like to call this meeting to order. Madam clerk, >> adequate notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with chapter 231 public law 1975. >> Okay. Take a moment of silent medication. Ask our Lord to help us out. Make us
make the correct decisions tonight. May we stand for pledge of allegiance be led by deputy director Maran. I pledge algiance 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. >> Cler call. >> Commissioner Alino >> here. >> Commissioner Alrech here. >> Commissioner Romero >> here. >> Commissioner Lo
>> present. Commissioner Taylor >> present. >> Deputy Director Marsh. >> Director Sorrow >> here. Do I have a motion and second to accept and dispense the reading of the minutes from the last public meeting? So >> move second. >> All in favor? >> There is no correspondence.
>> Do I have a motion and second to open public comment on resolutions only? >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Anyone for the public wish to come up and speak before the board on all resolutions only? If you can come up,
state your name and uh location. Good evening. I'm Rich from Upper Deerfield in Fairfield Township. Glad we can have the meeting this evening. >> Chris, can you do me a favor? Could you bring that down so she can >> Sure.
>> The lights are working today. >> Her mic is off. >> There you go. All right. Thank you. >> Well, I can holler. >> Can you hear me now? >> Good evening. I'm Nancy Rididgeway from
Upper Deerfield and Fairfield Township. I thank you all for joining us this evening. Glad to have the whole board present. um on a resolution 2025
625. It's a resolution appointing a member to the construction board of appeals. Now, I am aware that this board has known the construction board of appeals needed members for several months. I
went to two different meetings and we didn't have a quorum. So, we couldn't have a meeting and people showed up to have a meeting in front of the board of construction piece. So, I'm glad that this evening that you're finally appointing somebody that maybe when we
have another meeting that we can have a resolution 2025 626. This is a resolution reappointing member and appointing a new member to the vocational board of education. This is a sore spot for me.
I've been complaining about it for years and we're appointing a member to the board from violent another one. This means that this vocational board that covers the whole county with four
sending school districts has four board members from Violin and two board members from Common Regional School District. There is no board members representing the city of Bridton schools or the city
of Milville schools. This is a disgrace. You're responsible for taking care of every student in this county that attends that school and they all should be represented. Now, if it's going to
take changing the bylaws to get some more board members on that school board, that's what you should do. I've talked to the superintendent and she's told me it is up to this board to do something about the members on that board of
education. Now, we don't get to vote on that board of education members. That's you appointing them. And Bridton hasn't been represented at all. And I've been going to those board
meetings before they started the new high school. And Richton City with Lawrence Township and Downtownship have not been represented on that board. And that is a disgrace. And now the one member from
Milville, you've knocked off but put someone from violent on that board and that is a disgrace. That's all I can say. Thank you. >> Anybody else from the the public wish to
address anything on resolutions, please? Seeing none. Motion second department. Any comments. >> Good evening. I'm Cheryl Holden. I'm the director of the Division of Social Services. I'm just here to share a little bit of information with you
tonight about the impact of the federal government shutdown that's going to happen to Cumberland County residents. Um, you know, we've all heard the the news with the shutdown of the federal government. Some of you also may have heard that the federal government has
informed states that the November allotments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, or most people know it as food stamps, will not occur. Um, they've actually told states not to send their files. They will not be putting the funds on the
electronic benefit cards so that this assistance will not be available. Typically, it is available anywhere from the 1st to the 5th of every month. Um, again, so we have been informed that this these funds will not be available due to the shutdown. Um, this is
somewhat unprecedented. We've had federal shutdowns before, but these funds have not been impacted. Um, but that is not the case as of as of today. As late as 5:00, I was on a telephone call with the uh Division of Family Development. So, I just wanted to share
some information on how this impacts the residents of our community. We have approximately 14,000 households in Cumberland County that collect SNAP. Um, it's about 27,000 people and approximately 13,000 of those are children.
Um, in addition to the number of people that this program is a safety net for to provide food for their families, um, it also generates about $5.5 million every month in Cumberland County that goes to grocery stores, pedagas, and wherever
those EP cards are are able to be used. Um, it is a federal entitlement program, meaning that we follow federal regulations and rules. individuals apply at the county level. Um they complete the applications.
They provide us with the documentation that is required in order for us to determine the eligibility. We determine them eligible and then they are entitled to these funds which they will not receive on November 1st. Um
the state has no ability to fund this. I know some, you know, there there's some speculation out there that, well, somebody else maybe can just pay for it. The state doesn't have the ability to do this. Um, you know, as as I I kind of quoted, it's about $5.5 million a month
in Cumberland County. It's over $160 million a month in the entire for the entire state of New Jersey. So, there's no mechanism for the state of New Jersey or for the county to pay for these benefits. Um, and as a matter of fact, the federal government has told states
that if they do pay them, they will not be reimbursed to front this money. Um, so again, these benefits will not be available. Um, so we have a lot of families that won't have the funds to buy the food. Um, we have a lot of families that may
have to make some tough decisions as I believe this will trickle down on whether or not they're going to pay their mortgage or their rent or they're going to feed their families. I I do see there the potential for this to trickle down. Um we're doing whatever
we can do. Um my office, the division of social services, we had a meeting today with Jill Lombardo and some of her team um at rural development and the food distribution to see what we could do for stop gap to provide some food to
some of these individuals. I don't have all the details yet. We're still working on things, but we are going to try to provide some food through that distribution center. It is not going to be the amount that individuals receive on a monthly basis. It is not going to
cover all of their their food expenses. Um, but we will do whatever we can to help them until hopefully this money becomes available soon. Um, so then I just wanted to inform you of this. I wanted to let you know how many people that impacted. Um, and if you had any
questions, you know, I'd be happy to answer them. >> Just we had a conversation today. We were talking that you you have some I some plans and with the rural develop to to you know it's a lot volunteers you said that people may volunteer to help
may on on election day to help uh feed at least distribute foods but a lot of food banks are probably pretty busy uh in the next month. Uh did did you ask Mr. the bard if we had enough resources to distri enough food to distribute to
different uh food pantries to help the because they're going to probably see an uptick. >> She believes that they're they will have enough. They did just recently receive from funding that they've been waiting for. So, they are making an order sometime this week. They believe they'll
have the food by Friday. Um they're going to package it. Like I said, we're still working on things. We're try we are trying to do something next week to distribute this food because as I said typically the funds are available on these cards anywhere between the first and the fifth of every month. A lot of
food pantries I learned today don't operate the first week of the month because of that. Um which is why we're going to try to do some extra things next week when individuals are used to being able to go to the grocery store and buy food.
uh director just maybe maybe we could put out some of uh the the let the churches I'm sure they understand what's what's going on but actually maybe uh uh uh kind of be a catalyst to kind of say uh remind them and maybe uh through Miss
Gold to kind of let them know what's happening how they're organizing to maybe they can compliment um you know for us to kind of point out that we need downtime we need the churches or the food pantries to kick One of the ideas was also to get it on
our website. Okay. Doing that, we would be asking you to help formulate the the verbiage on what has to be said. Um, I know that you're working very closely with Miss uh Lombard and I I really do
believe I have a lot of confidence that two of you because you even solved the last problem. I'm not putting any pressure on you or anything, but I know that you solved the last problem with the cards. That being said, um I do believe that
your idea of what what you're talking about right now and and and we're not going into details yet only because we're afraid if we give you the details and it's not going to happen that way, then we're going to, you know, turn you in the wrong direction.
I believe it's going to happen. I have a lot of faith in the tune of you and and Mr. Bartum. Uh I really believe that you're going to be able to solve this problem. Again, we're not going to be able to feed everyone, okay? Uh because there's just too many, but I think we're
going to make a major impact. Uh we'll get it out on our website u if there's any way that we can contact the churches uh to let them know what's going on. Um, but again, I don't think we should even say anything to them yet until we
actually find out where we're going to be dispersing this. And at that point, at this point in time, we don't even have that location yet. So, we're working on that also. So, that being said, I don't know, did any other other commissioners have any questions? Well,
that that's good what I'm talking about. I I appreciate what they're doing, but help maybe help mobilize their area that whatever the church is their own community to help them take a piece of that. So maybe it's to be proactive that hey this is coming can you can you at
least take care of help organize for your own congregation your own people so they won't have to. So it's great to say but let's get let's be proactive to say I don't even know how there's a mechanism to get the word out. Many of the churches have their own pantry.
>> Yes, they and and many of the churches get a lot of their food from our pantry. Okay. >> From the rural development, >> rural development. So, they're going to they're going to know about that also. Okay. A lot of the information has to be disseminated. It's just that the only reason why it's not being disseminated
at this point in time is because we're not sure exactly how the whole process is going to work. And I think we're going to know all that usually by by Friday. I think that's that's what we're looking at. >> I I believe we will. And yeah, as soon as we have the information of when,
where, how many, which days, because there may be several different days that we're going to do this, I'll absolutely share it with all of you. And then we also have a network of providers around community that we work with that we
>> Jill's going to be able to contact a number of the churches that get that get the food from world development. and maybe even get out a little bit more food to those uh pantries that uh that work with her at this point in time. So
again, just kind of stay with us. Uh we don't we don't have all the answers, but I think by Friday we will and we're going to get out the information as fast as possible. >> And and Commissioner, I would say that you should be a proactive partner and put this information on our website as soon as possible and just, you know, say
just look for updates and as we get more, just continue updating it. Um this Friday is pretty close to November 1st. So um it would be good to just you know put that put that information out there tomorrow as soon as possible and just say you know continue to check back for updates so we can be a proactive partner
in this crisis at our county st. >> Very good. I was going to say even our don't the the emergency management have a have a uh ability to get out uh alerts that so maybe by them also giving out alerts to
people that uh not just our website is that could that be true that you have the ability to contact people that I Okay I I I thought they had the ability to get the the word out also >> now we're actually working on that too >> they're working all right well maybe
that'll But we're working on a number of different projects and one of them is exactly what you were saying uh on emergency management. >> Thank you very much for taking the time to come up here. Okay. >> Good evening, Jennifer Web Cray in my
capacity as Cumberland County prosecutor. I just want to let you and the community know that on Thursday, October 30th, we're holding an expungement event. We are spons co-sponsoring this event with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, Salem County Prosecutor's Office, New
Jersey Legal Services, the Rucker Law School Expungement Clinic Program, as well as the Office of the Public Defender. Expungement is a process by which folks who have a criminal record, who have served their served their time,
successfully completed whatever their sentence is um after a period of time can get their record expuned. It assists them with uh clearing their record and being eligible for um employment and better employment. So, it's Thursday,
October 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bridton Elm Center, which is located at 1 MK Junior Way. Um the flyer, I just shared it again on our Facebook page, Carl County Prosecutor's Office Facebook page. It talks about
registration. The registrations are done. They will accept walk-ins, but there are only so many volunteers. So, if walk-ins are coming, we're encouraging them to come early at 10 a.m. >> Could you um take the time to explain
those people who can't? >> So, there are you understand why >> there are folks that cannot get their records expuned. It's usually because they are charged with a violent crime or sometimes certain drug offenses are not eligible for expungement. Um, at these
events, we will have Volunteers of America. There'll be other re-entry services that will be there. So, for the folks that cannot get their records expuned, we still want to help them. And there will be re-entry um providers that are there that they can talk to to do
the best they can if they're they cannot expunge their record. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And does Wait, does anybody have a question for the prosecutor? This is a really good service because um at least when I was in private practice, it used to cost upwards of $600 if you
went to an attorney to get your record expuned. And this is uh absolutely free to the people who take advantage of it. >> Thank you, M. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Good evening. I'm Rudolph A. Luise. Millennium surrogate for come county.
