Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with chapter 231 public law 1975. Uh at this point, Todd, we'd like to take a moment of silent meditation and may we ask the good Lord to help those people that are unfortunate and
especially with the heat and the way it's going on that they're safe. will be stand 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. Commissioner Alustinino here. Commissioner Alrech here. Commissioner Romero here. Commissioner Lo excused. Commissioner Taylor present.
Deputy Director Marshon here. Director Sorrow here. Do I have a motion and second to accept and dispense with the reading of the minutes from the last public meeting? So move. Second. All in favor? I.
By email correspondence dated July 1st, 2025, the Mammoth County Board of Commissioners notified the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners of Mammoth County Resolution 2025-0471 adopted on June 26, 2025 opposing House Bill HR1 and Senate Agriculture
Committee text impacting county governments with supplemental nutrition assistance program administrative and funding changes. At this time, um, we're going to have a couple presentations tonight. And the first one will be to honor students from
the CCT Tech. Okay. And Jack, uh, New Jersey Association of Counties are here. And we're going to be giving out scholarships to these individuals for, uh, how great they did in their studies at CCTech, upand cominging, very
well-known school throughout the state because we keep winning the food thing. We had we had a cook. I know that we had a cook. President, what I'd like to do is introduce Alan Weston. He's from NJC. If you could come up and superintendent
Dana Rossy, could you? Yeah. Right here. Can you come up, please? Okay. What we're going to do is have the individuals come up one at a time, and each one will say something, and I will
stand by and just listen and and hand you your certificate. All right. Well, thank you for having us. Um, the following students are part of our recently graduated class of 2025. We graduated 246
students in that class. It's our sixth graduating class, which I can't believe we're already on our sixth graduating class. And this begins the trend of increasing our class size. So, our classes are only going to get larger and larger. So, you're going to see a lot more of our students getting these
wonderful scholarships. And thank you to NJ for them. I would like to read a brief bio of these students and what they submitted to be selected for this NJAC scholarship. So the first one is NJAC courtesy of Amazon and our award
recipient is Marcus Harmon. Marcus is a dedicated and passionate student with a clear career goal to become an engineer. Initially drawn to math, Marcus discovered that engineering combines his love of numbers with critical thinking,
problem solving, and creating solutions that improve lives. Through his experiences in CC Tech's engineering program, he learned that engineering is not just about theory. It's about applying knowledge to address real world challenges.
Guidance from his teachers, including Miss Gman, Miss Shaw, and Mr. Zilbert has inspired Marcus to explore diverse areas of engineering such as physics, electricity, and environmental sustainability. Marcus is deserving of this scholarship
because of his academic dedication, strong work ethic, and passion for solving complex problems. The lessons he has learned and the guidance he has received at Tech have equipped him with the skills and mindset to excel in engineering. With this scholarship,
Marcus will continue his pursuit of innovative solutions that benefit communities and industries alike, making a positive impact through his future work in engineering. I'd like to congratulate Marcus Hartman. On behalf of the Cland County Board of
Commissioners, we have proclamation here. And we have one from Enjac and and Alan if you'd like to say something. Uh I would just say uh it's a pleasure to be here. Apologize executive director for not making because what we generally do at Njack is play defense and so there
was a meeting tonight the governor's office about the 37% year-over-year increase to local uh health benefits plan for uh local employees, county and municipal. Um so that's why I couldn't be here, but it's nice to be here uh for something positive, right? to reflect
upon the investment the county has made in the technical school and you know get to appreciate some of your outstanding students and we appreciate and Jack for being here come on in and right here perfect
the next scholarship is actually one of two that are provided by investors and citizens bank. And our first recipient is Daniela Roman Okamo. Daniela is a compassionate, motivated student with a clear vision for her future in healthcare. Through her volunteer work
at a local medical facility, she has gained firsthand experience interacting interacting with patients and has seen the importance of showing kindness and empathy during their most vulnerable moments. Qualities she naturally embodies. As a student in the health
science and medicine program at Tech, Daniellea has built a strong foundation in medical knowledge and skills over the past four years. Her academic commitment is further reflected in her dual enrollment coursework, including classes like medical terminology and legal and
ethical issues in healthcare. These experiences have helped her understand the responsibilities and expectations of a nursing career. Daniela is also a faculty member of HOSA, a club for future healthcare professionals where she has gained additional insight into
medical professionalism and leadership. As a first generation college student, Daniela is determined to break barriers, achieve her dreams, and make a difference in the lives of future patients, especially children. Her academic dedication, hands-on
experience, and genu genuine compassion make her deserving of this scholarship and a future nurse who will lead with both knowledge and heart. Congratulations, Danielle. Commissioners, and of course, New Jersey Association of Counties, we we honor you
and congratulate you. Perfect. Thank you so much. And the second recipient of the investor citizens bank scholarship is Mia Miller. Mia is a dedicated and compassionate student with a clear vision. She plans
to become an early childhood education teacher, girl from my own heart, and later pursue her master's degree in school counseling. Her passion for working with young children, comes from a deep desire to support their individual needs and help them navigate challenges they face in their education.
Mia understands that every child learns differently and as a teacher and future counselor, she aims to provide the guidance and support that will set her students up for success. Throughout her academic career, Mia has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her studies,
earning consistent recognition on superintendent list and principal list while maintaining a high GPA. Since her freshman year, she has set ambitious goals for herself, knowing that academic success will pave the way for her future. She is deserving of this
scholarship because of her passion for education, her academic achievements, and her determination to help children thrive. With this financial support, May will be able to continue her journey toward becoming an early childhood education teacher and eventually a school
counselor, where she will make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their future. Congratulations, Nate, commissioners, and New Jersey Association of Counties. We honor you and congratulate you. Thank you.
The next scholarship is provided by SHI International and it goes to Trent Garrison. Trent has always been drawn to technology, but his passion for computers truly came to life during high school. Growing up surrounded by devices, he became fascinated with how
computers work, communicate, and connect people. With the support of his instructor, Carlos Morales, he gained hands-on experience in coding, computer building, and networking. These skills not only sparked confidence but also ignited a strong desire to
pursue pursue a career in the field. What makes him truly deserving of this scholarship is his dedication to growth and resilience. Despite starting with less experience than some of his peers, he worked hard to master complex topics and never back
down from the challenge. He embraces the learning process even when it's difficult because he understands that real progress comes from persistence. Trent has also developed the ability to learn independently, often going beyond classroom instruction
to deepen its understanding. His passion, discipline, and drive to keep going sets him apart. This scholarship will allow him to continue his education and stay focused on achieving his goals in the area of technology.
Congratulations, Trent G. Commissioner, the New Jersey Association of Counties. Wish you luck and congratulations and honor. Thank you. Thank you. There are two young men that were unable
to join us because they are working. So, I'd like to just mention them. Um, South Jersey Industries provided a scholarship to Samuel Fedro. And Sam plans to become a full-time residential electrician. He's actually working in the field right
now as an apprentice um and working on home maintenance, electrical setups, and installation. Obviously, he was in our construction trades program. So, this will provide him an opportunity to continue in that field. And AT&T provided a scholarship to Alejandro Cruz
Perez and his academic journey served as a bridge between personal ambition and professional goals. Each course he has taken shaped his perspective on the world and the role he hopes to play in it, especially the Spanish heritage class, which strengthened his sense of
identity and revealed his potential to uplift others and drive meaningful change. The potential is now being transformed into purposeful action with a deep interest in technology is particularly drawn to cyber security as the society becomes increasingly
digital. So he's actually working in the technology field. We're gonna ask you to personally somehow congratulate both individuals on behalf of the common board of commissioners and also New Jersey Association of Canada. I sure will. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Appreciate you taking action. We got to get the Cumberland County back in the cook off right there. Oh yeah. But you know, we actually felt bad too many times. Oh yeah, that would be nice. Okay, that sounds good. Group photo everybody.
Or behind me. Behind you. Yeah, stand behind. See if we can reenter. All right. Can you see everything? Uh, yes, I can see everybody. Great.
