[Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat.
[Music] [Music] At the meeting of the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners is called to order. In compliance with the open
public meetings act of the state of New Jersey notice of this meeting of the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners was provided in the following manner. Published in the press of Atlantic City and mailed to the Hamilton Gazette and has been posted on the bulletin boards in the county office building in Atlantic City, Stillwater Building in Northfield and the county clerk's office
in Maze Landing. Does have an opening prayer. Heavenly Father, as we approach the celebration of another Independence Day, we thank you for many blessings and the freedom we exercise daily. Amen. Amen. Amen. And Commissioner Gatam has asked
for a moment of silence for Mr. Carl Anderson. Yes. Carl Anderson was a longtime educator in Hamilton Township and a longtime public servant on the school board for decades. Uh, and if you knew him,
you you knew he was a little nuts. Uh, extremely passionate. Um, but a really caring and just wonderful man. And his wife Joan uh was also the the uh uh clerk in Hamilton Township for several
decades as well. So, uh, keep her in your prayers. Um, but yeah, we lost Carl on Sunday. A legend. Right to hear that. At this time we'll have a moment of silence. Please please face the flag. Thank you
to the flag of the United States of America to the stand indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Chairman, Commissioner Forsy is unable to attend
today and Commissioner Parker will be attending virtually. Thank you. Martino here. Burns here. Gat here. Kerna here. Parker, Grizzley here, Rafio here. D here. Commissioners have had an opportunity to
review the minutes from the June 17th, 2025 meeting. I will entertain a motion to adopt the June 17th minutes as presented. So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Please call the role. Bertino. Yes. Burns. Yes. Hold on. June 17th. I probably shouldn't move it because I have to abstain. Okay. We have a motion.
Is there a second? I'll second. Okay. Move and second. Sorry. Sorry. Roll call, please. Yes. Burns? Yes. Gat? Abstain. Kern. Yes. Parker, I'm sorry. Rley, yes. Rafio. Yes. Yes.
Anyone attending in person who would like to speak regarding an agenda item or at public comment, please come to the podium, speak into the microphone, state your name or the town where you reside. You will be provided up to three minutes to speak. If you're attending virtually and like to speak, please raise your hand during the agenda item or a public
comment. At the end, I will call upon your name and a request to unmute will be sent. Please state your name in the town you reside. You'll be provided up to three minutes to speak. Right. At this time, we have a presentation from the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation Scholarships to the 2025
recipients. Is Mr. Daddio online? Yes, sir. I am here. Thank you. Hey, John. Hi, John. Good afternoon, John. How are you? How's everybody hear you this year? I know. That was my
fault. I was in my basement last year, so it was tough. Oh, so you're off punishment this year. Is that I am all punishment for the time being. Thank you. Uh thank you, Mr. uh President. I appreciate it. Thank you, John. Is there anything you
would you would like to say to uh to introduce our recipients or recognize them? Yeah, I' I'd be happy to. And and if I could just take one second, I just want to thank uh um ACIT for number one performing uh the national anthem at our
annual conference. They brought an ensemble and they were amazing. I mean, they were absolutely amazing and they have an open invitation to attend and sing the national anthem or any other song they want at any event we we ever had. So, I really appreciate that uh a great deal. And I also want to
congratulate the culinary arts students who won. We have three different categories of awards and the ACT won a gold medal in the NJAC judges category. did a terrific job with the chicken skewer dish that I think I had about seven or eight of them cuz they
were that that good. So, congratulations to uh to them to again for doing a terrific job this year. And uh with respect to the foundation, I mean I I am thrilled this year that because of the generosity of some of just some outstanding corporate citizens in New
Jersey, we're giving away over $110,000 this year in scholarships to county vocational technical school graduates that are continuing their education right here in the state of New Jersey. I know that two of the individuals uh David uh Vatitali from Amazon is is on
um is is joining us virtually as is Andrew Mcnal from SGI and just want to thank you know both individuals for being here and again their continued generosity. This is the third fourth year in a row that Amazon has provided scholarships of $21,000 of which we uh
again turn around 100% of the monies again to county BCH graduates. And then the unique thing about the SGI scholarship this year is that half of it was from their employee uh giving uh campaign which we're really just uh grateful for that wonderful generosity
from the employees of uh South Jersey Industries. So uh most importantly I want to congratulate the students and their families for building just a terrific foundation for bright futures. Um so congratulations to everybody and thank you for a couple of minutes today.
