This is the Commissioner meeting of May
13th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sussex
County Administrative Center
Commissioner meeting room One Spring
Street, Newton, New Jersey. Can I have a
roll call, please? Commissioner Carney.
Here. Deputy Director Degroat.
>> Here. Commissioner Henderson.
>> Here. Commissioner Silverthorne.
>> Here. Director Space.
>> Here.
Moment of silence and salute to the
flag.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.
Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings
Act, Chapter 231, PL 1975, adequate
notice as defined by Section 3D of
Chapter 231, PL 1975 has been made by
regular mail and email. Such notice
being submitted on January 6th, 2026
from the Administrative Center of the
County of Sussex located at One Spring
Street, Newton, New Jersey to the
following: New Jersey Herald,
Star-Ledger, Straus News, and is also
posted on the bulletin board maintained
in the Administrative Center for public
announcements and has been submitted to
the Sussex County Clerk in compliance
with said act. At this time, please mute
all electronic devices.
Number five, approval of agenda. There
will be a few changes to the agenda
tonight. Removal of minutes number 12,
March 25th, April 8th, and April 22nd.
There will be no number 18, personnel
agenda. There will be an executive
session for number four, matters
relating to collective bargaining
agreements PBA prosecutor, and number
seven, matters relating to litigation,
negotiations, and the attorney-client
privilege homestead. Can I get a motion
to approve the agenda?
>> So moved. Okay, Commissioner
Silverthorne, a second?
I second. Commissioner Henderson, any
discussion?
All in favor? Aye. Opposed, abstain.
Okay, motion carries. Number six,
proclamations, certificates and
presentations. We have a proclamation
proclaiming May as Older Americans
Month, and that will be read on Friday,
May 15th at the Sussex County
Fairgrounds. And we have a proclamation
um making May Mental Health Awareness
Month, and that'll be accepted by
Christine Florio, the head of Health and
Human Services, and Rachel Health, a
member of the Mental Health Board, and
that's going to be read by Commissioner
Silverthorne.
Whereas mental health is an essential
part of overall health and well-being,
and whereas mental health is defined by
the World Health Organization as a state
of well-being in which every individual
realizes his or own her own potential,
can cope with the normal stresses of
life, and work productively,
and is able to make a contribution to
his or her community. And whereas mental
illness is a leading cause of suffering
and disability that is exacerbated by
stigma and discrimination.
And whereas one in six youth age 6 to 17
years, and one in five individuals age
18 and over will experience a
diagnosable mental health disorder each
year. And whereas increasing awareness
of mental health and the importance of
mental health prevention, intervention,
and treatment services can encourage
those who are suffer suffering to reach
out for help. And whereas the Sussex
County Board of County Commissioners
adopted and supports the Campaign to
Change Direction, which is a model to
reduce stigma and change the culture of
mental health so that all those in need
receive the care and the support they
deserve. This model supports the
inclusion of mental health into overall
health, encourages individuals to know
the five signs of emotional suffering,
and supports others to reach out for
help when needed. And whereas May is
recognized nationally as Mental Health
Awareness Month, provide and provided
providing an opportunity to raise
awareness, combat stigma, and promote
mental health resources. Now, therefore,
be resolved that upon the recommendation
of the Sussex County Mental Health
Board, the Sussex County Board of County
Commissioners hereby officially
designates May 2026 as Mental Health
Awareness Month in Sussex County. By
order of the board order by order of the
Board of County Commissioners, Jill
Space, Director, Jack DeGroat, Deputy
Director, Chris Carney, Allen Henderson,
and Dave Shotwell, Commissioners.
Thank you.
Christine, Rachel, you want to say a few
words?
Good evening, members of county
leadership, fellow board members,
providers, advocates, community
partners, families, and residents. Thank
you for the opportunity to be here this
night and for issuing this Mental Health
Month Proclamation. As co-chair of the
Mental Health Board, it is an honor to
accept this on behalf of the board and
the many individual individuals,
families, and professionals who work
every day to strengthen mental health
supports across our county.
Mental Health Board serves in an
advisory and collaborative role, helping
to identify community needs, gaps in
services, and opportunities for
improvement across mental health
systems.
Our work is grounded in the fundamental
belief that the systems work better when
listen to the people they meant they are
meant to serve.
Mental Health Month is more than a
designation on a calendar. It's a
reminder that mental health touches
every single aspect of our lives. It
affects children and adults, seniors,
veterans, students, and families. It
does not discriminate.
By issuing this this proclamation, the
county sends a powerful message that
mental health matters and the people
matter. And that our community is
committed to building systems rooted in
dignity, compassion, and access for all.
The mental health board is proud to be a
part of these conversations and we
remain committed in strengthening them.
Thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you to
the board for all of your support with
everything we do for mental health. I
know the community being um the board
does give us money through opioid
settlement funds, through grant money,
and we support mental health initiatives
for children, youth, and families,
adults. So, thank you for all your
support in everything we do. Thank you.
May we get a picture with you?
And thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
A, next we have the presentation of the
2025 audit by Ray Saranellia from
Nisivoccia.
Good evening everybody. Um Ray
Saranellia the Sebasticook Auditor for
the county.
Um, so tonight I'll be presenting the
budget um, or
we'll talk about the budget later. We're
going to talk about the audit right now,
which is this blue book here. I'm going
to save everybody some time and condense
it down. It's like 200 pages, so we'll we'll try and get through it
quickly.
Um, the county did have a good year
financially.
Um, the fund balance did grow by 185,000
uh, during the year. Started the year
with 22 million 838. Uh, used 8 million
774 in the through the budget process
and then regenerated 8 million 959 for a
fund balance of 23 million.
So, I talk about the fund balance,
right? That's your best financial
indicator. It's obviously very
important. We use it through the budget
process to help fund the budget um, and
it's what's the rating agencies look at
as our financial health, very similar to
retained earnings.
So, I always like to talk about uh, you
know, how do we know your fund balance
is doing well? We try and look at it as
a percentage of your operating budget.
That's what your fund balance see fund
balance policy looks at as well. You
have a range for your healthy fund
balance. If you go too high, we try and
draw the fund balance down. You go too
low, we try and make a plan to uh, get
it to grow. So, at this point you're at
17.7%.
The maximum amount of your fund balance
uh, according to the policy should be
20%. That's what the rating agencies
would be looking for. If you're to try
and maintain a fund balance of somewhere
between 15 and 20%. So, at 17 and a half
percent, it's almost perfect. Um,
considering where we're at in the
economic cycle, again having a little
bit of a higher fund balance is probably
a good thing. It gives us a little bit
more time to be reactive um, if there's
a downturn in the economy. So, all very
good things uh, in the in the current
operating fund of the financial
statements. You know, financial
statements aren't just the operating
fund, there's trust funds, there's the
capital fund, and the library fund, as
well as some of your outside offices.
So, the trust funds operated normally
and effectively. The storm reserve is
down slightly.
You know, we have a couple of big storms
at the beginning of this year, so those
are going to be impacting that that
reserve as well, but it's still very
strong. Again, giving you more
flexibility for when uncertainty arises.
So, that's a very good thing as well.
Capital, that's where we do all the
capital projects and we maintain the
debt.
The long-term debt
continues to reduce. The debt is down 8
and 1/2 million dollars
over the year in 2025 to 71 million
390,000.
That is the lowest it's been
in the last 20 years for sure, probably
30, maybe even 40. So, that it continues
to reduce.
Part of the long-term budget plan, the
long-term debt plan that the
you know, the commissioners have put in
place over the last several years.
So, I'm happy to report that it is
working.
That's probably the lowest it's been in a very long time.
>> The library fund operated strong as
well. The fund balance is down just
slightly, but it's still in a strong
position. So, overall, you know, all of
your finances are in good shape.
You know, as you continue to produce
budgets that have a sound fiscal future
to maintain
taxes and and the services that you want
to provide. Keep a lot of stability for
the residents.
Great.
Thank you.
Anyone?
I think we're good.
>> very much. Thank you, Ray.
Okay. Number seven,
uh resolution authorizing the reading of
the 2026 Sussex County budget by title
only in accordance with NJSA 40A colon
4-8.
Can I get a motion? So moved. Secretary
Commissioner Henderson a second,
Commissioner uh Deputy Director DeGroat.
Any discussion?
Roll call, please.
>> Director Space.
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney. Yeah. Deputy
Director DeGroat. Yes. Commissioner
Henderson.
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne.
>> Yes.
All right, number eight, public hearing.
for the 2026 Sussex
County budget as approved. Can I get a
motion to open public hearing for the
2026 Sussex County budget as approved?
So moved. Okay, Commissioner
Silverthorne and
Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion?
All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Abstain?
Okay, the floor is open.
Public hearing is now open. Is anyone
present to be heard regarding the 2026
Sussex County budget as approved?
Please state your name and municipality.
Uh good evening, commissioners and
community members. Um
I'm Ken Collins, Andover Township. I
want to thank you for your hard work on
a budget. It already feels like with Mr.
Hayden re- placed, we're getting more
bang for the buck.
