IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. [00:00:04] 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. PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR REFLECTIONS. 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 REFLECT ON THE WORK THAT WE DO HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, BEING LEADERS FOR ALL PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES. THANK YOU. WELCOME, EVERYONE TO THE MAY 12TH, 2026, WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA AND THE ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 26TH. 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. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. HERE. I WILL FOREGO MY REMARKS UNTIL THE 6:00 MEETING. SO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FLOOR IS ALL YOURS. BUT I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT BUCK GARDENS IN FAR HILLS IS IN FULL BLOOM, AND OUR HORTICULTURISTS TELL US IT'S CERTAINLY AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOU NEED TO GO SEE. IT'S BEEN FULLY RESTORED. SOME OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGNS BY LEONARD J. BUCK ARE IN FULL RESTORATION. WE ALSO WANT TO THANK THE BUCK FAMILY FOR THEIR CONTINUED FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THIS PUBLIC GARDEN. SO IT'S WELL WORTH GOING SEEING IT'S RIGHT NOW IT'S IN FULL BLOOM, SO SOMETHING TO SEE IN FAR HILLS. ALSO THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER PROMOTES VARIOUS CAMPS FOR CHILDREN. THEY HAVE FOUR TYPES OF CAMPS. IT'S LIKE COYOTE KIDS, THE ECO-EXPLORERS, THE AWESOME KIDS, AND THE AWESOME TEENS. YOU CAN CERTAINLY RIGHT NOW, I UNDERSTAND THERE'S AVAILABILITY FOR SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN UP FOR THESE GREAT CAMPS. YOU CAN REACH OUT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ALSO AT THE LORD STIRLING STABLE. THERE ARE NOW RIDING YOUTH CAMPS THAT ARE STILL HAVE A FEW SLOTS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER CAMPS FOR RIDING LESSONS. SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT. ALSO LOOKING AHEAD AT THE PARK COMMISSION, THE SPRAY PARK AT COLONIAL PARK AND THE WARRENBROOK POOL, I UNDERSTAND ARE OPEN OR ARE SCHEDULED TO BE OPEN FOR THE SUMMER. THEY'RE NOT OPEN YET, BUT THEY'LL BE ON SCHEDULE TO BE OPEN. SO WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. AND THEN ALL OUR GOLF COURSES ARE OPEN AND IN TOP SHAPE. YOU CAN REGISTER FOR TEE TIMES ONLINE. IT'S IN HIGH DEMAND, BUT THERE ARE GREAT COURSES AND I WANT TO THANK OUR, OUR MAINTENANCE STAFF AND OF THE PARK COMMISSION THAT REALLY TAKE GREAT CARE OF THOSE COURSES. WE ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO THE POPULAR ROSE DAY FESTIVAL IN MID JUNE IN COLONIAL PARK AND THE FAMILY FUN DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IS ON FRIDAY, JULY 3RD. NORMALLY WE'VE HELD IT ON THE 4TH. THIS YEAR WE'RE HOLDING IT ON FRIDAY, JULY 3RD. BUT THERE'LL BE FOOD TRUCKS, MUSIC, AND A SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS SHOW. AT THE, AT THE END OF THE NIGHT JUST AFTER DARK. BUT THE FOOD TRUCKS AND ALL WILL START AROUND 6:30 SO FAMILIES CAN GET TOGETHER, HAVE A GREAT PICNIC AND THEN CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH SOME GREAT FIREWORKS. AND THEN MORE TO COME ON THE POPULAR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FOR DUKE ISLAND PARK. AND I JUST WANT TO SAY ONE FINAL THING ON THE AGRICULTURAL FRONT. TONIGHT LOOKS LIKE IT'S THE LAST EVENING. WELL, NIGHT, NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURES WILL DIP INTO THE 40S UNTIL THE FALL, WHICH IS A BIG THING BECAUSE I'VE BEEN EXCITED TO PLANT MY TOMATO PLANTS AND I'VE BEEN HOLDING OFF. EVERYONE SAYS YOU GOT TO WAIT AT LEAST TILL MOTHER'S DAY, WHICH IS ALREADY PAST. SO IT LOOKS LIKE THE SUMMER PLANTING SEASON IS JUST UPON US AND CERTAINLY ANXIOUS. EVERYONE GET OUT THERE AND PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES AND YOUR FLOWERS, AND HOPEFULLY WE WON'T HAVE ANOTHER FROST, BUT I THINK WE'RE GOOD FOR NOW. BUT THANK YOU AND THANK A FARMER FOR PUTTING FOOD ON OUR TABLE. THAT'S MY REPORT. THANKS SO RIGHT OVER IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, WE HAVE PRODUCTION IN MOTION. SO IF YOU'VE EVER HAD A FRUIT SNACK IT'S ACTUALLY PRODUCED RIGHT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY. SO I WAS ABLE TO DO THAT TOUR ALONGSIDE OF DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND SHELLY BELL FROM THE COUNTY. IT WAS INCREDIBLE TO SEE HOW THEY'RE ABLE TO DO SO. RIGHT IN A STREET THAT WE PASS BY PRETTY OFTEN. [00:05:02] AND IT'S SOMETHING FUN. WE LIKE TO COMPARE IT TO THE HERSHEY OF SOMERSET COUNTY, AND WE'RE STARTING TO BRING MORE TOURS AND TO REALLY SHOW AND HIGHLIGHT MANUFACTURING IN OUR OWN BACKYARD AND TO PROMOTE IT WITH OTHER AREAS THAT ARE TRYING TO GROW WITHIN IT TO SEE HOW WE FUNCTION WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON MANUFACTURING. WE SPOKE ABOUT POLICY THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BENEFIT DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES LIKE THIS TO WORK WITH OUR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP AND EXTEND THAT AS THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHIN THIS REGION TO BE ABLE TO BE THEIR VOICE AT THE TABLE. I ALSO ATTENDED THE INTERGENERATIONAL PROM OVER AT BERNARDS HIGH SCHOOL. THIS IS A VERY FITTING TO ITS NAME. IT IS AN EVENT WHERE THE SENIOR CITIZENS RELIVE THEIR DAYS OVER AT THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND ALUMNI FROM THE AREA ARE SENIOR CITIZENS THAT ALSO GO TO OUR SENIOR CENTERS ARE ABLE TO COME BACK AND CELEBRATE A PROM LIKE SETTING FOR THEM WITH MUSIC OF THEIR ERA. AND IT IS A VERY NICE REUNION, BUT THE KIDS ACTUALLY VOLUNTEER. AND AS PART OF THE SERVICE PROGRAM WITH THE K CLUB, WHICH IS THE JUNIOR VERSION OF THE KIWANIS. SO IT'S A LITTLE BIT OF GIVING BACK. I THINK THE KIDS ACTUALLY HAVE MORE FUN OR JUST AS MUCH FUN AS THE SENIOR CITIZENS [LAUGHTER] AT THIS PROM. AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY EVENT THAT THEY'VE BEEN DOING SINCE I ATTENDED BERNARDS HIGH SCHOOL. SO IT WAS NICE TO BE BACK IN MY HOMETOWN. I ALSO ATTENDED NJAC WITH COMMISSIONER GRANER, DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND A FEW OTHERS FROM OUR TEAM. IT WAS VERY NICE TO SEE SOMERSET COUNTY GETTING HIGHLIGHTED. SO DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND SHELLY BELL WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE AWARDS. [APPLAUSE] VERY PROUD OF THEM. FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL WORK AND DEDICATION TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT. SO CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH. IT'S WELL DESERVED. AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ANY OF THE MOTHERS OUT THERE. THANK YOU. OKAY. CONGRATULATIONS, SHELLY AND SHANEL. I'M SORRY I MISSED THAT. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS GREAT. WERE YOU GUYS SURPRISED? DID YOU KNOW? YEAH. SHOCKED [LAUGHTER] I'M TELLING YOU, THAT IS LIKE I READ THE RECAP. I SAID, WHOA, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT. SO I'M SORRY I MISSED NJAC. I HAD A WORK CONFLICT. BUT PUBLIC WORKS IS GOING TO DO A PRESENTATION TONIGHT. I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT BECAUSE IT'S PUBLIC WORKS WEEK OR MONTH. I DON'T KNOW, IN MY HOUSE, LIKE WHEN IT'S MOTHER'S DAY, IT'S MOTHER'S DAY MONTH, NOT MOTHER'S DAY. AND IT'S FATHER'S DAY JUST FOR THE DAY. I TEASE RUDY [LAUGHTER] NIGHTTIME IT'S OVER ALREADY. AND SO WE'LL TAKE THE MONTH OR WHATEVER. SO A QUICK RECAP ON TRANSPORTATION. ALTHOUGH J COULD TELL US IN THE MONTH OF APRIL, WE HAD 4909 PUBLIC TRANSIT TRIPS, 5383 HOME DELIVERED MEALS, AND 11,602 PARATRANSIT TRIPS. OUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE OFFICE AUCTION. MARSH IS HERE TONIGHT. SHE CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT IT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. IS GOING TO BE TAKING PLACE FROM MARCH TO. MAY 13TH TO MAY 20TH. OUR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE TEAM IS HERE TODAY. GOOD TO SEE THEM. KATIE HIMICS WAVE YOUR HAND. SHE IS DOING INCREDIBLE WORK FOR OUR TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL, WHICH IS GOING TO BE TAKING PLACE ON MAY 19TH. LET ME JUST READ YOU SOME NUMBERS HERE. THIS IS CREATIVE WRITING, DANCE, FILM, INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL MUSIC, THEATER AND VISUAL ARTS. SO SO LISTEN TO THESE NUMBERS. 