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IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on May 26, 2026.]
ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS PROVIDED AS REQUIRED BY LAW.FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO COUNTYBOARDMEETING@SOMERSETCOUNTYNJ.GOV.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE AS WE ARE JUST COMING OFF MEMORIAL DAY.
REMEMBER THE FALLEN. THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THEIR LIFE, AND CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SERVING THIS COUNTRY ON AMERICAN SOIL AND ABROAD. THANK YOU.
WELCOME, EVERYONE TO THE MAY 26TH, 2026, WORK SESSION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
THIS AGENDA AND ITEMS ON IT ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND WILL BE CONSIDERED AT OUR NEXT MEETING, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 9TH. 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 DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. HERE HERE WELCOME AGAIN ERICA. SO WE'LL GO INTO OUR COMMISSIONER REPORT.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A HAPPY, SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND DAY MANY ACTIVITIES.
AND I KNOW THE RAIN WASHED OUT A LOT OF PARADES.
AND I'M SURE THE RESTAURANTS APPRECIATED ALL THE BUSINESS COMING THROUGH.
WE WERE ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE RVCC GRADUATES.
AS WE DONNED OUR CAPS AND GOWNS. THOSE OF US THAT WERE THERE BEING A PART OF THE FESTIVITIES.
AND THIS YEAR THERE WERE OVER 1200 GRADUATES.
AND AS WE LOOKED OUT INTO THE SEA OF YOUNG, EXCITED FACES LOOKING FOR THEIR NEXT.
WE HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEM, FOR THIS COUNTY AND OUR COUNTRY.
THEY HAD A LOT OF SUMMA CUM LAUDE AND CUM LAUDE STUDENTS.
I THINK I WOULD COUNT. DARE SAY PROBABLY HALF OF THE STUDENTS WERE GRADUATING WITH HONORS.
SO THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES TO THE TALENT WE HAVE HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
SO THANK YOU TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WHO HOSTED IT.
WE ALSO WERE IN ATTENDANCE AT RWJ SOMERSET. THEIR NEWLY RENOVATED HOPE HUB WILL BE HAVING AN OPEN HOUSE COMING UP SOON, WHERE THERE'S A LOT OF BUZZ AND CONVERSATIONS, EVEN WITH SOMERSET HEALTH AND WELLNESS.
BUT ON FRIDAY, MAY 28TH, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.
LOCATED IN THE SOUTH FULD BUILDING, THE HOPE HUB OFFERS A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING A BEHAVIORAL CRISIS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CARE. AND THIS.
THIS IS DESIGNED TO FEEL MORE LIKE A LIVING ROOM SETTING THAN THAN A CLINICAL SETTING.
AND THE HOPE HUB PROVIDES CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT, WALK-IN ACCESS, AND CONNECTIONS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES NAVIGATE CRISIS AND BEGIN THE PATH TO RECOVERY.
ALSO, WE WILL BE HAVING OUR SOMERSET COUNTY ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION, WHICH IS SET FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH. IT WILL BE HELD ON THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE LAWN.
MUSIC BEGINS AT 4:00 P.M. AND OUR PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCES WILL BEGIN AT 5:00 P.M.
WE WILL BE HONORING KENDALL HALL, WHO IS THE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF THE UBUNTU CULTURAL PAVILION.
AND THERE WERE SOME OTHER FESTIVITIES AND WE PARTICIPATED IN.
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AND I'LL HAND IT OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES. YOU KNOW, WE ARE COMING UP ON THAT SEASON WHERE WE WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE GRADUATES, AND THEN WE'RE COMING UP NEXT WILL BE FATHER'S DAY.SO GRADS AND DADS, CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU DIRECTOR.
YEAH. SO ON. ON MAY 15TH, I ATTENDED THE SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT.
I WAS IN HOLMDEL AT THE BELL LABS. IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN TO BELL LABS, IT WAS A MAJOR RESOURCE FACILITY THAT FELL INTO DISREPAIR BUT NOW HAS BEEN FULLY RENOVATED. IT'S AN INCREDIBLE PLACE. BUT IT BROUGHT TOGETHER GREEN TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO DISCUSS ISSUES REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY POLICY, AND A HOST OF OTHER REALLY IMPORTANT ISSUES, NOT ONLY TO THE STATE BUT TO THE COUNTRY. CERTAINLY IT WAS A RAIN SOAKED WEEKEND THAT PUT A DAMPER ON A FEW PARADES ACROSS THE COUNTY.
HOWEVER, HILLSBOROUGH STILL HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY VETERANS BREAKFAST, WHICH WE WERE AT.
AND MOLLY CAN ATTEST TO THAT. IT WAS A FUN FILLED EVENT WITH MUSIC AND DANCING.
AND I TRIED MY BEST AT THE ELECTRIC SLIDE. [LAUGHTER].
DIDN'T DO VERY WELL, BUT I TRIED. COULDN'T GET THE HANG OF IT, BUT SO, BUT REALLY OUR SIX SENIOR CENTERS ARE AN AMAZING COUNTY RESOURCE THAT PROVIDES TIME FOR, FOR SENIORS, FOR REGULAR EVENTS, FOR GAMES, HEALTHY LUNCH, AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES.
AND IT'S REALLY, THEY'RE JUST INCREDIBLE RESOURCES WITHIN THE COUNTY. AND WE'RE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THEM. AND THEN WITH RESPECT TO THE PARK COMMISSION, I'LL SAY ALL OUR GOLF COURSES ARE IN FULL SWING.
SO WHEN I WROTE THAT, I THOUGHT THAT WAS [LAUGHTER] REALLY A PUN THERE.
AND THEN I MENTIONED BEFORE THAT OUR RESERVATION PROGRAM IS THROUGH A TEE TIME.
YOU CAN RESERVE TEE TIMES ONLINE. SO CERTAINLY MAKE YOUR TEE TIMES AND GET OUT AND HIT A FEW BALLS.
SO CERTAINLY A WHOLE HOST OF ACTIVITIES OCCURRING IN OUR PARKS.
SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER CAMPS AT THE LORD STIRLING STABLES, AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, AT THE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM.
SO THAT'S ANOTHER GREAT PROGRAM THAT WE OFFER HERE AT THE COUNTY.