I appreciate it. It's our pleasure. Thank you for recognizing our students or recognizing uh ACIT. This time we have I think a principal of ACIT um Joseph PK is going to present. You want me to talk here in micro? Yeah. Yeah. The microphone and I believe it's
Andrew you're say a few words as well I believe. My turn. So do you would you like me to give the awards out first? Do you want him to say a few words? However you guys want to Andrew you want to speak first and then that way I can give out the words.
be extremely brief and uh thank you chairman and commissioners for having uh us in here today. Uh my name is Andrew McN. I work for South Jersey Industries. That's the parent company of South Jersey Gas. Uh we serve 700,000 customers here across South Jersey. Uh
well uh combined 700,000 customers across both of our utilities, Elizabeth Town and South Jersey Gas, 400,000 in South Jersey, including a great many here in Atlantic County. um just came over from our headquarters at South Jersey Gas on the boardwalk in Atlantic City and we're truly honored to be able
to support students here in Atlantic County buying through this scholarship program. Um, want to thank John Dadio and Enjac for all of their leadership on this. And as he mentioned, um, you know, we we raised this money both through uh, corporate giving, but also through our
employees with Enjac Foundation being among the charities that our employees give generously to, and we're continuing to expand our footprint in that regard. So, thank you for having us in. I want to congratulate Briana Aguilera and all of the scholarship recipients. So, thank you.
Thank you. Sorry. Thank you. Um it's my privilege as a principal of ACIT to um to be able to award these uh recipients with these scholarships. And John, I will say your conference is a wonderful event you guys host down there. And yeah, that cookoff is something because uh I tell my wife
don't make dinner that day because I end up having 20 skewers myself. That's a great conference and we we really truly appreciate um uh the generosity of all the donors in this and ACIT was able to to benefit from. Um about three weeks ago we did have our senior awards
ceremony and they were honored at the school as well along with other awards and um it was a great event and this is just another um example of today's of the donation and and students hard work and resilience they put in and it's going to pay off. So, we do have um some
recipients that are not here. Uh but we have three that are here. I would like to name the ones that are not here that uh that did receive and where they're going to school. So, we have the Amazon um donation from Amazon. William Ley who is going to Rutgers. Um Nimira Beer
who's going for AT&T uh the donation is going to NGIT. Um Zachary Carol investors division of citizens bank is going to Rowan and Taylor Hudeling who's going to Ruters through and that was NHI international. So first um we have from
investors division it's a division of citizens bank scholarship Gabriel Hessard who is going to Rowan University. Come on up Gabe. You're going to get a picture afterwards with the green thing going out. Okay.
Next, Maline Hudnol who's going to Ramipo and this is New Jersey Manufacturers Group scholarship. And last from South Jersey Industries, Briana Aguilera, who is going to be attending Ruters in the fall. Congratulations. And would you like to
go front for a picture? Yeah, but I guess we'll come up have a a photo with everyone if that's possible. And um excuse me before um I guess that is that David who's on line. Would you like to make make a any comments or
Sure. I'll be fast. David Vitali from Amazon. I do government affairs in New Jersey. Um we're the largest private employer in the state and um it's awesome to see the great students that
NJC picks every year. We're honored to um be a part of this. We have been for a few years now. Um you know, at Amazon, we try to attract as many smart, motivated people as we can. And these students just seem so um to to hit that
nail on the head. So, we're always thrilled to do this and and thank you for for letting us join today. Oh, it's our pleasure. Thank you for for being here and to recognize our students from Lon County. Appreciate that. And we do have one more. Come on in, Zach.