On behalf of the entire surrogate's office, I would like to thank the board of commissioners and especially commissioners all loads and director Sorrow for their support and efforts to make it possible a satellite office for the residents of eastern part of the
county. For most uh for most of all, I would also like to commend you for having the foresight to address an ongoing growing need to make the service of the surrogate surrogates office readily available to the residents of Cland
County. For the past two years, I have seen the difficulties faced by many of us senior citizens when we have our loved ones who have died. Despite having the resourceful, energetic, and compassionate staff that I have, the
physical location of the surrogates office has become an obstacle to those who need the most. complaints are lack of closeness in convenient parking, inacceptable to the public transportation, uh directly to the the courthouse, and
the long-d distanceance obstacles such as stairs, uh encountered by our disabled residents. Once they reach the courthouse, they have an constant concern of their mind. As many of you are aware, the surrogate staff and I have tried to address these problems by
visiting our residents in their homes. And yes, we do home we do home calls. But this is a small patch on a growing problem. As many of you are aware, most of the persons in need of the circuit services and the fellow citizens may be
in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Most of us are sufficient mobile enough to be able to get to the surrogate office, but fewers be able to get around without the use of a wheelchair or assistance. the walking distance of 200 feet or more
getting up the steps within the courthouse and simply not something they can do. This makes the service to the surrogates office difficult to obtain but not out of the reach for many of them. In the last several months, I have been looking at the res solution to this
problem and I would like to thank the county clerk Celeste Ryland for offering and helping me to look at spaces in the Cumberland Mall. But unfortunately, the long walk from the parking lot of the mall and into the stores and the front inside the mall will make the distance a
problem too much for many of people that would need help. While Celeste has been a great help and adviser throughout the process, the need and the ability of the people seeking the surrogate's office differently great from the average person using the clerk's office. I had
to make determine that the shorter distance to walk will be more helpful to those visiting the servants's office. For these reasons who have relied upon the public transportation of the bus stop, there's one at DelC and Sherman.
Location makes it accessible to serve its office and satellite office is truly convenient at a one-stop shop. The office is located on the first floor immediately upon entering the building. No steps to climb. Laboratories, bathrooms are available.
Considerable free parking is located around the building and many spots are available directly in front of the entrance. Less than 50 ft getting out of your car and you will be in the office on behalf excuse me. So the satellite office will
be a full service office offering all the services the main office in Bridgen has. I would also like to uh reassure all of you and my fellow senior citizens of my commitment to personally personal service. If due to the health, mobility
and similar issues you are not able to access either the main office in Bridton or the new satellite office in Violin, every effort will be made by my personal personally and my staff to secure an appointment at your convenience, even in
your even in your home. In my two years of service to the county as surrogate, I have tried very hard to make my office accessible, responsive to the needs of all the people of Scumbling County. Your foresight in creating a new satellite office for the surrogates
office in Violin will make that outreach a reality for which I am very thankful. The surrogates office is now open to all the people of Cland County. And yes, once again, we do do house calls.
Any questions? >> Any commissioners have question for the service? Is that going to be a full-time uh >> Yes. Yes, it will. At first, when we start when we first open up, it's going to take us a a lot of days to get the computer systems in and everything we
need. Once the office is open, it will be full-time. It will be just like the the main office in Bridton. I think the act uh the advantage of this is that like uh the surrogate stated um
it's on a bus route. It's right on 47 just off 55 just off Sherman Avenue. We have parking. Um it's it's very very accessible. You just roll right out of your car. You roll right into the right into the building.
There are no steps, so it'll help out especially with uh people that are in wheelchairs. you don't have to worry about any kind of steps whatsoever. It's going to be set up where there will be privacy. >> Yes. >> One of the things that uh we did was um
we had uh surrogate uh Luigi and Will came in and we went through the areas and they kind of designed what they needed to make sure that they had privacy for anybody that
needed to to speak. Uh, and I think it's a it's going to be a really great place. Really good. >> Director is taking it's taking a spot that's actually vacant right there. >> There's there is absolutely nothing in there. Um, we do not pay rent. So, this this
particular office that we're going to have, it's going to be rent free. Okay. Because the county is part of that building. So, it's I think it's we're we're saving money with the rent because we're not paying any. Uh it's accessible and it's it's especially accessible to
anybody that has a disability. >> The build building's also uh monitored all the time. They have a security I believe there. >> There's more security in that building at Fort Knox. >> Uh cameras everywhere. You have to you actually have to sign to get in. >> So it it is very very secure.
>> Well, Mr. Louise, I'd like to thank you for moving forward with this and I want to thank the board for supporting this. Um, yes, it's amazing for our seniors who do suffer a loss and have to handle business with the surrogate's office, anyone who has trouble walking or getting up steps, as you said. Um, but I
can tell you from personal experience, I was 42 years old when I lost my husband and had to come to the surrogate's office to file paperwork with your predecessor's office. And um while I am able-bodied and can get up the stairs and down the hallway, um the part that's
difficult is having to meet with members of your office and members of your your your predecessor staff, not yours. Um in the hallway, which is usually packed with people who are there a waiting jury duty or whatever it is that they're doing. Um and you have to stand out in the hallway uh and talk about really
personal things at a very difficult time. And I I can't say enough about how beneficial it is for families to be able to go into this new office space uh where they can have that one-on-one um and you know personal and quiet moment uh to to organize things that seem
overwhelming in that moment. So I want to thank the board for supporting this and supporting our families who are going through tough times and having to deal with the surrogates office. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> And thank you for making house calls. That's right. >> Yes. Like I said, we my deputy Bill
Gilson's here tonight and we have been going to homes. Um we are my staff, they would like they would go, but mostly Bill and I go to the homes. But you are right. Uh the people have to sit out front. Uh people are standing there listening to them talking about their
loved ones, their social security numbers, what their finances are, and it's just become uh we're going to try to work on that. Uh, I've been talking to Jennifer Webb about uh the court and see if we can't get something more, but that's going to take time because we're
in the old part of the courthouse. We can't do any ar remodeling, anything like that. >> I think this is a great alternative and a great option. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. Any other questions? >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh, do we have any other department
heads that are going that are coming forward? not you can move on. >> Resolution from October 14th >> 2025 resolution 2025-573 resolution authorizing the board of non-care under the contract for
providing annual maintenance with service and software support for Genesis SQL time clock terminals. This was quote at the last minute so no action is needed on this resolution. Resolution 2025-574, resolution authorizing grant application
for the fiscal year 2026 next generation 911 grant. Do I have a motion and second? >> Second. >> Commissioner Alino, >> yes. >> Commissioner Albright, yes. >> Commissioner Romero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Less, yes. >> Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Nashan, >> yes.
>> Director Sorrow, yes. Resolution 2025-576, resolution authorizing agreement with the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, purpose, FFY2026, Title 4D-D. Do I have a motion and second? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second. >> Commissioner Oino, yes. Commissioner
Alrech, yes. Commissioner Romero, yes. >> Commissioner Rose, yes. >> Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Maran, yes. >> Director Sar, yes. Resolution 2025-577 resolution authorizing the extension of the subgrant agreement with the spira health network for the fiscal year 21 connect and protect law protect law
enforcement behavioral health response program. Do I have a motion and second? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Albert Commissioner Romero. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Lo. Yes. Commissioner Taylor. Yes. Deputy Director Marshon. >> Yes. >> Director Sara. Yes. >> Resolution 2025-578.
Resolution authorizing purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer Active four-wheel drive Oxford White and H 2025 Ford Explorer Active four-wheel drive AV8 black metallic under New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance contract number C04 subcontract
BC-VID-24-43 for the Carlin County Prosecutor's Office. Do I have a motion and second? >> Second. >> Commissioner Ostino. >> Yes. Commissioner Alrech, >> yes. >> Commissioner Romero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Lo, yes. >> Commissioner Taylor, yes. >> Deputy Director Marshawn, >> yes.
>> Director Sorrow, >> yes. >> Resolution 2025-579. Resolution declaring a 2016 for pickup four-wheel drive surplus and uned property and authorizing sale to Upper Deville Township. Do I have a motion and second? >> I'll make the motion.
