGRAM. THANK YOU. 26-809 AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND GOURMET EVENTS CATERING TO PROVIDE FOOD, WATER AND RELATED GOODS TO THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY, SHOULD THE NEED ARISE FROM APRIL 28TH, 2026 TO APRIL 28TH, 2031. 26-810 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS OF TANNING FACILITIES DURING THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,200. RESOLUTION 26-811. FOR THE SURROGATE, THIS IS AN AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO COUNTY BUSINESS SYSTEMS FOR UPGRADES, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF THE BLUESTONE PROBATE SYSTEM. FIRST YEAR SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE OF $23,297 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $33,297. RESOLUTION 26-812. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ELECTION SUPPORT AND SERVICES FOR SETUP AND CERTIFICATION OF VOTING MACHINES FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION AND EARLY VOTING 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $18,425. RESOLUTION 26-813. AWARD OF CONTRACT 25013 TO DASKON GROUP LLC, PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY, FOR JURY ASSEMBLY RECONFIGURATION, 20 NORTH BRIDGE STREET, SOMERVILLE BOROUGH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $179,400. RESOLUTION 26-814. AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR SERVICES WITH THE REGIONAL CENTER PARTNERSHIP OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR 2026 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $65,792.25. RESOLUTION 26-815. AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL AT A SOMERSET NEW JERSEY FOR UPS MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT UTILIZING THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $21,070.88. RESOLUTION 26-816 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL AT A SOMERSET NEW JERSEY FOR THE PURCHASE OF OUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR LICENSES FOR MICROSOFT 365, WINDOWS DATA CENTER, MICROSOFT, GOVERNMENT CLOUD SERVICES UTILIZING THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT. SECOND YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $633,339.12. RESOLUTION 26-817. AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0093-24 FOR OPIOID SETTLEMENT INNOVATION FUNDING TO THE CENTER FOR GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR EXPANSION AND SUPPORT OF HOLISTIC AND ALLIED THERAPIES FOR WOMEN WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2022 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 AND CERTIFYING FUNDS FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026. FINAL OPTIONAL ONE YEAR EXTENSION TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $37,500. RESOLUTION 26-818. AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT AND PAYMENT TO ROUND HILL RISK PARTNERS OF CHATHAM, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER STAFF FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 21ST, 2026 TO JUNE 1ST, 2027. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $40,376. 26-819. AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT AND PAYMENT TO PRINCETON INSURANCE COMPANY OF PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY FOR THE PURCHASE OF MALPRACTICE INSURANCE FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER STAFF FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 1ST, 2027. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $21,176.34. RESOLUTION 26-820. AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0012-24 TO MIDDLE EARTH FOR THE STATION HOUSE ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,418.70. THE JOURNEYS PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF 197 [00:30:05] $742.42, AND THE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,634.41 FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026, AND CERTIFYING FUNDS FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1ST, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2026. YEAR THREE OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $323,795.53. RESOLUTION 26-821. ORDER OF A CONTRACT TO STALKER RADAR DOING BUSINESS AS APPLIED CONCEPTS OUT OF RICHARDSON, TEXAS, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND DELIVERY OF TWO E-Z SPEED TRAILERS UTILIZING NEW JERSEY CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 33,100. THANK YOU. 26-822. