6 board of county commissioners meeting. Uh we have a great night in store and at this point I'd like to ask Lou if you could take the roll call. >> County county commissioners Bartlett >> here. D'Vor >> here.
>> James Remagalia >> here. >> Stratz >> here. >> Deputy Director Cruz >> here. >> Director Lazar >> here. Ladies and gentlemen, the notice requirement of open public meetings law has been satisfied with respect to this meeting specifying the time, date, and location, including the annual notice
adopted the reorganization meeting filed with the county clerk, posted administration building, and mailed to two newspapers in accordance with the provisions of the law. >> Okay. Um, Commissioner Defor, if you'd like to lead us in the flag. >> Can anyone please stand and join me in
studenting our flag? Ice to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation under God indivisibley and justice for all. At this point, I
could I have a moment of silence to remember the all the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces and one of our county employees, Ernie Schneiderman, who was on the board of taxation for
over 20 years. Uh we could just keep him his family in our prayers. Thank you. >> Could I have a motion to approve the minutes of May 12th, 2026? >> So move second.
>> D'Vor >> and Barton >> Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia. >> Yes. >> Stratz. >> Yes. Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to approve the
proclamations? >> So move. D'vor. >> Second. >> Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagalia. >> Yes. >> Tratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director.
>> Yes. >> And at this point, I'd like to hand this over to our administrator, Matt Jordan. Uh, thank you, director. First on my agenda, we have our Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. I'm going to turn that over to Commissioner Bartlett.
All right. Welcome everyone. I love that we always have a great crowd for this uh annual celebration and I'm very glad you're all here. Uh it's an honor to mark another year for Pay County celebrating AsianAmerican, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In the 13 years we've been doing
this, they've added some words to AAPI month, but that's great because it makes it all the more inclusive because Asian-American stories are being written in every corner of the United States. Here in New Jersey, census 2020 revealed that one in nine of our neighbors can
boast Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, andor Pacific Islander heritage. From Edison to Fort Lee, Jersey City to Parcany, and Clifton to West Milford, right here in Pay County, AAPI communities are helping lead in business, medicine, education,
technology, public service, and the arts. We should celebrate these successes proudly. Asian-Americans are serving in elected office in record numbers. AAPI owned businesses continue to revitalize neighborhoods and local economies. Students, scientists, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs
from AAHPI backgrounds are helping define our future every single day. Just as important as these stories existing is our knowing about them and our children learning about them in school. Thanks to the work of AAPI community activists, in 2022, Governor Phil Murphy
signed the first mandate to teach Asian-American stories in K through2 classrooms. And educators are being given the tools to achieve that mandate with the support of the nonprofit organization AAPI New Jersey. Pay County's own Dr. Kiati Jooshi
has created a teaching Asian-American studies curriculum and fellowship, the ripple effects of which have prepared more than 3,000 New Jersey public and independent school teachers to build classrooms and curricula that are inclusive of AA and HPI stories. When
young people learn the full American story, they become better prepared to defend democracy and one another. If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out those circular displays on our rear windows and the roots and roots poster up here that reveals that
Asian-American stories actually stretch all the way back to the founding of our country right here in New Jersey in 1776. But Heritage Month is not just about celebration. It's also about honesty. Even as we celebrate progress, many AAPI
communities continue to experience fear, exclusion, and discrimination. We have all witnessed the rise in anti-Asian hate and xenophobia in recent years. We have seen neighbors targeted because of how they look, how they worship, or where their families came from. And
today, many Americans, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, giants, and other religious minorities are increasingly concerned about the state of religious freedom and pluralism in our country. When any group is made to feel less American because of their faith or ethnicity, it weakens the
freedoms that belong to all of us. This year has also brought concern over the roll back of diversity and inclusion initiatives affecting a hpi representation and advocacy at the federal level. For members of these communities and for all of us, these times are a reminder that progress
cannot be taken for granted. So tonight, we celebrate, but we also recommmit ourselves. We recommit ourselves to protecting civil rights and religious liberty for everyone. We recommit ourselves to teaching history truthfully and completely. We recommit ourselves to bu building a New Jersey and an America
where diversity is not feared but embraced as a source of strength. Because the story of Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is not separate from the American story. It is the American story. immigrants and refugees, workers and dreamers, families
sacrificing for future generations, communities overcoming hardship with dignity and hope. Thank you all for being part of that story. Thank you for celebrating this month every year with pride and purpose. And to each of our honores uh and our student performers, thank you for being leaders in your
fields, voices and examples for your communities and for all the ways you strengthen our shared community and help ensure that the next generation inherits a country that is more inclusive, more just and more unified than the one we inherited.
So with that, I am pleased to launch us into a great evening of of cultural performances and honoring of uh residents and uh people who work here in our county. I want to begin by introducing two uh students from PCTI whom we are very proud of Sahara Janat
and Jillian Troyano. Um Tahara, why don't you come on up? So we have the good fortune at PCTI of having exceptional uh theater, speech and music programs uh and some really really talented students of all kinds of
backgrounds including those that manifest and show their background in their performances. So Tahira is going to perform a Bengali spoken word recitation and that's all I know. So I will let you take it from here. >> Thank you.