>> Second. >> Commissioner Osteo. Commissioner Alrech. Yes. >> Commissioner Romero. >> Commissioner Lo. Yes. >> Commissioner Taylor. Yes. Deputy Director Marshan. >> Yes. >> Director Sorrow. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2025-580. Resolution authorizing the county of Cumberland to enter into a cooperative
pricing agreement with Hunton County for membership participation in Hunton County Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System. Do I have a motion and second? >> So move. >> Second. >> Commissioner Alino. Commissioner Alrech. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Romero. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Lodess. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner Taylor. Yes. >> Deputy Director Marine. >> Yes. >> Director Sorrow. >> Yes. Resolution 2025-581. Resolution authorizing purchase from New Jersey State contract vendor for 2025-26 Chevy Tahoe four-wheel drive police package with factory options for the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. Do I
have a motion and second? >> Second. >> Commissioner Alino, yes. >> Commissioner Alrech, yes. >> Commissioner Romero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Loads, yes. >> Commissioner Taylor, yes. >> Deputy Director Marine, >> yes. >> Director Sorrow, >> yes. Resolution 2025-582
resolution authorizing purchase from New Jersey state contract vendor for outfitting of 2025 2026 Chevy Tahoe lease package. Do I have a motion and second? >> So move second. >> Commissioner Oino Commissioner Alrech. Yes. >> Commissioner Romero. Commissioner Lo.
Commissioner Taylor. Yes. Deputy Director Maran. Yes. Director. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2025-583. Resolution declaring one lot of scrap aluminum steel from the fairgrounds project in the department of public works as surplus maintenance property and authorizing the county of public works department of public works of
selling a scrap metal to a deal within county before we vote why can I ask why the this last statement is that it has to be someone within Cumberland County to buy it we're selling our scrap metal whoever
the highest bidder they can sell it to We have we have to transfer it. It would cost us more. >> Could you could you write if you bid on it and you have to transfer it? You got to get it out of there, too. Could that be solved? >> Probably not.
>> Could you speak ter bid on it? We're selling it. So, okay. No problem. Motion. >> Need a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Alino. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Alrech.
>> Commissioner Romero. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Loads. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Maran. >> Yes. >> Director. >> Yes. Resolution 2025-584 resolution authorizing application to New Jersey Transit and the Department of Transportation, United States of America
for calendar year 2025 on behalf of the Cumberland County Office on Aging and Disabled for Grant under section 5307 of the Federal Transit Act as amended. Do I have a motion and second? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Commissioner Alcino, >> yes. >> Commissioner Alrech,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Romero, >> yes. >> Commissioner Lodess, >> yes. >> Commissioner Taylor, >> yes. Yes. Deputy director Marshan. >> Yes. >> Director Sar. >> Yes. >> The following resolutions are consent agenda and we will vote on consent as consent agenda. Resolution 2025-588
resolution awarding fair and open contract for providing survey services for the Cland County Planning Board and Engineering Department RFQ number 25-36. Resolution 2025-589. Resolution approving budget amendment 2025 area plan grant $345,125.
Resolution 2025-590 resolution exercising second and final option to renew contracts including security guard services for the Cumberland County Division of Social Services, the Cumberland County Library and various locations as needed. Bid number 22-39.
Resolution 2025-591. Resolution approving change order number one to contract for providing community support services older Americans act services for the elderly and disabled for the 2025 through 2027 area plan contract RFP number 24-55
resolution 2025-592 resolution approving change order number one to contract for community support services older Americans act services for the elderly and disabled for the 2025 through 2027 and contract RFP number 24-55 5
20 resolution 2025-593 resolution approving change order number two to contract for providing community support services older Americans act services for the elderly and disabled for the 2025- through 2027 area plan contract RFP number 24 through-55
resolution 2025-594 resolution exercising second and final option to renew contract for providing urine drug screening services and on-site testing supplies for the Cland County alcohol and drug abuse services office and the Cumberland County Department of Corrections bid number 23-25 resubmission
resolution 2025-595 resolution authorizing purchase of 2026 RAM 2500 tradesman 4x4 approved pat 66 65x4 box pickup under bid number ECJ23/24-11 for the Cumberland County Office of
Emergency Management Cooperative contract number 65MCCPS ES- SJ cooperative contract resolution 2025-596 resolution amending 2025-68
resolution authorizing the Cumberland County Department of Human Services and Division of Employment and Training to provide youth services programs funded by the Juvenile Justice Commission. Resolution 2025-597. Resolution authorizing a shared service agreement with the city of Richmond for
compan Zoo. Resolution 2025-598. Resolution designating representatives to accept bid pricing regarding reverse auctions. Resolution 2025-599. Resolution awarding a contract for providing supportive services for
children, adults, and families funded by the Cumberland County Department of Human Services, Human Services Advisory Council, RFP number 25-14, resubmission to resolution 2025-600, resolution awarding parent contract for
providing juvenile crisis shelter bed services for the Cumberland County Services Advisory Council, RFP number 25-25. Resolution 2025-60, resolution rejecting all bids for providing and delivering various traffic signal equipment and signed materials for the Cumberland County Engineers
Office and the Cumberland County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System identifier number 181 CC CCCPS bid number 24-34 resubmission as to section 1 and authorizing the readvertising for request for bids.
Resolution 2025-602 resolution exercising first option to renew contract for providing as required electrical installation and repair services for the county of Cumberland and the Cumberland County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System identifier number 91 CC CCPS
resolution 2025- 603 resolution amending resolution 2024-738 resolution authorizing the execution of a grant agreement and acceptance of funds for the fiscal year 25 county re-entry coordinators program resolution 2025-604
resolution amending resolution 2025-491 resolution authorizing application from the New Jersey state attorney general's office for the state fiscal year 26 operation helping hand grant program resolution 2025-605 resolution approving budget amendment
state fiscal year 2026 operation helping hand grant program 110,526 $6.31. Resolution 2025-606. Resolution amending resolution 2025-440 entitled resolution authorizing acceptance of funding for the state of
New Jerseyy's department law and public safety state fiscal year 2024-25 mental health diversion grant program. Resolution 2025-607, resol resolution approving budget amendment state fiscal year 2024-25 mental health diversion
grant program $1,300,000 resolution 2025-608 resolution approving budget amendment highway planning construction $699,72763 additional resolution 2025-609 resolution approving budget amendment
workers New Jersey grant 2,846,000 at $939. Resolution 2025-610. Resolution approving budget amendment fiscal year 2026 personal assistance services program 23,166.
Resolution 2025-611 resolution amending resolution 2025-157 authorizing the award of a non-par contract for providing printing of election material for the commercial county clerk's office and board of elections. Resolution 2025-612
resolution authorizing purchase of Kabuto RTVX4 SKLH1 utility vehicle with Kabutoo attachments from New Jersey state contract vendor for the office of emergency management. Resolution 2025-613
Resolution authorizing purchase of portable and inverter generator plus car package with tray, battery powered chainsaw, LED safety flare kit, binoculars, hands-free light, and top handle chainsaw from the New Jersey state contract vendor for the Office of Emergency Management.
Resolution 2025-614, resolution authorizing purchase of a 2025 Chevy Express 3500 cargo van 55 inch wheelbase with prisoner transport upfits for the Cumberland County Department of Corrections in accordance with the New Jersey state approved
cooperative contract number 65 MCECCPS as permitted under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey contract ECJ23-24 11 resolution 2025-615 resolution authorizing purchase for New
Jersey state contract vendor for preventative maintenance inspections of fixed site generators with replacement parts as needed for the Cland County Department of Public Works under state contract 1 NJCP20-N2-01163 Resolution 2025-16 616 resolution authorizing purchase of
asset essentials Sport plus maintenance management system with street signs module and GIS management functionality for the Department of Public Works in accordance with the New Jersey state approved cooperative contract number 65 MCECCPS is permitted under the Educational
Services Commission of New Jersey contract ECJ AA 024-D resolution 2025-617 Resolution amending resolution 2023-469 author authorizing the shared service agreement with Essex County for the pro
provision of juvenile housing. Resolution 2025-618 term resolution authorizing addendum to lease between Cumberland County and the Cumberland County Board of Vocational Education to the Cumberland County Stargates expansion with a satellite office to be located at 2745 Delta Drive
Vinland and Glass Window/door fit outs. Resolution 2025-619 resolution ratifying board of health resolution number 102025-05 authorizing increase of monetary ceiling for legal expenses for legal services
provided to the board of health resolution 2025-620 resolution authorizing assignment of contract negotiations for UAW local 2327 wall to wall resolution 2025-621 resolution authorizing assignment of
contract negotiations ations consider earning CWA 1036 supervisory unit. Resolution 2025-622 resolution affirming emergency exist at the Herman County Department of Corrections regarding repairs to an elevator and affirming the repair thereof.
Resolution 2025-623 resolution approving change under number one to contract for providing various social services for the homeless for the county of Humber Cumberland County Department of Human Services RFP number 24-58 program emergency shelter services
resolution 2025-624 resolution authorizing renewal of various Adobe software licenses under New Jersey Cooperative Purchase Alliance contract number C04 subcontract number 24-38 from the Cumberland County Department of Information technology
resolution 2025-625 resolution appointing a member of the construction board of appeals. Resolution 2025-626 resolution reappointing member appointing new member of the vocational board of education. Resolution 2025-627 resolution reappointing members to the
local citizens transportation advisory council. Resolution 2025-628 resolution appointing member of the library commission. Resolution 2825-629 resolution authorizing payment of bills. Do I have a motion and do you want to
talk about any of those? >> Any discussion on any of the resolutions? >> I I commission there's only one, but I just make a statement on some of them. the uh the question on the uh number five uh this
craft from South Jersey, southern Jersey, they the department aging person, I guess you answer this that uh have they I mean I I are they up good standing this uh that this organization that I they've had problems. We're going
to give them a decrease of it's only $6,000, but it's uh resolution number again please >> number 520 592 >> yeah just >> hi Barbberahan director of the office on
aging yes that with our department they are in good standing um they do a wonderful program called sale it's a falls prevention program that they do that at several locations and one one place is at the bin library um and the reason for the addition is we did get
our midyear midyear allocation we got in October but there was additional funding that is only for title 3D which is that evidence-based program so that's why they received that increase >> but they do they do do a wonderful job and and we got have gotten good feedback
from the participants of that program >> thanks does Mr. far. Have you had any issue with this with any other department? >> Any other program? >> No, I don't. >> Okay. All right. No problem. Thank you.
