Heat. Heat. It is now 4:00 or 1,600 hours. I now call the meeting of the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners to order. In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting of the Atlantic
County Board of Commissioners was provided in the following manner. published in the press of Atlantic City, mailed to the Hamilton Gazette, and has been posted on the Bolton boards in the county office building in Atlantic City, the Stillwater Building in Northfield,
and the county clerk's office in Ma's Landing. At this time, we'll have our opening prayer. >> Dear Lord, we thank you for this great day so we may continue to serve you and Atlanta County. I ask you to help guide this board with your knowledge and
wisdom so that we may make the best decision for those in our community. Amen. >> Amen. Please join me in saluting the flag of our country. >> I aliance 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. Madam clerk, would you please call the role? >> Chairman, Commissioner Ruff will be a few minutes late. >> Okay. >> Martino >> here. >> Burns >> here. R Days
>> here. >> C days. >> Yes. >> Karn >> here. Parker >> present. >> Shanker >> here. >> Grizzly >> here. Okay. We've had the opportunity to review the minutes from April 21st
and I will entertain a motion to adopt these minutes as presented. >> Moved second. >> Been moved and seconded. Any discussion on the minutes? Any corrections, additions, deletions? If not, madame clerk, please call the role. >> Martino, >> abstain. >> Burns?
>> Yes. >> R Days? >> Yes. >> C days? >> Yes. >> Turn? Yes. >> Parker? >> Yes. >> Shanker? >> Yes. >> RZley? Yes, board commissioners will continue to utilize a consent agenda format for sections of the agenda that
the commissioners do not feel need additional discussion from the board and are not contested. This consent agenda format allows our meetings to run more efficiently and productively so that we can spend additional time during the meeting discussing other important issues that
are not as routine. If any commissioner wishes for additional discussion on any resolution or would like a resolution to be pulled from the consent format to be individually addressed, please advise and we will do so. For the public, prior
to the roll call on any resolution or group of resolutions, you will continue to have an opportunity to comment if you wish to do so. Anyone attending in person who would like to speak regarding an agenda item at a public comment,
please come to the podium, speak in the microphone, state your name in the town where you reside. You will be provided up to three minutes to speak. If you're attending virtually and would like to speak, please raise your hand during the agenda item or at public comment at the
end. I will call upon your name and a request to unmute will be sent. Please state your name and the town you reside and you will be provided for three minutes to speak as well. Okay. At this time, I'm going to entertain a
motion to move resolution 224 to the top of the agenda. >> Second. >> Thank you. Move and seconded. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Well, now I'm
going to have Madame Clerk read 224 >> resolution recognizing May 2026 as mental health awareness month. Sponsor Moren Kern. >> Thank you. And uh going to call to the podium Sally Mayan.
Floor is yours and thanks for being here. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. Uh so NAMI I'm with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and we are in Atlantic County. Uh we have in-person
meetings which are very important. Uh mainly uh moms and dads and adult children that are struggling with mental health issues. We meet at St. Joseph's Church in Summers Point, second Monday
of the month. And then we also have a an in-person meeting in uh Kate May uh at the library. And in a given week, we have five different support group meetings. Uh we accommodate around a
hundred people in person. So this is an opportunity for people to come and speak and be given support. uh they're able to talk about their challenges and it it creates a sense of community that is way
beyond what the uh the medical providers provide for in terms of medical issues with uh with mental health. So, um I'm also I work with uh the Atlantic County Mental Health
Advisory Board and that's our connection with Commissioner Kern who comes to all of our meetings the library >> and she's very a very strong contributor in the issues that the county is dealing with. And what we basically do is we're
an advisor. We're an adviser to the county leadership on all of the agencies that receive funding for providing mental health services to the residents of Atlantic County. >> So Sally, I I think the one big item you
might may have missed is uh NAMI is volunteer. >> It's all volunteer. We have no paid staff. We have >> everyone who has a leadership role is a volunteer. And it's a very challenging at least in my opinion. I I was
president for several years. So I I carried the weight of the administrative part of how how to run a NAMI. NAMI has 19 affiliates in New Jersey alone. And uh there's a state there's a state
organization that provides guidance. And then the big deal of course is nominee national which which is huge and very influential in the political arena for funding for mental health programs. >> I mean it's amazing the amount of uh
work that that you do and you know everybody with NAMI and the county uh do and it's volunteer and your heart and soul has been in it for many many years. So thank you for that. >> Oh you're welcome. Anyone have any questions I could address?
>> Any any comments by the board? >> Yeah. Um, thank you, chairman, and uh, members of the board. Uh, we're here today to recognize mental health awareness month. It's an important reminder that mental health affects all of us here in Atlantic County, our families, our workplaces, and our
neighborhoods. Mental health challenges are common, but they're treatable, and no one should feel alone or embarrassed about asking for help. Talking openly about mental health helps break down stigma and makes it easier for people to get the support that they
need. I want to recognize me members of the mental health advisory board here this evening. Uh they represent the professionals, organizations, and caregivers across our county who show up every day to support residents, often quietly
often in very difficult situations. Their work makes a real difference in our county. By recognizing mental health awareness month, we're saying that mental health matters, that help is available, and that Atlanta County is committed to being a caring, supportive
community. I encourage everyone to use this month to check in on one another and to keep these conversations going way beyond just May. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else like to speak? You assist me in presenting this?
>> Absolutely. >> We have to put Kathy to come up with Kathy is very shy. She has like >> Are you doing the whole board? >> Stand up. especially when you're tall. >> Move over a little more. >> Yeah, we did because we're kind of
>> off center. Thank you very much. >> Not much. >> See the top of my head. the chair. >> Don't push back those shoulders. >> Okay. >> All right.