It's perfect timing, Zach. All right. Yeah, you guys want to take the Yeah. Come the here. We'll stand back here. Focus should be all the students. Come on, guys.
The hot seat. focusing on the on the good Mr. Chair, just while the students are here, I I uh I noticed two of them are studying medicine and uh you know, we're creating a eds and meds kind of uh
e economy down here. And uh one of the things we do have a shortage of is doctors. So, I'm really hoping once they uh become doctors, they'll come back and and serve our our county again. And uh I I know one of them. I think Zachary,
you're going to be a business major. All right, we're John's going to give you a job when you're ready. And and then I think Gabriel marketing, we need all the help we can get to show off uh and and to uh market Atlantic
County to employers, to visitors. So we'll put all of your talents to work when you guys are ready. Okay? So, come back to Atlantic County and uh and help uh continue to shine. Congratulations. Yeah, I definitely want to second that.
As a um as a teacher and the father of a soon to be high school senior, I know the the effort it takes with especially with all a lot of distractions out there, peer pressure. Um but, you know, just starting to to visit some colleges myself with my with my son. Um all the information that's thrown at you. Um,
but I want to compliment you on on maintaining your focus and uh working through your your goals and and uh obviously the uh the the future is uh unlimited uh based on your proven track record of success. So once again congratulations. Um at this time if you want to you know take off we're not going to force you to
to stay for the whole thing. I mean you're more than welcome and by all means definitely I know I would do that as a you know congratulations. Congratulations. Awesome. Congratulations guys. Congratulations again.
Thanks to our guests as well. Yeah, I want to thank uh John and Dave. Thank you guys for for attending our meeting. Appreciate it. John, is there anything else you want to say before you you take off? No, thank you. Thank you for the time. I I appreciate it. Really do. All right. Thank you. It's always good to
see you. Thank you. You, too. Thank you. Great. We'll continue on with our agenda to ordinance number two. An ordinance to vacate and abandon existing site triangle easements along Summers Point Maze Landing Brew County Route 559 at Avia New Jersey Maze Landing Limited
Liability Company identified as block 2020 lot 3 final reading. Move second. Moved and seconded. Um any commissioner comments? This is final reading. Any comments from the public here? Please call the role.
Martino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Karna, yes. Grizzley, yes. Ruff, D, yes. Ordinance number three, an ordinance to vacate and abandon an existing clear site triangle easement, covenants, and restrictions at the intersection of Summers Point Maze
Landing Road, County Route 559 and Betsy Skull Road at 197 Betsy Skull Road, Egor Township, New Jersey, identified as block 4901, lot 48. Final reading. Second. Move and second. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? All right, please call the
role. Martino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruff, D, yes. Resolution 355. Amending resolution number 97 adopted on February 18th, 2025. a grant from the state of New Jersey office of
alternative and community responses for the arrive together critical incident model program to include the grant number amount not to exceed $15,300. Move second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Scar the roll. Yes. Burns.
Yes. Gat Kern. Yes. Grizzly. Yes. Rafio. Yes. D. Yes. Resolution 356 amending resolution number 648 adopted on December 17, 2024. A grant from the state of New Jersey Department of Human Services for the 2025 social services for the homeless grant net increase
$61,700. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafu, yes. resolution.
Sorry. Oh, can everybody hear me? Yes. Commissioner Parker, welcome. All right, I'm here. Okay. All right. Listen, is John Is still on from um No. And Jack? Okay. No.
