1 00:00:18,760 --> 00:00:20,480 This is the Commissioner meeting of May 2 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:24,000 13th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sussex 3 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:25,760 County Administrative Center 4 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:27,800 Commissioner meeting room One Spring 5 00:00:27,800 --> 00:00:29,600 Street, Newton, New Jersey. Can I have a 6 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:31,840 roll call, please? Commissioner Carney. 7 00:00:31,840 --> 00:00:33,720 Here. Deputy Director Degroat. 8 00:00:33,720 --> 00:00:35,120 >> Here. Commissioner Henderson. 9 00:00:35,120 --> 00:00:36,680 >> Here. Commissioner Silverthorne. 10 00:00:36,680 --> 00:00:38,040 >> Here. Director Space. 11 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:38,960 >> Here. 12 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:40,800 Moment of silence and salute to the 13 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:47,430 flag. 14 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:50,320 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 15 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:52,360 United States of America 16 00:00:52,360 --> 00:00:55,080 and to the republic for which it stands, 17 00:00:55,080 --> 00:00:58,320 one nation under God, indivisible, with 18 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:03,150 liberty and justice for all. 19 00:01:03,160 --> 00:01:05,080 Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings 20 00:01:05,080 --> 00:01:09,440 Act, Chapter 231, PL 1975, adequate 21 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:12,080 notice as defined by Section 3D of 22 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:15,960 Chapter 231, PL 1975 has been made by 23 00:01:15,960 --> 00:01:18,560 regular mail and email. Such notice 24 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:21,680 being submitted on January 6th, 2026 25 00:01:21,680 --> 00:01:23,040 from the Administrative Center of the 26 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:25,520 County of Sussex located at One Spring 27 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:26,960 Street, Newton, New Jersey to the 28 00:01:26,960 --> 00:01:28,680 following: New Jersey Herald, 29 00:01:28,680 --> 00:01:30,800 Star-Ledger, Straus News, and is also 30 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:32,680 posted on the bulletin board maintained 31 00:01:32,680 --> 00:01:34,440 in the Administrative Center for public 32 00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:36,520 announcements and has been submitted to 33 00:01:36,520 --> 00:01:38,240 the Sussex County Clerk in compliance 34 00:01:38,240 --> 00:01:40,400 with said act. At this time, please mute 35 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:42,560 all electronic devices. 36 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:45,160 Number five, approval of agenda. There 37 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:46,760 will be a few changes to the agenda 38 00:01:46,760 --> 00:01:49,400 tonight. Removal of minutes number 12, 39 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:52,920 March 25th, April 8th, and April 22nd. 40 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,960 There will be no number 18, personnel 41 00:01:54,960 --> 00:01:56,880 agenda. There will be an executive 42 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:59,080 session for number four, matters 43 00:01:59,080 --> 00:02:00,920 relating to collective bargaining 44 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:03,520 agreements PBA prosecutor, and number 45 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:06,000 seven, matters relating to litigation, 46 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:08,240 negotiations, and the attorney-client 47 00:02:08,240 --> 00:02:10,920 privilege homestead. Can I get a motion 48 00:02:10,920 --> 00:02:12,240 to approve the agenda? 49 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:13,520 >> So moved. Okay, Commissioner 50 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:15,480 Silverthorne, a second? 51 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:17,000 I second. Commissioner Henderson, any 52 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:18,640 discussion? 53 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:21,280 All in favor? Aye. Opposed, abstain. 54 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:22,880 Okay, motion carries. Number six, 55 00:02:22,880 --> 00:02:24,840 proclamations, certificates and 56 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:26,920 presentations. We have a proclamation 57 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:28,880 proclaiming May as Older Americans 58 00:02:28,880 --> 00:02:31,720 Month, and that will be read on Friday, 59 00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:33,720 May 15th at the Sussex County 60 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:37,280 Fairgrounds. And we have a proclamation 61 00:02:37,280 --> 00:02:39,480 um making May Mental Health Awareness 62 00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:41,360 Month, and that'll be accepted by 63 00:02:41,360 --> 00:02:43,600 Christine Florio, the head of Health and 64 00:02:43,600 --> 00:02:46,000 Human Services, and Rachel Health, a 65 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:47,680 member of the Mental Health Board, and 66 00:02:47,680 --> 00:02:49,480 that's going to be read by Commissioner 67 00:02:49,480 --> 00:02:51,600 Silverthorne. 68 00:02:51,600 --> 00:02:53,240 Whereas mental health is an essential 69 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:55,560 part of overall health and well-being, 70 00:02:55,560 --> 00:02:57,720 and whereas mental health is defined by 71 00:02:57,720 --> 00:02:59,720 the World Health Organization as a state 72 00:02:59,720 --> 00:03:02,280 of well-being in which every individual 73 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:05,480 realizes his or own her own potential, 74 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:06,720 can cope with the normal stresses of 75 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:09,640 life, and work productively, 76 00:03:09,640 --> 00:03:11,360 and is able to make a contribution to 77 00:03:11,360 --> 00:03:15,080 his or her community. And whereas mental 78 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:16,880 illness is a leading cause of suffering 79 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:19,120 and disability that is exacerbated by 80 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:21,280 stigma and discrimination. 81 00:03:21,280 --> 00:03:24,519 And whereas one in six youth age 6 to 17 82 00:03:24,519 --> 00:03:27,519 years, and one in five individuals age 83 00:03:27,519 --> 00:03:29,280 18 and over will experience a 84 00:03:29,280 --> 00:03:32,880 diagnosable mental health disorder each 85 00:03:32,880 --> 00:03:34,840 year. And whereas increasing awareness 86 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:36,400 of mental health and the importance of 87 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:38,560 mental health prevention, intervention, 88 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:40,760 and treatment services can encourage 89 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:43,080 those who are suffer suffering to reach 90 00:03:43,080 --> 00:03:45,400 out for help. And whereas the Sussex 91 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:47,400 County Board of County Commissioners 92 00:03:47,400 --> 00:03:49,800 adopted and supports the Campaign to 93 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:52,960 Change Direction, which is a model to 94 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:56,160 reduce stigma and change the culture of 95 00:03:56,160 --> 00:03:58,640 mental health so that all those in need 96 00:03:58,640 --> 00:04:00,120 receive the care and the support they 97 00:04:00,120 --> 00:04:02,320 deserve. This model supports the 98 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:04,080 inclusion of mental health into overall 99 00:04:04,080 --> 00:04:06,360 health, encourages individuals to know 100 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:08,480 the five signs of emotional suffering, 101 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,040 and supports others to reach out for 102 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:12,280 help when needed. And whereas May is 103 00:04:12,280 --> 00:04:14,000 recognized nationally as Mental Health 104 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,640 Awareness Month, provide and provided 105 00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:18,160 providing an opportunity to raise 106 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:20,079 awareness, combat stigma, and promote 107 00:04:20,079 --> 00:04:23,400 mental health resources. Now, therefore, 108 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:25,760 be resolved that upon the recommendation 109 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:26,960 of the Sussex County Mental Health 110 00:04:26,960 --> 00:04:28,840 Board, the Sussex County Board of County 111 00:04:28,840 --> 00:04:31,080 Commissioners hereby officially 112 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:33,800 designates May 2026 as Mental Health 113 00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:35,840 Awareness Month in Sussex County. By 114 00:04:35,840 --> 00:04:37,520 order of the board order by order of the 115 00:04:37,520 --> 00:04:38,760 Board of County Commissioners, Jill 116 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:41,440 Space, Director, Jack DeGroat, Deputy 117 00:04:41,440 --> 00:04:43,720 Director, Chris Carney, Allen Henderson, 118 00:04:43,720 --> 00:04:45,640 and Dave Shotwell, Commissioners. 119 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:47,080 Thank you. 120 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:48,840 Christine, Rachel, you want to say a few 121 00:04:48,840 --> 00:04:59,110 words? 122 00:04:59,120 --> 00:05:00,800 Good evening, members of county 123 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:02,360 leadership, fellow board members, 124 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:04,080 providers, advocates, community 125 00:05:04,080 --> 00:05:06,720 partners, families, and residents. Thank 126 00:05:06,720 --> 00:05:08,240 you for the opportunity to be here this 127 00:05:08,240 --> 00:05:09,880 night and for issuing this Mental Health 128 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:12,560 Month Proclamation. As co-chair of the 129 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:14,120 Mental Health Board, it is an honor to 130 00:05:14,120 --> 00:05:16,000 accept this on behalf of the board and 131 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:17,919 the many individual individuals, 132 00:05:17,919 --> 00:05:19,680 families, and professionals who work 133 00:05:19,680 --> 00:05:21,360 every day to strengthen mental health 134 00:05:21,360 --> 00:05:23,760 supports across our county. 135 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:25,919 Mental Health Board serves in an 136 00:05:25,919 --> 00:05:28,560 advisory and collaborative role, helping 137 00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:30,440 to identify community needs, gaps in 138 00:05:30,440 --> 00:05:32,080 services, and opportunities for 139 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:33,640 improvement across mental health 140 00:05:33,640 --> 00:05:34,880 systems. 141 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:36,560 Our work is grounded in the fundamental 142 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:39,760 belief that the systems work better when 143 00:05:39,760 --> 00:05:41,280 listen to the people they meant they are 144 00:05:41,280 --> 00:05:43,000 meant to serve. 145 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:44,640 Mental Health Month is more than a 146 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:46,200 designation on a calendar. It's a 147 00:05:46,200 --> 00:05:48,400 reminder that mental health touches 148 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:50,800 every single aspect of our lives. It 149 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:52,720 affects children and adults, seniors, 150 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:54,800 veterans, students, and families. It 151 00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:56,920 does not discriminate. 152 00:05:56,920 --> 00:05:58,920 By issuing this this proclamation, the 153 00:05:58,920 --> 00:06:01,000 county sends a powerful message that 154 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:02,640 mental health matters and the people 155 00:06:02,640 --> 00:06:04,840 matter. And that our community is 156 00:06:04,840 --> 00:06:06,560 committed to building systems rooted in 157 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:10,560 dignity, compassion, and access for all. 158 00:06:10,560 --> 00:06:11,840 The mental health board is proud to be a 159 00:06:11,840 --> 00:06:13,400 part of these conversations and we 160 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:15,920 remain committed in strengthening them. 161 00:06:15,920 --> 00:06:18,400 Thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you to 162 00:06:18,400 --> 00:06:20,120 the board for all of your support with 163 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:22,280 everything we do for mental health. I 164 00:06:22,280 --> 00:06:24,400 know the community being um the board 165 00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:26,040 does give us money through opioid 166 00:06:26,040 --> 00:06:27,840 settlement funds, through grant money, 167 00:06:27,840 --> 00:06:30,080 and we support mental health initiatives 168 00:06:30,080 --> 00:06:32,080 for children, youth, and families, 169 00:06:32,080 --> 00:06:33,440 adults. So, thank you for all your 170 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:35,320 support in everything we do. Thank you. 171 00:06:35,320 --> 00:07:11,310 May we get a picture with you? 172 00:07:11,320 --> 00:07:26,750 And thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 173 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:28,840 A, next we have the presentation of the 174 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:31,760 2025 audit by Ray Saranellia from 175 00:07:31,760 --> 00:07:39,990 Nisivoccia. 176 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:41,960 Good evening everybody. Um Ray 177 00:07:41,960 --> 00:07:43,640 Saranellia the Sebasticook Auditor for 178 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:44,920 the county. 179 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:46,320 Um, so tonight I'll be presenting the 180 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:48,560 budget um, or 181 00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:49,480 we'll talk about the budget later. We're 182 00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:51,200 going to talk about the audit right now, 183 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:53,200 which is this blue book here. I'm going 184 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:54,960 to save everybody some time and condense 185 00:07:54,960 --> 00:07:57,840 it down. It's like 200 pages, so we'll we'll try and get through it 186 00:07:57,840 --> 00:07:59,000 quickly. 187 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:00,840 Um, the county did have a good year 188 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:02,280 financially. 189 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:06,280 Um, the fund balance did grow by 185,000 190 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:08,000 uh, during the year. Started the year 191 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:12,160 with 22 million 838. Uh, used 8 million 192 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:15,400 774 in the through the budget process 193 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:18,360 and then regenerated 8 million 959 for a 194 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:21,320 fund balance of 23 million. 195 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:22,840 So, I talk about the fund balance, 196 00:08:22,840 --> 00:08:24,400 right? That's your best financial 197 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:26,000 indicator. It's obviously very 198 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:27,400 important. We use it through the budget 199 00:08:27,400 --> 00:08:30,000 process to help fund the budget um, and 200 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:31,960 it's what's the rating agencies look at 201 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:34,360 as our financial health, very similar to 202 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:36,000 retained earnings. 203 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:38,120 So, I always like to talk about uh, you 204 00:08:38,120 --> 00:08:39,440 know, how do we know your fund balance 205 00:08:39,440 --> 00:08:41,680 is doing well? We try and look at it as 206 00:08:41,680 --> 00:08:44,039 a percentage of your operating budget. 207 00:08:44,039 --> 00:08:45,920 That's what your fund balance see fund 208 00:08:45,920 --> 00:08:48,200 balance policy looks at as well. You 209 00:08:48,200 --> 00:08:50,040 have a range for your healthy fund 210 00:08:50,040 --> 00:08:51,560 balance. If you go too high, we try and 211 00:08:51,560 --> 00:08:53,320 draw the fund balance down. You go too 212 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:55,480 low, we try and make a plan to uh, get 213 00:08:55,480 --> 00:08:57,280 it to grow. So, at this point you're at 214 00:08:57,280 --> 00:08:59,440 17.7%. 215 00:08:59,440 --> 00:09:01,680 The maximum amount of your fund balance 216 00:09:01,680 --> 00:09:03,200 uh, according to the policy should be 217 00:09:03,200 --> 00:09:05,839 20%. That's what the rating agencies 218 00:09:05,839 --> 00:09:07,880 would be looking for. If you're to try 219 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:09,760 and maintain a fund balance of somewhere 220 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:13,560 between 15 and 20%. So, at 17 and a half 221 00:09:13,560 --> 00:09:15,839 percent, it's almost perfect. Um, 222 00:09:15,839 --> 00:09:17,320 considering where we're at in the 223 00:09:17,320 --> 00:09:19,520 economic cycle, again having a little 224 00:09:19,520 --> 00:09:21,560 bit of a higher fund balance is probably 225 00:09:21,560 --> 00:09:23,680 a good thing. It gives us a little bit 226 00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:26,400 more time to be reactive um, if there's 227 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:29,080 a downturn in the economy. So, all very 228 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:31,160 good things uh, in the in the current 229 00:09:31,160 --> 00:09:33,120 operating fund of the financial 230 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:34,760 statements. You know, financial 231 00:09:34,760 --> 00:09:35,960 statements aren't just the operating 232 00:09:35,960 --> 00:09:37,280 fund, there's trust funds, there's the 233 00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:39,880 capital fund, and the library fund, as 234 00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:41,760 well as some of your outside offices. 235 00:09:41,760 --> 00:09:44,520 So, the trust funds operated normally 236 00:09:44,520 --> 00:09:46,640 and effectively. The storm reserve is 237 00:09:46,640 --> 00:09:48,440 down slightly. 238 00:09:48,440 --> 00:09:49,880 You know, we have a couple of big storms 239 00:09:49,880 --> 00:09:51,160 at the beginning of this year, so those 240 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:52,760 are going to be impacting that that 241 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:54,440 reserve as well, but it's still very 242 00:09:54,440 --> 00:09:56,280 strong. Again, giving you more 243 00:09:56,280 --> 00:09:59,160 flexibility for when uncertainty arises. 244 00:09:59,160 --> 00:10:01,640 So, that's a very good thing as well. 245 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:03,680 Capital, that's where we do all the 246 00:10:03,680 --> 00:10:05,400 capital projects and we maintain the 247 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:06,640 debt. 248 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:08,480 The long-term debt 249 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:11,480 continues to reduce. The debt is down 8 250 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:13,440 and 1/2 million dollars 251 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:17,160 over the year in 2025 to 71 million 252 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:19,760 390,000. 253 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:23,000 That is the lowest it's been 254 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:24,920 in the last 20 years for sure, probably 255 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:28,800 30, maybe even 40. So, that it continues 256 00:10:28,800 --> 00:10:30,680 to reduce. 257 00:10:30,680 --> 00:10:32,240 Part of the long-term budget plan, the 258 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:35,240 long-term debt plan that the 259 00:10:35,240 --> 00:10:36,320 you know, the commissioners have put in 260 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:38,920 place over the last several years. 261 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:40,560 So, I'm happy to report that it is 262 00:10:40,560 --> 00:10:41,560 working. 263 00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:45,760 That's probably the lowest it's been in a very long time. 264 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:48,680 >> The library fund operated strong as 265 00:10:48,680 --> 00:10:50,720 well. The fund balance is down just 266 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:52,480 slightly, but it's still in a strong 267 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:55,040 position. So, overall, you know, all of 268 00:10:55,040 --> 00:10:57,360 your finances are in good shape. 269 00:10:57,360 --> 00:10:58,880 You know, as you continue to produce 270 00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:01,720 budgets that have a sound fiscal future 271 00:11:01,720 --> 00:11:03,080 to maintain 272 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:05,240 taxes and and the services that you want 273 00:11:05,240 --> 00:11:07,240 to provide. Keep a lot of stability for 274 00:11:07,240 --> 00:11:08,800 the residents. 275 00:11:08,800 --> 00:11:09,839 Great. 276 00:11:09,839 --> 00:11:10,960 Thank you. 277 00:11:10,960 --> 00:11:13,430 Anyone? 