[*A portion of this video is without audio*]
[Board of County Commissioners Agenda/Work Meeting on June 23, 2026.]
[00:04:57]
TESTING. KELLY. KELLY, SHE'S OUR MAN. JAMES JUST WENT INTO THE ROOM.
[00:05:07]
JAMES JUST WENT INTO. YEAH, WE HAVE SOUND JAMES.[LAUGHTER] SAYING, I LIKE OKAY. ALL RIGHT. WE'RE GOOD. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE POWER OUTAGE THE OTHER DAY.
ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. SO I DON'T THINK WE HAVE TO DO ROLL CALL AGAIN.
SO WE'LL MOVE RIGHT INTO OUR COMMISSION REPORTS.
THIS PAST WEEK WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AND ENGAGED WITH SEVERAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS ONE IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP AS WELL AS THE STOUTSBURG SOURLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM HAD THEIR ANNUAL JUNETEENTH EVENT.
SOME STELLAR PERFORMERS AND PERFORMANCES THROUGH MUSIC, POETRY AS WELL AS THE HISTORY OF THE AREA AND HOW BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THOSE THAT WERE ENSLAVED HAVE MADE HERE, NOT ONLY ACROSS THE U.S. AND THE WORLD, BUT RIGHT HERE IN SOMERSET COUNTY.
SO THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN PLANNING.
IT WAS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HIT, AND WE PRESENTED S KENDALL HALL, WHO IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF UBUNTU PAVILION CULTURAL CENTER RIGHT HERE IN SOMERVILLE. A RUTGERS GRAD, A SOMERVILLE NATIVE, PUTTING SOMERVILLE ON THE MAP AND MAKING SURE THE STORY AND LIFE OF PAUL ROBESON IS TOLD, AS OTHER PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY CLAIM ROBESON AS BEING A NATIVE SON, BUT HE WAS, HIS FORMATIVE YEARS WERE RIGHT HERE IN SOMERVILLE.
THE OFFICE OF YOUTH JUSTICE ATTENDED THE TURNING POINT ACADEMY ART SHOW THAT WAS HELD AT MIDDLESEX COUNTY JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER YESTERDAY, AND THIS EVENT FEATURED ARTISTIC WORKS CREATED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE FACILITY AND NEARLY THREE DECADES THAT SOMERSET COUNTY AND MIDDLESEX COUNTY HAVE MAINTAINED A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE COURT ORDERED, SECURE CARE FOR OUR JUSTICE INVOLVED YOUTH.
AND THAT IS A TOTAL OF $118,068. IT WAS PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL PREVENTION PROGRAMING FOR YOUTH, AND THE REQUEST FOR THE PROPOSAL IS SCHEDULED TO BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES NO LATER THAN JULY 6TH.
AND WE HAVE THE PROSECUTOR HERE. SO I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT A RECOGNITION THAT THEY RECEIVED AND THANK YOU FOR THE WORK THAT YOU DO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, OUR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ALONG WITH OUR SEARCH AND RESCUE AND WITH OUR SOMERSET COUNTY PARK. AND THIS WAS A YEAR LONG PLANNING ON COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION, WHICH THIS CERTIFICATION CULMINATING WITH US WITH THIS INTERAGENCY RECOGNITION.
NOW THIS IS A NATIONAL CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION IN THE WAY OF A CHILD ABDUCTION RESPONSE TEAM, ALSO KNOWN AS CART. THIS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION SIGNIFIES THE MILESTONE THAT DEMONSTRATES THE COUNTY'S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CHILDREN AND RESPONDING SWIFTLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO CHILD ABDUCTION AND MISSING CHILD INVESTIGATIONS.
SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO THE PROSECUTORS AND THE OTHER AGENCIES FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT.
AND WE THAT'S RIGHT. [APPLAUSE] SO THAT PUTS US IN AN ELITE GROUP IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND PROSECUTOR YOU CAN TALK MORE ABOUT IT BECAUSE I THINK THERE'S ONLY 5 OR 6 OTHERS IN THIS. OKAY. NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PEOPLE CAME OUT.
I DON'T WANT TO BREAK IT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ROBINSON.
[00:10:03]
THE FOLKS CAME OUT, ONE FROM MONTANA AND ONE FROM MINNEAPOLIS TO PRESENT OUR OFFICE AND ALL OF OUR PARTNERS AND COMMISSIONER DIRECTOR ROBINSON IS RIGHT.IT WAS A REALLY A GROUP EFFORT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE STOOD IT WAS TERRIFIC.
OEM WAS GREAT. OUR LOCAL PARTNERS, IT WAS REALLY GOOD 911.
AND I THINK WE ARE THE SIXTH COUNTY IN NEW JERSEY TO GET THE CERTIFICATION.
SO WE'RE VERY PROUD OF IT. AND ONCE AGAIN, THANK THE COMMISSIONERS FOR YOUR EFFORTS ON OUR BEHALF.
WE NEVER FORGET THAT WE HAVE THE MONEY TO TRAIN OUR PEOPLE TO DO THESE RESOURCES, TO USE OUR RESOURCES, AND TO GET THE BEST PEOPLE AVAILABLE BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DO FOR US.
SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU. AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS.
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR COG CANVASING. AND THROUGH JUNE 11TH WE'VE ADDED FOUR NEW MUNICIPALITIES BEDMINSTER, RARITAN, WATCHUNG AND WARREN. THEY'VE KNOCKED ON OVER 28,000 DOORS AND HAVE PROVIDED SERVICES AND RESOURCES IN THE WAY OF SENIOR SERVICES, UTILITY ASSISTANCE, EMPLOYMENT AND JOB SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES, JUST TO NAME A FEW. THEY'VE HAD OVER 3500 CONVERSATIONS AND PROVIDED OVER 300 CANS OF NARCAN.
AND HEADED INTO THIS 32ND YEAR WE ARE EVALUATING THE 20 APPLICANTS FOR NEXT YEAR'S PARTICIPATION.
AND WITH REGARDS TO THE COUNTY CRISIS INTERVENTION INTERVENTION TRAINING, I CAN'T TALK TODAY, CIT THIS PROGRAM IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HAS CONCLUDED.
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN RESPONSES TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CRISES BY IMPROVING DE-ESCALATION SKILLS, INCREASING AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND FOSTERING COLLABORATION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.
CIT HAS NOW TRAINED OVER 200 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND 55 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INDIVIDUALS.
WITH REGARDS TO FOOD SECURITY WE HAVE GRANT AWARDED THAT WAS RECEIVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 FOR THE OFFICE OF FOOD SECURITY ADVOCATE FOR BUILDING EXPANDED ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS SCHOOL MEALS, ALSO KNOWN AS BEANS.
ALSO ON THE FOOD SECURITY FRONT, THE COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED A FOOD STORAGE UNIT, WHICH IS A PILOT PROGRAM, BY MOVE FOR HUNGER. IT IS A 501 C3 ORGANIZATION.