No. Okay. All right. We're on um moving on to resolution 357. Amending resolution number 480 adopt on September 17, 2024. A grant from the state of New Jersey, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the Medication Assisted Treatment Grant. Net
increase $26,759. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the RO. Bertino, yes. Burns, Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker,
yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruffio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 358, renewal competitive contract with Christopher J. Lucassi, DO, to serve as medical director for the departments of human services and public safety. Amount not to exceed $30,000. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any
commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? And please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruffio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 359, change order number two, a contract with
Atlantic Coast Alarm for fire and security, alarm monitoring, security, surveillance, access control, equipment installation, and maintenance for various county buildings. Net increase $525,000. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any questions
from the public? Please call the role. Portino, yes. Burns. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. Resolution 360, change order number one, a contract with South State Incorporated for the Galloway Township Library drainage improvements to extend
the term date only. No additional cost. Second. We have then seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly,
yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 361. Change order number three, a contract with El Ferazzi Concrete Company for the resurfacing of Brigintine Avenue sections 2B through 2C County Route 638 in the city of Brigantine to extend the term date only. No additional cost. So move second. Moved and seconded. Any
commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, GT, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzley, yes. Ruffio, yes. Disease, yes. Resolution 362, change order number two,
a contract with State South State Incorporated for the resurfacing of Brigantine Avenue, County Route 638, sections 2A and part of 2B from 29th Street South to 2nd Street South in the city of Brigantine to extend the term date net increase 215,3910.
So move second. We have seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? I just want to say I was over there again this weekend multiple times. It looks It looks great. So, you know, thank you. Uh, please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate,
yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. Days, yes. Resolution 363. Amending resolution number 340 adopted on July 2nd, 2024, an agreement with DB Grant Associates Incorporated for the work first New
Jersey to work activities program to extend the term day only. No additional cost. Move. Second. Move and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes.
Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 364. Amending resolution number 403 adopt on August 6, 2024, an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City for the Work First New Jersey to work activities program to extend the term date only, no additional cost. Moved.
Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? All right, please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 365.
Public donor agreement with the Atlantic County Women's Center doing business as Avenzar for shelter and counseling services amount not to exceed $75,85548. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Anyone from the
public? All right, please call the role. Martino, yes. Burns, Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzley, yes. Rafio, yes. Days, yes. Resolution 366, amending resolution number 185, adopted on April 16th, 2024, an interlocal agreement with
the Atlantic County Improvement Authority to provide construction management services for the Stillwater Parking lot renovations phase 3 project. Net increase $553,95.33. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from
the public? Please call the role. Ratino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kerna, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruffw, yes. D, yes. Resolution 367, amending resolution number 82, adopted
on February 4th, 2025, an intergovernmental agreement with Atlantic County Division of Probation for the Enhanced Outcomebased Supervision Support Program. Net increase $2,625. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from
the public? Please call the role. Martino, yes. Burns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 368, amending resolution number 83, adopt on February 4th, 2025, an agreement with
the youth advocate program for the community engagement committee. net increase $2,625. Move. Second. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes.
Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 369, amending resolution number 85, adopt on February 4th, 2025, an agreement with Maldonado Britt and Associates LLP to unallocate funding for
the provision of psychological evaluation and treatment for adolescent sex offenders. Amount not to exceed $15,750. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Anyone from the public, please call the role. Bertino,
yes. Karns, yes. Gate, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly. Yes. Rockview. Yes. D. Yes. Resolution 370. Agreements with various providers for hospice and palative services to residents at Meadow View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
No cost. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? I please call the role. Bertino. Yes. Burns. Yes. Gat. Yes. Kern. Yes. Parker. Yes. Grizzley. Yes. Rio. D. Yes. Resolution 371.
Resolution authorizing the establishment of stops and corresponding signage provided by NJ Transit for the access shuttle. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, gate,
yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 372. Interlocal services agreement with the board of education of the Buuno Regional School District for the provision of library services at the Buuna Regional High School. Amount not to exceed
$10,500. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes.
Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 373. agreement with CRC Dynx for the use of BlueCal cloud mobile application services amount not to exceed $65757.98 move second moved and seconded any
commissioner comments anyone from the public let's call the role yes Burns yes yes Kern yes Parker yes Grizzley yes yes yes resolution 374 agreement with the the 5045 foundation incorporated for the
future over everything program amount not to exceed $5,250. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Martino, yes. Burns, yes. Gatau, yes. Kerna, yes.
Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruff, yes. Resolution 375. Agreement with Pin the City Wrestling Incorporated for a youth wrestling program. amount not to exceed $5,250. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments?
Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzley, yes. Rafio, yes. D, yes. Resolution 376, alternate method contract authorizing the Atlantic County
prosecutor to purchase an undercover vehicle for confidential and undercover investigations from Shore Toyota. Amount not to exceed $45,000. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? May please
call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Ruff, yes. Resolution 377, alternate method contract with Atlantic Care Health Systems Incorporated for the provision of alternative responses to
reduce instances of violence and escalation together critical incident model amount not to exceed $15,300. Move. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Rino, yes. Burns, yes.
Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. states. Yes. Resolution 378 amending resolution number 405 adopt on August 6, 2024 an agreement with McFaten Catering Incorporated to expand the beverage cart
services at the Green Tree Cough course. Moved. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Anyone from the public? Please call the role. Rino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker,
yes. Grizzley, yes. Yes. Rafio. Yes. D. Yes. Resolution 379. Amending resolution number 309 adopt on June 3rd, 2025, a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the Workforce New Jersey
Funding. Net increase $711,355. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bertino, yes. Burns, yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly. Yes.
Ruff. Yes. Base. Yes. Resolution 380. Big contract with Arowak Paving Company Incorporated for roadway improvements at Deer Street County Route 561 section 5. Amount not to exceed 1,596,800. Second. Move and seconded. Any commissioner comments?
Any comments from the public? Please call the role. Bratino? Yes. Burn. Yes. Yes. Karna, yes. Yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly, yes. Rafio, yes. Base, yes. Resolution 381, insert into the 2024
budget in the amount of $6,825,166 for the state of New Jersey Department of Transportation under the caption of fiscal year 2024 annual transportation plan, county aid. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from
the public? Please call the role. Ratino, yes. Burns, yes. Yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzley, yes. Rafio, yes. Days, yes. At this time, we'll entertain a motion to combine and adopt resolutions 382
through 384. Appointments. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments? Any comments from the public? Any appointments appointees online? Please call the role. Yes. Burns. Yes. Gat, yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Grizzly,
yes. Rafio. Yes. Base. Yes. I'll now entertain a motion to combine and adopt resolutions 385 through 387. Roadway solicitations. Second. Moved and seconded. Any commissioner comments. One for the public. Please call the
role. Martino. Yes. Burns. Gat. Yes. Kern. Yes. Parker. Yes. Grizzly. Yes. Rafio. Yes. D. Yes. We have all received uh copies of written communications and petitions. Um, are there any commissioner comments at this time?
I do want to make one comment. I was going to, um, Mr. Chair, I was going to bring up and have John kind of speak to it. If you look at part of what uh, Injack put out about the governor's budget uh, that just came out, there was a section of it that spoke towards
resolution I think 356 it was about the homeless and I was going to have him chime in. And there was a little bit of disappointment from Injax's um perspective uh that the legislature did not include the funding that was requested from INJ for emergency
shelters and transitional housing. Thank you, Commissioner Parker. Any other commissioner comments regarding written communications? All right. Any reports of special committees of the board? Mr. Chair,
Commissioner, Commissioner Parker. I'm sorry, Commissioner Parker. Okay. Um, I didn't get a chance to really opportunity to speak on this uh last at the last meeting um because I was virtual in West Virginia and now I'm
over in Portland uh Oregon. I don't know which one is better as far as the signal is concerned, but I wanted to thank uh the education and schools committee. I know we've been pretty busy lately. Uh Commissioner Daz and Commissioner Kern. I also wanted to thank the NJA and the
ACCEA, our teachers union, our state teachers union, and our county teachers unions for leadership for helping us um and with with the resolution for ACCCC and community colleges. And I also wanted to thank Assemblywoman Claire
Swift's office working with us. Um in terms of the governor's budget, just a another quick update. Uh the budget passed both houses of the legislature um for fiscal year 26
and um with that it restored the legislature restored 20 $20 million in operating expenses for community county colleges uh and maintain the governor's cut of