>> All right. Madame Clerk, would you please call the role? >> Oh, we'll open the meeting to the public for this. >> We didn't. No, we don't have All right. Motion. >> Second. Any further discussion? Any public
comment hearing? None. Call the role. >> Ratino? >> Yes. >> Burns? Yes. >> R Days? >> Yes. >> C Days? >> Yes. >> Karna? >> Yes. >> Parker? >> Yes. >> Rafio? >> Yes. >> Shanker? >> Yes. >> Grizzly? >> Yes. >> Now we have another nice thing to do.
>> We're going to call upon our president of our land community college, Dr. Gaba. Please come forward. Good to see you. >> Good to see you. >> You have a message for us. >> Yes. Uh thank you so much for having me here this evening. And looking over my
notes, I see I was here last May. >> There you go. >> To present to you. And it's been a year and a lot has happened in that year. And most importantly, in April, we uh celebrated community college month uh which highlights the essential role our local community colleges in expanding
access to education, strengthening the workforce, and supporting economic growth. Our institutions open doors for students of all backgrounds, from recent graduates to working adults seeking new skills, by providing affordable and accessible pathways to success close to
home. By recognizing and supporting our community colleges, we are investing in the long-term prosperity and resilience of our entire community. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for your continued support of our institution and most importantly
of our students. I also want to take a few moments uh I hope that you take a few moments to regularly uh keep updated on the president's newsletter which is in your packet that we send out to you every month about what we're doing. I highlight some meaningful work that we are doing inside the college and some
inspiring stories of our students. I deeply appreciate our partnership uh with the county and the important role you play in supporting the work that we serve as we serve the region and our students. One of the things I want to talk about which is in your packet when we talk about the importance of
community colleges. Uh the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges recently completed a study of the economic impact that community colleges have on the state. As a part of that uh study, I had a separate study done on the economic impact of the community college here in
Atlant in Atlantic and Cape May counties. In total, Atlantic Cape, according to the study, generated an estimated three $315 million in added income to the regional economy in a single year. This is all in your packet, by the way, with the diagrams. This
includes the impact of our operating spending, student spending, and most significantly, the long-term contribution of our alumni workforce. In fact, our alumni alone generated 260 million in added income, underscoring
the lasting value of education and training that they receive at Atlantic Cape. Collectively, these activities supported over 4,000 jobs in the region, meaning approximately one out of every 59 jobs in Atlantic and Kate May County is connected in some way to the college.
Uh this impact is felt across key sectors including health care, government, retail, hospitality, and real estate. Beyond the immediate economic activity, the study also shows strong returns on investment for all
stakeholders. Students see significant lifetime earning gains. Taxpayers receive more in revenue and public and public savings than the cost of supporting the co by supporting the college and society benefits from a more skilled workforce.
These results uh reinforce what we see every day. Atlantic Cape is not only an educational institution but also an an essential economic engine in our community. And I've included in your packet all the different uh uh segments of the report. The report is very large.
It's about 200 pages, but we've included for you a summary and the basic facts about that. And we're very very pleased uh of the economic impact that Atlantic Cape has on the on the community. I want to thank you all uh on behalf of Atlantic Cape Community College and I
sincerely thank you for your approval of the FY27 Atlantic County appropriation of $6.9 million. We greatly appreciate your continued support and partnership in sustaining the mission. For FY27 budget approved by the board of trustees
in February, it total four 47,215 $615 representing 2.4% increase over last year. And because of the increase, it's mostly attributed to the rising health care costs and the rising operational costs. And we have increased our tuition
from to $17.50 50 cents per credit uh by by $17.50 per credit to $229 per credit. Our overall revenue structure remains stable and balanced. However, our students uh pay tuition and fees at approximately 60.5%.
The Atlantic C Atlantic County appropriate appropriation at is out approximately 16%. And the state appropriation is also 16%. This stability is essential as s um as significant changes in these uh sources
of funding directly impact us at the college. As you all know with healthc care rising at a phenomenal unprecedented unprecedented amount and I know we're all talking about the health insurance issue. This is a big deal as we move forward and as it affects our budget. Uh we also want to thank you not
only for your support of our operating but also support of our chapter 12. In addition to supporting our operating budget, thank you very much for the support of chapter 12 for fif fiscal year 27. Funds will be used for renovation and construction and
improvements of exterior and exterior and mechanical upgrades at our Worthington Atlantic City campus. This includes office renovations, redesigns, plant HVAC, and other upgrades totaling $2 million at our Atlantic City campus. Long
overdue. And as you know, Min City campus has been there for a long time, and we very much appreciate that. >> Additionally, interior, exterior, and mechanical building improvements, office redesign, and renovation, including HVAC, will happen at the Maze Landing
campus at two $2 million. So again, we appreciate all the support that you give us for the chapter 12 for our construction. I want to again express our sincere appreciation to the Atlanta County Commissioners for your partnership and support during the welcome home baseball field launching
that we had. Uh, Commissioner Chairman John Risley and Commissioner Andrew Parker III joined us for the opening and also we wanted to thank our county executive Dennis Levenson for the support uh of making the project happen with the baseball field because as you know I believe when I was here last
year, last May we talked about the baseball field and it finally happened. Uh this was a $1.8 million investment made possible through the state of New Jersey and Atlantic County Chapter 12 funds. Uh this would not have happened without your leadership and without your
commitment to the college. On behalf of the college, I want to emphasize that we have not done this alone and we could not have done it without you. We are very very grateful. And for those of you who were there for the launching of the baseball field, uh you saw the parents, you saw the students, and we even had some of our baseball players from the
class of 1969 when we first started the college. The project meant more than just a facility upgrade. For years, Atlantic Cape was the only community college in New Jersey with a baseball field, but no onampus field, which created real challenges in recruiting
