Um, November 17th will now come to water. May I have a roll call, please? >> County Commissioners Bartlett >> here. >> Cruz >> here. >> D'Vor >> here. >> Duffy >> here. >> James, >> deputy director Lazera >> here.
>> Director Leapour >> here. Announcement of the open public meeting law. Ladies and gentlemen, the notice requirement of the open public meetings law has been satisfied with respect to this meeting specifying the time, date, and location, including the annual notice adopted a reorganization meeting
and filed with the county clerk and posted administration building and mailed to two newspapers in accordance with the provisions of the law. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Join me to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty, justice for all. Oh God, who provides for thy people by thy power and rules over them in love, be gracious enough to bless thy
servants, our county commissioners in this county of Bay, that thy people may dwell in peace and safety through our Lord. Amen. >> United States armed forces. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Make a motion to approve the minutes.
>> Make that motion. >> Second. >> D'Voren by D'vour. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Cruz. >> Yes. D'vor. >> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> James, I'm sorry. Deputy Director Lazar.
>> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. Make a motion to approve the proclamation. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion made by D'vor. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. >> Cruz. >> Yes. D'vor.
>> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. administrator's report. >> Oh, thank you, director. First on my agenda is we have uh Mr. Anthony Venturi here who missed our Italian Heritage
Month celebration last month. I'm going to turn this over to Commissioner Lazar. Anthony, >> get up there. >> Emmy, >> come on up. >> He told you to get up there. >> You're a team. >> Hurry up.
>> You're a team. So, we celebrated um Italian American Month last month and um up in West Mford. It was a little far, but I know Tony, you would have been there if you could have been. But we didn't want to let this go by without acknowledging
that Anthony is one heck of a veteran and Italian American. I don't know. I know you in so many ways, but I hear both of them together. So Anony's here because we did recognize him for Italian American month. Amir is also
Italian-American, his wife, and they work as a team. So, I felt that it was necessary to bring both of you up tonight. If you'll just indulge me for a minute, I'll read you the proclamation. Whereas, the board of county commissioners of the county of Pake has
a desire to recognize Anthony Tony Vancerry in honor of Italian American Heritage Month. Whereas Tony Venturi was born in 1948 in Leazge, Belgium to Sicilian parents from the
town of Villa Rosa in the province of Anna following his father Dakamo's courageous decision to seek work and stability for his family after World War II. Whereas in 1953, the Vancherry
family immigrated to the United States. First arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey, and soon settling in Patterson, a city that would become Tony's lifelong home and where he met his beloved wife, Anamarie.
Whereas in 1968, Tony was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably as a combat me a combat medic during the Vietnam War, earning his American citizenship while in service, a testament to his deep loyalty to his
adopted country. Whereas Tony Vanuri founded the Vietnam Veterans for America Patterson Chapter 33 to honor the 33 brave soldiers from Patterson who lo lost their lives in the
Vietnam War while also creating a space of support and solidarity for returning veterans in need. And whereas throughout his life, Tommy Tony has exemplified the values of hard work, sacrifice, love of family, and
devotion to community, standing as a symbol of the American dream achieved through perseverance and pride in his heritage. whereas his story not only honors his family's immigrant legacy but also serves as an
inspiration to future generations of Italian Americans and all those who seek opportunity and purpose in the United States. So now therefore, be it proclaimed by the S County Board of County Commissioners that it hereby
publicly recognizes and applauds Tony for the significant contributions he has made and will continue to make and the exemplary service he has devoted to the county of Pake and to the community. So therefore, be it proclaimed that this
board wishes Tony Vancheri health, happiness, and continued success. Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you. Uh first thing I want to say I want to thank Annie's father and my father to moving into Patterson, New Jersey,
especially Liberty Street where we fell in love with each other for the rest of our lives. I love you. Um, I think uh I did want to show everybody that I still have my green card.
>> Yeah. Cute little guy, wasn't it? Here. And uh but um growing up in in Patterson uh especially in the Toto section and um Ann and I
went to Central High School. We used to take the 12 bus downtown. And then in 1965 in September, Kennedy High School was built and that's a half a block away from me and a block away from Anime. So we couldn't get late there anymore. And
then in the morning I would hear, "You up?" She would knock on a window. You up? Okay. But it was it was then that obviously the Vietnam War was going on and many of us were concerned and many
of us did go from Kennedy High School. Over 12 Central High School students were killed in Vietnam. Louis Kofanisco was the only Kennedy even though he went to Central but we graduated together in ' 66 and he was the only one to graduate
from Kennedy killed in Vietnam. East Side had about 15 that passed away well in Vietnam. So when I did get get drafted, the first thing I thought about was becoming an
American citizen. And um since I was there and we had heard that if you had spent so much time, you would become it. Said by my time was in Vietnam. And the story I like to tell, my CEO came up to me and
said, "Uh, would you like to become an American citizen and spend two weeks in Hallelu, Hawaii, two weeks away from hell?" Absolutely. And when we got to Hawaii, we were asked another qu. Would you like to stay at
the military base or at the Hilton Hotel on Wiki Beach for free for 10 days? Wow. That Let's see. And then I'm here. And then on October 24th, 1969, Governor White at the time um swore us all in,
about 500 of us. And going back to Vietnam, I was an American. I was fighting for my country. And that meant a whole lot to me. coming back to Ann and I, we waited a couple years and
then we finally got married and we decided to stay in our beloved Patterson. And um some of the things I would like to tell you though is our sisters worked at Lazarus's Bakery for years. Commissioner Leaport, the director,
happens to be a paisan of Mrs. Van Cherry, uh, whose son served in a in Iraq as a Marine, combat Marine. And of course, my brother Duffy, whose brother served, a combat wounded veteran in Vietnam. And so there's a camaraderie in
this room, not just on this side, but on that behind me. And um I think to get this award as an Italian American, as you know, the Roma Club, the beloved Roma Club moved to Woodland Park, but it's still there. And
one of my my older brother who's 91 was one of the original members on Chanti Street when the when they had all the Italian clubs down there. And uh my father was president of the Christopher Columbus Society
and all those years with a lot of great Italian Americans at that time. And the emphasis was always about where we were from where we were now. We brought our culture to America and I
hope every other culture does that to us. I mean, we're the only country that can say we have the all the other 193 countries living in America. Isn't that outstanding?