THIS WILL SUPPORT OUR FOOD BANK AND PANTRIES AND PARTNERS THE OVERFLOW ISSUES THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO DISPOSE OF HEALTHY BUT PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS, SUCH AS PRODUCE AND PROTEINS. AND ON WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM NAVIGATORS, THEY'VE CONNECTED TEN RESIDENTS AND PROVIDERS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES THIS MONTH, WITH MANY INQUIRIES COMING FROM FAMILY MEMBERS, CAREGIVERS, AND PROVIDERS SEEKING SUPPORT FOR OTHERS.
THIS MENTAL HEALTH, THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS REMAIN THE PRIMARY NEED IDENTIFIED WHILE REQUESTS RELATED TO SUBSTANCE USE, PARTICULARLY FROM FAMILIES CONCERNED ABOUT YOUNG ADULT CHILDREN, CONTINUES TO GROW, AND WE'RE HIGHLIGHTING EMERGING COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRIORITIES.
THERE ARE A COUPLE OF YOUTH COUNCIL VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES COMING UP JULY 20TH, QUAIL BROOK SENIOR CENTER, JULY 22ND, FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY AND JULY 30TH BRIDGEWATER SENIOR CENTER.
ALSO, THEY ATTENDED THE MORRIS COUNTY STAKEHOLDERS COLLABORATIVE STAKEHOLDERS MEETING, COLLABORATING WITH VETERAN LEADERS, ASSISTING WITH BENEFITS, HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL HEALTH AND EMPLOYMENT.
AND THEN FINALLY I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT RVC GRADUATION.
I WASN'T HERE AT THE LAST MEETING. SO THANK YOU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR FILLING IN.
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WE USED TO HAVE A CONTRACT IN SERVICES OR THE STATE HAD A CONTRACT IN SERVICES.WHAT WE KNOW AS PESS OR PESS IT IS NOW A PARTNERSHIP WITH ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON CALLED THE HOPE HUB.
THEY HAD AN OPEN HOUSE BACK IN LATE MAY. THIS TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT IS FOR CALMING WELCOME ALTERNATIVES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CARE.
SO WE CONTINUE TO INVEST IN OUR RESIDENTS, IN OUR COMMUNITY AND MAKING SURE THAT THAT WE ARE NOT JUST THROWING MONEY AT PROGRAMS, WE'RE MAKING SURE THAT THE MONIES THAT ARE INVESTED, THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE PROVIDED TO OUR CONSTITUENTS ARE WHAT THEY NEED, THAT ARE WORKING, THAT ARE TRACKABLE, THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICES, AND WE'VE DONE IT WITHOUT CUTTING SERVICES IN THE PAST 6 OR 7 YEARS.
SO I APPLAUD MY COLLEAGUES. I APPLAUD THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CONTINUING TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO SOMERSET COUNTY, WHICH IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY AND VISIT.
THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. I JUST HAVE A FEW ITEMS. THERE WAS A FARMERS POSTER CONTEST RUN BY STUDENTS.
IF YOU RECALL, A FEW WEEKS BACK WHEN THE START OF THE AG SEASON.
I TALKED ABOUT THE SAFE INTERACTION WITH FARM EQUIPMENT ON OUR ROADS.
AND THERE WAS A POSTER CONTEST RUN BY THE SADC.
SO WE'RE HOPING GOOD LUCK FOR THEM THAT THEY'LL COME BACK WITH AN AWARD FOR ENTERING THIS CONTEST.
IT'S ALWAYS A GREAT EVENT. FOOD TRUCKS, FIREWORKS, AND REENACTORS AND A BAND WILL BE PLAYING FOR ALL OUR ENJOYMENT STARTING AT 6:00 AND THE FIREWORKS AT 9:30. SO REALLY, COME ON OUT AND ENJOY A GREAT EVENING ON THE 3RD OF JULY, WHICH IS FRIDAY NIGHT. THIS GIVES YOU YOUR WHOLE WEEKEND AFTER THAT TO GO ENJOY MORE FIREWORKS.
I WANT TO REALLY COMMEND THEM FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK.
NOT ONLY CUTTING THE GRASS, BUT JUST BEING OUT AND MAKING SURE OUR PARKS ARE SAFE.
NOT ONLY ARE THE PADDLE BOATS, WHICH ARE THE DUCK BOATS NOW AT COLONIAL PARK ARE OPEN.
THE MINIATURE GOLF IS OPEN. THE SPRAY PARK IS OPEN.
THE WARM BROOK POOL IS OPEN. SO SUMMER IS HERE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO EVERYONE ENJOYING IT.
I'LL MENTION A FEW OTHER FIREWORKS SHOWS IF I DON'T STEAL SOMEBODY ELSE'S THUNDER HERE ON THE DAIS.
I'LL PROBABLY BE I WILL BE AT THE MONTGOMERY FIREWORKS SHOW ON JUNE 25TH.
ALSO THE HILLSBOROUGH FIREWORKS SHOW ON JUNE 27TH THEN OVER AT NORTH BRANCH PARK OR ACTUALLY I'LL BE AT THE FRANKLIN FIREWORKS SHOW ON JULY 2ND, THEN NORTH BRANCH PARK ON JULY 3RD, AND THEN IN MANVILLE ON JULY 5TH.
AND AFTER THAT, I THINK I'LL PROBABLY HAVE MY FAIR SHARE OF FIREWORKS FOR THE SEASON.
ALL RIGHT. SO COME ON OUT. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE.
OBVIOUSLY, WE'RE CELEBRATING OUR 250TH AND WE'RE CERTAINLY LOOKING TO HAVE IT BE A FUN EVENT, FUN, PERIOD OF TIME. THANK YOU. ON THE 13TH WE'VE HAD A LOT OF CELEBRATIONS BETWEEN FIFA AND THE 250TH. WE HAD THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK OR I'M SORRY, BATTLE OF BASKING RIDGE, RATHER WITH THE BRAZIL AND MOROCCO GAME.
AND IT WAS KICKED OFF WITH THE SOCCER VILLAGE AND CULTURAL STREET FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN BASKING RIDGE, WITH THE PARADE AND OPENING CEREMONIES, COUNTRY THEMED TENTS INCLUDING BRAZIL AND MOROCCO, STAGE WITH LIVE MUSIC AND CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL FOOD VENDORS.
INFLATABLE 3V3 FIELD AND MINI SOCCER CAGE SPEED KICK AND CROSSBAR CHALLENGE, PK SHOUT OUTS AND BUBBLE SOCCER, SOCCER, TENNIS AND FIFA GAME STATION. THE PROFESSIONAL SOCCER TRICKSTER WHO WAS QUITE IMPRESSIVE.
I DON'T THINK I COULD EVER DO THAT. [LAUGHTER] AND YOU KNOW, TO WRAP UP THAT CELEBRATION,
[00:20:06]
THEY HAD THIS LARGE SCREENING OVER AT OAK STREET SCHOOL.AND THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SITES THAT WERE SELECTED FOR THIS.
IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. ALSO, WE HAD FRANKLIN PRIDE OVER ON THE 15TH.
WE HAD THE LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS GALA ON THE 18TH.
ALSO ATTENDED THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE.
AND THEN ON THE 20TH, WE HAD A PACKED DAY WITH ANOTHER JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AND MUSICAL.
THERE WERE MANY MUSICAL PERFORMANCES. SPARKY FROM OUR PATRIOTS WAS THERE.
AND WE THANK THE PATRIOTS FOR ALSO SPONSORING THE SAM JUNETEENTH EVENT.
AND THAT'S BEEN AN ONGOING YOU KNOW, CHALLENGE FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO FIND ONE, THE FUNDING AND TWO, BEING ABLE TO FIND THE RIGHT SIZE YOU KNOW, FIRE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE SIZE OF THE ACTUAL GARAGE, CALL IT FOR ALL THEIR NEEDS. SO WE'RE VERY HAPPY THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO FIND THAT.
AND, YOU KNOW, THEY, AS SOON AS THEY'RE ABLE TO RECEIVE IT, THEY ACTUALLY PUT IT OUT TO GREAT USE.
SO AND CONGRATS TO ALL OF THE VO TECH GRADUATES.
THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT. THEY TIED. THEY TIED.
YEAH THEY TIED. YEAH. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME BRAZIL DID NOT WIN THEIR GAME OPENER SINCE 1930 SOMETHING SO LITTLE MOROCCO REALLY HAD A LOT TO BE PROUD OF. BUT YEAH, I WAS WITH COMMISSIONER SOOY, DRAKE AND GRANER IN BASKING RIDGE.
IT WAS REALLY FUN. MY HUSBAND AND I STAYED FOR THE GAME.
THEY HAD A GREAT, HUGE TV. IT WAS A WONDERFUL CROWD.
I MEAN, IT WAS VERY HOT THAT DAY. AND IT IRRESPECTIVE OF THAT, FOLKS WERE JUST HAVING A GREAT TIME.
THE MOROCCAN FANS HAD THE GREATEST OUTFITS AND IT WAS JUST REALLY, REALLY FUN.
THE BRAZILIAN FANS WERE DOING SALSA DANCING AND IT WAS JUST A FUN ATMOSPHERE.
IF YOU MISSED THAT, YOU STILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE THIS SATURDAY, BOUND BROOK IS GOING TO BE HAVING A PARTY THAT'S GOING TO BE FOR THE PORTUGAL AND COLOMBIA GAMES. SO I'M SURE THAT THERE'S GOING TO BE LOTS OF FUN THERE.
SO IF YOU'VE NOT GONE TO ONE OF THESE WATCH PARTIES, THEY'RE REALLY FUN JUST BEING THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY WHEN YOU'RE WATCHING SPORTS, THERE'S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THAT. AND IT JUST GIVES YOU THAT EXCITEMENT.
SO ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE ROOTING FOR ONE TEAM, IT MAKES IT EVEN MORE FUN.
BUT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HORSE IN THIS RACE AND I STILL HAD A GREAT TIME.
SO CHECK OUT A WATCH PARTY. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILE YOU'RE THERE.
I ALSO GOT A CHANCE TO GO TO THE LEBANESE FESTIVAL AT THE SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, WHICH WAS REALLY EXTRAORDINARY. THEY HAD SOME WONDERFUL DANCERS, DELICIOUS FOOD AS ALWAYS.
THESE ARE THE FOLKS THAT ARE DOING OUR ARCHEOLOGICAL PROJECT AT THE LORD STIRLING MANOR.
SO WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THAT ARCHEOLOGICAL PROJECT, AND THEY JUST HAD TO KEEP BRINGING IN CHAIRS TO THE ROOM BECAUSE THIS WAS SO EXCITING FOR SO MANY PEOPLE. WE HAD A PACKED HOUSE. SO JOSEPHINE DID A WONDERFUL JOB THERE.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE MANOR IS NO LONGER THERE, BUT THAT'S WHAT THE ARCHEOLOGY IS ALL ABOUT TRYING TO RESTORE WHAT WAS THERE AND NOT RESTORE IT, BUT RECREATE IN OUR MIND'S EYE OF WHAT WAS THERE AND HOW SPECIAL THIS WAS.
SO IT WAS VERY EXCITING TO BE THERE. THE JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION THAT WAS SPOKEN ABOUT, AGAIN, HATS OFF TO THE TEAM THAT WAS A VERY MOVING CEREMONY.
IT WAS WONDERFUL. SO FOR EVERYONE THAT WAS THERE, IT WAS REALLY, REALLY WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR DOING THAT. PUBLIC WORKS TEAM.
WE HAD OUR 2025 SHRED TOTALS FOR THE YEAR REPORT COME OUT.
WE HAD 12 TONS. NO, THIS IS NOT RIGHT. THIS IS WE.
OKAY. SKIP IT. BECAUSE I DIDN'T WRITE THE RIGHT NOTES HERE.
I APOLOGIZE ABOUT THAT. THIS IS ALL ME. WE DID DISTRIBUTE IN 2025.
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WE GOT 1800 NEW TOTES OUT THERE, SO WE'RE SLOWLY BUT SURELY CONVERTING ANYONE FROM THE BLUE BUCKETS TO THE MULTI BINS AS SOON AS WE GET THOSE RECYCLING TRUCKS, WE CAN GET THIS OUT. SO HOPEFULLY THOSE RFPS ARE OUT THERE.WE NEED THOSE TRUCKS TO EXPAND OUR PROGRAM. WE CAN'T EXPAND THE PROGRAM UNLESS WE HAVE MORE TRUCKS.
WHOEVER DID OUR PHOTOGRAPHY, THEY'RE PROBABLY SITTING IN THIS ROOM SOMEWHERE.
LOOK AT THIS. IS THIS GORGEOUS OR WHAT? SO IF YOU DIDN'T LOOK AT IT, THE PUBLIC WANTS IT.
SO CHECK OUT THE ANNUAL REPORT TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THAT.
WE ALSO ARE GOING TO BE APPROVING SOME GRANTS TODAY ON OUR AGENDA.
AND WE ALSO HAVE THE HILLSBOROUGH TRAILS GRANT ON THE AGENDA AS WELL.
SO VERY EXCITING THAT WE'RE GETTING TO ROLL OUT THAT TRAIL GRANT USING OUR OPEN SPACE FUNDING SO THAT PEOPLE HAVE MORE ACCESS TO IT BY CREATING TRAILS AND IMPROVING TRAILS SO THAT THEY ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL. LGBT, THIS IS PRIDE MONTH.
SO HAPPY PRIDE EVERYBODY. I WILL NOT BE AT THE FIREWORKS IN MONTGOMERY ON THURSDAY BECAUSE I WILL BE HERE IN SOMERVILLE CELEBRATING PRIDE FOR SOMERVILLE HAVING THEIR PRIDE CELEBRATION HERE. OUR LGBT ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE HOLDING A TABLE THERE.