and retaining students. With the completion of this field, that has changed. We now have a true home where our student athletes can train, where they can compete, and where they can grow. We did not simply complete a project. We created a home field for our
Buccaneer baseball players and a lasting investment in their success. Again, thank you very, very much. Some other updates at the college I want to share with you is that Atlantic Cape is committed to supporting the needs of our local residents in our community and the Atlantic Atlantic Cape Community College has been a very important role has
served a very important role with the inlet community development corporation 501c C3 that was established in 2023. Uh the inlet of redevelopment is really focused on uh identifying critical needs and helping to improve in that
neighborhood for the residents and for the businesses. The Atlantic Cape Inlet Community Development Corporation was recently awarded the neighborhood revitalization tax credit program grant from the state of New Jersey totaling $800,000. The funds will be used to continue our
revitalization mission in the inlet community of Atlantic City. Since its inception 2021, the inlft has received $3.4 million in funds for the revitalization effort. Additionally, I want to point out in the inlet neighborhood. Additionally, a recent
technical revision to the FEMA flood maps secured through the inlet CDC in partnership with federal and state agencies has updated the flood risk designations in areas protected by uh the abscan inlet seaw wall. As a result,
portions of the neighborhood have been removed from the high-risk flood zones, which is expected to lower insurance rates, reduce construction barriers, and make a new development more financially feasible. This change with the flood
maps is already helping to support new investment and housing opportunities in the area, including projects such as the terraces at Abssean Inlet, new town houses along Pacific Pacific Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and Caspian Point near Gardeners Basin. More broadly, it
demonstrates how strategic partnership and community- based uh work connected to Atlantic Cape are contributing to long-term revitalization, supporting home ownership and strengthening economic development in the inlet
neighborhood and across Atlantic City. Another uh thing I want to update you on is that we had a visit we had a visit from Senator Andy Kim. He came to our Atlant Atlantic City campus on March 31st and we were very very privileged to have him and during that time he talked
about his role in helping to support the college and a meaningful part of his visit was a roundt with over 30 students where they shared their concerns about transportation, rising cost of living, immigration, food insecurity, health care and so on. and Senator Kim was very
gracious in taking the time to listen and encourage the students to stay in touch with him. I should also mention that in addition to our operating uh funds for the college, we do a lot of work with getting grants to support our projects and Atlantic Cape received a generous half a million dollar grant
from the National Science Foundation last June for our industry-le artificial intelligence and machine learning pathways for computer project computer programs project. As a result of this funding and the work of our dedicated faculty, Atlantic Cape's new AI and
machine learning option part of our computer programming course will launch this fall. And the program will teach students how to design, evaluate, and responsibly use AI and machine learning solutions. I'm very very excited for this opportunity for our students to
gain a real world working knowledge about the use of AI. That's in the grants area. Also, workforce PEL program now extends uh the grant eligibility to students in qualifying short-term workforce training programs. And as you know, for many many
years, students who are in the short-term programs did not receive federal financial aid. And that's now changing. And this will impact many of our students. Uh we are we are working with the New Jersey Department of Labor and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to provide necessary
data to determine Atlantic Cape programs eligible and ultimately ensuring that our students can benefit from the new funding stream that will come from workforce PEL. Atlantic Cape has been awarded over $600,000 from the New Jersey Department of Labor for the free
apprenticeship and career education PACE grant. This program will provide training for certified clinical medical assistants and emergency medical technicians preparing them for registered apprenticeship programs in partnership with shore our regional med
medical center and other EMT partners. So this funding will help to create valuable pathways for our students driving economic growth and offering access to better paying jobs. some upcoming events that we have at the college very very important to us is I would like to let you know that we will
be going we will be undergoing undergoing our upcoming middle states accredititation visit our credit our college gets accredited every eight years it's a very important uh part of our process and our growth uh in order for us to continue continue operating uh
this is done every eight years our last accredititation visit came out spotless and we are moving forward to make sure that this one comes out spotless as and that we are reacredited. So far we have we're making progress with our self-study as a part of the rear affirmation process. We have about 65
faculty and staff across the college who are all working very very diligently on this project. And another important event that we have coming up is our commencement which will be held on May 21st and we're going to be having it at the Ocean Casino Resort this year for the first time. This way
we don't have to worry about rain every year that we have that outside. And the keynote address will be delivered by Jacqueline Suarez, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, uh, who has demonstrated her leadership in housing, homelessness, and
community development. And this has all been truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing Commissioners R. Shanker and Commissioner Andrew Parker who will be joining us for this special day. And those are the updates I have for you from last year.
Any questions? I just want to say that as you probably know I'll be retiring on June 30th and this has it's been a pleasure working with all of you over these nine years. I deeply value the partnership we have built and we respectively look forward to your continued support of the college uh at
this important time as we make a transition. I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support of Atlantic Cave Community College and the work we have done to serve the residents of this county. Even as we navigate current challenges, there's much to be optimistic about in
the year ahead and we remain firmly focused on our mission and on delivering highquality affordable education opportunities for our community. We will continue to keep you informed through our quarterly newsletter which you have the newsletter in your packet other materials which highlight our academic
progress student success and when we send out materials to you. We always like to give you a story of success about one of our students. As we look ahead we are excited about the future of our students and the important role the college will continue to play in strengthening our region. I appreciate
your time that you've given me today and I wish you all well. Thank you again. >> Thank you Dr. Gaba. >> Uh, at this time I'm going to ask the board to move resolution 225 to the top. >> Move.