I mean, you you could still do it now. I mean traveling downtown Patterson and smelling the Spanish food, especially I'm I'm a little favored to Peruvian because I worked as a consperian
soccer league in Pennington Park, but uh of course the Italian food is unbelievable. But this is definitely a an honor for me and my wife who has been at my side all these years, especially since she retired and we do
so much. I want to bring another note. The commissioners on this board have never said no to the Patterson Veterans Council in the open space grant which totaled over $800,000 for our four military parks in
Patterson. Thank you. And of course, our beloved late Congressman Bill Pascal threw in another $500,000 couple years before he passed for the military parks, bringing our
total to $1.3 million to regenerate the the parks that honor our brothers and sisters who didn't come home and did come home back to our beloved Patterson. So, on behalf of my wife and I and my family, as you all met my son
Christopher and my daughter, our daughter Michelle, I want to say thank you. Um, thank you to the commissioners for always being there for the veterans in this county. Um, the Vietnam Mall is definitely the icing on the cake. Uh,
and everyone that's here tonight, I'm I'm honored and privileged to share with my beloved wife of 54 years. And um thank you very much >> here. I just got it.
It's just my neighbor. Don't worry guys, I got >> full service. Uh the the next uh item uh on my agenda is bittersweet. We uh we are losing uh
Assemblywoman Sumpter as a as a representative in the 35th district. She's been a fierce advocate for the 35th district uh and for all of P County and um big shoes to fill for those legislators taking your spot. I'm going to turn it over to Commissioner D'vor to
recognize uh your years of service in the state legislature. Good evening everyone. >> First and foremost, director Leapour, this is his act. But he thought it not
robbery, John, for me to present to you. For those of you who don't know who I am, I am the worker and the brother of Assemblywoman Sumpter, who under her
tutelage and leadership, I worked for 12 years. I've learned a lot from you. And in that 12 years, it allowed me to sit at that seat. You've taught me how to
listen and not speak. You taught me how to hold my tongue when I was passionate about something. And you told me what to fight for when it was right. You taught me how to debate facts and
not feelings. and you taught me to do it for the right reason and for the right people. And when administrator Pat McM Matt said we're losing a pillar of the community, a pillar of democracy,
a pillar of compassion, he has no idea. Um, on behalf of the board of county commissioners, please stand. Let's give a round of applause. 14 years this young lady has served and
given up many things. I can go on and on about what we've gone through and what we have done, but that's not what tonight is about. Tonight is about us saying we see you,
not saw you, we see you. And even though you're transitioning into a different position to do what you've always done, we wanted to make sure we gave you your roses, which we have. Your favorite color is
yellow. >> And you an alpha wife among other things. And I'm going to ask my wife, Dr. D'vor, to present that to you as well. And I'm going to read the proclamation. And on the other vase is from former
mayor Jane Warren who gives her regards but could not be here due to medical reasons but she wanted to make sure I said and I promised to her when I spoke to her earlier that I would give her regards and those flowers are from her as well. All right. Now,
Assemblywoman, I'm old and I have to put on these glasses. The board of county commissioners, county p New Jersey, we're asked the county, the P County Board of County Commissioners to honor and recognize Assemblywoman Siobhan E. Sumpter, E
standing for excellent and her years of dedicated service to the state of New Jersey and the citizens of the 35th Legislative District, a region that incapaces parts of Bergen and Pay County. And whereas since joining the New Jersey General Assembly in 2012,
Assemblywoman Sumpter has served with distinction in key leadership roles, including deputy speaker and majority conference leader and has been a steadfast advocate for equality, opportunity, and justice. And whereas as
chair of the assembly committee on community development and women's affairs and vice chair of the environmental natural resources and solid waste committee, she has championed efforts to combat community plight, close the wealth gap, uplift
small businesses, and protect women's rights. And whereas Assemblywoman Sumpter legislative accomplishments include restoring voting rights to more than 80,000 residents on probation or parole. Let me read that again.
Restoring voting rights to more than 80,000 residents on probation or parole. Advancing black, maternal, and infant health. in promoting criminal justice and civil right reforms that strengthens
New Jerseyy's commitment to fairness and inclusion. And whereas she has made history as the first woman to chair the New Jersey legislative black caucus. Come on y'all. and her long career in mental health and
family services include her leadership as president and CEO of Children's Aid and Family Services, reflecting her lifelong dedication to the well-being of others. And whereas Assemblywoman Sumpted integrity, vision, and
compassion have left an enduring impact on her on her district and the entire state, inspiring future generations of leaders to serve with the same purpose in heart. And now therefore be it proclaimed by the P County Board of
County Commissioners that is hereby publicly recognizing and applause Assemblywoman Sumpter for her expporary service, leadership and unwavering dedication to the people of New Jersey. And be it further proclaimed that this board wishes Shiovanda excellent Sumpter
health and happiness in all her future endeavors. and may her work continue to inspire and influence positive change throughout the 35th Legislative District in the entire state of New Jersey for years to come. Congratulations
Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Make yours. >> Thank you. >> Thank you to our director uh director Leapour. Thank you. He knew uh that I was not looking for any accolades. So he
had Rodney call me. So um truly I remain grateful because you do not have to recognize the service that was lived. So I truly appreciate you all for being an example uh and a partner to me in this work. Uh the work that we do and the
work that we have done for the constituents of Pay County uh came as a big result of the county. Uh as all of you know I'm from the city of Patterson and we have financial trials and strikes. Is that a good way of saying that?