BUT YOU CAN SEE THE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS OF THIS.
AND I WILL PUT A SHOUT OUT FOR CURRENT SEASONAL POSITIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE BOTH AT THE COLONIAL PARK TENNIS ATTENDANT, THERE'S A COLONIAL PARK MINI GOLF, PADDLE BOAT SPRAY PARK, FACILITY ATTENDANT, GREEN KNOLL TENNIS ATTENDANT, POOL OFFICE ATTENDANT, ASSISTANT, AND THEN A POOL CONCESSION ATTENDANT.
THERE'S ALSO POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR FULL TIME GARDENERS, AS WELL AS A FULL TIME OR PART TIME MAINTENANCE STAFF AND STABLE WORKERS AT THE LORD STIRLING STABLES. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, AT THE WARRENBROOK POOL, THERE'S A NEED OF LIFEGUARDS, WHICH IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. BUT THE SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LIFEGUARDS AT THE WARRENBROOK POOL FOR THE SUMMER SEASON.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE A LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION AND A CPR/AED CERTIFIED CERTIFICATION.
HOWEVER, FREE TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED UPON EMPLOYMENT.
SO AGAIN, WHAT LIFEGUARDS ARE IN GREAT NEED RIGHT NOW AND JUNE 6TH, STARTING AT 10:00, IS THE 51ST ANNUAL VAN DER GOOT GARDEN FESTIVAL ROSE GARDEN FESTIVAL IN COLONIAL PARK.
IT'S ALWAYS A BIG EVENT. STARTS EARLY, GOES THROUGH THE DAY.
I KNOW I'VE BEEN THERE IN THE RAIN, BUT IT CERTAINLY IS A GREAT A GREAT DAY.
AND THAT'S THE END OF MY REPORT. THANK YOU I HAD A GREAT TIME AT CHARTER DAY IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
THEY HAVE THEIR ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR THE TOWN.
IT WAS REALLY WELL ATTENDED. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL WEATHER.
THE FIFA BUS WAS THERE, WHICH WAS REALLY COOL.
IT'S PRETTY COOL. SO BIG EXCITEMENT FOR FIFA IN BERNARDS TOWNSHIP.
IN FACT, THEY AND I BELIEVE THIS IS ON OUR AGENDA TONIGHT.
WE ARE AWARDING SOME GRANTS FOR A BIG CELEBRATION THERE FOR THESE MICRO CELEBRATIONS FOR FIFA.
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GOVERNOR SHERRILL DECIDED TO CHANGE THINGS AROUND A LITTLE BIT.AND RATHER THAN HAVE ONE BIG CELEBRATION IN ONE PLACE, LET'S SPREAD THE WEALTH.
SO THERE'S DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
AND WE ARE BLESSED WITH TWO OF THEM, ONE IN BASKING RIDGE, WHICH WILL BE THE BATTLE OF BASKING RIDGE, BECAUSE MOROCCO AND BRAZIL ARE STAYING IN THAT VICINITY.
SO I'M STOKED I'LL BE THERE. I'M PRAYING FOR GOOD WEATHER.
I DON'T WANT LIKE SATURDAY OR SUNDAY'S WEATHER.
WE'RE HOPING FOR GOOD SUNNY DAYS FOR THE BATTLE OF BASKING RIDGE.
ALSO, HILLSBOROUGH IS DOING SOMETHING, SO WE GOT TO GET MORE DETAILS ON THAT.
BUT PLEASE GO OUT. CELEBRATE, PATRONIZE THE BUSINESSES SHOW THE TOWN THAT LOVE AND SHOW THE WORLD WE'RE THERE, WE'RE THERE. WE'RE LOUD AND STRONG AND REALLY NEW JERSEY, NOT NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY.
THIS IS THE NEW JERSEY FIFA. SO GREAT DAY. THANK YOU TO MAYOR MCCARTHY.
SHE ALWAYS HAS RUNS A GOOD SHIP OVER THERE. OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MET.
WE HAVE SOME THINGS ON OUR AGENDA TONIGHT AS A RESULT OF THAT MEETING.
IT WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED. THANK YOU TO MY FELLOW COMMISSIONERS FOR JOINING WITH THAT CELEBRATION.
WE HAD A LOVELY EVENT AS PROMISED, SHORT AND SWEET, BUT SHOWING OUR LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY THAT THEY ARE INDEED WELCOME AND WE THRIVE BECAUSE OF THEM IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
AND THAT IS. OH, AND I ALSO WENT ON A BUS TOUR ON FRIDAY TO SEE THE HIGHLANDS REGION, WHICH INCLUDES FIVE OF OUR SOMERSET COUNTY TOWNS, AS I AM NOW ON THE HIGHLANDS COUNCIL. SO THAT WAS VERY ENLIGHTENING TO SEE THAT FIRSTHAND.
SORRY. OH, YES BUT IN CASE WE NEED ANY MORE EXPLANATION. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THIS BOARD APPROVED MONIES FOR THE HOWE FARMSTEAD.
AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH GRANTS THROUGH A LOCAL NONPROFIT TO IMPLEMENT THE RENOVATION.
AND IT'S JUST BEAUTIFUL. I MEAN, I SAW THIS HOUSE WHEN IT WAS REALLY TRASHED.
IT WAS JUST VANDALIZED. AND IT I DON'T EVEN WANT TO SAY WHAT I THINK WAS GOING ON IN THAT HOUSE.
BUT SUFFICE IT TO SAY, IT DID NOT LOOK LIKE THIS.
AND THEY ARE DOING THE WHOLE TEAM. OUR TEAM AT C&H, THE NONPROFIT.
AND IT'S THE. I DON'T WANT TO GET THEIR NAME WRONG.
KELL DO WE HAVE OTHER ONES? LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AT, WOULD YOU LOOK AT THIS? THIS IS THE BARN.
IT'S PHENOMENAL. AND WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE. RIGHT? ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS JOSEPHINE? SO WONDERFUL TO SEE IT SO YEAH, SO I WANTED TO SHARE THAT WITH THE COMMISSIONERS BECAUSE THE FAMILY HAD COME AND SENT A LETTER.
REMEMBER? IT'S BEEN YEARS. SO AS WITH EVERYTHING IN GOVERNMENT, IT TAKES US A LITTLE WHILE TO DO THINGS, BUT IT GETS DONE ON A MAYBE A SNAIL'S PACE, BUT IT GETS DONE AND THIS IS WHAT WE SEE FROM IT.