>> Second. >> Any discussion on that? >> Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Madam clerk, would you please read 225? >> Atlanta County Board of County Commissioners resolution honoring Dr.
Barbara Gaba upon her retirement. Whereas Dr. Barbara Gabba, a native of New York City, earned a bachelor of arts in education and sociology from the State University of New York at Stonybrook, a master of education in educational psychology from Ruckers University, and a PhD in educational
psychology from Bayero University in Nigeria. And whereas Dr. Dr. Barbara Gabra has served with distinction as the ninth president of Atlantic Cape Community College since January 2017, making history as the first woman and first African-American to lead the
institution in its 50-year history. And whereas prior to her tenure at Atlanta Cape Community College, Dr. Barbara Gaba held key leadership roles, including provost and associate vice president for academic affairs at Union County College, dean of academic and student
support services at Camden County College, and associate director of the office of board affairs and government relations at the New Jersey department, excuse me, department of higher education. And whereas during her tenure, Dr. Barbara Gaba secured millions of dollars in grant funding,
advancing student s success initiatives, expanding access to higher education, and supporting critical campus infrastructure improvements. And whereas Dr. Barbara Gaba expanded academic programming, strengthened dual enrollment and early college
partnerships with regional school districts, and enhanced collaboration with local governments and workforce development organizations to align education with regional economic and workforce needs. And whereas Dr. Barbara Gaba has served on numerous local and
state boards and committees including the Atlantic City Executive Council, the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, and the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board, and is a member of the New Jersey President's Council and co-chair of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, State and Federal
Policy Committee. And whereas at the national level, Dr. Dr. Barbaba has contributed her leadership to the chair academy for leadership development, the higher education research and development institute advisory board and the executive board of the president's
academy summer institute of the American association of community colleges. And whereas Dr. Barbara Gabra has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership including the education leader award from the NAACP of mainland Pleasantville branch, the Paul A. the
Ellner International Excellence in Leadership Award, the Rising President Award from New Jersey ACE Women's Network, and the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Chair Academy for Leadership and Development, and has been recognized among the AfricanAmerican women leaders in New Jersey by the South
Jersey Journal. And whereas Dr. Barbara Gaba's leadership has left a lasting institutional and regional legacy, strengthening pathways to higher education, workforce readiness, and economic mobility for the residents of Atlanta County and beyond. And whereas
it is with great deep gratitude that we recognize Dr. Barbara Gaba as she concludes an extraordinary 40-year career in higher education culminating in her retirement on June 30th, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved on this
5th day of May, 2026, that the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners does hereby honor, commend, and extend its sincere appreciation to Dr. Barbara Gaba for her exemplary service to Atlantic County and the region, and does further wish her continued success,
fulfillment, and good health in her well-earned retirement. >> Thank you. Chair will entertain a motion. Moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any of the board members like to comment at this time? >> Mr. Chair,
just briefly, Dr. Gaba's leadership has strengthened Atlantic Cape in every way from student success to workforce development to fiscal stewardship. She leaves behind a lasting legacy and we are grateful for her service to this
county. We wish her very best in her retirement. And Dr. God. But while I still have the microphone, they try to snatch it from me because I talk too much sometimes. I'll continue and say I want to thank you for meeting with me a few weeks ago
and we some of the numbers that you guys heard on this board, Dr. Gabin and I went over and I shared with her uh a rough draft of a memo which is now inside of our committee um circulating within our committee. I was hoping it
would come out before we named our new president, but that didn't happen. So hopefully soon it'll come out of committee. Um and we'll share that with uh the leadership over at the county. But it was just in looking at the numbers and looking at what you heard
Dr. Gava speaking about some of the regionalization. You heard the word regional happening quite often and and what she spoke about. And so we are developing a regional plan for uh education here in in Atlantic County which is in line with our economic
development plan. and that was all in your report. And so just bringing that all together is is uh is important for us to because as you said, we have some challenges that we are facing moving forward and we're going to have to sit down and strategically talk about these
things and have more conversations about them before we get to budget season and before we get to making decisions. So I'm looking forward to that happening and you stand on board and helping that. So, so I also brought my first round draft pick hat that we received at the baseball.
>> Yes, we did >> at the baseball game that day. Uh, as a I guess I'm I'm an honorary uh member of ACCCC now. So, I have my I have my baseball hat. I just wanted to thank you for all that you've done and all that
you continue to do. And this board is um uh hopefully we will continue to stay supporters and proud of our community college and doing whatever we can do to help the community college to grow and to support this county. Anyone else like to speak?
>> I will make a few remarks. Our community college is something to be proud of. Many of us attended there. I attended there. My two boys both attended there. And um it's um one of
those um hidden gems that we have in Atlantic County quite frankly. And parents can save a heck of a lot of money by sending their kids to community college. They get a great education for those two years. And I know that um Dr.
Gaba puts long hours in. I have spies out there and uh I've heard about your work ethic and how many hours you put in in a day at the college and it shows and um we're very proud of uh the community
college and support it and uh looking forward to you know bigger and better things as as time moves on and I only wish that more parents would consider sending their kids to the community college and banking that money and and
saving it for other things in life rather than going into huge amounts of debt which is just a uh a yoke on the the the kid when he does finally graduate from from college. So with that
um Dr. Cabo we thank you for all the work that you put in there. uh you've always been approachable, which I have always appreciated that and uh reasonable to work with. Um and we have a little presentation to make so if
you'll assist me. >> Absolutely. I wear my hat. >> Sure, why not? I wish I brought my hat. >> You're the right colors. Yes. >> Watch your toes. Thank you.