IT'S A REALLY FUN TIME. IT GOES FROM LIKE 5P TO, I DON'T KNOW, I'M NOT SURE.
NINE? NINE. OKAY. BUT I'M SURE IF YOU GO INTO SOME OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS AND EAT AND DRINK, YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR FESTIVITIES ON YOUR OWN. AND OUR TEAM FROM THE LGBT ADVISORY BOARD ALSO ATTENDED FRANKLIN PRIDE, WHICH WAS ON JUNE 13TH. AND THEY TABLED AT THAT EVENT ANOTHER AWESOME EVENT.
SO SHOWING THAT INCLUSIVITY TO OUR PEOPLE AND SHARING THEIR SUPPORT.
IT WAS, IT'S BEEN A REALLY FUN PRIDE MONTH. AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.
COMMISSIONER GRANER ONTO YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MARANO.
AND I THINK THAT JUST MADE IT MORE SPECIAL. IT WAS REALLY COOL. NICE TOUCH.
THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 87 YOUTH PARTICIPANTS.
A COMMITTEE FROM THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMISSION HAS BEEN MEETING TO STUDY THE AVAILABLE DATA ON YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES AT EACH POINT OF THE CONTINUUM, FROM PREVENTION TO AFTERCARE. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED IN A NEWLY DESIGNED PLAN THAT WILL BE USED TO GUIDE THE ACQUISITION OF PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS THE IDENTIFIED RISK FACTORS EXPERIENCED BY YOUTH IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
THE OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES SOUGHT FEEDBACK FROM THE PUBLIC FOR SPENDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT FUNDING, SENDING OUT SURVEYS. THEY GOT BACK OVER A THOUSAND SURVEYS, AND THEY ALSO HELD A PUBLIC HEARING.
RESPONDENTS ASKED THE COUNTY TO PRIORITIZE SENIOR CENTERS, ACCESS TO SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION, MEAL DELIVERY, HANDYMAN SERVICES AND OTHER IMPORTANT SERVICES AS WELL.
AND, MADAM DIRECTOR, THAT IS MY REPORT. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, WE'LL MOVE ALONG WITH OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM.
[00:30:10]
PROSECUTOR [INAUDIBLE], WOULD YOU TWO COME FORWARD? I'VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT YOU, MISS MOODY. SO I FINALLY GET TO PLACE A NAME WITH THE FACE.[LAUGHTER] ALL GOOD THOUGH. THAT'S WHY YOU'RE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, I TAKE IT? SO THIS CERTIFICATE IS BEING PRESENTED TO CHRISTINA MOODY AS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.
SHE IS RICHARD HALL, CMHC RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST.
IN MARCH OF 2024, CHRISTINA BECAME OUR FIRST AND ONLY PEER IN A NEW PROGRAM AT RICHARD HALL NAMED OPT FOR HELP AND HOPE, ALSO KNOWN AS 04HH, WHERE SHE UTILIZED HER OWN RECOVERY STORY AND PAST LIVED EXPERIENCE TO INSTILL HOPE IN OTHERS USING A HARM REDUCTION APPROACH TO MEET INDIVIDUALS WHERE THEY ARE AT ANY STAGE OF CHANGE, REGARDLESS OF HER PERSONAL BELIEFS. CHRISTINA HAS HELPED BUILD THE 04HH PROGRAM FROM THE GROUND UP AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, RECEIVING HIGH PRAISES, ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS WITH THEIR RECOVERY ORIENTED GOALS TO HAVE A NONVIOLENT LEGAL CHARGES LESSENED OR DROPPED. AND I'LL JUST READ A LITTLE BIT OF THE SUBMISSION ON REGARDING YOUR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.
IT SAYS CHRISTINA MOODY HAS BEEN AN EXCEPTIONAL RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST AT RICHARD HALL.
SHE BEGAN HER CAREER AS A CERTIFIED RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST IN OUR REACH FOR RECOVERY PROGRAM, AND IN MARCH OF 2024, SHE BECAME THE FIRST AND ONLY PEER IN A NEW PROGRAM AT RICHARD HALL.
AND I'LL JUST READ IN PART THE STATEMENT BY THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, AND I QUOTE MISS CHRISTINA MOODY, PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST, DEMONSTRATES AN UNWAVERING DEDICATION, COMPASSION, AND AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM. MISS MOODY IS DEEPLY INVESTED IN THE SUCCESS AND WELL-BEING OF EACH PARTICIPANT SHE SERVES.
AS THE ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE CHARGED WITH OVERSEEING THE PROGRAM, I CAN WHOLEHEARTEDLY ATTEST THAT A LARGE PART OF THE PROGRAM'S SUCCESS HAS BEEN DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO MISS MOODY'S EFFORTS.
SHE IS INSPIRING THE UTMOST PROFESSIONAL AND A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH.
SO YOU ARE BEING PRESENTED ON THIS DAY WITH THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.
SO I'M GONNA GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND THEN I'LL PASS IT OFF TO THE PROSECUTOR AND THE DIRECTOR, MOLLIE GREENE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS ABOUT THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING.
THANK YOU. OKAY. SO GOOD EVENING EVERYONE. I'M CHRISTINA MOODY.
THE OFFER HOPE AND HELP PROGRAM FOR ME IS SO NEAR AND DEAR TO ME.
AS COMMISSIONER ROBINSON STATED, I AM A PERSON IN LONG TERM RECOVERY.
SO WHEN I WAS GOING THROUGH MY JOURNEY, I DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY LIKE ME IN A PRECINCT IN THE COURTS TO SAY, HEY, WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOU? YOU NEED HELP.
SO I JUST TRY TO BE THAT PERSON TO THE INDIVIDUALS THAT I WORK WITH.
THIS PROGRAM IS EVERYTHING TO ME. I DON'T WANT TO GET EMOTIONAL, BUT IT REALLY MEANS A LOT TO ME.
LIKE WE'RE COMING UP ON OUR FIFTH ROUND OF GRADUATES.
WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT WENT ON TO REAL ESTATE. WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT BECAME PEER RECOVERY SPECIALISTS LIKE ME, YOU KNOW, AND THAT'S WHAT IT'S ABOUT. IT'S ABOUT INSTILLING HOPE AND THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WORKING WITH THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COURT. THEY HAVE BEEN AMAZING, LIKE JUST SUPPORTING AND JUST GIVING ME FEEDBACK ON, YOU KNOW, HOW TO HELP AND WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO.
REALLY QUICKLY, I JUST WANT TO GIVE A QUICK SHOUT OUT TO MY PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SAVANNAH BAKER, AND MY SUPERVISOR, MIKE, THAT'S HERE TONIGHT.
SAVANNAH KNOWS LIKE WHAT THIS PROGRAM IS TO ME.