Number six. I this I'm glad we're increasing. This is the Bay or whatever home that healthcare is in need. I mean, this this money I'm sure is going to be grabbed up real quick. Uh so, u I just this is something that
future is going to be more money. So anytime we can find a program that fits this that there this is a people depend on this this elder care that uh is is a godsend for many people to have. So even the even increase of 40% $26,000 is
still probably less than that's needed out there. So I would ask them to keep looking for additional funding we could find in the future. This is this is on number 23 610. uh this personal uh I'm going to make a statement on it but I is did was the
finance committee aware uh this cuz this is actually a first that that this is being used is the finance committee and I'm talking to the director uh they were behind this uh this uh personal assistant services was this run by the finance committee
this uh this is uh the personal assistant service for 20 it's not a lot of money but it's u I I understand the essential. >> What number are you at there? >> 610 number 23. I'm going to say I'll make a statement
while the director's looking at it that this that many people don't understand this this board you know all the I we get brief that we don't hit every committee we are on but if any board the entire 21 other counties this is the
only board that has the assignments that we have that we have to make so most board members here have between uh 15 and 16 different meetings they have to attend I'm sure the director has more um uh that we go and attend when we can. We
also work and do other things. Uh I'm sure there's a reason I ask that that if we're going to do this, we I would ask that it was done during the budget like when we do the next budget that it's assigned because then it could be discussed. Um, but the idea that uh the
director who probably does probably 30 different groups that he has to meet with, to have an assistant to help him manage or meet with other groups with or at least organized is important. So, but I my only problem with this is that it's in the middle of the budget and it's
being done uh the finance committee should be consulted and maybe down the road it could be done more often, but it should be uh looked into how many assignments we have to cover, right? Uh that it's it's very burdenome. I enjoy a
lot of the committee because you learn a lot, but it's uh it is burdenome and sometimes the director should have more help than most. So, uh, I'm going to vote no on this for that factor, but so that's the only one I'm going to vote today. Um,
this is number third. Uh, and this is probably addressed and is awarded. This is five uh, this is 27 614. Uh, this has been talked about for a while, a new transportation vehicle that can take more inmates back and forth.
With our new agreement with Camden, I hope this gets even better. It's been overdue. I hope it's used to get boomer inmates from Hudson quicker to to Camden to our to our judicial uh our courthouse to get them out of it. U so I'm very
pleased that this is being added. Uh I don't know how many uh passengers handles. hopefully more to 15, but it's needed cuz our vehicles are uh uh uh beaten up or cannot handle as many inmates as this vehicle is supposed to been told to be handled. So, I
wholeheartedly agree on that one. Um this number 30 the amendment for shared service group with uh Essence County. You notice it's an increase in rates that we're paying through the notes. Many times s here from day one I was elected was said over and over again by
the majority that well isn't it great that we got rid of our juvenile detentions. How much money that's been saving us? Well, we're probably paying it back uh in the last year year and a half not having the ability to have uh juvenile detention in this county. It's cost is probably more money in the last
couple budgets than any other place. I know the state is working on a solution, but here's the result of not controlling your own destiny. That goes with the with our our adult jail that the whole reason we're doing agreement as a partnership with uh Cam is to continue
to control our own destiny and be part of it. Uh this is a wise decision that closing a jail out of the blue and relying on shared service agreements which we still have in effect at landing Burlington sale uh that have never come
through to help us one iota to take care of our inmates. So we still have jail because of that and hopefully in the future all our inmates are in one place but it is what it is. So I I just I say a statement just because of that because it was shut down our throats many times
that this was the reason why we got to get out of the the adult jail business too. >> Just for a second just I want to interject. >> Um to let everybody know we're approaching over 4 million for juvenile detention
>> or close to 4 million this year. >> Yeah, probably close to >> Okay. It's going. We are approaching $4 million to take care of our juvenile detention to send our individuals out. The state of New Jersey is responsible for this
because not only did Cland County close theirs back then, but the state more or less almost forced back then uh counties to close. All right. Um now they're looking to say, "Okay, we plan to build
three of them." Well, when and the point I'm getting at is right now we have the situation where we have juveniles quote unquote that uh aren't juveniles anymore because they're allowed to stay into detention
center up to the age of 26 and we have individuals that are that that age. And you're looking at corrections officers are not trained to take care of juveniles. We have juvenile officers that do not know or and they're not
trained and to take care of adults. And that's a situation that we're having right now. All right. So, we're paying through the nose to take care of our juveniles. And there are a number of our juveniles that aren't juveniles anymore. I just wanted to interject that and we're working on it. But uh right now we
hit a block. We hit a seriously it's like a dan uh when it came to the state and I went up to testify in Trenton on this matter and I'm not going to say it fell on deaf ears. It just maybe they just need hearing
but it's >> Thank you, director. And uh number 38 which is 625. Uh Miss Rididgeway made a comment about it. The the problem with this board is you got to find people that are are skilled and have the ability to oversee. They're not a dime a
dozen and you actually it's a non-paid board and these people have to come leave work. They're they're actually working and they usually have special licenses and we're lucky to have this guy that uh that for the construction board of the the his his uh specialy
which is fire I guess is specialy and we're looking for what a plumber. What else are we looking for? >> But the problem is it's a non-paying thing. And when you get involved in the board, sometimes you lose business because you can't work in certain areas. Sometimes you have to abstain from being
in there. I was actually on the board for 10 years. It's not easy on an individual with their business. So, it's very difficult to get a person. Now, this fire guy, we've been looking for a fire person for a couple years now. You can't find fire inspectors. You can't
find fire sub code officials. This is not an easy thing to do to find people that are willing to take time out of their workday, okay, or right after work to come in and sit on a board of appeals. It's just not easy, okay? I was on it and I was asked to get off of it
only became because I became a commissioner and they thought that it was not a good thing to have a commissioner on that board. So, I had to step down. We're still looking for we we do have a plumbing in inspector that's on there,
but he doesn't want to be there full-time. He said he would be an alternate, but he's staying there because we can't find another plumber to come in and do it. So, it's not an easy thing to find people for these types of boards. All right. Go ahead. >> Well, the point is that we are looking
for other skilled people and it's not like we're holding back. If they came forward, we would appoint them uh if they meet the criteria. uh if you want to say is electrical. I don't know who the >> you know the one of those two >> electrical there's like engineering so if you know someone that would like we
would happily happily consider them and appoint them. So wherever they are the wherever they are so so that's why they're not that's why we don't have a quorum because we can't find them. So um >> okay you got that thing. So thank you.
Anybody else that have a question on or a statement? Not seeing may we >> do I have a motion in a second to vote vote by consent agenda on resolution 2025-588 through 2025-629. I make a motion.
>> Commissioner Alino >> vote yes all but 626. I agree that we should spread the representation throughout the county. Make it more fair. >> 626. No, >> commissioner. All right. >> Uh, everything except for the water. I
said that. [Music] >> Yes. 610. >> Commissioner Romero. >> Commissioner Loads. Yes. Commissioner Taylor. >> I I'm going to apologize, director. I didn't get it out and put it up. I did have a statement to make on 626. I would
like to thank I am going to vote yes, but I would like to take a moment to thank John Reddens for serving eight years um on the tech board. His commitment and dedication was outstanding and I just wanted that
notated. >> Did you get a vote? >> I did. Yes. Deputy Director Marshan. >> You want a second? Commissioner comments vote. Yes. >> Director Sara. >> Yes. >> Do I have a motion and second to stop
2025-588 through 2025-629 by consent [Music] >> with those exceptions that you everybody at? Okay. Go ahead. Do >> I have a motion? I'll make the motion. Second,
Commissioner Al. >> Yes. Commissioner Alrech. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Romero. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Lodes. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Yes. >> Commission. Deputy Director Maran. >> Yes. >> Director Sorrow. >> Yes.
>> Do I have a motion and second accept treasures report as provided? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second. All >> in favor? I. >> Do I have a motion and second for authorizing payment of all salaries and wages? >> I make the motion. >> Second. All in favor? I
>> do I have a motion and second to open public comment on new business? >> I'd like to make a motion to open public comment on business. >> Seconded. >> All in favor? >> I Anyone from the public wish to come forward and talk on any new business.
State your name and location. Shashana Osafski, Fairfield Township. So, I was here last month and asked about the quarter uh of the library's budget, the county libraries budget that was cut.
And I was told, "Don't worry about it. You didn't know. You don't know. We already restored it. Not a problem." Well, here it is a month later. You talked about library love. You gave us nice words. And meanwhile, I'm here today to say, where's the money?
>> Okay, before you go any further, we have that answer. Okay. Uh, and I'm going to have our CFO give the reason statue stand up, >> please. >> So, can I >> So,
by statute, we are not allowed to transfer the funds till after November 1st. So we have the funds, we just can't transfer until >> So expect something on a resolution >> November 12th meeting. >> There you go. Every everything we talked
about, right? All >> everything. Yes. >> Everything. Okay. >> There's no cut being made. Just to make it very clear, there is no cut being made in the library. There's never a cut from >> by by state statute. We are not allowed to make a transfer until after November
1st. after November 1st, we can make a train. >> Okay. Sounds really fishy to me. I don't know. I can't say. But uh uh you could have told us that yesterday. I mean last month and you didn't. So my other
question is um I asked what other cuts are there in this budget that we haven't been told about that we would want to know about? For example, somebody said said to me, and it could be a rumor, and I'm asking
you now, um it what what about um code blue? >> And I'm going to look you in the eyes so that when you tell me >> Okay. Well, first of all, what you do is ask all your questions. You step down and then we answer. >> Yeah. Because last time I did that and
you didn't answer them. That's why I'm standing here. >> Okay. Well, that's the way it works. So, what you do is ask your questions. We take the notes, then we answer. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Again,
go ahead now. Let that next one get up. Go ahead. >> Good evening, county commissioners. Uh, my name is Esau Martin. I live at 32 Eagle Street in Bridton. Um, as of the past few years, we've had a couple of American gangs move into our city. These gangs have allegedly defaced city and
possibly county property from our sidewalks, trees, businesses, walls, and even murals. I've seen Big 13 and AD tags distinctly on those before mentioned objects. So, I have coordinated a small campaign with some county and local officials to paint over
it and power wash it away. Just as we began to make a tiny bit of progress, allegedly they painted over most of the work that we did and even added some new areas. They even had the audacity to paint over the St. Terresa Cemetery wall on Pin Street again after I helped
coordinate the wall to be painted over the first time. We need help on the county level. I've already asked the city and BPD who said they are understaffed. Please tell us what to do or help us recruit more and overall give us ideas on how we can
maybe be able to do more please in this committee under this current presidential administration. Uh Sandy Aso over Deerfield Township. Um I have a a few questions from previous meetings that I'm going to mention, but
I do have it written down for John or whoever wants to address it. Um September the 9th uh 2025 524 was a PSAP PSDP consolidation study with
recommendations for Milville Bridton VCOM for $68,100. [Music] My question is um twofold. Uh in the proposal under the cost exclusion and assumption, it states the proposal
assumes Cumberland County will not unreasonably withhold approval of recommended changes, modifications or additional vendor related infrastructure to facilitate the overall project objective.