>> I may make graduation. I think she said cleaning. J2, >> Mr. Solicitor, did I did we move and second? >> That's my All right.
Okay. Any further discussion on 225? Not I'll open the meeting to the public and whomever would like to speak on 225. Okay. Seeing a readiness to vote. Madam clerk, would you please call the role? >> Ratino? >> Yes. >> Burns? >> Yes. >> R Days?
>> Yes. >> C days? Yes. >> Karna? >> Yes. >> Parker? >> Yes. >> Ruffio? Yes. >> Shanker? >> Yes. >> Grizzly? >> Yes. Okay. Moving on with bond ordinance number one, please. bond ordinance providing for various 2026 capital improvements
and the acquisition of various capital equipment buy and in the county of Atlantic State of New Jersey appropriating $24,515,500 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $23,289,000 bonds or notes to finance part of the
cost thereof. Final reading move >> second. >> Move and seconded. Any discussion? This is a laundry list of items that uh need to be done to run a county of this size.
Um any public comment? Yes, Creed, you got the floor. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh Creed Poke from Estelle Manor. Um, today I'm not wearing my citizen hat, but instead uh as chair of the Atlanta County Board of Elections, we want to appreciate the
inclusion of uh the work at 5914 Main Street, uh, which hopefully sooner than later will be our new offices. Um, want to express appreciation to county administration. Um, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Jerry Del Roso and all of
that. Um it was certainly a uh involved process uh looking at many different spots uh to finally go across the street and so we're hoping that winds up coming together shortly. Uh but again uh thank you for the inclusion, thank administration for their work. Um I know
that's on behalf of the entire board and so thank you again. >> Thank you. Anyone else like to speak? Hearing none of please call the role. Ratino, >> yes. Burns, yes. R Days, yes. C Days,
yes. Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Ruffio, yes. >> Shanker, yes. >> Grizzly, >> yes. Please read bond ordinance number two. on ordinance providing for various capital improvements for fiscal year 2026 by and for the Atlantic Cape Community College appropriating
5,830,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $5,830,000 bonds or notes of the county of Atlantic State of New Jersey for financing such appropriation the principle 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 final reading. Second. >> Thank you. As you can see, we support our college and we support the infrastructure there. That's so important to keep to keep up.
Anyone else like to comment on ordinance number bond ordinance number two? Any public comment on bond ordinance number two? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Martino, yes. >> Burns, yes. Race, yes. >> C days, yes.
>> Kern, yes. >> Parker, yes. Rafio, >> yes. >> Shanker, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Please read. Capital ordinance number one, please. >> Capital ordinance providing for various capital improvements, equipment, and furnishings in and for the county of Atlantic State of New Jersey and
appropriating $4,370,400 from the capital improvement fund and/or the capital surplus fund to pay for the cost thereof. Final reading. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion. Any public comment on capital ordinance
number one? Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, Creed Poe, Gastel Manor. Um, again, on behalf of the board, I want to express appreciation for the inclusion of the mail sorter. Uh, that will hopefully help us be more efficient, uh, and
quicker. Um, and obviously having a new space without equipment, uh, wouldn't take us very far. So again uh and again appreciation uh for county administration for their uh patience and forbearance in working with us. Um and
so we're moving forward on that. So again I want to say thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else hearing? None. Please call the role. >> Yes. >> Burns. Yes. >> Rays. Yes. >> C days. Yes. >> Kern. Yes.
>> Parker. Yes. Ruffio. Yes. >> Shanker. Yes. Yes. Grizzly. >> Yes. Will entertain a motion to combine adopt 211 through 213. These are three grants.
Second. Any discussion on the grants? Yes. This will probably be the last time. I'm not promising that, but I think so. Uh but in all seriousness, um this is um where election administration between the superintendent and the board um and
the clerk's office work to get reimbursements from the state for operations. Uh democracy is not free. Um but we're happy for the state um offering to do its part. We're able to get a chunk of the money returned back. So appreciated the money being spent,
but we're also trying to bring money back uh to the taxpayers. Thank you. Any other discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. >> Rino, >> yes. >> Burns, yes.
>> R Days, >> yes. >> C days, yes. >> Kern, yes. >> Parker, yes. >> Ruffio, yes. Shanker, >> yes. >> Grizzly, >> yes. Uh, please read 214. >> Amending resolution number 468, adopted on September 5th, 2023. a professional
services agreement with Greenman Peterson Incorporated for the inspection and resurfacing project of Weimoth Road section 8B through9 in the township of Hamilton to extend the term day only. No additional cost. >> Move. >> Second. >> Thank you. Move and second. Any
discussion? 214. Any public comment on 214? >> Hearing none, please call the role. >> Martino, yes. >> Burns, yes. R Days, >> yes. >> C Days, yes. >> Kern, yes. Yes. Parker, >> yes. Ruffio, >> yes. >> Shanker, yes.
>> Grizzly, >> yes. >> Okay, I will entertain a motion to uh combine adopt 215 through 216. >> Second move and second. Any discussion?
I'd just like to comment briefly on 215. What was uh impressive about that was the fact that we had five biders. And I like to see that. That warms my my heart when I see five biders on a project
because I know this county is getting a a fair shake. And they range on this project from 1.9 million to uh 2 million4 almost 2 million five. So u we did good on this one.