278 00:11:13,440 --> 00:11:14,040 I think we're good. 279 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:16,160 >> very much. Thank you, Ray. 280 00:11:16,160 --> 00:11:18,720 Okay. Number seven, 281 00:11:18,720 --> 00:11:21,240 uh resolution authorizing the reading of 282 00:11:21,240 --> 00:11:24,120 the 2026 Sussex County budget by title 283 00:11:24,120 --> 00:11:28,160 only in accordance with NJSA 40A colon 284 00:11:28,160 --> 00:11:29,720 4-8. 285 00:11:29,720 --> 00:11:32,080 Can I get a motion? So moved. Secretary 286 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:33,040 Commissioner Henderson a second, 287 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:35,160 Commissioner uh Deputy Director DeGroat. 288 00:11:35,160 --> 00:11:36,920 Any discussion? 289 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:37,840 Roll call, please. 290 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:38,720 >> Director Space. 291 00:11:38,720 --> 00:11:40,800 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney. Yeah. Deputy 292 00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:42,640 Director DeGroat. Yes. Commissioner 293 00:11:42,640 --> 00:11:43,120 Henderson. 294 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:44,680 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne. 295 00:11:44,680 --> 00:11:46,160 >> Yes. 296 00:11:46,160 --> 00:11:48,200 All right, number eight, public hearing. 297 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:50,480 for the 2026 Sussex 298 00:11:50,480 --> 00:11:52,200 County budget as approved. Can I get a 299 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:54,800 motion to open public hearing for the 300 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:57,560 2026 Sussex County budget as approved? 301 00:11:57,560 --> 00:11:59,000 So moved. Okay, Commissioner 302 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:00,320 Silverthorne and 303 00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:02,240 Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? 304 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:04,520 All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Abstain? 305 00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:07,830 Okay, the floor is open. 306 00:12:07,840 --> 00:12:09,280 Public hearing is now open. Is anyone 307 00:12:09,280 --> 00:12:11,480 present to be heard regarding the 2026 308 00:12:11,480 --> 00:12:15,400 Sussex County budget as approved? 309 00:12:15,400 --> 00:12:18,800 Please state your name and municipality. 310 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:20,720 Uh good evening, commissioners and 311 00:12:20,720 --> 00:12:23,040 community members. Um 312 00:12:23,040 --> 00:12:25,560 I'm Ken Collins, Andover Township. I 313 00:12:25,560 --> 00:12:26,960 want to thank you for your hard work on 314 00:12:26,960 --> 00:12:29,440 a budget. It already feels like with Mr. 315 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:31,080 Hayden re- placed, we're getting more 316 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,840 bang for the buck. 317 00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:34,520 So, to speak and I know we're all 318 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:36,480 grateful for that. Um for quite some 319 00:12:36,480 --> 00:12:38,200 time, I've been coming before you asking 320 00:12:38,200 --> 00:12:40,680 you to stabilize property taxes. 321 00:12:40,680 --> 00:12:43,040 And every year they go up. Uh this 322 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:45,360 year's no exception. Recently, you know, 323 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:47,280 I've tried to explain to you all that if 324 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:50,320 you raise property taxes by 3 and 1/2% a 325 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:52,640 year, you double them in 20. And I 326 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:54,040 explained to you that you explained to 327 00:12:54,040 --> 00:12:55,760 you that you've done that. 328 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:56,880 And I want to put kind of put that in 329 00:12:56,880 --> 00:12:58,880 perspective for you, okay? If you're 25 330 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:00,160 years old and you come here and you buy 331 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:01,800 a piece of property and the property 332 00:13:01,800 --> 00:13:04,640 taxes are $10,000 on it, and you guys 333 00:13:04,640 --> 00:13:06,920 raise taxes 3 and 1/2% for the next 20 334 00:13:06,920 --> 00:13:07,839 years, 335 00:13:07,839 --> 00:13:10,240 well, now they're $20,000. Then if you 336 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:11,760 raise them for the next 20 years, 337 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:14,160 they're not $30,000, they're $40,000. 338 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:15,920 They double again. 339 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:17,560 And then over the next 20 years, they 340 00:13:17,560 --> 00:13:20,480 double again. So, when that guy is 85, 341 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:22,880 his taxes have now gone from do the 342 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:24,800 math. Did you do it? That's a lot of 343 00:13:24,800 --> 00:13:27,680 money. He's paying 80 grand. 344 00:13:27,680 --> 00:13:29,200 You got to really be careful with what 345 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:30,720 you're doing. You can't double tax You 346 00:13:30,720 --> 00:13:33,360 can't raise taxes 3 and 1/2% a year. 347 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:35,480 You're going to tax this place out of 348 00:13:35,480 --> 00:13:37,680 existence. 349 00:13:37,680 --> 00:13:39,520 That's all I got. Thanks. 350 00:13:39,520 --> 00:13:40,400 Yeah. 351 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:42,920 Anyone else? 352 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:44,400 Can I get a motion that the public 353 00:13:44,400 --> 00:13:45,760 hearing be Oh, we have another one. Oh, 354 00:13:45,760 --> 00:13:47,120 I'm sorry. Come on up. 355 00:13:47,120 --> 00:13:51,030 Didn't see you. 356 00:13:51,040 --> 00:13:51,680 Name and address 357 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:53,560 >> Paul Luton, I'm from Livonia. 358 00:13:53,560 --> 00:13:55,200 Hello. 359 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:59,120 Is there a line item in the budget again 360 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:00,440 this year 361 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:08,670 to pay off the assault claim? 362 00:14:08,680 --> 00:14:11,710 Oh, it's paid off. 363 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:13,400 Uh 364 00:14:13,400 --> 00:14:18,830 The The other question I have is 365 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:21,240 year over year 366 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:22,360 what 367 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:31,990 has the rateable base been? 368 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:34,200 Oh, yeah, it's not a Q&A. 369 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:38,280 It's What's that? We can respond. Yeah, we can get you the 370 00:14:38,280 --> 00:14:41,310 information. 371 00:14:41,320 --> 00:14:43,605 The reason why I asked that question is 372 00:14:43,605 --> 00:14:45,200 [clears throat] that 373 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:47,160 uh 374 00:14:47,160 --> 00:14:49,560 every year 375 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:51,520 whether it's at the municipal level 376 00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:54,590 or county level 377 00:14:54,600 --> 00:14:58,030 there's an increase in revenue. 378 00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:02,030 Where does that increase come from? 379 00:15:02,040 --> 00:15:04,720 Actual base. 380 00:15:04,720 --> 00:15:08,520 So, if I'm just using this as an 381 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:09,760 example. 382 00:15:09,760 --> 00:15:11,880 If the rateable base went up by $10 383 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:12,800 million 384 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:16,470 for the county 385 00:15:16,480 --> 00:15:17,480 you have 386 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:20,400 what the county tax rate is for our 387 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:24,630 number. 388 00:15:24,640 --> 00:15:28,280 You two 3.3 389 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:30,200 So, say it's 390 00:15:30,200 --> 00:15:33,600 $4 to make it easier on me. 391 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:35,080 It's 0.38. 392 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:37,560 Well, it's 0.39, 0.38 below is. 393 00:15:37,560 --> 00:15:39,440 Uh so, 394 00:15:39,440 --> 00:15:42,990 per hundred on 395 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:47,400 $10 million that means that there 396 00:15:47,400 --> 00:15:50,160 is additional revenue to the county. 397 00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:52,520 For you. 398 00:15:52,520 --> 00:15:54,640 1 minute. 399 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:55,880 Uh 400 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:57,800 So, 401 00:15:57,800 --> 00:16:01,480 I just would encourage you to understand 402 00:16:01,480 --> 00:16:03,760 that you know, we always hear about 403 00:16:03,760 --> 00:16:06,560 medical expenses going up. 404 00:16:06,560 --> 00:16:08,756 But, your revenue also goes up. 405 00:16:08,756 --> 00:16:10,040 >> [clears throat] 406 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:14,320 >> And I would encourage you to 407 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:15,400 work with your 408 00:16:15,400 --> 00:16:17,120 county offices. 409 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:19,920 Thank you. Thank you. 410 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:25,870 Anyone else? 411 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:28,240 Okay. Can I get a motion that the public 412 00:16:28,240 --> 00:16:29,440 hearing be closed? 413 00:16:29,440 --> 00:16:31,080 >> Still moved. Okay, Commissioner Carney 414 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:33,240 and a second. Deputy Director DeGroat. 415 00:16:33,240 --> 00:16:34,920 Any discussion? 416 00:16:34,920 --> 00:16:36,600 All in favor? All right, opposed 417 00:16:36,600 --> 00:16:39,240 abstain. Okay, the next one. A 418 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:41,200 resolution the final adoption of the 419 00:16:41,200 --> 00:16:44,680 2026 Sussex County budget as approved. 420 00:16:44,680 --> 00:16:46,440 Be it resolved by the Board of County 421 00:16:46,440 --> 00:16:48,040 Commissioners of the County of Sussex 422 00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:51,000 that the budget herein before set forth 423 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,200 by adopted and shall constitute an 424 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:56,680 appropriation of 132 million 2 million 425 00:16:56,680 --> 00:17:01,350 242,833.89 426 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,640 for the purposes stated of the sums 427 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:06,079 therein set forth as appropriations and 428 00:17:06,079 --> 00:17:09,439 authorization of the amount of the 108 429 00:17:09,439 --> 00:17:13,040 million 695,401 430 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:14,880 for the county purposes to be raised by 431 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:17,760 taxation and certification to the County 432 00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:19,839 board of taxation of the following 433 00:17:19,839 --> 00:17:21,839 summary of general revenues and 434 00:17:21,839 --> 00:17:23,760 appropriations. Can I get a motion to 435 00:17:23,760 --> 00:17:26,199 finally adopt the 2026 county budget as 436 00:17:26,199 --> 00:17:27,160 approved? 437 00:17:27,160 --> 00:17:28,360 >> Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn, a 438 00:17:28,360 --> 00:17:28,840 second? 439 00:17:28,840 --> 00:17:30,920 >> Second. Uh Commissioner Henderson, any 440 00:17:30,920 --> 00:17:34,040 discussion? Yes. Yes. 441 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:35,560 Since I didn't make the last meeting on 442 00:17:35,560 --> 00:17:37,200 our introduction, which I apologize for, 443 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:38,200 I just have a few things that I would 444 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:39,360 like to say. 445 00:17:39,360 --> 00:17:40,840 One being I'm pretty sure we don't 446 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:42,120 collect millions of dollars on a rate of 447 00:17:42,120 --> 00:17:43,720 votes, but I'm not mistaken. I think 448 00:17:43,720 --> 00:17:45,240 we're around 200 grand this year, maybe 449 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:47,120 360 last year, Elka, something around 450 00:17:47,120 --> 00:17:47,960 there? 451 00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:50,200 Right? Correct? That's right. Okay. All 452 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:51,800 right, so I just want to clarify that. 453 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:52,800 Um 454 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:53,800 you know, everybody could be a Monday 455 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:55,080 morning quarterback and tell us that we 456 00:17:55,080 --> 00:17:57,400 can lower taxes, 100%, and we can lower 457 00:17:57,400 --> 00:17:59,000 taxes, you are correct. We could take 458 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:00,760 out of our fund balance, we could take 459 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:02,920 away all our services and have nothing. 460 00:18:02,920 --> 00:18:05,280 No Skylands ride, no social services. We 461 00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:07,520 gave a proclamation for for mental 462 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:09,080 health. We could take it all away. 463 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:10,480 That's what we can do, but we don't want 464 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:12,240 to do that. And we also want to pay our 465 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:14,200 employees cuz they deserve a decent 466 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:17,000 living, them and their families. So, we, 467 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:18,120 you know, we're taxpayers just like 468 00:18:18,120 --> 00:18:19,520 everybody else here. 469 00:18:19,520 --> 00:18:20,880 And I think we do the best that we can 470 00:18:20,880 --> 00:18:24,120 do. We have unfunded mandates, $3.5 471 00:18:24,120 --> 00:18:26,600 million in insurance going up year after 472 00:18:26,600 --> 00:18:29,480 year with no light in sight whatsoever. 473 00:18:29,480 --> 00:18:31,240 So, I just want to thank you guys for 474 00:18:31,240 --> 00:18:33,560 doing what you do, Elka, Tony, 475 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:34,720 Christina, 476 00:18:34,720 --> 00:18:36,320 Ray Ray, um 477 00:18:36,320 --> 00:18:38,160 you know, and the and the board because, 478 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:39,760 you know, we do us right for this 479 00:18:39,760 --> 00:18:41,000 county. 480 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:42,800 I've been here going on 6 years. This is 481 00:18:42,800 --> 00:18:44,920 the highest. This is not good for 482 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:48,040 anybody. Um most most municipalities are 483 00:18:48,040 --> 00:18:49,600 a lot higher than we are, 484 00:18:49,600 --> 00:18:51,000 and I'm not trying to brag by all means, 485 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:53,080 but for the last 6 years or 5 years 486 00:18:53,080 --> 00:18:55,080 prior, I would say our average was about 487 00:18:55,080 --> 00:18:58,080 1.1% on on a levy going up. 488 00:18:58,080 --> 00:18:59,840 When you have inflation at 9%, that's 489 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:01,520 not bad. 490 00:19:01,520 --> 00:19:02,600 Our employees, we have a lot more 491 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:03,600 employees than we did when I first 492 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:04,960 started here. They're getting paid a 493 00:19:04,960 --> 00:19:07,000 good wage, right? And and again, they 494 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:09,120 deserve to to get that good wage. So, I 495 00:19:09,120 --> 00:19:11,480 stick behind our budget. Again, 496 00:19:11,480 --> 00:19:13,080 I would love it to be zero, and I would 497 00:19:13,080 --> 00:19:14,040 love to be able to keep the services 498 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:16,320 that we have, but you can't have both. 499 00:19:16,320 --> 00:19:18,640 So, I know, you know, everybody can fix 500 00:19:18,640 --> 00:19:19,920 things, and 501 00:19:19,920 --> 00:19:21,240 again, Monday morning quarterbacks, 502 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:23,560 there's so many of them. Um 503 00:19:23,560 --> 00:19:24,520 you know, 504 00:19:24,520 --> 00:19:25,600 we do what we can do, and we're trying 505 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:27,200 to do our best, and uh 506 00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:29,000 again, thank you guys. And also, public 507 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,040 safety. That's another thing that's uh I 508 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:32,200 could go on and on forever. 509 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:34,680 >> You know what I mean? It's just uh yeah, 510 00:19:34,680 --> 00:19:37,200 so. But, thank you. Thank you. 511 00:19:37,200 --> 00:19:40,040 Um just I just wanted to supplement what 512 00:19:40,040 --> 00:19:42,520 uh Commissioner Carney had stated. Uh 513 00:19:42,520 --> 00:19:44,200 this budget that's been prepared and was 514 00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:46,840 introduced um also reflects a decrease 515 00:19:46,840 --> 00:19:49,400 of an over 40 items. Um you know, this 516 00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:52,040 board, the subcommittees, our staff, we 517 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:53,760 went through line item literally item 518 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:55,400 through item through item to what we 519 00:19:55,400 --> 00:19:57,640 could could decrease. This budget 520 00:19:57,640 --> 00:20:02,840 represents a decrease of uh $2,013,452 521 00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:04,080 that we were able to remove from the 522 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:05,680 budget without decreasing a single 523 00:20:05,680 --> 00:20:09,160 service um or a single um anything that 524 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:12,880 we are uh providing the taxpayers. So, I 525 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:13,800 you know, I think there's something to 526 00:20:13,800 --> 00:20:15,400 be said for that as well, that we are 527 00:20:15,400 --> 00:20:16,960 managing, we are looking, and we are 528 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,000 keeping the taxpayers in mind. 529 00:20:19,000 --> 00:20:21,720 And we're continuing doing our our debt 530 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:22,080 That's right. 531 00:20:22,080 --> 00:20:26,200 >> pay pay down our debt, which is big, as Ray said. Right? I think 1.5 million, 532 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,000 I think, in debt reduction this year? Am 533 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:30,680 I correct? Okay. 534 00:20:30,680 --> 00:20:33,360 More than that? That was the actual 1.5. 535 00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:35,280 What was it? Like 7 million is all. 7 7 536 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:37,640 million with debt reduction. 537 00:20:37,640 --> 00:20:38,280 Okay. 538 00:20:38,280 --> 00:20:40,440 It's huge. It's huge. We also pay as you 539 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:42,560 go instead of borrowing money for 540 00:20:42,560 --> 00:20:44,200 some of you guys who 541 00:20:44,200 --> 00:20:45,680 Roll call, please. 542 00:20:45,680 --> 00:20:47,960 Director Space. Yes. Commissioner 543 00:20:47,960 --> 00:20:50,360 Carney. Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat. 544 00:20:50,360 --> 00:20:51,720 Yes. Commissioner Henderson. 545 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:55,040 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes. 546 00:20:55,040 --> 00:20:59,280 Okay. Final adoption of ordinance 26-01. 547 00:20:59,280 --> 00:21:01,120 At our regular meeting held on April 548 00:21:01,120 --> 00:21:04,040 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 549 00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:05,800 reading the following ordinance, which 550 00:21:05,800 --> 00:21:07,600 was advertised on the County of Sussex 551 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:10,720 website on April 23rd, 2026 together 552 00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:12,400 with the notice of public hearing 553 00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:13,960 stating that it would be held at this 554 00:21:13,960 --> 00:21:16,080 meeting at 6:00 p.m. Bond ordinance 555 00:21:16,080 --> 00:21:18,440 providing for the undertaking of 2026 556 00:21:18,440 --> 00:21:20,920 capital improvements at and for certain 557 00:21:20,920 --> 00:21:22,640 facilities of Sussex County Community 558 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:24,520 College located within the County of 559 00:21:24,520 --> 00:21:26,120 Sussex, State of New Jersey 560 00:21:26,120 --> 00:21:29,440 appropriating 1 million 200,000 561 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:31,720 therefore and authorizing the issuance 562 00:21:31,720 --> 00:21:34,240 of 1 million 150,000 563 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:36,400 bonds or notes of the County of Sussex, 564 00:21:36,400 --> 00:21:38,560 State of New Jersey for financing such 565 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:40,800 appropriation, the principal of and 566 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,400 interest on the aggregate principal 567 00:21:43,400 --> 00:21:45,200 amount of which will be entitled to 568 00:21:45,200 --> 00:21:47,640 state aid pursuant to chapter 12 of the 569 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:50,680 laws of New Jersey of 1971. 570 00:21:50,680 --> 00:21:53,000 Um can I get a motion that the public 571 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,680 hearing be opened? So moved. Okay, 572 00:21:55,680 --> 00:21:57,040 Commissioner Henderson is second Deputy 573 00:21:57,040 --> 00:21:59,000 Director DeGroat. 574 00:21:59,000 --> 00:21:59,760 Um 575 00:21:59,760 --> 00:22:01,720 any discussion? 576 00:22:01,720 --> 00:22:04,880 Okay, all in favor? I oppose, abstain. 