So, to speak and I know we're all
grateful for that. Um for quite some
time, I've been coming before you asking
you to stabilize property taxes.
And every year they go up. Uh this
year's no exception. Recently, you know,
I've tried to explain to you all that if
you raise property taxes by 3 and 1/2% a
year, you double them in 20. And I
explained to you that you explained to
you that you've done that.
And I want to put kind of put that in
perspective for you, okay? If you're 25
years old and you come here and you buy
a piece of property and the property
taxes are $10,000 on it, and you guys
raise taxes 3 and 1/2% for the next 20
years,
well, now they're $20,000. Then if you
raise them for the next 20 years,
they're not $30,000, they're $40,000.
They double again.
And then over the next 20 years, they
double again. So, when that guy is 85,
his taxes have now gone from do the
math. Did you do it? That's a lot of
money. He's paying 80 grand.
You got to really be careful with what
you're doing. You can't double tax You
can't raise taxes 3 and 1/2% a year.
You're going to tax this place out of
existence.
That's all I got. Thanks.
Yeah.
Anyone else?
Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be Oh, we have another one. Oh,
I'm sorry. Come on up.
Didn't see you.
Name and address
>> Paul Luton, I'm from Livonia.
Hello.
Is there a line item in the budget again
this year
to pay off the assault claim?
Oh, it's paid off.
Uh
The The other question I have is
year over year
what
has the rateable base been?
Oh, yeah, it's not a Q&A.
It's What's that? We can respond. Yeah, we can get you the
information.
The reason why I asked that question is
[clears throat] that
uh
every year
whether it's at the municipal level
or county level
there's an increase in revenue.
Where does that increase come from?
Actual base.
So, if I'm just using this as an
example.
If the rateable base went up by $10
million
for the county
you have
what the county tax rate is for our
number.
You two 3.3
So, say it's
$4 to make it easier on me.
It's 0.38.
Well, it's 0.39, 0.38 below is.
Uh so,
per hundred on
$10 million that means that there
is additional revenue to the county.
For you.
1 minute.
Uh
So,
I just would encourage you to understand
that you know, we always hear about
medical expenses going up.
But, your revenue also goes up.
>> [clears throat]
>> And I would encourage you to
work with your
county offices.
Thank you. Thank you.
Anyone else?
Okay. Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be closed?
>> Still moved. Okay, Commissioner Carney
and a second. Deputy Director DeGroat.
Any discussion?
All in favor? All right, opposed
abstain. Okay, the next one. A
resolution the final adoption of the
2026 Sussex County budget as approved.
Be it resolved by the Board of County
Commissioners of the County of Sussex
that the budget herein before set forth
by adopted and shall constitute an
appropriation of 132 million 2 million
242,833.89
for the purposes stated of the sums
therein set forth as appropriations and
authorization of the amount of the 108
million 695,401
for the county purposes to be raised by
taxation and certification to the County
board of taxation of the following
summary of general revenues and
appropriations. Can I get a motion to
finally adopt the 2026 county budget as
approved?
>> Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn, a
second?
>> Second. Uh Commissioner Henderson, any
discussion? Yes. Yes.
Since I didn't make the last meeting on
our introduction, which I apologize for,
I just have a few things that I would
like to say.
One being I'm pretty sure we don't
collect millions of dollars on a rate of
votes, but I'm not mistaken. I think
we're around 200 grand this year, maybe
360 last year, Elka, something around
there?
Right? Correct? That's right. Okay. All
right, so I just want to clarify that.
Um
you know, everybody could be a Monday
morning quarterback and tell us that we
can lower taxes, 100%, and we can lower
taxes, you are correct. We could take
out of our fund balance, we could take
away all our services and have nothing.
No Skylands ride, no social services. We
gave a proclamation for for mental
health. We could take it all away.
That's what we can do, but we don't want
to do that. And we also want to pay our
employees cuz they deserve a decent
living, them and their families. So, we,
you know, we're taxpayers just like
everybody else here.
And I think we do the best that we can
do. We have unfunded mandates, $3.5
million in insurance going up year after
year with no light in sight whatsoever.
So, I just want to thank you guys for
doing what you do, Elka, Tony,
Christina,
Ray Ray, um
you know, and the and the board because,
you know, we do us right for this
county.
I've been here going on 6 years. This is
the highest. This is not good for
anybody. Um most most municipalities are
a lot higher than we are,
and I'm not trying to brag by all means,
but for the last 6 years or 5 years
prior, I would say our average was about
1.1% on on a levy going up.
When you have inflation at 9%, that's
not bad.
Our employees, we have a lot more
employees than we did when I first
started here. They're getting paid a
good wage, right? And and again, they
deserve to to get that good wage. So, I
stick behind our budget. Again,
I would love it to be zero, and I would
love to be able to keep the services
that we have, but you can't have both.
So, I know, you know, everybody can fix
things, and
again, Monday morning quarterbacks,
there's so many of them. Um
you know,
we do what we can do, and we're trying
to do our best, and uh
again, thank you guys. And also, public
safety. That's another thing that's uh I
could go on and on forever.
>> You know what I mean? It's just uh yeah,
so. But, thank you. Thank you.
Um just I just wanted to supplement what
uh Commissioner Carney had stated. Uh
this budget that's been prepared and was
introduced um also reflects a decrease
of an over 40 items. Um you know, this
board, the subcommittees, our staff, we
went through line item literally item
through item through item to what we
could could decrease. This budget
represents a decrease of uh $2,013,452
that we were able to remove from the
budget without decreasing a single
service um or a single um anything that
we are uh providing the taxpayers. So, I
you know, I think there's something to
be said for that as well, that we are
managing, we are looking, and we are
keeping the taxpayers in mind.
And we're continuing doing our our debt
That's right.
>> pay pay down our debt, which is big, as Ray said. Right? I think 1.5 million,
I think, in debt reduction this year? Am
I correct? Okay.
More than that? That was the actual 1.5.
What was it? Like 7 million is all. 7 7
million with debt reduction.
Okay.
It's huge. It's huge. We also pay as you
go instead of borrowing money for
some of you guys who
Roll call, please.
Director Space. Yes. Commissioner
Carney. Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat.
Yes. Commissioner Henderson.
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes.
Okay. Final adoption of ordinance 26-01.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance, which
was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together
with the notice of public hearing
stating that it would be held at this
meeting at 6:00 p.m. Bond ordinance
providing for the undertaking of 2026
capital improvements at and for certain
facilities of Sussex County Community
College located within the County of
Sussex, State of New Jersey
appropriating 1 million 200,000
therefore and authorizing the issuance
of 1 million 150,000
bonds or notes of the County of Sussex,
State of New Jersey for financing such
appropriation, the principal of and
interest on the aggregate principal
amount of which will be entitled to
state aid pursuant to chapter 12 of the
laws of New Jersey of 1971.
Um can I get a motion that the public
hearing be opened? So moved. Okay,
Commissioner Henderson is second Deputy
Director DeGroat.
Um
any discussion?
Okay, all in favor? I oppose, abstain.
State your name and municipality and
this is uh 3 minutes or less.
Who wants to speak? Okay.
Is anyone present to be heard on this
ordinance? Okay, being none, can I get a
motion that the public hearing be
closed? So moved. Okay, uh Commissioner
Silverthorne a second.
Deputy Director DeGroat, any
discussion? All in favor? I oppose,
abstain. Okay. Now do you can I get a
motion that this ordinance finally be
adopted? So moved. Okay, Commissioner
Carney and uh second was Commissioner
Silverthorne. Any discussion?
All in favor? I oppose, abstain.
A motion that the resolution be uh
adopted.
Well, we already have that. This is on
here.
The ordinance be adopted and the and the
resolution.
>> Oh, okay. The resolution that I Okay,
the Okay, I get it. Okay, that the
resolution be adopted.
Okay.
Can I get a motion? So moved. Okay,
Commissioner Henderson a second Director
DeGroot. A roll call, please.
Director Space. Yes. Commissioner
Carney. Yes. Deputy Director DeGroot.
Yes. Commissioner Henderson. Yes.
Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes.
Is that that one?
Does that just say that so I can put
this wrong? Yeah, it's it would say that
the resolution be adopted and
advertised. Oh, and advertised. Okay. Um
C, final adoption of ordinance 26-02.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance which
was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together
with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting
at 6:00 p.m. A bond ordinance providing
for various 2026 capital improvements by
and in the County of Sussex, State of
New Jersey appropriating $2,823,095
therefore and authorizing $2,681,000
bonds or notes of the county to finance
part of the costs thereof. Can I get a
motion that the public hearing be
opened?
So moved. Okay, Commissioner Carney, a
second. Second. Deputy Director DeGroot,
any discussion?
All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Okay.
Is anyone present to be heard regarding
this ordinance?
Can I get a motion?
So moved. Okay.
>> Very good. Okay. Commissioner Henderson
and
uh Commissioner Silverthorne, any
discussion?
Okay, all in favor, I.
Opposed, abstain.
Can I get a motion that this ordinance
be finally adopted? So moved. Okay,
Deputy Director DeGroot, in a second.
>> Second. Uh Commissioner Silverthorne,
any discussion?