Awesome. Thank you. Awesome. Thank you very much. Thank you everybody. Thank you for keeping me straight. It's really great to be with our young people uh moving forward and they have a whole life ahead of them. You can see
how hard they work to get to where they're at right now and I think every one of them is going to be a great team. Uh we also have another presentation um from Matt Vasarski uh planning and um I I before we even
start I just want to say that uh the planning department did a phenomenal job on what you're going to see and they worked very very hard on this plan. Uh, and I want to make sure that everybody
knows. I think I say it. I want you to say it yourself. We're the only county Go ahead. I want you to say it. We're the only county that has part uh gotten 100% participation from every municipality by the county actually attending uh municipal meetings and
meeting with all subcommittees of the 14 municipalities. There you go. Let's give them a round of applause. Go ahead, Matt. You're you're in charge now. Go. All right. Thank you very much. I'm Matt Bizarski. This is Elena Gable from the county planning department. Um we just want to briefly go over the cross
acceptance process for the current draft state redevelopment and development plan. So, a little bit of history. Um the last time this was done in uh the format we're seeing today was in 2001.
Um so it's been several years almost a quarter of a century um since the plan has been updated. Uh the process that we have gone through so far is um that the county planning
board and planning department were identified as the negotiating entity for Cumberland County by the county commissioners in 2024. The draft state preliminary plan was released in December of last year. Uh we worked with
uh municipal partners starting in January of 25 um actually before that to secure a subcommittee members from each municipality. Uh and the official public meeting on the draft plan in Cumberland
County was held on February 13th of this year. Uh there are several goals in the plan including economic development, housing, infrastructure, revitalization, climate change. I mean practically every component that you can think of that
would be impacted by planning um is a component of the of the state plan. Uh the we completed what are referred to as cross- acceptance response templates or carts. You may hear that um here and
there uh as we work through this process. Uh the county completed draft cards for every municipality in the county all 14 as well as a county overarching cart. Um we met with all the municipalities um through their
subcommittees and through their planning boards. Uh we do have 100% participation from all of our municipalities. A huge thanks to all of them for working with us throughout that process. Um we also completed the countywide cart. Um all of
the carts and documents related to this process are on the county website. We'll show you that uh in a moment. Um the municipal carts have a variety of components including um analyses related to each of the um goals of the plan as
well as mapping for each municipality. And then the county cart does a similar process only it's more comprehensive for the entire county. And then our negotiating meeting was held with the state on July 9th. Um and that went very
well. And I will pass it over to Elena. Okay. Great. And so I'm going to kind of touch base on some of the mapping that we did in preparation. Um so we did these maps for both the county and also for each of our individual municipalities. So the first
map is the existing land use and that is based upon tax assessment data as of January of this year. Um we also work with all of our towns to kind of ground truth and correct any errors that there might be in the data set. We also took a look at the 2020 land use land cover um
data set layer that's available through uh state agencies. This took 2020 aerial imagery and essentially coded it in a way that assigns value to the pixel. So there it breaks it down into a couple major categories.
Agriculture, barren land, forest, wetlands, urban and water. Um so it kind of gives you an idea of where there is existing development, where there are farms, where there might be some environmentally sensitive areas. Um and we also took a look at environmental
features that would include flood planes, preserve uh open space, preserved farmland and also wetlands. Um going forward, we also looked at utilities. Um so where is their sewer service? Where's where are their water
purveyor areas in the county? Also on the other hand, where's the preserved land in the county? Um, we also, as part of the assessment, we created a countywide zoning layer. Uh, we looked at each local zoning map for our municipalities and essentially
assigned those zoning districts uh general categories to create a comprehensive zoning map um for the overall county. the zoning map really became crucial and looking and comparing it to the planning areas assigned by the state. So we tried to keep it in general
categories agriculture, commercial, mixed use, industrial, public and institutional lands, residential. Um some towns have zoning for uh conservation districts. Uh what else is there here? Some overlay and
redevelopment areas. And then a couple towns had some waterfront zoning. And then we went and looked at the planning areas, that's the last map, and made recommendations for changes based upon all of the other data from the other maps to see what the town's local
policies are and what's being acknowledged and what isn't. And I'll get more into the planning area changes in a second. Um and so for overarching categories from the county cross- acceptance response template, um these are some of our major points that
we got across to the state. Um modernizing the electric grid, um D regulations, um should reflect credit for stateowned land and open spaces, uh support sewer expansion in the county, uh provide funding for rehab of older
housing stock. In doing this whole assessment, we know there's a lot of clusters of smaller hamlets and villages that aren't acknowledged. Um, and most of those housing units in those areas are considered historic being 50 years older. Um, and so looking for
recognition of that as well. Uh, coordination with NJ Transit. Um, we have some equity concerns regarding stateowned open space burning the tax base. I believe in downtownship 80% of the tax base is owned by D. um which is
can be problematic for trying to you know balance out those ratables. Um and also talking about down and ecoourism assistance would do wonders in the county. Um recognizing assisting villages and hamlets to prioritize revitalization and infrastructure
efforts. Um equity to communities impacted by D regulations. Uh increase the inflexibility for local implementation. uh include strategies for agricultural and resource-based economy. This uh this comment was something we've noticed throughout the
state plan that some more language should be provided um to help foster that kind of development. Um transportation infrastructure gaps. Uh there's we also noticed that there's conflicting goals between the state plan and the affordable housing obligations.
Um plan endorsement process. We had some recommendations with that. The plan endorsement process has to do with center designation and then also a last comment was reasonable time limits on state permits and approvals. Um that has to do with you know just the lengthy
process that you know public entities have to go to to get approval. Um so for next steps uh so as we mentioned before we had a negotiation session with the state that went really well. So, um, our role is more or less done at this point.
Um, however, we want to just let you know that on July 30th, there will be an impact assessment that'll be released by, uh, the state planning comm commission and office of planning advocacy. Um, on August 6th, the office of planning advocacy advocacy is going
to release the draft statements of agreements and disagreements. Um, September 10th, there will be a final state redevelopment plan. There's going to be public hearings in October, the majority of which that are going to be held virtually. Uh November 26, that's
when the deadline for public comment ends. Um and then December, the state planning commission will approve the final plan. Um and then starting next year, we'll be going into uh finalizing all of our proposed mapping changes.
So, we do want to show you Let's see if the link is going to work. So, oh, how I thought do I have escape from this? Yeah, there we go. There we go. All right. So, on the county website,
there's the cross acceptance page. And on the cross acceptance page is a description of everything we've just gone through and then all of the various cards for all the municipalities in the county. And then we actually created a map
viewer. And so when you click the link, this popup appears just to let you know um that what you're looking at is looking at the existing state plan areas um and compare it to what we're
proposing. And so what we've done here is created this slider tool. So on let me get the legend one here too. All right. So on this side is all of the existing planning areas and as you slide
it across it'll show what we're proposing to change. So everything highlighted in yellow are our changes and say up here in Deerfield if you click on it it'll show you that we're proposing to change it from a PA4 which
is the rural planning area to a PA3. It's a French. So trying to prioritize those areas for infrastructure in the future. If you could just take a second to explain each one of those PA1 2 3 4 so everybody understands that because I think it's very important to explain why
if we go from a four to a three which is a fringe why that's important for us we could do that. Yes. So back in 2001, for those who were around at that time, um one of the challenges with the state planning process is that they tended to blanket
Cumberland County in more undevelopable areas. So they identified PA4, which is rural, PA5, which is environmentally sensitive. Um the pink on this map shows urban areas. um there was not a lot of
fringe. So yellow would be suburban and then the orange would be the the fringe areas. Um in some cases due to our the way we historically developed with crossroads and hamlets and villages um a
lot of times they they were not reflective in the state plan. So they would be blanketed as rural or environmentally sensitive. So what we've been trying to do with this process is to expand our areas that can be
developed or or are intended to be developed in the future. um particularly around those rural communities um and to the greatest extent possible either create fringe areas or um
suburban areas where appropriate uh to properly reflect the need the current existing development and then the future need. Um so that's what we've tried to do with that. I think one of the things that we have to stress is that this is
not just for now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now. One of the things we asked the municipalities and the cities to do, the townships was to think way ahead, 15 years. I mean, this was 21 years in the making. Am I correct?