577 00:22:04,880 --> 00:22:06,720 State your name and municipality and 578 00:22:06,720 --> 00:22:09,720 this is uh 3 minutes or less. 579 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:11,880 Who wants to speak? Okay. 580 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:13,280 Is anyone present to be heard on this 581 00:22:13,280 --> 00:22:15,760 ordinance? Okay, being none, can I get a 582 00:22:15,760 --> 00:22:16,840 motion that the public hearing be 583 00:22:16,840 --> 00:22:19,760 closed? So moved. Okay, uh Commissioner 584 00:22:19,760 --> 00:22:21,760 Silverthorne a second. 585 00:22:21,760 --> 00:22:23,720 Deputy Director DeGroat, any 586 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:26,960 discussion? All in favor? I oppose, 587 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:28,960 abstain. Okay. Now do you can I get a 588 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:30,640 motion that this ordinance finally be 589 00:22:30,640 --> 00:22:33,040 adopted? So moved. Okay, Commissioner 590 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:35,840 Carney and uh second was Commissioner 591 00:22:35,840 --> 00:22:38,560 Silverthorne. Any discussion? 592 00:22:38,560 --> 00:22:41,800 All in favor? I oppose, abstain. 593 00:22:41,800 --> 00:22:45,160 A motion that the resolution be uh 594 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:46,800 adopted. 595 00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:47,920 Well, we already have that. This is on 596 00:22:47,920 --> 00:22:49,120 here. 597 00:22:49,120 --> 00:22:50,320 The ordinance be adopted and the and the 598 00:22:50,320 --> 00:22:51,760 resolution. 599 00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:54,120 >> Oh, okay. The resolution that I Okay, 600 00:22:54,120 --> 00:22:56,080 the Okay, I get it. Okay, that the 601 00:22:56,080 --> 00:22:58,280 resolution be adopted. 602 00:22:58,280 --> 00:22:59,240 Okay. 603 00:22:59,240 --> 00:23:01,040 Can I get a motion? So moved. Okay, 604 00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:02,840 Commissioner Henderson a second Director 605 00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:05,240 DeGroot. A roll call, please. 606 00:23:05,240 --> 00:23:07,320 Director Space. Yes. Commissioner 607 00:23:07,320 --> 00:23:09,680 Carney. Yes. Deputy Director DeGroot. 608 00:23:09,680 --> 00:23:11,440 Yes. Commissioner Henderson. Yes. 609 00:23:11,440 --> 00:23:14,360 Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes. 610 00:23:14,360 --> 00:23:16,040 Is that that one? 611 00:23:16,040 --> 00:23:17,360 Does that just say that so I can put 612 00:23:17,360 --> 00:23:19,080 this wrong? Yeah, it's it would say that 613 00:23:19,080 --> 00:23:20,240 the resolution be adopted and 614 00:23:20,240 --> 00:23:23,120 advertised. Oh, and advertised. Okay. Um 615 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:27,400 C, final adoption of ordinance 26-02. 616 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:29,040 At our regular meeting held on April 617 00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:32,280 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 618 00:23:32,280 --> 00:23:33,680 reading the following ordinance which 619 00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:35,880 was advertised on the County of Sussex 620 00:23:35,880 --> 00:23:38,920 website on April 23rd, 2026 together 621 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:40,520 with the notice of public hearing 622 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:42,000 stating it would be held at this meeting 623 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:45,120 at 6:00 p.m. A bond ordinance providing 624 00:23:45,120 --> 00:23:48,440 for various 2026 capital improvements by 625 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:50,160 and in the County of Sussex, State of 626 00:23:50,160 --> 00:23:55,110 New Jersey appropriating $2,823,095 627 00:23:55,120 --> 00:23:59,200 therefore and authorizing $2,681,000 628 00:23:59,200 --> 00:24:02,440 bonds or notes of the county to finance 629 00:24:02,440 --> 00:24:04,880 part of the costs thereof. Can I get a 630 00:24:04,880 --> 00:24:06,400 motion that the public hearing be 631 00:24:06,400 --> 00:24:07,680 opened? 632 00:24:07,680 --> 00:24:08,960 So moved. Okay, Commissioner Carney, a 633 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:10,920 second. Second. Deputy Director DeGroot, 634 00:24:10,920 --> 00:24:12,480 any discussion? 635 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:15,200 All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Okay. 636 00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:17,120 Is anyone present to be heard regarding 637 00:24:17,120 --> 00:24:21,950 this ordinance? 638 00:24:21,960 --> 00:24:23,480 Can I get a motion? 639 00:24:23,480 --> 00:24:24,680 So moved. Okay. 640 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:27,280 >> Very good. Okay. Commissioner Henderson 641 00:24:27,280 --> 00:24:28,440 and 642 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:29,920 uh Commissioner Silverthorne, any 643 00:24:29,920 --> 00:24:32,000 discussion? 644 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:33,840 Okay, all in favor, I. 645 00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:35,720 Opposed, abstain. 646 00:24:35,720 --> 00:24:37,560 Can I get a motion that this ordinance 647 00:24:37,560 --> 00:24:39,960 be finally adopted? So moved. Okay, 648 00:24:39,960 --> 00:24:41,640 Deputy Director DeGroot, in a second. 649 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:43,400 >> Second. Uh Commissioner Silverthorne, 650 00:24:43,400 --> 00:24:44,880 any discussion? 651 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:47,720 All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Can I 652 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:49,680 get a motion that the resolution be 653 00:24:49,680 --> 00:24:51,880 finally adopted and authorize the clerk 654 00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:53,200 of the board to advertise this 655 00:24:53,200 --> 00:24:55,800 resolution as finally adopted and also 656 00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:57,480 post same on the bulletin board in the 657 00:24:57,480 --> 00:24:59,560 lobby of the county administrative 658 00:24:59,560 --> 00:25:01,440 center. So moved. Okay, Commissioner 659 00:25:01,440 --> 00:25:03,520 Silverthorn a second. Second. Okay, 660 00:25:03,520 --> 00:25:04,880 Commissioner Henderson roll call, 661 00:25:04,880 --> 00:25:06,280 please. Director Space? 662 00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:07,560 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney? 663 00:25:07,560 --> 00:25:09,240 >> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? 664 00:25:09,240 --> 00:25:10,480 >> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? 665 00:25:10,480 --> 00:25:12,000 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorn? 666 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:12,840 >> Yes. 667 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:15,040 Okay. D, final adoption of ordinance 668 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:17,040 26-03. 669 00:25:17,040 --> 00:25:18,560 At our regular meeting held on April 670 00:25:18,560 --> 00:25:21,200 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 671 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:22,920 reading the following ordinance which 672 00:25:22,920 --> 00:25:24,600 was advertised on the County of Sussex 673 00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:28,360 website on April 23rd, 2026 together 674 00:25:28,360 --> 00:25:30,000 with the notice of public hearing 675 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:31,720 stating it would be held at this meeting 676 00:25:31,720 --> 00:25:34,480 at 6:00 p.m. Capital ordinance providing 677 00:25:34,480 --> 00:25:36,680 funding for certain capital improvements 678 00:25:36,680 --> 00:25:39,320 in and for the county and the Sussex 679 00:25:39,320 --> 00:25:40,480 County 680 00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:43,480 Career and Technical High School located 681 00:25:43,480 --> 00:25:45,160 within the County of Sussex, State of 682 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:50,790 New Jersey and appropriating $8,225,223 683 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:53,120 therefore to pay for the cost thereof. 684 00:25:53,120 --> 00:25:54,400 Can I get a motion that the public 685 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:56,960 hearing be opened? So moved. Okay, 686 00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:58,200 Commissioner Silverthorn with a second, 687 00:25:58,200 --> 00:26:00,080 Commissioner Henderson. 688 00:26:00,080 --> 00:26:03,000 Uh any discussion? All in favor? I 689 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:05,760 oppose, abstain. Is anyone present to be 690 00:26:05,760 --> 00:26:09,280 heard regarding this ordinance? 691 00:26:09,280 --> 00:26:11,160 Okay. Can I get a motion that the public 692 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:12,240 hearing be closed? 693 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:13,720 >> So moved. Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn 694 00:26:13,720 --> 00:26:15,560 second, Deputy Director DeGroat. Any 695 00:26:15,560 --> 00:26:16,920 discussion? 696 00:26:16,920 --> 00:26:18,640 All in favor? I 697 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:20,760 oppose, abstain. Okay. Can I get a 698 00:26:20,760 --> 00:26:22,840 motion that this ordinance 699 00:26:22,840 --> 00:26:24,840 be finally adopted? 700 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:27,000 So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson 701 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:27,920 and a second with Commissioner 702 00:26:27,920 --> 00:26:30,440 Silverthorn. Any discussion? 703 00:26:30,440 --> 00:26:33,360 All in favor? I I oppose, abstain. 704 00:26:33,360 --> 00:26:35,640 Motion carries. Okay. Can I get a motion 705 00:26:35,640 --> 00:26:38,200 that the resolution be finally adopted 706 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:39,960 and authorize the clerk to advertise 707 00:26:39,960 --> 00:26:42,240 this resolution as finally adopted and 708 00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:44,080 also post same on the bulletin board in 709 00:26:44,080 --> 00:26:45,360 the lobby of the County of the 710 00:26:45,360 --> 00:26:48,000 administration administrative center. So 711 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:49,920 moved. Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn 712 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:51,240 and a second from Deputy Director 713 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:53,600 DeGroat. Any discussion? 714 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:54,360 Roll call, please. 715 00:26:54,360 --> 00:26:56,120 >> Director Space? Yes. Commissioner 716 00:26:56,120 --> 00:26:58,680 Carney? Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? 717 00:26:58,680 --> 00:27:00,000 >> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? 718 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:01,600 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? 719 00:27:01,600 --> 00:27:02,760 >> Yes. 720 00:27:02,760 --> 00:27:05,120 Okay. E, final adoption of ordinance 721 00:27:05,120 --> 00:27:07,200 26-04. 722 00:27:07,200 --> 00:27:08,840 At our regular meeting held on April 723 00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:11,640 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 724 00:27:11,640 --> 00:27:13,360 reading the following ordinance, which 725 00:27:13,360 --> 00:27:14,960 was advertised on the county of Sussex 726 00:27:14,960 --> 00:27:18,120 website on April 23rd, 2026, together 727 00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:19,720 with the notice of public hearing 728 00:27:19,720 --> 00:27:21,400 stating it would be held at this meeting 729 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:23,960 at 6:00 p.m. Capital ordinance providing 730 00:27:23,960 --> 00:27:25,680 for various improvements to roads and 731 00:27:25,680 --> 00:27:28,320 bridges in and for the county of Sussex, 732 00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:30,560 State of New Jersey, and appropriating 733 00:27:30,560 --> 00:27:37,630 $1,480,170. Therefore, $1,479, 734 00:27:37,640 --> 00:27:39,920 $670 735 00:27:39,920 --> 00:27:41,880 from grants received or expected to be 736 00:27:41,880 --> 00:27:43,560 received from the New Jersey Department 737 00:27:43,560 --> 00:27:45,520 of Transportation to pay for the cost 738 00:27:45,520 --> 00:27:47,280 thereof. Can I get a motion that the 739 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:49,560 public hearing be opened? So moved. 740 00:27:49,560 --> 00:27:51,240 Second. Commissioner Silverthorne a 741 00:27:51,240 --> 00:27:52,200 second. 742 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,040 Deputy Director DeGroat. Any 743 00:27:54,040 --> 00:27:57,440 discussion? All in favor, I. Opposed, 744 00:27:57,440 --> 00:27:59,640 abstain. Is anyone present to be heard 745 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:02,560 regarding this ordinance? 746 00:28:02,560 --> 00:28:04,320 Okay. Can I get a motion that the public 747 00:28:04,320 --> 00:28:05,240 hearing be closed? 748 00:28:05,240 --> 00:28:06,640 >> So moved. Second. Commissioner 749 00:28:06,640 --> 00:28:08,480 Silverthorne a second from Commissioner 750 00:28:08,480 --> 00:28:12,200 Henderson. Any discussion? All in favor, 751 00:28:12,200 --> 00:28:14,000 I. Opposed, abstain. 752 00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:15,640 Can I get a motion that this ordinance 753 00:28:15,640 --> 00:28:18,680 be finally adopted? So moved. Okay. 754 00:28:18,680 --> 00:28:20,120 Commissioner Silverthorne a second 755 00:28:20,120 --> 00:28:22,520 Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? 756 00:28:22,520 --> 00:28:25,480 All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Okay, 757 00:28:25,480 --> 00:28:26,920 motion carries. Motion that the 758 00:28:26,920 --> 00:28:28,560 resolution be finally adopted and 759 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:30,240 authorize the clerk to advertise this 760 00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:32,520 resolution as finally adopted and also 761 00:28:32,520 --> 00:28:34,000 post same on the bulletin board in the 762 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:35,320 lobby of the County Administrative 763 00:28:35,320 --> 00:28:37,440 Center. So moved. Okay. Deputy Director 764 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:39,480 DeGroat makes the motion a second. 765 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:41,280 Uh Commissioner Silverthorne. 766 00:28:41,280 --> 00:28:42,800 Any discussion? 767 00:28:42,800 --> 00:28:44,720 Roll call, please. Director Space? 768 00:28:44,720 --> 00:28:44,920 >> Yes. 769 00:28:44,920 --> 00:28:45,840 >> Commissioner Carney? 770 00:28:45,840 --> 00:28:47,960 >> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes. 771 00:28:47,960 --> 00:28:49,320 Commissioner Henderson? Yes. 772 00:28:49,320 --> 00:28:51,680 Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. Okay. 773 00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:55,640 F, final adoption of ordinance 26-05. 774 00:28:55,640 --> 00:28:57,360 At our regular meeting held on April 775 00:28:57,360 --> 00:29:00,520 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 776 00:29:00,520 --> 00:29:01,800 reading the following ordinance, which 777 00:29:01,800 --> 00:29:03,440 was advertised in the County of Sussex 778 00:29:03,440 --> 00:29:06,360 website on April 23rd, 2026 together 779 00:29:06,360 --> 00:29:07,800 with the notice of public hearing 780 00:29:07,800 --> 00:29:09,240 stating it would be held at this meeting 781 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:10,760 at 6:00 p.m. 782 00:29:10,760 --> 00:29:12,680 Uh the ordinance approving a use 783 00:29:12,680 --> 00:29:15,560 application for the reservation 784 00:29:15,560 --> 00:29:17,880 and use of the Newton Green. Can I get a 785 00:29:17,880 --> 00:29:20,280 motion that the public hearing be open? 786 00:29:20,280 --> 00:29:22,160 So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson, 787 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:24,120 and a second? Second. Uh 788 00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:26,840 Commissioner Carney, any discussion? 789 00:29:26,840 --> 00:29:29,360 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain. Okay, 790 00:29:29,360 --> 00:29:32,000 the the floor is open. Anyone present to 791 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:34,800 be heard regarding this ordinance? 792 00:29:34,800 --> 00:29:36,720 Okay, being none, can I get a motion 793 00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:38,280 that the public hearing be closed? So 794 00:29:38,280 --> 00:29:39,240 moved. 795 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:41,400 Okay. Second. Uh Commissioner uh Deputy 796 00:29:41,400 --> 00:29:42,480 Director DeGroat, and a second from 797 00:29:42,480 --> 00:29:43,600 Commissioner Silverthorne, any 798 00:29:43,600 --> 00:29:45,000 discussion? 799 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:47,480 All in favor? I. I. Opposed, abstain. 800 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:49,000 Motion carries. Can I get a motion that 801 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:51,280 this ordinance be finally adopted? So 802 00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:53,240 moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson. 803 00:29:53,240 --> 00:29:54,480 Second. Next motion, Commissioner 804 00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:57,000 Silverthorne seconds, any discussion? 805 00:29:57,000 --> 00:29:59,360 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain. 806 00:29:59,360 --> 00:30:01,000 Motion carries. Motion that the 807 00:30:01,000 --> 00:30:02,600 resolution be finally adopted and 808 00:30:02,600 --> 00:30:04,360 authorize the clerk to advertise this 809 00:30:04,360 --> 00:30:06,760 resolution as finally adopted and also 810 00:30:06,760 --> 00:30:08,160 post same on the bulletin board in the 811 00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:09,560 lobby of the County Administration 812 00:30:09,560 --> 00:30:11,840 Center. So moved. Okay, Deputy Director 813 00:30:11,840 --> 00:30:13,960 DeGroat makes a motion, second? Second. 814 00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:15,880 Commissioner Carney, any discussion? 815 00:30:15,880 --> 00:30:16,800 Roll call, please. 816 00:30:16,800 --> 00:30:17,760 >> Director Space? 817 00:30:17,760 --> 00:30:19,720 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney? Yes. Deputy 818 00:30:19,720 --> 00:30:20,720 Director DeGroat? 819 00:30:20,720 --> 00:30:21,960 >> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? 820 00:30:21,960 --> 00:30:24,320 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. 821 00:30:24,320 --> 00:30:27,480 Okay. G, final adoption of ordinance 822 00:30:27,480 --> 00:30:29,120 26-06. 823 00:30:29,120 --> 00:30:30,560 At our regular meeting held on April 824 00:30:30,560 --> 00:30:33,480 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first 825 00:30:33,480 --> 00:30:34,800 reading the following ordinance, which 826 00:30:34,800 --> 00:30:36,440 was advertised on the County of Sussex 827 00:30:36,440 --> 00:30:39,400 website on April 23rd, 2026 together 828 00:30:39,400 --> 00:30:40,920 with the notice of public hearing 829 00:30:40,920 --> 00:30:42,360 stating it would be held at this meeting 830 00:30:42,360 --> 00:30:44,760 at 6:00 p.m. An ordinance of the Sussex 831 00:30:44,760 --> 00:30:46,640 County Board of County Commissioners to 832 00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:49,000 establish rules of conduct and decorum 833 00:30:49,000 --> 00:30:50,640 for public meetings. Can I get a motion 834 00:30:50,640 --> 00:30:52,400 that the public hearing be opened? 835 00:30:52,400 --> 00:30:53,520 >> So moved. Okay, Commissioner 836 00:30:53,520 --> 00:30:54,800 Silverthorne a second from Commissioner 837 00:30:54,800 --> 00:30:56,840 Henderson. Any discussion? 838 00:30:56,840 --> 00:30:59,160 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain, 839 00:30:59,160 --> 00:31:00,880 motion carries. Is anyone present to be 840 00:31:00,880 --> 00:31:03,800 heard regarding this ordinance? 841 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:05,120 Okay, being none, can I get a motion 842 00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:06,760 that the public hearing be closed? So 843 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:07,600 moved. Second, Commissioner 844 00:31:07,600 --> 00:31:08,880 Silverthorne. A second from Deputy 845 00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:11,320 Director DeGroat. Any discussion? All in 846 00:31:11,320 --> 00:31:13,440 favor? I. Opposed, abstain, motion 847 00:31:13,440 --> 00:31:15,320 carries. A motion that this ordinance be 848 00:31:15,320 --> 00:31:17,360 finally adopted. 849 00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:19,200 So moved. Okay, Deputy Director DeGroat 850 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:21,480 makes a motion. Second? Second. Okay, 851 00:31:21,480 --> 00:31:22,440 Commissioner Silverthorne. Any 852 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:23,920 discussion? 853 00:31:23,920 --> 00:31:25,760 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain, 854 00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:27,240 motion carries. Motion that this 855 00:31:27,240 --> 00:31:28,640 resolution be finally adopted and 856 00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:30,160 authorize the clerk to advertise this 857 00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:32,200 resolution as finally adopted and also 858 00:31:32,200 --> 00:31:33,440 post same on the bulletin board in the 859 00:31:33,440 --> 00:31:34,560 lobby of the County Administrative 860 00:31:34,560 --> 00:31:36,080 Center. Can I get a motion? 861 00:31:36,080 --> 00:31:37,880 >> So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson a 862 00:31:37,880 --> 00:31:38,360 second. 863 00:31:38,360 --> 00:31:40,000 >> Second. Commissioner Silverthorne. Any 864 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:41,200 discussion? 865 00:31:41,200 --> 00:31:42,880 Roll call, please. Director Space? 866 00:31:42,880 --> 00:31:44,240 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney? 867 00:31:44,240 --> 00:31:46,080 >> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? 868 00:31:46,080 --> 00:31:47,880 >> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? Yes. 869 00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:49,120 Commissioner Silverthorne? 870 00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:50,080 >> Yes. 871 00:31:50,080 --> 00:31:52,240 Okay, public session from the floor. 