All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Can I
get a motion that the resolution be
finally adopted and authorize the clerk
of the board to advertise this
resolution as finally adopted and also
post same on the bulletin board in the
lobby of the county administrative
center. So moved. Okay, Commissioner
Silverthorn a second. Second. Okay,
Commissioner Henderson roll call,
please. Director Space?
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney?
>> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat?
>> Yes. Commissioner Henderson?
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorn?
>> Yes.
Okay. D, final adoption of ordinance
26-03.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance which
was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together
with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting
at 6:00 p.m. Capital ordinance providing
funding for certain capital improvements
in and for the county and the Sussex
County
Career and Technical High School located
within the County of Sussex, State of
New Jersey and appropriating $8,225,223
therefore to pay for the cost thereof.
Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be opened? So moved. Okay,
Commissioner Silverthorn with a second,
Commissioner Henderson.
Uh any discussion? All in favor? I
oppose, abstain. Is anyone present to be
heard regarding this ordinance?
Okay. Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be closed?
>> So moved. Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn
second, Deputy Director DeGroat. Any
discussion?
All in favor? I
oppose, abstain. Okay. Can I get a
motion that this ordinance
be finally adopted?
So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson
and a second with Commissioner
Silverthorn. Any discussion?
All in favor? I I oppose, abstain.
Motion carries. Okay. Can I get a motion
that the resolution be finally adopted
and authorize the clerk to advertise
this resolution as finally adopted and
also post same on the bulletin board in
the lobby of the County of the
administration administrative center. So
moved. Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn
and a second from Deputy Director
DeGroat. Any discussion?
Roll call, please.
>> Director Space? Yes. Commissioner
Carney? Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat?
>> Yes. Commissioner Henderson?
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne?
>> Yes.
Okay. E, final adoption of ordinance
26-04.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance, which
was advertised on the county of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026, together
with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting
at 6:00 p.m. Capital ordinance providing
for various improvements to roads and
bridges in and for the county of Sussex,
State of New Jersey, and appropriating
$1,480,170. Therefore, $1,479,
$670
from grants received or expected to be
received from the New Jersey Department
of Transportation to pay for the cost
thereof. Can I get a motion that the
public hearing be opened? So moved.
Second. Commissioner Silverthorne a
second.
Deputy Director DeGroat. Any
discussion? All in favor, I. Opposed,
abstain. Is anyone present to be heard
regarding this ordinance?
Okay. Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be closed?
>> So moved. Second. Commissioner
Silverthorne a second from Commissioner
Henderson. Any discussion? All in favor,
I. Opposed, abstain.
Can I get a motion that this ordinance
be finally adopted? So moved. Okay.
Commissioner Silverthorne a second
Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion?
All in favor, I. Opposed, abstain. Okay,
motion carries. Motion that the
resolution be finally adopted and
authorize the clerk to advertise this
resolution as finally adopted and also
post same on the bulletin board in the
lobby of the County Administrative
Center. So moved. Okay. Deputy Director
DeGroat makes the motion a second.
Uh Commissioner Silverthorne.
Any discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space?
>> Yes.
>> Commissioner Carney?
>> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes.
Commissioner Henderson? Yes.
Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. Okay.
F, final adoption of ordinance 26-05.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance, which
was advertised in the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together
with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting
at 6:00 p.m.
Uh the ordinance approving a use
application for the reservation
and use of the Newton Green. Can I get a
motion that the public hearing be open?
So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson,
and a second? Second. Uh
Commissioner Carney, any discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain. Okay,
the the floor is open. Anyone present to
be heard regarding this ordinance?
Okay, being none, can I get a motion
that the public hearing be closed? So
moved.
Okay. Second. Uh Commissioner uh Deputy
Director DeGroat, and a second from
Commissioner Silverthorne, any
discussion?
All in favor? I. I. Opposed, abstain.
Motion carries. Can I get a motion that
this ordinance be finally adopted? So
moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson.
Second. Next motion, Commissioner
Silverthorne seconds, any discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain.
Motion carries. Motion that the
resolution be finally adopted and
authorize the clerk to advertise this
resolution as finally adopted and also
post same on the bulletin board in the
lobby of the County Administration
Center. So moved. Okay, Deputy Director
DeGroat makes a motion, second? Second.
Commissioner Carney, any discussion?
Roll call, please.
>> Director Space?
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney? Yes. Deputy
Director DeGroat?
>> Yes. Commissioner Henderson?
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes.
Okay. G, final adoption of ordinance
26-06.
At our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026, we introduced for first
reading the following ordinance, which
was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together
with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting
at 6:00 p.m. An ordinance of the Sussex
County Board of County Commissioners to
establish rules of conduct and decorum
for public meetings. Can I get a motion
that the public hearing be opened?
>> So moved. Okay, Commissioner
Silverthorne a second from Commissioner
Henderson. Any discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain,
motion carries. Is anyone present to be
heard regarding this ordinance?
Okay, being none, can I get a motion
that the public hearing be closed? So
moved. Second, Commissioner
Silverthorne. A second from Deputy
Director DeGroat. Any discussion? All in
favor? I. Opposed, abstain, motion
carries. A motion that this ordinance be
finally adopted.
So moved. Okay, Deputy Director DeGroat
makes a motion. Second? Second. Okay,
Commissioner Silverthorne. Any
discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain,
motion carries. Motion that this
resolution be finally adopted and
authorize the clerk to advertise this
resolution as finally adopted and also
post same on the bulletin board in the
lobby of the County Administrative
Center. Can I get a motion?
>> So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson a
second.
>> Second. Commissioner Silverthorne. Any
discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space?
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney?
>> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat?
>> Yes. Commissioner Henderson? Yes.
Commissioner Silverthorne?
>> Yes.
Okay, public session from the floor.
This public session is for those wishing
to make a comment of 3 minutes or less
regarding an agenda item. Please line up
the microphone and state your name and
municipality municipality and agenda
topic for the record. Can I get a motion
to open the floor for public comment?
Second. Commissioner Henderson a second
Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain, the
floor is open for 3 minutes or less,
agenda topics only.
Okay, being none, can I get a motion to
close the floor for Oh, there is one.
Sorry, I'm reading so fast.
Agenda topic only, please.
Leo Ndo, Hampton Township, uh
by immigration. Is that which agenda?
The agenda item. This isn't the public
comment for everything yet. That'll be
That'll come up later. Thank you.
>> [gasps]
>> Okay. Anyone agenda topics only?
Okay. Can I get a motion to close the
floor for public comment?
Okay. Commissioner Silverthorne, second
Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion?
All in favor? I. Opposed, abstain. Okay.
Floor is closed. Okay, number 10.
Commissioner comments. I'm going to
start with Commissioner Silverthorne.
Well, once again, since I go first, I'm
going to just limit it to um
the things I did either by myself or
mostly by myself, and it's been 3 weeks,
so there wasn't There's been a lot of stuff that we've done.
And uh
Mr. Collins, like you said, you're
getting your money's worth now because
uh I'm going to everything I can go to.
So uh
And uh
and I'd like to thank Bill Coppolla for
attending uh an Ogdensburg Bridge
meeting with me about something that
they were very concerned about.
Once you go and talk to them,
um it allays a lot of their fears. So uh
that's moving along. Um but that was one of them.
Uh
we went to I'm going to leave that one
cuz that was everybody.
Uh
Commissioner uh
Henderson and myself did the Andover and
Lafayette DPW tour.
I attended the Blue Denim Ball in
Belvidere. They were very happy to have
someone from Sussex County
attend.
Um
we did the Franklin and Wantage DPW
tour, so we've completed all the uh DPW
buildings
uh that we that we had on our uh
schedule. Uh I completed the second half
of my library tour, which was uh Sussex,
Wantage, Franklin, and Vernon. I also
stopped by their in-service, which was
the following week, I believe. Um
>> [clears throat]
>> we had a meeting with the tax board
concerning uh something they wanted to
talk about with shared services, which
uh Commissioner Marx is going to bring
up a little bit later.
Um
we had the Board of Taxation
Reorganization that I attended.
Uh, Commissioner Henderson and myself
did a jail tour.
And um
Did you go on? No. I went down there.
>> Every little thing we did. Uh,
and also I I did attend the uh
Branchville Hose Company installment
dinner.
Um,
with Commissioner Space was there as
well.
Uh, we did a facilities tour
with Mr. Henderson and um
That was That was good to see everything
that the guys that keep everything
running and uh
often times get a lot of the blame or
it's good to see what they have to deal
with and a lot of times it's
you know, they're doing the best they
can with what they have.
Uh, I attended a uh Byram Council
meeting, Branchville Council meeting and
also a Franklin Borough Council meeting.
Uh, I went down to the NJAC for a
Commissioner's Orientation. They had a
large number of uh new Commissioners
elected this year and this is the first
time they had a Commissioner's
Orientation in I think about 14 years.
So, I did attend that. It was very
informative. Met some good people and uh
and did do a little bit of gambling so.