>> And we had bad credit. And when I entered the New Jersey legislature, we had bad credit. This commissioner board had AAA credit, bonding capacity, and when I
knew I needed to get things done, I can always call on the county for partnership to back the ideas and the funding of things like Henchcliffe Stadium, the restoration of that, >> the the the return of local control of the
school district in partnership with P County, our parks, our tennis courts, getting through a pandemic, still feeding people even today. That was the
county as a pass through uh to our city and support. And the work doesn't get done alone. So, as I am transitioning into a a new gold career, of course, I got to thank my family because my husband has been with me through it all.
Uh, and has uh accepted the time away from home. And to each of these elected officials, I'm so happy that this room is filled uh because we have to support good candidates and representation matters, especially today. And as we
look at where our country is, and you just heard from a veteran who showed you his green card, let that impact not be lost on you, who talked about Patterson, that's one of the most diverse cities in the state,
which is over 500 cities, let alone the country, and how he appreciates the ethnicity and diversity that goes along with that and how we live as neighbors. ers. So, as you hear all the rhetoric and the noise, let's keep in mind that
we're New Jersey, >> right? >> That opportunity is what we make it and that we are stronger together and we must uplift each other. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you truly for a resolution that Kenny is going to get
tired of seeing because I got to put them somewhere now. So, so I truly thank you for thinking enough of my service and partnership to recognize me today. GOD BLESS >> move this over. Commissioners,
>> you put You guys need a tree or something. Sorry, Cool. I got this. Everyone takes a turn back. >> You could probably leave it there because I think the next person >> running out of ne next on my agenda, we have Miss Diane
Williams from um J JBWS presenting on domestic violence services that um her company is bringing to county using state funds which I'm sure Assemblywoman Sumpter helped uh secure. So, Good evening everyone.
>> Good evening everyone. I have to say that it is a complete setup that I have to go after some pretty amazing people. Um, but I feel like I'm up to the challenge. So, my name is Diane Williams. I'm the CEO of JBWS.
We're a domestic violence organization that's been around for over 50 years. We were born in Morris County and we have the opportunity to expand into Payic County with a contract with the Department of Children and Families. So,
we started working with families uh just in June in Payic County when we heard that some of the services might be going away. So, the Department of Children and Families asked a few organizations to help out in the interim and then they put out a contract for a bid. We bid for
it and we were awarded the contract. And we're so incredibly excited to partner with all of you, to partner with the amazing organizations that already exist in this community, to learn about this community, and to bring resources and to
partner with you about the issue. And I'll tell you why it's so incredibly important. because one out of four women, one out of seven men, and one out of three teenagers will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. That's a
serious issue. It's a serious issue in every community. And this is not just a job. This is a mission for all of us. And so I wanted to make sure that we took the opportunity to talk about what those resources are that are going to be
coming to Payic County. Many of them have already started. We did start temporarily and as of November 1st, the contract is full-time JBWS. We have a 247 helpline. It's the same
helpline number that has been in Pose County for years. We are sheltering uh survivors of domestic violence. We have housing navigation for domestic violence survivors in need of safe, stable housing. We have legal advocacy
services. Our legal advocates are sitting right in the courthouse providing education and support regarding regarding protective and court orders on site. We have two domestic violence leaison that are sitting in the child protection and permanency offices.
And we have a domestic violence response team that is working with trained volunteers that are dispatched to police stations and emergency rooms across Payic County to support victims of domestic violence. So I wanted to take the opportunity to
introduce you to some fabulous leaders that are going to be leading the work here in Pay County. First, there is Diana Kurlander. She's our VP of client services. Kim Vafara, the director of housing and supportive services,
Kim Vargas, senior manager of legal advocacy services, and Robin Hughes, the senior senior manager of crisis response, the domestic violence response team program. So, we're here to partner. We're here to
learn, and we look forward to partnering with you moving forward. Please, if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to any of us. We want to provide a support to you and we're going to make a difference together. Thank you
so much. >> Thank you. Any questions, commissioners, for >> uh if I may, director, I don't have a a question per se. I just want to make a comment. I recently visited uh Hawthorne where we presented them with their open space money and the council was very
adamant about this particular program because the previous organization that was running it went into some financial troubles and pretty much shut down. And so I'm glad to see that we have a new organization that's taking the lead on this. Uh it was very near and dear to
the burrow of Hawthorne and to their council members that we have a program that can really be effective to help these individuals that deal with with domestic violence. So I'm happy to see uh a program back, an organization that's taking the lead, and I wish you guys all the success.
>> Thank you so much. All right. Um, next we have a presentation recognizing some of our uh, youths that went through our Pay County Youth Leadership Retreat. I'm going to turn this over to Commissioner Cruz. I'm also going to call up Daryl Sparta, our parks director, and Carrie Clug, our our rec supervisor.