IT'S JUST STUNNING. SO THANK YOU. I WANTED TO SHARE THAT WITH YOU.
ALL OF WHAT WE GOT DONE. SO THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME OF THAT ONE TOO AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. [LAUGHTER]. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MARANO.
THE ONE STOP CAREER TRAINING SERVICES CENTER DIRECT SERVICES MANAGER CHRIS PEAKE WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE GARDEN STATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING ASSOCIATION, A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT IS MADE UP OF ONE STOP DIRECTORS, OPERATORS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD DIRECTORS FROM ACROSS THE STATE.
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THE STATE. WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO SEE HIM STEP INTO THIS LEADERSHIP ROLE, WHERE HE'LL HELP LOCAL WORKFORCE AREAS STATEWIDE IN MEETING THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF BOTH BUSINESS AND JOB SEEKERS. AS OF LAST WEDNESDAY, OUR HUMAN SERVICES COMMUNITY CANVASING TEAM HAS KNOCKED ON 14,907 920 DOORS, CONTACTED 1861 RESIDENTS AND DISTRIBUTED 152 NARCAN KITS. THE MOST COMMONLY DISCUSSED RESOURCES AT THE DOORS INCLUDED SENIOR SERVICES, UTILITY ASSISTANCE, HEALTH CARE COVERAGE, FOOD ASSISTANCE AND TRANSPORTATION.ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM IS THAT THE CANVASSERS ARE ABLE TO CONNECT RESIDENTS IN NEED WITH THE EXPERTS WHO WORK IN OUR HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION, WHO ARE ABLE TO DIRECTLY FOLLOW UP AND HELP WHERE NEEDED.
AND FINALLY, THE STIGMA FREE CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD NEXT THURSDAY AT RVCC.
MADAM DIRECTOR, THAT IS MY REPORT. WE HAVE SEVERAL PROCLAMATIONS AND WE WILL START WITH THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION, FOLLOWED BY THE AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
YAY! [LAUGHTER] WE HAD A GOOD LEAD IN WITH THE HOW PROPERTY TOO.
YES. COME ON IN. ARE YOU COMING UP, PLANNING DIRECTOR? [LAUGHTER] OKAY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE FULL HERE.
OKAY, SO LET'S READ THIS UP. ALL RIGHT. WE'VE GOT LARISSA PAXTON FROM OUR PLANNING DIVISION AND JOSEPHINE TARANTO, OUR HISTORIAN FOR THE COUNTY.
AND WHEREAS THE PRESERVATION OF OUR COLLECTIVE HISTORY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF ALL AMERICANS, ALLOWING US TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE EVENTS, PEOPLE, PLACES, AND IDEAS THAT HAVE SHAPED OUR COUNTY, STATE, AND NATION. AND WHEREAS THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BEGAN CELEBRATING NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK IN 1973 AND WAS RECOGNIZED BY A PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION, WHICH READ IN PART AS THE PACE OF CHANGE ACCELERATES IN THE WORLD AROUND US, AMERICANS MORE THAN EVER NEED A LIVELY AWARENESS OF OUR ROOTS AND ORIGINS IN THE PAST ON WHICH TO BASE OUR SENSE OF IDENTITY IN THE PRESENT AND OUR DIRECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.
AND WHEREAS THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION HAS PROFESSED THIS YEAR'S THEME TO BE, ALL PEOPLE ARE CREATED EQUAL AND INVITES US TO CELEBRATE THE NATION'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY ON THESE WORDS SPOKEN IN THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
AND WHEREAS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY HAS RECOGNIZED AND PROTECTED HISTORIC PROPERTY SINCE 1970, WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW JERSEY REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ACT.
AND WHERE IS THE SOMERSET COUNTY CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THEN CALLED FREEHOLDERS IN 1983 WITH THE MISSION TO EDUCATE AND ENRICH THE LIVES OF OUR COUNTY RESIDENTS BY PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT PRESERVE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
AND WHEREAS, THE SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM, ADMINISTERED BY THE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION AND COUNTY PLANNING STAFF, PROVIDES FUNDING TO MUNICIPALITIES AND NONPROFITS FOR ACQUISITION, STABILIZATION, REHABILITATION, RESTORATION, AND PRESERVATION OF THE COUNTY'S SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC RESOURCES.
SO NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM MAY 2026 AS NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND CALL UPON OUR RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE, PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTY SIGNED BY YOUR FIVE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU SOME WORDS? SURE. WELL, IN THIS VERY SPECIAL YEAR OF OUR 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATION'S INDEPENDENCE, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACROSS THE COUNTY.
WE ARE ABOUT TO ENTER OUR 27TH YEAR FOR THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
YOU'LL BE HEARING FROM US SHORTLY. [LAUGHTER].
SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. AWESOME. THANK YOU GUYS TOO.
SO WE'RE GOING TO GET SOME PICTURES. SO HANG ON.
AND LARISSA ON THIS SIDE OF ME
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ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU NEXT WE HAVE OF THE AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH. AND THAT IS THE ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH. THANKS FOR BEING HERE TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION.WHERE WE HAVE SELECTED TO HONOR ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER.
AANHPI AND THIS YEAR'S THEME. POWER AND UNITY STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIVE ACTION, COMMUNITY BRIDGE BUILDING AND LEVERAGING SHARED STRENGTH WITHIN ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES. AND WHEREAS AANHPI INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES HAVE CALLED AMERICA HOME FOR GENERATIONS AND ARE A VALUED PART OF THE HISTORY OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY AND A DEFINING FORCE IN THE SOUL OF OUR NATION.
AND WHEREAS THIS YEAR'S THEME ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN CULTURAL EVENTS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND VOLUNTEERISM, REFLECTING THE SHARED LEGACY AND ONGOING CONTRIBUTIONS OF AANHPI COMMUNITIES TO AMERICAN SOCIETY.
AND WHEREAS, RESIDENTS OF THE AANHPI ANCESTRY, LIVE IN ALL SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITIES AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN ARTS AND CULTURE, BUSINESS, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, FAITH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS, MENTORSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING.