My name is Sahara Janat. The poem I'll be reading is called Bedroi, which means the rebel. This poem was written in 1921 by poet Kajin Islam to fight the British colonial oppression. Fore! Foreign! Foreign! Fore!
Foreign! Foreign! Cyclone almost torpedo mine. Thank you so much. I will admit I had no idea what to expect but that was fantastic. Um I
didn't follow most of it but there was just enough that was similar to Gujarati that I picked up a little bit here and there. Uh I want to welcome up to the uh podium next Jillian Triano uh a senior in our P County STEM Academy who's going to perform uh a number on the flute and
you can say the rest. Good evening everyone. My name is Jillian. Um, I'm so excited to be here and honored. I will be performing a song called Tou, which is a Chinese song and it translates to big fish and it's about transformation, growth, and sacrificing
for love. I hope you enjoy. la. Hallelujah. It's good. Thank you so much. We are so proud of all the talent at PCTI and we're grateful for both of you. I know you're both seniors, so we wish you well in
graduation next month and everything that the future holds for each of you. Thank you very much. Uh we're going to move on to recognizing our honores now. And I want to start by uh start close to home by asking our director Sandy Lazera to come down and present. We're going in
approximately reverse order. So ask Sandy to come down and present and welcome Arthy up to the podium. closer. So, I am thrilled to be presenting this proclamation to Arty. Um, Arty and I
have worked together for quite a few years, and I am continually just blessed to be able to know her, to see the great work she does, and selfishly I I'm really happy I can present this to
you. So, I I will read this. Whereas Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually during the month of May to honor the rich history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Asian-Americans and
Pacific Islanders throughout the United States. Whereas Dr. Arty Kakar is a distinguished humanitarian, behavioral health executive, educator, community leader whose
lifelong commitment to compassion, equity, and service has positively infected, I'm sorry, impacted vulnerable and underserved populations here in New Jersey. Whereas Dr. Kakar began her journey of
service working with children and families in improvished communities in India, fostering a lifelong dedication to advocacy, social justice, and expanding access to care and opportunity for those in need.
Whereas Dr. Kakar has devoted more than 20 years in advancing behavioral health, trauma recovery, family support services, disaster response, and community wellness initiatives,
including serving as a disaster mental health crisis ca counselor following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 and supporting individuals and families affected by trauma, viol violence,
homelessness, and poverty. Whereas throughout her career with organizations including the Family Services Bureau of Newark and New Community Corporation, Dr. Carr led transformative initiatives that expanded
behavioral health care services, strengthened community partnerships, advanced workforce development, and improved support systems for lowincome and vulnerable residents.
Whereas since joining the P County Department of Health Services in 2021 as director of health services, Dr. Kakar has overseen critical countywide divisions and led in innovative
initiatives focused on mental health and addiction services, food security, recovery support systems, youth services, workforce development, and collaborative community partnerships that enhance the well-being of all our
PA county residents. Whereas Dr. Kakar ex her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and humanitarian service have empowered future clinicians, youth, and underserved communities,
earning her numerous honors, including the in quotes, many have won humanitarian award from Satan Hall University while continuing to inspire residents and future leaders throughout Pay County and beyond. Now therefore,
let it be proclaimed that the P County Board of County Commissioners does hereby honor and recognize Dr. Kakar during AsianAmerican and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for her outstanding contributions to health
care, behavioral health services, humanitarian leadership, and community empowerment. be further proclaimed that the board extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kakar for her
unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families throughout the P County and state of New Jersey. And this doesn't even do her justice. She is a hund times. We just love her.
In addition to the proclamation uh from the Pay County Board of County Commissioners, uh I have a certificate of recognition here from the Pay County Clerk, Danielle Ireland Immhof. And >> what?
>> Oh, you have it. Okay. And our Pay County surrogate Zora Kasanova has also bought certificates for everyone. But in the meantime, I'd like to give you the opportunity to speak. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> Thank you to the board of commissioners.
Thank you so much for the recognition. Um, I appreciate that. I have a lot of work to do. I want to thank you to all my co-workers here for all the support, to Mr. Denova, and to our administrator, Mr. Jordan for all the support that I get from his office and for my human
services team. Thank you so much for all the wonderful work that we do. Thank you for staying late. I know some of you have had a really long day and I really appreciate the recognition. Thank you. >> Yeah. You want to hold your Wait, don't move.