872 00:31:52,240 --> 00:31:53,960 This public session is for those wishing 873 00:31:53,960 --> 00:31:55,880 to make a comment of 3 minutes or less 874 00:31:55,880 --> 00:31:58,080 regarding an agenda item. Please line up 875 00:31:58,080 --> 00:32:00,120 the microphone and state your name and 876 00:32:00,120 --> 00:32:02,720 municipality municipality and agenda 877 00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:04,680 topic for the record. Can I get a motion 878 00:32:04,680 --> 00:32:06,920 to open the floor for public comment? 879 00:32:06,920 --> 00:32:08,720 Second. Commissioner Henderson a second 880 00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:11,640 Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion? 881 00:32:11,640 --> 00:32:13,560 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain, the 882 00:32:13,560 --> 00:32:15,440 floor is open for 3 minutes or less, 883 00:32:15,440 --> 00:32:17,520 agenda topics only. 884 00:32:17,520 --> 00:32:19,440 Okay, being none, can I get a motion to 885 00:32:19,440 --> 00:32:21,080 close the floor for Oh, there is one. 886 00:32:21,080 --> 00:32:23,520 Sorry, I'm reading so fast. 887 00:32:23,520 --> 00:32:29,110 Agenda topic only, please. 888 00:32:29,120 --> 00:32:32,520 Leo Ndo, Hampton Township, uh 889 00:32:32,520 --> 00:32:34,920 by immigration. Is that which agenda? 890 00:32:34,920 --> 00:32:36,600 The agenda item. This isn't the public 891 00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:38,560 comment for everything yet. That'll be 892 00:32:38,560 --> 00:32:40,437 That'll come up later. Thank you. 893 00:32:40,437 --> 00:32:40,760 >> [gasps] 894 00:32:40,760 --> 00:32:44,720 >> Okay. Anyone agenda topics only? 895 00:32:44,720 --> 00:32:46,640 Okay. Can I get a motion to close the 896 00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:48,440 floor for public comment? 897 00:32:48,440 --> 00:32:49,760 Okay. Commissioner Silverthorne, second 898 00:32:49,760 --> 00:32:52,120 Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion? 899 00:32:52,120 --> 00:32:55,800 All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain. Okay. 900 00:32:55,800 --> 00:32:57,760 Floor is closed. Okay, number 10. 901 00:32:57,760 --> 00:32:59,120 Commissioner comments. I'm going to 902 00:32:59,120 --> 00:33:01,360 start with Commissioner Silverthorne. 903 00:33:01,360 --> 00:33:02,840 Well, once again, since I go first, I'm 904 00:33:02,840 --> 00:33:05,720 going to just limit it to um 905 00:33:05,720 --> 00:33:07,240 the things I did either by myself or 906 00:33:07,240 --> 00:33:09,600 mostly by myself, and it's been 3 weeks, 907 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:12,560 so there wasn't There's been a lot of stuff that we've done. 908 00:33:12,560 --> 00:33:13,680 And uh 909 00:33:13,680 --> 00:33:15,240 Mr. Collins, like you said, you're 910 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:16,880 getting your money's worth now because 911 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:19,080 uh I'm going to everything I can go to. 912 00:33:19,080 --> 00:33:21,480 So uh 913 00:33:21,480 --> 00:33:22,400 And uh 914 00:33:22,400 --> 00:33:23,960 and I'd like to thank Bill Coppolla for 915 00:33:23,960 --> 00:33:25,720 attending uh an Ogdensburg Bridge 916 00:33:25,720 --> 00:33:27,280 meeting with me about something that 917 00:33:27,280 --> 00:33:29,240 they were very concerned about. 918 00:33:29,240 --> 00:33:31,320 Once you go and talk to them, 919 00:33:31,320 --> 00:33:33,960 um it allays a lot of their fears. So uh 920 00:33:33,960 --> 00:33:38,000 that's moving along. Um but that was one of them. 921 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:39,200 Uh 922 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:40,640 we went to I'm going to leave that one 923 00:33:40,640 --> 00:33:42,440 cuz that was everybody. 924 00:33:42,440 --> 00:33:43,120 Uh 925 00:33:43,120 --> 00:33:45,800 Commissioner uh 926 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:47,720 Henderson and myself did the Andover and 927 00:33:47,720 --> 00:33:49,760 Lafayette DPW tour. 928 00:33:49,760 --> 00:33:51,280 I attended the Blue Denim Ball in 929 00:33:51,280 --> 00:33:53,080 Belvidere. They were very happy to have 930 00:33:53,080 --> 00:33:55,280 someone from Sussex County 931 00:33:55,280 --> 00:33:56,360 attend. 932 00:33:56,360 --> 00:33:58,000 Um 933 00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:00,080 we did the Franklin and Wantage DPW 934 00:34:00,080 --> 00:34:02,440 tour, so we've completed all the uh DPW 935 00:34:02,440 --> 00:34:04,040 buildings 936 00:34:04,040 --> 00:34:05,800 uh that we that we had on our uh 937 00:34:05,800 --> 00:34:08,560 schedule. Uh I completed the second half 938 00:34:08,560 --> 00:34:10,600 of my library tour, which was uh Sussex, 939 00:34:10,600 --> 00:34:14,679 Wantage, Franklin, and Vernon. I also 940 00:34:14,679 --> 00:34:16,919 stopped by their in-service, which was 941 00:34:16,919 --> 00:34:20,653 the following week, I believe. Um 942 00:34:20,653 --> 00:34:20,919 >> [clears throat] 943 00:34:20,919 --> 00:34:22,760 >> we had a meeting with the tax board 944 00:34:22,760 --> 00:34:24,360 concerning uh something they wanted to 945 00:34:24,360 --> 00:34:27,000 talk about with shared services, which 946 00:34:27,000 --> 00:34:28,000 uh Commissioner Marx is going to bring 947 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:30,200 up a little bit later. 948 00:34:30,200 --> 00:34:32,600 Um 949 00:34:32,600 --> 00:34:34,320 we had the Board of Taxation 950 00:34:34,320 --> 00:34:37,560 Reorganization that I attended. 951 00:34:37,560 --> 00:34:39,280 Uh, Commissioner Henderson and myself 952 00:34:39,280 --> 00:34:41,159 did a jail tour. 953 00:34:41,159 --> 00:34:42,760 And um 954 00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:44,600 Did you go on? No. I went down there. 955 00:34:44,600 --> 00:34:47,000 >> Every little thing we did. Uh, 956 00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:49,360 and also I I did attend the uh 957 00:34:49,360 --> 00:34:50,720 Branchville Hose Company installment 958 00:34:50,720 --> 00:34:52,120 dinner. 959 00:34:52,120 --> 00:34:53,159 Um, 960 00:34:53,159 --> 00:34:55,040 with Commissioner Space was there as 961 00:34:55,040 --> 00:34:56,080 well. 962 00:34:56,080 --> 00:34:58,400 Uh, we did a facilities tour 963 00:34:58,400 --> 00:35:01,680 with Mr. Henderson and um 964 00:35:01,680 --> 00:35:03,600 That was That was good to see everything 965 00:35:03,600 --> 00:35:04,840 that the guys that keep everything 966 00:35:04,840 --> 00:35:06,920 running and uh 967 00:35:06,920 --> 00:35:09,400 often times get a lot of the blame or 968 00:35:09,400 --> 00:35:11,240 it's good to see what they have to deal 969 00:35:11,240 --> 00:35:13,240 with and a lot of times it's 970 00:35:13,240 --> 00:35:13,960 you know, they're doing the best they 971 00:35:13,960 --> 00:35:15,520 can with what they have. 972 00:35:15,520 --> 00:35:17,520 Uh, I attended a uh Byram Council 973 00:35:17,520 --> 00:35:19,880 meeting, Branchville Council meeting and 974 00:35:19,880 --> 00:35:22,480 also a Franklin Borough Council meeting. 975 00:35:22,480 --> 00:35:24,680 Uh, I went down to the NJAC for a 976 00:35:24,680 --> 00:35:26,080 Commissioner's Orientation. They had a 977 00:35:26,080 --> 00:35:28,520 large number of uh new Commissioners 978 00:35:28,520 --> 00:35:30,280 elected this year and this is the first 979 00:35:30,280 --> 00:35:31,320 time they had a Commissioner's 980 00:35:31,320 --> 00:35:33,680 Orientation in I think about 14 years. 981 00:35:33,680 --> 00:35:34,800 So, I did attend that. It was very 982 00:35:34,800 --> 00:35:37,640 informative. Met some good people and uh 983 00:35:37,640 --> 00:35:40,000 and did do a little bit of gambling so. 984 00:35:40,000 --> 00:35:43,000 What's on there? And uh and today we 985 00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:44,760 attended the um 986 00:35:44,760 --> 00:35:47,114 Community College commencement and we 987 00:35:47,114 --> 00:35:49,560 [snorts] also did a tour of uh 988 00:35:49,560 --> 00:35:50,760 Commissioner Henderson and myself did a 989 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:52,840 tour of the uh Sheriff's Office here on 990 00:35:52,840 --> 00:35:55,480 High Street and also the uh the court 991 00:35:55,480 --> 00:35:59,280 complex just to get a better feel for everything over there. 992 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:00,720 That's the majority of things I did 993 00:36:00,720 --> 00:36:02,040 either alone or with a few of these 994 00:36:02,040 --> 00:36:03,400 guys. There are a lot of other things we 995 00:36:03,400 --> 00:36:05,360 did do together. Uh, 996 00:36:05,360 --> 00:36:07,680 that's all. 997 00:36:07,680 --> 00:36:09,640 Mr. Henderson. I look at his bullet 998 00:36:09,640 --> 00:36:11,320 points and I feel guilty going to read 999 00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:13,400 you what we did here in the last 3 1000 00:36:13,400 --> 00:36:16,000 weeks. On April 23rd, I along with 1001 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:17,760 Commissioner Director Space, Carney and 1002 00:36:17,760 --> 00:36:19,480 Silverthorne we attended the 1003 00:36:19,480 --> 00:36:21,160 groundbreaking of the new pole barn at 1004 00:36:21,160 --> 00:36:23,840 Sussex County Sheriff's OEM site. 1005 00:36:23,840 --> 00:36:25,720 Also on the 23rd, Commissioner Director 1006 00:36:25,720 --> 00:36:27,400 Space, Silverthorne and I attended the 1007 00:36:27,400 --> 00:36:28,960 Sussex County ribbon cutting for the 1008 00:36:28,960 --> 00:36:31,400 newly renovated library and student 1009 00:36:31,400 --> 00:36:33,520 center. What a transformation. It looks 1010 00:36:33,520 --> 00:36:36,600 exceptional. Well done SCC President Dr. 1011 00:36:36,600 --> 00:36:38,320 Cory Homer and all those involved in 1012 00:36:38,320 --> 00:36:40,160 making this a reality. 1013 00:36:40,160 --> 00:36:41,760 Later that day I attended the Sussex 1014 00:36:41,760 --> 00:36:44,200 County open space meeting via Zoom. 1015 00:36:44,200 --> 00:36:45,720 There were five presentations by 1016 00:36:45,720 --> 00:36:47,840 municipalities for the trail grant from 1017 00:36:47,840 --> 00:36:49,920 Stillwater, Frankford, Wantage, 1018 00:36:49,920 --> 00:36:51,880 Hopatcong, and the county. It's my 1019 00:36:51,880 --> 00:36:53,800 understanding since that meeting several 1020 00:36:53,800 --> 00:36:55,760 other municipalities have submitted for 1021 00:36:55,760 --> 00:36:57,240 the grant. 1022 00:36:57,240 --> 00:36:59,520 On April 24th, Commissioner Silverthorne 1023 00:36:59,520 --> 00:37:01,320 and I did a tour of two Sussex County 1024 00:37:01,320 --> 00:37:04,200 DPW garages in Andover and Lafayette to 1025 00:37:04,200 --> 00:37:06,040 speak with workers about their concerns 1026 00:37:06,040 --> 00:37:08,360 and tour their facilities. We also did a 1027 00:37:08,360 --> 00:37:10,320 site visit that day at the county sign 1028 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:11,960 shop where all county road signs are 1029 00:37:11,960 --> 00:37:13,880 produced as well as assisting 1030 00:37:13,880 --> 00:37:16,560 municipalities with their sign needs. 1031 00:37:16,560 --> 00:37:18,320 On Monday, April 27th, Commissioner 1032 00:37:18,320 --> 00:37:20,120 Silverthorne and I visited Frankford and 1033 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:22,040 Sussex DPW garage to tour their 1034 00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,640 buildings and speak with the employees. 1035 00:37:24,640 --> 00:37:26,040 I just would like to personally thank 1036 00:37:26,040 --> 00:37:27,640 all the employees for the incredible job 1037 00:37:27,640 --> 00:37:29,840 they did this winter, but all year long 1038 00:37:29,840 --> 00:37:31,480 keeping the roads in great shape for our 1039 00:37:31,480 --> 00:37:33,800 commuters in and out of the county. 1040 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:35,800 Later that afternoon we met with DPW 1041 00:37:35,800 --> 00:37:37,680 workers from Sussex and Vernon at the 1042 00:37:37,680 --> 00:37:40,000 Sussex garage. I think this interaction 1043 00:37:40,000 --> 00:37:41,880 with employees means a lot to employees 1044 00:37:41,880 --> 00:37:43,680 as it's our chance to personally thank 1045 00:37:43,680 --> 00:37:45,960 them and show them their appreciation 1046 00:37:45,960 --> 00:37:48,291 for their dedication to the county. 1047 00:37:48,291 --> 00:37:48,440 >> [snorts] 1048 00:37:48,440 --> 00:37:50,280 >> On April 28th, I along with Commissioner 1049 00:37:50,280 --> 00:37:51,880 Silverthorne attended the School of 1050 00:37:51,880 --> 00:37:53,720 Conservation ceremony where they 1051 00:37:53,720 --> 00:37:55,800 received a historical marker. The 1052 00:37:55,800 --> 00:37:57,560 history behind this place is absolutely 1053 00:37:57,560 --> 00:37:59,320 amazing. Unfortunately, some of their 1054 00:37:59,320 --> 00:38:01,800 funding is being cut as well. 1055 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:04,480 On April 29th, I attended the SCC 1056 00:38:04,480 --> 00:38:05,960 President's Ball at the community 1057 00:38:05,960 --> 00:38:07,640 college along with Commissioner Space 1058 00:38:07,640 --> 00:38:09,160 and Silverthorne. 1059 00:38:09,160 --> 00:38:11,160 Exciting time for Dr. Cory Homer to be 1060 00:38:11,160 --> 00:38:12,960 officially sworn in as a president of 1061 00:38:12,960 --> 00:38:15,480 SCC. Certainly well deserved honor for 1062 00:38:15,480 --> 00:38:18,040 Dr. Homer as he leads the college into 1063 00:38:18,040 --> 00:38:20,000 the future. 1064 00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:21,240 Also that evening my fellow 1065 00:38:21,240 --> 00:38:23,000 commissioners, we attended Sussex County 1066 00:38:23,000 --> 00:38:24,680 Crime Stoppers hosted by our county 1067 00:38:24,680 --> 00:38:26,880 sheriff and staff. It's incredible to 1068 00:38:26,880 --> 00:38:28,440 see the outpouring support for this 1069 00:38:28,440 --> 00:38:31,040 program. Just as a side note, Crime 1070 00:38:31,040 --> 00:38:33,280 Stoppers arrest of the individuals that 1071 00:38:33,280 --> 00:38:35,000 dumped the dogs throughout the county 1072 00:38:35,000 --> 00:38:37,480 come from one tip to Crime Stoppers. 1073 00:38:37,480 --> 00:38:39,240 Please, as the saying goes, if you see 1074 00:38:39,240 --> 00:38:41,880 something, say something. Uh could help 1075 00:38:41,880 --> 00:38:45,200 to a arrest of an individual or a case. 1076 00:38:45,200 --> 00:38:46,960 On April 30th, Commissioner Silverthorn 1077 00:38:46,960 --> 00:38:48,840 and I presented a proclamation to the 1078 00:38:48,840 --> 00:38:50,920 Wantage Habitat for Humanity event at 1079 00:38:50,920 --> 00:38:53,040 Perona Farms. Fantastic evening and 1080 00:38:53,040 --> 00:38:54,800 fundraiser. They are currently 1081 00:38:54,800 --> 00:38:56,960 renovating a home on Route 565 in 1082 00:38:56,960 --> 00:38:58,520 Wantage where a family and their young 1083 00:38:58,520 --> 00:39:01,600 son will reside. Habitat for Humanity is 1084 00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:03,520 looking for a location in the county for 1085 00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:06,000 a ReStore as well as other properties 1086 00:39:06,000 --> 00:39:07,320 throughout the county to build or 1087 00:39:07,320 --> 00:39:09,760 renovate for additional homes. 1088 00:39:09,760 --> 00:39:11,360 On April 30th, Commissioner Director 1089 00:39:11,360 --> 00:39:12,840 Space and I had a meeting with Sheriff 1090 00:39:12,840 --> 00:39:15,560 Strada regarding building security. 1091 00:39:15,560 --> 00:39:17,720 On May 1st, I attended National Law Day 1092 00:39:17,720 --> 00:39:19,800 at the courthouse. One of my first times 1093 00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:21,960 to attending. Great event celebrating 1094 00:39:21,960 --> 00:39:24,640 250 years of America and the law of the 1095 00:39:24,640 --> 00:39:25,920 land. 1096 00:39:25,920 --> 00:39:27,720 On May 4th, Commissioner Silverthorn and 1097 00:39:27,720 --> 00:39:29,520 I did a visit of the Facilities 1098 00:39:29,520 --> 00:39:31,400 Department. This also gave us the 1099 00:39:31,400 --> 00:39:33,040 opportunity to hear about issues or 1100 00:39:33,040 --> 00:39:36,120 concerns that they see in the field. One 1101 00:39:36,120 --> 00:39:37,840 interesting point is that county owns 1102 00:39:37,840 --> 00:39:40,760 approximately 100 buildings. 38 of them 1103 00:39:40,760 --> 00:39:43,200 are occupied by staff members. Out of 1104 00:39:43,200 --> 00:39:45,800 that, 33 need new roofs now or in the 1105 00:39:45,800 --> 00:39:47,200 near future. 1106 00:39:47,200 --> 00:39:48,880 I'm a firm believer that no additional 1107 00:39:48,880 --> 00:39:50,440 building should be built in this county 1108 00:39:50,440 --> 00:39:52,080 until we catch up. 1109 00:39:52,080 --> 00:39:53,760 Our administrator certainly has her work 1110 00:39:53,760 --> 00:39:55,080 cut out for her, but I have all the 1111 00:39:55,080 --> 00:39:56,680 confidence in you that you will proceed 1112 00:39:56,680 --> 00:39:58,640 on a positive path with a plan to 1113 00:39:58,640 --> 00:40:00,520 complete these and other projects as we 1114 00:40:00,520 --> 00:40:02,240 move forward. 1115 00:40:02,240 --> 00:40:03,880 Later that afternoon, Commissioner Carni 1116 00:40:03,880 --> 00:40:05,400 and I attended a County Planning Board 1117 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:07,360 meeting where several applicants 1118 00:40:07,360 --> 00:40:09,400 presented information requesting waivers 1119 00:40:09,400 --> 00:40:11,640 or clarifications on several projects on 1120 00:40:11,640 --> 00:40:13,240 county roads. 1121 00:40:13,240 --> 00:40:14,920 That evening, I attended the Hopatcong 1122 00:40:14,920 --> 00:40:17,560 Borough meeting via Zoom. On May 6th, I 1123 00:40:17,560 --> 00:40:20,960 attended the SCO meeting as a liaison. 1124 00:40:20,960 --> 00:40:22,640 The same evening I attended the Sussex 1125 00:40:22,640 --> 00:40:24,600 County Vo-Tech Board meeting where a lot 1126 00:40:24,600 --> 00:40:26,000 of teachers and parents voiced their 1127 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:28,560 concern over the cutting of the ag shop 1128 00:40:28,560 --> 00:40:30,680 and the loss of a guidance counselor. 1129 00:40:30,680 --> 00:40:32,000 Currently, there are three guidance 1130 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:33,840 counselors each with a 1131 00:40:33,840 --> 00:40:36,560 workload of 300 children apiece. The 1132 00:40:36,560 --> 00:40:38,720 loss of one staff member will increase 1133 00:40:38,720 --> 00:40:41,640 300 children to two staff members to 1134 00:40:41,640 --> 00:40:43,840 handle as well as well as other staff 1135 00:40:43,840 --> 00:40:45,360 being cut. 1136 00:40:45,360 --> 00:40:46,840 On May 7th, along with Commissioner 1137 00:40:46,840 --> 00:40:48,920 Silverthorne, we attended EDC breakfast 1138 00:40:48,920 --> 00:40:50,520 at Yetter's Diner and members of the 1139 00:40:50,520 --> 00:40:52,680 County Chamber, Lafayette, Frankfurt, 1140 00:40:52,680 --> 00:40:54,440 Branchville businesses to hear their 1141 00:40:54,440 --> 00:40:56,440 comments and concerns and the need to 1142 00:40:56,440 --> 00:40:57,760 work together to keep the county 1143 00:40:57,760 --> 00:40:59,360 thriving. 1144 00:40:59,360 --> 00:41:00,920 Later that day I attended an Andover 1145 00:41:00,920 --> 00:41:02,720 Township meeting regarding the ordinance 1146 00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:04,880 about the data center and restrictions. 1147 00:41:04,880 --> 00:41:06,520 The show of residents was incredible. 1148 00:41:06,520 --> 00:41:08,480 I'd estimate three or 400 individuals 1149 00:41:08,480 --> 00:41:11,360 there, all of which voiced their concern 1150 00:41:11,360 --> 00:41:12,920 about the data center in Andover 1151 00:41:12,920 --> 00:41:15,000 Township. This ordinance was going to be 1152 00:41:15,000 --> 00:41:16,680 up for further discussion at their next 1153 00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:18,520 meeting, but as you're well aware, the 1154 00:41:18,520 --> 00:41:20,080 Township had a special meeting last 1155 00:41:20,080 --> 00:41:22,040 night to repeal the ordinance. I did 1156 00:41:22,040 --> 00:41:23,920 attend it via Zoom. 1157 00:41:23,920 --> 00:41:25,520 On May 8th, I was honored to be asked 1158 00:41:25,520 --> 00:41:26,760 along with Commissioner Carney, 1159 00:41:26,760 --> 00:41:28,640 Silverthorne, and Deputy Mayor Sitte of 1160 00:41:28,640 --> 00:41:30,880 Andover, Frankfurt to attend the opening 1161 00:41:30,880 --> 00:41:32,640 day at the Miners game to throw out the 1162 00:41:32,640 --> 00:41:35,400 first pitch. I'm glad to be 1163 00:41:35,400 --> 00:41:37,320 reading this report before Commissioner 1164 00:41:37,320 --> 00:41:39,760 Carney as he's going to tell you he was 1165 00:41:39,760 --> 00:41:41,520 asked to be signed up as an all-star 1166 00:41:41,520 --> 00:41:43,240 player. 1167 00:41:43,240 --> 00:41:44,800 If you believe that, I have a bridge in 1168 00:41:44,800 --> 00:41:47,160 the desert I'd like to sell you. 1169 00:41:47,160 --> 00:41:49,440 I wish the Miners the best of luck as 1170 00:41:49,440 --> 00:41:51,560 they begin their ball season. On May 1171 00:41:51,560 --> 00:41:53,520 9th, I attended the Eagle Scout event 1172 00:41:53,520 --> 00:41:55,040 where I presented a proclamation to a 1173 00:41:55,040 --> 00:41:56,400 young man from this board for his 1174 00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:59,040 achievement as an Eagle Scout. A very 1175 00:41:59,040 --> 00:42:00,800 dedicated, hard-working young man that I 1176 00:42:00,800 --> 00:42:02,440 have no doubt will lead his generation 1177 00:42:02,440 --> 00:42:04,040 into the future. 1178 00:42:04,040 --> 00:42:05,520 On May 12th, Commissioner Director 1179 00:42:05,520 --> 00:42:07,280 Space, Silverthorne, and I attended the 1180 00:42:07,280 --> 00:42:09,680 Chamber breakfast. Today, Commissioner 1181 00:42:09,680 --> 00:42:11,280 Silverthorne and I did a tour of the 1182 00:42:11,280 --> 00:42:13,920 county Sheriff's officer and court. I'd 1183 00:42:13,920 --> 00:42:15,560 like to thank Sheriff Strada and the 1184 00:42:15,560 --> 00:42:16,640 staff. 1185 00:42:16,640 --> 00:42:18,880 Uh excellent tour. And as Commissioner 1186 00:42:18,880 --> 00:42:21,000 Silverthorne said, today we just 1187 00:42:21,000 --> 00:42:23,560 finished the college graduation. And my 1188 00:42:23,560 --> 00:42:26,200 last thing is a senior service care 1189 00:42:26,200 --> 00:42:27,640 support group meeting will be held 1190 00:42:27,640 --> 00:42:29,000 virtually 1191 00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:30,280 on Zoom 1192 00:42:30,280 --> 00:42:33,240 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21st. 1193 00:42:33,240 --> 00:42:34,880 Uh it helps people taking care of 1194 00:42:34,880 --> 00:42:37,360 individuals and provides them a lot of 1195 00:42:37,360 --> 00:42:40,280 information on help they might need. And 1196 00:42:40,280 --> 00:42:42,440 that's all I have. 1197 00:42:42,440 --> 00:42:44,280 Commissioner Porney. 1198 00:42:44,280 --> 00:42:46,560 Thank you. 1199 00:42:46,560 --> 00:42:48,240 I just want to start off with I threw a 1200 00:42:48,240 --> 00:42:50,880 strike. 