Um first question, what is the project's overall objective? And two, does the statement mean that we have to take their recommend recommended changes, modifications um to facilitate this project? I'd like
to get some clarification on on that. The second one is um ordinance 2025-4. Um there was an additional $2.3 million. Um the question is what was the original purpose of the money that we're now
using to the give to the CCT? What was the original purpose for the money that we're now using for that? Um the 2025489 was some type of M1 homeless shelter for $150,000.
Can you give us some more detail on exactly what that was for? Um, I've requested numerous times for uh all written information from the state regarding the withdrawal of the funds from the Mars River Library, and I still
haven't received anything as of yet. I'm just wondering what I need to do to facilitate that. We talked about it. Um, thank you for the $30,000 for the Kahanzi Zoo
and um with the previous person up here, have the funds that were budgeted for Code Blue uh been distributed to the three county sites yet? And if not, why? And when? Frost is on pumpkin out there.
They're they're going to be opening up soon. So, I hope they have their money to do so. And I was very saddened to hear that uh you know there's going to be upwards of 13,000 children possibly going hungry.
We don't need people going to um have no bed, no warm bed to sleep in. Um the regional jail, I mean this is going to be a continuing topic. back and see. It's just going to be another taxing
authority designed to once again feed the special interest. It will not give us the autonomy that Mr. Brich states that it will. I think that's it. Thank you. >> Anyone else?
Mark Shapini, 557 Elmer Road, Briden, which is Fairfield Township. Actually, this library funding issue is a little bit confusing, but I for most people, but I understand how budgets work. Now,
I have a couple simple questions that should be yes, no, true, or false. Okay, first question. Is the 2026 budget for our county library higher than the
budget for 2025 fiscal year? If it is higher, fine. If it's not, if it's the state minimum plus the additional monies that's going to be transferred now, if
I'm getting that correct after November 1st, does that bring it to at least the funding level of 2025 or greater? So, those are the issues I would like numbers and timelines. I'm a date, give me the number date, give me the number
person. That's what I want in your answer if I could get that one. But I have a bigger concern for the entire county, state of New Jersey, and for our country. We have entered the phase
that I dreaded over 45 years ago when I heard President Reagan say, "When you hear someone say, "I'm from the government and here to help." Reagan said the government's the problem. So we've had 45 years
of many people in all branches of our government trying to take we the people's government apart. Now I'm of the inclination that we are going to have a government of some sort one
way or another. I want one that works. I want one that works like a welloiled machine. The fiascos we've seen over the jails and I come from the Department of Corrections and the Juvenile Justice
System Commission. That's where I retire from. Okay. So, when you want to talk about waste, I know where waste goes. It's the most expensive operations that we probably face in this state or anywhere.
Have you thought about taking some crimes off the books? Because we're at the point now where we've got a lot of petty arrests that bog down our system.
And I would encourage you to start discussing things with state legislators to start to remove crimes from the books and to make it clear that previous past
Modus appariably with smoking marijuana is still a problem for a lot of people in this country and in this state. police police smell marijuana coming off somebody when they get out of the car, they can give them a DWI, but they got
to prove it. That's an expensive thing to do. Okay? But it leads to all kinds of other problems. Can we search your car? Can we do this? Oh, we found this. Oh, we found that. We really need to start giving people
their liberty by removing some things from the books. But on the other side of the coin, we have a system that has allowed people to do white collar crimes and never go to jail.
>> Now, sorry, you had 30 seconds. >> Right. White collar crimes hurt more people because they hurt great numbers of people. The person who takes a can of tuna fish because they're starving. And you're going to see a lot more of that.
All right. Gets hammered in five and six years in jail. There's something wrong with the way we govern. And I'm asking you to go there, ask those questions so that we can maybe feed the people in
Cumberland County cuz you ain't seen nothing yet. I'm a retired farmer, too. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is Sharon Shapini um Fairfield Township. I'm just here to make a statement. I'm here in support of
the Kerman County Library. This is my fourth meeting since the springtime that I've come to regarding the funding for the library. So, I I can't believe I'm even here and just
now hearing that the funds can't be transferred until November 1st. I went back through the video of last month's meeting and I'm was assured, you know, that this money, we've already taken care of it. Actually, we've already taken care of it. But yet, here I am.
I'd rather be home watching TV. Okay. Um, so nobody knew this. Nobody knew this months ago when I was here that funds can't be transferred until November after November 1st. That is just I'm so
disappointed that I have to keep coming back and I don't get a straight answer. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Good evening again. I can make it work. Nancy Rididgeway from Upper Deerfield
and Fairfield Township. There was a question on resolution 2025610, [Music] a resolution approving budget amendment fiscal year 2026, personal assistant services program in
the amount of $23,166. Um it was my understanding listening to the commissioner's remarks on this that um he thought it was the confidential secretary that you all need
that's going to have a salary classified salary of $45 to $50,000 based on experience and credential duties. Now, the resolution was for personal assistance for um the money was coming from the New
Jersey Department of Human Services, divis division of disability services and um this is for um people that really need personal assistance through the office on aging I believe
and uh it's not for personal assistant for the governing body of Kman County. And I don't understand why this board would need a confidential secretary to
the board of commissioners when you have a administrator, a deputy administrator, and a clerk to the board. And I believe between the three salaries, it's over
$300,000 a year on the county budget. That's a lot of money. And then you want to pay somebody else to go on weekends to your fairs because you don't want to go. Excuse me.
Then we were talking about um the boards and uh members to the different boards and committees of the county and how uh they're not paid. They're volunteered positions.
I don't see on your website where you advertise that you need anybody to volunteer for some of these boards and committees that need volunteers to serve. And I was at a meeting a few weeks ago,
a leadership program, and I told the people there that they need to get up and come out and serve on these boards. It's not paid, but you get an education and you help the public. It's a public service like what Nancy Rididgeway does for the county.
It's a public service. I'm not paid. There are some people on boards and committees that ask me how come the commissioners cannot appoint me to take their place and I'm saying, "Oh, well, I'm not elected." You have to go through
an election pro process to do that. So there are volunteers needed on a lot of committees and there have been people that have signed up to volunteer that their applications have been rejected for some reason or another. Or maybe it
was because there was a D and not an R. I don't know. But anyway, some people's applications were rejected and some people get a little fed up with some of the people you already have appointed to the boards. Now, the other thing I want to address was since we're talking about
meeting members to boards and committees. I attended on uh October the 14th the County Economic Development Meeting. That is the Cumlin County Economic Development Meeting.
They've written some new bylaws and they're going to need more members. And of course, I was the only member of the public there and there was no commissioner there. So, you don't know all the interesting things that are going on in the county unless you read
the minutes. So, I hope you read the minutes and find out all the interesting things that are going on in the county through your common county economic development board. Thank you.
Anyone else? Motion >> close. Motion second. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hold on. Hold on. Take it back. >> All right. Vic Bermudez, president CBA
local 231. Uh I wanted to open up by giving a report on the uh newest award in Kum. I would like to say that he's uh very transparent, open, and was very, you know, I'm not going to say shocked or
surprised, but you know, he's uh breath of fresh air of uh openness. His open door policy has been great and we're definitely working together and he's a great change. He's so far everything's been better for change to interact with
the public and bring a a better relationship with the officers. uh and the administration and working with us with things that we've been through. So, uh I definitely wanted definitely had to give a report on that.
Uh as far as the I wanted to congratulate Commissioner Lowe's and Albert for getting the uh New Jersey uh police association endorsement. you guys have uh fought for us and been in our corner uh ever since co and we're going
through the jail closing and the unfortunate cement pad that we have that we've stuck with and problems dumped in our lap and I I commend you for seeking out solutions the the entire board as I as I see there's not no easy solutions
to things that were done um but uh I know it takes to be to solutions and you guys try you guys have tried everything from different counties to different buildings to different uh avenues
getting creative as possible and I think it's uh you know I think it's great because in all of that you're maintaining and keeping your promise of keeping us employed which is one of the greatest things come county needs is
leadership that wants to keep the integrity of working families to keep people employed in coming so we don't move out and add to the horrible benchmarks that we've had for so long. So, I definitely want to commend you guys on that. Uh you're appreciated and
uh your hard work is not going unnoticed and working together collectively. Austinino has been around for a for a long time and he knows about the jail situations probably more so than I do cuz he's
really to places I can't be. So I definitely thank you guys for working with us. I thank you for the uh the extra-l large van that that or bus that's coming in for the unfortunately getting locked into the Hudson thing.
But as we said years ago before when it was pitched to close the jail about bail reform, we knew that bail reform could not catch up with each case. And we had inmates that were taken to court with seven cases that they haven't been adjudicated on the first case. So we
knew bail reform was going to fail. And in that no jail can house our immigrants because everybody's numbers went up exponentially. So, we're all facing the same problems and the same exact thing with the juveniles. We told them long ago that closing the juvenile facility,
people were going to start playing games with numbers and beds uh at Harvard Township over there. We can't send inmates, we can't send juveniles there. We have to take them up to Mars County. We run into some real major issues and I'm glad uh Commissioner Albert touched
on that as well as sorrow. It's a really big problem, but it's something that you guys are addressing publicly and not hiding it in the background cuz it is comes with a lot of liability issues among officers. So, I applaud everybody's effort and PBA231 is here to
work with you guys and uh work with Kum and uh I appreciate you. >> Well, thank you very much for your comments. >> Thank you, Vic. We appreciate the report. >> Now, no one else A motion to close.