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ORE POWER, LLC FOR THE PREVENTIVE/CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND REPLACEMENT OF U.P.S. AND SEALED BATTERIES. THIRD YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT MAY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH APRIL 30TH, 2026. NOT TO EXCEED $11,475. 26-823. AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 12 NEW RADIOS FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC., WOODCLIFF PARK, NEW JERSEY, UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 83909 NOT TO EXCEED $59,337.12. OKAY. 26-824. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CHAMPION ELEVATOR CORPORATION FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE OF ELEVATORS IN THE COUNTY FACILITIES UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT 22-GNSV2-01885. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $99,640. OKAY 26-825. AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0030-26R2 TO WASTEQUIP MANUFACTURING COMPANY FOR DUMPSTERS TO BE USED BY SOMERSET COUNTY RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR THE COLLECTION OF LOOSE, COMMINGLED. FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 50,000.00. 26-826. AUTHORIZING UTILIZATION OF BC-BID-24-43 TO PURCHASE TWO 2026 FORD EXPLORERS $84,845.40 FROM PARAMUS FORD, IN PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY. NOT TO EXCEED $84,845.40. 26-827. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO THE NEW JERSEY CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, CONTRACT CY-COM-0101-25R TO PAY FOR INCUMBENT WORKER TRAINING, FUNDED BY THE GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 4000. 26-828. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO COUNTY OF MORRIS, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR CONTRACTED HOUSING COSTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY INMATES IN THE MORRIS COUNTY JAIL. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $150,000. 26-829. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS. B SAFE, LLC FOR MAINTENANCE OF ACCESS CONTROL PANELS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $10,773. AND 26-830. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED, PREVIOUSLY AWARDED FUNDS FROM 2025. TOTAL DECREASE NOT TO EXCEED $72,699.97. RESOLUTION 26-831. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0105-23, TO FLATBUSH MOVING FOR MOVING OF VOTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $31,990. RESOLUTION 26-832. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0040-24, TO ROYAL PRINTING OF WEST NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, FOR VOTING AUTHORITIES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PRIMARY ELECTION AND EARLY VOTING 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $19,608.14. RESOLUTION 26-833. [00:35:02] APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICOH OF PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY, FOR EQUIPMENT LEASING EXPENSES INCURRED FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $245.76. RESOLUTION 26-834. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO R.S. KNAPP CO, LYNDHURST, NEW JERSEY FOR BINDING XEROGRAPHIC BOND PAPER SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $81. RESOLUTION 26-835. IS AUTHORIZING RETURN OF FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS FEES AT IDRC FEES AND TWO INSURANCE OVERPAYMENTS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $985.74. 836 IS APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO BAGELICIOUS IN RARITAN, NEW JERSEY, FOR COFFEE FOR THE CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING ON MARCH 16TH TO 20TH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 600. AND 26-837 IS PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME. RESOLUTION 26-838. AMENDING RESOLUTION R26-423 FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO REFLECT THE ADJUSTED LOCAL COST SHARING AMOUNT FOR ENDPOINT PROTECTION. SOLUTION. TOTAL REDUCTION NOT TO EXCEED $1,100.10. RESOLUTION 26-839. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR VISIONS & PATHWAYS, BRIDGEWATER FOR 2025 4TH QUARTER NON-PROFIT SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $16,250. RESOLUTION 26-840. AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT TO THE TREASURER FOR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR OVERPAYMENT FOR COUNTY INNOVATION PROGRAM FUNDS FOR 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $29,891. RESOLUTION 26-841. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TRI-COUNTY CARE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION, INCORPORATED IN BRANCHBURG FOR THE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS GRANT FOR BOYS LEAD ADVENTURE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PROGRAM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,957.37. 26-842 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TRI-COUNTY CARE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION OF BRANCHBURG FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTION GRANT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER EVALUATIONS FOR YOUTH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,000. AND 26-843. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR CY-COM-012-24 TO MIDDLE EARTH, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED FROM JANUARY 1ST TO MARCH 31ST OF 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $105,970.47. RESOLUTION 26-844. APPROVAL CONFIRMING ORDER TO VOX TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES AT CINNAMINSON, NEW JERSEY, FOR TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $922.53. THANK YOU. I'M SORRY. OKAY. 26-845. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION FROM MILWAUKEE FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED 40,000.00. 26-846. AUTHORIZED CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO B SAFE, LLC, IN PHILADELPHIA, FOR SECURITY DOOR SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE NOT TO EXCEED $40,273.76. 26-847. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $14,683.02. MULTIPLE VENDORS. 264. 26-848. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RAPID FIRE & SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS. NOT TO EXCEED $330. 26-849. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT CC-0070-25 TO. OH, I'M SORRY, BARNABAS HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS, CONCENTRA MEDICAL CENTERS. AND THIS IS FOR FIT TESTING AND AUDIOMETRIC TESTING. NOT TO EXCEED 1,455. OKAY. 26-850. AMENDING AND CERTIFICATION. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CS PRODUCTS. NOT TO EXCEED $6,442. 26-851. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING [00:40:02] ORDER TO REPUBLIC SERVICES. ALLIED WASTE SYSTEMS FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA, FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $2,034.05. 26-852. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO VARIOUS SUPPLIERS. NOT TO EXCEED $10,427.97. 26-853. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TRAP ROCK INDUSTRIES FROM KINGSTON FOR ROCKET AND MORTON SALT FROM CHICAGO, FOR SALT. NOT TO EXCEED 70,343.55. 26-854. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RICHIE'S TIRE SERVICE. THIS IS FOR TIRE TRAILER DISPOSAL. NOT TO EXCEED $1,450. 26-855. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT. NOT TO EXCEED 195,500. MULTIPLE VENDORS. 26-856. APPROVED TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO SANITATION EQUIPMENT AND F&S TIRE CORP AND THIS IS $771 FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS. NOT TO EXCEED $18,002.48. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 26-801 THROUGH 26-856 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR APRIL 28TH? SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER? YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO? YES. NOTED. COMMISSIONER SOOY? YES. COMMISSIONER DRAKE? YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON? YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION FOR OUR REGULAR MEETING. 06:00. 26-764 IS A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING YVONNE CHILDRESS AS COUNTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. THAT IS A THREE YEAR APPOINTMENT. 