1201 00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:52,214 It's still for sale. 1202 00:42:52,214 --> 00:42:53,720 >> [laughter] 1203 00:42:53,720 --> 00:42:57,480 >> I'm going to read I'm going to read 1204 00:42:57,480 --> 00:42:59,280 fast. Uh I'm going to start off with 1205 00:42:59,280 --> 00:43:01,960 DPW. Uh Sussex County Division of Public 1206 00:43:01,960 --> 00:43:04,160 Works Highway Agency Stormwater Permit. 1207 00:43:04,160 --> 00:43:05,400 Division of Public Works has completed 1208 00:43:05,400 --> 00:43:06,960 the first round of sweets street 1209 00:43:06,960 --> 00:43:09,280 sweeping along with 620 lanes of mile of 1210 00:43:09,280 --> 00:43:11,520 county routes. Sweeping Sweeping is one 1211 00:43:11,520 --> 00:43:12,800 of the minimum basic requirements 1212 00:43:12,800 --> 00:43:14,160 included with Sussex County Highway 1213 00:43:14,160 --> 00:43:16,280 Agency Stormwater Permit issued by the 1214 00:43:16,280 --> 00:43:19,000 NJDEP. Permit requires the county sweep 1215 00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:20,440 each county route a minimum of three 1216 00:43:20,440 --> 00:43:22,360 times per year. Materials collected are 1217 00:43:22,360 --> 00:43:23,520 logged into the county's asset 1218 00:43:23,520 --> 00:43:26,320 management system and report to NJDEP as 1219 00:43:26,320 --> 00:43:31,200 part of the annual permit certification process. 1220 00:43:31,200 --> 00:43:32,440 Sussex County Farmland Preservation 1221 00:43:32,440 --> 00:43:34,120 Plan. Sussex County Planning Board is 1222 00:43:34,120 --> 00:43:35,960 holding a public meeting at 4:00 on June 1223 00:43:35,960 --> 00:43:38,960 1st, 4:00 on June 1st to review and 1224 00:43:38,960 --> 00:43:41,840 adopt the updated comprehensive 1225 00:43:41,840 --> 00:43:44,040 Sussex County Agricultural Agricultural 1226 00:43:44,040 --> 00:43:45,960 Board has been working on updated plan 1227 00:43:45,960 --> 00:43:47,960 for the past year. The updated plan will 1228 00:43:47,960 --> 00:43:49,440 help steer the program over the next 10 1229 00:43:49,440 --> 00:43:50,920 years. The meeting will include a 1230 00:43:50,920 --> 00:43:52,920 presentation of the plan, plan updates, 1231 00:43:52,920 --> 00:43:54,880 and plan goals and objectives. The draft 1232 00:43:54,880 --> 00:43:56,560 plan is available for review on the 1233 00:43:56,560 --> 00:43:58,320 Sussex County website. This hearing 1234 00:43:58,320 --> 00:43:59,520 offers the public an opportunity to 1235 00:43:59,520 --> 00:44:01,320 provide comments on the plan. Comments 1236 00:44:01,320 --> 00:44:02,840 can also be provided directly to Sussex 1237 00:44:02,840 --> 00:44:04,600 County Division of Planning. 1238 00:44:04,600 --> 00:44:05,840 Uh and and can call them at 1239 00:44:05,840 --> 00:44:09,230 973-579-0500. 1240 00:44:09,240 --> 00:44:10,600 Construction, 1241 00:44:10,600 --> 00:44:12,080 as one of the commissioners mentioned, 1242 00:44:12,080 --> 00:44:13,880 we had the groundbreaking. 1243 00:44:13,880 --> 00:44:14,600 Um 1244 00:44:14,600 --> 00:44:16,080 so, this has a lot to do with that. I 1245 00:44:16,080 --> 00:44:18,000 know the DPW is excited. They don't 1246 00:44:18,000 --> 00:44:21,200 usually get to build um 1247 00:44:21,200 --> 00:44:22,560 new buildings or any kind of site 1248 00:44:22,560 --> 00:44:23,880 construction, and they have two going 1249 00:44:23,880 --> 00:44:25,080 on, so I know they're pretty excited 1250 00:44:25,080 --> 00:44:26,320 about that. So, staff within the 1251 00:44:26,320 --> 00:44:27,680 Division of Public Works, the Office of 1252 00:44:27,680 --> 00:44:29,480 Bridge and Traffic Safety, and Office of 1253 00:44:29,480 --> 00:44:30,880 Facilities Management are continuing 1254 00:44:30,880 --> 00:44:32,760 work on the Sussex County Division of 1255 00:44:32,760 --> 00:44:34,000 Health Storage Building and the Sussex 1256 00:44:34,000 --> 00:44:36,000 County Sheriff's Storage Building and 1257 00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:38,560 modular office project. Both projects 1258 00:44:38,560 --> 00:44:40,360 are located in Frankford Township. Crews 1259 00:44:40,360 --> 00:44:42,360 have completed the pads and are 1260 00:44:42,360 --> 00:44:44,120 currently installing the site stormwater 1261 00:44:44,120 --> 00:44:45,920 systems and rough grading throughout the 1262 00:44:45,920 --> 00:44:47,920 parking areas. The building contractor 1263 00:44:47,920 --> 00:44:49,520 is expected to begin construction of the 1264 00:44:49,520 --> 00:44:50,680 Division of Health Storage Building 1265 00:44:50,680 --> 00:44:52,480 within the next few weeks. And this is 1266 00:44:52,480 --> 00:44:54,600 all funded by ARPA money, so it needs to 1267 00:44:54,600 --> 00:44:55,840 be spent 1268 00:44:55,840 --> 00:44:57,720 and by the end of the year. 1269 00:44:57,720 --> 00:44:59,520 Uh or actually before that, if Al Kinkle 1270 00:44:59,520 --> 00:45:00,880 can have it. Uh Public Works 1271 00:45:00,880 --> 00:45:02,600 construction crew are also working on 1272 00:45:02,600 --> 00:45:04,520 repairs to stormwater inlets and 1273 00:45:04,520 --> 00:45:05,720 stormwater collection pipes in 1274 00:45:05,720 --> 00:45:07,320 preparation of the upcoming resurfacing 1275 00:45:07,320 --> 00:45:09,240 program. 1276 00:45:09,240 --> 00:45:10,800 Sussex County Traffic Safety Program, 1277 00:45:10,800 --> 00:45:12,480 staff from the Office of Bridge and 1278 00:45:12,480 --> 00:45:13,840 Traffic Safety have completed the annual 1279 00:45:13,840 --> 00:45:15,360 functional inspection inspection of over 1280 00:45:15,360 --> 00:45:18,120 14,000 traffic control signs owned and 1281 00:45:18,120 --> 00:45:19,720 operated by the county. Spring and 1282 00:45:19,720 --> 00:45:21,320 summer work will focus on replacement of 1283 00:45:21,320 --> 00:45:23,280 signs which have been damaged 1284 00:45:23,280 --> 00:45:24,720 uh or reached end of their functional 1285 00:45:24,720 --> 00:45:26,520 service life. Crews will also be 1286 00:45:26,520 --> 00:45:28,080 trimming sightline obstructions to allow 1287 00:45:28,080 --> 00:45:29,480 approaching drivers a free and clear 1288 00:45:29,480 --> 00:45:32,360 line of sight for the signs. 1289 00:45:32,360 --> 00:45:33,640 The Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety 1290 00:45:33,640 --> 00:45:35,240 has also started deployment of dynamic 1291 00:45:35,240 --> 00:45:37,080 speed signs. Dynamic speed signs are 1292 00:45:37,080 --> 00:45:38,200 deployed by the county to enhance 1293 00:45:38,200 --> 00:45:40,040 drivers' awareness of posted and travel 1294 00:45:40,040 --> 00:45:42,480 speeds along our county route system. 1295 00:45:42,480 --> 00:45:43,920 The county receives numerous complaints 1296 00:45:43,920 --> 00:45:46,160 about cars speeding within residential, 1297 00:45:46,160 --> 00:45:48,480 urban, and school zones. Deployment of 1298 00:45:48,480 --> 00:45:51,560 speed monitors under this program target a number of locations which the 1299 00:45:51,560 --> 00:45:53,160 county receives rear current calls and 1300 00:45:53,160 --> 00:45:56,000 complaints of speeding. 1301 00:45:56,000 --> 00:45:57,760 Safe Safety along our roads and our 1302 00:45:57,760 --> 00:45:59,360 communities is responsible for is 1303 00:45:59,360 --> 00:46:01,080 responsibility of everyone. Stay alert 1304 00:46:01,080 --> 00:46:02,560 and always be aware of the roadways 1305 00:46:02,560 --> 00:46:04,520 posted speed limit. 1306 00:46:04,520 --> 00:46:05,960 Couple things that some of the 1307 00:46:05,960 --> 00:46:08,120 commissioners maybe left out. I did 1308 00:46:08,120 --> 00:46:11,440 attend NJAC as well down Atlantic City. 1309 00:46:11,440 --> 00:46:13,000 Learned a couple things. One I will be 1310 00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:16,480 bringing up to administrator Marks was 1311 00:46:16,480 --> 00:46:17,080 um 1312 00:46:17,080 --> 00:46:19,640 AI. I'm a little leery always about AI, 1313 00:46:19,640 --> 00:46:23,680 but minutes can be done in AI with AI. 1314 00:46:23,680 --> 00:46:26,040 Price was a little but I just thought 1315 00:46:26,040 --> 00:46:27,040 that was a good one that caught my 1316 00:46:27,040 --> 00:46:28,520 attention. 1317 00:46:28,520 --> 00:46:29,280 Um 1318 00:46:29,280 --> 00:46:31,360 and then LOSAP. LOSAP was something that 1319 00:46:31,360 --> 00:46:33,000 some municipalities 1320 00:46:33,000 --> 00:46:35,040 should use. It's basically 1321 00:46:35,040 --> 00:46:38,800 uh somewhat of a a pay a payment um for 1322 00:46:38,800 --> 00:46:40,720 their services for for first responders 1323 00:46:40,720 --> 00:46:42,000 and fire departments and so on and so 1324 00:46:42,000 --> 00:46:43,800 forth. I did talk to Deputy Mayor 1325 00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:46,320 Sivitilli about that and if there's any 1326 00:46:46,320 --> 00:46:47,840 counties out there if you're watching, 1327 00:46:47,840 --> 00:46:49,160 listening, or whatever if they have any 1328 00:46:49,160 --> 00:46:51,120 questions, I have a good contact. This 1329 00:46:51,120 --> 00:46:53,760 guy is the guru of LOSAP not just in the 1330 00:46:53,760 --> 00:46:55,320 state of New Jersey but throughout the 1331 00:46:55,320 --> 00:46:56,520 country. 1332 00:46:56,520 --> 00:46:58,320 Uh I think it's important to to you know 1333 00:46:58,320 --> 00:47:00,680 to respect our our first responders. 1334 00:47:00,680 --> 00:47:02,720 It retains them. It brings them in. I 1335 00:47:02,720 --> 00:47:04,680 think it's a very very good program. And 1336 00:47:04,680 --> 00:47:06,640 then last but not least, I attended the 1337 00:47:06,640 --> 00:47:07,840 Taste of Talent for Project 1338 00:47:07,840 --> 00:47:09,520 Self-Sufficiency. 1339 00:47:09,520 --> 00:47:11,440 If you'd like to eat, you should go 1340 00:47:11,440 --> 00:47:13,160 there. It's very good. It's in a great 1341 00:47:13,160 --> 00:47:14,680 It's a great fun fundraiser at Verona 1342 00:47:14,680 --> 00:47:15,920 Farms. 1343 00:47:15,920 --> 00:47:16,600 Um 1344 00:47:16,600 --> 00:47:18,880 So, that's all I have. Thank you. 1345 00:47:18,880 --> 00:47:20,880 Deputy Director DeGroot. All right. Good 1346 00:47:20,880 --> 00:47:22,480 evening, everyone. Uh first I would like 1347 00:47:22,480 --> 00:47:24,240 to begin with the NJTPA Board of 1348 00:47:24,240 --> 00:47:25,720 Trustees meeting which was held this 1349 00:47:25,720 --> 00:47:27,920 past week in Newark. At that meeting we 1350 00:47:27,920 --> 00:47:30,120 heard from Jim Kirkos, President and CEO 1351 00:47:30,120 --> 00:47:32,120 of Meadowlands Chamber, who provided an 1352 00:47:32,120 --> 00:47:34,320 update on both the FIFA FIFA World Cup 1353 00:47:34,320 --> 00:47:36,280 Flag Cities planning and the broader 1354 00:47:36,280 --> 00:47:37,920 community experiences taking shape 1355 00:47:37,920 --> 00:47:39,640 across North Jersey as well as an 1356 00:47:39,640 --> 00:47:41,840 overview of future development plans for 1357 00:47:41,840 --> 00:47:43,440 the Meadowlands. Specifically, Mr. 1358 00:47:43,440 --> 00:47:45,600 Kirkos discussed a study currently being 1359 00:47:45,600 --> 00:47:47,800 finalized that explores redeveloping an 1360 00:47:47,800 --> 00:47:49,760 existing sports complex of the 1361 00:47:49,760 --> 00:47:51,600 Meadowlands between American Dream 1362 00:47:51,600 --> 00:47:53,800 MetLife Stadium into a modern multi-use 1363 00:47:53,800 --> 00:47:55,800 convention and events complex along with 1364 00:47:55,800 --> 00:47:57,880 a thousand-room hotel. You know that 1365 00:47:57,880 --> 00:47:59,400 that's a that this redevelopment 1366 00:47:59,400 --> 00:48:01,400 strategy could generate an estimated 30 1367 00:48:01,400 --> 00:48:04,440 billion dollars in economic impact over 1368 00:48:04,440 --> 00:48:06,240 30 years. He also shared the efforts are 1369 00:48:06,240 --> 00:48:08,320 underway to secure support from the 1370 00:48:08,320 --> 00:48:10,080 governor and the state legislator for 1371 00:48:10,080 --> 00:48:12,400 potential state funding with the goal of 1372 00:48:12,400 --> 00:48:14,840 breaking ground by 2027 and completing 1373 00:48:14,840 --> 00:48:16,400 the project in time for a potential 1374 00:48:16,400 --> 00:48:19,440 ribbon cutting in 2030. Continuing on, I 1375 00:48:19,440 --> 00:48:20,520 had the opportunity to speak at 1376 00:48:20,520 --> 00:48:22,280 resurrecting the beef industry in New 1377 00:48:22,280 --> 00:48:25,040 Jersey Ag forum which I co-hosted 1378 00:48:25,040 --> 00:48:26,520 alongside Dean La Barbera in 1379 00:48:26,520 --> 00:48:27,760 collaboration with Sussex County 1380 00:48:27,760 --> 00:48:29,160 Community College and Warren County 1381 00:48:29,160 --> 00:48:30,360 Community College. We were honored to 1382 00:48:30,360 --> 00:48:32,520 have New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture 1383 00:48:32,520 --> 00:48:34,360 Ed Wingerin in attendance along with 1384 00:48:34,360 --> 00:48:36,440 professionals and producers from across 1385 00:48:36,440 --> 00:48:38,440 the Garden State. Overall, I believe 1386 00:48:38,440 --> 00:48:40,360 this forum was a great success in 1387 00:48:40,360 --> 00:48:41,840 helping move the conversation forward 1388 00:48:41,840 --> 00:48:43,400 for strengthening the beef production 1389 00:48:43,400 --> 00:48:45,200 here in New Jersey. Key focus on the 1390 00:48:45,200 --> 00:48:46,960 discussion was the need for expanding 1391 00:48:46,960 --> 00:48:48,960 local processing capacity and the role 1392 00:48:48,960 --> 00:48:50,720 of additional processing facilities 1393 00:48:50,720 --> 00:48:52,240 could play in better supporting 1394 00:48:52,240 --> 00:48:53,920 livestock producers throughout the 1395 00:48:53,920 --> 00:48:55,720 state. The event reinforced the 1396 00:48:55,720 --> 00:48:57,600 importance of continued collaboration 1397 00:48:57,600 --> 00:48:58,880 between farmers, educational 1398 00:48:58,880 --> 00:49:00,880 institutions, industry leaders, and 1399 00:49:00,880 --> 00:49:02,320 government officials as we work to 1400 00:49:02,320 --> 00:49:03,680 support and grow New Jersey's 1401 00:49:03,680 --> 00:49:06,520 agriculture for future generations. 1402 00:49:06,520 --> 00:49:08,320 Additionally, I attended two events near 1403 00:49:08,320 --> 00:49:10,120 and dear to my heart as I had the honor 1404 00:49:10,120 --> 00:49:12,040 of attending today's Choice annual 1405 00:49:12,040 --> 00:49:14,080 banquet and the New Jersey Right to Life 1406 00:49:14,080 --> 00:49:15,920 annual gala, both celebrating the 1407 00:49:15,920 --> 00:49:18,480 sanctity and gift of life and held 1408 00:49:18,480 --> 00:49:20,400 during the same exact week. It was truly 1409 00:49:20,400 --> 00:49:22,080 uplifting to join so many individuals 1410 00:49:22,080 --> 00:49:23,640 from Sussex County and across the state 1411 00:49:23,640 --> 00:49:25,440 of New Jersey who are committed to 1412 00:49:25,440 --> 00:49:27,360 serving mothers, children, and families 1413 00:49:27,360 --> 00:49:29,520 with compassion, love, and faith. Not 1414 00:49:29,520 --> 00:49:31,360 only that, but during that same week, 1415 00:49:31,360 --> 00:49:33,480 the United States Supreme Court unan- 1416 00:49:33,480 --> 00:49:35,080 unanimously 1417 00:49:35,080 --> 00:49:37,560 ruled in favor of First Choice Women 1418 00:49:37,560 --> 00:49:39,880 Resource Center in its case against the 1419 00:49:39,880 --> 00:49:42,000 state of New Jersey, reaffirming the 1420 00:49:42,000 --> 00:49:43,920 important constitutional protections 1421 00:49:43,920 --> 00:49:45,440 surrounding freedom of association and 1422 00:49:45,440 --> 00:49:48,040 donor privacy for faith-based pregnancy 1423 00:49:48,040 --> 00:49:49,600 centers. The decision marked a 1424 00:49:49,600 --> 00:49:51,360 significant moment for organizations 1425 00:49:51,360 --> 00:49:53,280 that answer the biblical call to protect 1426 00:49:53,280 --> 00:49:55,400 the innocent, care for mothers in need, 1427 00:49:55,400 --> 00:49:57,400 and uphold the dignity of every human 1428 00:49:57,400 --> 00:49:59,960 life created in the image of God. Other 1429 00:49:59,960 --> 00:50:01,560 than that, since our last meeting I had 1430 00:50:01,560 --> 00:50:03,560 the opportunity to attend some 1431 00:50:03,560 --> 00:50:05,520 additional events, uh some of which 1432 00:50:05,520 --> 00:50:06,800 already were mentioned by my fellow 1433 00:50:06,800 --> 00:50:08,440 commissioners. A few others I attended 1434 00:50:08,440 --> 00:50:10,280 include Taste of Vernon, uh the Sussex 1435 00:50:10,280 --> 00:50:12,720 Kiwanis annual live and silent auction, 1436 00:50:12,720 --> 00:50:14,400 and the Hope Through the Valley annual 1437 00:50:14,400 --> 00:50:16,400 thank week. Each of these events was 1438 00:50:16,400 --> 00:50:18,240 wonderful and served a great reminder of 1439 00:50:18,240 --> 00:50:19,960 the strong sense of community service 1440 00:50:19,960 --> 00:50:21,920 and generosity continues to make Sussex 1441 00:50:21,920 --> 00:50:24,520 County such a special place to live and 1442 00:50:24,520 --> 00:50:26,480 work. That's all. Thank you and God 1443 00:50:26,480 --> 00:50:28,480 bless. 1444 00:50:28,480 --> 00:50:30,000 Thank you. 1445 00:50:30,000 --> 00:50:31,600 Division of Senior Services annual 1446 00:50:31,600 --> 00:50:34,960 public hearing will be held uh 1447 00:50:34,960 --> 00:50:38,400 at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 1448 00:50:38,400 --> 00:50:40,200 in the Sparta Senior Center at Knoll 1449 00:50:40,200 --> 00:50:42,920 Heights Village located at 40 Trapasso 1450 00:50:42,920 --> 00:50:44,320 Drive in Sparta. The purpose of the 1451 00:50:44,320 --> 00:50:46,960 hearing is to receive comments on the 1452 00:50:46,960 --> 00:50:49,640 proposed 2027 area plan update, which 1453 00:50:49,640 --> 00:50:51,880 generates funding for Sussex County 1454 00:50:51,880 --> 00:50:55,080 through the Older Americans Act of 1965 1455 00:50:55,080 --> 00:50:56,600 as amended. Attendees will have the 1456 00:50:56,600 --> 00:50:58,960 opportunity to voice their opinions on 1457 00:50:58,960 --> 00:51:00,800 current service needs for the seniors of 1458 00:51:00,800 --> 00:51:02,840 Sussex County. Anyone who would like to 1459 00:51:02,840 --> 00:51:05,280 testify at the public hearing or submit 1460 00:51:05,280 --> 00:51:08,520 written testify testimony should contact 1461 00:51:08,520 --> 00:51:10,120 the Sussex County Division of Senior 1462 00:51:10,120 --> 00:51:15,630 Services by May 29th at 973-579-0555, 1463 00:51:15,640 --> 00:51:18,160 extension 1222, or email 1464 00:51:18,160 --> 00:51:20,800 seniorservices@sussex.nj.us. 1465 00:51:20,800 --> 00:51:23,480 Individuals requiring transportation to 1466 00:51:23,480 --> 00:51:25,480 the public hearing may contact Sussex 1467 00:51:25,480 --> 00:51:30,990 County Skylands Ride at 973-579-0480 1468 00:51:31,000 --> 00:51:33,720 no later than 11:00 a.m. on May 28th, 1469 00:51:33,720 --> 00:51:36,680 2026 to make a reservation. 1470 00:51:36,680 --> 00:51:38,800 Division of Health Pole Barn Emergency 1471 00:51:38,800 --> 00:51:40,440 Response and Storage Facility a 1472 00:51:40,440 --> 00:51:42,560 groundbreaking ceremony was held, which 1473 00:51:42,560 --> 00:51:46,000 we all attended, to construct the Sussex 1474 00:51:46,000 --> 00:51:48,120 County Division of Health Pole Barn 1475 00:51:48,120 --> 00:51:50,480 on Morris Turnpike in Frankford Township 1476 00:51:50,480 --> 00:51:53,080 on Friday, April 17th. The Sussex County 1477 00:51:53,080 --> 00:51:54,720 Board of County Commissioners authorized 1478 00:51:54,720 --> 00:51:57,480 utilization of American Rescue Plan Act 1479 00:51:57,480 --> 00:51:59,840 funding for this new facility to support 1480 00:51:59,840 --> 00:52:01,720 the Division of Health's wide range of 1481 00:52:01,720 --> 00:52:04,000 critical services, including emergency 1482 00:52:04,000 --> 00:52:06,760 preparedness and response, communicable 1483 00:52:06,760 --> 00:52:08,800 disease surveillance and response, and 1484 00:52:08,800 --> 00:52:10,400 public health outreach and support, 1485 00:52:10,400 --> 00:52:12,360 among others. The Health Pole Barn 1486 00:52:12,360 --> 00:52:14,760 Emergency Response and Storage Facility 1487 00:52:14,760 --> 00:52:17,160 will be located on county-owned property 1488 00:52:17,160 --> 00:52:19,080 and will strategically function as part 1489 00:52:19,080 --> 00:52:21,760 of the county's Morris Turnpike campus. 1490 00:52:21,760 --> 00:52:24,200 The location serves as a hub for public 1491 00:52:24,200 --> 00:52:25,960 safety and emergency management 1492 00:52:25,960 --> 00:52:28,160 operations, which will provide important 1493 00:52:28,160 --> 00:52:30,240 operational benefits and enhance 1494 00:52:30,240 --> 00:52:31,800 coordination efforts between county 1495 00:52:31,800 --> 00:52:34,320 public safety and public health agencies 1496 00:52:34,320 --> 00:52:36,080 during an emergency response, which the 1497 00:52:36,080 --> 00:52:38,240 two Pole Barns are actually located 1498 00:52:38,240 --> 00:52:39,720 going to be located across the street 1499 00:52:39,720 --> 00:52:41,880 from each other in front of the old 1500 00:52:41,880 --> 00:52:43,480 juvenile detention center, which is 1501 00:52:43,480 --> 00:52:45,520 where we have the county OEM. 1502 00:52:45,520 --> 00:52:47,400 Um, going to keep my comments a little 1503 00:52:47,400 --> 00:52:49,280 short tonight because I'm tired of 1504 00:52:49,280 --> 00:52:50,680 speaking and I'm sure you're all tired 1505 00:52:50,680 --> 00:52:53,160 of hearing me speak. Um, we've obviously 1506 00:52:53,160 --> 00:52:54,960 had a busy 3 weeks since our last 1507 00:52:54,960 --> 00:52:57,080 meeting. It was an honor to address the 1508 00:52:57,080 --> 00:52:59,800 2026 Sussex County Community College 1509 00:52:59,800 --> 00:53:03,000 graduates this afternoon. They had 212 1510 00:53:03,000 --> 00:53:06,160 graduates walk. Um, Dr. Homer said 1511 00:53:06,160 --> 00:53:09,240 there's about 400 in between 400 to 500 1512 00:53:09,240 --> 00:53:11,440 graduates each year at Sussex County 1513 00:53:11,440 --> 00:53:13,360 Community College. A huge accomplishment 1514 00:53:13,360 --> 00:53:15,280 to get to that point. Um, another 1515 00:53:15,280 --> 00:53:16,240 highlight was speaking at the 1516 00:53:16,240 --> 00:53:18,120 inauguration of the college's new 1517 00:53:18,120 --> 00:53:20,200 president, Dr. Cory Homer. Dr. Homer 1518 00:53:20,200 --> 00:53:21,840 became the seventh president at Sussex 1519 00:53:21,840 --> 00:53:23,480 County Community College. I had the 1520 00:53:23,480 --> 00:53:24,600 opportunity to speak at the ribbon 1521 00:53:24,600 --> 00:53:26,160 cutting for the new learning commons at 1522 00:53:26,160 --> 00:53:27,840 the college. It's nice to see all the 1523 00:53:27,840 --> 00:53:29,360 improvements in the infrastructure 1524 00:53:29,360 --> 00:53:30,880 there. As the others said, we've 1525 00:53:30,880 --> 00:53:32,240 attended the groundbreaking ceremony for 1526 00:53:32,240 --> 00:53:33,840 new show shares Pole Barn. This is a 1527 00:53:33,840 --> 00:53:35,560 project done through ARPA funds. Will be 1528 00:53:35,560 --> 00:53:37,760 done mostly in-house. Congratulations to 1529 00:53:37,760 --> 00:53:39,560 all those that made the Crime Stoppers 1530 00:53:39,560 --> 00:53:41,200 event a huge success. We all had a great 1531 00:53:41,200 --> 00:53:42,840 time for a great cause. Commissioner 1532 00:53:42,840 --> 00:53:44,560 Silverthorne and I attended Branchville 1533 00:53:44,560 --> 00:53:46,400 Fire Department's installation dinner. A 1534 00:53:46,400 --> 00:53:48,400 huge congratulations to Mr. Russell 1535 00:53:48,400 --> 00:53:50,400 Bellis for 65 years of dedicated 1536 00:53:50,400 --> 00:53:52,840 service. We are also appreciative to our 1537 00:53:52,840 --> 00:53:54,440 local volunteer firefighters. 