county 911 uh to 5 million. So, that's some of the things that that came out in also with the um with inject in the report. So, I just I'm kind of mixing a little bit at the end there with the 911, but I was hoping not to interrupt the meeting anymore. Uh Mr. Chair, if I
could help it, but I just want to thank everybody that there is some funding that came out in the governor's budget for county college for county schools. And so we're looking uh to continue uh to work to advocate for uh the county
colleges. Also, Amy, while I'm still talking, uh if we can have Tara, if you can give a quick update, it may come better from you than from me on where the process is in terms of us. We did have to uh with with Mullica schools funding and some of those districts
fundings from the state of New Jersey and the school funding formula. Uh we have been working on that as well and we're at a process now where we did have to open some information and that's where it is. So if uh Tara if you want to update the commissioner board on where we stand with that really quickly
I'd appreciate it on behalf of the board of commissioners. Oprah was submitted. We haven't received response back yet on that Oprah request but I can follow up this week on that and report back. Thank you sir very much. So we couldn't get the information that we were looking for Commissioner Ghetto just as a heads
up. So as we continued to ask it was recommended that our board open the information on who what districts actually applied for the the the um right the incentive to go above the 2%
cap this 2% cap. And so we weren't able to get that information and it was uh recommended to us that this board operation. So, we did that. So, that's what we're waiting on. We're waiting for the information to come back on what districts through throughout Atlantic County actually um have applied to the
state of New Jersey to go above that 2% local um tax cap. So, as soon as we get that information back, we can continue on with some sort of resolution that makes sense. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Parker. Uh thank you, Mr. Warren, for the update as
well. Commissioner Gat, do you want to Yeah. So, we had a meeting of the Atlantic County um workforce development board last Tuesday. Uh and it was at the uh FAA technical center. Um was a really really great meeting. Uh we had a really
nice presentation from um the head of the technical center. Uh and one of our uh our members um Colonel Schlifer is on our workforce development board. So, um he also did a great job kind of ushering everybody around. um but really uh did a
great job of highlighting all of the work that we as a county are doing to diversify our economy into the aviation research realm. Uh and talked about, you know, the partnership there uh and and certainly highlighted the second
building of the NA RTP. um having just gotten the uh the beam and is moving along and um really uh highlighted and just for the public's benefit it was you know we all know the tech center but
like I didn't know some of this intimate information but we're we're kind of one of the only centers like it in the world um uh in terms of the research that the type of research that they do and um
testing that they do and uh it's it's really very fascinating. And one of the things um that they're working on as part of some of the programs going on with the various partnerships in the area is uh utilizing drone technology
coupled with robotic lawnmowers uh because uh lawn maintenance um around the airport is a pretty critical item. Um, and they're and it's their most
expensive overhead cost, which I thought was was pretty interesting. So, they're working on ways to reduce that cost by using robotics and drones, but also couple that with monitoring the perimeter for security and things like that. And I just thought it was really
innovative and fascinating. Um, and so we just talked about all of the programs um that that we're doing. And I think we all just need to continue to bang that drum on the aviation programs that we have going on here because people,
believe it or not, just really still are not aware. And so we have the research partnerships going on. We have the NARTP. Um we also have the aviation maintenance component um that we're building out at the airport. We have, you know, the air
cargo component that we're working on. There's just so many pieces to that strategy. So, I just would encourage everybody to continue, you know, to to uh be the cheerleader for for that initiative. And um our workforce development board members now um have
have a good amount of information and kind of got to see it firsthand um in ter while being at the tech center um and and the programs we're developing to develop a workforce to support that new industry. So, uh it was a really great
meeting. Um the other thing I just a couple things that came out of it. Um there are some openings on the board. So if anybody is aware or if anybody listening is interested in serving on the workforce development board um you know please please apply and reach out.