>> Nobody else. >> No. Okay, >> I'll make the motion to close. Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I commission reports. >> Before we do that, hold on. >> Sorry. Absolutely. >> Okay. The very the very first one to
take care. Let's let's get this library thing squared away. Oh, she Yes. Present, please. Okay. Okay. So just to be clear, the library funding is going to be restored to the 2025
level. The budget is slightly less for various reasons. Uh one being they have a surplus shortage and availability as a revenue. That's the reason it's short.
>> So the the budget is is going to be lower because of the surplus. the top line number is going to be lower because they don't have enough surplus. >> So our portion is the same, >> the county's portion to the county library, that portion is exactly the
same. Their total budget differs because of the surplus, their personal surplus that is not available. >> Yes. And I personally sat with the library director three weeks ago and explained this in full detail for that. [Music] >> So usually the first library on on the
phone. No. Was that at all shared with with the with the board at all? No. With the library director? >> So, usually the first point of contact for budget issues is really through the library director and then they can obviously reach out to me in my office. I can gladly sit down with you and
explain in full detail. >> And where does their surplus come from? >> Um, similar to ours, but on a much smaller scale depends on excess operations, >> anything that they don't spend that >> Yeah. being like fiscally responsible and >> you know depends on the operations how
they work out every year what their expenditures are >> was it the same way last year that the funds were not released to them until November 1st was that the same situation last year >> I don't think that was the situation >> but I wasn't here so but I did explain
to the library director that you know this declining surplus balance has been a multi-year problem so I would say over the last three years it's declined significantly down to almost zero. >> But the reason that the funds are not released to them until November 1st is
state statute. >> State statute. >> So that's why I'm asking was state statute any different last year? >> No, state statute was not different last year. >> Okay. So then therefore it was the same process last year. >> We we changed something in between.
That's we we're returning the funds to is that true that we actually it was less that we we're returning the funds to the levels that's then we have to do it at certain times which >> yes that's true >> and and >> hi commissioners I'm sorry this is
Nicole Gardner the library director >> oh hi do we need to reopen public portion or no >> she's giving you the explanation >> thank you miss gardener >> I'm just here to answer your questions it's a little there's a lag here so I had turned it also just look at the the
view on YouTube because it's really difficult to hear all the microphones on um here. So, I'm not sure if you had a question for me. >> The last I heard was that um mentioned we did >> let let
our CFO make a statement and then you answered. Could you please take >> Sure. Sure. >> So, >> sure. >> The library director, I believe it was approximately 3 weeks ago, we met in my office and went over in full detail the
status of the library budget and the revenues, particularly the surplus availability or lack thereof. and it was explained to Nicole and I thought that we you know finished the meeting and we're on good standing and she was on full notice that
that's the status of the budget m director I had a meeting I guess after that time period with the with the director also and she shared some concerns and I actually had a conversation with Mr. part uh regarding that the surplus was a question. So you
you just explained that that what's what your numbers differ uh from from what she's brought what the the director has come up with. >> Uh but you hopefully you've had discussion because you said you've been in discussions with her where that number at. So
>> I want to hear from the director. Okay. We're having too many meetings here. Okay. So I want to hear from the director of the library board. >> Okay. Are you still there? >> I am here. Yes. >> Okay. Do you remember the meeting with Chris Hart with the CFO?
>> I do. Yes. >> Okay. Was it understood at that time about your budget between the two years? >> I don't know. There was there was discussion of his understanding and my understanding of
the budget. Yes. Okay. Would did we walk away with the same understanding? >> Um I can't say that understanding. Yes, I understood what he said. I can't necessarily say that uh I understood how we got to the numbers that were being
told to us. Um it was explained to me that it was a difference in how the county accounts. Um I I think it was the library's assumption and the library commissioner's assumption that when we're being told we're being restored
um to our funding come November 1st, that meant any surplus that we had still had existing at the beginning of 2025 was still going to be there to carry over into 2026. And what Chris explained
to me was because we were short this year, any surplus that was there was used to make us whole so far. Um, and there would not be that surplus to carry over. So there's a little bit confusion as to if we're being able why that
surplus no longer exists to carry over into 2026. >> Okay. Is that the case that their surplus is being removed? >> Absolutely not. So all of the numbers we discussed, just to be clear, are clearly presented in the audit and that's what I
referenced during our discussion and I showed that to her. >> Okay. Has our funding at all been lowered the county >> the the county contribution to? >> No, not not as of November 12th.
>> Okay. So in other words, by November 12th, our all our funding will be in place. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> But there was one extra thing to add, director. You you Sorry, >> I'm sorry. November 12th or November 1st. And also our 2025 budget uh
mentioned $72,000 in surplus. So just clarification, that's what we have carrying over into 2026. >> No, I think that's confusion. >> When you anticipate one second, go ahead. When you anticipate surplus in the budget, it's not available in the
next preceding year. >> It doesn't. You're saying, >> oh, you know what it is. What he's saying is it's exactly like the county. >> Yeah. >> When you have a surplus, it goes back into general fund and you start over. >> It's brought in as a revenue in the budget and it's used to offset the
expenditure. >> Pick up the mic a little bit. Uh there you go. talked right into the >> when you anticipate a revenue in your budget, it's brought into the budget as a revenue that's used to offset the expenditures. It's not available beyond that point.
>> And it's normal. That's normal. >> It's a normal procedure that >> But I I asked you a question. uh we were talking that uh if there's a the director was concerned with an immediate concern with the had about payroll or something you could you could add if you
could add what you what you said but >> you said we'll we'll make sure we work with that that that we'll take care of that is that >> that's what if there's any needs you'll take care of it >> in the interact
and the question that that the library recommend it by May by May. >> Um, November 1st is the first possible day. It has to be done at the meeting. >> Our meeting has our meeting on the other state has to be it can't be done first. It has to come back here for us to do
whatever we have to do. >> Eligible for the first but >> the meeting is the 12th. All right. So that's what happens in >> it's allowed to be done the first but we don't have a meeting. So we have to have a resolution to do it. So the resolution cannot be done until we have the meeting
which is the 12th. Okay. The main concern is that the library is going to continue. It's not without money and the the by the 12th everything will be back to normal and the the county portion will be given to the library. Is that correct? >> That's correct.
>> Any part of what I just said is wrong? No. >> There you go. Does that I can't ask questions but uh there was another question out there. This is just for the 25 26 budget has not been done yet. We're working on every department of 26 budget, right? That's correct.
>> That has not been touched yet. >> Okay. Now, we had other questions. Um, >> thank you. Thank you, Chris. >> Okay. Code blue. Oh, wait. >> I think Chris, I think we still need you there. >> Code blue. >> Thank you.
Well, have has there been any cuts and have have those? >> No. So, actually, I believe there's if it's not on this meeting, it's on an upcoming meeting. >> There's three additional funding sources that are going to be available. The first one that's on the books now is a
reimbursement basis. The next one is going to be direct payment. So, that's the differential difference. >> Okay. And so in other words, at the next meeting, >> Mhm. >> we're going to be voting on three resol >> um >> there's probably one, but there's three, >> but there's going to be
>> locations within the body of the res. >> Okay. >> Very good. >> That direct. >> Okay. One at a time. Okay. >> I want to say >> Commissioner Alrech, you have the floor. >> Okay. Thank you. That that code blue is a city run. It's not a county run. We
get money. We pass it on. We don't we don't set it up. We don't start it a viable bill should do it. We reimbur and actually the state has put requirements down. We have to reimbursement. It has to be of the funds. We have to have documentation. We
didn't have to have that the year before. Now we do. And some of the organizations were not doing that to get their buddy back. So uh so they have to do that. And what I was also had what comes to mind the city of Milville was
told that we were told they weren't paying the money. Milville actually they don't get all their money out to them. It was the organization itself had issues. Uh so I I made the call to make sure that they got their money. It's a private organization that runs that for
the city. It's a private organization that runs for the city of Bridton. Bio takes care of their own thing. So, but every dollar we get we've we've and it's I think it's 50,000 total, right? 25 is the next >> adjustment and it's when we get the next 25, each city gets their cut.
>> All right. Just just for clarification. All right. Code blue used to be we had money, we just gave it to them to see. >> Okay. That's the way it used to be. All right. It doesn't work like that anymore. The state of New Jersey does
not want that to be operated that way. Now the way it's worked is you spend the money, you give us a bill or we reimburse you. It is no longer because of the state of New Jersey, not Cumberland County, not Warren County or
any other county in the state of New Jersey. We used to give it, they spent it. Sometimes they didn't spend. Now state said that stops.
You spend your money, give us a receipt, we give you the money, reimbursement. So it is now a reimbursement program. It is not we just give you the flat amount of money. That's the way it's going to work. >> There's there's two sources. There's there is 25,000 flat,
>> right? >> Without reimbur without reimburseable expensive, >> but the other part is reimburseable. So currently so anyway that'll happen next meeting. Correct. >> Correct. >> There you go. That finished. Next one. Uh we had a question on
>> gangs. >> Gangs. Okay. >> We saw Martin. >> I'm not sure exactly what we're going to do as far as gangs. I mean this I don't even know if we have the authority to do anything. Um, this is
going to be, uh, the way I see it, law enforcement. Um, you know, we have to ask the city of Britain to do more patrolling. Uh, maybe, uh, we can talk to the sheriff to see any of their cars to go out. Uh, I
know we're spread thin, too, because that's not what we were set up to do. Um, but as of right this minute, I think maybe the most that the county commissioners can do is have a meeting with uh the city police uh department and see what
can be done. See if there's any any kind of uh help like we did with Milville. Okay. The sheriff's department did a fantastic job when the city of Milville needed help. Okay. They were reimbursed, but we were able to step forth and help out the city of Milville. We might be
able to do the same thing with the city of Richmond. I don't know exactly how that's going to work. What we'll do is we'll talk to the sheriff and see what kind of help he could give. But of course, we just can't walk in and say to the city of Britain, "Look, this is what we're going to do." So, we have to make
sure that we have some type of meeting with the chief or someone over uh uh with the Bridton Police Department. So that's something that we can work on, but as the county itself, I don't know if we're going to be able to do much. >> Director, I this is exactly what we
should be support because the the broken witness theory. If you're trying to straighten up your neighbors, I I'd say that whatever we can do, and I really appreciate the word you said because we should be helping this group. that they're that they're doing their neighborhood. They're painting over they're they're fixing things. They're
we whatever we can do, we should be helping this group and and and whatever you're doing if and we appreciate it. Thank you for what you're doing for helping us out. But again, what we'll do is we we'll I'll we'll try to pull something together with the the city of Berken Police Department.