>> Yeah. And it's a problem area that they've had for quite some time now that's been flooding and have. So we're happy to be able to get this moving. Yeah, that's Ohio to uh Illinois's Avenue and that's city of Abseeker. So
long needed and we're finally doing it. Okay, any other discussion? Any public comment? Hearing none, please call the role. >> Martino, yes. >> Burns, yes. >> Rays, yes. >> Case, yes. >> Kern, yes. >> Parker, >> yes. >> Ruffio, yes. >> Shanker, yes. >> Grizzly,
>> yes. Please read 217. >> Change order number three, a contract with Arowak Paving Company Incorporated Incorporated for the 2023 state aid highway improvement project. Net decrease $17,352. >> Move. Second. >> Any discussion?
>> What a pleasure to see a decrease. >> Yes, it's always good. >> Always good. >> Moving in the right direction. >> Anybody from the public like to comment on 217? Hearing none, please call the role. >> Martino, yes. Burns, yes. R Days, yes. C
Days, yes. >> Kern, yes. Parker, yes. Ruffio, yes. Shanker, >> yes. >> Grizzly, >> yes. We'll entertain a motion to combine adopt 218 through 220. >> Second.
>> Discussion. Any public comment? Hearing? None. Please call the role. >> Martino, yes. >> Burns, yes. R Days, >> yes. >> C Days, yes. >> K, yes. Parker, yes. >> Ruff, yes. >> Shanker, >> yes. >> Grizzly, >> yes.
>> Roadway solicitations. We have a couple of those, but we'll entertain a motion to adopt 221 through 223. Combine and adopt. >> Oops. >> Second. >> Second. Any discussion on these roadway
solicitations? Any public comment? Hearing none, please call the role. >> Martino, yes. >> Burns, yes. >> R Days, >> yes. >> Case, yes. Kern, >> yes. >> Parker, yes. >> Ruffio, yes. >> Shanker, yes. >> Wrizley, >> yes. Okay,
that completes the business. Does anyone have any written communications or petitions they'd like to share with the board? Not any reports of any committees. Anyone like to give a committee report this time? >> Mr. Chair, >> yes.
>> You and I both attended the Atlantic County Historic Society's 250th celebration. >> Yes, we did. >> This past weekend >> and uh I just like to shout out two of our committees. uh the culture and heritage which I was leazison for six
years now as a young man to my left and also uh parks and environment that came together to put that on. Um it was very educational. You spoke very well. I'm always amazed with the history that you know about our country. But then I think
about how I always hear the story how the Grizzlies were like one of the first families. So that's his family history. So he cheats a little bit, but it is it is nice to have that someone that has that perspective to be able to speak about the history of our country, not
only just our country, but our local uh county. And so uh it was was nice. I want to thank everybody that showed up and everyone that uh helped to put that event on. >> Thank you. I just wish there was more folks in in attendance. that the
brochure they produced citing all the historical references in Atlantic County was beautifully done, absolutely perfect. And uh we should get them out and about communities. One thing about all the original families, I always say
they have two two things in common. They're all related and they're all broke because land was uh practically valueless in in those going back to the 16s hundreds even the 1700s that had it
had not much of a value and um the original families um some of them gave money to the Indians that were here and there was still Indians in this area even to the year 1800.
But, uh, different world then. Different world. But there's a lot of history here at Atlantic County. I always urge people to to seek it out. And if they don't know what happened at Chestnut Neck, they should uh research that because
that's a vital part of this county's participation in the American Revolution. So, with that, before I get into a lecture out there about that some >> Yeah. Yeah. There's many podcasts. I'm on YouTube and there's there's other podcast.
>> Fun fact, I learned which I did not know that the New Jersey Constitution granted voting rights to minorities as well as women. They were never excluded from the original Constitution. That's something that happened later on,
>> you know. So, that that's something I had no idea until, you know, this past weekend. So, that was nice to hear. lot of history. >> I'm wondering is it maybe it'd be possible if we took that map that they that they created and have that put on our website so that people can
>> that would be nice, >> right? So that people can if they're if they're looking for any of those sites, they can go to our website and you know >> give them a visual where they can go to see all these historical important sites
to the Revolutionary War. >> I'm just writing it down. There you go. >> Is it there? >> It's on the website. >> Great minds think alike. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else like to speak about any
committee report? Now we'll move into unfinished business. Anybody has any topics? Unfinished business, new business. >> If I may, Mr. One question for administration. I was at uh Hamilton Township Township Committee meeting and they were asking questions about the
bike path and it was just open-ended and on their end they were they had things pretty, you know, ironed out and they just kept saying on our end we're not sure where the county is. We're not sure where the county is. So, can we get an update on where the county is with the bike path?
>> Yeah, we can please >> I know SJTPO was working on that. that project as well. And I certainly would love to see it because I was there when we at the inauguration of the beginning
of the bike path. We used to call that area Searstown years ago for the locals. I'd like to see bike west completed because there are plans with other counties as well to hook hook in other
counties. is not just Atlantic. >> Anyone else have any new business? Not we'll move into public comment. Anyone who's here like to speak on any topic? Now, now's the opportunity. >> I guess I'll go first.