19 HIGH AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING, 1400 STUDENTS ARE PARTICIPATING, 103 PERFORMANCES, 200 PIECES OF ART, 4 STUDENT FILMS, 47 CREATIVE WRITING PIECES. THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE WORKSHOPS, PROFESSIONALS. INCREDIBLE. SO HATS OFF TO YOU. THIS THING HAS BEEN IN OVERDRIVE [APPLAUSE] SINCE COVID, SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK. THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO THESE YOUNG PEOPLE. SO THANK YOU FOR SHOWCASING. SPEAKING OF THE ARTS, I ATTENDED THE MANVILLE ARTS EXHIBIT AT THE MANVILLE LIBRARY, WHICH WAS REALLY A DELIGHT TO SEE SOME REALLY AWESOME PIECES OF WORK THERE. SATURDAYS IN JUNE FROM 10:00 TO 3:00 AT THE LORD STIRLING MANOR, WE WILL HAVE OUR ARCHEOLOGY OPEN HOUSE. THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND SEE WHAT THE ARCHEOLOGISTS ARE DOING THERE. IT'S REALLY FUN. PAUL AND I WERE THERE ONE TIME AND PAUL WAS. I THINK YOU WERE REALLY INTO THAT DIG IN THERE, PAUL. YOU WERE. UPCOMING EVENTS FOR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE. JUNE 18TH, WE HAVE OUR JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AND JULY 18TH IS OUR HISTORY ON THE GREEN. THE WASHINGTONS ARE COMING BACK, BUT THEY'RE BRINGING THEIR BUDDY BEN FRANKLIN THIS YEAR. SO WE'RE. YEAH, WE'RE PULLING OUT THE BIG GUNS FOR THE 2026. THIS THURSDAY, 6:00. THANK YOU TO OUR FACILITIES AND SERVICES TEAM, BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NICE LITTLE LGBT KICKOFF TO PRIDE MONTH [00:10:07] RIGHT HERE AT THE VETERANS PLAZA. I PROMISE YOU, IT'S GOING TO BE SHORT AND SWEET. STARTS AT 6:00. DON'T BE LATE BECAUSE BY 6:30, I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE WRAPPING IT UP. SO BUT I'D LOVE TO SEE EVERYBODY THERE. IT'S OUR KICKOFF TO PRIDE AND OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE ARE COVERING THAT AT THE LIBRARY. YOU MAY RECALL THAT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT WITH THE MARY JACOBS LIBRARY FOUNDATION THAT HAS NOW BEEN RESOLVED. THE COURT HAS DONE THEIR RULING. THE MARY JACOBS BRANCH OF THE LIBRARY WILL REMAIN OPEN. THE BUILDING WILL BE OWNED BY THE BOROUGH OF ROCKY HILL, AND THE LIBRARY WILL BE RUN BY THE NEW MARY JACOBS FOUNDATION, WHICH IS CALLED A DIFFERENT NAME. BUT BEAR WITH ME. THEY WILL NOT. THAT LIBRARY BRANCH WILL NOT BE PART OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM ANY LONGER. HOWEVER, ROCKY HILL RESIDENTS STILL PAY A COUNTY LIBRARY TAX, SO THEY ARE WELCOME AND ELIGIBLE TO VISIT ANY OF OUR SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM BRANCHES. BUT THAT WAS A LONG SAGA THAT HAPPENED, AND I THINK ALL PARTIES ARE HAPPY THAT IT THAT IS NOW CLOSED AND THE BOROUGH IS VERY HAPPY THAT THEY WILL KEEP THEIR BELOVED MARY JACOBS BRANCH OPEN. OUR OPEN SPACE ADVISORY BOARD IS MEETING TOMORROW, BUT I DID GET A CHANCE TO GO TO THE RIBBON CUTTING OF THE NEWLY OPENED COMMUNITY GARDEN IN BEDMINSTER, WHICH WAS ONE OF OUR RECREATIONAL GRANTS. IT'S INCREDIBLE. I THINK THEY HAD 278 PLOTS. I CAN'T REMEMBER NOW, BUT IT'S AN ENORMOUS NUMBER OF GARDEN PLOTS THERE. SO THAT'S GOING TO MAKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAPPY BECAUSE IN THE HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING UNITS, THE HILLS, YOU DON'T HAVE THAT SPACE FOR YOUR GARDENING AND YOUR TOMATO PLANTS. HEY, IT'S A GREAT PLACE. WE HOPE TO HAVE A LOT OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, HERBS, FLOWERS. IT'LL BE GREAT TO SEE WHAT THEY'RE PLANTING THERE. AND BY THE WAY, COMMISSIONER DRAKE, I DID PLANT MY BASIL ALREADY. IT'S BEEN IN THERE FOR, FOR A WHILE NOW. YEAH. YOU KNOW, WE'RE TAKING CARE OF THOSE LITTLE GUYS. THE RVCC BOARD OF ESTIMATES MET. AND I HOPE I'M NOT JUMPING INTO YOUR THUNDER. COMMISSIONER GRANER. SHE AND I ARE BOTH ON THAT CALL. DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND THEY WE HAVE APPROVED RVCC BUDGETS FOR 2026. AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER MARANO. ON SATURDAY, THE SECOND I HAD THE HONOR OF ATTENDING THE NEW JERSEY CENTER FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS WALK AT DUKE ISLAND PARK IN BRIDGEWATER. TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH STARTS ON THE 15TH AND THE NJ. NJCTS INVITES US TO HELP SPREAD UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT. 52 EMPLOYERS HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE GREATER RARITAN JOB FAIR, PLANNED FOR MAY 19TH AT THE HINDU TEMPLE IN BRIDGEWATER. EMPLOYER REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH THIS THURSDAY. FOR DETAILS AND A CURRENT LIST OF EMPLOYERS PLANNING TO ATTEND, VISIT THE GRWDB.ORG. THE GREATER RARITAN ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER HAS SET ITS JERSEY JOB CLUB WORKSHOPS, DATES FOR MAY AND JUNE. THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE PREVENTED. PRESENTED IN TWO MONTHLY SERIES, EITHER VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON, AT THE ONE STOP CAREER CENTER IN SOMERVILLE HERE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, SEE THE WEBSITE. RVCC IS GOING TO HOLD ITS 2026 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES THIS SATURDAY, AND THEY ANTICIPATE THEIR BIGGEST GRADUATING CLASS EVER. THE SUMMER SEMESTER BEGINS ON MONDAY. THEY DON'T WASTE ANY TIME. WITH OVER 3000 STUDENTS ALREADY ENROLLED FOR SUMMER CLASSES. MAY IS RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. THIS OBSERVANCE REMINDS US THAT MENTAL WELLNESS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OVERALL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING. APRIL 2026 SAW AN INCREASE IN CONTACT WITH RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDERS, RATHER UTILIZING THE BEHAVIORAL. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES NAVIGATOR. THE MAJORITY OF CALLS INVOLVED REQUESTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT SERVICES, AFFORDABILITY OF CARE AND HOUSING SUPPORT. TO STRENGTHEN ACCESS. THE BHSN IS NOW WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH NAVIGATORS WHO ARE LOCATED AT OUR LOCAL FOOD BANKS. THE PARTNERSHIP. THIS PARTNERSHIP HELPS US BRIDGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES WITH RESIDENTS ALREADY ACCESSING ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES. PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY FOR SAVE A LIFE DAY 2026, AN IMPORTANT COUNTYWIDE INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON OVERDOSE PREVENTION, AWARENESS, EDUCATION AND NALOXONE DISTRIBUTION. SAVE A LIFE DAY 2026 WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH. IN APRIL THE HUMAN SERVICE NAVIGATORS EMBEDDED WITH LOCAL FOOD BANKS PROVIDED 120 HOURS OF ON-SITE SUPPORT TO RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, [00:15:06] ENGAGING IN 204 DIRECT CLIENT CONTACTS WITH 34 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES. A TOTAL OF 231 RESOURCES AND REFERRALS WERE PROVIDED, UTILIZING 92 UTILITY RELATED SUPPORTS AND 66 FOOD RELATED SUPPORTS. TOMORROW EVENING, THE RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION IS HOSTING AN AGRICULTURE CAREER NIGHT AND FOR YOUTH IN GRADES 7 THROUGH 12 OR 7 THROUGH 13. THAT IS ONE YEAR OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL. THIS CAREER NIGHT IS HIGHLIGHTING TWO SOMERSET COUNTY EMPLOYEES. KATELYN KATZER FROM FARM, OUR FARMLAND PRESERVATION MANAGER AND SCADB ADMINISTRATOR, AND MATT D'ALESSANDRO, DISTRICT MANAGER, SOMERSET UNION, SCD THERE'S STILL ROOM IN 4-H TOPS CAMP, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 22ND THROUGH 26TH. THIS CAMP IS HELD AT THE 4-H CENTER IN BRIDGEWATER AND IS OPEN TO YOUTH WHO ARE COMPLETING GRADES 1ST THROUGH 5TH. THE 4-H FAIR IS ONLY 84 DAYS AWAY. IT'S GOING TO BE HELD AUGUST 5TH, 6TH AND 7TH AT NORTH BRANCH PARK. IT'LL BE HERE BEFORE WE KNOW IT. THANK YOU. AND THAT IS MY REPORT, MADAM DIRECTOR. AUGUST MOVING RIGHT