AND WHEREAS, RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESSES OF RESIDENTS OF ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER ANCESTRY ENCOURAGES THEIR ONGOING PARTICIPATION AND CONTINUED ACCOMPLISHMENTS. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZE MAY 2026 AS ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, AND WE URGE ALL CITIZENS TO BE AWARE OF AND APPLAUD THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESSES OF THOSE SHARING AANHPI ANCESTRY AND SIGNED ON THIS DAY BY YOUR FIVE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE].
I'M HONORED TO BE HERE, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND THE AWARD.
[LAUGHTER]. THERE YOU GO AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
NO [LAUGHTER]. I'M VERY SHY. ON TUESDAYS BECAUSE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS [LAUGHTER].
WHEREAS MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA WAS FOUNDED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN 1949 AND HAS LED THE EFFORT ANNUALLY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY, PROMOTING MENTAL WELLNESS NATIONWIDE, APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 5 ADULTS IN THE U.S.
EXPERIENCE MENTAL ILLNESS EACH YEAR, AND HALF OF ALL MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS SHOW FIRST SIGNS BEFORE A PERSON TURNS 14 YEARS OLD, WITH THREE QUARTERS BEGINNING BEFORE AGE 24. AND AMONG ADULTS IN THE U.S.
MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF STUDENTS AGED 14 AND OLDER WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION WHO ARE SERVED BY SPECIAL EDUCATION DROP OUT, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST DROPOUT RATE OF ANY DISABILITY GROUP AND ADULTS IN THE U.S.
LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES DIE ON AVERAGE 25 YEARS EARLIER THAN OTHERS, LARGELY DUE TO PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS REMAINS A MAJOR BARRIER TO SEEKING HELP, OFTEN DELAYING OR PREVENTING INDIVIDUALS FROM RECEIVING LIFE CHANGING CARE AND SUPPORT.
AND THE 2026 THEME FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.
MORE GOOD DAYS TOGETHER, ENCOURAGES OUR COMMUNITY TO REFLECT ON WHAT A GOOD DAY LOOKS LIKE, BOTH FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS, AND WE CAN USE THAT INSIGHT TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO PROPER SUPPORT WHILE SHAPING ADVOCACY,
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EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO MAKE MORE GOOD DAYS POSSIBLE FOR ALL.NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM THAT MAY 2026 IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN SOMERSET COUNTY. WE CALL UPON ALL CITIZENS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS, BUSINESSES, HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS IN SOMERSET COUNTY TO WORK COLLECTIVELY TO HAVE MORE GOOD DAYS TOGETHER.
SIGNED BY YOUR FIVE COMMISSIONERS. THERE YOU GO [APPLAUSE]. TO DELEGATE IT TO ME. [LAUGHTER] YES.
HI. MY NAME IS GUY [INAUDIBLE]. I'M THE CHAIR OF THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW, BUT IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL. I WANT YOU PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ONE OF THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH BOARDS AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OF ANY COUNTY.
AND I'M NOT SAYING THAT BECAUSE I'M ON THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD.
IT'S BEEN PROVEN BY OUTSIDE PEOPLE TALKING TO US AND SAYING HOW GOOD WE ARE.
SO IT'S THESE PEOPLE AND THE OTHERS ON THE BOARD, LIKE DAVE, THAT ARE VERY ACTIVE IN THIS PROCESS AND MAKE SURE THAT THE CLIENT COMES FIRST, THAT OUR RESIDENTS COME FIRST.
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT. SO I'M PROUD TO BE HERE.
I WANT I WANT THE BOARD TO KNOW YOU'VE GOT A GREAT GROUP.
THE PRODUCTION RATE OF WHAT WE'RE WORRIED ABOUT IS TREMENDOUS, AND WE'VE BEEN KNOWN TO ASK THE STATE TO GET A LITTLE KICK IN THE BUTT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE [LAUGHTER] TO GET ACTIVE ON SOME THINGS, ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT ACROSS EVERYBODY.
SO I PERSONALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY HERE BECAUSE IT'S WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU AS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, I HAVE THE EXTRAORDINARY PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE OF LEADING AN INCREDIBLE TEAM.
TEAMS ACROSS OUR DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING OUR WONDERFUL FOLKS FROM OUR OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING, INCLUDING OUR DIVISION DIRECTOR, ALYSSA, WHO IS NOW WORKING WITH US ON OPIOID WORK AS WELL AS OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
KARISSA, OUR NEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NAVIGATOR WHO HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, AND LISETTE TURNER, WHO IS ALSO OUR MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR. AND I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT ALSO REMIND EVERYBODY AND THANK ALL OF OUR COMMISSIONERS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR STAFF, OF THE WAYS IN WHICH WE'VE TRIED TO GROW AND EXPAND AND REACH OUT FARTHER INTO THE COMMUNITY, AND PARTICULARLY FOR THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER.
IT IS THE ONLY CENTER OF ITS KIND IN ACROSS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
I LOVE TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT WE DO HERE IN SOMERSET AND THEY DON'T BELIEVE ME.
LIKE, REALLY? [LAUGHTER] AND IT REALLY IS A TESTAMENT TO THE COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND ALSO THE REDUCTION OF STIGMA THAT SO MANY OF THE FOLKS THAT WE WORK WITH EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE WORK THAT WE ARE DOING.
THIS IS FOR YOU GUYS. WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A PICTURE. ALL RIGHT.
WE HAVE ONE LAST RECOGNITION. JESSICA PAOLINI.
COME ON UP. DOCTOR PAOLINI. IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU.
WE GET TO HONOR JESSICA PAOLINI WITH THE PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
THE ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE NOMINATED JESSICA FOR TWO REASONS.
JESSICA GRADUATED. JESSICA WAS NAMED AMONG THE INNOVATIVE 100 HONOREES FOR NEW JERSEY, AND SHE RECENTLY GRADUATED WITH HER PHD FROM RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, EDWARD J. BLOUSTEIN SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND PUBLIC POLICY.
I KNOW IT WELL. [APPLAUSE]. THAT'S GREAT. CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE INNOVATE 100 ON MAY 3RD, 2026, MORE THAN 300 LEADERS FROM ACROSS NEW JERSEY'S INNOVATION ECONOMY WERE HONORED DURING THE THIRD ANNUAL INNOVATE 100 CELEBRATION AT THE STATE THEATER IN NEW JERSEY, NEW BRUNSWICK.