All right, there she is. >> We were going to call you up, give you a grand entrance. >> I don't need all that. >> So, again, this was also not set up, right? I'm I'm happy that we were able to honor our young people who
participated in our P County Youth Leadership Retreat up in uh Camp Hope. uh this team that's beside me leads that year after year. I've had the benefit of going up there and speaking at their closing ceremony and just hearing some of the testimony of our young people that have gone through the program and
um and the real change and impact that it caused their lives. And so I'm happy that we were able to do this tonight where our young people can see um all the facets of our county government at work, see individuals that they can one day hopefully aspire uh to be like.
obviously a legendary legislator here in P County and in the state of New Jersey that has led the way on many advocacy issues and we're able to honor her tonight. I'm happy that they saw that uh an individual who served in our military and just decided not to pack up at the end of his term and and go somewhere
else or just stop working, but continuing his advocacy for veterans and and his brothers and sisters in armed the armed forces that are continuing to struggle with various issues. They have one of the strongest voices and advocates here in P County. Um and obviously a nonprofit organization that
is really dealing with real life issues uh that maybe some of our young people are dealing with and they just have no one to talk to about. So it's really a full circle type of experience and I'm glad that some of those that participated in the youth leadership retreat were here tonight to experience that and see uh how everything comes
together and how we can all work together to really help individuals in all different facets of life. So, uh, I am honored to be here and, uh, you this is our probably our second year where we're honoring the young people. The program has been around for a few years and I think what stuck out the most to
me, um, and I don't want to steal much of of you guys thunder, but what stuck out most to me about this particular group was the connection they had to faith and and that was really a foundational part of their of them coming together. A lot of our youth that uh, span throughout P County participate
in this youth uh, leadership retreat. It it it's serves a purpose of getting some of our young people to break out of their shells. It may be the first time in their lives that they're speaking about their feelings. Uh just speaking openly uh to a group of strangers and and this group is able to get that out
of them. And uh and they create bonds that are a lifetime um you know for them moving forward. And and so our young people, you see the people that were honored here today, you see the work that happens on this day is uh and hopefully one day you're sitting up there because if the work that we're
doing is not inspiring you to want to do it, then what are we here for, right? And so uh we hope that you can continue to be inspired not only by us by by every everything that you're also doing and you inspire your friends uh and family moving forward. So I'm going to turn it over to uh Daryl first or
Carrie. >> No, Jovin. >> Jovin's talking. See, so I'll turn it over to Jovin who's one of the uh the actual program coordinator uh and she'll tell you a little bit about the experience up there. So Joan, everyone. >> Okay. All right.
>> All right. Good evening everyone. >> We're going to try this again. I work with college students, so I feed off of energy. So good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Okay. Forgive my back. Good evening council commissioners, >> freeholders. Anyone else I may have
forgotten. Um, and to the community and special shout out to our students, right, and their families. Yep. So, they will be coming up here shortly. Um, but in case you're wondering who is this lady with all this energy up here. So, my name is Jovin
Fernandez and outside of this, I work at Stockton University. So, that's why rah rah, lots of energy. Um, I'm a director of a multicultural center and have been in student affairs for 15 years and also done nonprofit work. So hopefully that gives you some context. Um but this work
pouring into the youth is is my passion. It's my purpose. It's my calling. It's ministry work for me. So you don't need a pool pit to have a platform. You know, we do that work in other places. And as you um heard Commissioner Cruz say, faith was a big big part of this year's group. And um I'll leave it up to one of
our students to share her experience and give a testimony. But five years, five different groups. And each group has their own personality, you know, they had their own way of bonding and it has just been such an honor. So now I'm going to get back on script. So um, as I
mentioned, I'm Joan Fernandez and I've had the pleasure and honor of serving as the retreat leader for the past five years. And not with us this evening are four other amazing individuals who help with this work. So I'd be remiss if I did not mention them as well. Anthony,
Jennifer, Dominic, and Sammy who serve as the counselors and help. Um, so I want to truly just express my sincere gratitude for this recognition, you know, for having us here and just being able to do this work. Um, I have done a
lot in my 15-year career in higher education, student affairs, but nothing compares to this. This truly has been the one thing that I look forward to, and it has been a blessing. And you know, Carrie, I tell you all the time, thank you so much. And to Lavar for just
um gifting this to me. I know that it was a blessing and it it's going to birth other things that I won't speak about today, but it it was an answered prayer. So, thank you for allowing me to serve in this capacity. And being able to watch our young people grow, lead, and tap into their potential that they
have. Um I can't put it into words, though I am a woman of many words. Um, I don't have the right words to say what this really means to me and how it fills my heart and my spirit every year. Um, but I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Lavar and Carrie for trusting me with this. Your confidence,
collaboration, and unwavering support make this uh not just possible but deeply meaningful. So, thank you all. And um to the commissioner, thank you for your yes. you know, we asked him to come last year and I can't imagine it without him now giving the closing
remarks, you know, sharing his words of wisdom and just being real, you know, working with young folks. You have to be real. So, I appreciate just how you share and you pour in and you allow not just the students but their families to know that your voice matters. We need you while we we can't do this work
alone, right? We're here in this room and a lot of important decisions are made, but it's for the people. So, how can you not have the people there that you're serving and supporting? So, thank you for that. And um although I'm a Trenton native and I currently reside in South Jersey, I do feel led to serve
this area. So, with that being said, um on behalf of, you know, Parks and Wreck and the Youth Services Commission, um we look forward to continuing this partnership and serving P County and the greater North Jersey area. And something I'd like to leave you all with is this.