>> Okay. >> Good evening everyone. Good afternoon. Uh my name is Erica Rasman for those who don't know me. Um, however, I am now the principal officer, secretary, treasurer of team Local 331. I am a lifelong, even
though I'm young, I am a lifelong resident of Atlantic County, Egg Harbor Township. I have been a or was a current or previous employee of Atlantic County across the parking lot at the Shore View Building um twice. I like to say the
county fired me even though they didn't. But I think it's I think it's funny. Um especially in negotiations. However, I'm here for a certain reason today. And as I look around the room, some of my members that we represent and my two counterparts who are down the hallway as well that are here because we are in
contract negotiations with four different contracts with Atlanta County. However, the process for this goround has seemed to have prolonged itself. one. Um, two, it seems as though that we're not right now meeting in the
middle and I know that with most of our contracts, the county has just came back with their one their first counter proposal. our concern and our issue for the members and the members please speak up um once once I finish is that from
what was proposed and discussions it seems as though the county is giving the members and your employees less than what we got in the previous contract. They're not it doesn't seem like we have any wiggle room. And for those that do
not know um it took us a lot to get the last contract that we did. We didn't sign that contract until May or June and we're here again. The budget has already passed. So, the county knows where they're at with spending. It doesn't leave us any wiggle room to take care of the employees of Atlantic County who
carry the county for the various work that they do. And we represent everybody from the bottom all the way up in any different capacities in Atlanta County. However, I ask that the commissioners hold the county's feet to the fire because the members, our members from
Teamsters Local 331, as well as county residents as well as your constituents should get a well-paying deserve increase to their salary, something that they can live off of. A $900 check that some of these members come home with every two weeks is not a living wage.
It's not a living wage. We have members that live out their cars, members that have to live out of a hotel, motel, and we had the same conversation three years ago when Marcus King was the president. I'm asking on behalf of the members that you guys seriously consider a living wage. You guys wouldn't want to live off
of $900 every two weeks. How can that? >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else like to speak? Good afternoon. My name is Ronald Branch. Like branch on a tree. So last time I was up here, you
got it backwards. Somehow I was whatever it was, but it wasn't Ronald Branch. And I said that I didn't want the whole pie. I just wanted a slice. And I didn't want the crumbs. I mean, the crumbs is all the way at the back of the back of the pie. When you
get back there like that and cut it like that, then the crumbs fall down there. Seems like that's what we got the last time. And so the crumb man is back, but not looking for crumbs. I mean, they got seagulls that run around and pick up
little pieces of of of the the crumbs on the boardwalk or in a park or something like that. But that's not me. That's not us. I mean, if I came here not to make money, but I didn't come here to starve.
I refuse to do that. And I'm not trying to trying to hold your your feet to the fire. But why don't you be like uh You ever heard of water?
Anybody here ever heard of water? You heard of Briantine though, right? >> Briantine. That's correct. 300 sips ships, right? >> You're right. Brigantine. >> But before with Brigantine, what was it? >> Wonuka, right? Summer vacation. >> That's right.
>> Some of us want to get a vacation, too. We don't want to be stuck and can't go anywhere. So, help us out because we do have your back. As hard as we work, not overly hard. Nobody works overly overly hard, but as hard as we work in some of
the things that we do. So, thank you for allowing me to stand up here and try to articulate what should be happening. >> I ask what department you're in. >> Facilities. >> Facilities. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate
it. >> Should I wait for the clock? >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure. I should have just jumped in and get them extra 10 seconds. But >> good afternoon, folks. Good afternoon, council. Good afternoon, members. Uh, my name is Abby Ortiz. Full name is Abby
Milo Ortiz, and friends call me Abby. Um, I'm here on behalf of Teamsters Local through 331 and of course the members that we represent. Um, it just seems like we were here last year or yesterday um with our same plea um
with with increases. So, bear with me and if I make a mistake, I apologize. I am human, okay? and I don't like standing in front of people. I'm not a very good speaker in front of people. So, with that being said, um I respectfully respectfully urge you to
consider implementing u meaningful wages wage increases for our city employees. These individuals are the backbone of our community, keeping our streets safe, our public faces clean, and our essential services running smoothly every day. When there's
an emergency, the first people they call are your first responders, and that's the city employees, right? When they get out there and do what they need to do so that you can obtain or have the privilege to re reach your office. Erica Rasman, who is the principal officer, local team, had mentioned that we are in
contract negotiations with four of the city, if correct me if I'm wrong, four of the county um how would I say this, um facilities, board of elections, superintendent of elections, and also public works. and I'm missing one and I apologize.
Unfortunately, wages for the city employees have not kept pace with these changes as far as the increase in in our economy has not kept in pace. I know the last increase we got was a big jump, but we even with that big jump we received, we were still so far back that we're not nowhere near
where we need to be. I've seen many of you that are in the table in front of me right now that have gone to my local and have run your elections or have asked for help. I'm doing the same thing now. I'm knocking on your door and asking for help for our members. We have several
here and others couldn't make it, but the folks that are here are going to stand up and speak. I would ask that you open up your hearts and just listen to what they have to say because I think this is very important, especially during these times. Again, thank you for the opportunity to speak. Good afternoon everybody. Um I love I
work for the Atlantic County. I'm a heavy equipment operator. Been there eight years. Well, I'm currently nine. >> Would you give me your your name? And >> my name is Jason Pua >> for the record. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Um when I started there,
um like she was saying, I'm making $900 every two weeks. Luckily for I have skills that I'm a mechanic on the side. If I I'm 55 now, I can't keep on working two jobs making
$900 a week and try and do something on the side. But you guys or what we getting paid is not enough. And if you look at the prices of gas right now, it's ridiculous. Like how are we going to make it to work? We we not access for
much. And the the my main concern is like people that came in on the last contract, they gave them a nice bump. But people like us that been there more than seven, eight, nine, 10 years, they didn't give
us an increase. So they give people that comes in untrained, they don't know what they're doing. They don't consider us that we have the the skill, the knowledge, and we training people. And we not even getting paid for that. And we doing the efforts to help these new
guys that come in the door. They don't know what they're doing. And we not even getting paid for training. And they didn't even consider our skills. Especially like a gentleman like right there. He's been there 20 almost 30 years >> and they didn't even consider people
like us. We can't live with this $900 paycheck every two weeks anymore. And we keeping the public safe, keeping the the the roads clean. I started weiwhacking. From we whack. I went to traffic to do the lights heavy equipment operator. And
I didn't step back. I actually tried to help more and more. But they just shut our hands down like, well, you're doing it because you want to. We're not making you do it, but I was trying to get an increase, but this increase ain't helping us. We're struggling. We are
struggling. and and and it's obvious. I wonder you guys out there, you guys can live with $900 every two weeks. Can you answer that question to me? I wonder any of you gentlemen out there, can you live with $900 every two weeks? >> Can I get an answer?