AND I DON'T KNOW, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, BUT WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT I'VE MADE WITH PEOPLE, THE INDIVIDUALS THAT I WORK WITH, THEY STILL CALL ME TODAY.
THEY STILL CALL ME TODAY. HEY, MISS CHRISTINA, WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS AND WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THAT? AND, YOU KNOW, AND I'M HERE, YOU KNOW, SO IN ALL HOPES, I'M HOPING THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO GREAT WORK IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP,
[00:35:03]
WITH THE MUNICIPAL COURT, WITH THE PROGRAM, AND, YOU KNOW, POSSIBLY EXPAND IT THROUGHOUT BECAUSE THERE IS A NEED FOR IT.THERE'S A DESPERATE NEED FOR IT. YOU KNOW, AND AGAIN, I CAN ATTEST TO THAT.
I WAS ONE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO I WENT THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND I DIDN'T REALLY HAVE TO.
SO I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY AGAIN JUST FOR HAVING ME.
THANKS. SO I MIGHT NEED A TISSUE ALSO.
CHRISTINA, SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR THE LAST YEAR AND I'VE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT YOU, ABOUT SORRY FOLKS, ABOUT THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND THE WAYS IN WHICH YOU HAVE REALLY TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF THE INDIVIDUALS THAT YOU WORK WITH.
YOU HAVE SHARED YOUR EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH, HOPE, AND YOUR WISDOM AND COMPASSION WITH SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHOWN UP IN COURT, NOT, AS YOU SAY, NOT KNOWING THAT THERE'S GOING TO BE ANYBODY THERE TO REALLY SHOW UP FOR THEM.
AND I DO BELIEVE THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM IS ENTIRELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON, THE WAY THAT YOU HAVE APPROACHED, THE WORK THAT YOU DO, YOUR INCREDIBLE PATIENCE AND COMPASSION AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL PRESENCE, BOTH WITH THE PEOPLE THAT YOU WORK WITH AND THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW, THE PEOPLE THAT YOU WORK WITH IN FRANKLIN, BUT ALSO YOUR TEAM AT RICHARD HALL, WHO HAVE ONLY WONDERFUL THINGS TO SAY ABOUT YOU AND HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR YOU AND THE WORK THAT YOU DO.
AND IT IS TRULY A PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH YOU.
AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE AMAZING, WONDERFUL PERSON THAT YOU ARE AND VERY GENEROUS, VERY GENEROUS WITH YOUR HEART, WITH OTHERS. SO THANK YOU.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] I'M GOING TO NEED A TISSUE.
CHRISTINA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE.
IT WAS A VERY NICE MOMENT FOR US IN OUR OFFICE.
THERE'S A LOT OF DIVERSIONARY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, WHETHER THEY'RE VETERANS DIVERSION PROGRAMS, MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION, RECOVERY COURT, ALL THOSE THINGS.
THIS ONE WAS A GREAT PROGRAM IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, AND IT WASN'T REALLY A PROGRAM.
IT WAS YOU AND YOU ALONE. AND THAT'S THE REASON IT WORKED.
AND I WENT TO THOSE GRADUATIONS AND I HEARD WHAT THEY SAID THAT, YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY STAGES OF RECOVERY, WHEN, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE DODGING YOU AND THEY'RE TRYING TO STAY AWAY FROM YOU AND EVERYTHING, YOU KNOW, OH, I CAN'T COME. MY CAR BROKE DOWN.
OH, OKAY. I'LL COME TO SEE YOU. I'LL GO UP TO CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY, TO WHERE YOU LIVE, TO SEE YOU.
I'LL GO TO WHEREVER YOU WENT. YOU TRAVELED ALL OVER THE PLACE FOR THOSE FOLKS.
AND THAT PROGRAM WAS A GREAT PROGRAM, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL BE ABLE TO KEEP IT GOING.
BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF YOU. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.
[APPLAUSE] SO NOW WE HAVE THE TEAM RECOGNITION AWARD. AND THIS AWARD WAS PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE. SO I'D LIKE TO INVITE COLLEEN MAHR AND SHELLY BELL AS WELL.
THE SOMERSET COUNTY PRINT SHOP STAFF CONTINUES TO DEMONSTRATE EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM, DEDICATION AND INNOVATION THROUGH THE COUNTY'S SHARED SERVICES PROGRAM.
CONGRATULATIONS AND IT'S WELL DESERVED. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU.
THANK YOU. SO IT REALLY WAS MY HONOR ALONG WITH SHELLY BELL, WHO'S OUR SHARED SERVICES COORDINATOR FOR THE COUNTY TO NOMINATE THIS FABULOUS OFFICE. THE WORK THAT YOU DO, THE PRIDE THAT YOU TAKE.
[00:40:08]
EVERY NONPROFIT UNDERSTANDS THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, UNDERSTANDS WHAT WONDERFUL AND COMPETITIVELY PRICED SERVICES THAT WE CAN DO HERE.SO REALLY THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] NO. WE'LL GIVE IT TO YOU. SO I'M CAROL ANN, I AM ROB AND THOMAS AND EMILY'S SUPERVISOR, AND THE THREE OF YOU AMAZE ME EVERY SINGLE DAY. SO I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW THIS, BUT WE HAVE A FULL SERVICE PRINT SHOP IN OUR LOWER LEVEL AND THESE THREE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE MAKE THAT PRINT SHOP THE BEST PLACE TO BE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
THEY ARE HERE FROM 7:00 TO 4:00 EVERY DAY, DELIVERING FOR ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENTS.
THEY NEVER SAY NO, AND WE MIGHT BE ASKING FOR A STICKER PRINTER DURING OUR WORK SESSION LATER BECAUSE WE ARE CONTINUALLY IMPROVING SERVICES, NOT BECAUSE IT'S MY IDEA, BECAUSE IT'S THEIR IDEAS.
ROB HAS BEEN HERE SINCE HIS 18TH BIRTHDAY, 25 YEARS WITH THE COUNTY.
AND THOMAS LOVES IT HERE SO MUCH HE NEVER WANTS TO LEAVE.
[APPLAUSE] OKAY. WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION FOR CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.
LOOKING FOR RAQUEL HINDS? OKAY, RAQUEL, THIS IS A PROCLAMATION FOR CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, WHEREAS JUNE OF 2026 HAS BEEN DESIGNATED CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH BY THE US CONGRESS. FIRST CELEBRATED IN 2006 TO RECOGNIZE THE GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICANS OF CARIBBEAN DESCENT AND CARIBBEAN AMERICANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CULTURE AND WELL-BEING OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR AND CONTINUE TO BE VITAL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES TO THIS DAY.
CARIBBEAN AMERICANS BROUGHT AND SHARED THEIR RICH AND DIVERSE CULTURES, CULINARY STYLES, MUSIC AND ARTS, INTELLECTUAL HISTORY, AND MORE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES AS ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUSINESS LEADERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, TEACHERS, ARTISTS, AND MORE.