True greatness is not in how many people serve you, but in how many people you serve, right? The leaders that you make. Um, so I want us to keep that in mind each day as we go out and do the work that we do. And always remember that why and the impact that you have. And while we may not get the thank yous and the
accolades and moments like this, that's okay, right? That shouldn't be what we strive for. And um, just again, it's truly been an honor and I look forward to the great work ahead. So, thank you so much. Thank you again. I uh this is uh this is
off script, but you are an honorary P County resident >> because you spend a lot of time here. So I will gift you our P County lapel pin. >> That way you can wear it proudly wherever you go in the state of New Jersey. >> Yeah. Listen, I rep all three because there is a central. So that's why I say
all three. >> Uh Taylor Ham or pork roll. >> It's Taylor Ham. >> Okay, good. Here you go. That's your P county pin. You can wear it proudly. >> Thank you so much. >> Um, >> I will add before I call up Carrie and Jovin again to call out the names of the
students that are here. Um, this is an award-winning program. Last year, the New Jersey State Parks and Recreation Commission uh awarded uh Carrie and the team in in their annual conference in in Atlantic City awarded them a uh program of the year and and it was our P County
leadership retreat that uh received that award. So, that's something to definitely be proud of where our work is recognized statewide. And so, at this time, I'll ask the team to call the students up uh and then we'll pick one, right? One is going to going to give their testimony. So you guys get the
real feel of what they experienced up there. So >> come right up. >> When we call your name, just come on up. >> Take turns. >> No. Okay. >> Nathaniel. No, I don't see. Okay. So,
first up, Emma Howard. Amara Salazar. Jasia see Jasia Matthew Shaheen Jocelyn Rivera Gabriel Rodriguez Jordan by
Xavier Emmanuel Perez Zaki Robinson Johnson, >> Angie Perez, >> Oh, he took the wrong one. That's all right. You'll get yours in a second. >> Austo Kelly, >> Aaliyah Cresbow.
>> Okay. And I believe that's everyone that's here with us this evening. >> Oh. Asia, I didn't even see you back there. Jasia Rose, come on up, girl. Yes. Here you go. It's so good to see you. >> Is that everyone for real this time?
>> No. >> No. Okay. All right. So, we have Joselyn's not here. Chase Miller, Kiara Williams. Yes. Oh, see what happens when they sneak in here and we don't see them.
>> There you go. >> Is that everyone now? Yes. >> All right. So, let's give them another round of applause because some of them came right after school ended. Like school ended on let's say like a Friday, they were with us by
Saturday. So, you know, we honor your time, your attention cuz that was a long four days, right? Um, but we just thank you for the commitment to seeing this through. And I just want to say this year we tripled our applications. We had
91 applications which in the beginning we had a little less than 20. So to have 91 and we had um 16 recipients who we selected. So that tells you a lot about these young folks that are standing before you this evening and just the
greatness that they bring. So take pictures, remember these faces, remember these names because you will see and hear more great things coming from them soon. Um speaker, >> but speaking of great things and hearing from folks, I'm going to ask Aaliyah to come up here who's going to share her testimony and what her experience was
like here at the retreat this year. >> Closer. Let's get on both sides. Surround her. >> You're all right. >> You got this girl. >> So some of them behind you that are still nervous about speaking. You're good. Good evening everyone. I'm Aliyah
Cresville. I'm 18 and I go to Wayne Valley High School. I attended the fifth annual P County leadership retreat over the summer. And I wanted to take a moment to share how this retreat impacted me in a pos in a positive way when it comes to not only being a leader, but opening my eyes to faith and
how much I've grown with only a few days of the people I had just met. Throughout the retreat, I learned the importance of teamwork, communication, one's faith, and empathy. engaging with others with different backgrounds and perspectives showed me powerful collaboration can uh how powerful
collaboration can be in this world um and can unite even when in uncomfortable situations like sleeping in a cabin full of girls you just met 3 hours before um but like Anthony told me being comfortable be comfortable getting uncomfortable
for me it wasn't about leading others it was about listening and understanding their ideas and feelings the worst drops and challenges pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helping me develop confidence um with problem solving skills and I know that have
benefited me and is going to benefit me in the future. I realized that leadership is not about being the loudest in the room. It's about inspiring others and working other working together to achieve common goals. As much as I wanted to stay there
forever with the amazing people I met, I'm glad we can all be here together today to share this moment. The first night I brought my Bible because I had intentions of keeping to myself to pass the time by by reading my Bible. But that changed very quickly
when we had our first meal together. And I sat down to pray by myself before I ate. But Angie saw me and she asked me if she could pray with me. Then Amara joined and then Jos joined and we openly asked everyone else if they wanted to join us and we all prayed together. Um,
for the rest of the retreat, no one was left alone at any time, not even the quieter people. And the people that isolated themselves always had always had someone with them. Everyone deserves to feel included and some people don't have that. And I think a retreat like this should be offered everywhere and not just county because
it really influences people in small ways that you will find someone and you will find the people around you to help you. Um, I want to thank Mr. to Carrie Clug, J Marie, and our counselors, Jen, Sammy, Ann, and Dom, and the amazing staff that put the retreat together. I really pray
that this retreat started uh started by you guys opens doors for other schools, counties, towns, or even states. Everyone deserves a chance to experience something like this. We've turned into not only friends, but a family. And when you least expect it, God will work in
weird ways and bring you what he knows that you need. and God brought me this retreat. Um, he also brought me the most amazing friends that I could ever ask for within the four days of us being there. Um, but most importantly after all that, I want
to be able to thank the friends that I made along the way. We all came in expecting things different and not knowing what we were going to have. But we all left knowing that we learned what the true meaning of leadership was and we learned to understand one another even in our most vulnerable moments.