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THE EVENT, ORGANIZED BY INNOVATION PLUS, HONORS EXECUTIVES, ENTREPRENEURS, RESEARCHERS, EDUCATORS, AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO HAVE HELPED DRIVE INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE STATE.HONOREES REPRESENTED A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING TECHNOLOGY, BANKING, LIFE SCIENCES, HEALTHCARE, ACADEMIA, GOVERNMENT, ENERGY, MANUFACTURING, FINANCE, LEGAL SERVICES, SPORTS MARKETING AND NONPROFITS.
ACCORDING TO THE ORGANIZERS, THE INNOVATE 100 INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS BOTH INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AND COLLABORATION ACROSS NEW JERSEY'S INNOVATION SYSTEM ECOSYSTEM, INCLUDING STARTUPS, CORPORATIONS, UNIVERSITIES, NONPROFITS, AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES.
WE'RE CERTAINLY PLEASED TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND CELEBRATE OUR VERY OWN DOCTOR JESSICA PAOLINI, WHO WAS RECOGNIZED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SOMERSET COUNTY AND FOR GRADUATING WITH HER PHD. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. SO OUR AWARD IS. I DON'T KNOW IF IT GETS YOU A PARKING SPACE OR NOT.
[LAUGHTER]. I GOT YOUR SPOT AND IT SAYS THE SOMERSET COUNTY EMPLOYEE COMMITTEE RECOGNITION COMMITTEE PRESENTS THIS PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CERTIFICATE TO JESSICA PAOLINI IN RECOGNITION AND SINCERE APPRECIATION OF HER OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN FURTHERING THE CAUSE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.
SO CONGRATULATIONS, JESSICA. [APPLAUSE]. THANK YOU.
I'LL PUT THIS DOWN. I'M GOING TO JUMP IN NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR JUNE 1ST, 2026.
FOR AUTHORIZATION TO IMPLEMENT A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT SURCHARGE, IMPLEMENT A WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT CHARGE AND IMPLEMENT A RESILIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM INVESTMENT CHARGE. SO THIS EVENING WE HAVE FINANCE COMING FORWARD, COMBINING A BOND. GOOD EVENING. RESOLUTION 26-1100 IS A COMBINING BOND RESOLUTION AGGREGATING THE PRINCIPAL SUM OF $30,134,000 AUTHORIZED BY BOND ORDINANCES HERETOFORE ADOPTED TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST OF VARIOUS GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET INTO ONE CONSOLIDATED ISSUE OF BONDS PROVIDING THE FORM, MATURITIES AND OTHER DETAILS OF THIS CONSOLIDATED ISSUE.
SO THE BREAKDOWN FOR THIS $30,000 IS $23,000,800 OF IT IS GOING TO BE FOR THE COUNTY. AND THE CHAPTER 12 BOND IS $6,334,000.
AS PREVIOUS. SO THIS MAKES UP EIGHT BOND ORDINANCES.
SEVEN OF THEM ARE THE COUNTY. SO WE ARE GOING TO COMBINE THESE INTO ONE ORDINANCE SO THAT WE CAN GO OUT TO DO A BOND SALE, WHICH WE'RE ANTICIPATING WILL OCCUR JUNE 24TH WITH A CLOSING DATE OF JULY 15TH.
AND THEN THIS IS FOR MOSTLY THIS IS PRIMARILY FOR PROJECTS THAT THE COUNTY HAS ALREADY COMPLETED.
SO WE'RE REIMBURSING OURSELVES EXCEPT FOR THE CHAPTER 12, WHICH IS 50% PAID BACK BY THE STATE AND 50% PAID BACK BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND HUNTERDON.
SO WE DO THIS BECAUSE WE'RE CONSOLIDATING IT TO GET A LOWER INTEREST RATE? IS THAT? NO, WE'RE CONSOLIDATING. SO WE HAVE MULTIPLE.
WE'RE ALLOWED TO DO SO AFTER THE ESTOPPEL PERIOD.
AND SO WHAT I DO IS I WILL DO AN ANALYSIS OF WHAT WE HAVE PREVIOUSLY SPENT IN PRIOR YEARS.
[00:35:07]
NOW GOING TO GO OUT TO BOND FOR. OKAY. OKAY. THANK YOU.THANK YOU FOR THAT. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THIS RESOLUTION 26-1100 TO THE AGENDA FOR JUNE 9TH? SO MOVED. SECOND. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER. YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO.
YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. YES YES. RESOLUTION 26-1101. AMENDING R26-500 CORRECTING TITLE OF PROJECT FOR APPROVING THE PROPERTY PARCEL MAP AND DESIGNATING ROAD AREAS TO BE ACQUIRED FOR HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE PURPOSES, AND AUTHORIZING THE EARLY APPRAISAL OF LANDS AND TITLE SEARCHES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE G1405 LLOYD ROAD OVER INDIAN GROVE BROOK.
BERNARDSVILLE BOROUGH CONTRACT 26006. 26-1102 AMENDING R26-804 CORRECTING TITLE OF PROJECT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNTY BRIDGE NUMBER G1405 LLOYD ROAD OVER INDIAN GROVE BROOK, BERNARDSVILLE BOROUGH AS CONTRACT 26006.
RESOLUTION 26-1103 AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE A CASH MAINTENANCE SURETY TO ANTHONY GIRALDI DOING BUSINESS AS GIRALDI BUILDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,060.55 FOR A TOTAL DISBURSEMENT, NOT TO EXCEED $1,060.55.
RESOLUTION 26-1104 AUTHORIZING A GRANT TO THE TOWNSHIP OF HILLSBOROUGH FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY.
FROM THE SOMERSET COUNTY OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND FOR WOODFIELD ESTATES ANN VAN MIDDLESWORTH PARK TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.
GOOD EVENING. 26-1105 IS AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ADDENDUM NO.
1 TO THE MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT S006 BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS TO MODIFY THE AGREEMENT PREVIOUSLY ENTERED INTO WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF THE COURTS FOR CERTAIN SERVICES THAT ARE PERFORMED BY THE COUNTY FOR THE SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, SOMERSET COUNTY, VICINAGE.