>> If I may, if I may, director, um Mr. Martin and I have conversed many times. We've talked many times and he is doing great work with that program and he is um he's right. They they go out there paint it. >> Well, there's nothing more frustrating.
You go out fix something and then somebody comes in and tears it down again and we public works is also trying to help out in some as well. So, we've worked together with him and he's runs a great program >> and again thank for everything that you're doing. Okay.
>> Let's move on to the next question coming up tonight. Appreciate that. This the next topic is uh regarding the um the resolution to VCOM for 61 68,100. Um Miss Bone, would you speak briefly on
this? >> Good evening. Don Bowen, uh director of the 911 center. So what this is is a consolidation study for the past 6 to 8 months. Um as you see there's a resolution tonight for the grant for the
NextGen 911 uh grant. So NextGen is slated for us for the third quarter 2028 which it will be making u massive changes to the way that you can call 911. A lot of people don't know, but a little uh sidebar, you can text to 911,
but you're also in 2028 for Cumberland Lake County, you'll be able to send video um and FaceTime and different things like that. So, I had to meet with because we do at our center, we transfer 911 calls to the local PDs. So, I met
with the three uh police departments who have their own dispatch centers. they would need to upgrade their telephone systems there which can be an upward of a million dollars. So the municipalities do not have that kind of funding. So we're doing a consolidation study to see
about bringing their dispatch center into the county 911 center. So that's what that is for. And it's engineers because I I'm not an engineer to do that. So they make their recommendations to the county as well as Birchden and
Milville. Violin is not part of the consolidation. Um they already have everything in place that they need for the nextG. Um but it's we don't have to do what they're telling us, but it is a recommendation because we're not engineers to do something like this.
>> Thank you very much. We appreciate it. You're welcome. The next one that we had was uh had to do with where we got the money to pay our share of for the college. Not the college, CC Tech. So um I believe what we did was we had uh
unused funds. Am I correct that Chris if you could get up and say? >> So undo I mean unused bonds and repurpose. If you remember back to June when we adopted our budget, the first time in 15
years, we put money into the pay as you go capital fund, which is capital improvement fund. And we're funding our portion of the down payment um which is 25% of the grant that we receive from the state of New Jersey and
that's our funding portion of that. >> Now, the question was where do we get the money to do that? >> It's within our capital improvement fund. Okay. >> It's coming from our own pockets. >> Instead of borrowing money instead of borrowing money because that body
>> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you very much. What other qu We had one more question if I remember correctly. >> Shelter that is approved tonight. >> It's a it's a transfer. We transfer we transfer additional funds that were
received by grant um >> and are available to to recover expenses. >> Do me a favor. >> Sure. >> Kevin, could you please get up and say so invite the hearing? >> Absolutely. Yes. >> All right. Thank you.
>> I I don't think um Mrs. N Miss Niles is here tonight, but that that that's going uh it's going to moral Development, who is the um who operates the county the county homeless shelter out on Maze Landing Road. Um this is a reimbursement for expenses and funds uh funds expended
um to to manage that to manage the facility. We we do assist and we do we do it through passroughs of of money coming from the state to to the homeless shelter to do to perform that service along with other she she gets other funds on other homeless um homeless
activities as well throughout the year. So most of that's all pass through funds. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh one thing I'd like to say there was also another question I have in my answer. >> What's that? >> That was the one on the Marsh River Library.
She haven't seen all the state. >> Well, we got to bring that documentation and get her from the state, >> right? That has to come from the state. >> That's something that >> No, it was a it was a letter that we've already received from the state was my understanding.
>> You wanted a copy of that. >> Okay. >> Oh, okay. >> I'm sorry. I didn't call. >> It started out a phone call, >> but they sent they started out a phone call on a Friday afternoon. >> Yeah. If one of you get an email, I'll
check it. >> Okay. One thing I'd like to say about our uh Floyd costume, you uh got some great accolades today. Uh we want to say that uh we appreciate everything that you're doing. Um I've heard a lot of
good things from the individuals over at the the jail. uh that you are very transparent and that you are working with them and they're able to come up to you and talk to you very easily. Uh I think we're moving in a new direction and we appreciate what you're doing.
>> My pleasure. >> Okay. All right. That being said, let's go on to >> commissioner report. Commissioner Romero. How Commissioner Romero like to give a report?
Oh, other than uh we had a great time this weekend on the uh Marty manual uh CC CC Tech helped us get a gym. >> Yes. >> To have an activity for uh uh Marty Manium uh a great guy that I went to
school with. Sensei to uh to uh to uh Mr. Soro and uh we went to his activities. CC Tech made it available by giving us a gym which is it was a great thing and uh other than that I was I was
out on vacation prior to that so I don't have a whole lot but >> okay well but it was I had a great time uh really uh being there for a lot of use uh might
got might be or able to be touched by Marty manual and uh he was just not a great person. I mean he helped a lot of kids through karate to come along and and respected our community while while
he was with us. He was on a wheelchair with a coach uh the kids and and made a very good man out of the a lot of kids that were going the wrong way and he brought him in and and helped them out.
So I was happy Jim and I were able were awarded for our efforts uh in making this happen and uh and you know and I thank Mrs. Dr. for giving us the opportunity to to have
this tournament and uh and being part of that. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Taylor, >> I briefly would just like to say we attended a meeting last night and Joel Lombardo did speak a little bit um and
she did touch on the SNAP program, but I would like to thank you, Cheryl, for bringing it to the attention of everybody that's here. Um, and I I I do feel that the circuit's office having a satellite in Vinland is going to be very
helpful for Cumberland County. And that's really all I have. >> Thank you, deputy director. >> All right. >> Thank you. We have a lot of events coming up obviously. So, starting Friday, we have Halloween. So, I'm hoping all the kids have a good trick or treat and get out there and and have
some good fun. I probably some people noticed we had some lovely green lights as you walked in here today and that's the operation green light celebrating uh our veterans. So I know the county maybe is a little early on that but it's never too early to celebrate our veterans. Veterans Day is right around the corner
and I know there is an event over in Vinand at Landis Park which I plan on attending. It's always a nice service over there. But I have had some conversations in Cumberland County and I think hopefully next year we're going to have our own uh veterans uh ceremony of our own right here in Cumberland County.
So that's that's a project that I'll be working on between now and then. Um other than that, obviously election day is right around the corner. So I just want to tell everyone you get out there and vote. Make sure that you uh have your voices heard. So that's all I have. Thank you.
Commissioner All right. Recently, I attended the uh meeting of the office of aging uh advisory committee and on my Facebook I posted a uh flyer they have for a program they've started for dementia
patients and their caregivers. It's uh something that uh very much needed and it's a very good program. A lot of accolades coming about it and Barbara doing a fantastic job with it. So, anybody has a relative, friend that has
dementia and uh this is for both the the patient and the caregiver. All of me at the same time, two different events. Get them out there, get them active and helps them through the process. Culture and heritage, I attended their
meeting. One of the big things there was brought up the Green Witch. They have a museum there. The museum is going to be closing and moving in February to a new location in Green Witch, which will be a larger, better, more modern building.
I also attended last night's South Jersey Commissioners meeting. I attended the fireman's memorial which was hosted in Marsh River Township. It's something every year to honor those volunteer firefighters and
paid firefighters who have passed away in the past year. I can't say enough for these individuals. They uh give their own time, effort to protect us all. Without them, uh there's no way the county could afford,
you know, a paid fire company throughout the whole county. The Green Witch Fair, it's always a good event to to attend. A lot of crafts and great people down there. and recommend next year anybody didn't make it get
down there see this beautiful part of the county and uh meet the great people down there. Also tended to taste the violin the other night where all the different restaurants and violin got together and uh you could taste the different uh
specialties that they have there. So it was another great event and uh county is moving on. >> There you go. Thank you so much Mr. Alrech. Yeah. Uh I got a chance to to participate in the overdose awareness
program which with the chairman, the director. Uh well always well attended. It's a it's an event that's uh it's sad it's so well attended because u because there's memories for each person that's there. Uh it's held uh from our human
service department and uh it's a uh hopefully I'm saying this hopefully there's less people in the future but on purpose because we're doing our job but right now it's a there's it's packed house and and uh I enjoy being there
enjoy talking to the people enjoy hearing the stories of things they've overcome. So it'll probably it'll be in the future too. So um also the I got a chance to address the ro the Bridton Rotary uh was
asked it was a nice event was uh the British Rotary is very active. Uh they just asked what was going on with the county. I explained the different things we were doing and what we were involved with and they had a lot of questions. One thing I liked is that there were students from the from Burch High School
that attend that were actually part of it that they they bring them in. I it's actually well sorry I didn't know that but they had they had a lot of questions and I really appreciate that. It was a nice and they rotate that which is nuts enjoyable. I also went to u an event
that helped raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. Richie Kates uh out of Richie Kates and his family uh well their family was the president. Richie Kates uh was when I was was a a light a light heavyweight champion. Um I
remember my grandfather had a lot of history. My grandfather my my dad would travel to see him fight uh with closed circuit. If you remember close circuit it was city and we used to see him running around trading in the city of viol and that I say that because for the
next probably 50 years he contributed back to the county helping youth working uh wherever he could volunteer he did. He was a quite an individual and uh and it's and it reflected his family. So uh it was nice to be part of it and uh the
Boys and Girls Club of course benefited from it. It was it was a nice event and done at the 910 building. Um we had our doing the business uh at the county and the director will kind of explain more about that which I'm glad was successful. I did attend the fundraiser
for Code Blue. Uh, I got a chance to talk to their their director code blue and violin because I've been comparing notes with Mayor Kelly with Bridton. They're totally done different ways. Um, they're I they're going to tackle I
believe it's going to be a pretty cold winter and they're going to tackle some they're going to have a lot to tackle. The one thing she said to me is she has plenty of volunteers. 150 or something you mentioned. I thought it was pretty impressive. It still needs them to get out. Still needs to do stuff.