Thank you. Guys, let's hear it for this group one more time. Please commissioners. Um, I will tell you that, you know, we're going to take a group photo with the commissioners. Um, you know, God truly
puts you in positions where he needs you to be. And at the moment, you may not understand why, but one day you will. and you'll understand why he connected you with particular individuals. Uh and and that's truly what it's about. I think for adults that goes the same way,
right? And so just understand that if something may not seem the way it it should be at the moment, it it all makes sense at at one day. And so I thank you guys for sharing your experiences, hopefully you can be a a mentors and and and be an example for others that come
before you in this program and and in just every facet of your lives. So congratulations again and God bless you all. found it out. Thank you. All right, guys. Wait,
you got your pen? >> That's not like a get out of jail free. might. >> Uh, next, uh, the P County Sheriff's Office recently successfully went through an accreditation process. And on behalf of, uh, our sheriff, Thomas Adama, we have Under Sheriff Wheeler and
Under Sheriff Tangor, I'm going to call you guys up. I apologize for being in my back the way this podium miss uh set up. My name is Harry Delgado and I am the uh creatation program director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police
and I'm here today to honor the PA County Sheriff's uh office and that is because and just to add context out of nearly 600 uh uh law enforcement agencies in New Jersey that could apply for this program for accreditation, only about 54% of those have made it because
it is such a rigorous process. So if you indulge me for two minutes, I'd like to explain to you the significance of what they have accomplished. So the Paya County Sheriff's Office has made a commitment to adhering to best practices at the state and national level and highly regarded statewide law enforcement accreditation program. This
program administered to New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission has failed to transparently demonstrate the professionalism, transparency, and preparedness of state's law enforcement uh agencies in the state's public safety system. Now
during these uniquely challenging times and the threat to our health and safety encourage law encouraging law enforcement agencies to follow standardized practices and policies is a potentially life-saving and cost-effective investment of time and resources. Accreditation status represents a significant professional
achievement. This prestigious accredited status demonstrates Sher's Thomas at Damos firm's commitment to state and national standards and the continued expectations for quality professional and ethical policing of the pose county sheriff's office. Now briefly, accreditation provides objective
evidence of an agency's ability to meet community needs. Uh government officials can be more confident in the agency's ability to operate efficiently and also meet community needs and officers in accredited agencies and we have some of them here tonight can take pride that they have been objectively recognized for their professionalism and adhere to
a high standards. Now there's a report at the end of this long journey and detective Amanda um put put Winsky. I told her I practiced his name, but as soon as I got up to the podium, it just would not work. So, I apologize to Amanda. But anyway, she
knows exactly because she uh went through that journey with many of us. So, at the end of that um loan process, there is an on-site assessment. We make sure that there's 100% compliance. We about 118 standards in the state of New Jersey. So from that report I'll just
briefly uh paraphrase under sher Thomas under sheriff Thomas Adamo a high level of competence leadership and professionalism is evident within the agency where the future issues deal with officer recruitment retirement eligibility or budget constraints the pose county sheriff's office will
continue to move forward with a commitment to following best practices a preparedness plan and a verification of excellence. So it is the opinion of the assessment team that the Paya County Sheriff's Office is a highly professional and committed agency which exemplifies all of the tenants of law enforcement accreditation at the state
and national level. So it is indeed here. It is indeed my honor here tonight on behalf of the New Jersey State Association Chiefs of Police and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission to congratulate Sher Thomas Adama that couldn't be here tonight manager detective Amanda Puter Winsky the members of the Bay County Sheriff u
the commissioners the commissioner director commissioners and those citizens that they so proudly serve for having achieved their state accreditation joining a very exclusive group of law enforcement agencies that have made this commitment to excellence in police indeed congratulations
This is where you get to congratulations. So, I would I just like to say um I was asked to come here tonight on behalf of Sheriff Adamo. He was unfortunately not able to make it. We're looking forward to this tonight. He had a family emergency. So, um he asked myself and
under Sheriff Wheeler to accept this u certification and um like the chief was saying, this process is very very entailed and a uh a long process and it requires a lot of uh
a lot of information and back and forth with the u chief's association to to acquire this. But when Sher Adamo took office less than a year ago, he was committed to ensuing the the trust with
the community and making sure that he's going to be leading a top-notch police and law enforcement agency and also to lower the liability of the department by making sure that our officers, our men and women out
there are following the guidelines and directives that are constantly ly changing within the state of New Jersey. So, he was committed to this and we put a lot of manpower um to to accomplishing this. So, we're very we're very proud to receive this
tonight and hopefully this is going to help us to move forward and continue to serve Pay County with pride and uh positive leadership. So, I just want to thank the board of commissioners and
also um county commissioner um sorry, c county administrator Matt Jordan for helping uh to provide the the the tools and the funds that we need to
uh accomplish things like this. >> Thank you. They're gonna come down for a picture. I'm sorry. I'm done with this. >> Want to take a picture? >> See, it's easier when you have
Congratulations. >> Congratulations. One one thing I I would I would be uh I missed is Detective Padawinsky was the our our team. She headed our team in accomplishing this and um was able to
get this done and is soon to be promoted to Sergeant Powinski. Thank you. All right. Um, last on my agenda, I am uh honored as SE County's representative on
the NJAC board of directors to present uh Commissioner Duffy with a plaque for his induction into the NJAC Hall of Fame. So, Commissioner, will you join me at the Is this on? >> Yeah. >> So, and John Dadio sends his regrets. He's sorry he couldn't make it tonight.
>> Couple days. The New Jersey Association of Counties, County Commissioners Hall of Fame, class of 2025, in recognition and great appreciation for your outstanding leadership, tireless dedication to county government. >> I don't I don't do this a lot. And two
decades of public service as an elected county commissioner in the great state of New Jersey for Terry Duffy, state county commission. >> Thank you so much. Wow. What can I say? It's 21 years. What about the little guy? He doesn't get anything or >> nothing for you.