There's a couple strategic partnerships that they're they're working on. Um so just want to put that out there. We had a followup to some programs that are available um that are underutilized. We we're going to have a uh committee meeting on that economic development
committee meeting. Uh I think did we get it scheduled yet? Did we get that? Okay. Um so want to get the information to the subcommittee and then we'll present it back here. But again um looking for all of us to kind of be the voice on some of these programs out in the municipalities
uh so that we can uh make sure they have the information and we're utilizing all of it. And then um wanted to highlight uh one of the gentlemen who's on the board. If you can go to your Instagram and give a follow to coastal.cousins.gardens um Greg is the program owner there and
he's working on um some community gardens in Atlantic City uh which are pretty cool program and also looking into kind of some urban farming initiatives which I thought was pretty interesting as well. So um just a a
plethora of again good information shared. Um the other piece was um some of our programming in terms of what we have available for job training uh for skills development, resume development,
all of those things um particularly available at the onetop. Um there was a little I think dip in second quarter of utilization uh or whatever the last quarter we looked at and I noticed on the chart that the um the number of people coming from faith-based
organizations was very low. So I took that away to go to my church and see if we can you know have an information session or a ministry. And again, just another uh thing to think about out there as a way to reach out to our community members and particularly those
who might, you know, need those services the most. Um, keep that in mind uh, you know, as you're out in the community as well. So, that's it from the workforce development board. Awesome. That's great. Thank you, Commissioner Gat. So, a lot of definitely important, worthwhile
information. Yeah. Any other special committees of the board? All right. Is there any unfinished business? Hearing none. Any new business? Right. Guess we'll open up to public comment. Again, anyone attending in
person that would like to speak now with public comment, please come to the podium, speak into the microphone, state your name, the town you reside. If you are attending virtually and would like to make a public comment, raise your hand. I will call upon your name and a request to unmute will be sent. Please state your name of the town you reside. You'll be pro provided up to three
minutes to speak. Anyone from the public for virtual in person? May I? Yeah, I could please just state your name and the town you reside, please. Yes, my name is Sophia Kent Howton and I reside in Hamilton
Township. I have three minutes, right? Yes. Okay. Commissioners, administration, and members of the public, good afternoon. My name is Sophia Ken Howton, and I have served Atlantic County for over two
decades. I am currently employed in the Division of Public Health where I've dedicated more than half of my life to this community, not just entitled, but through action, sacrifice, and deeply rooted care for the people we serve. Throughout my career, I have often been
the only minority, the only African-American in my division. Despite that, I've maintained my professionalism, contributed meaningfully, and earned the respect of those around me. I never asked for special treatment. I simply worked hard,
and stayed committed to the mission from the ground up. I helped build a vital unit that stands today, state programs that remain strong, and helped develop our emergency preparedness program after 911. Work that became a model across
states. I've taken on responsibilities far beyond my title as principal data control clerk, often functioning at management level. I never demanded recognition. It was just given. I did not complain because I loved my job and my co-workers.
also serve as a proud Teamster shop steward for 15 years, advocating for fairness, protecting employees, and working with management to support operations. But all that changed under the new leadership of the Department of Human Services. I have
been met with hostility, discrimination, retaliation, and the weaponization of policy. targeted, excluded, isolated, denied access to critical job information, and made to feel like the very environment I once helped build is now designed to break me and force me
out. The same person once relied upon and respected is now being surveillance, silenced, and sabotaged. I followed protocol, voiced my concerns,
filed complaints, cooperated fully. What I received in return was indifference, escalation, and deeper harm to my mental health, my dignity, and my career. The anxiety and weight that I carry on my shoulders does not end when I clock out.
This is bigger than me. This reflects a culture within Atlantic County government that tolerates silence over accountability, favoritism over fairness, and retaliation over resolution. Tonight, I'm going public to put this administration and this board on notice that you were elected to
uphold justice, not just in the community, but in your departments, your hiring, and how people are treated. Broken and silence. I will not. For every county employee who wanted to speak yet silence by unbroken threats of
retaliation, exclusion, and career damage, I carry your truth forward today. I have served Atlantic County with unwavering dedication. I deserve the same back. I will not be broken. I will continue to speak out because no one should have to suffer in silence.