All right. One of these days we're going to go wireless with the podium here, but in the meantime, um, thank you Arthy. That was terrific. I want to invite my colleague Orlando Cruz to join me at the podium and invite
Dimpleman up to be recognized. Thank you uh Commissioner Bartlett and thank you Dimple for uh all of the work that you've done. And it is uh our honor of course to recognize you today for your extraordinary contributions to our
county uh in particularly with the work that you do at Babs, a place that has been so welcoming to our community, especially us on the commissioner board who visit there year after year and is welcomed with open arms. uh and we're humbled for that opportunity and we look forward to the continued relationship
moving forward. We're good. So whereas Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed each year during the month of May to celebrate the rich history, culture, achievements, and invaluable contributions of the Asian-American and
Pacific Islanders throughout the United States. And whereas Dimple >> Thakar >> Taker >> Tacker >> Tacker has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, healthc care, education, mentorship, and community empowerment throughout P
County and Bergen County through her extensive involvement with BAPS charities and numerous civic and cultural initiatives. Whereas Dimple has dedicated countless hours to advancing public health, volunteerism, civic engagement, cultural awareness, youth
mentorship through different initiatives including CO 19 relief efforts, medical camps, health awareness programs, voter education, and guiding young people towards education and personal success. During her years of active involvement
in local schools and family, Miss Derer has co-founded the in innovative hands-on science program for elementary students, creating engagement and affordable science learning experiences that have fostered curiosity, creativity, and academic enrichment for
children in kindergarten through fifth grade. And whereas she's distinguished she's a distinguished professional has a distinguished professional career in science and healthcare and it spanned for more than 30 years including service
with respected organizations such as Colgate Papolive Lipton Mars Incorporated Ro uh Molecular Systems and her current role as healthc care compliance officer with Faith Health Group where she continues to support
healthc care quality quality and regulation excellence. And whereas she's earned a bachelor's of science degrees in biology from Ruckers University and a microbiology from Gujarat University and has received numerous professional
recognitions for her dedication and leadership. Above all, Dimple is the devoted wife, mother, mentor, and community leader whose life has reflected and endured values of education, compassion, cultural pride, and selfless service. So now therefore,
let it be proclaimed that the P County Board of County Commissioners do hereby honor and recognize Dimple Takar during Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for her outstanding contributions to the community, her dedication to the public service, and
her lasting impact on the residents and families of P County and beyond. And let it be further proclaimed that this board extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dimble for her continued leadership, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Congratulations.
And uh as as all the other honores, you have certificates of recognition from our county clerk and our county surrogate. I'll hold this and you >> say a few words. Good evening, namaste and jwami.
I would like to say capital S, capital A, capital M, capital P. You may think I may I am in spelling B competition. I am not. What I just said means sump means uni. Unity which is what we are all here
celebrating the power of unity. Each and every one of you here are the one who make the community leaders just like John Barllet all of you Dr. Kathy Ben all of you sitting here are the ones who
make this you know the community stronger and better I don't think this is my award the first time when Dr. Barllet called me and he asked me to commissioner Barllet asked me to take the award and I said I feel like I'm
just doing what I my guru is teaching me you know I'm just serving the community I don't deserve anything I'm not doing anything different and he told me that Dimple you are not this is the platform that you get to recognize your spiritual
guru your community the leaders like commissioner Barllet all of you here judge Kasanova, Dr. Jooshi, all our swamies and every single person who makes a difference. I'm very thankful
and I want to end with a very nice quote for my guru prau Maharaj in joy of others lies her own. So let's all bring one smile at a time on everyone's face. Thank you. Thanks so much. Family come up to take a picture.
Thank you. And before I forget, please join us downstairs after the program for an Indian buffet courtesy of our friends at Pahaley Indian Cuisine in Wayne. And for the folks here from the BAPS community, I'll mention that a number of the dishes we're serving are compliant with the
Swamin Ryan uh dietary restrictions. So please join us and enjoy regardless of uh uh uh what guidance you follow with respect to your diet. I want to uh invite my colleague Rodney D'vour to the podium to introduce our next honore Dr.