>> I feel so so so sorry. Not that sorry for him. Actually, it's been uh it's been a great great uh run here. 21 years. It really has. We've accomplished a lot. Not just myself, my running mate, but the rest of the team here and the team that's out here. Uh if you look
around the last couple years, we've really, you know, Matt's come on board. Tony Denova. I want to thank uh the chairman of P County of course uh to uh let me uh let me run. Um and also Bill
Pascell who is a good good friend who's no longer with us. And of course the uh the honorable um which I I went to the licensed beverage association so I worked down Trenton and work with that. But it it's been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Pay
County and I wish them dearly all the best and thank you for 21 years of of uh of an honorship to be to be a first a free older. We got all kinds of names for that now commissioner and and on to bigger and better things. Thank my
family and uh and thank you. Thank you again. You want to take a picture with us? >> Yes, sir. >> Come on. Rodney picture. >> I did my hair for you. Take this picture. >> Is this job?
>> We outsourc him today. Come on. >> Thank you. >> Take me with you. She's gonna make the next >> uh through you, director. I would just like to make an announcement that at our
next meeting on Tuesday, December 9th, we will be paying recognition and honor to both our director Pat Laapour and to our commissioner uh Terry Duffy. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah, I know. Call me Terry. Sorry, >> I said Terry Duffy. >> Oh, yeah. Well, I'm glad you I'm glad you pointed that out. Anyway, December 9th, Tuesday, 5:30.
>> And and yeah, director, one more thing. Um, everyone knows that um in early November, SNAP uh benefits were suspended because of the federal government shutdown for about 76,000 county residents, 30,000 state county children. Um the county government um
snapped into action um serving 7,900 residents over the course of those two weeks through uh emergency grants to food pantries um through emergency food distribution events at um Mount Pilgrim and Calvary Baptist and Patterson respectively. Um, I just want to
recognize all and I'm going to miss some names here and I apologize before if I do, but uh all of the people that that jumped into action in a tight twoe time frame led by our human services director Arty Kakar and her entire team,
Steve Orsini and and all of his team uh at in buildings and grounds working on the weekends and I'm going to go through them quick now, but Shirley Force our senior services director putting a hot meal together at our nutrition site. Um Sher, our purchasing agent, our county
council, our CFO getting contracts done, getting vendors paid on an emergency basis. Uh Sheriff Adamo, his entire team, Captain Gag Captain Gaglostra, Detective Hardy who ran all the operations to make sure everyone could get there safely. Um Lindsay Reid in my office who did a
lot of communications through the weekends on Halloween, trick-or-treating with her daughters and still getting things out so people knew where to go. Um, Tim, Tim and Mave in my office who were out giving out food boxes, all of the commissioners and elected officials who showed up to distribute food boxes.
I I know I miss people, but it really was I I think why we all do this and I want to thank all of you for giving us the resources we need to do that and step in when frankly the federal government wasn't doing their job. Um, so I just want to direct and if I forgot anyone, I'm sorry, but thank you all.
And that is all I have. Director. >> Okay. >> No late starters. >> No. >> Okay. Um, under commissioner reports, do you want to say something? >> Yeah. You want me to go first?
>> Okay. You ready? Okay. Um, should come under communications, but uh I'm going to take the opportunity to read it now. Um, kind of self-explanatory. Goes along what the administrator was just talking
about. Um, it's from uh Iris Lol or Lo. I hope this message finds you well. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for the food package I
received today. Having spent my life serving others, I never imagined that one day find myself on the receiving end of assistance. After losing my job due to illness and subsequently battling throat cancer, I have come to rely on several community
resources. Your thoughtful support has made a mean meaningful meaningful difference during an incredible challenging time. These are uncertain days for many and your compassion, responsiveness, and
dedication to people of our community are truly immeasurable. Your care reminds us that we are not alone and I am profoundly grateful. And this last paragraph is really what caught my attention.
As I continue to regain my voice, I would be honored to be considered for future community initiatives. I've proudly served as a community ambassador for more than 40 years and would welcome the opportunity to assist with food
pantry support, warm clothing drives, outreach to the unhoused, shelter service, or any other needs. With sincere appreciation, Iris Lolovs. Now, that my friends is a true hero.
Deputy Director. >> I do have two actually. The first one is these past two weeks when we fed almost 8,000 people, our county administrator is being way
too humble because as soon as he heard that we were going to have trouble with feeding people through SNAP, he jumped and and he got everybody moving. So, and we know that without the cooperation, dedication, and hearts of everybody
here, we wouldn't have been able to do what we did. But again, Matt's being very humble, and we do owe him a straight applause. You do. And then my other thing is about
S County Technical Vocational Schools. We got we all got this text message the other day about instant college decision day from Pake County Technical Vocational Schools alone.
116 acceptances to college. We're done already. And over a million dollar in scholarships have been granted to those people. Those people. those kids. But I really
want to say that again, we look at another organization like Pay County Tech and it's everybody hands on board, get the job done, get our kids into a future where they can make a living and they take that very
and Dr. D'vor knows this very well. She works so hard with our students up at P County Tech. So, I'd just like to say congratulations to the school, congratulations to the students, a huge congratulations to the educators up
there, the administration, and everyone who works together to make sure our kids get the very best education that they can. So, thank you, Mr. Barley. You >> good?