Thank you for listening. Okay, Miss Hamilton. Thank you. All right. Um, is there any other public comment at this time? Make a make a comment of thanks Harton. Um, and it's so unfortunate that after 20 years of service, she felt that she had to come to a meeting and express
those feelings. But, um, again, this this board is usually unaware of personnel matters. It's not how it form of government works. Um, but I'm sure Jerry, I just I just want to make the same comment. I had no idea. Okay. I had no idea. I I see I see Miss Harton any
number of times. Well, I mean, she she's left the room, so I don't want to continue to discuss. What is the next step going to be? I will speak with uh our human resource director, find out exactly if she's been familiar with the with that situation, and then I'll I'll
I'll follow up with the Miss Howard. Okay. Um Okay. We're we're in public comment now. Ma'am, would you would you like to make a comment? No. Okay. Okay. Okay. No, no, you're fine. Just want to give you the opportunity. That's why you
why you came here. Um, is there any other public comment at this time? Anybody online? All right. Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to close public comment. Move. Second. We have been seconded. All in favor? I. Are there any comments for the good of the order? Uh,
Mr. Chair. Commissioner Gat. Just two good of the order really quick. Um, number one, I want to congratulate and I know Commissioner Burns was there uh the evening as well. Um, the Tower Miller Melanoma Foundation held their I think it was the is it the 10th or the 12th year? You remember? I think it was 12th
12th year. Um, held their uh their annual fundraiser. Always a fantastic event. Always an emotional event. um but carries forward the beautiful legacy of a young woman who fought uh till the bitter end to make sure that research um
around uh melanoma cancer and and all things related to it uh continued uh after her death. They hit a major milestone of having raised oh they hit they raised a million dollars that night and they hit a milestone of having
raised $10 million over the last 12 years. All of which goes directly to research. All the costs for the night are covered uh differently. So everything that's raised that night goes directly to research. And uh it's pretty incredible the things that they've
talked about that um are it being innovated um as a result of that work and it's all stemming out of you know people right from this county. Um so it's it's pretty fantastic and if you've never had a chance to go I highly recommend uh going. It's it's like I
said, always a really inspiring event. They do. Um it's great that you mentioned it, too. They used to do it at, you know, a hotel I worked for 10 years. Yeah. And um I I just want to say the hotel industry and a lot of other organizations throughout the county
contribute to making that event happen. Yeah. So, you know, we have a lot a lot of people within the community that have make that happen. So they don't even have to put, you know, the money out for and it goes towards, you know, Yeah. So, uh, just just wanted to highlight that that $10 million
milestone. And then if you're inspired to, uh, want to keep supporting charitable organizations. Next Wednesday is the, uh, annual UNICO scholarship uh, dinner, which is the Italian-American service organization uh, here in Atlantic County. It's at Atlantic City
Country Club. Sponsorships are still available. see me if you need one. Um, but we are very excited that we will have a special uh speaker this year, Mr. Vince Mayon. I think many of you know Vince. He is now the chairman of the
Italian Heritage Coalition or I'm sorry, commission for the state of New Jersey. So, we're very excited to have him um speaking at Wednesday night's events and we'll honor our uh scholarship awardees from around the county. So, thank you. Right. Any other comments for the good
of the order? I just want to see Friday is the 4th of July. Galloway Township once again have their Fourth of July parade starting at 9:00 a.m. from the JD's parking lot. So, if you're planning to stop by, feel free to walk with me or
throw candy at me or I'll throw um but but again, it is the uh the Fourth of July weekend. So, please uh you know, be safe. Um and uh you know, let's celebrate the red, white, and blue. All right. This time I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. Second. Moved and seconded. All those in
favor? I. All right. Those meetings adjourned. [Music]
[Music]