Jennifer Schwang. Come on up. Good evening. Oh, Doc, you're here. You're quick. I think uh Miss Miss Dimple said it said it adequately. Uh you guys don't do this to get
recognized, but the bottom line is we see what you do in the community and it's our duty to recognize you by doing what you do best and with your passion and moving P County forward. So to all of you, I say congratulations and keep doing what you
do and don't say no when we recognize you, but I I appreciate your humbleness. Good to see you, doc. Congratulations. Um whereas Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually during the month of May to
recognize the rich history, culture, achievement, and contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout the United States. And whereas Dr. Jennifer Henlu Trang, make sure I got that right, has dedicated her career to advancing
pediatric and adolescence health care, medical education, public a advocacy, and community leadership through decades of service to patients, families, and young physicians throughout New Jersey. And whereas Dr. Chuang currently serves
as pediatric residency program director and section chief of adolescent medicine at St. Joseph Medical Center. big way where she mentors and guides pediatric residents while championing compassionate patient centered health
care for adolesccents and young adults. And whereas inspired by her Taiwanese American heritage and lifelong commitment to service, Dr. Trang has been a steadfast advocate for reproductive health care, preventive medicine, LGBTQIA
health equity, and the well-being of children and adolescence, including providing testimony before the state legislature and serving a leadership role with the American Academy of Pediatrics in the New Jersey chapter of American Academic of Pediatrics. And
whereas Dr. TWang distinguished academic and medical career includes degrees from University of Pennsylvania, Temple University School of Medicine in Columbia University Medical Center where she completed an she completed advanced fellowship training in adolescent
medicine and earned a masters of science through patient oriented research. And whereas throughout her career, Dr. Hang has demonstrated exceptional courage in leadership as a physician, educator, activist, and public servant, advocating
for healthc care access, professional expertise, and greater representation for Asian-American and civic and political life. And whereas Dr. Dr. Tran continues to serve her community with distinction while balancing her professional accomplishment with her
role as a devoted wife, mother, mentor, and as you see, community leader. Now, therefore, be a proclaim that the Pay County Board of County Commissioners does hereby honor and recognize Jennifer Henlu Tuang, MDMS,
FAAP, during Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for her outstanding contributions to medicine, education, advocacy, and public service. Be it further proclaimed that the board extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Tuang for her
leadership, compassion, and continued dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities throughout New Jersey. Once again, doctor, congratulations. >> I'll hold that again. I give some words of >> Thank you. Thank you, commissioners. I
really, really appreciate this honor. Um, I've been a lifelong Jersey girl. I've lived in many parts of New Jersey. Um, I grew up in South Jersey at a time that uh we didn't have a lot of AAPI
representation in my town. And I I was thinking today about what this this honor means. And I remember that growing up in my very not diverse town, a lot of the community members would often tell me what was expected of me. A lot of uh
telling me to be obedient, to be um quiet. And I've uh grown to not be quiet at all actually. And as I think about what's kind of happened through the years, a lot of it has been finding my own narrative. So I really want to uh
thank our thank our our commissioners. I want to thank my family, my uh parents came in from South Jersey, uh Gina and Janice, my husband Lman, and my kids Jacob and Kieran. So, thank you very much.
>> Come on up, family. This is >> No, no, I know. I want to make sure Good. >> Thank you. Actually, before we No, no, you keep going. Um, before we do our last hour, I want to welcome our two student performers back
up, we want to take a picture with you guys and also present you with a certificate for your participation today. Each of our student performance We even put in a new sound system. We didn't manage to make it wild. It's good. It's uh the only exercise I
get. Um it's my privilege to present the last of this evening's certificates and I want to welcome here in Travidian Sheilas up here with me. I also want to acknowledge although we did a moment ago our P County surrogate
judge Judge Zola Kasanova. I think I I think I saw Patterson Board of Ed Commissioner Joel Ramirez here earlier. Uh any other elected officials? Thank you for joining us and uh honoring the folks that we're recognizing today. So
this is a great one to present to some of my friends and neighbors in Wayne. Whereas Asian you know what you heard that part right? Whereas Shitovyas and here in Travid exemplify the values of perseverance, innovation and hard work
through the successful entrepreneurial journeys and long-standing commitment to supporting their family, businesses and community. And whereas born in Gujarat, India, Sheila Vias immigrated to the United States in 1986 in pursuit of educational opportunity and a brighter
future. Later establishing herself in New Jersey as a successful travel entrepreneur and the driving force behind travelwithshitt.com and tripexplorer.com where she has helped countless families and individuals create meaningful travel experiences and lifelong memories
including I think some of the people in the room here today. Um whereas known for her energy and compassion and enthusiasm for life, Shethel has balanced entrepreneurship, family life and community engagement while serving as an inspiration to those around her through her positivity and
dedication to others. And whereas here in Travedi is a distinguished serial entrepreneur whose business leadership spans multiple industries including travel, telecommunications, warehousing, and home improvement, demonstrating vision, resilience, and a continued
commitment to innovation and economic growth. And whereas through ventures including write-onvoice.com, bassie warehousing and Soha cabinets and Soha building supply, Hierin has contributed to business development, job creation and entrepreneurship while
mentoring the next generation through his family and professional leadership. Whereas together, Sheath Lavas and Hierin Traved embody the enduring values of family determination, cultural pride, and community success while serving as role models within Pay County and
throughout New Jersey. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the P County Board of County Commissioners does hereby honor and recognize Chito Yas and here in Travi during Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for their entrepreneurial achievements, community contributions, and dedication to family
and cultural heritage. And be it further proclaimed that the board extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Shel and Hin for their continued leadership, service and positive impact on the residents and communities of P County and beyond.
Thank you commissioners. Thank you everyone. Um my wife Sheel and I we are very grateful to receive this recognition uh from the uh board of commissioners during this AAPI Heritage Month. Um we accept it with great
humility and gratitude. As everyone before me said that this is not just about us. This is a reflection of uh many uh Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander individuals who has served this community with their hard work uh
dedication and their you know bringing their culture into this country. Um as an immigrant and a proud member of AAPI community um I'm very thankful to this country for providing this opportunity.