What's on there? And uh and today we
attended the um
Community College commencement and we
[snorts] also did a tour of uh
Commissioner Henderson and myself did a
tour of the uh Sheriff's Office here on
High Street and also the uh the court
complex just to get a better feel for everything over there.
That's the majority of things I did
either alone or with a few of these
guys. There are a lot of other things we
did do together. Uh,
that's all.
Mr. Henderson. I look at his bullet
points and I feel guilty going to read
you what we did here in the last 3
weeks. On April 23rd, I along with
Commissioner Director Space, Carney and
Silverthorne we attended the
groundbreaking of the new pole barn at
Sussex County Sheriff's OEM site.
Also on the 23rd, Commissioner Director
Space, Silverthorne and I attended the
Sussex County ribbon cutting for the
newly renovated library and student
center. What a transformation. It looks
exceptional. Well done SCC President Dr.
Cory Homer and all those involved in
making this a reality.
Later that day I attended the Sussex
County open space meeting via Zoom.
There were five presentations by
municipalities for the trail grant from
Stillwater, Frankford, Wantage,
Hopatcong, and the county. It's my
understanding since that meeting several
other municipalities have submitted for
the grant.
On April 24th, Commissioner Silverthorne
and I did a tour of two Sussex County
DPW garages in Andover and Lafayette to
speak with workers about their concerns
and tour their facilities. We also did a
site visit that day at the county sign
shop where all county road signs are
produced as well as assisting
municipalities with their sign needs.
On Monday, April 27th, Commissioner
Silverthorne and I visited Frankford and
Sussex DPW garage to tour their
buildings and speak with the employees.
I just would like to personally thank
all the employees for the incredible job
they did this winter, but all year long
keeping the roads in great shape for our
commuters in and out of the county.
Later that afternoon we met with DPW
workers from Sussex and Vernon at the
Sussex garage. I think this interaction
with employees means a lot to employees
as it's our chance to personally thank
them and show them their appreciation
for their dedication to the county.
>> [snorts]
>> On April 28th, I along with Commissioner
Silverthorne attended the School of
Conservation ceremony where they
received a historical marker. The
history behind this place is absolutely
amazing. Unfortunately, some of their
funding is being cut as well.
On April 29th, I attended the SCC
President's Ball at the community
college along with Commissioner Space
and Silverthorne.
Exciting time for Dr. Cory Homer to be
officially sworn in as a president of
SCC. Certainly well deserved honor for
Dr. Homer as he leads the college into
the future.
Also that evening my fellow
commissioners, we attended Sussex County
Crime Stoppers hosted by our county
sheriff and staff. It's incredible to
see the outpouring support for this
program. Just as a side note, Crime
Stoppers arrest of the individuals that
dumped the dogs throughout the county
come from one tip to Crime Stoppers.
Please, as the saying goes, if you see
something, say something. Uh could help
to a arrest of an individual or a case.
On April 30th, Commissioner Silverthorn
and I presented a proclamation to the
Wantage Habitat for Humanity event at
Perona Farms. Fantastic evening and
fundraiser. They are currently
renovating a home on Route 565 in
Wantage where a family and their young
son will reside. Habitat for Humanity is
looking for a location in the county for
a ReStore as well as other properties
throughout the county to build or
renovate for additional homes.
On April 30th, Commissioner Director
Space and I had a meeting with Sheriff
Strada regarding building security.
On May 1st, I attended National Law Day
at the courthouse. One of my first times
to attending. Great event celebrating
250 years of America and the law of the
land.
On May 4th, Commissioner Silverthorn and
I did a visit of the Facilities
Department. This also gave us the
opportunity to hear about issues or
concerns that they see in the field. One
interesting point is that county owns
approximately 100 buildings. 38 of them
are occupied by staff members. Out of
that, 33 need new roofs now or in the
near future.
I'm a firm believer that no additional
building should be built in this county
until we catch up.
Our administrator certainly has her work
cut out for her, but I have all the
confidence in you that you will proceed
on a positive path with a plan to
complete these and other projects as we
move forward.
Later that afternoon, Commissioner Carni
and I attended a County Planning Board
meeting where several applicants
presented information requesting waivers
or clarifications on several projects on
county roads.
That evening, I attended the Hopatcong
Borough meeting via Zoom. On May 6th, I
attended the SCO meeting as a liaison.
The same evening I attended the Sussex
County Vo-Tech Board meeting where a lot
of teachers and parents voiced their
concern over the cutting of the ag shop
and the loss of a guidance counselor.
Currently, there are three guidance
counselors each with a
workload of 300 children apiece. The
loss of one staff member will increase
300 children to two staff members to
handle as well as well as other staff
being cut.
On May 7th, along with Commissioner
Silverthorne, we attended EDC breakfast
at Yetter's Diner and members of the
County Chamber, Lafayette, Frankfurt,
Branchville businesses to hear their
comments and concerns and the need to
work together to keep the county
thriving.
Later that day I attended an Andover
Township meeting regarding the ordinance
about the data center and restrictions.
The show of residents was incredible.
I'd estimate three or 400 individuals
there, all of which voiced their concern
about the data center in Andover
Township. This ordinance was going to be
up for further discussion at their next
meeting, but as you're well aware, the
Township had a special meeting last
night to repeal the ordinance. I did
attend it via Zoom.
On May 8th, I was honored to be asked
along with Commissioner Carney,
Silverthorne, and Deputy Mayor Sitte of
Andover, Frankfurt to attend the opening
day at the Miners game to throw out the
first pitch. I'm glad to be
reading this report before Commissioner
Carney as he's going to tell you he was
asked to be signed up as an all-star
player.
If you believe that, I have a bridge in
the desert I'd like to sell you.
I wish the Miners the best of luck as
they begin their ball season. On May
9th, I attended the Eagle Scout event
where I presented a proclamation to a
young man from this board for his
achievement as an Eagle Scout. A very
dedicated, hard-working young man that I
have no doubt will lead his generation
into the future.
On May 12th, Commissioner Director
Space, Silverthorne, and I attended the
Chamber breakfast. Today, Commissioner
Silverthorne and I did a tour of the
county Sheriff's officer and court. I'd
like to thank Sheriff Strada and the
staff.
Uh excellent tour. And as Commissioner
Silverthorne said, today we just
finished the college graduation. And my
last thing is a senior service care
support group meeting will be held
virtually
on Zoom
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21st.
Uh it helps people taking care of
individuals and provides them a lot of
information on help they might need. And
that's all I have.
Commissioner Porney.
Thank you.
I just want to start off with I threw a
strike.
It's still for sale.
>> [laughter]
>> I'm going to read I'm going to read
fast. Uh I'm going to start off with
DPW. Uh Sussex County Division of Public
Works Highway Agency Stormwater Permit.
Division of Public Works has completed
the first round of sweets street
sweeping along with 620 lanes of mile of
county routes. Sweeping Sweeping is one
of the minimum basic requirements
included with Sussex County Highway
Agency Stormwater Permit issued by the
NJDEP. Permit requires the county sweep
each county route a minimum of three
times per year. Materials collected are
logged into the county's asset
management system and report to NJDEP as
part of the annual permit certification process.
Sussex County Farmland Preservation
Plan. Sussex County Planning Board is
holding a public meeting at 4:00 on June
1st, 4:00 on June 1st to review and
adopt the updated comprehensive
Sussex County Agricultural Agricultural
Board has been working on updated plan
for the past year. The updated plan will
help steer the program over the next 10
years. The meeting will include a
presentation of the plan, plan updates,
and plan goals and objectives. The draft
plan is available for review on the
Sussex County website. This hearing
offers the public an opportunity to
provide comments on the plan. Comments
can also be provided directly to Sussex
County Division of Planning.
Uh and and can call them at
973-579-0500.
Construction,
as one of the commissioners mentioned,
we had the groundbreaking.
Um
so, this has a lot to do with that. I
know the DPW is excited. They don't
usually get to build um
new buildings or any kind of site
construction, and they have two going
on, so I know they're pretty excited
about that. So, staff within the
Division of Public Works, the Office of
Bridge and Traffic Safety, and Office of
Facilities Management are continuing
work on the Sussex County Division of
Health Storage Building and the Sussex
County Sheriff's Storage Building and
modular office project. Both projects
are located in Frankford Township. Crews
have completed the pads and are
currently installing the site stormwater
systems and rough grading throughout the
parking areas. The building contractor
is expected to begin construction of the
Division of Health Storage Building
within the next few weeks. And this is
all funded by ARPA money, so it needs to
be spent
and by the end of the year.
Uh or actually before that, if Al Kinkle
can have it. Uh Public Works
construction crew are also working on
repairs to stormwater inlets and
stormwater collection pipes in
preparation of the upcoming resurfacing
program.
Sussex County Traffic Safety Program,
staff from the Office of Bridge and
Traffic Safety have completed the annual
functional inspection inspection of over
14,000 traffic control signs owned and
operated by the county. Spring and
summer work will focus on replacement of
signs which have been damaged
uh or reached end of their functional
service life. Crews will also be
trimming sightline obstructions to allow
approaching drivers a free and clear
line of sight for the signs.
The Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety
has also started deployment of dynamic
speed signs. Dynamic speed signs are
deployed by the county to enhance
drivers' awareness of posted and travel
speeds along our county route system.
The county receives numerous complaints
about cars speeding within residential,
urban, and school zones. Deployment of
speed monitors under this program target a number of locations which the
county receives rear current calls and
complaints of speeding.
Safe Safety along our roads and our
communities is responsible for is
responsibility of everyone. Stay alert
and always be aware of the roadways
posted speed limit.
Couple things that some of the
commissioners maybe left out. I did
attend NJAC as well down Atlantic City.
Learned a couple things. One I will be
bringing up to administrator Marks was
um
AI. I'm a little leery always about AI,
but minutes can be done in AI with AI.
Price was a little but I just thought
that was a good one that caught my
attention.
Um
and then LOSAP. LOSAP was something that
some municipalities
should use. It's basically
uh somewhat of a a pay a payment um for
their services for for first responders
and fire departments and so on and so
forth. I did talk to Deputy Mayor
Sivitilli about that and if there's any
counties out there if you're watching,
listening, or whatever if they have any
questions, I have a good contact. This
guy is the guru of LOSAP not just in the
state of New Jersey but throughout the
country.
Uh I think it's important to to you know
to respect our our first responders.
It retains them. It brings them in. I
think it's a very very good program. And
then last but not least, I attended the
Taste of Talent for Project
Self-Sufficiency.
If you'd like to eat, you should go
there. It's very good. It's in a great
It's a great fun fundraiser at Verona
Farms.
Um
So, that's all I have. Thank you.
Deputy Director DeGroot. All right. Good
evening, everyone. Uh first I would like
to begin with the NJTPA Board of
Trustees meeting which was held this
past week in Newark. At that meeting we
heard from Jim Kirkos, President and CEO
of Meadowlands Chamber, who provided an
update on both the FIFA FIFA World Cup
Flag Cities planning and the broader
community experiences taking shape
across North Jersey as well as an
overview of future development plans for
the Meadowlands. Specifically, Mr.
Kirkos discussed a study currently being
finalized that explores redeveloping an
existing sports complex of the
Meadowlands between American Dream
MetLife Stadium into a modern multi-use
convention and events complex along with
a thousand-room hotel. You know that
that's a that this redevelopment
strategy could generate an estimated 30
billion dollars in economic impact over
30 years. He also shared the efforts are
underway to secure support from the
governor and the state legislator for
potential state funding with the goal of
breaking ground by 2027 and completing
the project in time for a potential
ribbon cutting in 2030. Continuing on, I
had the opportunity to speak at
resurrecting the beef industry in New
Jersey Ag forum which I co-hosted
alongside Dean La Barbera in
collaboration with Sussex County
Community College and Warren County
Community College. We were honored to
have New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture
Ed Wingerin in attendance along with
professionals and producers from across
the Garden State. Overall, I believe
this forum was a great success in
helping move the conversation forward
for strengthening the beef production
here in New Jersey. Key focus on the
discussion was the need for expanding
local processing capacity and the role
of additional processing facilities
could play in better supporting
livestock producers throughout the
state. The event reinforced the
importance of continued collaboration
between farmers, educational
institutions, industry leaders, and
government officials as we work to
support and grow New Jersey's
agriculture for future generations.
Additionally, I attended two events near
and dear to my heart as I had the honor
of attending today's Choice annual
banquet and the New Jersey Right to Life
annual gala, both celebrating the
sanctity and gift of life and held
during the same exact week. It was truly
uplifting to join so many individuals
from Sussex County and across the state
of New Jersey who are committed to
serving mothers, children, and families
with compassion, love, and faith. Not
only that, but during that same week,
the United States Supreme Court unan-
unanimously
ruled in favor of First Choice Women
Resource Center in its case against the
state of New Jersey, reaffirming the
important constitutional protections
surrounding freedom of association and
donor privacy for faith-based pregnancy
centers. The decision marked a
significant moment for organizations
that answer the biblical call to protect
the innocent, care for mothers in need,
and uphold the dignity of every human
life created in the image of God. Other
than that, since our last meeting I had
the opportunity to attend some
additional events, uh some of which
already were mentioned by my fellow
commissioners. A few others I attended
include Taste of Vernon, uh the Sussex
Kiwanis annual live and silent auction,
and the Hope Through the Valley annual
thank week. Each of these events was
wonderful and served a great reminder of
the strong sense of community service
and generosity continues to make Sussex
County such a special place to live and
work. That's all. Thank you and God
bless.
Thank you.
Division of Senior Services annual
public hearing will be held uh
at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th, 2026
in the Sparta Senior Center at Knoll
Heights Village located at 40 Trapasso
Drive in Sparta. The purpose of the
hearing is to receive comments on the
proposed 2027 area plan update, which
generates funding for Sussex County
through the Older Americans Act of 1965
as amended. Attendees will have the
opportunity to voice their opinions on
current service needs for the seniors of
Sussex County. Anyone who would like to
testify at the public hearing or submit
written testify testimony should contact
the Sussex County Division of Senior
Services by May 29th at 973-579-0555,
extension 1222, or email
seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.
Individuals requiring transportation to
the public hearing may contact Sussex
County Skylands Ride at 973-579-0480
no later than 11:00 a.m. on May 28th,
2026 to make a reservation.
Division of Health Pole Barn Emergency
Response and Storage Facility a
groundbreaking ceremony was held, which
we all attended, to construct the Sussex
County Division of Health Pole Barn
on Morris Turnpike in Frankford Township
on Friday, April 17th. The Sussex County
Board of County Commissioners authorized
utilization of American Rescue Plan Act
funding for this new facility to support
the Division of Health's wide range of
critical services, including emergency
preparedness and response, communicable
disease surveillance and response, and
public health outreach and support,
among others. The Health Pole Barn
Emergency Response and Storage Facility
will be located on county-owned property
and will strategically function as part
of the county's Morris Turnpike campus.
The location serves as a hub for public
safety and emergency management
operations, which will provide important
operational benefits and enhance
coordination efforts between county
public safety and public health agencies
during an emergency response, which the
two Pole Barns are actually located
going to be located across the street
from each other in front of the old
juvenile detention center, which is
where we have the county OEM.
Um, going to keep my comments a little
short tonight because I'm tired of
speaking and I'm sure you're all tired
of hearing me speak. Um, we've obviously
had a busy 3 weeks since our last
meeting. It was an honor to address the
2026 Sussex County Community College
graduates this afternoon. They had 212
graduates walk. Um, Dr. Homer said
there's about 400 in between 400 to 500
graduates each year at Sussex County
Community College. A huge accomplishment
to get to that point. Um, another
highlight was speaking at the
inauguration of the college's new
president, Dr. Cory Homer. Dr. Homer
became the seventh president at Sussex
County Community College. I had the
opportunity to speak at the ribbon
cutting for the new learning commons at
the college. It's nice to see all the
improvements in the infrastructure
there. As the others said, we've
attended the groundbreaking ceremony for
new show shares Pole Barn. This is a
project done through ARPA funds. Will be
done mostly in-house. Congratulations to
all those that made the Crime Stoppers
event a huge success. We all had a great
time for a great cause. Commissioner
Silverthorne and I attended Branchville
Fire Department's installation dinner. A
huge congratulations to Mr. Russell
Bellis for 65 years of dedicated
service. We are also appreciative to our
local volunteer firefighters.
Commissioner Henderson, Silverthorne,
and I attended the Chamber's annual
wellness breakfast fair yesterday. Um
it's my favorite uh my favorite time of
the month is when we get to have
breakfast at the Perona Farms. We don't
normally have a breakfast, so I love
that. Um I also had a subcommittee
meeting yesterday from the Sussex County
Economic Development Partnership, and I
do believe that the county needs smart
growth and more ratables. Finally, I had
a meeting yesterday at the fairgrounds
with Deputy Administrator Lorraine
Hentz, Rein Jero, and Michael Richards,
the fair president, um on our 250th
America's celebration, and it's
scheduled for June 7th at 3:00 p.m. It's
moving right along. The event is free.
We will have plenty of food vendors,
um regular vendors, artisans, bounce
houses, games, fireworks, and much more.
And again, this event is free. If you
want more information, we're going to
have more information on our website and
the county's Facebook page. There's some
information right outside the door to
the left. Well, my left. It would be Oh,
it would be your left, too. Yeah.
Anyway, I'm tired. It's been a long day,
and I haven't spoken this much in
a year.
2 years. Last time I was director when
it was the budget.
>> [laughter]
[gasps]
>> Okay. And that's all I have. Um number
11, we have no consent agenda. Number
12, approval of the regular meeting
minutes from March 11th. Can I get a
motion to approve the minutes from the
March 11th meeting? So Okay,
Commissioner Henderson, a second?
>> Second. Okay, Commissioner Carney, any
discussion? All in favor? I oppose,
abstain, motion carries. Number 13, we
have no ordinances. Number 14, no
appointments and or resignations. Number
15, resolutions.
Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions
A through K?
Okay, uh Commissioner Silverthorne, a
second?