1538 00:53:54,440 --> 00:53:55,760 Commissioner Henderson, Silverthorne, 1539 00:53:55,760 --> 00:53:57,480 and I attended the Chamber's annual 1540 00:53:57,480 --> 00:54:00,120 wellness breakfast fair yesterday. Um 1541 00:54:00,120 --> 00:54:02,960 it's my favorite uh my favorite time of 1542 00:54:02,960 --> 00:54:04,160 the month is when we get to have 1543 00:54:04,160 --> 00:54:06,880 breakfast at the Perona Farms. We don't 1544 00:54:06,880 --> 00:54:08,880 normally have a breakfast, so I love 1545 00:54:08,880 --> 00:54:10,680 that. Um I also had a subcommittee 1546 00:54:10,680 --> 00:54:12,440 meeting yesterday from the Sussex County 1547 00:54:12,440 --> 00:54:15,240 Economic Development Partnership, and I 1548 00:54:15,240 --> 00:54:17,000 do believe that the county needs smart 1549 00:54:17,000 --> 00:54:19,280 growth and more ratables. Finally, I had 1550 00:54:19,280 --> 00:54:20,760 a meeting yesterday at the fairgrounds 1551 00:54:20,760 --> 00:54:22,120 with Deputy Administrator Lorraine 1552 00:54:22,120 --> 00:54:24,720 Hentz, Rein Jero, and Michael Richards, 1553 00:54:24,720 --> 00:54:27,800 the fair president, um on our 250th 1554 00:54:27,800 --> 00:54:29,960 America's celebration, and it's 1555 00:54:29,960 --> 00:54:32,080 scheduled for June 7th at 3:00 p.m. It's 1556 00:54:32,080 --> 00:54:34,400 moving right along. The event is free. 1557 00:54:34,400 --> 00:54:36,960 We will have plenty of food vendors, 1558 00:54:36,960 --> 00:54:39,040 um regular vendors, artisans, bounce 1559 00:54:39,040 --> 00:54:41,360 houses, games, fireworks, and much more. 1560 00:54:41,360 --> 00:54:42,760 And again, this event is free. If you 1561 00:54:42,760 --> 00:54:43,800 want more information, we're going to 1562 00:54:43,800 --> 00:54:45,800 have more information on our website and 1563 00:54:45,800 --> 00:54:47,080 the county's Facebook page. There's some 1564 00:54:47,080 --> 00:54:48,480 information right outside the door to 1565 00:54:48,480 --> 00:54:50,920 the left. Well, my left. It would be Oh, 1566 00:54:50,920 --> 00:54:52,320 it would be your left, too. Yeah. 1567 00:54:52,320 --> 00:54:54,080 Anyway, I'm tired. It's been a long day, 1568 00:54:54,080 --> 00:54:56,920 and I haven't spoken this much in 1569 00:54:56,920 --> 00:54:57,960 a year. 1570 00:54:57,960 --> 00:54:59,720 2 years. Last time I was director when 1571 00:54:59,720 --> 00:55:01,237 it was the budget. 1572 00:55:01,237 --> 00:55:01,892 >> [laughter] 1573 00:55:01,892 --> 00:55:02,080 [gasps] 1574 00:55:02,080 --> 00:55:04,680 >> Okay. And that's all I have. Um number 1575 00:55:04,680 --> 00:55:07,240 11, we have no consent agenda. Number 1576 00:55:07,240 --> 00:55:09,920 12, approval of the regular meeting 1577 00:55:09,920 --> 00:55:11,480 minutes from March 11th. Can I get a 1578 00:55:11,480 --> 00:55:13,320 motion to approve the minutes from the 1579 00:55:13,320 --> 00:55:15,120 March 11th meeting? So Okay, 1580 00:55:15,120 --> 00:55:16,400 Commissioner Henderson, a second? 1581 00:55:16,400 --> 00:55:17,800 >> Second. Okay, Commissioner Carney, any 1582 00:55:17,800 --> 00:55:20,400 discussion? All in favor? I oppose, 1583 00:55:20,400 --> 00:55:22,480 abstain, motion carries. Number 13, we 1584 00:55:22,480 --> 00:55:24,320 have no ordinances. Number 14, no 1585 00:55:24,320 --> 00:55:26,200 appointments and or resignations. Number 1586 00:55:26,200 --> 00:55:31,190 15, resolutions. 1587 00:55:31,200 --> 00:55:33,680 Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions 1588 00:55:33,680 --> 00:55:36,160 A through K? 1589 00:55:36,160 --> 00:55:37,920 Okay, uh Commissioner Silverthorne, a 1590 00:55:37,920 --> 00:55:39,120 second? 1591 00:55:39,120 --> 00:55:41,080 Okay, Commissioner Carney, any 1592 00:55:41,080 --> 00:55:42,760 discussion? 1593 00:55:42,760 --> 00:55:45,240 Roll call, please. Director Space? Yes. 1594 00:55:45,240 --> 00:55:46,160 Commissioner Carney? 1595 00:55:46,160 --> 00:55:48,600 >> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes. 1596 00:55:48,600 --> 00:55:49,680 Commissioner Henderson? 1597 00:55:49,680 --> 00:55:52,360 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. 1598 00:55:52,360 --> 00:55:54,880 Okay, number 16, awards of contract 1599 00:55:54,880 --> 00:55:57,880 change orders bids. Okay, the Board of 1600 00:55:57,880 --> 00:55:59,360 County Commissioners of the County of 1601 00:55:59,360 --> 00:56:01,640 Sussex has reviewed the award of 1602 00:56:01,640 --> 00:56:04,240 contract change orders bids consisting 1603 00:56:04,240 --> 00:56:06,320 of various proposed resolutions and 1604 00:56:06,320 --> 00:56:08,080 determined that the adoption of said 1605 00:56:08,080 --> 00:56:10,640 resolutions is in and will further the 1606 00:56:10,640 --> 00:56:12,800 public interest. Can I get a motion to 1607 00:56:12,800 --> 00:56:16,400 adopt resolutions A through I? So moved. 1608 00:56:16,400 --> 00:56:18,600 Okay, Commissioner uh Silverthorne, a 1609 00:56:18,600 --> 00:56:20,720 second? Second. Commissioner Carney, any 1610 00:56:20,720 --> 00:56:23,040 discussion? Roll call, please. Director 1611 00:56:23,040 --> 00:56:25,520 Space? Yes. Commissioner Carney? Yes. 1612 00:56:25,520 --> 00:56:27,040 Deputy Director DeGroat? 1613 00:56:27,040 --> 00:56:28,360 >> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? 1614 00:56:28,360 --> 00:56:30,960 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. 1615 00:56:30,960 --> 00:56:32,120 Okay. 1616 00:56:32,120 --> 00:56:34,720 Can I get a motion to pay bills list A 1617 00:56:34,720 --> 00:56:38,040 of May 13th, 2026? So moved. Second. 1618 00:56:38,040 --> 00:56:39,240 Commissioner Henderson, a second from 1619 00:56:39,240 --> 00:56:42,440 Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion? 1620 00:56:42,440 --> 00:56:51,880 Roll call, please. Director Space? Yes. 1621 00:56:51,880 --> 00:56:52,960 Okay, 1622 00:56:52,960 --> 00:56:54,920 uh can I get a motion to pay bills list 1623 00:56:54,920 --> 00:56:58,160 B of May 13th, 2026? 1624 00:56:58,160 --> 00:57:00,080 So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson, 1625 00:57:00,080 --> 00:57:02,360 and a second? Second. Uh Commissioner 1626 00:57:02,360 --> 00:57:04,800 Silverthorne, any discussion? 1627 00:57:04,800 --> 00:57:06,560 Roll call, please. Director Space? 1628 00:57:06,560 --> 00:57:08,560 Abstain. Commissioner Carney? Yes. 1629 00:57:08,560 --> 00:57:10,320 Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes. 1630 00:57:10,320 --> 00:57:11,760 Commissioner Henderson? Yes. 1631 00:57:11,760 --> 00:57:14,204 Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. Okay. 1632 00:57:14,204 --> 00:57:14,640 >> [clears throat] 1633 00:57:14,640 --> 00:57:17,440 >> Resolution C. 1634 00:57:17,440 --> 00:57:19,400 Resolution determining the form and 1635 00:57:19,400 --> 00:57:21,720 other details of the offering of 1636 00:57:21,720 --> 00:57:24,440 $4,881,000 general 1637 00:57:24,440 --> 00:57:26,920 obligation bonds consisting of 1638 00:57:26,920 --> 00:57:29,360 $3,731,000 1639 00:57:29,360 --> 00:57:30,920 $31,000 1640 00:57:30,920 --> 00:57:33,440 vocational technical school bonds series 1641 00:57:33,440 --> 00:57:37,600 2026 and 1 million 150,000 County 1642 00:57:37,600 --> 00:57:40,640 College bonds series 2026 County College 1643 00:57:40,640 --> 00:57:45,600 Bond Act 1971 NJ laws C12 as amended of 1644 00:57:45,600 --> 00:57:47,680 the county of Sussex state of New Jersey 1645 00:57:47,680 --> 00:57:49,720 and providing for the sale of such bonds 1646 00:57:49,720 --> 00:57:51,320 and additionally determining certain 1647 00:57:51,320 --> 00:57:53,840 matters with respect to the sale and 1648 00:57:53,840 --> 00:57:57,480 issuance of 4 million 101,000 dollar 1649 00:57:57,480 --> 00:57:59,320 bond anticipation notes. Can I get a 1650 00:57:59,320 --> 00:58:01,680 motion to adopt resolution say? 1651 00:58:01,680 --> 00:58:03,120 So moved. Seconded Commissioner Carney 1652 00:58:03,120 --> 00:58:04,400 and seconded Deputy Director DeGroot. 1653 00:58:04,400 --> 00:58:05,800 Any discussion? 1654 00:58:05,800 --> 00:58:07,480 Roll call, please. Director Space. 1655 00:58:07,480 --> 00:58:08,720 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney. 1656 00:58:08,720 --> 00:58:10,920 >> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroot. Yes. 1657 00:58:10,920 --> 00:58:11,920 Commissioner Henderson. 1658 00:58:11,920 --> 00:58:14,440 >> Yes. Commissioner Silvan. Yes. 1659 00:58:14,440 --> 00:58:15,280 Okay. 1660 00:58:15,280 --> 00:58:17,400 Uh personnel we have none. Number 19 1661 00:58:17,400 --> 00:58:19,280 administrative report. 1662 00:58:19,280 --> 00:58:20,440 Okay. 1663 00:58:20,440 --> 00:58:22,880 Uh good evening everyone. Uh my report 1664 00:58:22,880 --> 00:58:25,600 is is short tonight as well. Uh I just 1665 00:58:25,600 --> 00:58:27,320 wanted to provide a quick update on the 1666 00:58:27,320 --> 00:58:29,560 American Rescue Plan Act funded projects 1667 00:58:29,560 --> 00:58:31,080 that the county county is currently 1668 00:58:31,080 --> 00:58:33,360 working on. Uh the Franklin Library 1669 00:58:33,360 --> 00:58:35,240 facade and roof work was completed and 1670 00:58:35,240 --> 00:58:37,080 is being scheduled to be paid on May 1671 00:58:37,080 --> 00:58:40,640 27th, 2026 closing out that encumbrance. 1672 00:58:40,640 --> 00:58:42,760 Uh we have uh 1673 00:58:42,760 --> 00:58:45,240 we had in uh money set aside for the CDL 1674 00:58:45,240 --> 00:58:47,160 license training. That final class was 1675 00:58:47,160 --> 00:58:49,440 also completed. The invoices in process 1676 00:58:49,440 --> 00:58:51,520 to be paid and all money encumbered for 1677 00:58:51,520 --> 00:58:52,920 this project then will have been paid 1678 00:58:52,920 --> 00:58:55,600 out. Uh the Historical Society school 1679 00:58:55,600 --> 00:58:58,080 outreach, we are anticipating to receive 1680 00:58:58,080 --> 00:58:59,800 a project update from the Historical 1681 00:58:59,800 --> 00:59:02,760 Society on Friday, May 15th and thank 1682 00:59:02,760 --> 00:59:04,600 you to Elga for following up on that 1683 00:59:04,600 --> 00:59:07,520 with uh with our uh historian. 1684 00:59:07,520 --> 00:59:09,480 And then um 1685 00:59:09,480 --> 00:59:12,160 the county facility roofing projects, uh 1686 00:59:12,160 --> 00:59:14,320 the work to the mosquito building was 1687 00:59:14,320 --> 00:59:15,840 completed. We're just waiting to receive 1688 00:59:15,840 --> 00:59:18,440 the final invoices um and then we really 1689 00:59:18,440 --> 00:59:20,000 only have a couple other projects that 1690 00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:21,560 are currently ongoing, which are those 1691 00:59:21,560 --> 00:59:23,280 pole barns. 1692 00:59:23,280 --> 00:59:24,880 Uh the feasibility study, I want to 1693 00:59:24,880 --> 00:59:26,000 thank the board for approving the 1694 00:59:26,000 --> 00:59:28,040 appraisal company this evening. First 1695 00:59:28,040 --> 00:59:30,240 thing Friday first thing 8:00 a.m. 1696 00:59:30,240 --> 00:59:32,400 tomorrow morning we will be meeting with 1697 00:59:32,400 --> 00:59:34,920 our team, Bill Koppenol, Al Cuyeder, 1698 00:59:34,920 --> 00:59:36,600 Keith Nelson and I to discuss this 1699 00:59:36,600 --> 00:59:38,720 project and moving begin to move forward 1700 00:59:38,720 --> 00:59:41,760 with the study for review by the board. 1701 00:59:41,760 --> 00:59:43,160 Well, we've been having some 1702 00:59:43,160 --> 00:59:45,800 difficulties currently with our vendor 1703 00:59:45,800 --> 00:59:47,280 for fuel. 1704 00:59:47,280 --> 00:59:48,840 They are not filling up our pumps to 1705 00:59:48,840 --> 00:59:50,240 capacity and this is causing a 1706 00:59:50,240 --> 00:59:52,640 significant issue with our county 1707 00:59:52,640 --> 00:59:55,280 operations. So we have referred this as 1708 00:59:55,280 --> 00:59:57,600 of last week to county council and to 1709 00:59:57,600 --> 00:59:58,920 see what our options are under the 1710 00:59:58,920 --> 01:00:00,800 current contract. 1711 01:00:00,800 --> 01:00:03,560 And then lastly in addition 1712 01:00:03,560 --> 01:00:05,880 Commissioner Silverthorne and I met with 1713 01:00:05,880 --> 01:00:08,320 the tax board and representatives from 1714 01:00:08,320 --> 01:00:09,800 the tax board. 1715 01:00:09,800 --> 01:00:11,600 Apparently uh 1716 01:00:11,600 --> 01:00:13,880 or currently not all municipalities are 1717 01:00:13,880 --> 01:00:16,000 updating their tax maps which per state 1718 01:00:16,000 --> 01:00:18,560 statute should be updated annually 1719 01:00:18,560 --> 01:00:20,280 and however the state which oversees 1720 01:00:20,280 --> 01:00:22,880 that is not enforcing that these tax 1721 01:00:22,880 --> 01:00:24,760 maps are updated 1722 01:00:24,760 --> 01:00:26,680 finally. So we were approached by the 1723 01:00:26,680 --> 01:00:28,080 board of taxation about creating a 1724 01:00:28,080 --> 01:00:30,240 shared service where the county could 1725 01:00:30,240 --> 01:00:32,560 help coordinate this effort utilizing 1726 01:00:32,560 --> 01:00:35,080 our current vendor. Many municipalities 1727 01:00:35,080 --> 01:00:37,200 do currently use the same vendor so it 1728 01:00:37,200 --> 01:00:39,760 would be a savings across the board to 1729 01:00:39,760 --> 01:00:42,280 the taxpayers throughout the county. We 1730 01:00:42,280 --> 01:00:43,680 received some information where Monmouth 1731 01:00:43,680 --> 01:00:45,480 County is currently doing this. I had a 1732 01:00:45,480 --> 01:00:47,600 chance to quickly review that before I 1733 01:00:47,600 --> 01:00:50,280 was away. And um 1734 01:00:50,280 --> 01:00:51,880 and while they are doing that on a 1735 01:00:51,880 --> 01:00:53,720 shared service basis they're doing it in 1736 01:00:53,720 --> 01:00:55,080 a method where Monmouth County is 1737 01:00:55,080 --> 01:00:56,520 actually overseeing it and taking 1738 01:00:56,520 --> 01:00:58,880 control and funding it. That is not the 1739 01:00:58,880 --> 01:01:00,640 proposal that's been brought to us. So 1740 01:01:00,640 --> 01:01:01,960 we are 1741 01:01:01,960 --> 01:01:03,560 reviewing that a little bit more how we 1742 01:01:03,560 --> 01:01:05,240 could do that 1743 01:01:05,240 --> 01:01:07,320 in-house and not be a fully funded 1744 01:01:07,320 --> 01:01:09,480 county project but again it's it's where 1745 01:01:09,480 --> 01:01:11,240 the municipalities would 1746 01:01:11,240 --> 01:01:13,440 contribute to that. We do have a mayor's 1747 01:01:13,440 --> 01:01:16,800 meeting on Saturday the 16th so that is 1748 01:01:16,800 --> 01:01:18,040 something that I'm going to bring up 1749 01:01:18,040 --> 01:01:20,560 with all of the municipal mayors um get 1750 01:01:20,560 --> 01:01:23,440 this on board. It is something that 1751 01:01:23,440 --> 01:01:25,960 after speaking with the tax board 1752 01:01:25,960 --> 01:01:28,560 would be a benefit to everyone 1753 01:01:28,560 --> 01:01:29,720 throughout the county and making sure 1754 01:01:29,720 --> 01:01:31,920 that all of these tax maps are updated 1755 01:01:31,920 --> 01:01:35,280 and current. Um and that is all I have. 1756 01:01:35,280 --> 01:01:36,640 Thank you. 1757 01:01:36,640 --> 01:01:38,480 Number 21, does anyone have any 1758 01:01:38,480 --> 01:01:40,560 unfinished business? 1759 01:01:40,560 --> 01:01:41,520 Okay. 1760 01:01:41,520 --> 01:01:44,560 Number 22, new business. We have a 1761 01:01:44,560 --> 01:01:47,600 resolution authorization to provide for 1762 01:01:47,600 --> 01:01:49,640 large modular blocks for gravity 1763 01:01:49,640 --> 01:01:51,440 retaining wall for the Department of 1764 01:01:51,440 --> 01:01:53,360 Engineering and Planning to Northeast 1765 01:01:53,360 --> 01:01:55,720 Concrete Products LLC in the amount of 1766 01:01:55,720 --> 01:01:58,680 $97,408. 1767 01:01:58,680 --> 01:02:01,280 Can I get a motion to adopt resolution 1768 01:02:01,280 --> 01:02:03,400 A? So moved. Thank you, Commissioner 1769 01:02:03,400 --> 01:02:06,720 Carney. And second, please? I second. 1770 01:02:06,720 --> 01:02:08,680 Okay, Commissioner Silverthorne. Any 1771 01:02:08,680 --> 01:02:10,400 discussion? 1772 01:02:10,400 --> 01:02:12,240 Roll call, please. Director Space. 1773 01:02:12,240 --> 01:02:13,960 >> Yes. Commissioner Carney. Yes. 1774 01:02:13,960 --> 01:02:15,800 >> Deputy Director DeGroot. Yes. 1775 01:02:15,800 --> 01:02:16,880 Commissioner Henderson. 1776 01:02:16,880 --> 01:02:19,520 >> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes. 1777 01:02:19,520 --> 01:02:22,400 Okay. I did not see spot for Oh, I 1778 01:02:22,400 --> 01:02:24,040 skipped over the County Council report. 1779 01:02:24,040 --> 01:02:25,680 Sorry, I was making your life a little 1780 01:02:25,680 --> 01:02:27,240 quicker. My bad. 1781 01:02:27,240 --> 01:02:30,630 County Council report. 1782 01:02:30,640 --> 01:02:32,200 Only two items, Director. Both executive 1783 01:02:32,200 --> 01:02:34,200 session, one in pursuit in furtherance 1784 01:02:34,200 --> 01:02:36,240 of a contract dispute, the other in 1785 01:02:36,240 --> 01:02:38,720 resolution of a piece of old litigation 1786 01:02:38,720 --> 01:02:40,200 out of the Prosecutor's office. I'll go 1787 01:02:40,200 --> 01:02:41,880 over both of them with you all tonight 1788 01:02:41,880 --> 01:02:43,640 in executive. Thank you. Okay, sounds 1789 01:02:43,640 --> 01:02:45,360 good. Sorry about that. Number 23, 1790 01:02:45,360 --> 01:02:47,160 public session from the floor. This 1791 01:02:47,160 --> 01:02:49,000 public session is for those wishing to 1792 01:02:49,000 --> 01:02:50,920 make general comments of 3 minutes or 1793 01:02:50,920 --> 01:02:53,360 less on non-agenda topics. Please line 1794 01:02:53,360 --> 01:02:55,320 up at the microphone and state your name 1795 01:02:55,320 --> 01:02:57,240 and municipality for the record. Can I 1796 01:02:57,240 --> 01:02:59,880 get a motion to open the public to open 1797 01:02:59,880 --> 01:03:01,960 the floor for public comment? 1798 01:03:01,960 --> 01:03:02,520 Second. 1799 01:03:02,520 --> 01:03:04,040 >> Henderson a second, Deputy Director 1800 01:03:04,040 --> 01:03:06,880 DeGroot. Any discussion? All in favor? 1801 01:03:06,880 --> 01:03:08,520 Aye. Opposed, abstain. Okay, the floor 1802 01:03:08,520 --> 01:03:12,230 is open. 1803 01:03:12,240 --> 01:03:14,240 Good evening again, Ken Collins. Ken 1804 01:03:14,240 --> 01:03:16,400 Collins, still from Andover Township. 1805 01:03:16,400 --> 01:03:18,480 There is no need to be condescending and 1806 01:03:18,480 --> 01:03:20,360 call your constituents Monday morning 1807 01:03:20,360 --> 01:03:23,200 quarterbacks. How belittling. You should 1808 01:03:23,200 --> 01:03:25,160 be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Carney. 1809 01:03:25,160 --> 01:03:26,520 People come here to express their 1810 01:03:26,520 --> 01:03:28,840 concerns and feelings. Stop being so 1811 01:03:28,840 --> 01:03:30,680 condescending to them. 1812 01:03:30,680 --> 01:03:32,440 I do hope that won't continue if you are 1813 01:03:32,440 --> 01:03:33,960 county clerk. 1814 01:03:33,960 --> 01:03:35,480 I want to thank Commissioner Henderson 1815 01:03:35,480 --> 01:03:36,960 for coming out to the Andover Township 1816 01:03:36,960 --> 01:03:39,000 Committee meeting on May 7th. It was 1817 01:03:39,000 --> 01:03:40,600 refreshing to see a county commissioner 1818 01:03:40,600 --> 01:03:42,240 taking interest in our fight to stop a 1819 01:03:42,240 --> 01:03:44,240 data center from being built at the old 1820 01:03:44,240 --> 01:03:46,200 Newton Airport site on Stickles Pond 1821 01:03:46,200 --> 01:03:48,520 Road. The Township found out about this 1822 01:03:48,520 --> 01:03:50,960 plan at the 11th hour. Had an applicant 1823 01:03:50,960 --> 01:03:53,320 come in 2 weeks earlier earlier, we may 1824 01:03:53,320 --> 01:03:54,800 have been too late to stop it, but 1825 01:03:54,800 --> 01:03:56,680 fortunately we were not. 1826 01:03:56,680 --> 01:03:58,520 The community came together across party 1827 01:03:58,520 --> 01:04:00,080 lines to force their own elected 1828 01:04:00,080 --> 01:04:02,000 officials to act as proper stewards of 1829 01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:04,560 Andover Township and pass a ban on data 1830 01:04:04,560 --> 01:04:07,400 centers. Yet, they still resisted. 1831 01:04:07,400 --> 01:04:09,040 But, the townspeople would not stand for 1832 01:04:09,040 --> 01:04:10,720 it. They organized, they lawyered up, 1833 01:04:10,720 --> 01:04:12,600 they showed up to the May 7th Township 1834 01:04:12,600 --> 01:04:14,440 Committee meeting as Commissioner 1835 01:04:14,440 --> 01:04:17,080 Henderson noted and demanded a data 1836 01:04:17,080 --> 01:04:19,000 center ban. The testimony of our 1837 01:04:19,000 --> 01:04:21,080 community was thoughtful, personal, 1838 01:04:21,080 --> 01:04:22,760 heart-wrenching. 1839 01:04:22,760 --> 01:04:24,600 We should not have to fight those we 1840 01:04:24,600 --> 01:04:28,790 elect to govern. 1841 01:04:28,800 --> 01:04:30,640 So, they would be proper stewards of the 1842 01:04:30,640 --> 01:04:32,640 place we call home. 1843 01:04:32,640 --> 01:04:35,520 should be a safe place. 1844 01:04:35,520 --> 01:04:37,600 I urge the board to adopt a moratorium 1845 01:04:37,600 --> 01:04:39,240 on data center construction throughout 1846 01:04:39,240 --> 01:04:41,720 the county without further delay. 1847 01:04:41,720 --> 01:04:43,880 Take 6 months to review data centers and 1848 01:04:43,880 --> 01:04:46,320 their impacts and enact resolutions to 1849 01:04:46,320 --> 01:04:48,040 govern their construction if you so 1850 01:04:48,040 --> 01:04:51,120 desire or prohibit them altogether as I 1851 01:04:51,120 --> 01:04:53,120 urge. If you're going to allow data 1852 01:04:53,120 --> 01:04:54,920 centers to be built in this county, 1853 01:04:54,920 --> 01:04:56,680 decide on guidelines and allowable 1854 01:04:56,680 --> 01:04:59,000 locations. But, for now, pass a 1855 01:04:59,000 --> 01:05:01,280 countywide moratorium to give other 1856 01:05:01,280 --> 01:05:03,280 communities 6 months to take a stand 1857 01:05:03,280 --> 01:05:05,640 like we did in Andover. Don't let these 1858 01:05:05,640 --> 01:05:08,160 monstro monstrosities sneak in under the 1859 01:05:08,160 --> 01:05:09,920 radar. 1860 01:05:09,920 --> 01:05:12,040 In case you're not aware, they plan on 1861 01:05:12,040 --> 01:05:16,040 building one on Weldon Road in Sparta. 1862 01:05:16,040 --> 01:05:17,680 You need to do something. 1863 01:05:17,680 --> 01:05:20,320 Stop these things before they're getting 1864 01:05:20,320 --> 01:05:22,800 built without the community having any 1865 01:05:22,800 --> 01:05:32,390 input. Thanks. 1866 01:05:32,400 --> 01:05:34,440 Rayan Gerow, Stillwater Township, but 1867 01:05:34,440 --> 01:05:36,320 I'm also actually talking to you as a 1868 01:05:36,320 --> 01:05:37,960 social worker working for senior 1869 01:05:37,960 --> 01:05:40,520 services. And this is in response to the 1870 01:05:40,520 --> 01:05:42,680 meeting regarding the veteran service 1871 01:05:42,680 --> 01:05:44,400 officers that were in question last 1872 01:05:44,400 --> 01:05:47,680 time. So, I did make some contact. 