Uh and I'm very committed to giving back to the uh community, you know. Um so once again, thank you board of commissioners uh for this great honor and uh enjoy the meal tonight. Thank
you. Oh, special thanks to my friend John and Kathy for teaching us the importance of community involvement. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. I just want to say uh thank you. Thank
you so much for this um recognition from all the commissioners. Really really uh appreciate this and very honored to receive this. Thank you so much. >> One more time. So May is when we pause to celebrate it,
but uh the recognition of these communities should extend throughout this year and every year. I thank all of you who came out to join us tonight. Uh all of the communities that are represented here, all the different faith communities and backgrounds and stories. They are all part of this
wonderful rich tapestry that we call America. And there is a buffet awaiting you downstairs. I can always count on meetings like this to be short from here to the end of our business meeting because everybody up here wants to get down there. But you all get first dibs.
So leave a little naan for me and uh have a wonderful rest of the month of May and rest of the year. Thank you all very much. Congratulations. This pillow All right. Should I get started? >> Yep. Great.
>> Great job as always, uh, Commissioner Barlay, and congratulations to all the honores are going to enjoy the food. Um, next on my agenda is a presentation on our 2026 county open space farmland historic preservation trust fund grant recommendations. call up Kelly Rafale,
our director of culture and historic affairs, and Salvatore Prey, our open space coordinator. This is the 25th year since the inception of the uh open space program. So, turn it over to Kelly and S. >> Good evening, commissioners. I promise I
will be succinct so we can all have some food downstairs. But, as Matt said too, we are very happy this year is our 25th year of the of the program. Uh well, the award of the pro of the program. So, it's very apt that we'll be awarding uh probably was the highest amount that we've awarded in the program's history so far. So, I can think of no better
occasion. Without any further ado, I'm going to go and handle the uh park development recommendations and Kelly will handle the historic preservation recommendations. So, we're just going to run down the list alphabetically. So, uh Burough Bloomingdale has requested to replace uh some aging fitness equipment at the
Walter T. Bergen fitness course project. Uh, this includes installation of some all-w weather surfacing to improve access and safety. Now, you're going to see that outdoor fitness equipment is going to be a bit of a theme tonight, so get used to hearing that, but we are going to be recommending $125,000 for Bloomale.
Clifton uh has put in a project to install new pathways, a gazebo, and a story walk, which is some of those if you're going through a park and see different placards or various um stands that show like some context and history of the park or maybe some art, that's what a story walk is. Uh so it's
incorporated reading architecture for path parkways formally uh at May memorial park and we are recommending $250,000 for that. Uh Clifton also put in a secondary uh project that takes place across the road at May Memorial Park which is to install
a music playground comprising of seven outdoor musical instruments as well as the accessory pathway and seating to accommodate. These are what you think of when you see with kids that like to go and bang on the xylophones and the drums that they have out in the parks. Uh so we are recommending $100,000 for that.
Uh Hen would like to construct an outdoor splash pad uh at their recreation center and Samuel Brain Park. So they are across the street from each other. So it would uh benefit both. Uh so we are going to be recommending $200,000 for that. Hawthorne is continuing work at Wagar
Field with the replacement of bleachers at field 4. Uh this would be a uh replacement of bleachers with more ADA compliant bleachers to improve accessibility at Wagar Field. So we are recommending the 80 $81,000 for that. Little Falls is continuing to go and
work uh their Lewis Street park. So this is a continuation of a phase one project that was originally awarded in 2024 and includes installation of playground equipment, fencing pathways, and some other minor uh site uh excuse me site improvements uh including conversion of a baseball diamond into a general
purpose sports field. So, the first phase handled conversion of the baseball diamond, some playground pathing elements, and this $250,000 recommendation will cover the rest. Uh, North Helden put in a project uh for the installation of a new ADA walking path that will create a walking loop uh
at their overlook park. They also like to go and install some outdoor fitness equipment, too. Uh the burrow has indicated that this will be phase one of two uh with this first part um doing being the walkways and they will go and submit next year phase two to finish out the project. So we are recommending
$250,000. Pumpton Lakes uh has been doing a lot of work at Willow Field. Uh independent from the work going on at Willowfield, they have submitted for a separate element for a new playground at the Willowfield complex. So, it is independent from the other work going on at Willow Field, which is currently under construction and should be
finished this year, but we are recommending $229,000 for the playground. Uh, Prospect Park would like to go and construct a restroom shower facility adjacent to uh the Hofster Park splash pad. Um, this would potentially be uh
used for a potential municipal pool project, but that is something way in the future. this uh element stands independent of any of those uh uh projects and will be used to go and allow uh visitors to the splash pad to both change into swimwear and use the restroom. So, we are recommending
$250,000. Ringwood is continuing work at their Stonetown uh turf field uh complex or proposed uh turf field complex. Uh they've been submitting for several years now and u this element they broke out their field lighting. So, this will cover the lighting at the field and some
items that uh actually affiliated with the turf field element itself. So, we're recommending $250,000. The Ringwood Little League is a firsttime applicant. Uh they are starting off small with me, which is good as they should. Uh a project to replace the existing uh deteriorating