Okay. So, we know that uh what will happen is they will hold us to this. So, we were hoping that the the the cities, the townships, the municipalities uh would think ahead as to what was going to happen in the future. Where do you think you're going to be going in
the next 5 years, 10 years, 15 years? So, this way the state can't say, "Well, we have this already designated as a rural or highly sensitive. So, you're not you're not going to do it or they're going to give you a hard time." So, I I think what they did and I really think
they did a hell of a job. They created a lot of fringe areas which made it you can still keep it sensitive if you want to keep it that way, but it's going to give you the opportunity to expand. Okay. And that being said, I think that helps us out a lot in uh Cland County
because it never happened this way. They always tried to stop us either uh conserv conservation uh environmentally sensitive areas and we were never able to develop and I think doing this this is going to help out a lot. Thank you. I
just want to bring that up. You're welcome. So So it's all available. Um we as I said we had very good negotiation uh last week. I think out of oh gosh we probably went through 50 or more um specific topics with them.
I think there was a single disagreement out of the entire process um related to something that was more impactful in the north part of the state than it was to us. Um everything else we've been working closely with the office of planning advocacy
um to ensure that we're they understand our perspective um as we move through this process. And I think that that's been working pretty well. I think that meeting last week went pretty well for us. I I was really really happy with it. Uh
I the whole team uh by the way that was one of the reasons why I wasn't at the opening fair because I was at the meeting. Um a lot of questions came from our team and I think we're the only ones that had that many questions or that many
statements in the state of New Jersey because you can actually track this. We questioned everything. We brought out there was three pages of questions. Am I correct? Was it at least three? At least three, if not more than that. Yeah. Okay. So, I mean it was line item by
line item. We went over every line item to get the message across as to where we would like to stand. Now, there were some areas where they turned around and said, "Well, we're going to have to come back to this." We understood to a certain degree, but that's the state.
That's we got to work with. But on a lot of things they acknowledged it. And one of the things I'll give you an example is affordable housing. We got across on that. We have many many houses in different cities that aren't being used.
Affordable housing can't always be brand new houses. Why don't we get houses that aren't being used that are vacated, fix them up, and use them also as affordable housing and clean up an area? doing that, but we will actually make it nicer in some of our cities in different
areas of our cities. So, uh, they had to acknowledge that and I I think they're actually going to come back. I do feel that they'll come back and say that they're going to start allowing that. I I I do believe that. I mean, but these are only one of the the things that we
were talking about. Um, but I I again, I commend you. You both of you have done a fabulous job and I appreciate all the work you did. And there's I I'll open it up for questions because that's how important this is. So if there's anybody uh here in the audience that would like
to ask a question, please do a question. Did they the I see the beayshore I see added some stuff but how about right along the bay shore? Are they going to allow more u uh growth? Do we have shipping there? I
mean, they draw lines that that are impractical to have a a ship building and they want it 100 feet or 200 feet off the water. You can't do that. So, are they going to allow the those little hamlets or towns like Leburg or are they
allow them to grow to fit whatever need they're going to be more open to that? Well, that's that's the proposal we made to them. Um, that's the fringe areas. Those are the right and and there are so in those communities some of those communities
have cent's designation which is a different process um and we discussed that with them and for instance centers expire every 10 years and we said that's ridiculous the process you go through to get a center designation it should be
permanent they seemed amendable to that so so we we advocated certainly for those communities Now we need to see what their response is going to be in the draft in the final product and then the specific mapping
changes are occurring in 2026. But even though they make the change, we still had a public we can still have a public comment on their changes, right? In other words, we we submitted what we wanted. Okay? And I think we got a lot through with with what we wanted. But if
they decide not to do it, we will still have a chance at public comment. But even with public comment, if they decide not to do it, they're not going to do it, are they? Well, we can't twist their arm. I I mean, I think I think we made a major step forward. I really do. and and we've
been we've been very intentional in the way we've interacted with them throughout this entire process to ensure that we've been heavily involved in the process. We've been up there in Trenton. We've been communicating with them regularly. They understand our
perspective and all of that leg work was done in an effort to get our point across so that we get some positive response from them. Um, we have to wait and see at the end, but I feel pretty
confident that that method um is going to result in some um certainly a middle ground will be reached between the two entities. I I hope I don't share your enthusiasm for it. So, I'm sorry, but because they I just reflect over one meeting I
attended that they uh how they Well, this is what we're going to decide. I'm glad to hear that they they listen to you. They they uh I see some difference in the map. We have we have a our face shore is just as important as the shore.
And if we and it could be as a very productive very uh an economic uh boom or economically zoned as any other area of the state, but it's curtailed or handicapped because they just don't understand. Let's just do this. And I
I'll give the perfect example because I say it all the time and I I'll put uh John Carl on the spot too because he says that you know as he as he votes that our our offshore is barren compared to the eastern shore of Maryland. Mhm. Eastern Sher Barrel and and the
Beayshore are kind of they almost are look the same except they're not allowed to grow or be individuals which I heard you say that that and and become unique unique as an area that it could be and
uh so I I hope I hope you're right u I hope that they will actually and I I have been through this process 2001. You say it it was farther back than that that they had a state plan that we designated areas that this is what it
was going to be. Here's the problem until they decide they make their own rules that don't fit what we agreed on. So, so I'll be I'll reserve judgment. I hope you guys your positive stuff is great and I hope it reflects all the things we the hard work you guys put
into it. our director, all the hard work has been put into that. I hope they will take it, run with it, and allow us to be different and special than we are. So, thanks. Well, thank you. And I think they certainly recognize that through our municipal participation rate. We we are
unique and special in South Jersey for that if nothing else. So, um that was a big effort and they acknowledged that in the negotiation session. Any commissioners have any questions? Okay. Thank you so much, man. All right. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Okay, Madame Clerk, let's uh move on to Do I have a motion and second to have ordinance be read on first reading by title only? Make the motion. Second. All in favor? Ordinance 2025-4 ordinance
reappropriating $2,385,774 proceeds of obligations not needed for their original purpose in order to provide for the expansion of the Cumberland County Technical Education Center in and by the county of Cumberland, New Jersey. Do I have a motion to move the ordinance on first reading?
Make the motion second. Commissioner Alina, yes. Commissioner Albert, yes. Commissioner Romero, yes. Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Marshon, yes. Director Sar, yes. Notice is hereby given that ordinance 2025-4 was introduced and approved by
the board of county commissioners of the county of Cumberland on first reading on July 15, 2025. It will be further considered for final passage after public hearing thereon at a meeting of the board of county commissioners to be held at the Cumberland County Administration building 164 West Ball
Street in Bridton, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 6 p.m. prevailing time at which time we place comments and objections to ordinance 2025-4 may be presented by members of the public. Do I have a motion and second to open public comment on resolutions only?
I'll make the motion. Second. All in favor? I Anyone from the public that wish to come forth and speak about resolutions, please do so. State your name and location. Good evening. I'm Nancy Richway from
Upper Deerfield and Fairfield Townships. on resolution 2025413. The resolution amending resolution 2023-559, a resolution authorizing acceptance and
execution of a grant agreement for the middle mile broadband grant program and amending and supplementing resolution 2022 582. Now in this resolution it states that uh
on July the 8th of 25 that we received notice of award by NIA extending the project period end date to 1231 2027.
Um, this is a shared service agreement with County and Salem County for this $24 million grant from the federal government. And our share is between us and sher Salem County is $10 million.
And what are we doing? I mean, the bead money went to Violin and a city in Salem County and Salem County. Cuming County didn't get the bead money. What are you doing? I mean, you got two more years or
less than two years to do this project to get broadband service down to the lower communities of County. And you paid an engineer money, big bucks. We just extended his contract for a month to straighten
everything out. And uh what's going on with his broadband? When are the people in the lower side of Cuming County going to get broadband? Thank you. Anybody else would like to get up? Not seeing anything.
Do I have a motion to close? Motion to close. Second. All in favor? I answer. Well, first we close an answer. Okay. I first we close and then we'll give the answer. Okay.