ALONG. SO WE HAVE QUITE A FEW PRESENTATIONS TO PRESENT. WE HAVE. I LOST MY PLACE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS. GIS, PLANNING AND CULTURAL AND HERITAGE. SO JUST BEAR WITH US BECAUSE THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PEOPLE RECEIVING THESE AWARDS. COMMISSIONER MARANO. DO YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND DO THE EMPLOYEE EXCUSE ME, THE YES. SO YOU WANT TO DO PROCLAMATION AND THEN. YES. DO THEIR PRESENTATION. YEP. OKIE DOKIE. ALL RIGHT NO, I'LL DO THE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PRESENTATION. I'LL LEAVE. OH, THANK YOU MA'AM. [SINGING]. [LAUGHTER]. COME ON UP. SO THAT'S ME. [LAUGHTER]. YOU GUYS GOT AN OLD SHIFT. MIKE, YOU GOT A SHIFT. OKAY, SO THAT'S GOOD BECAUSE EVERYBODY WANTS TO STAY ON THAT END. AND POOR COLLEEN FEELS LONELY OVER THERE OKAY. ARE YOU GUYS READY? I'M SO EXCITED. ME, TOO. THRILLED. [LAUGHTER]. IT'S NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK, BUT WE CAN CALL IT MONTH MAY 17 TO 23. SO WHEREAS I GUESS I GOT TO LOOK THIS WAY. WHEREAS PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES AND SERVICES THAT ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF SOMERSET COUNTY. AND WHEREAS THESE INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES AND SERVICES COULD NOT BE PROVIDED WITHOUT THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS, MANAGERS AND EMPLOYEES AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. AND WHEREAS THESE PROFESSIONALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REBUILDING, IMPROVING, AND PROTECTING OUR COUNTY'S INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORTATION, MOSQUITO CONTROL, DRAINAGE TREES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ROADS, BRIDGES AND OTHER STRUCTURES, MARKING AND FACILITIES ESSENTIAL FOR OUR CITIZENS. AND WHEREAS 2026 IS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS THEME IS ROOTED IN SERVICE POWERED BY COMMUNITY, HIGHLIGHTING THE DEDICATION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE THE WEEK OF MAY 17 TO 23 AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK. WE URGE ALL CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE THE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS THEY MAKE TO PROTECTING OUR NATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ADVANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL. SIGNED BY YOUR FIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. [APPLAUSE]. AND I TRULY MEAN IT. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING. YOU MAKE US LOOK GOOD ALL THE TIME. YOU'RE TIRED OF HEARING ME SAY THAT, BUT I'LL KEEP SAYING IT BECAUSE YOU DO EXTRAORDINARY WORK FOR PEOPLE AND YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNTY AND OUR RESIDENTS AND OUR VISITORS AND OUR BUSINESSES. SOMETIMES PEOPLE JUST TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. AND I WAS VERY, VERY HAPPY TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, THAT WE DON'T TAKE YOU FOR GRANTED. WE KNOW HOW HARD YOU WORK AND ALL THE EFFORTS THAT YOU DO TO MAKE LIFE HERE SO MUCH BETTER FOR SO MANY PEOPLE. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. VINNY, DO YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING OR DO YOU WANT TO WAIT TILL YOUR PRESENTATION? [00:20:04] OKAY, LET'S SAY IT AND I WANT YOU TO TAKE THIS INFORMATION BACK TO THE, YOU KNOW, THE PEOPLE THAT WORK WITH US AND HARD FOR US TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND HOW RECOGNIZED THEY ACTUALLY ARE, YOU KNOW, AND ON TOP OF THAT, YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING AND I AM TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE A TEAM THAT I HAVE AND YOU GUYS DO A FANTASTIC JOB. AND THE REASON WHY I INSISTED THAT YOU GUYS COME HERE IS BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THE FACE NEXT TO THE DIVISION SO THEY UNDERSTAND WHO THAT THEY'RE DEALING WITH YOU KNOW, AND I THINK THAT MAKES IT A LITTLE BIT MORE PERSONAL. AND I REALLY LOVE THAT AND TRUE SHOWMANSHIP. THE OTHER REASON IS I AM MAKING YOU GUYS ALL DO YOUR RESOLUTIONS TONIGHT SO. HA! [LAUGHTER]. ALL RIGHT. OKAY, VIN, YOU'RE GOING TO HOLD ON TO THIS. YOU'LL HAVE A FRAMED PUT IN YOUR OFFICE RIGHT THERE, YOU KNOW. AND THEN WE GOT TO GET A PICTURE. SO MAY I? THANK YOU. I GET IN THE MIDDLE, I GET IN THE MIDDLE. I'M SO EXCITED AWESOME. THANK YOU ALL. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. HE HAS A PRESENTATION THAT HE'S GOING TO DO. I HAVE THESE AND THAT'S IT. THEY CAN DO THE THESE ARE THE YES A LITTLE PRESENTATION WITH YOURS AS WELL OH THAT WASN'T ON HERE DO YOUR PRESENTATION. I'LL DO THE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION. AND THEN THERE'S ANOTHER PRESENTATION. I DIDN'T GET THAT MEMO, BUT THANK YOU. [LAUGHTER]. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. GOT IT. OKAY. ROOTED IN SERVICE. POWERED BY COMMUNITY. ALL RIGHT. SO NEXT SLIDE. SO ACTUALLY, WHAT'S FANTASTIC ABOUT THIS IS YOU GET TO SEE A LOT OF THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE WE ACTUALLY RAN AROUND AND TOOK PICTURES OF EVERY DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT. AND SO WE GOT A FLAVOR OF EVERYBODY. AND YOU'LL NOTICE THAT THEY'RE ALL SMILING BECAUSE I TOLD THEM TO TELL EVERYBODY [LAUGHTER] THAT LET THEM KNOW THAT I WAS LEAVING AND LOOK AT ALL THE FACES. [LAUGHTER]. EVERYBODY WAS SO HAPPY. YEAH. SO WE'LL GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. OKAY. [LAUGHTER] MAYBE TONIGHT. ROADS AND BRIDGES MAINTAINS 563 LANE MILES, 752 BRIDGES, 160 SIGNALS AND 18,000 SIGNS. THEY MANAGE AND MAINTAIN TRAFFIC SIGNALS, SIGNAGE, ROAD STRIPING, STORM INLETS, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, SWEEPING, GUIDERAIL, MOSQUITO CONTROL HAULING, CDL TRAINING, TRUCK RINSE, AND HERBICIDE SERVICES. REALLY WHAT I CAN SAY. AND THEY'LL STAND UP BECAUSE YOU'RE A PART. WHY DON'T YOU COME ON UP HERE AND EMBARRASS YOU SOME MORE? GET READY EVERYBODY. YEAH. AGAIN, EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, JUST TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S AROUND YOU. EVERYTHING IS TOUCHED BY US, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE ONLY IF YOU'RE ON A COUNTY ROAD. SO AND THAT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND. AND PEOPLE DON'T REALLY GET THE MAGNITUDE, BUT JUST TAKE A RIDE DOWN AND THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL, THE SIGNS, THE GUIDERAIL, ALL THAT, ALL THAT STUFF IS TOUCHED BY US AND WE TAKE OWNERSHIP IN ALL THAT STUFF. SO WE TRY TO DO THE BEST JOB THAT WE CAN. SO THANK YOU, DALE. NOW YOU GET OUT OF HERE [LAUGHTER]. [APPLAUSE]. ALL RIGHT. FACILITIES AND SERVICES. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. MAINTAIN AND MAKE REPAIRS. 60 COUNTY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES. 40 PARKS FACILITIES. BUILDING MAINTENANCE, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, HVAC, CARPENTRY, LIMITED GROUNDS KEEPING, MATERIAL HANDLING, DELIVERIES AND TRADE SERVICES. MIKE. HE'S STEPPING IN. ED ZELIS IS THE DIVISION HEAD, SO ED WANTED TO SEND A MINI ME. EXCEPT A LITTLE TALLER, APPARENTLY. [LAUGHTER]. YEAH. SO HE'S REPRESENTING FACILITIES AND SERVICE. SAME THING. EVERYTHING GETS DONE HERE BECAUSE THEY MAKE IT HAPPEN, YOU KNOW? THEY REALLY DO. A CALL COMES IN AND GET THIS MOVE THAT, DO THIS, LIFT THAT, CLEAN THAT. AND WE'RE HERE, YOU KNOW. SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE WE ARE BEHIND THE SCENES AND NOBODY REALLY GETS IT. WE'RE LIKE THE UNSUNG HEROES, YOU KNOW? AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE KIND OF MISSED. AND THAT'S WHY IT'S SO GREAT THAT WE'RE BEING RECOGNIZED. SO I DO APPRECIATE THAT. NOW GET OUT OF HERE [APPLAUSE] ALL RIGHT. MORE PICTURES. ALL RIGHT. NEXT. MARSHA, COME ON UP. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. WELL, WHAT CAN I SAY? YOU AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE. THE CARS DON'T WORK, ALL RIGHT? [LAUGHTER] AND WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING AT THE VEHICLES DON'T WORK. AND ON TOP [00:25:03] OF THAT, SHE DOES. OF COURSE, SHE MAINTAINS 5000 VEHICLES. SHE DOES EQUIPMENT DIAGNOSTIC, TOWING, NJ MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS. SHE DOES THE AUCTION SERVICES, WHICH IS MAY 13TH TO THE 20TH. AND IT'S THIS FALL PROVIDE AND ALSO PROVIDES FUEL AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. AND SHE TAKES CARE OF THAT. YEAH. SO SHE DOES A GREAT JOB. AND AGAIN, YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT HER. WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING WITHOUT HER. SO SHE'S A FANTASTIC ASSET. SO I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO. THANKS. ALL RIGHT. [APPLAUSE]. OKAY. RECYCLING. RAFAEL, COME ON DOWN. YOU LOOKING PRETTY [LAUGHTER]. OKAY. IT'S REALLY NOT THAT MUCH. CURBSIDE. [LAUGHTER] CURBSIDE RECYCLING FOR ALL 21 YOU KNOW, SOMERSET COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES. BUT HONESTLY, IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ONE THAT WE DO DO. AND IT DOES MAKE THE MOST IMPACT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. I MEAN, IT TAKES IT TAKES STUFF OUT OF OUR STREAM OF GARBAGE, WHICH IS A FANTASTIC ASSET, AND THEY DO A GREAT JOB DOING IT. SO WE APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. [APPLAUSE]. MORE PICTURES. ALL RIGHT. OKAY. PUBLIC WORKS. HOLD ON LIKE A HOT MESS HERE. HOLY COW. [LAUGHTER]. ALL RIGHT. PUBLIC WORKS. MEL, YOU WANT TO COME UP? SHE ACTUALLY. SO THIS IS OUT OF OUR OFFICE, AND SHE ASSISTS IN ALL, YOU KNOW, PREPPING ALL THIS AND SCHEDULING ALL THIS. AND WITHOUT HER, I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING, HONESTLY. YEAH. [LAUGHTER]. SO I GIVE HER ALL THE PROPS. SHE HANDLES THE NON-SHREDDING EVENTS WHICH ARE VERY POPULAR. SHE HANDLES THE MOTOR POOL, THE ADMIN FLOATERS AND THE DPW FLOATERS. AND SHE ASSISTS, YOU KNOW, ON THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I APPRECIATE YOU. [APPLAUSE] ALL RIGHT RAQUEL COME ON DOWN. SHE'S NEW TO THE HERD RIGHT? YEAH. I'M NOT THAT BAD, AM I? YEAH. YOU DEFINITELY LIE NOW. [LAUGHTER] ALL RIGHT. SO DROP OFF EVENTS, HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND ELECTRONIC WASTE EVENTS IS WHAT SHE TAKES CARE OF. 2025 THE COLLECTION NUMBERS. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE IS 139,835 TONS. TIRES IS A 103 TONS. ELECTRONICS IS 75 TONS. SHE DOES A FANTASTIC JOB. SHE STEPPED INTO A HARD ROLE. SHE'S ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS? NEXT MONTH THE YEAR SHE CORRECTED ME. THAT'S COOL. [LAUGHTER] BUT SHE'S DOING A GREAT JOB AND I HOPE THAT SHE CONTINUES TO DO THAT JOB. THANK YOU SO MUCH. [APPLAUSE]. JAY, COME ON DOWN. HE IS THE. JOHN ADAIR IS ACTUALLY THE DIVISION HEAD. SO THIS IS HALF THE SIZE AND HALF THE YOUTH. I GUESS [LAUGHTER] SO. AND HE'S REPRESENTING TRANSPORTATION. SO PARATRANSIT SERVICES TO COUNTY SENIOR AND DISABLED RESIDENTS HOME DELIVERED MEALS IN 2025 WITH 72,000. VETERANS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, 7 SHARED SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH MUNICIPALITIES. BEDMINSTER, BOUND BROOK, FRANKLIN, MONTGOMERY, NORTH PLAINFIELD, RARITAN AND SOMERVILLE. SPECIAL EVENTS SPONSORED. SPONSORED BY TOWN. HE PUTS OUT ALL THE AGREEMENTS AND THEY DO 9 COMMUNITY SHUTTLES, PUBLIC TRANSIT ROUTES. AGAIN, ANOTHER FANTASTIC ASSET AND SERVICE SERVICES THAT WE DO PROVIDE TO THE COUNTY. I MEAN, WE HELP THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A LONG TIME, THE OLDER PEOPLE, AND IT'S FANTASTIC THAT THEY COULD STILL STAY HERE BECAUSE WE DO PROVIDE THAT SERVICE. SO TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO STAY HERE. SO GREAT JOB. THANK YOU. GOOD JOB. [APPLAUSE] AND I THINK THAT'S IT. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I TRY TO MAKE THAT AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE. DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? NO. SORRY [LAUGHTER]. ALL RIGHT. [APPLAUSE]. ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE QUITE A FEW TEAM RECOGNITION AWARDS. SO WE'LL START OFF WITH THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR. DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND PLANNING. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TABLE? SO WE HAVE THREE AND THEY ALL READ THE SAME. BUT THEY'RE FROM DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS. SO FOR SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE, WE HAVE IN RECOGNITION AND SINCERE APPRECIATION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN FURTHERING THE CAUSE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT. COME ON FORWARD. DEVELOPMENT OF SOMERSET COUNTY'S 250TH WHERE HISTORY COMES ALIVE, A DYNAMIC, IMMERSIVE DIGITAL STORY MAP SHOWCASING OUR COMMUNITY'S UNIQUE ROLE IN AMERICA'S FOUNDING STORY. EVERY SCROLL THROUGH HISTORY REVEALS SOMETHING INTERESTING, EDUCATIONAL, AND ASTONISHING. IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE EFFORT BY THE TEAM TO CREATE, DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT THIS DIGITAL FEATURE TO CELEBRATE SOMERSET COUNTY'S ROLE IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. AND WE HAVE ROBERT MEYER. [00:30:01] HERE YOU GO. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. KAITLIN BUNDY. OH [LAUGHTER]. [APPLAUSE] AND KATIE HIMICS. [APPLAUSE] WE HAVE GIS COORDINATOR. GIS SPECIALIST. AND I THINK THERE'S ANOTHER ONE. YES, GIS MANAGER. IT READS THE SAME. SO WE HAVE STEPHANIE LATTICE. [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU MALIK I HAVE TO CORRECT MYSELF BECAUSE I GET SHANTEL. MICHELLE. SO I GET IT. WE HAVE SAMANTHA KWAN. [APPLAUSE]. AND FOR PRINCIPAL PLANNER, PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND PLANNING LARISSA PAXTON. [APPLAUSE]. AND JOSEPHINE TORONTO. [APPLAUSE]. MATT. THANK YOU DIRECTOR. THIS IS TRULY A TEAM AWARD, AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE SCREEN HERE BEHIND YOU. AND NAGMA IS GOING TO KIND OF WALK THROUGH IT IN A SECOND. AND KAITLIN'S GOING TO PROVIDE SOME CONTENT. THIS IS IT WAS SUCH A FANTASTIC PROJECT. WE WERE UNDER A TIGHT TIMELINE. OBVIOUSLY, THIS YEAR IS THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR COUNTRY. AND THIS PROJECT REALLY WAS ABOUT THREE THINGS. IT WAS ABOUT TEAMWORK, THIS COLLABORATION BETWEEN THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE, WHICH IS THREE DIFFERENT SECTIONS IN OUR DEPARTMENT. IT WAS ABOUT HOW FAST WE DID IT. AND THE THING THAT REALLY, I THINK IS A GREAT HIGHLIGHT IS THAT IN A LOT OF PROJECTS THAT WE WORK ON, WE HIRE CONSULTANTS, WE HIRE OUTSIDE PEOPLE. EVERYTHING WE DID WAS DONE IN-HOUSE, WHICH IS INCREDIBLE. [APPLAUSE]. SO WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT HERE IS A SCREENSHOT OF OUR, OUR GIS SERVICES STORY MAP, ESSENTIALLY. AND WHAT WE TOOK WAS ALL THIS HISTORY THAT THE COUNTY HAS. WE WANTED TO REALLY MAKE A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF IT, AND WE WORKED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND DEVELOPED THIS, AND NAGMA WAS GOING TO KIND OF WALK THROUGH A LITTLE BIT OF IT NOW. AS THEY COME FORWARD MAKING THEIR PRESENTATION. THIS PROJECT THAT YOU ALL WORKED ON AS WE'RE CELEBRATING THE RICH HISTORY OF SOMERSET COUNTY, AND WE OFTEN TOUT THAT WE'RE THE GREATEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY AND VISIT. AND SO THE JOB AND WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO PRESENT AND WHAT PEOPLE WILL SEE ARE A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT THEY WILL SEE AND EXPERIENCE. THIS YEAR'S 250TH COMING. TO COMING BACK TO SOMERSET COUNTY AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER. I'VE SEEN THE PRESENTATION. PHENOMENAL. PHENOMENAL. PHENOMENAL. THIS IS WHY YOU MAKE US LOOK GOOD. BECAUSE OF THE WORK THAT ALL OF YOU ALL DO ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY. SO WE SAY THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU DIRECTOR. YOU KNOW, THIS WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT IS STILL, STILL PHOTOS OF THE WEBSITE. IT'S COMPLETELY DYNAMIC AND IMMERSIVE. SO WE JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT OF A HIGHLIGHT OF IT THOUGH. THANKS. THANK YOU. WE'RE EXCITED TO SHARE OUR STORY MAP COLLECTION. IT'S CONSISTS OF FOUR CHAPTERS TO WALK YOU THROUGH THE HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN SOMERSET COUNTY. IF WE CAN. YEAH. SO THE