batting cage with a new batting cage. Very nice small scale project. So, we are recommending $25,000 to them and hopefully we'll see more of them in the future. Toadwell would like to also replace uh their outdoor walking path and install some outdoor fitness equipment at their
PIL field. Uh the fitness equipment area will also include various ADA improvements as well. So we are recommending the nearly $240,000 for that. Wanq is also looking to install some outdoor fitness equipment at Lori Field
and uh as well as some minor pathway work. So we're recommending $175,000 for that project. Wayne is continuing work at their newly acquired community center. So, for those of you who uh might not know, this is the former YMCA that was taken over by the town a couple years ago. Uh so,
they're doing work on rehabilitating the outdoor athletic courts. They're going to be adding six courts, rehabbing two courts, adding a gazebo, and some walkways. So, we are recommending $250,000 for that. The Wayne Little League uh came to us a
couple two years ago for their sorry last year actually uh for their D3 turf field project. Uh however, the price has gone up after hitting some construction snags and I believe changing contractor. So they are looking to go and be made whole from last year to go and uh cover the cost of the project. Uh we have gone
and funded turfing at D1 and D2 before. So we are recommending the $90,000 for the continuation at D3 field. and Woodland Park uh has requested $200,000 to fund ADA accessibility improvements at Rosa Park and Zakaria
Park which we are recommending. So that covers the park development portion of the presentation. I'm now going to turn over to Kelly for historic preser just before Kelly starts can you just for the commissioners walk through the process and the work the uh open space advisory committee is doing to bring
these recommendations to the commissioners? >> Sure. So just very generally uh the way the program works is applicants need to go and submit to uh us. So they need to go and submit a letter of intent which allows us to go and filter it out too. Uh once we give them the go-ahhead from
the letter of intent they submit a full application which myself and Kelly review and from there we bring it to our advisory committee who review it and provide comments to us and from there we then go and present it to you. So that's it in a very abbreviated nutshell. So I can answer any specifics you want, but I
know it's a bit new to some of you also. >> Appropo that. I just want to thank the member the volunteer members of the open space advisory commission um whose advice is the first round of this process. We're fortunate to have all those uh community volunteers who will
take the time to go through these applications and make the very specific recommendations that you present to us every year. >> Indeed. Thank you, Commissioner. If I just one quick comment through the chair, what's the timeline as far as for
example, people see this now and say, "What about them? What about next year?" So, when can a municipality or someone uh see a publication or something that we put out for of accepting applications for next year's? >> Sure.
>> So, we normally do a notice to all the towns. So, very briefly, the program is open to all municipalities and qualified nonprofits in the county. I won't go too into it, but you need to have a very specific recreationoriented mission if you're a nonprofit, but we uh both publish on our website on the county
calendar and public notice. We also send letters specifically to the municipalities so that all their administrators know the round is open. um if someone's not submitting, I know it's kind of a little unusual, so I will often go out and and prod them a little bit, but um that's when we go and
typically open it. And then there's also the general public notes that we put out in January and a general call for letters of intent also. >> With that said, I welcome Ringwood bringing into the fold starting off small and I look forward to working with them. >> Yes, Ringwood Little League. Uh he he I
worked with their director. He even said he was, you know, he was a dad. is very new to this so I help him through. So I think we'll see a lot of good things out then too. >> Good evening. Um just kind of also going with some statistics uh for for the historic preservation program. We're
actually in the 10th year. So the open space trust fund expanded in 2016 to include historic preservation projects. And this round in 2026 is the most preservation applicants that we have seen in the tenure of the program. Um, and it's very fitting that we're
recommending these awards tonight because it is also National Historic Preservation Month. Um, so we we also saw new application new applicants for the historic preservation program this year as well. Um so starting off with the American Labor Museum, we are
recommending $34,000 which will take care of a um wheelchair lift uh replacement which is actually at the rear of the building. That is their only ADA access into the museum and program spaces. Um so we are recommending the full amount for that uh activity at
34,000. Next, Bloomingdale. Uh this is a new site in their repertoire. So the Bloomingdale Museum opened about a year ago. Um so they we are recommending $100,000 for the renovation of the Bloomingdale Museum which is attached to
delayer field um which is a WPA project. So it is eligible. It's a historic building. Might not look it but when this project is over it will go back to its original uh field structure and this will also improve public accessibility and enhance our education and cultural
programming. Next we have the city of Patterson. Uh this is for the East Side Park fitness equipment. Um it's to renovate their fitness area um with new equipment. So it's the theme of this evening. Um the reason just for clarity why it's under
historic preservation, East Side Park is on the local state and national registered restored places and it requires a preservation review which comes through uh my office. So we are recommending $100,000. Uh city of Patterson is also we're also
recommending $250,000 for the Vanhen house stabilization project. The building suffered a chimney collapsed uh back in 2019 and a year later a fire which has devastated the site. Um so the city would like to stabilize it so that
they can plan for future uh restorative activities and with the opening and completion of Westside Park. This would, you know, secure the building, fence it off from from the public. Um so this is at $250,000. Next, this is a new applicant this year.