>> How many of you guys make >> Okay, I'm sorry. I don't but it's getting to the point that yes, it's my decision. I'm still there with my quality. I could go somewhere else, but I need I need my health benefits. So, they gave a 2% raise to us for last
contract. And what happened six months later? The increase of health insurance 2%. So, where that raise went to the health insurance. So, they give me 2% of a raise. But who took the 2%? Not me. The
insurance company took it. I'm done. And uh I wish I could say more, but have a great night. Thank you for listening. >> That's right. >> Thank you. >> Hello. >> My name is Shondaanda Stevens.
I've been a resident of Atlantic County. I've been a resident of Atlantic County all my life. Um, I work for the sheriff's office and all of us came to support each other. Um, when I got the job at Atlanta County, I was a single
mom, divorced, trying to take care of my kids. And I was proud when I got the job at Atlanta County because it meant something different for me and my kids. It meant an opportunity for me and my kids. I did not have any idea that somebody
can go to Walmart or go to Waw Wa and make more money than me. Um, as much as I love my job working for the Atlanta County Sheriff's Office, I love my co-workers. Um, I just feel like we are the backbone of Atlanta County.
We work. We get up every single day and we come and we work our jobs to support our family. And we do what we can do. And we need the money to be able to keep a roof over our kids' head. We need the money so we can get food for our kids to
actually have a life for our kids. You know, when we say, "Oh, when we can be in Atlantic County and still qualify for assistance from the county," that is sad because we work for the Atlantic County and we should be able to support our
family because we work for the count, you know, Atlantic County. I have a coworker who's been here for 37 years, Dar. 37 years. And she's still not making enough money. And I just think that as people who get up every single
day to work for this county and keep the county moving forward, I think that we deserve we deserve to be looked at as worth giving the money so we can support our family. That is that is all we're here for. We're not here to disrespect
anybody. We're not here asking you guys to to to jump over, you know, leaps and bounds. We just want to be able to support our family and that is all. You know, I thank, you know, God that he blessed me with a job to come to
Atlantic County and I was proud of that. My mom worked for Atlantic County Public Works um for a long time. She's retired now. So, I took pride in that and to be here feeling like I'm begging you guys to help me take care of my kids and to
raise my family. I think that that is that's just not a place that I ever thought that I would be working for Atlantic County. And we are here. We are here because we are proud of our jobs, but we just want the money to be able to do what we need to do for our family.
And we want to be proud to work for Atlantic County. And when you give us our raise and you raise everything else, we don't even see that raise because it goes back to, you know, health insurance and and everything else that we have to pay for, um, dues for, you know, um, the
union. Like, we just want to be able to support our family. So, if you can take that into consideration for all the proud people that wake up every day to support our family, we would really appreciate it. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.
Anyone else like to speak? Going once. >> Hello. Um, my name is Carol Simon Murphy. >> Sorry. Is it possible to hand this paperwork to the >> Sure. >> That's okay. Um, I work for human
services. I've been here for six years and I just want to bring back the 2023 um memo that our county executive
um brought up. Um good evening. In 2023, we were told the county's hands are tied. the financial constraints, including pilot related issues, were limiting your ability to provide better
wages. That was the justification. But today, your own statements tell a very different story. You've now secured a major pilot settlement, tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue, money that
yourself said the county financially that it strengthens the county financially and benefits the taxpayers. So the question is simple. If the financial limitations were the reason
why if the financial um reason if if the reason was for the finances because the reality is the workforce carried the county through those tight years. We didn't get relief. We didn't
get competitive wages. We were told to wait. Now the county is no longer in the same position and the fairness should catch up with that reality. You can't say there wasn't money before and now celebrate that there is money and still
expect the people doing the work to be left behind. We are asking for consistency. We are asking for equity and we are asking that the improved financial position of the county finally be reflected in the wages
of its employees who are also taxpayers. The county won its pilot relief case after multiple hard fought hard-fought appeals. The county executive shared his victorious news. Our union comprised of
county employees appeals to the administration to honor a commitment to county employees. We are taxpayers and um I've been here almost six years and it's taken me almost six years to make $20 an hour which my position
requires three pages of skills and experience. It's not the type of job that somebody coming from Waw Wa or High School or Walmart can come in and do. We're just asking for competitive wages.
>> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to speak? If not, then I'll entertain a motion to close the public portion at this time. There a motion. >> There a second. >> Second.
>> A second to close the public portion this time. There's no one online. Alena, is there very good then? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries.
We're going to um go to the order. Does anyone have any things they'd like to say before we close? Not I entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Any discussion on the adjournment?
Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppos? Motion carries. We are ajourned. Thank you.