AND CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IS IN ITS 20TH YEAR OF CELEBRATION WITH A THEME OF INDEPENDENCE, IDENTITY, AND UNITY. BECAUSE CARIBBEAN PEOPLES CONTINUE TO CONSTRUCT THEIR OWN NARRATIVES FORGED AS MUCH IN THE ISLANDS AS IN THE CITIES OF THE NORTH AND CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES, TERRITORIES AND COMMUNITIES CAN RECOGNIZE THEMSELVES IN A COMMON HISTORY WITHOUT ERASING THEIR DIFFERENCES AND RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESSES OF RESIDENTS OF CARIBBEAN ANCESTRY, ENCOURAGES THEIR ONGOING PARTICIPATION AND CONTINUED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND BENEFITS THE ENTIRE SOMERSET COUNTY COMMUNITY.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT THE SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZE JUNE 2026 AS CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AND URGES ALL CITIZENS TO BE AWARE OF AND APPLAUD THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESSES OF THOSE SHARING CARIBBEAN ANCESTRY.
[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. THANK YOU, THANK YOU EVERYONE.
AND AS COMMISSIONER GRANER COMES BACK UP, THAT PICTURE OF THAT FOX, I THINK THAT WAS THE FOX THAT WAS AT THE GOLF COURSE WHERE PAUL AND I PLAYED THAT CIRCLED US FOR TWO HOLES ONE GAME. HE TOOK MY BALL.
[LAUGHTER] NO, BUT WE HAD A GREAT TIME. FOX OR NO? FOX. SO WE HAVE COMMUNICATIONS FROM MERCER COUNTY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND IMPLEMENTING A POLICY PROHIBITING U.S.
[00:45:07]
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, ALSO KNOWN AS ICE, FROM ENTERING ANY MERCER COUNTY GOVERNMENT OWNED OR LEASED BUILDING FACILITY OR PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF FEDERAL CIVIL IMMIGRATION.A COMMUNICATION FROM THE BOROUGH OF RARITAN MUNICIPAL COMBINED LAND USE BOARD PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24TH FOR A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A DOUBLE SIDED DIGITAL MULTI MESSAGE BILLBOARD ON ROUTE 202.
AND WE HAVE NEW BUSINESS STARTING WITH HUMAN SERVICES.
RESOLUTION 26-1300 IS AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONS AND PLANNING TO APPLY TO RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE TRAUMATIC LOSS COALITION FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS GRANT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND TO ACCEPT FUNDING, IF AWARDED TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $14,500.
OKAY. 26-1301 AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AND NJ TRANSIT CORPORATION FOR LOCAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE UNDER THE SCOOT/CAT PROGRAM FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD OF 4-1-2026 TO 3-31-2028.
TOTAL CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000 WITH A 35% COUNTY MATCH REQUIREMENT ON THE TOTAL PROGRAM COST.
26-1302 AMENDING R24-1306 TO INCREASE THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AND NJ TRANSIT CORPORATION SENIOR AND DISABLED TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD OF 1-1-2025 TO 12-31-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $0.01 TOTAL CONTRACT, NOT TO EXCEED $166,603.01. OKAY, WAIT A MINUTE, WAIT A MINUTE, BECAUSE WE GOT THAT $0.01 BACK, THOUGH, THERE'S A STRUGGLE. SO WAIT A MINUTE.
YOU GOT TO TELL ME ABOUT THIS. IT'S A PENNY. SO APPARENTLY WE'RE OFF BY A PENNY.
26-1303 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO PRIMARY VENDOR NOOR STAFFING GROUP OUT OF NEW YORK AND A SECONDARY VENDOR COMPUNNEL SOFTWARE GROUP OUT OF PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY FOR THE THIRD YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT.
26-1304 AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF STATE CONTRACT 17-FLEET-00787 TO PURCHASE TEN BALLISTIC STAB RESISTANT VEST AND RELATED SUPPLIES FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FROM ATLANTIC TACTICAL TO REPLACE EXPIRING VESTS.
26-1305 AWARD OF CONTRACT 26010 TO PICERNO-GIORDANO CONSTRUCTION, LLC., KENILWORTH, NJ FOR REPLACEMENT OF MORGAN PELLOWSKI PLAYGROUND AT COLONIAL PARK, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,669,030. I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THAT.
SO WHEN WOULD WORK BEGIN? I MEAN, CAN THE KIDS USE THIS PLAYGROUND ALL SUMMER? WE'RE NOT GOING TO START WORK TILL LATER. PROBABLY NOT.
SO IS THIS THE BIG PLAYGROUND WHERE THE YMCA CAMP USED TO BE? IT'S THE MAIN PLAYGROUND THERE. I'M NOT SURE WHERE THE YMCA CAMP.
SO I DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S POSSIBLE TO KEEP IT OPEN.
THAT SHOULD BE FINE. THE SPRAY PARK SHOULD BE OPEN.
[00:50:02]
HOW ABOUT THE DUCKS? ARCHITECTS, LLC, CRANFORD, NEW JERSEY, FOR DESIGN FOR THE STRUCTURAL STABILIZATION OF THE FACHWERK BARN ON THE BAKER-DUDERSTADT FARM IN WARREN TOWNSHIP. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $49,200. 26-1307 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO CENTER STATE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC., MONROE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY, FOR CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION AND ADMINISTRATION FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS.GREEN BROOK ROAD, WEST COUNTY ROUTE 634 REDFIELD AVENUE, ROCK AVENUE COUNTY ROUTE 645 AND GREEN BROOK ROAD EAST COUNTY ROAD 636 AND ROCK AVENUE COUNTY ROAD 645, GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP AND NORTH PLAINFIELD BOROUGH.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $157,200. SO I SEE WE'RE DOING THIS.
THE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES INSPECTION AND ADMINISTRATION.
DOES THAT MEAN THAT WE'RE GETTING CLOSER TO COMPLETING THAT PROJECT NOW? YES. YEAH. THAT'S GOING TO BE CONSTRUCTED THIS YEAR.
OKAY. SO IS THIS THE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION.
BUT DID WE AWARD CONTRACT YET FOR THE DO WE EXPECT TO GET THAT DONE OR STARTED. CONSTRUCTION SHOULD BE STARTING VERY SOON AND GO THROUGH THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.
OKAY. VERY GOOD. THANK YOU. 26-1308 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT TO WSP USA, INC., NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR GRIGGSTOWN CAUSEWAY COUNTY ROAD 632 TRAFFIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, FINAL DESIGN, PART TWO. MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP AND FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $926,035.69. 26-13. NO. THIS IS THE DESIGN. THIS IS THE DESIGN. YEAH. YEAH.
26-1309 CONSULTANT AGREEMENT MODIFICATION NUMBER ONE TO BOSWELL, INC., SOUTH HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY, FOR SOMERSET COUNTY GUIDE RAIL REPLACEMENT PLAN TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $53,520.