FIRST CHAPTER FOCUSES ON THE NINE HISTORIC SITES WITHIN THE COUNTY THAT YOU CAN VISIT. THE SECOND IF WE. YEAH. IS AN EXPLORATION OF THE 5 GENERALS. IT GOES INTO THEIR LIFE AND THEIR IMPORTANCE WITHIN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND THE THIRD CHAPTER. YEAH. IS TAKING YOU THROUGH THE BATTLEFIELD THE ACTION AND ALSO HAS REALLY BEAUTIFUL DRONE FOOTAGE AND REENACTMENTS TO KIND OF MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE AT THE BATTLE AND THE FINAL CHAPTER. THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE BATTLE MAPS THAT WERE CREATED. AND THE FINAL CHAPTER IS A INTERACTIVE HISTORIC SITE MAP. SO YOU CAN GO VISIT THESE SITES IN PERSON. AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT THIS PROJECT REQUIRED [00:35:09] AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION, SO I WOULD LIKE TO. I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK OF EVERYONE HERE. HUNTER RESEARCH PROVIDED A LOT OF HISTORICAL DATA THAT WE WERE ABLE TO USE IN THIS APPLICATION, AND THANKS TO KAITLIN BUNDY, KATIE HIMICS, ROBERT MEYER, JOSEPHINE TORONTO, LARISSA PAXTON, AND OF COURSE, THANKS TO THE GIS TEAM, STEPHANIE LATTICE AND SAMANTHA KWAN, THEY WERE ABLE TO BRING THESE COMPONENTS AND CREATE A DIGITAL EXPERIENCE FOR YOU TO EXPLORE. SO PLEASE TAKE OUR WEBSITE IS FEATURED ON THE MAIN COUNTY WEBSITE, AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THE 250TH WITH US. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. THANK YOU. SO THIS IS FOR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE. WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE 250TH FOR PROBABLY TEN YEARS. IT FEELS LIKE AT THIS POINT, BUT NOW EVERYONE'S FINALLY ON BOARD WITH US AND ON THE SAME PAGE. AND SO A LOT OF THIS A LOT OF THE GREAT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AND EVERYTHING THAT WE ACTUALLY WERE ABLE TO USE WITH THIS PROJECT, WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO COLLECT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, BECAUSE WE KNEW WE HAD THIS VISION THAT WE WANTED AN ONLINE ENGAGING PLATFORM. BUT PART OF THAT IS HAVING THE MEDIA AND THAT'S WHAT WE TALKED [LAUGHTER] ABOUT A LOT WITH GIS OF LIKE, WE NEED MEDIA, WE NEED SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST LIKE WORDS, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT MAKES IT REALLY ENGAGING. AND THAT'S WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT IS SO GREAT IS THAT WE HAVE VIDEO, WE HAVE PHOTOS, WE HAVE INTERACTIVE MAPS, AND IT'S A GREAT WAY TO ENGAGE IN A NEW PLATFORM. AND THAT'S SOMETHING WHEN WE REALLY DOVE IN WITH THE INTERPRETIVE PLAN THAT THE COUNTY IS WORKING ON FOR OUR SITES, THAT WE WANTED AN ONLINE COMPONENT TO KIND OF PAIR WITH ALL THIS, AND THIS IS THAT PLATFORM SO THAT WE CAN KIND OF TELL THAT STORY, CONNECT THOSE STORIES. YOU GO OUT TO OUR PARKS OR OUR HISTORIC SITES, AND YOU SEE AND YOU START TO LEARN ABOUT THESE STORIES, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE BECAUSE YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO THIS PLATFORM AND LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT HISTORIES THAT THE AMAZING GENERALS THAT WERE HERE, AND JUST THE GREAT INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE AND THE STORIES THAT WE HAVE TO TELL HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY, AND WE'RE SO EXCITED AND SO HAPPY FOR EVERYONE'S HELP. SORRY. WE KIND OF CAME IN AND WE'RE LIKE, WE'RE DOING THIS. LET'S GO. [LAUGHTER] BUT THANKS FOR BEING ALONG THE RIDE FOR US AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT. AND HAPPY 250TH. [LAUGHTER] THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. [LAUGHTER] LIKE VINNY SAID, MOVE THIS, MOVE THAT. PUT THIS THERE. NO THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE'LL MOVE ON WITH OUR PROGRAM. COMMUNICATIONS. WE HAVE AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT PETITION TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF GORDON'S CORNER WATER COMPANY. THEN NEXT WE HAVE NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, INC. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PETITION OF APPROVAL FOR INCREASED TARIFF RATES AND CHARGES FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE AND OTHER TARIFF MODIFICATIONS. WE ALSO HAVE A COMMUNICATION FROM MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF POLLUTERS PAY TO MAKE NEW JERSEY AFFORDABLE ACT. SENATE BILL 2338 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 3735. WE HAVE A COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNTY CLERK STEVE PETER. NOTICE OF FEES COLLECTED FOR APRIL 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,181,853.20. AND THANK YOU. ENGINEERING PLANNING. RESOLUTION 26-100. AUTHORIZING SUPPORT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRINCE RODGERS AVENUE BRIDGES OVER I-287. RESOLUTION 26-1001 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION BY THE SOMERSET COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FISCAL YEAR 2027 SUB-REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION WORK PROGRAM GRANT. THIS GRANT DOES NOT REQUIRE A MATCH TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $143,682.50. RESOLUTION 26-1002. AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF A CASH PERFORMANCE TO PROLOGIS L.P. AS A GUARANTEE FOR IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY ON ELIZABETH AVENUE FOR THE PROJECT. LOCATED IN BLOCK 502.02, LOT 12.03, BLOCK 504 LOTS 1 AND 2 AND BLOCK 506.01, LOTS 19 THROUGH 22 IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD WITH. FOR $146,390, WITH ACCRUED INTEREST IN THE AMOUNT OF $323.71 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $146,713.71. I DO HAVE A QUESTION FOR 26-1000 ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRIDGE. [00:40:06] SO I KNOW THIS IS JUST INTRODUCING THIS, BUT ONCE APPROVAL IS MADE, HOW LONG DO WE ANTICIPATE? IS THERE ARE THERE ANY LANE CLOSURES OR CLOSURE OF THAT BRIDGE? AND ONCE APPROVED, WHEN DO WE ANTICIPATE THE WORK TO BEGIN? I THINK THE DOT ANTICIPATES BIDDING THE PROJECT THIS WINTER. IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO FOR 14 MONTHS, AND THERE'S GOING TO BE A FULL CLOSURE FOR THE 14 MONTHS. BUT THEY'VE SAID THAT THEY WERE GOING TO PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN SHUTTLE SERVICE BACK AND FORTH. THANK YOU. I WILL BE HANDLING A HUMAN SERVICES THIS EVENING BECAUSE MOLLY IS NOT HERE. RESOLUTION 26-1003. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EDUCATION AFFILIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, RUTGERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS FOR THE 2026 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. THERE IS NO FUNDING THAT IS REQUIRED. RESOLUTION 26-1004. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUATION OF CONTRACT 27AQTC BETWEEN THE OFFICE OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES AND THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES WITHIN THE DIVISION OF DISABILITIES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,054 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $54,054. AND THIS BASICALLY COVERS THE SALARY OF THE COUNTY EMPLOYEE WHO ACTS AS THE LIAISON FROM US TO THE STATE. RESOLUTION 26-1005 UNDER OPERATIONS AND PLANNING. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNTY OPIOID SETTLEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE 2002 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO SERVE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY TO THE COUNTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL DIRECTOR. THE DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. I THINK THIS IS JUST PLAYING CATCH UP ON THIS SINCE THIS WAS DATED 2022. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, THE DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS, AND RICHARD HALL TO PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT FOR TREATMENT SERVICES ON A FEE FOR SERVICE BASIS FOR UNINSURED CLIENTS FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2028. AND AGAIN, THIS IS FUNDING TO OFFSET THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE THE PAYER MONEY. RESOLUTION 26-1007. AUTHORIZATION TO FILE A SPENDING PLAN FOR 2025 RECYCLING ENHANCEMENT ACT. THE REA GRANT FUNDS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $299,700. 