THIS ADDENDUM COVERS THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027.
1106 IS AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS AND EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000. THIS IS SOMETHING WE WORKED ON IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PARK COMMISSION.
THEY'LL BE MANAGING THIS PROGRAM. IT'S TO DO LIKE A THE START OF A TREE INVENTORY PLAN.
RESOLUTION 26-1107. THIS IS AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS GRANTS MADE WITH OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY IN CRISIS FOR HOLISTIC NATURAL RECOVERY PROGRAMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 AND EVIDENCE BASED IN-CLASSROOM EDUCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000. ONCE ADDICTED DOING BUSINESS AS HUNTERDON HOPE SEEKERS FOR GRIEF HEALING AND RECOVERY WORKSHOPS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,500, FEEDING HANDS FOR FOOD DELIVERY TO HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.
TRI-COUNTY CARE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION FOR LEAD ADVENTURE GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.
THE FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY FOR A DISTRIBUTION PROJECT WITH RESOURCE LINKAGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 AND EMPOWER SOMERSET FOR PAWS FOR HOPE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FOR 2026 SERVICES.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $33,500. RESOLUTION 26-1108 IS AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION OF APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS AND CODE BLUE CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
DIVISION OF FAMILY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2027.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $432,712. NO MATCH REQUIRED.
[00:40:08]
JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF FAMILY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2027. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $42,271.26-1110 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH MUTUAL INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WITH RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF HEALTH, INCLUDING BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BRANCHBURG.
UPON RECIPROCAL TERMS, EFFECTIVE DATE WOULD BE APRIL 1ST, 2026.
26-1111 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE STRENGTHENING LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS CDC PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT.
GRANT PERIOD IS JULY 1ST, 2026 TO NOVEMBER 30TH, 2027.
NO MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED. 26-1112 AUTHORIZING THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE GRANT 27OPR.
UP TO $260,000 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027.
YEAR ONE OF THE TWO YEAR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, WHICH WILL CONTINUE INTO FISCAL YEAR 2028.
NO MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED. ALL RIGHT.
26-1113 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE CLEAN COMMUNITY GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,111.88.
AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT CM-COM-96-24 TO MILLENNIUM STRATEGIES FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES TO THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET FOR THE FIRST OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR EXTENSION, WITH TWO REMAINING TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $24,000.
26-1115. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR JCC-19-26 TO INTERBORO PACKAGING, UNIPAK, AGNI ENTERPRISES, UNITED SALES CORP, CENTRAL POLY-BAG CORP, OFFICE CONCEPT GROUPS AND PAPER ENTERPRISES FOR OPEN END CO-OPERATIVE PRICING BID FOR JANITORIAL SUPPLIES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY JAIL AND ALL DIVISIONS. FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
26-1116 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING AND DESIGN, INC.
HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY FOR VARIOUS COUNTY GOLF COURSE HYDRO RAKING-PHASE 2 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $53,210.
26-1117 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO NAJARIAN ASSOCIATES, EATONTOWN, NEW JERSEY FOR 1912 WASHINGTON VALLEY ROAD PIPE SURVEY AND REPLACEMENT DESIGN AND BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $78,990.
26-1118 AWARD OF CONTRACT. 260042 GSP PROPERTIES LLC, MENDHAM, NEW JERSEY FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS TO VARIOUS BUILDING STRUCTURES LOCATED IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
IT'S THE FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,138,692.71.
26-1119 AWARD OF CONTRACTS CC-0108-24R TO R.S KNAPP CO INC.
OPEN ENDED CONTRACT. THIRD YEAR OF A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,485.
26-1120 AWARD OF CONTRACT 26007 TO H.C. CONSTRUCTORS, INC.
SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY. FOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OF BRIDGES, STRUCTURES.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN SOMERSET COUNTY. FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,005,585.50.
RESOLUTION 26-1121. THIS IS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT.
[00:45:04]
CC-0156-26R TO SOMERSET COUNTY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IN BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY FOR YOGA SERVICES.YEAR ONE, WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND FOR A SECOND YEAR TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.
26-1122. AWARD A CONTRACT TO SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP.
FOR SHI CHECK POINT FIREWALL, SUBSCRIPTION AND MAINTENANCE UTILIZING NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE CONTRACT CK04-24-38. COVERAGE TERM IS 6/26/2026 THROUGH 6/25/2027.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $126,072.17.
26-1123 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0169-25 FOR FIRE AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES FOR ANNUAL INSPECTIONS, TESTING, REFILLING, REPAIR, REPLACEMENT OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AT VARIOUS SOMERSET COUNTY FACILITIES AND VEHICLES, AND SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION FACILITIES.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $10,150.
OKAY. 26-1124 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0093-25 TO REPUBLIC SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY, LLC TO REFUSE.
FOR REFUSE AND DISPOSAL SERVICES FOR SOMERSET COUNTY AND SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.
OKAY 26-1125 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0053-24R2 FOR FASTENAL COMPANY FROM WINONA, MINNESOTA FOR BALING WIRE CONTRACT FOR RECYCLING PROGRAM UTILIZING THE SECOND SIX MONTH OPTION TO EXTEND.
26-1126 AWARD OF CONTRACTS CC-0161-26 TO KM PRINTING, LLC.
STRATEGIC FACTORY, OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND FOR PRINTING, FOLDING AND MAILING SERVICES FOR A DIRECT MAILING OF THE RECYCLING SCHEDULES AND CALENDAR STICKER SHEETS NOT TO EXCEED $42,295. 26-1127 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-9100-26R TO TRIUS, INC. FARMINGDALE, NEW JERSEY FOR ONE SELF-CONTAINED HYDRAULIC POST DRIVER WITH OPTION TWO WITH OPTIONAL DRILL ATTACHMENT FOR TWO UNDERBODY TOOLBOXES MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED ON A 2025 INTERNATIONAL HV507 4X2 TRUCK SUPPLIED BY SOMERSET COUNTY FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY ROADS AND BRIDGE DIVISION.
CONTRACT NUMBER CC 90 -910026R, NOT TO EXCEED $209,499.