Okay, Commissioner Carney, any
discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space? Yes.
Commissioner Carney?
>> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes.
Commissioner Henderson?
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes.
Okay, number 16, awards of contract
change orders bids. Okay, the Board of
County Commissioners of the County of
Sussex has reviewed the award of
contract change orders bids consisting
of various proposed resolutions and
determined that the adoption of said
resolutions is in and will further the
public interest. Can I get a motion to
adopt resolutions A through I? So moved.
Okay, Commissioner uh Silverthorne, a
second? Second. Commissioner Carney, any
discussion? Roll call, please. Director
Space? Yes. Commissioner Carney? Yes.
Deputy Director DeGroat?
>> Yes. Commissioner Henderson?
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes.
Okay.
Can I get a motion to pay bills list A
of May 13th, 2026? So moved. Second.
Commissioner Henderson, a second from
Deputy Director DeGroat. Any discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space? Yes.
Okay,
uh can I get a motion to pay bills list
B of May 13th, 2026?
So moved. Okay, Commissioner Henderson,
and a second? Second. Uh Commissioner
Silverthorne, any discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space?
Abstain. Commissioner Carney? Yes.
Deputy Director DeGroat? Yes.
Commissioner Henderson? Yes.
Commissioner Silverthorne? Yes. Okay.
>> [clears throat]
>> Resolution C.
Resolution determining the form and
other details of the offering of
$4,881,000 general
obligation bonds consisting of
$3,731,000
$31,000
vocational technical school bonds series
2026 and 1 million 150,000 County
College bonds series 2026 County College
Bond Act 1971 NJ laws C12 as amended of
the county of Sussex state of New Jersey
and providing for the sale of such bonds
and additionally determining certain
matters with respect to the sale and
issuance of 4 million 101,000 dollar
bond anticipation notes. Can I get a
motion to adopt resolution say?
So moved. Seconded Commissioner Carney
and seconded Deputy Director DeGroot.
Any discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space.
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney.
>> Yes. Deputy Director DeGroot. Yes.
Commissioner Henderson.
>> Yes. Commissioner Silvan. Yes.
Okay.
Uh personnel we have none. Number 19
administrative report.
Okay.
Uh good evening everyone. Uh my report
is is short tonight as well. Uh I just
wanted to provide a quick update on the
American Rescue Plan Act funded projects
that the county county is currently
working on. Uh the Franklin Library
facade and roof work was completed and
is being scheduled to be paid on May
27th, 2026 closing out that encumbrance.
Uh we have uh
we had in uh money set aside for the CDL
license training. That final class was
also completed. The invoices in process
to be paid and all money encumbered for
this project then will have been paid
out. Uh the Historical Society school
outreach, we are anticipating to receive
a project update from the Historical
Society on Friday, May 15th and thank
you to Elga for following up on that
with uh with our uh historian.
And then um
the county facility roofing projects, uh
the work to the mosquito building was
completed. We're just waiting to receive
the final invoices um and then we really
only have a couple other projects that
are currently ongoing, which are those
pole barns.
Uh the feasibility study, I want to
thank the board for approving the
appraisal company this evening. First
thing Friday first thing 8:00 a.m.
tomorrow morning we will be meeting with
our team, Bill Koppenol, Al Cuyeder,
Keith Nelson and I to discuss this
project and moving begin to move forward
with the study for review by the board.
Well, we've been having some
difficulties currently with our vendor
for fuel.
They are not filling up our pumps to
capacity and this is causing a
significant issue with our county
operations. So we have referred this as
of last week to county council and to
see what our options are under the
current contract.
And then lastly in addition
Commissioner Silverthorne and I met with
the tax board and representatives from
the tax board.
Apparently uh
or currently not all municipalities are
updating their tax maps which per state
statute should be updated annually
and however the state which oversees
that is not enforcing that these tax
maps are updated
finally. So we were approached by the
board of taxation about creating a
shared service where the county could
help coordinate this effort utilizing
our current vendor. Many municipalities
do currently use the same vendor so it
would be a savings across the board to
the taxpayers throughout the county. We
received some information where Monmouth
County is currently doing this. I had a
chance to quickly review that before I
was away. And um
and while they are doing that on a
shared service basis they're doing it in
a method where Monmouth County is
actually overseeing it and taking
control and funding it. That is not the
proposal that's been brought to us. So
we are
reviewing that a little bit more how we
could do that
in-house and not be a fully funded
county project but again it's it's where
the municipalities would
contribute to that. We do have a mayor's
meeting on Saturday the 16th so that is
something that I'm going to bring up
with all of the municipal mayors um get
this on board. It is something that
after speaking with the tax board
would be a benefit to everyone
throughout the county and making sure
that all of these tax maps are updated
and current. Um and that is all I have.
Thank you.
Number 21, does anyone have any
unfinished business?
Okay.
Number 22, new business. We have a
resolution authorization to provide for
large modular blocks for gravity
retaining wall for the Department of
Engineering and Planning to Northeast
Concrete Products LLC in the amount of
$97,408.
Can I get a motion to adopt resolution
A? So moved. Thank you, Commissioner
Carney. And second, please? I second.
Okay, Commissioner Silverthorne. Any
discussion?
Roll call, please. Director Space.
>> Yes. Commissioner Carney. Yes.
>> Deputy Director DeGroot. Yes.
Commissioner Henderson.
>> Yes. Commissioner Silverthorne. Yes.
Okay. I did not see spot for Oh, I
skipped over the County Council report.
Sorry, I was making your life a little
quicker. My bad.
County Council report.
Only two items, Director. Both executive
session, one in pursuit in furtherance
of a contract dispute, the other in
resolution of a piece of old litigation
out of the Prosecutor's office. I'll go
over both of them with you all tonight
in executive. Thank you. Okay, sounds
good. Sorry about that. Number 23,
public session from the floor. This
public session is for those wishing to
make general comments of 3 minutes or
less on non-agenda topics. Please line
up at the microphone and state your name
and municipality for the record. Can I
get a motion to open the public to open
the floor for public comment?
Second.
>> Henderson a second, Deputy Director
DeGroot. Any discussion? All in favor?
Aye. Opposed, abstain. Okay, the floor
is open.
Good evening again, Ken Collins. Ken
Collins, still from Andover Township.
There is no need to be condescending and
call your constituents Monday morning
quarterbacks. How belittling. You should
be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Carney.
People come here to express their
concerns and feelings. Stop being so
condescending to them.
I do hope that won't continue if you are
county clerk.
I want to thank Commissioner Henderson
for coming out to the Andover Township
Committee meeting on May 7th. It was
refreshing to see a county commissioner
taking interest in our fight to stop a
data center from being built at the old
Newton Airport site on Stickles Pond
Road. The Township found out about this
plan at the 11th hour. Had an applicant
come in 2 weeks earlier earlier, we may
have been too late to stop it, but
fortunately we were not.
The community came together across party
lines to force their own elected
officials to act as proper stewards of
Andover Township and pass a ban on data
centers. Yet, they still resisted.
But, the townspeople would not stand for
it. They organized, they lawyered up,
they showed up to the May 7th Township
Committee meeting as Commissioner
Henderson noted and demanded a data
center ban. The testimony of our
community was thoughtful, personal,
heart-wrenching.
We should not have to fight those we
elect to govern.
So, they would be proper stewards of the
place we call home.
should be a safe place.
I urge the board to adopt a moratorium
on data center construction throughout
the county without further delay.
Take 6 months to review data centers and
their impacts and enact resolutions to
govern their construction if you so
desire or prohibit them altogether as I
urge. If you're going to allow data
centers to be built in this county,
decide on guidelines and allowable
locations. But, for now, pass a
countywide moratorium to give other
communities 6 months to take a stand
like we did in Andover. Don't let these
monstro monstrosities sneak in under the
radar.
In case you're not aware, they plan on
building one on Weldon Road in Sparta.
You need to do something.
Stop these things before they're getting
built without the community having any
input. Thanks.
Rayan Gerow, Stillwater Township, but
I'm also actually talking to you as a
social worker working for senior
services. And this is in response to the
meeting regarding the veteran service
officers that were in question last
time. So, I did make some contact.
So, we have two Louis Segurio is our VSO
for Sussex County. He is here
Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at
Franklin
from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30. He is a little
behind because there's so many claims
going on right now that he's about two
months behind, but he is answering
emails and he is answering phone
Okay.
He usually says within 48 hours those
are answered. He has Yasmin Rodriguez.
She completes the initial intake process
for all appointments and then starts to
schedule the appointments with Louis.
They only are not Yes, they're in Sussex
County in Franklin, but they also have
an office in Dover. So, if you're in
Hopatcong or something like that, you
may want to go to the Dover
office. So, he's saying that to let you
know that they're also available in
Dover. So, what I have provided for you
is his contact information in
the contact, his name, her name, and the
Dover address as well as the Sussex
address, which is 48 Ryker Road in
Franklin. And his Dover address is 479
West Clinton Street in Dover. And that's
where um
the veterans from Sussex County can go
and speak to their BSO.
I appreciate everything you do for the
veterans.