Okay. We wanted to make sure nobody else wanted to come up and ask anything else. Yes, director. Uh basically this the the purpose of this resolution is um we we all all grantees are are offered the the
opportunity to extend the the work period of the grant to fulfill full construction uh up to and including the end of December 2027. So it was a year additional there's no
there was no cost to the county. There is no charge. It's purely the resolution is purely stating that it that it is giving us an additional year to complete the project. That at this point that's that that's all the resolution does. No cost. No cost.
There you go. Thank you. Okay. Department comments. Pardon me. Any department had comments? Oh, I'm sorry. Any department have comments? I'm going to come up. This is Jennifer.
Hold on a sec. Can we get her? Can we turn this up? Huh? All right. Uh, Madam Prosecutor, if you can yell into your phone, we can because I don't know how to do my very best. There you go.
Yes. Yes. Okay. Good. Good afternoon from sunny Kansas City, Missouri, where I am at the National District Attorneys Association Summer Summit. Thank you for allowing me to attend. I was just elected president
elect. So, next year I will be president of the National District Attorneys Association. So, thank you for that otherwise I would be there. I'd ask on resol Thank you so much. um on resolution 2025397
which is a change order to award an additional $17,500 to life force living on our CCN grant. Our CCN grant stands for Cumberland County Identify Notify and Care. It is
an initiative to case manage and get the best outcomes for the 50 most at risk juveniles uh in Cumberland County. The grant award was for $543,000 when we received it almost 5 years ago
and the grant ends on September 30th, 2025. So, we just have a couple months um to use the rest of the money in the grant. Originally, life living was awarded $145,530
to uh case manage the 50 most at risk risk youth. I did provide you director with an update. Um we have touched 77 youth and we're case managing 77 youth. um which accounts for 3,442
hours. So currently with the amount being 162,560 that has been awarded to life first living because we did do a change order sometime last year. We have spent $4722
per hour. We have case managed to 77 youth. We have done 77 youth assessments, 60 family assessments, 107 case plans because as kids progress, you update their case plans. We've done
96 social service referrals and 128 pro-social activity referrals. And when I talk about those social service referrals and pro-social activity referrals, please understand when we refer the youth and their family to existing resources in our community,
there is it's not just oh go here is taking them by the hand, making the contact with the agencies that we're referring them to so that they get those notices. In addition, more recently, Life for Living has collaborated with
the healing den to do six sessions specifically with young ladies because we are seeing enough sick in juvenile crime with young ladies and they have created a junior credible messenger program and four youth have graduated
from that code program. So, I am asking you to approve an additional $17,500, which would make a 23% increase from the $145,530 we originally contracted with them for
50 youth. It was an educated guess on how much and how much time we would be spending with these youth. Finally, to put this into context, and you may say that $180,000
is a lot of money. Today, I just checked the count. We have 19 juveniles detained in detention, except for two that are there for bench warrants. The balance of them are there for conspiracy to commit
murder, murder, gun offenses, aggravated arson. I currently have four juveniles waved to a dog court and we uh in that 19 uh juvenile figure and we are currently in the process process of
waving several more. Now I don't know what the exact rate per day for each juvenile is but Chris Hart, please correct me if I'm wrong. I would venture to say it's probably at least $300 a day. He can tell you if I'm wrong, but
if I'm correct, that means that uh each day we are spending currently right now $5700 for the 19 youth that we have in detention, that comes out to $171,000 per month. So, every youth that we case
manage, every youth that we um get referrals for, because these are the youth that are the most at risk, most dangerous in our community, they are referred to us by the school districts, guidance counselors, social service agencies, DCPN.
Every one of those youth that we we get to stay out of detention save this county money and is a drop in a hat to the amount we pay when they have to be detained. I did a rough calculation.
If you order this um change order tonight living will have received $180,000 through September 30th, 2025. That's 31 months. That comes out to $5,86
per month in comparison to the $5,700. And that's a rough estimate of what we're spending per day to detain these children. So, I respectfully request that you uh grant my request to uh do
this change order, which will take us down to almost nothing with this grant. I have this firm belief that in the poorest county in New Jersey that I should leave no money that I receive from either the state or the federal government by way of grant on the table
and I should maximize it to the benefit of the citizens of Cumberland County. So, I'm respectfully requesting that you grant my change order and um award this last $17,500 so that we can over this summer do a
hard hard push to continue to help these kids. Thank you. Have a good day. If there's anything any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Any question? I I have a question. the the paperwork, the uh you you mentioned all these uh case cases have been uh
handled. All that's up to par. They this organization has been detailed enough to provide all this information to you. The prosecutor's office didn't have to do any of this. They basically grabbed Did they complete everything that they were
supposed to do timely? Commissioner, I will tell you that Tracy Swan, my public safety reform strategist, is on the the call as well. You know that I have been doing this for 15 years. I I'm not bragging, but I'm very good at obtaining grant money for
the benefit of um this county. And I um you know, am very careful to make sure that we monitor bills, that we uh make sure that we cross our tees and dot our eyes because I want to stay in goodstead with the federal government and the
state government so that I can continue to get grants. And I can tell you that throughout my 15 years of doing this, I have never been um you know, you get audited and they either they have a good audit or a bad and I've never been
censured and I continue to get grants. So I'm not questioning my reputation on the line when it's when it's all said and done and we make sure that we um check our bills and we cross our teeth and not our eyes. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else?
Okay. Thank you very much, madam prosecutor. Thank you so much. Um, we have sheriff. Good evening. Um, and prosecutor, congratulations on your nomination. Um, my name is Mike Donado from the sheriff's department and I would just
like to go out and say, um, to the county fair association for a very successful yet again event that they had. Um, the county fair association put a lot of work into that year basically year round for those several days. Unfortunately, they just seem to draw
the rain sometimes. Um, but they they make the best of it and that's just been historically no matter what weeks I think that they've had it. Um, but they did a phenomenal job what they had to work with. You only lost that one night per se. Um, but it was a pleasure working with them again u for the
security plan that we had in place. Also the public works and the 4 program outstanding job that they did. I mean, the grounds are amazing and and a shout out to the comm the board of commissioners for the work that they've been putting into that the fairgrounds the past couple years. Um, I would also
like to thank uh Chief Jamie Betavio from the Britton Police Department, Chief Ross Hoffman from the Mobile Police Department, uh, Chief Torontos from Vin Police Department, uh, Chief Darren Pullman from the Prosecutor's Office, uh, Sheriff Chuck Miller from the Salem County Sheriff's Department.
All of those agencies assisted us with um officers that we were they brought in from the various agencies to help us out each night of the week um to make sure that the fair was a very safe place for many people to enjoy. And I say many
people because at times there was probably several hundred people waiting in line to get into there. Um and everybody was happy. there was no and and I'm happy to report that there was no issues out there other than a a few lost parents. Um
which was quick quickly located um and again um not to not to rule out but uh the state police both the Bridton and Port Station um didn't have anybody assigned out there. Uh they weren't needed at the time but were readily available if um something were to happen
and with their response. So just again thank you to the fair association uh county public works the commissioners for program for another successful year. Sure. Um all I heard was stellar comments about
you and the organization uh your officers and everything that you planned out including the other agencies that you you already mentioned. Yeah, we just want you to know that I heard nothing but great comments and everything that you guys did and we really appreciate what you did because
that's what made it safe for us and that's how people enjoy the fair because they don't have to worry about anything else. So, we really appreciate everything you did and all the agencies that you contacted and had help you. Thank you. Any other department head?