26-1128. AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0116-25 FOR ORCHARD HOLDINGS FOR MANASQUAN, NEW JERSEY AND SIGNAL CONTROL PRODUCTS, LLC AT BRANCHBURG, NEW JERSEY FOR A SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR ELECTRICAL, UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES AND APPURTENANCES CONTRACT NOT TO NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.
THEN, BEFORE YOU LEAVE, CAN YOU BACK UP TO 1126? YEP. IS THIS A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAN WE HAD LAST YEAR? YES IT IS. THANK YOU. THE COMPANY THAT WAS ON, WE THEY COULDN'T SATISFY THE CONTRACT.
RIGHT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE. THANK YOU. YEAH WE'RE GOOD. WE'LL GET IT THIS YEAR PROMISE.
[LAUGHTER] BY THE WAY, I'M NOT A FAN OF THIS LITTLE THING HERE. [LAUGHTER] SORRY. ALL RIGHT.
26-1129 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0016-25 AND CC-0016-25S BARNWELL'S HOUSE AND TIRE, INC. FROM FAIRFIELD NEW JERSEY CUSTOM BANDAG AND FROM HIGHTSTOWN, INTERCITY TIRE AND AUTO CENTER, ELIZABETH SERVICE, TIRE TRUCK, TIRE TRACK CENTERS FROM EDISON AND RECAPPING TIRES AND SOLID TIRE REPLACEMENT.
SECOND YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.
RESOLUTION 26-1130 FOR THE COUNTY CLERK. ITS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO R.S KNAPP COMPANY FOR XEROGRAPHIC BOND PAPER ROLL TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $28.66.
26-1131. APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR RED BANK VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL, HILLSBOROUGH, $576.55 AND NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE FOR $1,667.
FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,243.55.
[00:50:09]
1132 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION 2402 AND 40. 436 TO RESCIND THE COUNTY HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FUNDS AND AMEND CERTIFICATION TO FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,800 AND 1133 IS AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-2402 AND 26-436 TO REALLOCATE COUNTY HISTORIC.COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS TO THE 2026 COUNTY HISTORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTEES. TOTAL AMOUNT $5,800 FROM THE COUNTY.
THE NEW JERSEY HISTORIC COMMISSION. RESOLUTION 26-1134 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR TWO PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO BETTINA SHOLK.
CYX XS-0001-23 AND CY-XS-0001-25. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,900.
26-1135 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES, LLC. ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA FOR SITE WIDE TESTING SERVICES.
SOMERSET COUNTY. BELLE MEAD DEPOT, HILLSBOROUGH, NEW JERSEY CONTRACT CC-0130-23R TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $173,284.
26-1136 IS THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY.
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,319.32.
IT'S OKAY [LAUGHTER]. THE NEXT ONE IS IN NEW JERSEY. INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $169,061 INTO THE 2026 COUNTY BUDGET.
IN THE AMOUNT OF $285,849 INTO THE 2026 COUNTY BUDGET, THERE'S AN IN-KIND MATCH APPROPRIATED IN THE PROSECUTOR'S SALARY AND WAGE BUDGET. SO WE HAVE THE FARMERS MARKET. DO YOU HAVE THAT ON YOUR SLIDES? THAT'S WHAT I HAVE ON THE AGENDA. THAT'S WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA 20. 1136 I THOUGHT MAYBE YOU ADDED THAT LATER.
YEAH. 1136 IS THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FARMERS MARKET GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF 2750.
IS THAT WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE? OKAY. THAT'S WHAT I HAVE.
THE FIRST ONE MUST BE YEAH. OKAY. 26-1139 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS. FIRST OF ALL, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.
THIS IS ANOTHER GRANT WE ARE MANAGING ON BEHALF OF PARKS.
SO WE HAVE THE FUNDING IN OUR FINANCE SYSTEM.
THIS IS A GRANT WHERE THEY ARE BUILDING CRICKET PITCHES AT NORTH BRANCH PARK.
26-1140 IS AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO PKF O'CONNOR DAVIES IN CRANFORD, NEW JERSEY. 30 IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000. AND NW FINANCIAL GROUP, BLOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $75,000. AND 1141 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFICATION OF THE SAME.
RESOLUTION 26-1142 AS AN APPROVAL TO PAY. CONFIRMING ORDER FOR THE.
MARTIN AND EDITH STEIN FOR MARTIN AND EDITH STEIN FOR KOSHER MEALS FOR APRIL 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $480. 26-1143 IS AMENDING AND CANCELING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,000. MARTIN LUTHER KING YOUTH CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,750, OUR HOUSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,065. RARITAN BOROUGH IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,472.
[00:55:04]
VISIONS AND PATHWAYS IN THE AMOUNT OF $104,100.AND YOUTH CONSULTATION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,717.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED 205,000 $205,104. JUST TAKE A STEP BACK.
WE'RE AMENDING AND CANCELING THAT BECAUSE IT'S COMING LATER ON THAT WE'RE BRINGING IT BACK ON WHERE? THESE WERE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS THAT WERE PROGRAMED IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
OKAY. YEAH. GOT IT. SO IN THEORY, THEN ALL OF THESE PEOPLE CAN REAPPLY FOR THE FUTURE FUND OKAY. ABSOLUTELY. YEAH. EACH ONE IS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT STORY.
BUT YES, THAT MONEY WILL GO BACK OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY.
SO 26-1144 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS, AND CODE BLUE SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1ST THROUGH MARCH 31ST, 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $181,898. 26-1145 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO UNIQUE SECURITY AND CONSULTING SERVICES.
BRANCHBURG, NEW JERSEY FOR SECURITY GUARD SERVICES AT 27 WARREN STREET FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $6,688. 26-1146 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO ARGO TRANSLATION, INC. CONTRACT CC-0170-25 FOR RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER VIDEO AND AUDIO TRANSLATION SERVICES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $7,000.
26-1147 AUTHORIZING THE CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR QUALITY SYSTEMS, INC. CONTRACT CC-0121-20 FOR RICHARD HALL QUALIFACTS ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM.
THIS IS THE SIXTH YEAR OF A SEVEN-YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $101,500.
26-1148 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO RUTGERS.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $75. 26-1149 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO MIRION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DOSIMETRY RINGS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,181.56. JOHN. I'M SORRY. I'M ASKING A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
WHAT'S A DOSIMETRY RING? YOU KNOW, I WAS REALLY HOPING YOU WEREN'T GOING TO ASK ME THAT.