1873 01:05:47,680 --> 01:05:51,720 So, we have two Louis Segurio is our VSO 1874 01:05:51,720 --> 01:05:55,160 for Sussex County. He is here 1875 01:05:55,160 --> 01:05:59,160 Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 1876 01:05:59,160 --> 01:06:00,800 Franklin 1877 01:06:00,800 --> 01:06:03,800 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30. He is a little 1878 01:06:03,800 --> 01:06:06,600 behind because there's so many claims 1879 01:06:06,600 --> 01:06:08,560 going on right now that he's about two 1880 01:06:08,560 --> 01:06:10,440 months behind, but he is answering 1881 01:06:10,440 --> 01:06:12,920 emails and he is answering phone 1882 01:06:12,920 --> 01:06:13,720 Okay. 1883 01:06:13,720 --> 01:06:16,520 He usually says within 48 hours those 1884 01:06:16,520 --> 01:06:20,200 are answered. He has Yasmin Rodriguez. 1885 01:06:20,200 --> 01:06:23,200 She completes the initial intake process 1886 01:06:23,200 --> 01:06:25,000 for all appointments and then starts to 1887 01:06:25,000 --> 01:06:27,560 schedule the appointments with Louis. 1888 01:06:27,560 --> 01:06:30,120 They only are not Yes, they're in Sussex 1889 01:06:30,120 --> 01:06:32,400 County in Franklin, but they also have 1890 01:06:32,400 --> 01:06:34,040 an office in Dover. So, if you're in 1891 01:06:34,040 --> 01:06:35,720 Hopatcong or something like that, you 1892 01:06:35,720 --> 01:06:38,240 may want to go to the Dover 1893 01:06:38,240 --> 01:06:41,600 office. So, he's saying that to let you 1894 01:06:41,600 --> 01:06:44,360 know that they're also available in 1895 01:06:44,360 --> 01:06:46,840 Dover. So, what I have provided for you 1896 01:06:46,840 --> 01:06:49,960 is his contact information in 1897 01:06:49,960 --> 01:06:52,440 the contact, his name, her name, and the 1898 01:06:52,440 --> 01:06:54,560 Dover address as well as the Sussex 1899 01:06:54,560 --> 01:06:57,040 address, which is 48 Ryker Road in 1900 01:06:57,040 --> 01:07:00,480 Franklin. And his Dover address is 479 1901 01:07:00,480 --> 01:07:03,040 West Clinton Street in Dover. And that's 1902 01:07:03,040 --> 01:07:04,520 where um 1903 01:07:04,520 --> 01:07:06,760 the veterans from Sussex County can go 1904 01:07:06,760 --> 01:07:22,230 and speak to their BSO. 1905 01:07:22,240 --> 01:07:23,920 I appreciate everything you do for the 1906 01:07:23,920 --> 01:07:27,470 veterans. 1907 01:07:27,480 --> 01:07:28,760 Good evening, commissioners. Nick 1908 01:07:28,760 --> 01:07:30,320 Civitan, Deputy Mayor of Frankford 1909 01:07:30,320 --> 01:07:31,960 Township. 1910 01:07:31,960 --> 01:07:34,600 Brett Commissioner 1911 01:07:34,600 --> 01:07:36,920 Um 1912 01:07:36,920 --> 01:07:39,000 Hardy Woods 1913 01:07:39,000 --> 01:07:40,760 Um we just have a a token of our 1914 01:07:40,760 --> 01:07:42,680 appreciation and a little proclamation 1915 01:07:42,680 --> 01:07:43,880 that we made. 1916 01:07:43,880 --> 01:07:47,000 So uh in honor of this historic occasion 1917 01:07:47,000 --> 01:07:49,040 in American history and to extend our 1918 01:07:49,040 --> 01:07:51,280 appreciation, the Township Committee of 1919 01:07:51,280 --> 01:07:53,400 Frankford presents you with the America 1920 01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:56,440 250th Challenger Coin. Your commitment 1921 01:07:56,440 --> 01:07:58,520 to excellence illustrates the very 1922 01:07:58,520 --> 01:08:00,000 determination 1923 01:08:00,000 --> 01:08:02,080 and innovative spirit that drove our 1924 01:08:02,080 --> 01:08:04,800 forefathers of this nation to achieve 1925 01:08:04,800 --> 01:08:07,520 the greatness that ignited a revolution 1926 01:08:07,520 --> 01:08:09,400 called freedom. 1927 01:08:09,400 --> 01:08:12,550 God bless America. 1928 01:08:12,560 --> 01:08:14,040 There's an extra coin in there we'd like 1929 01:08:14,040 --> 01:08:41,309 to put into the 1930 01:08:41,319 --> 01:08:44,600 Dan Caliendo, Hampton Township. 1931 01:08:44,600 --> 01:08:46,640 Immigration 1932 01:08:46,640 --> 01:08:48,759 Despite many attempts to pass an overall 1933 01:08:48,759 --> 01:08:51,000 immigration policies, the US has 1934 01:08:51,000 --> 01:08:52,560 vacillated 1935 01:08:52,560 --> 01:08:55,279 between near open borders and asylum and 1936 01:08:55,279 --> 01:08:58,759 due process legal practices. 1937 01:08:58,759 --> 01:09:00,960 Close borders and the the detention and 1938 01:09:00,960 --> 01:09:03,319 deportation of both convicted criminals 1939 01:09:03,319 --> 01:09:05,520 as well as those with no criminal 1940 01:09:05,520 --> 01:09:06,880 history. 1941 01:09:06,880 --> 01:09:08,040 Presently, we have seen the 1942 01:09:08,040 --> 01:09:10,240 proliferation of detention centers to 1943 01:09:10,240 --> 01:09:12,680 2456, 1944 01:09:12,680 --> 01:09:14,440 the arrest, incarceration, and 1945 01:09:14,440 --> 01:09:17,839 deportation of both hardened criminals, 1946 01:09:17,839 --> 01:09:19,759 which are 8% of the 1947 01:09:19,759 --> 01:09:23,319 immigrant population, as well as 73% of 1948 01:09:23,319 --> 01:09:26,359 those with no criminal convictions. 1949 01:09:26,359 --> 01:09:28,560 As of April 6, detainees numbered 1950 01:09:28,560 --> 01:09:30,440 60,000. 1951 01:09:30,440 --> 01:09:32,799 Compounding the problem is a 25% 1952 01:09:32,799 --> 01:09:35,520 reduction of immigration judges. 1953 01:09:35,520 --> 01:09:37,440 Studies show that with legal process 1954 01:09:37,440 --> 01:09:40,040 available, immigrants are five times 1955 01:09:40,040 --> 01:09:43,240 more likely to obtain relief. 1956 01:09:43,240 --> 01:09:45,920 Which leaves us with one, significant 1957 01:09:45,920 --> 01:09:48,759 increase of those without charges having 1958 01:09:48,759 --> 01:09:51,040 decreased chance of legal resources 1959 01:09:51,040 --> 01:09:53,120 resulting in higher rates of detention 1960 01:09:53,120 --> 01:09:54,520 and removal. 1961 01:09:54,520 --> 01:09:56,600 Two, the management of detention centers 1962 01:09:56,600 --> 01:09:59,280 by private companies with profit as 1963 01:09:59,280 --> 01:10:01,160 their primary motive. 1964 01:10:01,160 --> 01:10:02,960 Three, the escalation of aggressive 1965 01:10:02,960 --> 01:10:05,400 tactics in detention centers and 1966 01:10:05,400 --> 01:10:08,320 immigrant immigrant communities 1967 01:10:08,320 --> 01:10:10,920 by the fear of demographic shifts 1968 01:10:10,920 --> 01:10:14,120 referred to as the browning of America. 1969 01:10:14,120 --> 01:10:16,120 Our immigration problem is not the 1970 01:10:16,120 --> 01:10:19,000 presence of law-abiding immigrants, but 1971 01:10:19,000 --> 01:10:21,240 the failure of many administrations to 1972 01:10:21,240 --> 01:10:24,080 enact reform. 1973 01:10:24,080 --> 01:10:26,520 The administration announced kinder and 1974 01:10:26,520 --> 01:10:28,680 more focused approach 1975 01:10:28,680 --> 01:10:30,840 for immigration community. 1976 01:10:30,840 --> 01:10:33,560 Whether this comes to pass or not, it is 1977 01:10:33,560 --> 01:10:36,600 a responsibility of private citizens and 1978 01:10:36,600 --> 01:10:39,560 elected officials to aggressively push 1979 01:10:39,560 --> 01:10:42,480 for comprehensive 1980 01:10:42,480 --> 01:10:44,720 immigration reform. 1981 01:10:44,720 --> 01:10:54,670 Thank you. Thank you. 1982 01:10:54,680 --> 01:10:57,160 Cathy Brennan, Hampton Township. Um, I 1983 01:10:57,160 --> 01:10:59,800 will make this very quick because 1984 01:10:59,800 --> 01:11:02,360 many of us have data centers on our mind 1985 01:11:02,360 --> 01:11:06,440 at the moment and I was happy to see Mr. 1986 01:11:06,440 --> 01:11:09,000 Henderson at the event. 1987 01:11:09,000 --> 01:11:11,160 I just wanted to reiterate the basically 1988 01:11:11,160 --> 01:11:14,320 the same things that these data centers 1989 01:11:14,320 --> 01:11:16,200 are just being thrown up. There's 1990 01:11:16,200 --> 01:11:17,720 nothing 1991 01:11:17,720 --> 01:11:19,840 being discussed about them or whatever 1992 01:11:19,840 --> 01:11:21,640 and the effects of them on the 1993 01:11:21,640 --> 01:11:25,160 environment, the noise, the water usage, 1994 01:11:25,160 --> 01:11:28,240 the the electrical usage and 1995 01:11:28,240 --> 01:11:31,680 I would suggest the same thing that 1996 01:11:31,680 --> 01:11:34,440 the county suggests that for now 1997 01:11:34,440 --> 01:11:37,200 municipalities put a moratorium on any 1998 01:11:37,200 --> 01:11:40,200 consideration of any data centers for at 1999 01:11:40,200 --> 01:11:42,760 least for now and possibly forever 2000 01:11:42,760 --> 01:11:44,200 because 2001 01:11:44,200 --> 01:11:46,280 it seems like these data centers are 2002 01:11:46,280 --> 01:11:48,120 becoming out of control. The one that 2003 01:11:48,120 --> 01:11:50,320 they wanted to put in Andover was a huge 2004 01:11:50,320 --> 01:11:52,320 center which which they had to pass 2005 01:11:52,320 --> 01:11:54,320 ordinances in order for it to be able to 2006 01:11:54,320 --> 01:11:58,800 even happen and it would totally ruin 2007 01:11:58,800 --> 01:12:01,360 our environment and totally affect all 2008 01:12:01,360 --> 01:12:02,880 the people living in the area. Thank 2009 01:12:02,880 --> 01:12:14,790 you. 2010 01:12:14,800 --> 01:12:17,160 Jean Oprihory Hampton. 2011 01:12:17,160 --> 01:12:19,440 It's time to stop mega madness from 2012 01:12:19,440 --> 01:12:21,880 destroying our country. It's time to 2013 01:12:21,880 --> 01:12:23,680 replace our elected officials who 2014 01:12:23,680 --> 01:12:25,520 continue to support the tyrant in the 2015 01:12:25,520 --> 01:12:27,040 White House who is corrupting our 2016 01:12:27,040 --> 01:12:29,560 government at an exponential rate, 2017 01:12:29,560 --> 01:12:31,720 stealing our tax dollars, and demanding 2018 01:12:31,720 --> 01:12:33,560 the disenfranchisement of millions of 2019 01:12:33,560 --> 01:12:35,080 Americans. 2020 01:12:35,080 --> 01:12:37,160 To stop mega madness, it's important to 2021 01:12:37,160 --> 01:12:39,520 understand why it has taken hold in this 2022 01:12:39,520 --> 01:12:42,480 country. Simply put, it is based on 2023 01:12:42,480 --> 01:12:45,120 insecurity, fear, racism, and 2024 01:12:45,120 --> 01:12:46,440 corruption. 2025 01:12:46,440 --> 01:12:48,360 It's been widely known for decades that 2026 01:12:48,360 --> 01:12:51,000 the white white majority in this country 2027 01:12:51,000 --> 01:12:52,880 would shift to the minority as the 2028 01:12:52,880 --> 01:12:54,960 population of immigrants and resident 2029 01:12:54,960 --> 01:12:57,960 black, brown, and Asian groups grew. 2030 01:12:57,960 --> 01:12:59,680 Conservative groups like the old Tea 2031 01:12:59,680 --> 01:13:02,400 Party, the Heritage Foundation, and MAGA 2032 01:13:02,400 --> 01:13:05,360 support legislation and court decisions 2033 01:13:05,360 --> 01:13:07,120 that serve to maintain their grip on 2034 01:13:07,120 --> 01:13:08,880 political power before they become the 2035 01:13:08,880 --> 01:13:11,760 minority. Actions that are dismantling 2036 01:13:11,760 --> 01:13:13,560 our democratic institutions and 2037 01:13:13,560 --> 01:13:16,800 disenfranchising millions of Americans. 2038 01:13:16,800 --> 01:13:19,440 Mad MAGAs who do not understand American 2039 01:13:19,440 --> 01:13:21,640 history think that they this makes 2040 01:13:21,640 --> 01:13:22,640 sense. 2041 01:13:22,640 --> 01:13:25,440 250 years ago, our forefathers fought 2042 01:13:25,440 --> 01:13:27,720 the Revolutionary War, not because they 2043 01:13:27,720 --> 01:13:29,680 were taxed, but because they did not 2044 01:13:29,680 --> 01:13:31,720 have the right of representation in the 2045 01:13:31,720 --> 01:13:33,520 legislative body that imposed those 2046 01:13:33,520 --> 01:13:34,800 taxes. 2047 01:13:34,800 --> 01:13:37,120 As mad MAGAs continue to gerrymander 2048 01:13:37,120 --> 01:13:38,640 their way to maintain control of 2049 01:13:38,640 --> 01:13:40,200 Congress in the upcoming midterm 2050 01:13:40,200 --> 01:13:42,840 elections, the masses will rise up to 2051 01:13:42,840 --> 01:13:45,840 demand representation in our government. 2052 01:13:45,840 --> 01:13:47,960 Especially as we witness a tyrant 2053 01:13:47,960 --> 01:13:49,800 stealing our tax dollars for pet 2054 01:13:49,800 --> 01:13:52,160 projects and causing the cost of living 2055 01:13:52,160 --> 01:13:55,560 to skyrocket. MAGA madness is allowing a 2056 01:13:55,560 --> 01:13:58,080 tyrant to overtly skirt the law and 2057 01:13:58,080 --> 01:14:00,520 approve no-bid contracts to companies 2058 01:14:00,520 --> 01:14:02,560 that charge three times the amount of 2059 01:14:02,560 --> 01:14:05,240 money the projects actually cost. 2060 01:14:05,240 --> 01:14:08,760 The reflecting pool, $13.1 million. 2061 01:14:08,760 --> 01:14:11,320 The Trump arch, $100 million. 2062 01:14:11,320 --> 01:14:14,360 The White House ballroom, 2063 01:14:14,360 --> 01:14:16,960 Retrofitting the Saudi gift plane, $1 2064 01:14:16,960 --> 01:14:18,240 billion. 2065 01:14:18,240 --> 01:14:21,600 The war in Iran, $29 billion. 2066 01:14:21,600 --> 01:14:25,760 ICE detention warehouses, $38.3 billion. 2067 01:14:25,760 --> 01:14:30,160 The golden dome, $1.2 trillion. 2068 01:14:30,160 --> 01:14:32,200 Our tax dollars are going straight into 2069 01:14:32,200 --> 01:14:34,160 the pockets of Trump, his family, and 2070 01:14:34,160 --> 01:14:36,880 his cronies. Blindly following a cult 2071 01:14:36,880 --> 01:14:38,760 leader without questioning or opposing 2072 01:14:38,760 --> 01:14:41,160 his policies and illegal and corrupt 2073 01:14:41,160 --> 01:14:43,840 actions is madness. 2074 01:14:43,840 --> 01:14:45,560 When you support a tyrannical leader who 2075 01:14:45,560 --> 01:14:47,880 misuses our tax dollars, threatens 2076 01:14:47,880 --> 01:14:50,440 innocent citizens, dismantles government 2077 01:14:50,440 --> 01:14:52,800 institutions, and takes away our right 2078 01:14:52,800 --> 01:14:55,200 of representation in our government, you 2079 01:14:55,200 --> 01:14:57,440 are part of the problem. In the long 2080 01:14:57,440 --> 01:14:59,400 run, just like the British hold on the 2081 01:14:59,400 --> 01:15:01,280 American colonies, just like the 2082 01:15:01,280 --> 01:15:04,200 slaveholders grip on an inhumane system, 2083 01:15:04,200 --> 01:15:06,720 and just like the KKK's grasp on the Jim 2084 01:15:06,720 --> 01:15:10,560 Crow South, MAGA madness will lose. It's 2085 01:15:10,560 --> 01:15:12,680 time to stop the MAGA madness from 2086 01:15:12,680 --> 01:15:22,950 harming the citizens of Sussex County. 2087 01:15:22,960 --> 01:15:25,447 Hello, Diane Rude, Hampton Township. 2088 01:15:25,447 --> 01:15:25,600 >> [sighs] 2089 01:15:25,600 --> 01:15:27,720 >> I'm here tonight as a on behalf of PBA 2090 01:15:27,720 --> 01:15:29,960 138, detectives bargaining unit. I'm 2091 01:15:29,960 --> 01:15:33,280 just here to say hi. Please accept our 2092 01:15:33,280 --> 01:15:35,200 proposal to you. Hope you sharpen your 2093 01:15:35,200 --> 01:15:37,760 pencils. We did for ours, and 2094 01:15:37,760 --> 01:15:39,960 please consider it. Thank you very much. 2095 01:15:39,960 --> 01:15:47,790 Have a good night. Thank you. 2096 01:15:47,800 --> 01:15:49,640 Good evening. Manfred Braun from 2097 01:15:49,640 --> 01:15:51,720 Hardyston Township. 2098 01:15:51,720 --> 01:15:54,600 I'd like to comment on Director Space's 2099 01:15:54,600 --> 01:16:02,390 monologue at the April 8th 2100 01:16:02,400 --> 01:16:04,360 Trump has long cultivated the idea among 2101 01:16:04,360 --> 01:16:06,000 his supporters that he is always the 2102 01:16:06,000 --> 01:16:08,560 smartest person in the room. The res- 2103 01:16:08,560 --> 01:16:10,840 record suggests otherwise. 2104 01:16:10,840 --> 01:16:13,960 He is a 34-time convicted felon, and a 2105 01:16:13,960 --> 01:16:16,720 civil adjudicated sexual abuser, and a 2106 01:16:16,720 --> 01:16:18,800 man who incited an insurrection in a 2107 01:16:18,800 --> 01:16:20,400 failed attempt to overturn a free 2108 01:16:20,400 --> 01:16:22,800 election. These are not matters of 2109 01:16:22,800 --> 01:16:25,040 opinion, but they are matters of public 2110 01:16:25,040 --> 01:16:26,160 record. 2111 01:16:26,160 --> 01:16:29,120 While these facts are deeply disturbing, 2112 01:16:29,120 --> 01:16:31,480 they are in the past. 2113 01:16:31,480 --> 01:16:33,760 What lies ahead that should concern 2114 01:16:33,760 --> 01:16:35,320 every one of us who values our 2115 01:16:35,320 --> 01:16:37,120 democracy. 2116 01:16:37,120 --> 01:16:40,120 Let's be blunt. Trump is flailing. 2117 01:16:40,120 --> 01:16:42,440 His approval rating is at historic lows, 2118 01:16:42,440 --> 01:16:45,000 even among some of the mega faithful. 2119 01:16:45,000 --> 01:16:47,160 As such, Trump knows that Republicans 2120 01:16:47,160 --> 01:16:49,280 cannot win in November, and he is 2121 01:16:49,280 --> 01:16:51,280 willing to go to any lengths to steal 2122 01:16:51,280 --> 01:16:53,280 the upcoming election. 2123 01:16:53,280 --> 01:16:55,520 He continues to insist that there is 2124 01:16:55,520 --> 01:16:57,680 rampant voter fraud while present 2125 01:16:57,680 --> 01:17:00,560 presenting absolutely no evidence. 2126 01:17:00,560 --> 01:17:02,840 He has on several occasions stated that 2127 01:17:02,840 --> 01:17:06,000 the elections should be nationalized. 2128 01:17:06,000 --> 01:17:09,360 A clearly unconstitutional directive. 2129 01:17:09,360 --> 01:17:12,960 The rampant redistricting efforts, 2130 01:17:12,960 --> 01:17:15,040 ballot seizures in California and 2131 01:17:15,040 --> 01:17:18,000 Georgia, and the demands of DOJ to 2132 01:17:18,000 --> 01:17:20,520 secure states voter rolls all bear this 2133 01:17:20,520 --> 01:17:21,920 out. 2134 01:17:21,920 --> 01:17:23,640 Additionally, the administration has 2135 01:17:23,640 --> 01:17:26,000 said it will send ICE agents to polling 2136 01:17:26,000 --> 01:17:28,760 centers to oversee the elections, 2137 01:17:28,760 --> 01:17:30,600 another clearly unconstitutional 2138 01:17:30,600 --> 01:17:32,240 directive. 2139 01:17:32,240 --> 01:17:34,440 Marc Elias, whose law firm has been 2140 01:17:34,440 --> 01:17:36,360 fighting and winning the in the 2141 01:17:36,360 --> 01:17:39,200 aforementioned DOJ cases, remarked in a 2142 01:17:39,200 --> 01:17:41,240 recent newsletter that local election 2143 01:17:41,240 --> 01:17:43,480 officials should working with their 2144 01:17:43,480 --> 01:17:45,520 states attorneys generals and other 2145 01:17:45,520 --> 01:17:48,640 state officials on how best to to 2146 01:17:48,640 --> 01:17:51,560 counter these potential illegalities. 2147 01:17:51,560 --> 01:17:54,320 So, my question to you today is simple. 2148 01:17:54,320 --> 01:17:56,000 Will your support of the president 2149 01:17:56,000 --> 01:17:58,320 extend to carrying out illegal orders 2150 01:17:58,320 --> 01:18:00,880 given by him, or will you stand for our 2151 01:18:00,880 --> 01:18:02,880 democracy and allow the people to 2152 01:18:02,880 --> 01:18:04,640 determine the outcome of the next 2153 01:18:04,640 --> 01:18:07,320 election? Specifically, if federal 2154 01:18:07,320 --> 01:18:09,240 agents appear at polling stations in our 2155 01:18:09,240 --> 01:18:11,960 jurisdiction, or the DOJ ask for our 2156 01:18:11,960 --> 01:18:14,640 voter information, what will you do? 2157 01:18:14,640 --> 01:18:17,080 Will you comply, or will you stand with 2158 01:18:17,080 --> 01:18:19,320 our state's legal authorities to protect 2159 01:18:19,320 --> 01:18:21,760 the integrity of our elections? Thank 2160 01:18:21,760 --> 01:18:37,110 you very much. 2161 01:18:37,120 --> 01:18:39,320 Good evening. Sandy Pender, Freeland 2162 01:18:39,320 --> 01:18:41,160 Township. 2163 01:18:41,160 --> 01:18:43,120 I've had a young person living in my 2164 01:18:43,120 --> 01:18:45,480 house for the last 2 weeks. 2165 01:18:45,480 --> 01:18:47,400 He's 20 years old and a friend of my 2166 01:18:47,400 --> 01:18:49,520 son's from high school. 2167 01:18:49,520 --> 01:18:51,600 He grew up in a very abusive household, 2168 01:18:51,600 --> 01:18:53,920 but was able to get some distance by 2169 01:18:53,920 --> 01:18:56,200 going away to college. 2170 01:18:56,200 --> 01:18:58,160 The abuse continued despite the 2171 01:18:58,160 --> 01:19:01,000 distance, so he made the decision to cut 2172 01:19:01,000 --> 01:19:03,080 ties with his parents. 2173 01:19:03,080 --> 01:19:07,280 At 18, essentially on his own. 2174 01:19:07,280 --> 01:19:09,120 He recently had to have surgery, so I 2175 01:19:09,120 --> 01:19:11,080 offered to go with him, be his 2176 01:19:11,080 --> 01:19:13,120 healthcare proxy, and also drive him 2177 01:19:13,120 --> 01:19:15,720 back to our house for recovery. 2178 01:19:15,720 --> 01:19:17,440 Over the last 2 weeks, I have helped him 2179 01:19:17,440 --> 01:19:20,040 with wound care, laundry, and made sure 2180 01:19:20,040 --> 01:19:22,560 he ate nutritious food. 2181 01:19:22,560 --> 01:19:24,120 He is not going back to college in the 2182 01:19:24,120 --> 01:19:25,640 fall because he cannot afford to 2183 01:19:25,640 --> 01:19:28,040 continue with student loans, despite 2184 01:19:28,040 --> 01:19:29,760 scholarships. 2185 01:19:29,760 --> 01:19:31,400 He is currently living outside of New 2186 01:19:31,400 --> 01:19:33,000 Jersey with roommates so that he can 2187 01:19:33,000 --> 01:19:35,000 afford rent. 2188 01:19:35,000 --> 01:19:36,680 He is working, but is not able to get 2189 01:19:36,680 --> 01:19:39,160 health insurance through his job. 2190 01:19:39,160 --> 01:19:42,680 Between rent, utilities, food, 2191 01:19:42,680 --> 01:19:45,000 car maintenance, insurance, and gas, 2192 01:19:45,000 --> 01:19:48,600 there is not much left over each week. 2193 01:19:48,600 --> 01:19:50,240 He claims that he was doing okay for a 2194 01:19:50,240 --> 01:19:52,360 while, but I know from our conversations 2195 01:19:52,360 --> 01:19:54,280 that he is food insecure and skips 2196 01:19:54,280 --> 01:19:55,840 meals. 2197 01:19:55,840 --> 01:19:57,600 He had saved money for several years and 2198 01:19:57,600 --> 01:19:59,280 bought a used car. 2199 01:19:59,280 --> 01:20:01,440 At one point, he lived in that car for a 2200 01:20:01,440 --> 01:20:03,720 short period of time. 2201 01:20:03,720 --> 01:20:06,680 Recently, he got sideswiped by a truck, 2202 01:20:06,680 --> 01:20:08,920 and his car got totaled. 2203 01:20:08,920 --> 01:20:10,760 He did not have collision on that car 2204 01:20:10,760 --> 01:20:13,160 because he could not afford to. 2205 01:20:13,160 --> 01:20:14,680 He could just afford the minimum 2206 01:20:14,680 --> 01:20:16,600 requirements for car insurance in his 2207 01:20:16,600 --> 01:20:18,040 state. 2208 01:20:18,040 --> 01:20:19,840 Over the last few years, he has always 2209 01:20:19,840 --> 01:20:23,240 been one accident, one car repair, one 2210 01:20:23,240 --> 01:20:26,400 health emergency away from being broke. 2211 01:20:26,400 --> 01:20:28,360 I tell you all of these private details 2212 01:20:28,360 --> 01:20:30,240 because being eligible and receiving 2213 01:20:30,240 --> 01:20:32,840 Medicaid benefits have been a lifesaver 2214 01:20:32,840 --> 01:20:34,320 for him. 2215 01:20:34,320 --> 01:20:36,240 In addition to his recent surgery, he 2216 01:20:36,240 --> 01:20:38,560 has had an autoimmune disease and also 2217 01:20:38,560 --> 01:20:40,920 takes regular medications. 