Seeing none, uh, we have a motion. We don't need a motion for move on. Uh, resolution 2025-362 was the motion that was tabled at the June 24th meeting. Resolution authorizing the subgrant agreement with the Cland County Approvement Authority
Clean Communities Program. Do I have a motion in second? Motion. Second. Ask a question. Director. Yes. The reason why it was t of You should we asked about the reason why we did it
was to ask them to uh to if they're putting stuff out please put our our logo on the recognize the county being a part of it and and you've had a discussion with them and we've had discussions discussions we have I feel strongly this will be resolved so we vote on this tonight that you
believe this is going to be what we're going to have. I I it's still brave to be, but you believe it's going to happen no matter what. All right. Thanks, Commissioner Alstino. Commissioner Alrech, yes. Commissioner Romero,
Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Marshon, yes. Director Sorrow, yes. We're going to move on to the consent agenda. Resolution 2025-387. Resolution awarding a contracting consulting services for the development and implementation of the county option
hospital fee program RFP number 25-24 resolution 2025-388 resolution awarding contract for supplying and delivering drainage pipe and materials for the Cumberland County Department of Public Works bid number 25-23 resolution 2025-389
resolution awarding contract for providing tree trimming and removal services for the county of Cumberland and the Cumberland County Cooperative Contract purchasing system identifier number 181 CC CCCPS bid number 25-26 resolution 2025-390 resolution
authorizing the award of a non-far open contract for the purchase of 320 Rickens gas gift cards resolution 2025-391 resolution authorizing the award of a non-farant open contract for the maintenance services for the infasher case management system for the Kling
County prosecutor's office resolution 2025-39 92 resolution authorizing purchase from the New Jersey state contract vendor for one 2025 Ford Escape active four-wheel drive all-wheel drive with factory and dealer options resolution 2025-393
resolution exercising first and final option to renew contract for providing and delivering washed aggregate for the Cumberland County Public Works Department bid number 24-25 resolution 2025-394 resolution exercising first and final option to renew contract for supplying and laying hot mix asphalt for the
Cumberland County Public Works Department and the Cumberland County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System identifier number 181 CCCPS bid number 24-28 resolution 2025-395 amendment to resolution 2024-552
resolution authorizing a subawward agreement with inspir centers incorporated Cumberland County New Jersey youth violence sessation initiative program resolution 2025-396 resolution approving budget amendment Cumberland County New towards a youth violence sessation initiative program
additional $50,000. Resolution 2025-397, resolution approving change order number two to contract for providing comprehensive credible messenger youth anti-gang identification notification and mentoring program for the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. RFP number
22-52 resubmission resolution 2025-398 resolution exercising first and final option to renew contract for supplying and delivering VOCC compliant high performance coal patch for the Cumberland County Public Works Department and Cumberland County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System
identifier number 181 CES CCPS bid number 24-26 resolution 2025-399 resolution authorizing grant application to the New Jersey Office of Attorney attorney general for subrant under the FFY 24 victims of crime act grant
program resolution 2025-400 resolution approving budget amendment workforce initi innovative initi innovation and opportunities 7,918,773 resolution 2025-41 resolution approving budget amendment WA
data reporting and analysis $12,971 resolution 2025 5-42 resolution authorizing application for renewal of the county human service advisory council grant program contract number 260042 resolution 2025-43
resolution approving budget amendment human services advisory council grant program $67,313 resolution 2025-44 resolution approving budget amendment work first New Jersey grant $59,131 Resolution 2025-405
resolution declaring various computer equipment from the Division of Employment and Training as surplus and unneeded property and authorizing recycling as e-waste. Resolution 2025-46 resolution declaring various electronic equipment from the Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs as
surplus and unneeded property and authorizes recycling as e-waste. Resolution 2025-407 resolution awarding fair and open professional service contract for providing inspections in accordance with the NJD for seven dams located in
Cumberland County pre-qualified per RFQ number 24-39 as needed general architectural and engineering consulting services contract awarded by resolution 2024-983 resolution 2025-48 resolution amending resolution 2025-313
awarding contracts for providing supportive services for children, adults, and families funded by the Cland County Department of Human Services/human Services Advisory Council RFP number 25-14. Resolution 2025-49,
resolution exercising first option to renew contract for providing collision repair and vehicle painting services for the county of Cumberland and the Cumberland County Cooperative Contract Purchasing System identifier number 181 CC CCPS bid number 24-27.
Resolution 2025-410, resolution authorizing grant application to the New Jersey Office of Attorney General for a subgrant under the FFY24, Stop Violence Against Women Act, grant program. Resolution 2025-411, resolution approving budget amendment
for year 25, local ethics efficiency achievement program fellowship grant, $37,500. Resolution 2025-412, resolution authorizing distribution of the county prosecutors law enforcement trust funds to the city of Vinland.
Resolution 2025-413, amended to resolution 2023-559, resolution authorizing acceptance and execution of a grant agreement for the middle mile grant program and amending supplementing resolution 2022-582. Resolution 2025-4
414 resolution amending resolution 2015 443 resolution shared services with the Ruckers cooperative extension part of Ruckers the state university of New Jersey resolution 2025-415
resolution authorizing interdep departmental agreement between the Cumberland County Department of Human Services and the Cumberland County Division of Employment and Training Resolution 2025-416 resolution author authorizing a shared service agreement with Bergen County for the provision of juvenile housing.
Resolution 2025-417 resolution revising the acquisition cost and cost sharing breakdown and authorizing other revisions based on the statewide farmland preservation formula of the halter fare application to self-development easement resolution 2025-418 resolution
revising the acquisition cost and cost sharing breakdown and authorizing other revisions based on the statewide farmland preservation formula of the Taylor Farm application to sell development in this manner. Resolution 2025-419, resolution revising the acquisition cost
and cost sharing breakdown and authorizing other revisions based on the statewide farmland preservation formula of the Brooks Farm application to self-development easement. Resolution 2025-420, resolution revising the acquisition costs and cost sharing breakdown and authorizing other revisions based on the
statewide farmland preservation formula of the Farmer Farm application to sell development easement. Resolution 2025-421 resolution revising the acquisition cost and cost sharing breakdown and authorizing other revisions based on the statewide farmland preservation formula
of the SF systems company farm acquisition to sell development easement resolution 2025-422 resolution authorizing agreement between Kland County Department of Aging and Disabled and the Parish of All Saints Church for the use of the parish All
Saints Church community center for the memory cafe program. Resolution 2025-423, resolution consenting consenting to temporary closing of County Road 615 South and County Road 615 North on July
26, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on July 27th, 2025 from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for the 59th annual Puerto Rico Festival. Resolution 2025-424, resolution authorizing share service
agreement with binding for North Brewster Road Improvement. Resolution 2025-425, resolution appointing members of the recreation commission. Resolution 2025-426, resolution approving change order 1 to contract for providing various social
services for the homeless for the county of Cumberland. Cumberland County Department of Human Services RFP number 24-58 resolution 2025-427 resolution approving change order number one of the contract for providing various social services for the homeless for the county of Cumberland Cumberland
County Department of Human Services RFP number 24-58 resolution 2025-428 resolution cancelling expired contracts for July 2025 covering materials services and supplies resolution 2025-429
9 resolution authorizing purchases from the state contract vendors. Resolution 2025-430 resolution authorizing payment of bills. Okay. Any questions on that? I have a couple questions on two of
the first. You have any questions? I just got a question on 2025 408. Uh for the last three to four years I've been talking about why do we have to continue to send vehicles out to get
repaired all the way to Belmont, New Jersey and the time that we spend in transporting and the money and employees. Don't we have any body shops make it simple in Cumberland County that could
do this work? That's all I have to say. Well, that was one of the questions I had. I mean, did anybody from common county did this? I didn't see the result of this this I mean, we can't stop putting in for I don't know for
this job, but you know, I don't know if they are we are we need to reach out. Well, and I you're exactly right, the commissioner. One of the things that I' I've wanted to bring up and and now I'm going to bring it out publicly and that is we need to have a class. We've talked
about this. I want this expedited. All right. We need to have a class. We want to contact PE vendors, trades people uh in Cumberland County. Bring them in. Teach them how to bid. Teach them what
it takes. Show them what it We I had done this one other time early in the 2000. It worked for a while. Somehow we got away from it. I think it's very important that we show them. A lot of people are afraid to bid because they're afraid working with the government and
that's absurd. So what we have to do is we we literally have to put on a class, bring the individuals in and show them the paperwork and if we have to take it step by step so they understand the process because Commissioner Romero is
correct. You know why are we going to Belmar? Now I understand the process. You send it out. They don't bid it. You can't force it. If somebody else wins it, you got to give it to them because they're low. I understand the process,
but now let's start making it to where uh the individuals in Come County have a fair shot at this. Okay. And I I want to really do something. We want to talk about it this week, please. All right. I know Commissioner Alrech has questions. Oh, wait. before if you
don't mind, Commissioner, there's another um it was my understanding that we would have somebody here to explain uh the gift cards. Is that true or no? Yes, we have Jesus.