[LAUGHTER]. I'M SO SORRY. BECAUSE I HAD TO. ACTUALLY, I HAVE NO IDEA, BUT I WILL FIND OUT FOR YOU.
OKAY. IT'S PROBABLY PART OF THE PROCESS OF DOING ONE OF THEIR WHEN THEY'RE DOING AN INSPECTION, I'M ASSUMING IT'S PART OF A GAUGING SYSTEM. SO THAT'S MY BEST GUESS.
BUT I'LL GET BACK TO YOU. OKAY. THANK YOU. OKAY.
ALL RIGHT. 26-1150 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE AND PROTECTION FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $53,862.34. 1151 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO HAIG SERVICE CORPORATION OF GREEN BROOK AND JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, NOT TO EXCEED $6,052. 1152 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR MILLENNIUM MECHANICAL LLC.
LITTLE FALLS, NEW JERSEY, FOR HVAC REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $20,144.
26-1153 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY, PA CONCENTRA MEDICAL CENTERS AND THIS IS ALL FOR FIT TESTING AND AUTO AUDIOMETRIC TESTING NOT TO EXCEED $140.
1154 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO BAYSHORE RECYCLING CORPORATION FROM ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NEW JERSEY, FOR COMMODITIES NOT TO EXCEED $7,336.63.
1155 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO SCHULMAN, WIEGMANN AND ASSOCIATES FROM PISCATAWAY FOR THE ATTENDANCE OF THE COURT REPORTER AND THE TRANSCRIPT FEE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEW TECH RECYCLING, INC.
ON APRIL 14TH, 2026, NOT TO EXCEED $390. 26-1153.
[01:00:06]
SUMMERVILLE NOT TO EXCEED $500. 1158 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO FLEET DATA SYSTEMS FROM SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA. NOT TO EXCEED $3,005.26-1159 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS FOR VARIOUS VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $11,473.88. THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE ABOVE RESOLUTIONS 26-1101 THROUGH 26-1159 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR JUNE 9TH MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. BUT RECUSING FROM 1124 ABSTENTION FROM 26-1124 NOTED. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.
YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION.
RESOLUTION 26-1060. AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE TOWNSHIP OF BERNARDS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF FIFA GRANT FUNDING. 26-1061 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND THE TOWNSHIP OF BERNARDS TOWNSHIP OF WARREN AND ATLANTIC HEALTH CARE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF FIFA GRANT FUNDING.
26-1062 AUTHORIZING A NOVATION AGREEMENT TO FBT GIBBONS LLP, FORMERLY GIBBONS P.C., AND 26-1063 AUTHORIZING SEPARATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY AND SUSANNE DUDEK, 26-1064 AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD YEAR OF A FOUR YEAR GRANT FUNDED CONTRACT FOR CAREER TRAINING SERVICES WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2025 TO JUNE 30TH, 2026.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,214,588.92.
26-1065 AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING FOR THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SCAAP FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $500,000. 26-1066. AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM DOING BUSINESS AS NEOGOV CONTRACT.
JC-0023-25R FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE SOFTWARE TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,511.53. RESOLUTION 26-1067 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE HON COMPANY, LLC.
UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 25-C0MG-94171. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $33,816.89. RESOLUTION 26-1068. AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING TO APPLY TO THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF THE FOOD SECURITY ADVOCATE FOR THE BUILDING, EXPANDED ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS SCHOOL MEALS OR THE BEANS PROGRAM GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR TO COMMENCE UPON APPROVAL FROM OFSA AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING IF AWARDED. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $30,000 AND NO MATCH REQUIRED.
26-1069 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO T-MOBILE BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON $1,465 AND OUTFRONT MEDIA, FAIRFIELD, NEW JERSEY $15,040. TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $16,505.
RESOLUTION 26-1070 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORENSIC PHONE EXAMINATION.
EXTRACTION SOLUTIONS FROM CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.
VIRGINIA UTILIZING NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT 19-COMP-00601.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $58,173.30.
RESOLUTION 26-1071. AWARD OF RFQ-0098-26 TO THE ILLUSION MAKER OF ANNVILLE, PA TO FURNISH AND DELIVER EDUCATIONAL SHOWS FOR SCHOOLS, ADULT CENTERS AND SUMMER CAMPS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $22,000.
[01:05:08]
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE RESOLUTIONS 26-1060 THROUGH 26-1071 TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR REGULAR MEETING? MOTION YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. THIS IS A PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING.
ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK? COME UP FORWARD.
COME FORWARD. STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. FIVE MINUTES.
NO YIELDING OF TIME. NO COMING UP A SECOND TIME.
WE ALSO ENTERTAIN QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS VIA TELEPHONE AND EMAIL.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC? SO MOVED.
IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND AYE. MY NAME IS GREG. I'M STEPHANIE, [LAUGHTER] AND WE'RE JUST HERE TO SAY THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR INTERGENERATIONAL PROM. AND NO, SARA WOULD NOT BE HERE TONIGHT, BUT SARA WAS A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE PROM, AND WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS NOW SINCE 2008. WE'RE VERY HAPPY AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND MR. MARANO, WE DIDN'T SEE YOU THIS YEAR. WE'RE DISAPPOINTED. [LAUGHTER]. AND DIRECTOR ROBINSON, WE THOUGHT WE HOPE WE CAN GET MAYBE NEXT YEAR AND ANY OF YOU FOR.
THE INVITATION IS ALWAYS OPEN AND EXTENDED TO EVERYONE.
AND OVER 80 STUDENTS FROM BERNARDS HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERED.
AND IT WAS IT WAS JUST A SPECTACULAR EVENING IN PARIS.
SO WE HAVE A LITTLE. RUN DOWN THE LINE AND WE'LL THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WE'LL JUST LEAVE RIGHT FROM THERE. CAN YOU PROVIDE YOUR ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD FOR OUR CLERK? YES. THANK YOU STILL HAVE MY MUG. I HAVE MY MUG FROM BEFORE.
BYE, BYE ANY TELEPHONE OR EMAILS? ALL RIGHT. HEARING NONE.
SEEING NONE. THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? SO MOVED. SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.