26-765. YVONNE WAS TOO SLOW. AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DEED NOTICE ON BLOCK 142, LOT 23.01 IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH. GO AHEAD YVONNE. READ THE FIRST. RESOLUTION 26-766 IS ADOPTING THE 2026 SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY BUDGET, THE LEVY OF WHICH IS $22,465,765. AND 26-767 IS ADOPTING THE 2026 SOMERSET COUNTY OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, FARMLAND AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX FUND LEVY. THIS YEAR, THE LEVY IS ACTUALLY UP AND WE WILL BE GETTING 27, A LITTLE OVER $27.5 MILLION. RESOLUTION 26-768. AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING TO APPLY TO THE OFFICE OF THE FOOD SECURITY ADVOCATE FOR THE NEW JERSEY FOOD AND SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JUNE 1ST, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2027, AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED. NO MATCH REQUIRED. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $150,000. RESOLUTION 26-769. AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-1503 FOR THE FFY24 VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT GRANT PROGRAM, FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2026. THANK YOU. 26-770. RESCINDING RESOLUTION 25-1806 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ACT GRANT UP TO 500,000 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026. THE COUNTY WILL ADMINISTER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS IN AREAS OF AIR, WATER, NOISE AND SOLID WASTE. THE COUNTY AGREES TO MATCH 50% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT. 26-771 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY TO BORROW THE HEALTH. TO APPLY AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ACT GRANT UP TO $338,764 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026. THE COUNTY WILL ADMINISTER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS IN THE AREA OF AIR, WATER, NOISE AND SOLID WASTE. THE COUNTY AGREES TO MATCH UP TO 47.50% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT. THE COUNTY WISHES TO AUTHORIZE AMENDMENTS HERETO WHICH IS, WHICH DO NOT INCREASE THE GRANTEES OBLIGATION. [00:45:11] 26-772. RESOLUTION REQUESTING STATE LEADERS TO IMPLEMENT FAIR AND EQUITABLE REFORMS TO MITIGATE INCREASES IN HEALTH BENEFIT PREMIUMS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES. 26-773 IS A RESOLUTION SUPPORT OF ALLOCATING AND SECURING FUNDING FOR THE DUNELLEN TRAIN STATION MODERNIZATION PROJECT. RESOLUTION 26-774. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO APPLY TO CHOOSE NEW JERSEY FOR THE WORLD CUP COMMUNITY INITIATIVE AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED. THE COUNTY WILL AGREE TO MATCH UP TO 50% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT AND THAT WILL BE IN-KIND. ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE RESOLUTIONS 26-6, EXCUSE ME, 764 THROUGH 26-774 TO THE AGENDA AT OUR REGULAR MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CONGRATULATIONS, YVONNE. YOU DO A GREAT JOB. I CONCUR. CONGRATULATIONS. ANYONE ELSE? WE DIDN'T APPROVE THAT YET. HANG ON. I'LL BE RIGHT BACK TO YOU ABOUT THAT. ALL RIGHT. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER? YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO? YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY? YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE? YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON? YES. CONGRATULATIONS. OH, OKAY. THIRD TIME'S A CHARM. NOW, WE COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK MAY COME UP. FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME. AND WE ALSO ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM EMAIL AND TELEPHONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ALL AYES HAVE IT. OH HI. HARRY BOSE, 1243 CANAL ROAD, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY. GRIGGSTOWN. YEAH, I JUST WANT TO SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY. WELL, I COME HERE. I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A, THE 26 BUDGET, RIGHT? OR 27 BUDGET, RIGHT? IS IT 26 THE, NO, 27 RIGHT? 27, YEAH. OKAY. WELL, WELL I WAS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING I FORGOT WAS. WELL, ANYWAY YOU KNOW, NEW JERSEY IS HARD TO LIVE IN BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE TAXES. YOU KNOW, I WORKED WITH HANDS ACROSS NEW JERSEY AND WE FOUGHT THEM TO $11 BILLION BUDGET AND 93 [INAUDIBLE] AND 93, 92-93. AND IT WAS 11 BILLION, $11 BILLION BUDGET. WE HAD A MILLION SIGNATURES, SAID THAT WAS TOO MUCH. NOW IT'S 59 BILLION. IT SHOWS THE INSANITY OF NEW JERSEY SPENDING. AND IT'S AND THE GOVERNMENT. I WAS LISTENING TO FOX BUSINESS AND THE ONE LADY WAS SAYING, WE'RE SPENDING THE GOVERNMENT SPENDING $1 BILLION A DAY AND THE COUNTRY'S TOTALLY BANKRUPT. IT'S JUST MIND BOGGLING. EVERY DAY, INTEREST ON THE DEBT IS $2.5 BILLION. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT AFFECTS YOU, BUT BOY, IT CAUSES MASSIVE INFLATION. AND YOU KNOW, AND ANOTHER THING. WHERE IS MY FLAG? DID YOU PUT MY FLAG UP OR IS THAT MY FLAG OR. NO, BECAUSE I SOLD BRYAN NEWMAN A FLAG. IS IT PRESIDENT OR NO? RUSSO LOCATED IT EARLIER THIS WEEK AND IT IS IN. OH, YOU GOT IT IN THE OTHER ROOM. OH, WELL. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S LEGAL OR NOT, BUT. BUT ANYWAY, I WON'T. YOU KNOW, THAT'S MY JURISDICTION. SO WHAT IS THIS FLAG REPRESENT HERE? THAT IS THE 36 STAR GRAND LUMINARY FLAG CIRCA 1865. AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT IT. OH, THAT'S AN OLD FLAG. YES. OKAY. WELL. ANYWAY, IT SHOULD BE UNDER PROPER JURISDICTION. AND THE MONEY SYSTEM, I MEAN, I'LL SAY THIS, THAT YOU KNOW, YOU'RE DOUBLE TAXING PEOPLE BECAUSE WITH THIS DEBT MONEY SYSTEM THAT'S USED, IT CAUSES MASSIVE INFLATION. SO PEOPLE ARE PAYING DOUBLE TAXES. THEY'RE BEING ROBBED BY THIS CROOKED MONEY SYSTEM BECAUSE INFLATION'S NOTHING BUT A TAX. ALONGSIDE IT TAXES THAT THEY'RE ALREADY PAYING. SO I LIKE THAT ALL INVESTIGATED. I LIKE THE PROSECUTOR TO TAKE CHARGE OF THAT AND STRAIGHTEN THAT OUT BECAUSE I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT FOR THE TAXPAYERS TO BE ROBBED BY A CROOKED MONEY SYSTEM. THIS DEBT MONEY SYSTEM. IT'S ZERO BASED. EVERY DAY, LIKE I SAY, $2.5 BILLION EVERY DAY. THAT'S THE INTEREST ON OUR DEBT. EVERY 100 DAYS WE GO IN DEBT FOR ANOTHER TRILLION DOLLARS. [00:50:03] IT'S MIND BOGGLING, TO SAY THE LEAST. AND WELL, ANYWAY. AND YEAH, I'D LIKE TO SAY. WELL, ANYWAY I HOPE WE CAN STRAIGHTEN IT ALL OUT BECAUSE TO ME, THE COUNTRY'S BANKRUPT AND IT'S A TOTAL MESS NOW. SO I KNOW DONALD TRUMP'S TRYING TO DO HIS BEST, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING THEM. THEY DON'T WANT THE TARIFFS. THEY WANT MORE TAXES. AND TO ME, THAT'S CRAZINESS. OKAY. YES. BY ALL MEANS. HI, MY NAME IS PAT FRAYNE, AT 201 SCOBIE LANE SOMERSET NEW JERSEY. I TEACH HERE IN SOMERVILLE. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THIS. I'D ESPECIALLY LIKE TO THANK MISS BONNER WITH THIS BECAUSE SHE WAS VERY, VERY HELPFUL IN GETTING ALL THIS TOGETHER FOR ME. I TEACH US 1 HERE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND SOMERVILLE AND SOMERSET COUNTY HAS BEEN SO INSTRUMENTAL IN THE REVOLUTION. WE'RE NOT PROPOSING RIGHT NOW IS TO NAME THE GREEN IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE, WASHINGTON GREEN, RATHER THAN THE SOMERSET COUNTY COURTHOUSE GREEN. SO I ALWAYS EMPHASIZE TO MY CLASSES HOW IMPORTANT THIS AREA IS. WE START WITH THE BATTLE OF TRENTON AND WE WORK OUR WAY. WE USE MAPS AND WE USE JUST THE TIMELINE. AND I WANT TO EMPHASIZE HOW IMPORTANT SOMERVILLE WAS IN SOMERSET COUNTY IN GENERAL, WE HAVE THE MONTH WE HAVE THE BATTLE OF TRENTON, THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON, THE BATTLE, THE, THE MARCH THROUGH SOMERVILLE, THAT'S WASHINGTON ACTUALLY STAYED HERE ON THE LAWN HERE IN SOMERVILLE AFTER THE BATTLE OF PRINCETON. AND THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK, WHICH REALLY DIDN'T WORK OUT TOO WELL FOR US. BUT STILL, REGARDLESS. WE HAVE THE WASHINGTON ROCK, WE HAVE THE WALLACE HOUSE WHERE WASHINGTON LIVED HERE IN SOMERVILLE. AND THERE'S ONLY ONE THING HERE IN SOMERVILLE NAMED AFTER WASHINGTON. IT'S A DEAD END STREET. WASHINGTON PLACE. SO I THINK IT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. LOCAL HISTORY ALWAYS EMPHASIZES THIS, AND IT'S REALLY KIND OF CRAZY BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING AT THE STANDARDS IN NEW JERSEY FOR CURRICULUM. AND THERE'S REALLY ISN'T A LOT ABOUT THE REVOLUTION IN THEM. AND A LITTLE SIDE NOTE, I'M FROM WASHINGTON HEIGHTS IN THE CITY. THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD WAS NAMED AFTER WASHINGTON. ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE CONNECTING FORT LEE WITH WASHINGTON HEIGHTS. WE HAVE THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE CONNECTING WASHINGTON HEIGHTS WITH THE BRONX. WE HAVE JUST LIKE JUST GIVE ME A SECOND, PLEASE. WELL, JUST WASHINGTON HEIGHTS IN GENERAL. LIKE I SAID, THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD IS NAMED AFTER HIM. SOMERSET COUNTY. YOU'VE BEEN REALLY GOOD. YOU'VE BEEN FANTASTIC. YOU HAVE. BRIDGEWATER'S BEEN GREAT. THERE'S THE WASHINGTON CAMPGROUND. WASHINGTON VALLEY PARK, WASHINGTON VALLEY ROAD. SKILLMAN HAS WASHINGTON AS WELL AS FARMS. AND LIKE I SAID, SOMERVILLE HAS A DEAD END STREET. SO THE INITIAL PROPOSAL I WAS THINKING OF WAS NAMING THE ONE BLOCK IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE BETWEEN GROVE AND BRIDGE. WASHINGTON SQUARE. BUT I SEE MISS BONNER REALLY WAS A BIG HELP. AND SHE SAID, THAT'S A STATE ROAD. SO THAT WOULD BE A REAL BIG HEADACHE. AND SO, YOU KNOW, A LITTLE TOO CUMBERSOME. SO LET'S TRY TO WORK SOMETHING ELSE OUT. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT IT AVERAGED NEW JERSEY STREET CHANGE COSTS $13,000. LIKE THIS GENTLEMAN WAS SAYING, IT'S GOING TO COST A TRILLION, BUT STILL 13,000 IS A LOT OF MONEY. BUT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT, A COMMEMORATIVE SIGN, AND MY STUDENTS AND I TALKED ABOUT THIS AND MOST NEW JERSEY TOWNS REQUIRE A 75% OF THE RESIDENTS TO APPROVE IT. AND THAT CAN BE PRETTY CUMBERSOME TOO. SO WE DID, WE BRAINSTORMED A LITTLE MORE AND SO A COMMEMORATIVE SIGN I THINK MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA. AND THE STUDENTS THOUGHT THIS WAS A WONDERFUL IDEA TOO. OH, AND IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE. BUT AGAIN, MISS BONNER AGAIN WAS A HUGE HELP. AND SHE LET US KNOW THAT IN 2016, I BELIEVE, OR THAT THE COURTHOUSE WAS DECLARED AN OFFICIAL HISTORIC SITE. SO THAT'S GOING TO BE ANOTHER HEADACHE IF WE DID TRY TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT ALSO. SO HOW ABOUT SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT SIMPLER? HOW ABOUT JUST A PROCLAMATION ON JULY 18TH, DURING THE THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF A CELEBRATION THAT'S GOING TO BE ON THE LAWN AND MAYBE HAVE THAT PROCLAMATION GO EVERY YEAR ON PRESIDENTS DAY. JUST CALL IT WASHINGTON GREEN. JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT. THANK YOU. SIR, IF I MAY, SIR, PLEASE. I MEAN, I KNOW IT'S A GREAT IDEA. BUT I THINK WHAT YOU MAY HAVE DONE IS EVERY, I, EVERY IDEA THAT YOU PRESENTED TO YOURSELF AND YOUR STUDENTS, YOU SHOT DOWN AS IT'S TOO MUCH OF A HEADACHE BECAUSE OF THE PROCESS. I DON'T KNOW IF NECESSARILY GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS WOULDN'T BE WORTH IT. OH, GREAT. THANK YOU. BECAUSE I THINK YOUR ABILITY TO PROMOTE, YOU KNOW, NOT ONLY THE EDUCATION, BUT THE DEMONSTRATION TO YOUR STUDENTS OF THE PROCESS. AND NO QUESTION, GOVERNMENT HAS A PROCESS AND YOU HAVE TO SORT OF MUDDLE THROUGH SOMETIMES. BUT CERTAINLY WE HAVE STATE LEGISLATORS WHO, WHO WORK ON THE STATE ROADS. CERTAINLY WE HAVE THE COUNTY HERE WHO CONTROLS THE COUNTY PROPERTIES AND COUNTY FACILITIES. AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOMERVILLE IS VERY MUCH SUPPORTIVE OF A LOT OF, YOU KNOW, OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO. [00:55:06] AND CERTAINLY THE DOWNTOWN IS A HUGE DRAW TO SOMERVILLE. SO I DON'T THINK IN WHAT YOU'RE PROPOSING WOULD BE SO INSURMOUNTABLE SHORT OF BEING ABLE TO SORT OF START THE PROCESS AGAIN. YOU DIDN'T SAY HOW MUCH YOU'VE DONE OTHER THAN YOU SAID TO YOUR STUDENTS, COULD WE DO IT? AND THEN SAID, MAYBE WE CAN'T DO IT, SO LET'S NOT DO IT. NO, THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME. I HAVE 150 PETITIONS HERE FROM THE US. WANT STUDENTS TO SEE ABOUT THE NAME CHANGE, AND I WOULD HAVE HAD MORE, BUT IT'S JUST US ONE STUDENTS, I ASKED. THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME OF THAT. SO WHAT I'M SUGGESTING AND AGAIN, I, YOU KNOW, CERTAINLY WE SPEAK WITH TERESA AND WE CAN CAUCUS OURSELVES AND DISCUSS IT. BUT THE, YOU KNOW, THE IDEA OF A NAME CHANGE, I MEAN, I KNOW IT'S ON THE HISTORIC REGISTER THAT INVOLVES THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE. THEY'RE AN ORGANIZATION IN TRENTON. THEY'RE FOUNDED. THEY SORT OF REST WITHIN THE NEW JERSEY DEP, BUT THEY'RE REASONABLE TOO. OKAY, GREAT. THEY'RE NOT THEY'RE NOT GOING TO SAY ABSOLUTELY NOT. THEY'RE GOING TO SAY, WHAT'S THE PROPOSAL? AND LET'S LET THEM CONSIDER IT. THEY'RE AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE. AGAIN, REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF DEP. THEY MAY VERY WELL CONSIDER IT, CONSIDERING THIS IS THE TWO 50TH ANNIVERSARY. AND WHAT A GREAT DEMONSTRATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. FANTASTIC. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WHO DO I GIVE THE PETITIONS TO? YOU'RE WONDERFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH. OKAY. THANK YOU EVERYBODY. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT. BYE BYE. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? YES. I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU THAT DAVID REYES MONTGOMERY SKILLMAN. I JUST WANT TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW THAT ON THE 17TH, ONE OF THE HILLSBORO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM THE RISING TIDE SWIM TEAM FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS IS DOING A FUNDRAISER AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS. SO IF ANYBODY WANTS TO COME, 15% OF YOUR BILL WOULD BE DONATED TO THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS. ON THE 17TH AFTER 5:00. SO EAT WINGS. AND I ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY TO GO AND SUPPORT SOMERSET COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS. THANK YOU. ON THE 17TH. GOOD EVENING COMMISSIONERS. IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK. MAYOR RICHARD ONDERKO, 325 NORTH MAIN STREET, IN THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE. BEFORE I STATE REALLY THE REASON WHY I'M HERE TONIGHT. I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO THREE FORMER EMPLOYEES. ONE IS PETER NEMEC. THEY RETIRED. HE RETIRED RECENTLY. TOM [INAUDIBLE], FROM THE PLANNING DIVISION AND PAUL MCCALL FROM THE DPW. THEY WERE ALWAYS VERY RESPONSIVE AND GOOD TO ME AND I WISH THEM WELL IN RETIREMENT. I STILL OWE PAUL MCCALL A LUNCH. SO THAT THAT OFFER'S STILL ON THE TABLE. AND PETER NEMEC WAS VERY GOOD AND INSPIRATIONAL WITH WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA, WHICH I HOPE WE CAN BRING THE CONVOY STOP BACK TO MANVILLE THIS YEAR. WE WERE ONE OF THE ONLY TOWNS IN ONE THE YEAR THEY STOPPED. WE WERE ONE OF ONLY THREE STOPS IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AND I WAS VERY PROUD OF THAT BECAUSE OUR VETERAN HISTORY IS REALLY DEEP. SO WITH THAT THE REAL REASON WHY I'M HERE TONIGHT. ANYBODY HAVE A GUESS? I FEEL LIKE, I FEEL LIKE I'M ON. I FEEL LIKE I'M ON SHARK TANK. I HAVE A DEAL. I WANT TO MAKE A DEAL. WE HAVE AN OUTSTANDING GRANT FROM FEMA AND IDA DISASTER AID. IT'S CALLED SMART MOVES. IT'S THE SECOND ROUND OF THIS GRANT THAT COULD BRING AFFORDABLE, MODERATE INCOME, PRIVATE OWNERSHIP HOUSING TO THE CENTER OF MY TOWN. THIS IS LIKE AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME IF WE DON'T EXECUTE THIS GRANT. I NEED HELP, I NEED HELP OF THE COMMISSIONERS. IS THERE ANYTHING WE COULD DO FROM A MARKETING STANDPOINT TO GET DEVELOPERS INTERESTED? WE'RE A WALKABLE COMMUNITY. IT'S A PERFECT SPOT TO PUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING. WE HEAR THIS GENTLEMAN HERE TALK ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING HERE. AFFORDABILITY IS A BIG ISSUE TODAY. AND THIS IS THROUGH HUD, RIGHT? WHICH WOULD HAVE MODERATE TO LOW INCOME HOUSING. MANVILLE DOESN'T HAVE THAT MUCH LEFT IN TERMS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. WE'RE BUILT OUT. WE'RE ACTUALLY CONTRACTING. BUT THIS AREA THROUGH THE DCA, THE GRANT IS GOING TO BE COMING UP. I NEED HELP. HOW DO WE MARKET THIS? HOW DO WE GET SOMEBODY INTERESTED TO FINALLY DEVELOP THIS PROPERTY AFTER 25 YEARS OF IT BEING EMPTY? THE STATE OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SPENT $330 MILLION ON THE CLEANUP, AND NOW IT HAS SAT EMPTY FOR ALL THESE YEARS. [01:00:06] SO AS WE KNOCK DOWN HOMES IN MANVILLE, WHEN WE'RE CONTINUING TO DO THAT, PEOPLE WANT TO STAY IN TOWN. THIS IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO FOR THE COMMISSIONERS HERE TO PARTNER WITH THE STATE AND GET SOMETHING POSITIVE FOR MANVILLE, AS OPPOSED TO ALL THE FLOODING AND THE DEVASTATION THAT WE GET NOTED FOR. SO DO WE HAVE A DEAL? SO. I JUST. YEAH. NO. MAYOR. I'M ALWAYS AMAZED WITH YOU. I JUST WILL SAY THAT. YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO THAT THE LOCAL ZONING OF THAT PROPERTY RESTS SOLELY WITH YOU