Okay. I'd really like to understand and see how secure this is. So, it's just not happening and we're not just putting out uh money from the the county and well, I want to make sure it secures what
also a description also description of the program. Yes, please do that. Sure. Um good evening. I'm Jamie Gomez, director of the Division of Employment and Training. So, these gas cards come from a lot of different funding sources. Uh, one of the main ones is from, uh,
the Cland County Human Services through the Human Service Advisory Council. They give us money to buy Uber cards, which you voted on last month, um, and gas cards. So, those are we receive referrals from community agencies who already vetted families and individuals
who need this assistance. So, um, for that particular program, we don't have eligibility criteria. What we do have is our community partners who have their eligibility criteria and they have vetted the people to make sure that they need the service. Um
for the for our other grant programs um we have training and employment programs and they and we purchase cards so that individuals can get to training programs or to employment. Um all of our services are really eventually to get people into employment. So once um if they go into a
training program or they have the employment, these cards help them for their first month or whatever to um to get to employment. So those that eligibility is very um it's grant specific. So it's things like low income
basic skills deficient veteran um receiving social service benefits. So those programs um have eligibility. We keep track of everything. We have um a process in place that everyone who gets a card, we have to show that they are a
Cland County resident. Um we we have an application process. Uh we take uh photo copies of the cards and have them sign off that they receive them. Um we track all of that stuff. So do you track if they come to the training? I mean, you
know, let's say they start missing the training and they're still using the card. So do you track that and base it against the card or no? Um, so with the human service grant, we allow two times them to come back and get cards. That's a very short-term uh process. We don't
ask them. We we have um they don't necessarily tell us what they're going to use it for, but we don't track what they use it for. And I mean, do you track them coming to In other words, we're giving them a card in order to get training. Do we track and make sure that they're coming to the Oh, absolutely. There are customers who
have case managers who are very intimate with their particular case. All right. Do we uh Yeah, I'm sorry. Do we also supply these people with kind of information like CAT program and other ways of transportation?
Absolutely. In Camel County, actually employment training has our own transportation service. The the to work transportation service, but that is um that's limited. That's in the morning, late afternoon. It's not it's not um viable for every person to get to work
and to different training programs. So, this is a this is a go-between. This is what our other services can't provide that we will then provide in this card. It's only a short term a short it's a short-term fix for a very long-term broad problem.
Any other questions? Melissa, it seems like you'd like to say so. So, um, hi Melissa Niles. I'm the department head for human services. I just wanted to provide a little bit of more information about the human services role in this u initiative. So,
Cumberland County is the only county that receives additional funding every year. We we receive $320,000 from the Department of Children and Families for the purpose of trying to improve the conditions for children and families. And one of the requirements is
that we um have some sort of transport try to solve these social problems and include transportation. So, um, the gift card, I will say that Jame is very, it's, you know, it's very, uh, detailed. And the point of the
giving out the gift cards or the gas cards is to help the families like maybe the parent needs to get to work or something like that. Um, you know, we're trying to do the best we can. We've tried before to contract with transportation provider. Um, and we used
to do that. It cost us $120,000 and the way it was written, we paid them just to have the lights on during the day regardless of they transported them or not, but I did away with that. Um because that's not efficient. Um so allowing people to have the opportunity
because another program that we also have through people with substance use disorders who are trying to improve their recovery capital. Jaime's office also handles those for us. Um, and it's very it's, believe me, the state is on us. They are very serious about tracking
gift cards. We have everything down to the penny. I can guarantee you that. Um, and it's very important because our options for transportation are limited and it is a short-term solution. Um, but it's it's what we have.
So, thank you. Thank you for the explanation. Does anybody else have five years now? Yeah, we've been doing it for a long time. Okay. Yeah, we're ready to go on to the next initiative for transportation, whatever that is. Maybe we can Did you question? Not for that.
Yeah. Okay. Um, can we have Barbara Neetahan come up and just talk briefly about resolution 422 on the memory cap? I would you please come up. Good evening. Barbara Netahan, department head for Phelps on Aging. Um
I first want to thank you for um passing that resolution for memory cafe. It is a new initiative in our office to be able to provide um caregivers of uh a loved one with a cognitive disorder such as
Alzheimer's or dementia. It's going to be um held once a month and the programming is going to be geared toward um activities that will really help with the isolation that some of these people feel because when you're caring for
someone with Alzheimer's or a dementia uh situation and sometimes it's very difficult to go out and be with other people and this way we we're bringing people together. they can um have conversations as people that are having going through the same problems that
they are so they can have those discussions. We're going to have activities planned toward you know the the f that group. Um we have a music therapist uh already scheduled. We're working on getting art therapy
into the program. So we're building it. It's it's a new initiative that's as far as I know we haven't found any in New Jersey. I don't think we found any memory cafes in New Jersey, but they are they started in the ne Netherlands, I believe. But it is something um
Alzheimer's and dementia are is something growing as the population gets older. Um the increase in the aged population and dementia and those cognitive disorders are becoming more prevalent. So, we're trying to expand the programming that we have to help a
little bit because there's not a lot of I mean, I know I have gotten calls from several commissioners looking for additional services for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. So, we're trying to expand new services. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Taylor, you have anything else?
No, I just wanted Barbara to talk about that so we get the word out there. I think it's a very important and um worthwhile thing to do for our county on this. I got other things but the so the social aspect of that I I always remember my grandmother couldn't move
very well with like a sharp mind but I remember her you know basically by herself most of the time I mean not by herself but in in her own apartment but the comfortable life all of a sudden like someone a company or or would stop over like a
totally different person and it's like wow so I think that's going to be there's that despite around people that pushes them to focus and and what they can do and by all and I hear you just said art therapy music that that all
touches and so it's really I I know it's going to be successful and I hope they expand it because we have senior centers all over the county and not just I guess you start here and hopefully it can be branched off in different places but we definitely have a need. So, and I want
to thank uh Lisa Williams, my assistant. She's a certified dementia therapist. Is that what dementia care practitioner? Care care practitioner. So, she brings a lot to the table when it comes for the memory cafe and everything that we're going to do with that. Thank you.