This is a Dawn Treader Christian School which is housed in the Rosen Mill. Um, yes, it is a nonprofit organization. So, this project we're recommending $43,000 to restore the public access steps which are located behind the Rosen Mill and it leads to the trail of the Patterson
Raceway system. Um, so it is original slate and brick. So, it will be replaced in kind. Yes. Um, next we have the Friends of Wallish Homestead. Um so they you know
applicants get two applications. Uh so we're funding um we're recommended funding for both. One is 27,150 and the other is 40,000. Both are for repointing both of the barn and crew buildings which date to 1910. Um they have you
know suffered um some deterioration and they have not been uh maintained for quite a few years. So this will kind of keep the integrity of the foundation and the moisture out. Next we have the Little Falls Historical Society. They have been a repeat
applicant um going through various phases to restore the Oldtown Hall which will ultimately uh be a place for for arts uh Morris cal Morris Canal Museum and uh Ethan and um which are very
excited to have. So they are asking for um 15 window replacements. This is the third round of funding. So, this will conclude all window replacements in this uh structure. So, we're recommending $50,000.
Next, we have the New Jersey Community Development Corporation. Um we're recommending $50,000 for exterior repointing. That's sort of in the close-up image. So, a lot of the um brick is pulling away. So, the sort of skin of the building will be removed.
It'll be repointed and then repainted. So, this will secure the exterior envelope. Um, and this building is part of the historic Rogers locomotive and machine works. Next, we have the Highlands Nature Friends. Um, we are recommending $50,000 to uh
stabilize and restore the exterior envelope of the 1880s farmhouse um that is on property. Um, once that work is done, they will actually be able to use it for small programs before moving further into interior restoration. Next, a new applicant. We have the
William Patterson University New Jersey Foundation, which is housed in Hobart Manor, which is open to the public. It's built in 1877. Um, and this building has not seen a full restoration in its history since uh sort of the Hobarts left it in the
1930s, late 1940s. Um so because of the aging systems um specifically with mechanical and sort of water infiltration from the from their roof um a lot of their interior spaces are showing decline in their plaster wallpaper woodworking. So we're
recommending 37,000 for repainting uh plaster work woodwork um in their uh par and then that concludes the preservation applications. Kelly, does the Hobart Manor restor
restoration include the Asian HVAC? >> No, it is only the PAR. The HVAC would be a multi-million dollar project. >> I thought so. Like that seems kind of low. 30. Okay. Thank you. >> Just a question regarding Rogers locomotive. That 50,000 is going to
cover the painting and repointing. >> Yes, it's only spruce street side or the one >> spruce street side. that entire stretch from >> top down. >> Yeah, because it's spot repointing. It's not >> Oh, it's not the entire Okay. >> repointing. So, it'll be the areas where the cracks are present um that they'll
remove, patch, and repair, and then they'll >> You're welcome. >> I just want to say that you guys did a great job. Um, you know, you probably have hit just about every municipality in the county and so many people that
you're helping from the safety features of the ble again new bleachers and updating ADA improvements, uh, the stabilization of the Van Halton House. Wow, that is amazing. And I think it's it's a great project to be focused
on. um just everything the educational and cultural initiatives that you're funding. It's this is a great pro uh pro all these are great projects and thank you for bringing them to us and my fingers are crossed everything's going to happen for a good reason. Thank you.
>> What was the uh the total? I didn't obviously didn't do the math as you guys were going through but what's the total investment? >> It's uh a little over 3.7 million. Thank you, >> director. I just want to recognize too uh Sandy Lawson, a longtime member of
the open space advisory committee and the current chairwoman. So Sandy, thank you. One of the volunteers, Commissioner Barlet was talking about. Um before you guys conclude, is there any more questions? Commissioners, maybe you could s you could just run through the the website uh your office developed marking the 25th year of the program.
Yes. So, uh, very briefly, uh, our office, well, specifically, I should give special thanks to our JS specialist, Bill Bo Yang Wang, who is of course the real brainchild behind the actual bits and bobs of making this map work, but uh, I've been working with him to go and develop a map of previous
awards in the county. So, I will circulate it all to your offices and we'll be publishing on the website. Uh pretty much you can go to this map and then you can actually see a map of the county and go to a town and go and see all the projects what year it was if it's available some pictures. We're going to be over the over the next year
really trying to fill out the picture end of it. So you can see oh in 2017 we award this in 18 going all the way back to 2001 the program first began. So we are very excited for the roll out. Again, thank he's not here, but thank you to Bo Yang Wang, who was really the brainchild behind making it work so
good, but we will be circulating that and releasing it to the public very soon. >> Will this presentation be on the website? >> We can put on the website. Yeah. >> And can you send us the link? >> Of course. >> Okay. >> Love to see that.