26-1310 AWARD OF CONTRACT. CC-0057-24 TO MIKE'S TOWING AND RECOVERY.
THIRD YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.
26-1311 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-9101-26 TO DEEP TREKKER, INC., KITCHENER, ONTARIO TO FURNISH, DELIVER AND TRAIN ON THE USE OF AN UNDERWATER REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE UROV AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT FOR THE SOMERSET COUNTY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM SCERT TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $136,327.10. HEY JOHN HOLD ON.
IS THAT THING LIKE A DRONE THAT GOES UNDERWATER KIND OF THING? YES IT HAS. IT HAS THE CAMERA ABILITIES THAT A DRONE WOULD HAVE.
IT ALSO HAS SOME ROBOTICS ON IT AND IT'S COMING OUT OF FORFEITURE FUNDS.
IT'S A REALLY KIND OF A STATE OF THE ART UNDERWATER ROBOTIC REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE.
SO DOES IT GO IN THE WATER SWIMMING, SO TO SPEAK.
YES. AS WELL AS ON THE GROUND? IT CAN CRAWL, SO TO SPEAK.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT DOES ON THE GROUND. IT LIKE SWIMS OR. I KNOW THAT IT'S SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO GO INTO THE WATER AND PROVIDE THE SERVICES THAT A DRONE OR ROBOT WOULD DO ON LAND OR IN THE AIR. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.
NEW TO ME. RECOVERY CAPABILITY. I THINK IT'S IDENTIFICATION.
I DON'T THINK IT'S RECOVERY. IT DOES I THINK HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SOME ROBOTICS DOWN THERE.
THERE AREN'T A LOT OF THEM OUT THERE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. SO 26-1312 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF DRONES FROM ADORAMA CAMERA, INC., NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UTILIZING THE BERGEN COUNTY COOPERATIVE CONTRACT BC-BID-25-42.
TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $18,812.72 AND 26-1313. AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT FROM FITNESS LIFESTYLES NEPTUNE, NEW JERSEY UTILIZING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION OF NEW YORK CONTRACT ESCNJ 25/26-44.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $54,560.68. THANK YOU.
OKAY. 26-1314. AWARD A CONTRACT TO EVF PROCUREMENT FROM HIGHLAND PARK AND Y PURSE FROM PHILADELPHIA.
[00:55:07]
AND THIS IS FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED IN OPEN ENDED CONTRACT. CC-0107-26.TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $20,200. 26-1315 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0011-25R TO ARCOSA MATERIALS HOLDINGS INC., TRAP ROCK INDUSTRIES, GIBRALTAR AND EAGLE'S LAKE RESERVE AND THIS IS FOR ROAD MATERIALS, SECOND YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.
26-1316 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERS TO RED BANK VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN HILLSBOROUGH FOR $217.80, AND MIKE'S TOWING RECOVERY AND BRIDGEWATER FOR $174 FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO SOMERSET COUNTY SHERIFF.
26-1317 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO R.S.
KNAPP CO INC, LYNDHURST, NEW JERSEY, FOR REPROGRAPHICS: CONSTRUCTION PLAN REPRODUCTIONS AND PLOTTING SUPPLIES FOR ENGINEERING DIVISION, OPEN END CONTRACT CC-0108-24R. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.
26-1318 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO T2 UES INC., CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY FOR SUBSURFACE UTILITY INVESTIGATION.
OPEN END CONTRACT CC-0102-26. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,742.50.
26-1319 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO NAIK CONSULTING GROUP, LLC, EDISON, NEW JERSEY, FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION OF A TRAFFIC AND ROADWAY OF TRAFFIC AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT HILLCREST ROAD AND EMERSON LANE, WARREN TOWNSHIP. CONTRACT CY-XS-0001-24. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $35,923.30. GOOD EVENING.
I HAVE SEVERAL INSERTIONS OF SPECIAL REVENUE IN THE BUDGET.
THE FIRST ONE FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING SERVICES.
THE STATE AID REIMBURSEMENT BENEFIT FROM THE OFFICE ON AGING IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,000.
THE SECOND ONE IS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
THE SOCIAL SERVICES FOR HOMELESSNESS GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $432,712.
NEXT IS THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THE CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,111.88. AND FINALLY, FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, THE SOMERSET COUNTY TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT. THIS IS FOR THE TANF, THE ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES TRANSPORTATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,271. AND THEN RESOLUTION 26-1324 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO STEPHEN B RUBIN MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION, LLC, OUT OF FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY, FOR MEDIATION SERVICES RENDERED FOR AN EMPLOYEE MATTER TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $2,610. 26-1325 IS AUTHORIZING REFUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS FEES TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $300 AND 26-1326 IS THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AND RATIFYING THE SAME. RESOLUTION 26-1327 IS AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF RECEIVABLES AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
AGE FRIENDLY GRANT PROGRAM. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $70,000.
RESOLUTION 26-1328 IS AN APPROVAL TO PAY A CONFIRMING ORDER TO MIDDLE EARTH BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY, FOR THE PROMISES PROGRAM FOR MAY OF 2026. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $8,796.70.
RESOLUTION 26-1329 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR ROLL UP SIGNS UTILIZING CONTRACT CC-0099-24 TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $424.72 AND 26-1330 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO CRITICAL RESPONSE GROUP, INC., HAMILTON,
[01:00:04]
NEW JERSEY, FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF MAY 1ST, 2025 TO APRIL 30TH, 2027 FOR A COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $70,000.26-1331, AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO CONTINENTAL HARDWARE FROM NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, FOR SUPPLIES NOT TO EXCEED 15,026 1332.
AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO PPC LUBRICANTS, AND THIS IS FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND DIESEL LUBRICANT, NOT TO EXCEED $600. 23 6 I'M SORRY. 23-1333 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO TRUGREEN LP FROM PHOENIX, SCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORPORATION FROM MORRISTOWN AND INDUSTRIAL COOLING CORP. FROM V NOT TO EXCEED $34,050.49. 26-1334 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDER TO PITNEY BOWES FROM SHELTON, CONNECTICUT, AND JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION FROM MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, FOR MAINTENANCE FEES AND SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $9,782.72.
26-1335 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO DEER CARCASS REMOVAL SERVICE, LLC FROM CREAM RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, FOR STREET SWEEPING DISPOSAL NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.
13. 36 AUTHORIZING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACT TO PUMPING SERVICES, INC. FOR MIDDLESEX FOR PUMP STATION SYSTEMS NOT TO EXCEED $15,000.
1338 AMENDING AND CANCELING CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS FOR PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MAZZA MULCH, INC. AND FROM TINTON FALLS NOT TO EXCEED $4,372.
TOTAL. THIS IS FOR FUEL VENDORS NOT TO EXCEED $205,000.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $9,369.16. 1342 APPROVAL TO PAY CONFIRMING ORDERED FOR TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR PARTS AND REPAIRS NOT TO EXCEED $8,787.50. THANK YOU.