Thank you. Okay, Commissioner Albert. Um, I'll just start the Well, I'll just start with number I'm glad the starting with the human services about pulling money together and upgrading the fleet a
little bit. I know they've had issues. So, they've cobbled money together to get a vehicle. Sounds kind of Oh, everybody does it. Well, it's not always everybody. It's needed. And I'm glad we're upgrading along with the I remember the bus and the dedication of the bus that uh it goes around. So,
recovery on wheels. So I upgrading that I really think it's needed. So um I the prosecutor's on this is number 11 resolution. I I have my reservations. U I I trusted M prosecutor. I know she
does a lot of things and reaches out. Uh and she's going to stay on top of that. That was the one big question I had is that uh are they doing the the paperwork that's needed? are they doing the documentation and and she I trust what
she says. I know she stays on top of that. If she's I said I have no issue with it if she's vouching for it. I would like to know more about the success or what's happening with as they
help these individuals how successful they are the correlation between helping these and I don't know how how dire it is to be in our juvenile detention center that I like to see a little more that hey if we don't do this here's what
happens and I guess it's uh there's people I guess you catch this I like to see that that data that we're catching this um I know that much but I would like to know more. So, um, I I second Commissioner Romero and
director about this uh this uh send it out uh this collision repair out of the county. We have plenty of people here and I mentioned to them about bidding and they they're interested but they don't know the first step. So I'm glad the director is saying that I would like it to stay every dollar spent here gets
spread out elsewhere in our community. The local baseball teams, the local uh sports, the wrestling program, all that benefits when a business could be successful. So I I it's needed. I'm glad you you're going to push that. So uh
Right. I'm glad Mr. Ridway brought up the about the middle mile stuff. It's it's going to be discussed, but it's just an extension of the program. Um there are and I when she says that there are other cities that are qualified for the bead
buddy. Yes, we're not pursuing that. Uh it's the even Pedville has no fiber optic bead buddy. Uh the city of Iowa is class and so is the I think over $20 million you give the sale county. Um yes, we're not in the game with that,
but so but we are going to uh renew it. You said one more year we're renewing it, which is needed to just continue uh to see what we can do. Um so I appreciate raising that issue. I this this is resolution uh this is
number 20 die resolution 415. I I'm glad I appreciate the I said silos. I appreciate the departments working outside of silos that help each other. I'm sure it's not the first time, but that working together and it's not just done by these department. There's
several other ones, DOC rural develop, but working together to try to solve issues. I I really appreciate them doing that. Uh they all talk, which is neat because they all really tackle the same problem from different directions, but it's good to see that. So, um, and this
one reflects it. Uh, all the farway preservation stuff. I I see that the agreement was made and then I guess they changed the numbers and they said, "Well, I really want more money." I I don't fault them for wanting more money for the land they've invested in over time. So, I I all these things
being updated, the amount of money. I realize the land is more valuable now than it's been the past, inflation, all that stuff. Our farmers have deserve the cash into what they have. So that's obviously making a comment. Don't
worry, I saw it. I I I that they agree, but I the uh again I've already made a comment about the beverage cafe. I think that's a great addition, but I hope it gets grows and becomes better. Um the the Pig
Festival is is a big thing in this in this uh county. Uh I think we're going to have another festival out of Fairgrounds later, but the traditional one in the city of Violet is uh amazing at how uh and actually this idea of closing the boulevard. At first I was a
little suspect. It was not the traditional route, but after walking it, it actually comes to it's really kind of neat because I work not too far from the Boulevard. I go down that route every day. It's doesn't have any life. And now there will be there's plenty of luck that day. It's amazing how it comes to
life. And u we're gonna have a float just for you. Okay. I'll walk the uh now this is sounds kind of off the wall but it's to go back 10 12
years. This is uh 424. This is the drainage the agreement the shared agreement with the city of the county for Brewster Road. major major issues there drainage. It's been and really and I'll disl when it was started. I don't know how
they ever got the ability to build it, but I stood in the basement that the water was almost this high to my shoulders and then people couldn't understand why there was so much water in their basement. Well, when you build on a on a wetlands like they did, this happens. But that's years ago. uh many
people were watched uh basically flooded out the warehouse has no place to go and by agreeing to do this filing with the city of Riley s hopefully solving a problem of the water where it really should go away uh I I uh it's actually
no one really knows how deaf but I've many times standing there looking at the homeowner and their whole backyard is as high as this desk of water um it's it's tough so so I'm glad I do want to say for the appointment of the recreation commission. I commissioner um Sandy
Taylor brought up this she wanted somewhat different and somewhat a little unique even though the two gentlemen that are are still on here do a great job in their respective areas. Chris Wilson and JD Burke Heidi Devar I'm
going to butcher the name Heidi is so different and brings so much to uh to the will bring so much to the recreation. I'm really glad to have her and I you guys are the laser and I think you'll be excited to she's part of that group because she brings different
stuff. She was pro wrestler at one time that's how different but she's into fitness and I think that's what you asked for. So um she's excited to be part of it. I'm glad finally we bring her to the table. Um I uh the next one which sounds kind of
weird is the uh the the uh change from the Catholic uh the money being moved in different organizations. I for the last three month last three weeks I've been talking about homeless issues and working for and and when you talk to
people that have no option no no they don't know where they're going to they could be homeless the next day because they don't they something happened they got sick uh they lost their job but they're looking for a job and then you don't have an organization that the county depends on able to
fulfill or do what they intended they were supposed to do it it's It's and they people are calling. Yeah, they'll get back to you. No problem. They'll be when that doesn't happen. It's tough. It's very tough. So, I I commend that they made the change. Not not to bash
them. It's just they had circumstance that work weren't right. They should have told us and let us know. Um so, I'm glad we're moving resources over to where it could be used. It helps people. I've already told people that it'll be there. Uh so it's it's a minor thing,
but it's a major thing that hopefully some people come out that will be able to be helped and help quicker than than they're being helped now. So and uh and I this okay with the body shop and the gas cards are
so fine. Thank you so much. Okay, now that we've gotten through that, let's sound we have a vote. Do I have a motion and second to vote by consent agenda on resolutions 2025-387 through 2025-340?
Second. Commissioner Alino, yes. Commissioner Alrech, yes. Commissioner Romero, yes. Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Marshon, yes. Director, do I have a motion and second and adopt resolutions 2025-387
through 2025-430 by consent? Do I have a move? Second. Second. Commissioner Alino, yes. Commissioner Alrech, yes. Commissioner Romero, yes. Commissioner Taylor, yes. Deputy Director Marshon, yes.
Director, do I have a motion and second to accept the treasures report as provided? Motion. Second. All in favor? I. Do I have a motion and second for authorizing payment of all salaries and wages? I'll make the motion. Second.
All in favor? Do I have a motion and second to open public comment on new business only? Motion second. All in favor? I. Anyone that in the public that would like to come up and talk about anything
new, any new issues, please step forward and uh state your name and location. Good evening again. This is Nancy Rididgeway from Upper Deerfield and Fairfield Township. And this says public comment period
slashnew business. And I would like to go back to resolution 2025 413. The resolution authorizing the acceptance of and the execution of the grant agreement for middle mile which is
going to go through 2027. I believe I said earlier if we do not use this grant money in this time period will this grant money be returned? Another question is
there was an email sent to uh put a hold on the uh construction of the shared service agreement for a regional jail with a Cumlin Salem and Gloucester
counties. Uh has anything been happening with that? Are we stopping this jail project by resolution or what's going on with the regional jail project? And Mr. Alrech, I thank or Commissioner
Albrech, I thank you for all your questions and comments this evening pleasantly. And I thank you for bringing up about people's yards being flooded with water. And my yard is being flooded with water
by no action of my own. It was by action of the county. And I'll have you know that years ago I used to get alerts on my phone from the National Weather Service
saying that there was st small stream flooding. And now I'm being flooded without being notified by the National Weather Service. And that just tells me that your engineering department never told
the National Weather Service or Noah that they changed the depth of the stream. You ought to look into that. Thank you. Next. Good evening, commissioners. My name is
Millia Vazari and I stand before you today um not just as a proud Cumberland County resident but as a passionate educator, entrepreneur, community advocate, mother and someone who truly
believes in the power of cultural unity and opportunity. I want to begin by offering my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for believing in a vision that many said was too ambitious,
too bold, or simply too late. Because of your support and the grant you approved via Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission and New Jersey State Arts, Fiesta Borenya 2025 is no longer
just a dream. It's now a reality. Thanks to the funds you awarded, we were able to reinvest directly back into the county by securing the Cumberland County Fairgrounds as our official venue for August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. This isn't
just an event. It's a historic statement. It's a declaration that our community is vibrant, deserving, and capable of hosting something meaningful on a grand scale and for everyone. as someone who teaches sound recording
and content creation summer camp to the youth in Bridton alongside United Advocacy Group and the Hope Loft. A lifelong resident of Violin, active realtor throughout the county and
New Jersey state and uh who runs a bilingual public relations company called Global Media Society. I've had the unique blessing of working in all corners of this region. And everywhere I go, one thing remains
true. Our youth need hope. They need representation. They need safe spaces to celebrate who they are and where they came from. And we are proud to be a resource.
Fa is more than just music, food, and dancing. It's about reclaiming history. It's about honoring our roots while building bridges for future generations. And for the first time in almost 60
years, Cumberland County will host a countywide Puerto Rican festival. And that really matters. which is why I want to personally and formally invite each and every one of you to join us for a flag raising and
ribbon cutting ceremony at the fairgrounds on August 1st at 12 noon. We will be honored to share this powerful moment with the very first people who believed in us and who gave us the opportunity to make it all happen and
that is you. each and every one of you. We are forever indebted to you and your trust and support. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of myself, my team, and entire community, thank you for helping us create something that will echo
across for generations. We hope to see you there standing beside us as we raise our flag and open the gates to something historic. much gracias and thank you so much. But before I go, um, a word from my
daughter, the youth. Hello, my name is Tylen and I'm 17 years old and I would just like to highlight the fact that this festival is truly a moment for people within this county, within other counties and even coming
outside of the state to come together and just join and be with people who all together appreciate our heritage and are willing to have a safe space to celebrate. Um,
we will be having an art exhibit where the youth is encouraged to bring in their art. We have the youth that'll be performing, singing, dancing, and it's just a way of encouraging the youth to celebrate who they are, where they come from, and be with people who will
support them, and who will continue to pave the way for better and brighter futures. Um, and just to gather more people to create a family. Um, thank you. Thank you so much for coming up here.