26-1008 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SOE SOFTWARE CORPORATION TAMPA, FLORIDA UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC CONTRACTS LAW 40A:11-5(I) FOR 2026 ENR ANNUAL ASSURANCE AND MAINTENANCE. FIRST YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,700. 26-1009 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, EATONTOWN, NEW JERSEY FOR REMEDIAL ACTION ADMINISTRATION AND NJDEP REPORTING FOR THE FORMER HILLSBOROUGH COUNTRY CLUB, BLOCK 165 LOTS 1, 2, 3 AND 13 AND BLOCK 169. LOT 3 100 AND 146 WERTSVILLE ROAD, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $125,800. 26-1010 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO USA ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS. SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR AS NEEDED ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,000. 26-1011 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO T&M ASSOCIATES, MIDDLETOWN, NEW JERSEY FOR DESIGN FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE D1111 LARGER CROSS ROAD OVER TRIBUTARY TO MIDDLEBROOK, BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $520,678.55. 26-1012 AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO PENNONI ASSOCIATES, INC. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA FOR AS NEEDED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2026 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,000. [00:45:02] 26-1013. AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO KS ENGINEERS, P.C. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY FOR AS NEEDED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PARKS PROJECTS IN 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. 26-1014. AWARD OF CONTRACT 24015. TO TOP LINE CONSTRUCTION CORP. SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY, FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS. GREENBROOK ROAD WEST COUNTY ROUTE 634 RIDGEFIELD ROAD, ROCK AVENUE COUNTY ROUTE 645 AND GREENBROOK ROAD, EAST COUNTY ROUTE 636 AND ROCK AVENUE CR 645, GREENBROOK TOWNSHIP AND NORTH PLAINFIELD BOROUGH. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,003,003.64. ADAM. IS. THAT MEAN? THE WORK WILL START ON THESE INTERSECTIONS SOON? VERY SHORTLY. YES. LIKE THIS SUMMER. THIS YEAR 26-1016 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0130-26R TO ALS GROUP USA CORP., MIDDLETOWN, PENNSYLVANIA. FOR A SITE-WIDE TESTING SERVICES. SOMERSET COUNTY, BELLE MEAD DEPOT, HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY. FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $115,424. 26-1017 AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR SCHIFANO CONSTRUCTION CORP, MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY FOR 2023 ROAD RESURFACING AND ADA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM. VARIOUS ROUTES. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. SOMERSET COUNTY CONTRACT 22012. THE AS BID CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $6,650,820.51. THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $6,807,956.43. AND THIS CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE, IS AN INCREASE OF $157,135.92. 26-1018 AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NUMBER TWO AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR SCOZZARI BUILDERS, INC. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY FOR NEW HORSE BARN AT LORD STERLING STABLE, 256 SOUTH MAPLE AVENUE. TOWNSHIP OF BERNARDS CONTRACT 23015. THE AS BID CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $2,454,243. THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT IS $2,491,602.78 AND INCLUDES PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NUMBER ONE. THE AMOUNT OF $50,958.49. AND THIS CHANGE ORDER IS A DECREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,598.71. 26-1019 CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO JOHNSON, MIRMIRAN AND THOMPSON. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR BRIDGE D1302 POTTERSVILLE ROAD, COUNTY ROUTE 512 OVER PEAPACK BROOK BOROUGH OF PEAPACK GLADSTONE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 FOR A NEW CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $200,000. RESOLUTION 26-1020 AWARD A CONTRACT TO QUADIENT INC. MILFORD, CONNECTICUT, FOR THE PURCHASE, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION AND TRAINING OF THE S.M.A.R.T MAILCENTER MANAGEMENT SOLUTION HARDWARE, ANNUAL METER SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION AND SUPPLIES UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT SC41267 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,845.30. 26-1021 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO B SAFE, LLC FOR MAINTENANCE TO THE ACCESS CONTROL PANELS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $75,411. 26-1022 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO B SAFE TO REPLACE EXISTING ACCESS CONTROL PANEL AND CARD READER WITH NEW ACCESS CONTROL PANEL AND OSDP CARD READER FOR THE JAIL ARMORY TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,264. 26-1023 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO R.S KNAPP CO, INC OF LYNDHURST, NEW JERSEY, FOR REPROGRAPHICS CONSTRUCTION PLAN REPRODUCTIONS AND PLOTTING SUPPLIES FOR ENGINEERING DIVISION. OPEN END CONTRACT CC-0108-24R TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $6,277.95. 26-1024 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR TWO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO PRESTIGE ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. SOMERSET NEW JERSEY FOR AS-NEEDED ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2025, [00:50:05] AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR FORMER GSA SUMMERVILLE DEPOT. HILLSBORO, NEW JERSEY CONTRACT CY-XS-0001-25 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $53,412.13. RESOLUTION 26-1025 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000. 1026 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO PINO CONSULTING GROUP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,700. THIS IS OUR ANNUAL FIXED ASSET UPDATE. 1027 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS AND INTOXICATED DRIVER RESOURCE CENTER FEES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $892. 1028 IS THE APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO CHASAN LAMPARELLO MALLON AND CAPUZZO, SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY, FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RENDERED FOR AN EMPLOYEE MATTER AND PINO CONSULTING GROUP, TOMS RIVER FOR PREPARATION OF THE 2024 INDIRECT COST ALLOCATION PLAN. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $67,337.50. AND 1029 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME. RESOLUTION 26-1030 UNDER AGING AND DISABILITIES. THIS IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO WHITSONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF MEALS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $561,690. RESOLUTION 26-1031. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE AGE FRIENDLY GRANT FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES. ALL FOR OFFICE ON AGING. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED. SENDING THEM $10,000. RESOLUTION 26-1032. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO JOHN MCAULIFFE FOR PRESENTING THE 2026 ANIMALS OF THE AMERICAS PROGRAM AT THE BRIDGEWATER SENIOR CENTER. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25. RESOLUTION 26-1033. APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO CENTER FOR GREAT EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER EXPENDITURES FOR THE HISTORIC, HOLISTIC AND ALLIED THERAPY PROGRAM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $12,902. RESOLUTION 26-1034. APPROVAL TO PAY, CONFIRMING ORDERS TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES. FOR SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS AND CODE BLUE SERVICES FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTER OF 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $113,575. RESOLUTION 26-1035. AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS ORIGINALLY THROUGH R26-406 ON FEBRUARY 26TH, 2026, WITH MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOR QUARTER TWO, THREE AND FOUR FOR THE YOUTH DETENTION HOUSING IN THE AMOUNT OF $303,054, AND THE YOUTH DETENTION EDUCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,000 FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $317,054. RESOLUTION 26-1036 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR A PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT WITH MIDDLESEX COUNTY TREASURER FOR YOUTH DETENTION EDUCATION IN Q1 2026. TOTAL NOT TO SEND BACK $3,315.62. RESOLUTION 26-1037 FOR RICHARD HALL'S AMENDING, AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR HORIZON PEDIATRIC CONSULTANTS DOING BUSINESS AS ROCKING HORSE REHAB CONTRACT CC-154-25 FOR EQUINE SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,750. RICHARD HALL AMENDING RESOLUTION 26-1038. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO ARGO TRANSLATION FOR TRANSLATION SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $10,543.85. 2626 RESOLUTION 26-1039 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PRINCETON INSURANCE COMPANY AT A PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY, FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,424.26. RESOLUTION 26-1040. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO FREEDOM YOGA FOR YOGA SERVICES CONTRACT CC-156-23 FOR $500 AND CONTRACT CC-156-25 FOR $1,550. FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,050. [00:55:05] FOR VOLUNTEER AND SERVICES RESOLUTION 26-1041. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CONTINENTAL HARDWARE FOR LUMBER AND SUPPLIES FOR THE WHEELCHAIR RAMP PROGRAM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,000. 26-1042. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ELECTRIC SERVICE SOLUTION, INC. SC83905 AUTHORIZED VIA R24-422. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $93,371.52. 26-1043. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TARGET SOLUTIONS LEARNING FOR FRONTLINE QA AND DOR SOFTWARE. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,782.64. RESOLUTION 26-1044. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACTS TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR SERVICES AND SUPPLIES TOTALED TO NOT EXCEED $909,809.70. RESOLUTION 26-1045 AMENDING AND CANCELLATION CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACT TOTAL TO NOT EXCEED $80,163.52. RESOLUTION 26-1046. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MAZZA RECYCLING SERVICES FOR COMMODITIES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $40,254.90. [LAUGHTER]. HE'S GOING TO BRING YOU GUYS EVERY TIME AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUS AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, INC. MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS, SUPPORT HARDWARE AND DEVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. RESOLUTION 26-1048. AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATIONS OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $146,509.01. RESOLUTION 26-1049 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO JEN ELECTRIC, INC. SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY, FOR SIGNALS IN MANVILLE AND BRIDGEWATER. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $4,279.06. RESOLUTION 26-1050. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO RADIAC RESEARCH CORP., BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, FOR TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE FROM SOMERSET COUNTY'S HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAYS. FIRST YEAR OF THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $118,000. RESOLUTION 26-1051. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO COMPLETE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS, LLC. FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS FOR FLUORESCENT BULBS DISPOSAL TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $645.76. RESOLUTION 26-1052 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO TRANSACTION CONFERENCE. LIVINGSTON, NEW JERSEY NOT TO EXCEED $525. RESOLUTION 26-1053. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO NATIONAL FUEL OIL IN NEWARK. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $250,000. 26-1054 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATE OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED PARTS AND REPAIRS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $153,000. 26-1055 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATE FUNDS AND PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $125,842.04. 26-1056 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING OF CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO VARIOUS VENDORS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $230,338.17. 26-1057 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO INDEPENDENCE CONTRACTORS OF BRIDGEWATER FOR FUEL PUMP INSPECTIONS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,467. 26-1058 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS TO [01:00:08] VARIOUS VENDORS. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $28,863.89. 26-1059 AWARD A CONTRACT RFQ-0095-26 TO SAFEWARE, INC. TO CONDUCT TWO RISK-BASED RESPONSE TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS EMERGENCY CLASSES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $23,150 FOR CLASSES IN ALL MATERIALS. THESE CLASSES ARE FUNDED BY A GRANT APPROVED IN RESOLUTION 26-505, AND DO NOT REQUIRE MATCHING FUNDS. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS? 26-1000 THROUGH 26-105 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR MAY 26TH. SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION THIS AFTERNOON. 26-948 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO VARIOUS VENDORS, AS REFERENCED BELOW, TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO THE COUNTY ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS FOR 2026 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $695,000. 949 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION FUND FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES FROM THE PAST YEAR. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED A NEGATIVE NUMBER $221,625.02. 950 IS APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRM AN ORDER TO SCARINCI HOLLENBECK LLC. LITTLE FALLS FOR LEGAL SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $66,078.78. 951 IS AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY RIGHT OF ENTRY AGREEMENT TO CRJ CONTRACTING CORP. FOR COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANVILLE, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, NJ WATER IS DOING A PROJECT AND IT JUST NEED A LAY DOWN AREA TO UTILIZE FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 WEEKS. 952 IS AUTHORIZED THE ACCEPTANCE OF A 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS TO BE REIMBURSED TO FOUR FIFA SELECTED ENTITIES FOR ITS POLICE DEPARTMENT WARREN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND ATLANTIC EMS FOR FIFA OPERATIONAL OVERTIME COSTS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $330,300. WE ARE JUST ACTING AS THE CONDUIT. THEY NEEDED A VEHICLE IN WHICH TO DEPOSIT THE MONEY, SO WE CAN DISPERSE IT TO THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES FOR ANY INCREASED COSTS THAT THEY MAY INCUR. YOU KNOW, THIS IS GENERAL SECURITY MEASURES WITH REGARDS TO THERE ARE CERTAIN TEAMS THAT ARE STAYING WITHIN SOMERSET COUNTY. SO IF THEY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SECURITY OR TRANSPORTATION OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE, EMS SERVICES, THAT'S WHAT THAT DEALS WITH. 953 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GREATER RARITAN WDB TO ACCEPT AN ADDITIONAL $50,000 IN WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT ADULT FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $587,785. 