2218 01:20:40,920 --> 01:20:42,840 Without Medicaid benefits, there's no 2219 01:20:42,840 --> 01:20:44,920 way he could access care or afford his 2220 01:20:44,920 --> 01:20:48,600 daily medications. He is far from alone. 2221 01:20:48,600 --> 01:20:51,120 A large percent of of our neighbors here 2222 01:20:51,120 --> 01:20:53,760 in Sussex County are in the same boat. 2223 01:20:53,760 --> 01:20:56,000 They are living on the edge every week 2224 01:20:56,000 --> 01:20:57,480 hoping the money will stretch far 2225 01:20:57,480 --> 01:20:58,440 enough. 2226 01:20:58,440 --> 01:21:00,280 They are barely scraping by but have 2227 01:21:00,280 --> 01:21:02,240 been able to get the care or medications 2228 01:21:02,240 --> 01:21:04,600 they need through Medicaid. 2229 01:21:04,600 --> 01:21:06,080 I am aware that a large portion of 2230 01:21:06,080 --> 01:21:07,640 funding for Medicaid comes from the 2231 01:21:07,640 --> 01:21:10,080 federal government. I'm also aware that 2232 01:21:10,080 --> 01:21:11,840 our current administration is taking an 2233 01:21:11,840 --> 01:21:14,400 axe to Medicaid funding. 2234 01:21:14,400 --> 01:21:16,680 And I'm asking you as representatives of 2235 01:21:16,680 --> 01:21:19,880 our county to use what power you do have 2236 01:21:19,880 --> 01:21:21,680 to reach out to state and federal 2237 01:21:21,680 --> 01:21:24,040 government representatives to keep this 2238 01:21:24,040 --> 01:21:25,800 safety net in place for your 2239 01:21:25,800 --> 01:21:27,600 constituents. 2240 01:21:27,600 --> 01:21:29,360 There are so many people right now that 2241 01:21:29,360 --> 01:21:31,680 could not live without it. I have seen 2242 01:21:31,680 --> 01:21:34,480 it firsthand under my own roof. Thank 2243 01:21:34,480 --> 01:21:42,030 you. 2244 01:21:42,040 --> 01:21:44,880 Amy Linnae LaFayette. So, 2 weeks ago I 2245 01:21:44,880 --> 01:21:47,160 spoke about how this administration's 2246 01:21:47,160 --> 01:21:49,560 policies are negatively impacting 2247 01:21:49,560 --> 01:21:51,840 farmers here in Sussex County. 2248 01:21:51,840 --> 01:21:54,320 The struggle is real for all of them. 2249 01:21:54,320 --> 01:21:55,640 Today, I want to speak more about 2250 01:21:55,640 --> 01:21:57,120 negative impacts that this 2251 01:21:57,120 --> 01:21:59,400 administration is having on our local 2252 01:21:59,400 --> 01:22:03,550 citizens here in this county. 2253 01:22:03,560 --> 01:22:05,800 YAP or Youth Advocate Programs is a 2254 01:22:05,800 --> 01:22:07,720 national nonprofit that provides 2255 01:22:07,720 --> 01:22:09,760 community-based alternatives to youth 2256 01:22:09,760 --> 01:22:12,960 incarceration and residential care. 2257 01:22:12,960 --> 01:22:14,520 Through highly personalized, 2258 01:22:14,520 --> 01:22:17,520 trauma-informed, and mentorship models, 2259 01:22:17,520 --> 01:22:20,200 YAP serves youth and families involved 2260 01:22:20,200 --> 01:22:21,800 in justice, child welfare, and 2261 01:22:21,800 --> 01:22:23,800 behavioral health systems. 2262 01:22:23,800 --> 01:22:26,160 Since 2010, YAP has been working 2263 01:22:26,160 --> 01:22:29,200 diligently in Sussex County. It started 2264 01:22:29,200 --> 01:22:31,280 with in-house therapy and then spread to 2265 01:22:31,280 --> 01:22:33,167 outpatient for teens and adolescents. 2266 01:22:33,167 --> 01:22:34,600 [clears throat] With funding from 2267 01:22:34,600 --> 01:22:37,480 Medicaid, YAP grew and also extended 2268 01:22:37,480 --> 01:22:39,560 counseling to include adults and 2269 01:22:39,560 --> 01:22:41,360 in-school sessions. 2270 01:22:41,360 --> 01:22:43,240 The in-school program was up and running 2271 01:22:43,240 --> 01:22:45,960 in its 15th successful year until 2272 01:22:45,960 --> 01:22:47,640 suddenly a few weeks ago the entire 2273 01:22:47,640 --> 01:22:49,680 program was shut down. 2274 01:22:49,680 --> 01:22:51,680 The staff had 3 weeks to try and 2275 01:22:51,680 --> 01:22:55,400 scramble to transition all clients 2276 01:22:55,400 --> 01:22:57,440 for in-school programs to find 2277 01:22:57,440 --> 01:22:59,280 alternative solutions for all of their 2278 01:22:59,280 --> 01:23:01,240 teens and adolescents. 2279 01:23:01,240 --> 01:23:04,040 In Sussex County over 100 individuals, 2280 01:23:04,040 --> 01:23:05,800 both teens, adolescents, and adults were 2281 01:23:05,800 --> 01:23:09,240 affected by this closure. 2282 01:23:09,240 --> 01:23:11,200 Sussex County has no other Medicaid 2283 01:23:11,200 --> 01:23:15,400 programs to offer disadvantaged youth. 2284 01:23:15,400 --> 01:23:18,360 14 indispensable clinicians were let go 2285 01:23:18,360 --> 01:23:20,280 here in Sussex County. 2286 01:23:20,280 --> 01:23:22,280 This is not due to state cuts. They're 2287 01:23:22,280 --> 01:23:23,840 all They're all out of a job and they're 2288 01:23:23,840 --> 01:23:26,080 all now looking for work. 2289 01:23:26,080 --> 01:23:29,240 This is not due to state cuts 2290 01:23:29,240 --> 01:23:31,360 but due to federal mandates cutting 2291 01:23:31,360 --> 01:23:33,120 Medicaid. 2292 01:23:33,120 --> 01:23:35,000 This is how federal policies are hurting 2293 01:23:35,000 --> 01:23:39,320 us, the people, here in Sussex County. 2294 01:23:39,320 --> 01:23:40,960 These kids have been dropped and some 2295 01:23:40,960 --> 01:23:42,760 clinicians are now taking on these kids 2296 01:23:42,760 --> 01:23:44,040 for free out of their love and 2297 01:23:44,040 --> 01:23:46,920 dedication to serving and empowering 2298 01:23:46,920 --> 01:23:49,280 individuals. They are trying not to let 2299 01:23:49,280 --> 01:23:52,080 these kids fall through the cracks. 2300 01:23:52,080 --> 01:23:53,920 We care about the unborn but we don't 2301 01:23:53,920 --> 01:23:56,760 care about the born. 2302 01:23:56,760 --> 01:23:59,880 I ask you, is this who we want to be as 2303 01:23:59,880 --> 01:24:01,960 a society? 2304 01:24:01,960 --> 01:24:03,800 Are we We are damaging our children and 2305 01:24:03,800 --> 01:24:06,680 our future and for what? A war? A golden 2306 01:24:06,680 --> 01:24:08,800 ballroom for 1 billion? 2307 01:24:08,800 --> 01:24:10,880 Painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting 2308 01:24:10,880 --> 01:24:13,840 Pool? All of this nonsense. 2309 01:24:13,840 --> 01:24:16,720 These policies are hurting us, all of 2310 01:24:16,720 --> 01:24:17,720 us, 2311 01:24:17,720 --> 01:24:49,670 even Sussex County citizens. Thank you. 2312 01:24:49,680 --> 01:24:51,000 for your service. I do 2313 01:24:51,000 --> 01:24:52,880 appreciate it. It's not the complaint I 2314 01:24:52,880 --> 01:24:57,000 have with you. It's your silence. 2315 01:24:57,000 --> 01:24:59,400 Uh from the podium on April 1st, the 2316 01:24:59,400 --> 01:25:01,320 Trump criminal announced his path 2317 01:25:01,320 --> 01:25:03,920 forward for this country. Quote, "We 2318 01:25:03,920 --> 01:25:06,440 have to take care of one thing, military 2319 01:25:06,440 --> 01:25:09,240 protection. It's not possible to fund 2320 01:25:09,240 --> 01:25:11,960 Medicare, Medicaid, child care." 2321 01:25:11,960 --> 01:25:13,880 And then, of course, later on, he went 2322 01:25:13,880 --> 01:25:16,160 to the Trump fantasy world of alternate 2323 01:25:16,160 --> 01:25:18,880 facts to support this outrageous plan 2324 01:25:18,880 --> 01:25:20,400 for our country. 2325 01:25:20,400 --> 01:25:22,760 His multitude of claims that all social 2326 01:25:22,760 --> 01:25:24,840 services are rife with fraud are a 2327 01:25:24,840 --> 01:25:28,480 common theme from his addled brain. 2328 01:25:28,480 --> 01:25:31,520 He later on goes uh telling his budget 2329 01:25:31,520 --> 01:25:34,240 director to illegally withhold all child 2330 01:25:34,240 --> 01:25:36,600 care monies. Quote, "Don't send any 2331 01:25:36,600 --> 01:25:38,840 money for daycare cuz the United States 2332 01:25:38,840 --> 01:25:40,960 can't take care of daycare. That has to 2333 01:25:40,960 --> 01:25:42,320 be up [clears throat] to a state. We 2334 01:25:42,320 --> 01:25:44,440 can't take care of daycare. We're a big 2335 01:25:44,440 --> 01:25:47,120 country. We have 50 states. We have all 2336 01:25:47,120 --> 01:25:49,040 these other people. We're fighting 2337 01:25:49,040 --> 01:25:52,560 wars." Yeah, wars he started but cannot 2338 01:25:52,560 --> 01:25:55,040 finish. So, it's billions of dollars 2339 01:25:55,040 --> 01:25:57,840 more for the Pentagon, America's biggest 2340 01:25:57,840 --> 01:26:00,280 welfare client. This bloated, 2341 01:26:00,280 --> 01:26:03,280 unaccountable agency has never undergone 2342 01:26:03,280 --> 01:26:06,920 any kind of audit, charges $700 for a 2343 01:26:06,920 --> 01:26:09,560 toilet seat, and is building weapon 2344 01:26:09,560 --> 01:26:12,640 systems that make us less safe. How 2345 01:26:12,640 --> 01:26:15,480 about nuclear reactors on the moon? Or a 2346 01:26:15,480 --> 01:26:18,120 golden dome missile system run by AI 2347 01:26:18,120 --> 01:26:21,400 computers that hallucinate a lot. Feel 2348 01:26:21,400 --> 01:26:22,680 safer? 2349 01:26:22,680 --> 01:26:25,080 Not to worry, Donald is building us a 2350 01:26:25,080 --> 01:26:27,600 ballroom to celebrate all his military 2351 01:26:27,600 --> 01:26:29,000 victories. 2352 01:26:29,000 --> 01:26:31,680 Did it cost 2 million? Will it cost 400 2353 01:26:31,680 --> 01:26:33,200 million? 2354 01:26:33,200 --> 01:26:35,520 Oh, all donated by his rich friends and 2355 01:26:35,520 --> 01:26:39,280 chorus of ass kissers. No, not really. 2356 01:26:39,280 --> 01:26:42,280 Now we get to cough up a billion. Not to 2357 01:26:42,280 --> 01:26:44,480 worry, just cut a few more thousand from 2358 01:26:44,480 --> 01:26:47,440 daycare, snap and Medicaid, and all will 2359 01:26:47,440 --> 01:26:50,160 be paid for. After all, as the Trump 2360 01:26:50,160 --> 01:26:53,320 criminal says, "They love my ballroom. 2361 01:26:53,320 --> 01:26:56,640 They love my ballroom." Like hell we do. 2362 01:26:56,640 --> 01:26:59,280 So, what say you? Still support this 2363 01:26:59,280 --> 01:27:00,400 criminal? 2364 01:27:00,400 --> 01:27:03,000 Speak up. Tell the truth. The coming 2365 01:27:03,000 --> 01:27:05,560 election will not be just a blue wave. 2366 01:27:05,560 --> 01:27:07,480 It will be an extinction event for the 2367 01:27:07,480 --> 01:27:09,280 Republican Party. 2368 01:27:09,280 --> 01:27:27,190 Thank you. 2369 01:27:27,200 --> 01:27:31,310 John Snyder, Sandyston Township. 2370 01:27:31,320 --> 01:27:35,480 Full Thomas Allen. 2371 01:27:35,480 --> 01:27:38,400 You'll remember who he is. 2372 01:27:38,400 --> 01:27:40,960 White House political presser 2373 01:27:40,960 --> 01:27:44,270 dinner, whatever it was. 2374 01:27:44,280 --> 01:27:47,800 Fired a few shots, hit one fella. 2375 01:27:47,800 --> 01:27:50,120 Released an anti-Trump manifesto just 2376 01:27:50,120 --> 01:27:52,600 before he did the shooting. 2377 01:27:52,600 --> 01:27:57,190 A proud disciple of indivisible.org. 2378 01:27:57,200 --> 01:28:00,360 A proud protester at no kings rallies. 2379 01:28:00,360 --> 01:28:02,520 Wonderful man. Everybody should be 2380 01:28:02,520 --> 01:28:03,760 promised. I'm sure a lot of people in 2381 01:28:03,760 --> 01:28:05,040 this room are 2382 01:28:05,040 --> 01:28:07,000 proud of him for what he stood for, but 2383 01:28:07,000 --> 01:28:11,110 not for his marksmanship. 2384 01:28:11,120 --> 01:28:14,880 Jimmy Kimmel on April 23rd 2385 01:28:14,880 --> 01:28:18,160 talking about the first lady. 2386 01:28:18,160 --> 01:28:22,080 Our first lady, Melania, is here. 2387 01:28:22,080 --> 01:28:24,240 Looks so beautiful. 2388 01:28:24,240 --> 01:28:26,800 Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an 2389 01:28:26,800 --> 01:28:30,000 expectant widow. 2390 01:28:30,000 --> 01:28:32,880 What class. 2391 01:28:32,880 --> 01:28:34,320 There's been three attempts so far in 2392 01:28:34,320 --> 01:28:36,720 Donald Trump's life that we're aware of. 2393 01:28:36,720 --> 01:28:39,120 There may have been others. 2394 01:28:39,120 --> 01:28:41,640 But what do we hear? 2395 01:28:41,640 --> 01:28:43,560 They're all staged. These are staged 2396 01:28:43,560 --> 01:28:44,880 events. 2397 01:28:44,880 --> 01:28:46,560 He's a great actor. 2398 01:28:46,560 --> 01:28:48,486 That blood, I guess that, you know. 2399 01:28:48,486 --> 01:28:49,040 >> [clears throat] 2400 01:28:49,040 --> 01:28:51,040 >> You're going to trust somebody 2401 01:28:51,040 --> 01:28:53,480 at a few hundred yards to take a shot at 2402 01:28:53,480 --> 01:28:55,760 you just so you can get some sympathy, 2403 01:28:55,760 --> 01:29:00,910 right? 2404 01:29:00,920 --> 01:29:05,470 Hakeem Jeffries 2405 01:29:05,480 --> 01:29:09,230 What a guy. 2406 01:29:09,240 --> 01:29:10,440 And then once again, I'm sure many 2407 01:29:10,440 --> 01:29:12,080 people tonight will agree with some of 2408 01:29:12,080 --> 01:29:13,760 his quotes. 2409 01:29:13,760 --> 01:29:16,960 Extreme MAGA Republicans 2410 01:29:16,960 --> 01:29:18,560 are the threat 2411 01:29:18,560 --> 01:29:22,510 to Americans. 2412 01:29:22,520 --> 01:29:23,920 I have a photo of him posed in front of 2413 01:29:23,920 --> 01:29:25,880 a sign. 2414 01:29:25,880 --> 01:29:29,760 Maximum warfare everywhere 2415 01:29:29,760 --> 01:29:32,480 all the time. 2416 01:29:32,480 --> 01:29:33,600 And these beautiful people from 2417 01:29:33,600 --> 01:29:35,600 Indivisible, they're so peaceful and 2418 01:29:35,600 --> 01:29:36,840 loving. 2419 01:29:36,840 --> 01:29:38,720 Look what they inspire. 2420 01:29:38,720 --> 01:29:39,840 I heard the word, the dirty word 2421 01:29:39,840 --> 01:29:41,720 democracy, mentioned here tonight. We 2422 01:29:41,720 --> 01:29:49,270 live in a republic, not in a democracy. 2423 01:29:49,280 --> 01:29:50,800 Had a shooting in Cambridge a couple of 2424 01:29:50,800 --> 01:29:52,800 days ago 2425 01:29:52,800 --> 01:29:55,880 by a man named Tyler Brown 2426 01:29:55,880 --> 01:29:57,600 who was 3 days out of a psychiatric 2427 01:29:57,600 --> 01:29:59,240 hospital, 2428 01:29:59,240 --> 01:30:01,400 had taken shots at police officers prior 2429 01:30:01,400 --> 01:30:03,000 to that, 2430 01:30:03,000 --> 01:30:05,400 and was released. I mean, 2431 01:30:05,400 --> 01:30:07,000 when you see what happens in these blue 2432 01:30:07,000 --> 01:30:10,200 states and blue cities, it's scary. A 2433 01:30:10,200 --> 01:30:12,760 lot of sick people out there. 2434 01:30:12,760 --> 01:30:14,800 And John F. John F. Kennedy, ask not 2435 01:30:14,800 --> 01:30:16,360 what your country can do for you, but 2436 01:30:16,360 --> 01:30:18,440 what you can do for your country. Did we 2437 01:30:18,440 --> 01:30:20,480 hear any of that tonight? He would be a 2438 01:30:20,480 --> 01:30:22,920 Republican. He would be a MAGA. Last 2439 01:30:22,920 --> 01:30:24,320 thing I want to say is let's get back on 2440 01:30:24,320 --> 01:30:38,630 the gold standard. Thank you. 2441 01:30:38,640 --> 01:30:41,560 I'm Viola Sanderson Township. Two weeks 2442 01:30:41,560 --> 01:30:45,040 ago, I presented a resolution 2443 01:30:45,040 --> 01:30:49,190 for considering the 2444 01:30:49,200 --> 01:30:51,400 Uh my question is I assume the council 2445 01:30:51,400 --> 01:30:59,870 has there been any progress on 2446 01:30:59,880 --> 01:31:02,240 for the next meeting. Okay, and you 2447 01:31:02,240 --> 01:31:03,960 would then be joining the chorus of 2448 01:31:03,960 --> 01:31:05,720 literally thousands of other folks in 2449 01:31:05,720 --> 01:31:08,360 the state who have been sending letters, 2450 01:31:08,360 --> 01:31:11,600 postcards, telegrams, 2451 01:31:11,600 --> 01:31:18,190 emails, text messages to the governor 2452 01:31:18,200 --> 01:31:22,320 urge the governor to support 2453 01:31:22,320 --> 01:31:23,720 Thank 2454 01:31:23,720 --> 01:31:25,760 uh Commissioner Silverthorne and 2455 01:31:25,760 --> 01:31:28,320 Henderson last week for the historical 2456 01:31:28,320 --> 01:31:30,480 or 2 weeks ago, week and a half ago, 2457 01:31:30,480 --> 01:31:33,120 coming to the historical marker events, 2458 01:31:33,120 --> 01:31:35,880 which is kind of ironic that 2459 01:31:35,880 --> 01:31:40,070 90 years ago this 2460 01:31:40,080 --> 01:31:42,840 monument was put put the CCC 2461 01:31:42,840 --> 01:31:44,040 and 2462 01:31:44,040 --> 01:31:45,800 considering right now ending the whole 2463 01:31:45,800 --> 01:31:48,520 story. Thank you, and I appreciate and 2464 01:31:48,520 --> 01:31:50,560 I'll be tracking 2465 01:31:50,560 --> 01:31:52,600 to see. 2466 01:31:52,600 --> 01:31:54,040 I'll also be interested in coming to 2467 01:31:54,040 --> 01:31:55,520 see. I couldn't make the marker 2468 01:31:55,520 --> 01:31:57,600 presentation, but if you could shoot me 2469 01:31:57,600 --> 01:32:00,320 an email, I'd like to set up a time to 2470 01:32:00,320 --> 01:32:01,240 come look myself. 2471 01:32:01,240 --> 01:32:04,280 >> Okay, I can Anyone else you want to come 2472 01:32:04,280 --> 01:32:06,320 with me? Yeah. 2473 01:32:06,320 --> 01:32:08,560 Quite the backyard. 2474 01:32:08,560 --> 01:32:09,920 So it's in the school written in the 2475 01:32:09,920 --> 01:32:10,360 school 2476 01:32:10,360 --> 01:32:11,520 >> You should just shoot me an email like 2477 01:32:11,520 --> 01:32:14,280 me or Christina and we'll 2478 01:32:14,280 --> 01:32:15,760 figure out a time when we can come. 2479 01:32:15,760 --> 01:32:16,840 Great. Okay. 2480 01:32:16,840 --> 01:32:17,920 >> Sounds good. 2481 01:32:17,920 --> 01:32:20,920 >> D-Day is June 29th. 2482 01:32:20,920 --> 01:32:31,590 The end of Okay. Thank you. Thank you. 2483 01:32:31,600 --> 01:32:33,200 Can I get a motion to close the floor 2484 01:32:33,200 --> 01:32:35,080 for public comment and return to regular 2485 01:32:35,080 --> 01:32:37,160 business? Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn 2486 01:32:37,160 --> 01:32:38,680 a second, Deputy Director Degroot. Any 2487 01:32:38,680 --> 01:32:41,120 discussion? All in favor? I. Opposed 2488 01:32:41,120 --> 01:32:42,680 abstain. Motion carries. Number 24, 2489 01:32:42,680 --> 01:32:44,000 reminders. Please check Can I just ask 2490 01:32:44,000 --> 01:32:46,080 one thing quick? Sure. Uh maybe from 2491 01:32:46,080 --> 01:32:48,360 County Council. Am I wrong not thinking 2492 01:32:48,360 --> 01:32:50,480 that we as a county have no authority to 2493 01:32:50,480 --> 01:32:52,560 put a moratorium on township here? 2494 01:32:52,560 --> 01:32:55,640 Moratorium is a solely a function of the 2495 01:32:55,640 --> 01:32:57,320 municipality. You can pass whatever 2496 01:32:57,320 --> 01:32:59,640 moratorium you want and it's not binding 2497 01:32:59,640 --> 01:33:01,080 on them. 2498 01:33:01,080 --> 01:33:02,040 I'll have to do that with somebody. 2499 01:33:02,040 --> 01:33:03,080 >> You can talk to all the mayors of the 2500 01:33:03,080 --> 01:33:04,640 northern Okay. 2501 01:33:04,640 --> 01:33:06,200 Uh please check the county's website at 2502 01:33:06,200 --> 01:33:08,720 www.sussex.nj.us 2503 01:33:08,720 --> 01:33:10,840 for meeting schedules. Number 25, Linda, 2504 01:33:10,840 --> 01:33:13,950 you're up. 2505 01:33:13,960 --> 01:33:15,720 Providing for an executive closed 2506 01:33:15,720 --> 01:33:17,800 session not open to the public in 2507 01:33:17,800 --> 01:33:19,720 accordance with the provisions of 2508 01:33:19,720 --> 01:33:21,280 N.J.S.A. 2509 01:33:21,280 --> 01:33:23,080 10:4-12 2510 01:33:23,080 --> 01:33:25,640 et seq. Whereas the subject matters 2511 01:33:25,640 --> 01:33:28,040 about to be discussed may be excluded 2512 01:33:28,040 --> 01:33:29,960 from the public portion of the meeting 2513 01:33:29,960 --> 01:33:31,560 by resolution of the Board of County 2514 01:33:31,560 --> 01:33:33,800 Commissioners as an exception to the 2515 01:33:33,800 --> 01:33:36,360 Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to 2516 01:33:36,360 --> 01:33:37,880 N.J.S.A. 2517 01:33:37,880 --> 01:33:40,520 10:4-12b 2518 01:33:40,520 --> 01:33:43,200 and whereas it appears necessary for the 2519 01:33:43,200 --> 01:33:45,560 Board of County Commissioners to discuss 2520 01:33:45,560 --> 01:33:48,280 such matters in executive session. Now 2521 01:33:48,280 --> 01:33:50,480 therefore be it resolved that the Board 2522 01:33:50,480 --> 01:33:52,280 of County Commissioners of the County of 2523 01:33:52,280 --> 01:33:54,640 Sussex in accordance with the provisions 2524 01:33:54,640 --> 01:33:56,760 of N.J.S.A. 2525 01:33:56,760 --> 01:33:59,360 10:4-12b 2526 01:33:59,360 --> 01:34:01,320 and NJSA 2527 01:34:01,320 --> 01:34:04,080 10:4-13 2528 01:34:04,080 --> 01:34:06,200 that the board at this time enter into 2529 01:34:06,200 --> 01:34:08,240 an executive session from which the 2530 01:34:08,240 --> 01:34:10,600 public shall be excluded and be it 2531 01:34:10,600 --> 01:34:12,440 further resolved that the general 2532 01:34:12,440 --> 01:34:15,080 natures of the subject to be discussed 2533 01:34:15,080 --> 01:34:17,720 relate to the following items authorized 2534 01:34:17,720 --> 01:34:19,600 by NJSA 2535 01:34:19,600 --> 01:34:22,080 10:4-12b 2536 01:34:22,080 --> 01:34:25,080 as designated below. Number four, 2537 01:34:25,080 --> 01:34:27,080 matters relating to collective 2538 01:34:27,080 --> 01:34:30,440 bargaining agreements PBA prosecutor and 2539 01:34:30,440 --> 01:34:32,560 number seven, matters relating to 2540 01:34:32,560 --> 01:34:34,960 litigation, negotiations and the 2541 01:34:34,960 --> 01:34:37,840 attorney client privilege homestead. Be 2542 01:34:37,840 --> 01:34:39,480 it further resolved that the 2543 01:34:39,480 --> 01:34:41,480 deliberations conducted in closed 2544 01:34:41,480 --> 01:34:43,760 session may be disclosed to the public 2545 01:34:43,760 --> 01:34:46,080 upon the determination of the Sussex 2546 01:34:46,080 --> 01:34:48,360 County Board of County Commissioners or 2547 01:34:48,360 --> 01:34:50,960 provided by law that the public interest 2548 01:34:50,960 --> 01:34:53,160 will no longer be served by such 2549 01:34:53,160 --> 01:34:54,720 confidentiality 2550 01:34:54,720 --> 01:34:57,000 and be it further resolved that upon 2551 01:34:57,000 --> 01:34:59,200 completion of the business for which the 2552 01:34:59,200 --> 01:35:01,440 board has entered into the executive 2553 01:35:01,440 --> 01:35:04,160 session, the board shall reconvene and 2554 01:35:04,160 --> 01:35:06,560 resume its meeting open to the public 2555 01:35:06,560 --> 01:35:08,520 and be it further resolved that the 2556 01:35:08,520 --> 01:35:12,000 board expects to to take formal action 2557 01:35:12,000 --> 01:35:14,360 after returning from executive session 2558 01:35:14,360 --> 01:35:16,920 except to adjourn the regular meeting. 2559 01:35:16,920 --> 01:35:17,520 Thank you. 2560 01:35:17,520 --> 01:35:18,920 >> want to clarify real quick County 2561 01:35:18,920 --> 01:35:20,200 Council there's one additional matter 2562 01:35:20,200 --> 01:35:21,880 that we'll be discussing in executive 2563 01:35:21,880 --> 01:35:23,520 session as well, correct? That the board 2564 01:35:23,520 --> 01:35:25,800 would have to make decision. 2565 01:35:25,800 --> 01:35:27,760 Okay, can I get a motion to adopt the 2566 01:35:27,760 --> 01:35:29,800 executive session resolution and enter 2567 01:35:29,800 --> 01:35:31,640 into executive session? 2568 01:35:31,640 --> 01:35:33,240 Okay, Commissioner Henderson second. 2569 01:35:33,240 --> 01:35:35,080 Uh Commissioner Carney, any 2570 01:35:35,080 --> 01:35:38,160 discussion? All in favor? I, opposed, 2571 01:35:38,160 --> 01:35:39,800 abstain. Okay. 2572 01:35:39,800 --> 01:35:42,840 Thank you, everyone.