IS THERE A MOTION TO ADD THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS? 26-1300 THROUGH 26-1342 TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA FOR OUR FOLLOW UP MEETING.
SO MOVED. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. ESPECIALLY THAT ONE FOR A PENNY.
YES. [LAUGHTER] COMMISSIONER SOOY. YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE.
YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON. YES. ITEMS TO BE ADDED FOR ADOPTION.
AT OUR 6:00 MEETING. RESOLUTION 26-1248 IS AUTHORIZING A NOVATION AGREEMENT FOR ARTHEON, INC., FORMERLY NAIK CONSULTING GROUP, LLC. RESOLUTION 261249.
AMENDMENT TO RIGHT OF WAY AN AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK SMSA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.
WIRELESS. THEY'RE TRYING TO ENTER THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY TO ATTACH, INSTALL, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, REMOVE, REATTACH, REINSTALL, RELOCATE AND REPLACE A VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT IN OR ON THE POLES THAT ARE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY, AND WATCHUNG HILLS. THROUGHOUT WATCHUNG, WATCHUNG HILLS SC, SOMERSET COUNTY.
THE SCHOOL. YES. OKAY. THANK YOU. 26-1250 IS AWARD OF CONTRACT CY-COM-0066-26 FOR THE SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM SERVICES FOR HUNTERDON COUNTY AND SOMERSET COUNTY TO NEW YORK WIRED FOR EDUCATION FOR OPTION B, VIRTUAL CAREER SKILL BUILDING CLASSES AND AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,750 FOR THE GRANT PERIOD OF JUNE 1ST, 2026 TO OCTOBER 31ST, 2026. 1251 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GRWDB
[01:05:02]
TO ACCEPT $12,971 IN WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT DATA REPORT AND ANALYSIS.FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027. AND 1252 IS AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET AS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR THE GRWDB TO ACCEPT $2,706,431 IN WIOA ADULT, DISLOCATED WORKER AND YOUTH FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DUL FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1ST, 2026 TO JUNE 30TH, 2027. AND JUST AS A POINT OF INFORMATION, TWO OF OUR FUNDS WERE CUT BY 10%.
26-1253 AWARD A CONTRACT TO KONICA MINOLTA FOR PURCHASE, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION AND TRAINING OF A LABEL PRINTER WITH FINISHING EQUIPMENT. ONE YEAR ON SITE WARRANTY UTILIZING STATE CONTRACT 26-COMG-120971.
NOT TO EXCEED $39,676.92. SO DOES THIS MEAN NOW WE COULD GET I VOTED STICKERS.
WITH THE COUNTY LOGO? YES. DIE CUT. CUSTOM SHAPE.
LOVE IT. PEOPLE LOVE THOSE STICKERS. ADULTS LOVE STICKERS JUST AS MUCH AS KIDS.
[LAUGHTER] THEY DO. I'M TELLING YOU, PLEASE DO NOT PUT THEM ON YOUR CAR WINDOWS.
NO. I WILL REFRAIN FROM THAT. BUT CAN WE GET.
HOW SOON CAN WE GET THE STICKER MAKER? WHERE I'M GOING WITH THIS IS.
WILL WE HAVE THEM IN TIME FOR THE NEXT ELECTION? ABSOLUTELY. WOO HOO! WE ARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. THAT'S A TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW.
[LAUGHTER] 26-1254 IS AN INSERTION OF SPECIAL REVENUE IN THE BUDGET FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
THE SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $169,061 INTO THE 2026 COUNTY BUDGET.
26-1255 AUTHORIZING A DESIGNATED COLLABORATING ORGANIZATION CARE COORDINATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER OF SOMERSET COUNTY AND ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, SOMERSET PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY SCREENING SERVICES.
I GOT A LOT OF QUESTIONS TODAY. I'M SORRY. ARE WE WORKING WITH BRIDGEWAY ANYMORE? BRIDGEWAY IS NO LONGER THE CONTRACTEE, WHICH IS DETERMINED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES.
AND SO THE PEZ CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TO ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON IN IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR.
OKAY. AND SO THEY'VE BEEN OPERATING SINCE REALLY BECAME ACTIVE IN MARCH.
OKAY. THANK YOU. 26-1256 AUTHORIZING RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT RENEWAL GRANT FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DIVISION OF SYNDEMIC AND SUBSTANCE USE GRANT SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES TO PROVIDE CORE HARM REDUCTION SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1ST, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2027.
TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $305,485. NO FUNDING MATCH REQUIRED.
GUARDIAN FROM CARAHSOFT. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $58,173.30.
26-1258 AMENDING RESOLUTION R25-1819 TO REMOVE ITEM NUMBER FIVE FOR THE TRADE IN CREDIT TO BE APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OF FIREARMS FROM WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP, REDUCING THE TRADE IN VALUE BY $250, THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE BY $250 TOTAL, NOT TO EXCEED $46,017.75. 26-1259 AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMING ORDER TO LANDAUER, INC.. GLENWOOD, ILLINOIS FOR RADIATION BADGES INTO HAPPY VETS PET HOSPITAL, SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY, FOR VET SERVICES. TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,206.66.
THANK YOU. 26-1260 AWARD OF CONTRACT CC-0171-26R TO DIRECT FLOORING, INC. FOR CARPET AND FLOOR COVERING SERVICES.
FIRST YEAR OF A TWO YEAR CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.
[01:10:04]
26-1261. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CY-COM-0112-26 TO BRT TECHNOLOGIES LLC IN MANTUA, NEW JERSEY. FOR UPGRADES, CONTINUE MAINTENANCE AND AND SUPPORT FOR THE CLOUD BASED DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR THE COUNTY TAX BOARD FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF A THREE YEAR CONTRACT WITH AN OPTION FOR TWO ONE YEAR EXTENSIONS TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $124,924 FOR 2026.MOTION. SECOND. ROLL CALL PLEASE. COMMISSIONER GRANER.
YES. COMMISSIONER MARANO. YES. COMMISSIONER SOOY.
YES. DEPUTY DIRECTOR DRAKE. YES. DIRECTOR ROBINSON.
YES. IS THAT MANTUA. WHAT IS THAT? HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE MANTUA? OKAY. MANTUA. ALL RIGHT, SO THIS IS THE PUBLIC PORTION OF OUR MEETING WHERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK.
YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES. NO YIELDING OF TIME, NO COMING BACK A SECOND TIME.
PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.
AND WE ALSO TAKE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE TELEPHONE AND VIA EMAIL.
SO IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC? SO MOVED.
SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME? ANY PHONE CALLS? WE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM HARRY [INAUDIBLE] LAGER EARLIER.
THANK YOU. HEARING NOTHING ELSE, SEEING NOTHING ELSE.
IS THERE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THIS MEETING? SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. AYES HAVE IT. WE WILL ROLL RIGHT INTO.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.