But it was impressive how she said it. That's awesome to have that many volunteers ready to go. And she always needs more, not to say it, but it was pretty impressive when she said it to me. But it was a very successful fundraiser. And um
hopefully in the future the another one will be out more fundraising. Uh I got a chance at the Triad uh sponsor with the sheriff's department that my colleague over here was part of that at one time. The uh uh was very successful. Packed
house food was great. I I always like going there to serve. They uh we had a lot of u different uh county and other private uh facilities there to show what they do. Uh they had a a good speaker that actually was very uh informative.
Um, I think a lot of people get it. Was the last one for the year was a Thanksgiving thing, but we'll have one in March is the next one. And it's always held at the at the inville. So, um, oh, at RCC Tech, U 10th anniversary was
held. Um, it was a I very good event. Um it's it's surprising that it's been 10 years, but I always been saying this I very proud with with my colleague uh Victoria Los that the CCT has done a lot for this county
not just for its own program but it's also pushed our other program our high schools by Milton and Cumberland Regional to get going get be part of it the roll with their own end of it and it's made them better I believe because I've been to Milville
where they dedicated a big. I know Cumberland Regional and Britain are actually combined to their electrical program and their HVAC system program. They've actually upgraded their programs and actually Cover Regional is pretty unique in what they do. So I it's a 10th
anniversary of CC Tech, but I think they've made every other high school better because they have to compete for the students they that we have and they have to be better and they're not staying there. So I so I'm part of them. Um it was a part of the vet the
um it's quite a milestone. So okay I guess that's commissioner. >> Well Commissioner Alrech I'm glad you left off on education because I'm going to begin on education. Uh, I had the opportunity, I try to go every so often to tour RCSJ South Jersey Cumberland
campus, uh, to see what are the newest things, what does the newest classrooms, what are the newest technologies that are being offered to our students, what do they look like, and also to make sure that we're sort of continuing to work well and partner with our city schools,
Violin, Milville, Britton, Carmelan Regional, CCT Tech, and that it's a really nice pathway to lead into that and I am privileged to have a lot of information about RCSJ because of my position on this board and as an educator I constantly share that with
our students that you can get a four-year degree for $6,000 um that it's not just you know these really intensive you know writing English classes and math classes um to get a a job with a to get a degree with a job that you're going to sit behind a
desk but that there's a lot of hands-on and um advanced manufacturing technology, automotive, uh, degrees and education that can happen there. Even if it's not a full degree, but maybe just a training program, even a class that can help you prepare for the test that you
need to take to get into the electrical workers union. There are so many options and so many things that are offered at RCSJ. And I toured the the building and the grounds and those up-to-date classrooms with our board of trustees members from Cumberland County. And it was fantastic to see that. And I I
brought to their attention that I really want to work together with our educators around the county in all of our schools to make sure that they're aware of that because those are the people who are having the facetime, the onetoone connection with our students every day.
And I want them to be able to bring that information directly to our students. It's one thing for the guidance counselors to know. It's another thing for these colleges to visit um on, you know, a college recruitment or open house day. Uh, but that's just one person standing behind a table. I think
it would go a long way to educate our educators about all of the things that we're doing at the RCSJ campus. Uh, and what we are doing there is incredible. I will have to share with everybody that our college is working together with business and industry right here in
Cumberland County talking about what do you need, what what advanced uh robotics technology are you using on your manufacturing floors that we can train our students and our new workforce to be able to go right to work for everybody
that's here in Cumberland County. So, we're training the workforce and they have jobs to go to right here in Cumberland County. I was really excited about that. And I want to also point out that the county commissioners share all the places that they go and and I was with a lot of you at many of the places
that you mentioned. Um we share that because that's kind of what our job is. Our job is to be an advocate and and a communicator and a conduit between the public and the government. Uh and also of course manage public funds and and the services that the county provides.
But there were a number of issues that were brought up here tonight that do have to do with legislation and this is not a legislative board and we know that um this is a management board but we also are here to advocate and so a big part of what we do is to go to the
voters the the residents of Cumberland County and understand what's on their mind. Uh we were serving lunch at the Triad uh lunchon and that was a room of what would you say 200 people. It was a packed house. I will say that. And so we
had a lot of really great conversations with our seniors and and what's happening with them. And that means that we can take all of that information back here into our jobs and make sure that we are governing in a way that reflects the needs of the people that we were elected to represent. And I just want to point out that that's why we do that. It's
about going to the people to find out what's on their mind and bringing that back here so that we can govern as effectively as possible in a way that reflects the people we represent. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't remind people it was election day next
Tuesday, November 4th. And our election day is a part of our democratic system which our country was built on. And in recent years, we all know that those voter turnout numbers have gone down. And in order to maintain
our democratic system, we need for everyone to be involved. And so, yes, while this message is to encourage everyone to vote, it's also to take a pause in a moment, if I may, to thank the people just in this room tonight and that are out there listening and watching who are involved in a part of
our government every day. We had incredible volunteers here tonight. Um, Esau Martin and what he's doing in the city of Bridton. um everyone who came out, Shashana and everyone who came out from the library board um to to speak about our library and make sure that
that funding was there. And yes, I told you last time that we're going to make sure that funding is there and we're going to continue to do so. Um Sharon, I I can't thank you enough for the things that you do. Um and I the volunteers for the expungement event that the prosecutor shared with us, I I
appreciate their efforts. Um, you all thank John Redden, which I was going to get to, but also all of the volunteers that volunteer on our boards. Um, and John Redden for sure for his eight years of service to the Cumberland County uh, tech board, but especially the people
that come to these meetings um, every other week on a regular basis. And I'm going to call you out by name, Mr. Hoff, Miss Rididgeway, and Miss Oavdo. Thank you for being a part of your government. Thank you for for taking your time to come to these meetings and give your
feedback. And that helps us to govern in the best way that we can. And really, that's what this is about. And I hope that people are inspired by people like you and all of the volunteers that we heard here tonight and that we see here tonight um to be part of their government. And one of the easiest ways to do that is to go out and cast your
vote on November 4th. Um and one last thing I just want to leave with everybody, Saturday, November 1st, because we wouldn't have this right to vote without our veterans. Uh Saturday, November 1st, our Milville Air Force uh Air Museum is hosting their tribute to vets and it goes all day uh 10 to 2.
I've been to this event many times. It's it's a beautiful event and I think Saturday is actually supposed to be kind of a nice sunny day and that's a really great, you know, kind of environment to be out at the Millville airport and especially at the museum which has made a ton of additions recently. Uh so they'll be out there 10 to 2 open house,
come see everything. The ceremony does begin at 11:00 and it's followed by a really fun messaul lunch. So, if anyone can come out, please please come out and see our mobile um Air Force Museum and uh support our tribute to our vets. Thank you. >> Thank you.
I'll be brief. >> Good. >> Yeah, I know. Um, I've gone to a lot of events that a lot of the commissioners talked about, but there there was a couple that stood out that Warren mentioned. One, I love the Beayshore.
I love the Beayshore Festival. And if you like oysters, you got to go down there. And I mean, I I've gone down there three times this year. Uh, and I really do enjoy it. You should try to get down there. It's a beautiful place. They have a museum down there. You
should go see it. Uh enjoy it. Just sit on the dock there and just just talk with the family, friends, other people. It's a really great place to be. You get a nice breeze down there. And uh you should you should try it sometime if you've never been down there. I went to
a lot of the uh um October festivals, you know, the fall festivals and you know, Commissioner Ostina made the statement about Ring Witch and I was down there and it was a beautiful thing. We have a lot of beautiful things in our county. We
should try to one of the things that I'd really like to work on is a very good calendar to where we can get it and get it on our website and have not only just Cumberland, you know, just the county government, but everybody's all the cities and see if we can get something
like that. But we h we have so much to offer and as I said, I've been to a lot of the events throughout Conland County. Um, Commissioner Alrech mentioned the suicide watch. um that's near and dear to my heart. Um
one of the things that I made the statement about is to the people was it's not your fault. It's not the fault of the people there that are remembering other individuals. It's not your fault. And that's important to remember. Okay. Um
and what uh what you saw was the camaraderie between all the individuals in the stand and that's very awesome. That's also very important because you you you you start to build that friendship and you can start relying on those individuals and and and that's
very important. Uh the the the event that uh Commissioner Romero and I went uh and again I I have to thank um Dr. Dena Rosi. She helped out a great deal being able
to get uh the gymnasium. uh sensei Marty Emanuel. He was my sensei. He was a very unique and unbelievable individual. And I can say this openly that there is no man living or dead that
I had more respect for than that person right there. He was just an unbelievable person. The worst thing in the world is to get to know to have known this guy because if anything happened to you, you wanted to cry about it and do self-pity.
if you knew Marty Emanuel, that had to go away because of what he did, what happened to him, and the fight that he had to keep on going. So th those are the things that that I remembered this past month. Just remember, we have a
great county. Go out and see it. Don't just stay in your homes. Don't just stay in your cities. It's all over. Uh and again, I want to thank this board. One of the really great things that we did was that expansion for the surrogates office. I think that's very important.
We're going to be able to serve people common county better and it's going to make it easier for him. I want to thank all our department heads that are here. I appreciate you getting up and explaining a lot of different uh situations that we've had. And I want to thank our administrators, okay, uh of
the camp. You have no idea the hard work they put in behind the scenes to get everything ready. And I know sometimes you ask questions, uh, especially if you ask questions at a couple meetings back, we might not have the answers right then and there. We might have to go and research and get that information for
you. But I just want you to know they work very very hard for you and the people of coming. That being said, I think we have uh a motion to adjurnn. >> We don't have >> we don't have any executive session now. So >> do I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. Second.
All >> in favor? I This has been a QVC television production in association with our partners and sponsors. QBC broadcasts on Comcast cable channel 22 and live streams its programming on Facebook and YouTube. All rights reserved by Quinn
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