AND THE TOWN. WE UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S. IT'S IN A REDEVELOPMENT ZONE. SO THAT'S HOW YOU MARKET IT, RIGHT? YOU AND YOUR TOWN COUNCIL NEED TO DEVELOP A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN. WE HAVE ALL THAT. BUT THEN YOU CAN THEN YOU CAN RFP THAT OUT. YOU CAN YOURSELF PUT THAT OUT AND ASK FOR QUALIFIED DEVELOPERS AND ASK THEM TO COME AND PRESENT CONCEPT PLANS TO YOU WITH THINGS THAT YOU WANT. AND THEN YOU CAN NAME A DEVELOPER OF THAT PROPERTY. BUT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THE COUNTY CAN DO WITH REGARDS TO THE ZONING OR THE NAMING OF A REDEVELOPER FOR THAT PROPERTY. CAN THE COUNTY HELP IN ANY WAY WITH DEVELOPERS GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT TO POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS. YOU CAN MARKET IT MARKETED YOURSELF BY DOING AN RFP. I'VE DONE THIS MANY TIMES IN TOWN. YOU TAKE THE PROPERTY. YOU SAY, HEY, WE HAVE A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN HERE. WHO IS INTERESTED? YOU PUT IT OUT, YOU GO TO DEVELOPERS, THEY PRESENT CONCEPT PLANS. YOU THEN DECIDE WHICH ONE YOU LIKE BEST. YOU NAME THAT PERSON, THE REDEVELOPER OR THAT ENTITY AND THEY'RE OFF TO THE RACES. WHAT I'M WORRIED ABOUT, SIR, IS THAT WE WENT DOWN THIS ROAD BEFORE, AND NO ONE APPLIED FOR QUALIFIED DEVELOPER FOR THIS GRANT. SO NOW. NOW FOR THE GRANT, NOT FOR THE GRANT. NO, IT'S. FOR THE PROPERTY. WELL, IT'S FOR THE PROPERTY. THERE'S MONEY IN THE GRANT FOR PROPERTY ACQUISITION TOO. OKAY. SO WE DID THIS ONCE. NO ONE WAS INTERESTED. I HOPE WE DON'T DO THIS AGAIN AND HAVE NO ONE INTERESTED. WELL. BECAUSE THEN THE PROPERTY IS GOING TO SIT EMPTY FOR ANOTHER 25 YEARS. I WON'T BE ALIVE. CORRECT, BUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THAT PROPERTY IS SOLELY WITHIN MANVILLE'S CONTROL. IT'S YOUR CONTROL OF HOW IT GETS DEVELOPED, WHO DEVELOPED IT, WHO YOU NAME AS THE REDEVELOPER. YOU CAN SHAKE YOUR HEAD ALL YOU WANT, BUT THAT'S HOW IT WORKS. I UNDERSTAND THAT'S HOW IT WORKS. BUT WE NEED SOMEBODY FROM A DEVELOPMENT STANDPOINT TO PARTNER WITH THE STATE ON THIS GRANT TO GET INTERESTED IN THE GRANT TO DEVELOP THE PROPERTY. AND YOU NEED, BUT YOU NEED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT THAT'S WHAT YOU AS THE. I WAS HOPING THAT THE COUNTY COULD DO THAT. THAT'S. WE DON'T HAVE ZONING ABILITY. WELL, I'M NOT ASKING FOR ZONING ABILITY. I'M ASKING FOR MARKETABILITY TO SELL THE SITE. IT'S RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. WHY WOULDN'T YOU WANT AFFORDABLE HOUSING RIGHT HERE? PRIVATE OWNERSHIP. I DON'T GET IT. SO WITH THAT, I KNOW MY TIME IS LIMITED. I JUST WANTED TO SAY I SUPPORT THE TEACHER. SO FREEDOM 250 I THINK THE WASHINGTON SQUARE OR WHATEVER THE RENAMING WOULD BE AWESOME. MANVILLE IS VERY LUCKY. WE ARE ON THE WASHINGTON-ROCHAMBEAU TRAIL, AND WE ARE A VICTORY TOWN, AND WE'RE GOING TO BE PUTTING UP A HISTORICAL MARKER AT BOROUGH HALL TO DENOTE WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY TROOPS THAT MARCHED TO YORKTOWN OVER THE VAN VECHTEN BRIDGE, WHICH IS A HISTORIC BRIDGE, BECAUSE I'M TOLD THAT IF IT WASN'T FOR THAT HISTORIC VAN VECHTEN BRIDGE AT THE TIME, THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT OUTCOME WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. SO I'M VERY PROUD TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT THERE WILL BE A HISTORIC MARKER AT BOROUGH HALL TO DENOTE WHAT HAPPENED IN, I THINK IT'S 1871 OR 1781. SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. AND LASTLY I WAS INVITED DOWN TO PRINCETON RECENTLY. THEY HAVE AN EXHIBIT DOWN THERE CALLED THE NURSERY OF THE REBELLION, AND IT OPENS TOMORROW, APRIL 15TH. AND IT'S REALLY COOL. IT'S FREE TO THE PUBLIC. ONE OF ONLY I THINK TWO SPOTS IN THE COUNTRY, THEY HAVE THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE DECLARATION, ONE OF 26 THAT ARE KNOWN, AND AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE CONSTITUTION. SO SPREAD THE WORD. IT'S OPEN TILL APRIL 15TH THROUGH JULY 12TH. SO I THINK THAT'S ALL I HAVE, BUT, YOU KNOW, I'LL BE BACK BECAUSE I LIKE SEEING YOU GUYS, AND I'M SURE YOU LIKE SEEING ME. WE HAVEN'T DECIDED YET, BUT I'LL LET YOU KNOW. [01:05:02] I ONLY GET ONE SHOT. OH, THE NEXT MEETING. WE HAVE ANOTHER SESSION. ALRIGHT, OKAY. ALRIGHT. ALRIGHT. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.