Good evening, commissioners. Nick
Civitan, Deputy Mayor of Frankford
Township.
Brett Commissioner
Um
Hardy Woods
Um we just have a a token of our
appreciation and a little proclamation
that we made.
So uh in honor of this historic occasion
in American history and to extend our
appreciation, the Township Committee of
Frankford presents you with the America
250th Challenger Coin. Your commitment
to excellence illustrates the very
determination
and innovative spirit that drove our
forefathers of this nation to achieve
the greatness that ignited a revolution
called freedom.
God bless America.
There's an extra coin in there we'd like
to put into the
Dan Caliendo, Hampton Township.
Immigration
Despite many attempts to pass an overall
immigration policies, the US has
vacillated
between near open borders and asylum and
due process legal practices.
Close borders and the the detention and
deportation of both convicted criminals
as well as those with no criminal
history.
Presently, we have seen the
proliferation of detention centers to
2456,
the arrest, incarceration, and
deportation of both hardened criminals,
which are 8% of the
immigrant population, as well as 73% of
those with no criminal convictions.
As of April 6, detainees numbered
60,000.
Compounding the problem is a 25%
reduction of immigration judges.
Studies show that with legal process
available, immigrants are five times
more likely to obtain relief.
Which leaves us with one, significant
increase of those without charges having
decreased chance of legal resources
resulting in higher rates of detention
and removal.
Two, the management of detention centers
by private companies with profit as
their primary motive.
Three, the escalation of aggressive
tactics in detention centers and
immigrant immigrant communities
by the fear of demographic shifts
referred to as the browning of America.
Our immigration problem is not the
presence of law-abiding immigrants, but
the failure of many administrations to
enact reform.
The administration announced kinder and
more focused approach
for immigration community.
Whether this comes to pass or not, it is
a responsibility of private citizens and
elected officials to aggressively push
for comprehensive
immigration reform.
Thank you. Thank you.
Cathy Brennan, Hampton Township. Um, I
will make this very quick because
many of us have data centers on our mind
at the moment and I was happy to see Mr.
Henderson at the event.
I just wanted to reiterate the basically
the same things that these data centers
are just being thrown up. There's
nothing
being discussed about them or whatever
and the effects of them on the
environment, the noise, the water usage,
the the electrical usage and
I would suggest the same thing that
the county suggests that for now
municipalities put a moratorium on any
consideration of any data centers for at
least for now and possibly forever
because
it seems like these data centers are
becoming out of control. The one that
they wanted to put in Andover was a huge
center which which they had to pass
ordinances in order for it to be able to
even happen and it would totally ruin
our environment and totally affect all
the people living in the area. Thank
you.
Jean Oprihory Hampton.
It's time to stop mega madness from
destroying our country. It's time to
replace our elected officials who
continue to support the tyrant in the
White House who is corrupting our
government at an exponential rate,
stealing our tax dollars, and demanding
the disenfranchisement of millions of
Americans.
To stop mega madness, it's important to
understand why it has taken hold in this
country. Simply put, it is based on
insecurity, fear, racism, and
corruption.
It's been widely known for decades that
the white white majority in this country
would shift to the minority as the
population of immigrants and resident
black, brown, and Asian groups grew.
Conservative groups like the old Tea
Party, the Heritage Foundation, and MAGA
support legislation and court decisions
that serve to maintain their grip on
political power before they become the
minority. Actions that are dismantling
our democratic institutions and
disenfranchising millions of Americans.
Mad MAGAs who do not understand American
history think that they this makes
sense.
250 years ago, our forefathers fought
the Revolutionary War, not because they
were taxed, but because they did not
have the right of representation in the
legislative body that imposed those
taxes.
As mad MAGAs continue to gerrymander
their way to maintain control of
Congress in the upcoming midterm
elections, the masses will rise up to
demand representation in our government.
Especially as we witness a tyrant
stealing our tax dollars for pet
projects and causing the cost of living
to skyrocket. MAGA madness is allowing a
tyrant to overtly skirt the law and
approve no-bid contracts to companies
that charge three times the amount of
money the projects actually cost.
The reflecting pool, $13.1 million.
The Trump arch, $100 million.
The White House ballroom,
Retrofitting the Saudi gift plane, $1
billion.
The war in Iran, $29 billion.
ICE detention warehouses, $38.3 billion.
The golden dome, $1.2 trillion.
Our tax dollars are going straight into
the pockets of Trump, his family, and
his cronies. Blindly following a cult
leader without questioning or opposing
his policies and illegal and corrupt
actions is madness.
When you support a tyrannical leader who
misuses our tax dollars, threatens
innocent citizens, dismantles government
institutions, and takes away our right
of representation in our government, you
are part of the problem. In the long
run, just like the British hold on the
American colonies, just like the
slaveholders grip on an inhumane system,
and just like the KKK's grasp on the Jim
Crow South, MAGA madness will lose. It's
time to stop the MAGA madness from
harming the citizens of Sussex County.
Hello, Diane Rude, Hampton Township.
>> [sighs]
>> I'm here tonight as a on behalf of PBA
138, detectives bargaining unit. I'm
just here to say hi. Please accept our
proposal to you. Hope you sharpen your
pencils. We did for ours, and
please consider it. Thank you very much.
Have a good night. Thank you.
Good evening. Manfred Braun from
Hardyston Township.
I'd like to comment on Director Space's
monologue at the April 8th
Trump has long cultivated the idea among
his supporters that he is always the
smartest person in the room. The res-
record suggests otherwise.
He is a 34-time convicted felon, and a
civil adjudicated sexual abuser, and a
man who incited an insurrection in a
failed attempt to overturn a free
election. These are not matters of
opinion, but they are matters of public
record.
While these facts are deeply disturbing,
they are in the past.
What lies ahead that should concern
every one of us who values our
democracy.
Let's be blunt. Trump is flailing.
His approval rating is at historic lows,
even among some of the mega faithful.
As such, Trump knows that Republicans
cannot win in November, and he is
willing to go to any lengths to steal
the upcoming election.
He continues to insist that there is
rampant voter fraud while present
presenting absolutely no evidence.
He has on several occasions stated that
the elections should be nationalized.
A clearly unconstitutional directive.
The rampant redistricting efforts,
ballot seizures in California and
Georgia, and the demands of DOJ to
secure states voter rolls all bear this
out.
Additionally, the administration has
said it will send ICE agents to polling
centers to oversee the elections,
another clearly unconstitutional
directive.
Marc Elias, whose law firm has been
fighting and winning the in the
aforementioned DOJ cases, remarked in a
recent newsletter that local election
officials should working with their
states attorneys generals and other
state officials on how best to to
counter these potential illegalities.
So, my question to you today is simple.
Will your support of the president
extend to carrying out illegal orders
given by him, or will you stand for our
democracy and allow the people to
determine the outcome of the next
election? Specifically, if federal
agents appear at polling stations in our
jurisdiction, or the DOJ ask for our
voter information, what will you do?
Will you comply, or will you stand with
our state's legal authorities to protect
the integrity of our elections? Thank
you very much.
Good evening. Sandy Pender, Freeland
Township.
I've had a young person living in my
house for the last 2 weeks.
He's 20 years old and a friend of my
son's from high school.
He grew up in a very abusive household,
but was able to get some distance by
going away to college.
The abuse continued despite the
distance, so he made the decision to cut
ties with his parents.
At 18, essentially on his own.
He recently had to have surgery, so I
offered to go with him, be his
healthcare proxy, and also drive him
back to our house for recovery.
Over the last 2 weeks, I have helped him
with wound care, laundry, and made sure
he ate nutritious food.
He is not going back to college in the
fall because he cannot afford to
continue with student loans, despite
scholarships.
He is currently living outside of New
Jersey with roommates so that he can
afford rent.
He is working, but is not able to get
health insurance through his job.
Between rent, utilities, food,
car maintenance, insurance, and gas,
there is not much left over each week.
He claims that he was doing okay for a
while, but I know from our conversations
that he is food insecure and skips
meals.
He had saved money for several years and
bought a used car.
At one point, he lived in that car for a
short period of time.
Recently, he got sideswiped by a truck,
and his car got totaled.
He did not have collision on that car
because he could not afford to.
He could just afford the minimum
requirements for car insurance in his
state.
Over the last few years, he has always
been one accident, one car repair, one
health emergency away from being broke.
I tell you all of these private details
because being eligible and receiving
Medicaid benefits have been a lifesaver
for him.
In addition to his recent surgery, he
has had an autoimmune disease and also
takes regular medications.
Without Medicaid benefits, there's no
way he could access care or afford his
daily medications. He is far from alone.
A large percent of of our neighbors here
in Sussex County are in the same boat.
They are living on the edge every week
hoping the money will stretch far
enough.
They are barely scraping by but have
been able to get the care or medications
they need through Medicaid.
I am aware that a large portion of
funding for Medicaid comes from the
federal government. I'm also aware that
our current administration is taking an
axe to Medicaid funding.
And I'm asking you as representatives of
our county to use what power you do have
to reach out to state and federal
government representatives to keep this
safety net in place for your
constituents.