954 IS AUTHORIZING QUALIFIED EMPLOYERS FOR OPTION A APPLICATION TO REQUEST YOUTH PARTICIPANT FOR 2026. GREATER RARITAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM CONTRACT CY-COM-0066-26. 26-955. EXCUSE ME. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR THE LICENSING OF THE OSSSI SECURITY SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL ACCESS CONTROL PANELS FOR THE YEARS 2023 THROUGH 2025 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $17,723.79 AND RESOLUTION 26-956 APPROVAL TO PAY THE CONFIRMING ORDER FOR LICENSING OF THE OSSSI SECURITY SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL ACCESS CONTROL PANELS FOR THE YEAR 2026 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $5,907.93. THANK YOU. 26-957. AWARD OF CONTRACT 25019 TO TOMCO CONSTRUCTION INC., MOUNT ARLINGTON, NEW JERSEY FOR THE MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK MULTIPURPOSE [01:05:02] FIELDS, HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,628,999.99. WE'RE CREATING NEW FIELDS AS YOU GO INTO MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK. ON THE RIGHT, THERE'S AN OPEN AREA AND THEY'RE CREATING TWO NEW FIELDS WITH IRRIGATION, NEW PARKING LOT. EACH OF THOSE FIELDS COULD BE USED EITHER FOR TWO SOCCER FIELDS OR ONE LARGE CRICKET FIELD. THERE'S MULTIPURPOSE FIELDS. NATURAL. IT'S ALL ELECTRIC. YEP? YEP. YEAH, YEAH. IT SITS IN BETWEEN WHERE THE BASEBALL FIELDS ARE AND IRON PEAK. THERE WAS A WIDE OPEN FIELD. IT WAS ALWAYS ON THE PLAN TO TURN THAT INTO WE CHOSE TO TURN IT INTO A MULTI-PURPOSE FIELD SO IT COULD BE USED FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES. AND IT SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE THE SUMMER IS OVER, RIGHT? OH YES. YEAH. THERE'S SOME, THERE'S VARIOUS MONIES THAT GOT FUNNELED INTO THAT. YEAH. SO IT'S A GOOD PROJECT. YEAH. IT'S 26-958. AWARD OF CONTRACT 26003 TO SCOZZARI BUILDERS, INC., TRENTON, NEW JERSEY FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL 250TH INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE INSTALLATION, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $672,253. GET IT DONE BEFORE JULY 4TH. BUT WHETHER THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AND THAT'S THE. THAT'S THE HOPE. BUT. RESOLUTION 26-959 IS AN INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT ADULT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000. $50,000. THERE IS AN IN-KIND MATCH APPROPRIATED IN THE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC INFORMATION, SALARY AND OPERATING BUDGETS. THIS IS ALSO IN CONJUNCTION WITH BERNARD'S. THIS IS FOR A WATCH PARTY TYPE OF EVENT. THERE'S AN EVENT CALLED THE BATTLE. THEY'RE CALLING IT THE BATTLE OF BASKING RIDGE. MOROCCO AND BRAZIL WILL BOTH BE STAYING IN THAT AREA. SO THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE A WATCH PARTY FOR THAT GAME ON JUNE 13TH AND 961 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP GRANT PROGRAM. IN THE AMOUNT OF $330,300. THIS IS THE PASS-THROUGH GRANT THAT JOE JUST READ THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FUNDING FOR. 26-962. IS AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0004-26, WHICH IS UNIFORMS FOR VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND THE PARK COMMISSION. RESOLUTION 26-963. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF AGING TO APPLY AND ACCEPT THE FUNDS OF THE STATE AID REIMBURSEMENT BENEFIT ADMINISTERED THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES. DIVISION OF AGING IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,000 FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1ST, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2025. RESOLUTION 26-964 FOR VETERAN SERVICES. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES TO APPLY TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING FOR THE SHIP GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1ST, 2026 THROUGH MARCH 31ST, 2027 AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING, IF AWARDED TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $41,000 WITH NO MATCH REQUIRED. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE RESOLUTIONS 26-948 THROUGH 26-964 TO OUR NEXT MEETING? IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS. SO MOVE COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. SO WE COME TO THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK. FIVE MINUTES, NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME. AND WE ALSO ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM VIA TELEPHONE AND EMAIL. AND WHEN YOU COME UP, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. IS THERE A MOTION TO GO INTO PUBLIC SESSION? SO MOVED. [01:10:04] SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? HELLO? HELLO. GOOD EVENING, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS ZOE PRIMO. I'M FROM FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP AND I AM IN 10TH GRADE AT FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL. I'M COMING TODAY TO ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN MY PETITION TO THE COUNTY AND STATE DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION TO SURVEY, ASSESS, AND REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT ON FRANKLIN BOULEVARD FROM EASTON AVENUE TO SOMERSET STREET. MY PARENTS AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SCHOOL. BY THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT THE AREA HAS NOT BEEN SURVEYED FOR AT LEAST A DECADE REGARDING SPEED LIMIT, SPEED LIMIT AND PEDESTRIAN FOOT TRAFFIC. SPECIFICALLY STUDENTS WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL ALONG FRANKLIN BOULEVARD. THE CURRENT SPEED LIMIT ALONG FRANKLIN BOULEVARD IS 40MPH. THERE ARE LIGHTS THAT FLASH WHEN SCHOOL IS IN SESSION, BUT SPEEDING AND UNSAFE CROSSWALKS CONTINUE TO THREATEN STUDENTS WALKING ALONG FRANKLIN BOULEVARD EVERY SCHOOL DAY. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE LAST TIME FRANKLIN BOULEVARD WAS ASSESSED WAS BEFORE TRUCK TRAFFIC AND HOUSES RAN ALONG AND FACED FRANKLIN BOULEVARD. HOWEVER, IN THE CURRENT DAY, THERE ARE MANY MORE CARS AND TRUCKS THAT SPEED ALONG FRANKLIN BOULEVARD AND PUT STUDENTS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND EVEN CROSSING GUARDS IN DANGER. I'M ASKING YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AT OUR COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ENSURE THAT FRANKLIN BOULEVARD IS MADE SAFE FOR ALL OF THE RESIDENTS IN FRANKLIN, WHETHER THEY BE IN A CAR OR ON FOOT. THIS COULD INCLUDE. THIS COULD INCLUDE LOWERING THE SPEED LIMIT OF FRANKLIN BOULEVARD FROM EASTON AVENUE TO HAMILTON STREET DURING TIMES WHEN SCHOOL IS IN SESSION OR INSTALLING PEDESTRIAN CROSSING LIGHTS. I ATTENDED A PREVIOUS FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP COUNCIL MEETING AND SPOKE WITH THE MEMBERS WHO AGREED AND INFORMED ME THAT THE COUNTY AND STATE ARE IN CHARGE OF THE STREET. I WILL FOLLOW UP WITH MY REQUEST WITH AN EMAIL TO YOU ALL, WHICH WILL INCLUDE LETTERS FROM FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP STUDENTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP MIDDLE SCHOOL HAMILTON STREET CAMPUS AS A PEDESTRIAN ALONG FRANKLIN BOULEVARD, AS WELL AS A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPALS OF PINE GROVE MANOR, HILLCREST AND FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN SUPPORT OF MY PETITION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TONIGHT, AND I WILL FOLLOW UP VIA EMAIL. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL TO MAKE FRANKLIN AN EVER SAFER, AN EVEN SAFER PLACE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THIS IS PART OF WHAT WE DO. AND THANK YOU FOR A YOUNG PERSON GETTING INVOLVED AND ENGAGED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE ONGOING CONVERSATION. SO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. ANYONE ELSE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? ANY PHONE CALLS? NO. ANY EMAILS? NOPE. YOU'RE ALL GOOD. ALL RIGHT. HEARING NONE, SEEING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND WE WILL INVITE THE REST OF OUR GUESTS TO COME IN. WE'LL TAKE A PAUSE. I KNOW IT'S A LITTLE BIT AFTER 6:00. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.