Mr. Cruz. >> Thank you, director. I just wanted to echo the sentiments of my colleagues in um congrat well not congratulating but commending the uh the work and effort that this team uh meaning the administration and the directors put forth to to help our most needy and most
vulnerable population uh when when the time called upon us to do so. And so I also want to congratulate you guys for the hard work that was done. And uh since my colleague Commissioner Lazar mentioned Tech, I I'll just end with congratulating the
PCTI Bulldogs for winning the uh group five uh North One championship for the sixth time in history uh with a score of yeah uh 56 to 42 over West Orange. And so
congratulating those young boys and uh and the entire coaching staff and people over there for the hard work that they put in to ensure that our young people are striving at their best and good luck to them on the future championship game which I think is this Friday. So uh say
yeah so >> uh it's the state final right and do are they playing in Ruckers again >> at Metife. So, we'll be cheering our PCTI Bulldogs on. I know my commissioners and I will be uh I know
last year uh or two years ago, I think Commissioner Bartley and I attended the championship game down at Ruckers Stadium. And so, >> and it was cold. >> It was cold. And so, they'll be at Metife. So, I'll let the boys and the coaches and all know that P County will
be rooting rooting you guys on. And you know, we wish you guys all the best. So, thank you. Commissioner D'vor. >> Thank you, Director. Um, of course, I echo the sentiments of my colleagues and thanking everyone in P County because when we ran, we wanted to make sure we
added to what makes P County move and we've been moving pretty well this year. So, thank you to all the directors and the uh county director as well as administrator. But I want to take this opportunity because it may be the last opportunity I do it publicly
to thank my sister, my boss, my mentor, my confidant, my New Jersey roadog for 12 years. Um, you know how I feel about you in
reference to why I'm sitting here. If you saw me, you saw Assemblywoman Sumpter. I thank my big brother, Kenny Sumpter, for asking me 14 years ago to do something. I didn't know what I was getting into and what I was doing, but I
trusted my big brother and said, "Sure, why not? Let's do this." And 14 years later, I sit on this seat because for 12 years, like I mentioned before, I learned from you. You have been an inspiration to New Jersey. You have been an inspiration to
Pay County. And I want to say to you, you are the bomb.com. You are the goat of diplomacy and democracy. And for that, I wish you the best. God bless you. And when you outsourced me in
2020 to the P County, I had no idea you were giving me away. But for that I publicly say as a county commissioner Pake, thank you and God bless.
Commissioner Duffy, you have any Okay. Um before we move on, I just want to uh correct something. Earlier this evening, prior to uh the assembly woman getting the award, someone said something about losing you.
um that that is a a great a gross negligent it's it's it's a terrible thing to say. Number one, >> I think that was me, director. I'm sorry. >> And the reason I say that is and I'm this is serves as a warning to my
colleagues here. Don't let that sweet calm face fool you. mess up and she will be right back on that podium giving you both barrels. I've been there, done that. Javanda,
thank you so much for your service. You're close to my You'll always be close to my heart. Thank you. >> All right, with that, I'll take a motion to open the public portion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second by divorce. Second by Bartlett. Roll call.
County Commissioners Bartlett Cruz, yes. Seor, >> yes. Duffy, yes. Deputy Director Lazera, >> yes. >> Director Leapour, >> yes. Anybody from the public wishing to be heard, please step forward to the microphone. State your name and address. Uh, you'll have three minutes. And remember, uh, all your comments will be
matter of public record. Come on up. Come on down. SP my >> sorry Duffy >> the commissioners. This is something historical for me. 30 years ago I moved
from the great state of New Jersey state county to Orlando, Florida. I've been there for 30 years, but in the 30 years before that and 77 I may not look it. I was here since I was 20 years old. My
mentor was the late Robert row. My first incursion and politics was helping him to get elected congressman and every other politician that run for governor, senator, or congress.
It's a lot of emotion to sit there and to listen and see the young people, everyone that has something to contribute. Let me tell you the most beautiful part of a human being is human empathy for their fellow men. Over there
where I am, I am very much involved in politics state and nationwide. I had not stopped. I always been a community advocate for those who need for someone to speak for themselves and sitting
there and just going back 30 years into the past and it's very emotional. So I am so glad that I got her the courage to come and and I want to thank my daughter Jacqueline Mestre who is
also the second generation community advocate for inviting me to come here tonight. So keep up with the good work. Remember, if you draw a circle and you put a line in the middle, is the people from the line down the one that needs
you the most? Because the people from the line up, they have everything they need. Thank you. God bless you. >> Anyone else public motion to be heard? >> Seeing no one at the podium, I move to close public portion. Motion made by Duffy to close.
>> Second that. >> Second by Cruz. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Cruz. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Lazera. >> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. Um L1 resolution authorizing the chief
financial Oh, wait. Wait. Take that back. >> Okay. Take a motion on L1. >> So moved. >> Motion made by Cruz. Second. >> Second by Bartlett. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett? >> Yes. >> Cruz? >> Yes. >> D'vor?
>> Yes. >> Duffy? >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Lazar? >> Yes. >> Director Leapour? >> Yes. >> Uh consent agenda. Is there any items on the consent agenda agenda that the commissioners want to vote on separately? >> Okay.
No late starters. >> All right. I'll take a motion for on the consent agenda of M1 to M82. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Made by D'vor. Second by Lazar. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Cruz. >> Yes. >> D'vor.
>> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. New uh new business personnel. >> I move the personnel. >> Second. >> Motion made by Cruz. Second by Bartlett on the personnel roll call. >> County commissioners Bartlett. Cruz. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy director. >> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. Uh the bills. Need a motion. >> Move the bills. >> Second. >> By Cruz. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Cruz. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Lazaro.
>> Yes. >> Director Leapour. >> Yes. Before I call for an adjournment, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and enjoy with your families. Motion to adjurnn. >> So move by Duffy, second by D'Vor. Roll call.
>> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Cruz. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Duffy. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Director Leapore. >> Yes. Good evening everyone. Take your home. Thank