Appreciate your comments. Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to step forward? Seeing none. Oh, I'm sorry. No, no. Oh.
you stretch at the right time. Okay. Um that being said, can I have a motion to close the public portion? Motion. Second. All in favor? Okay. Uh commissioner's report. Would you like to start?
I'm sorry. We have to answer. Oh, I'm sorry. You're absolutely correct. Um do you want to answer it? I can answer the the grant qu the question regarding the bill grant. uh any funds not used would always have to be returned. Um any funds that are used
and the project is not completed within the time frame, we would be responsible. There would be what's called a clawback, right? Those funds have to be we would have to we would have to um make we have to repay the fed federal government and make them whole.
Okay. Okay. Very good. And as far as the uh the jail, we're still in negotiations. We're very close to the end of this. Uh we're going to be talking about it. Um I think we have a very good grasp on this and I
think within the next month or so, we'll be able to make an announcement as to what direction we're going to be going. So that being said, of course, because of negotiations, I wish I can give you more information, but I can't. I know that's not something that you like to
hear, but that's something that I just This is one of those things that just happens. So, uh, that being said, I think we're we're moving forward on it, and I have a very good feeling about it. Okay. Uh, Commissioner Ramire,
I don't have anything to say. Uh, but I I know uh I know your grandmother said and your grandfather and uh your grandfather's up there looking down on you every Friday.
I want you to know that and I hope you have a very successful, you know, with us in in your in your Puerto Rican event. Thank you. Commission Taylor,
I would just like to say that I had the opportunity to go to the fairgrounds a couple nights. Uh, beautiful, beautiful venue. Um, as I was leaving the crowd, the the line was like
extremely long. I I've been to the fair many, many times and I I don't think I've ever seen it so long. So, you know, I'm very proud that the improvements were made at the fair and um people had had the opportunity to enjoy it. So, I
also want to say that um very happy to be a part of the office of the aging as their commissioner and the memory cafe. I wish you much success with that. I think it's a great great thing for our county. Very good. Anything else?
That's it. Arthur, right? Deputy director. So, I want to talk about the fair a little bit as well. So, what's funny is I got a call from director Sorrow maybe two days before the fair and he tells me that he has a very important meeting. He's not going to be able to do the opening ceremony. He asked me if I can
fill it. So, I said to him, I just want to make sure I got this right. You're doing the meeting and I'm going to the fair. No problem. I'll take care of that. So, so I thought I think I won that deal, director. No. Well, we'll talk. But in any event, um, in all seriousness
though, I've been a lifelong resident of Cumberland County. I've been going to that fair since I was a kid, since I can remember. So, having the opportunity to open the fair and give some remarks that was very special to me. Uh, my family was there. Uh, we go every year, just about every year that I can think of,
not only when I was a child with my parents, but now when I have kids of my own. So, very special time for us. The fairgrounds look fantastic. I can't underscore that enough. The grounds look great. All the improvements that have been made look wonderful. I got a lot of
compliments from people telling uh what a how great it looked. And you got to understand, of course, there's so many people involved in making that happen. That fair is the longest running fair in the state. It's the best fair if you ask me. And it it was to have all the people
that would be the the fair association, sheriff's department, the 4, the public works fantastic job making the grounds of it's truly so many hands were involved in that to make that come together which is truly a special event that we have here in Cumberland County every year and I hope everybody does
appreciate that. Um the only other thing I wanted to mention was Cedarville Fire Department is having their annual chicken barbecue on Sunday. I think there's some tickets floating around out there, but if you have the chance, great cause and it's great food. So, I highly recommend it. That's all I have to say.
Get them now. I'm telling you that. Get them now. If you want to go, the tickets are the tickets are there. There are a lot left. Can't wait for that crap fest. I understand. Yes, that's another one. Okay, Commissioner Albert. Well, we talk about the fair. I happen to be the laz 4
and uh and the fair association and the facility I I I congratulate the public works. They worked their butt off. They they uh facility was great. I want to say the PA systems and the music being played across. I could see a couple
people stopping and dancing which we were making comments about this. They comfort the stop. um two day the uh the day I got to get Friday night and just kind of walk around and watch the uh the the horse
riders and their competition. Uh it was it was neat and uh and the people just since this was later in the night um the the different displays of the 4 age groups, the the bunny rabbits, the chickens, I mean I'm getting education
on what what is the difference between one buddy or none. I I have no idea but I'm learning. So and uh and also the uh the pet of goat which was good. So uh um next goat yoga goat yog
was fun and on and every night and I actually stood in line on a Friday night and stood in line on a Saturday. Um uh I got actually a chance to relax on Friday on Saturday night. um just to sit on their picnic tables and just talk with
people just hanging out and relaxing was at that event and and people watching people watch it. So it was fun and I do want to comment the sheriff's department and the different agencies of health were very was uh important and uh they
enjoyed it because we had a chance to talk to them a few times. Um the when I see the Lawrence Township uh fire burn the ambassador the fire almost fall asleep that's a nice compliment how well the event is going.
Um so I it's good and actually kick off the 250th celebration of of the country where the first fair established way before our the country was founded. That's what makes it a beard pie to start off with. And uh so
that's the well that's the the that's the comment today. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Yeah, I was complaining about the fair trying to decide what to eat there. It was great. The food was all great. Had a good time. I do want to compliment
Matt on your presentation. It was great. People don't realize how hard Matt works for this county and does a tremendous job and uh we're proud of you. I was able to uh attend the culture and heritage commission meeting and the planning and tourism meeting and they're
both great also. And uh anybody can make the Puerto Rican festival coming up, please go. There's always good food there, good entertainment, good uh fellowship there. So try and make it there and try and make it to the flag raising too. Thank you. Thank you. Well,
I have to everybody that that talked one of the disadvantages of being last um about the fair. Uh just remember we're not done. We are not done. We are we have a lot more to do. Uh we are going
to make much more improvements. I'm excited about this. The word is getting out. Uh we had uh an official from Vime wanting to know all the dates that are open
from now until uh October, the end of October. So we issued all those dates because they're being asked how can you know can the fair be used. So we're trying to make this fair something that the fairgrounds year
round. We want the people of Cumberland County to enjoy, right? We have one of the greatest things we have is that fairgrounds and we're not done improving it. So, just wait for the future and you'll see how great it's going to be. We have a lot of ideas and I want to
congratulate the fair uh the fairground, I mean the uh fair association and uh just keep doing you know keep doing the hard work. Again, I just want to say again, thanks to the sheriff and his department did you did a fabulous job.
You really did it. I had a lot of comments about it. So, we appreciate you. I appreciate we all appreciate all our department heads. We know that you work very hard. You make us look good and we appreciate that because sometimes it's not easy to
um so we appreciate that. the administration. I can't say enough about our administration and our clerk. We, you know, being in the position that we're at, there's many, many times that
we just rely on these individuals right here for almost everything. communications, putting out uh the calendar, all right, contacting us when when we almost forget where we're supposed to be, sending us
emails, sending us text messages. Okay, I can't say enough about our administration. They do a fabulous job and I do appreciate it. Um that being said, uh does anybody else any of the commissioners have anything else to say?
Okay. Um we session Resolution 2025-431 resolution providing for a meeting not open to the public in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Senator Byron Mayor open public's meeting act NJSA 104-12 matters relating to litigation negotiations and the attorney client
privilege matters relating to the employment relationship do I have a motion and second motion second commissioner Oino yes commissioner Alrech yes commissioner Romero yes commissioner Taylor yes deputy director Marshan Yes, director.
Yes. It is not anticipated that there would be any action. Thank you to everybody. Have a safe trip home unless you stay. This has been a QVC television production in association with our
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