There are so many people right now that
could not live without it. I have seen
it firsthand under my own roof. Thank
you.
Amy Linnae LaFayette. So, 2 weeks ago I
spoke about how this administration's
policies are negatively impacting
farmers here in Sussex County.
The struggle is real for all of them.
Today, I want to speak more about
negative impacts that this
administration is having on our local
citizens here in this county.
YAP or Youth Advocate Programs is a
national nonprofit that provides
community-based alternatives to youth
incarceration and residential care.
Through highly personalized,
trauma-informed, and mentorship models,
YAP serves youth and families involved
in justice, child welfare, and
behavioral health systems.
Since 2010, YAP has been working
diligently in Sussex County. It started
with in-house therapy and then spread to
outpatient for teens and adolescents.
[clears throat] With funding from
Medicaid, YAP grew and also extended
counseling to include adults and
in-school sessions.
The in-school program was up and running
in its 15th successful year until
suddenly a few weeks ago the entire
program was shut down.
The staff had 3 weeks to try and
scramble to transition all clients
for in-school programs to find
alternative solutions for all of their
teens and adolescents.
In Sussex County over 100 individuals,
both teens, adolescents, and adults were
affected by this closure.
Sussex County has no other Medicaid
programs to offer disadvantaged youth.
14 indispensable clinicians were let go
here in Sussex County.
This is not due to state cuts. They're
all They're all out of a job and they're
all now looking for work.
This is not due to state cuts
but due to federal mandates cutting
Medicaid.
This is how federal policies are hurting
us, the people, here in Sussex County.
These kids have been dropped and some
clinicians are now taking on these kids
for free out of their love and
dedication to serving and empowering
individuals. They are trying not to let
these kids fall through the cracks.
We care about the unborn but we don't
care about the born.
I ask you, is this who we want to be as
a society?
Are we We are damaging our children and
our future and for what? A war? A golden
ballroom for 1 billion?
Painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting
Pool? All of this nonsense.
These policies are hurting us, all of
us,
even Sussex County citizens. Thank you.
for your service. I do
appreciate it. It's not the complaint I
have with you. It's your silence.
Uh from the podium on April 1st, the
Trump criminal announced his path
forward for this country. Quote, "We
have to take care of one thing, military
protection. It's not possible to fund
Medicare, Medicaid, child care."
And then, of course, later on, he went
to the Trump fantasy world of alternate
facts to support this outrageous plan
for our country.
His multitude of claims that all social
services are rife with fraud are a
common theme from his addled brain.
He later on goes uh telling his budget
director to illegally withhold all child
care monies. Quote, "Don't send any
money for daycare cuz the United States
can't take care of daycare. That has to
be up [clears throat] to a state. We
can't take care of daycare. We're a big
country. We have 50 states. We have all
these other people. We're fighting
wars." Yeah, wars he started but cannot
finish. So, it's billions of dollars
more for the Pentagon, America's biggest
welfare client. This bloated,
unaccountable agency has never undergone
any kind of audit, charges $700 for a
toilet seat, and is building weapon
systems that make us less safe. How
about nuclear reactors on the moon? Or a
golden dome missile system run by AI
computers that hallucinate a lot. Feel
safer?
Not to worry, Donald is building us a
ballroom to celebrate all his military
victories.
Did it cost 2 million? Will it cost 400
million?
Oh, all donated by his rich friends and
chorus of ass kissers. No, not really.
Now we get to cough up a billion. Not to
worry, just cut a few more thousand from
daycare, snap and Medicaid, and all will
be paid for. After all, as the Trump
criminal says, "They love my ballroom.
They love my ballroom." Like hell we do.
So, what say you? Still support this
criminal?
Speak up. Tell the truth. The coming
election will not be just a blue wave.
It will be an extinction event for the
Republican Party.
Thank you.
John Snyder, Sandyston Township.
Full Thomas Allen.
You'll remember who he is.
White House political presser
dinner, whatever it was.
Fired a few shots, hit one fella.
Released an anti-Trump manifesto just
before he did the shooting.
A proud disciple of indivisible.org.
A proud protester at no kings rallies.
Wonderful man. Everybody should be
promised. I'm sure a lot of people in
this room are
proud of him for what he stood for, but
not for his marksmanship.
Jimmy Kimmel on April 23rd
talking about the first lady.
Our first lady, Melania, is here.
Looks so beautiful.
Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an
expectant widow.
What class.
There's been three attempts so far in
Donald Trump's life that we're aware of.
There may have been others.
But what do we hear?
They're all staged. These are staged
events.
He's a great actor.
That blood, I guess that, you know.
>> [clears throat]
>> You're going to trust somebody
at a few hundred yards to take a shot at
you just so you can get some sympathy,
right?
Hakeem Jeffries
What a guy.
And then once again, I'm sure many
people tonight will agree with some of
his quotes.
Extreme MAGA Republicans
are the threat
to Americans.
I have a photo of him posed in front of
a sign.
Maximum warfare everywhere
all the time.
And these beautiful people from
Indivisible, they're so peaceful and
loving.
Look what they inspire.
I heard the word, the dirty word
democracy, mentioned here tonight. We
live in a republic, not in a democracy.
Had a shooting in Cambridge a couple of
days ago
by a man named Tyler Brown
who was 3 days out of a psychiatric
hospital,
had taken shots at police officers prior
to that,
and was released. I mean,
when you see what happens in these blue
states and blue cities, it's scary. A
lot of sick people out there.
And John F. John F. Kennedy, ask not
what your country can do for you, but
what you can do for your country. Did we
hear any of that tonight? He would be a
Republican. He would be a MAGA. Last
thing I want to say is let's get back on
the gold standard. Thank you.
I'm Viola Sanderson Township. Two weeks
ago, I presented a resolution
for considering the
Uh my question is I assume the council
has there been any progress on
for the next meeting. Okay, and you
would then be joining the chorus of
literally thousands of other folks in
the state who have been sending letters,
postcards, telegrams,
emails, text messages to the governor
urge the governor to support
Thank
uh Commissioner Silverthorne and
Henderson last week for the historical
or 2 weeks ago, week and a half ago,
coming to the historical marker events,
which is kind of ironic that
90 years ago this
monument was put put the CCC
and
considering right now ending the whole
story. Thank you, and I appreciate and
I'll be tracking
to see.
I'll also be interested in coming to
see. I couldn't make the marker
presentation, but if you could shoot me
an email, I'd like to set up a time to
come look myself.
>> Okay, I can Anyone else you want to come
with me? Yeah.
Quite the backyard.
So it's in the school written in the
school
>> You should just shoot me an email like
me or Christina and we'll
figure out a time when we can come.
Great. Okay.
>> Sounds good.
>> D-Day is June 29th.
The end of Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Can I get a motion to close the floor
for public comment and return to regular
business? Okay, Commissioner Silverthorn
a second, Deputy Director Degroot. Any
discussion? All in favor? I. Opposed
abstain. Motion carries. Number 24,
reminders. Please check Can I just ask
one thing quick? Sure. Uh maybe from
County Council. Am I wrong not thinking
that we as a county have no authority to
put a moratorium on township here?
Moratorium is a solely a function of the
municipality. You can pass whatever
moratorium you want and it's not binding
on them.
I'll have to do that with somebody.
>> You can talk to all the mayors of the
northern Okay.
Uh please check the county's website at
www.sussex.nj.us
for meeting schedules. Number 25, Linda,
you're up.
Providing for an executive closed
session not open to the public in
accordance with the provisions of
N.J.S.A.
10:4-12
et seq. Whereas the subject matters
about to be discussed may be excluded
from the public portion of the meeting
by resolution of the Board of County
Commissioners as an exception to the
Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to
N.J.S.A.
10:4-12b
and whereas it appears necessary for the
Board of County Commissioners to discuss
such matters in executive session. Now
therefore be it resolved that the Board
of County Commissioners of the County of
Sussex in accordance with the provisions
of N.J.S.A.
10:4-12b
and NJSA
10:4-13
that the board at this time enter into
an executive session from which the
public shall be excluded and be it
further resolved that the general
natures of the subject to be discussed
relate to the following items authorized
by NJSA
10:4-12b
as designated below. Number four,
matters relating to collective
bargaining agreements PBA prosecutor and
number seven, matters relating to
litigation, negotiations and the
attorney client privilege homestead. Be
it further resolved that the
deliberations conducted in closed
session may be disclosed to the public
upon the determination of the Sussex
County Board of County Commissioners or
provided by law that the public interest
will no longer be served by such
confidentiality
and be it further resolved that upon
completion of the business for which the
board has entered into the executive
session, the board shall reconvene and
resume its meeting open to the public
and be it further resolved that the
board expects to to take formal action
after returning from executive session
except to adjourn the regular meeting.
Thank you.
>> want to clarify real quick County
Council there's one additional matter
that we'll be discussing in executive
session as well, correct? That the board
would have to make decision.
Okay, can I get a motion to adopt the
executive session resolution and enter
into executive session?
Okay, Commissioner Henderson second.
Uh Commissioner Carney, any
discussion? All in favor? I, opposed,
abstain. Okay.
Thank you, everyone.