>> There's no more questions. Thank you both for the presentation. >> Thank you. Thank you, commissioners. and director. That concludes my report. >> Good job, Matt. Okay, we're going to move on to uh commissioner reports. I don't have anything myself. Uh
Commissioner Cruz, Commissioner Bartlett. >> Um just want to mention one thing on our consent agenda. Uh item number 18 is an extension of the S County Move uh microransit program. that has been a
stupendously successful pilot uh you know beyond I think any expectation any of us might have had. Folks are coming out of the woodwork to use that microtransit project which connects anybody anywhere in Pay and Clifton with their destination for a $180 using the
Pay County Move app. I'm glad to see us extending that and I'm glad to know also that we've applied for federal funding to expand the footprint to additional municipalities in future years. But that has been a tremendous success and something that's worth spotlighting for just a moment. Y Commissioner, uh, on
that note, we have exceeded 75,000 rides since the program launched, and we have been pursuing a number of, uh, state and federal funding sources, working closely with our 35th district legislators, the governor's office in the hopes of expanding the program in the year to come.
>> That's great, Commissioner D'vor. >> And at this time, director, >> uh, Commissioner Remagluia and Commissioner Schz. Okay, we'll move on then. Um, okay, we're going to open up the oral portion of the meeting.
Anyone who would like to come up and speak, you have three minutes. State your name and address. >> I'll move to open. >> Second. D'Vorlet and Dor >> County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes.
>> D'vor. Yes. >> Remagalia. Yes. >> Tratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. Yes. >> Director Lazar. Yes. >> Seeing no one from the public, I move to close the public portion. >> Second. >> Cruz and D'vor.
>> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Zoir, >> yes. >> Remagalia, >> yes. >> Stratz, >> deputy director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director, >> yes. >> Okay, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Do we have anything to pull or talk about? Okay. So, can I have a
motion to move consent agenda items L1 through L67? >> So, move D'Vour >> second. >> Bartlett, >> county commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes.
>> D'vor, >> yes. >> Remagia, >> yes. >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazar, >> yes. Can I have a motion to move the personnel agenda? >> So moved. Second. >> Cruz and Bartlett.
>> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Maggalia, >> yes. >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Lazar, >> yes. Can I have a motion to move the bills? >> Move the bills. Second. >> Cruz and Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes.
>> Magia. >> Dr. Yes. Yes, Deputy Director Cruz Director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Uh yes. Thank you, Director. Before we adjourn, um I just wanted to remind all of P County residents out there that we have a primary election coming up. Early
voting started today and runs through Sunday and then election day uh is on June 2nd. So, I encourage all PT County residents to come out and uh execute their civic duty uh and participating in this election cycle. your voice uh needs
to be heard and your vote your vote is the strongest voice you have. So I encourage everyone to come out and participate in this election cycle. Thank you, director. >> Thank you. At this time, I'd like to invite Father Ryan to come up to do the benediction.
>> We can. Okay. Before we pray, I u I want to go to confession to the commissioners. I was late last meeting. Well, I ran with my sunglasses on. Do you remember that? And I was late
late this meeting. I don't know how to do this. And by the way, I looked in my book and there is there are no prayers for podiums or microphone wires. So, you're going to have to work that out on your own. >> Um,
>> just give us two our fathers and three Hail Marys when you're >> I'm not going to confession to you. It's the rest. >> Um, about five or six months ago, I was in a uh uh
what's paying uh Perkins on Staten Island. And I got there because the police lieutenant who drove me down to the site on 9/11, his mother and his sister invited me to breakfast. And we I walked in and I see two nuns. And you
know, we were trained to go over and say, "Hello, sister." On the way out, the the older of the two said to me, "Father, would you be able to do a day of retreat for me?" And I I don't know. Then she said, "And we need a priest for
Tuesdays. We we don't have a priest for mass. Can you do mass on Tuesdays?" And I'm thinking, "Oh, sure. I'll do it in the morning." No, I found out it was 3:00 in the afternoon. So, every Tuesday I go over and I say mass for 24 sisters.
The the youngest is 84, >> you know, and it's it's like you just pray that that they're there next time I come. And so I'm trying to I'm trying to be good and I'm trying to do what I think I should do. And sometimes it just
doesn't work. And Route 21 coming up north, it it especially after 3:00 that turns into almost rush hour. So I apologize profusely uh because I want to be your chaplain and I want to be here on time
and I don't want people judging me needlessly. So, I will see if I can um I don't know. I I'll I'll see if I can shorten the homaly for the sisters. I feel very bad though, to be honest with
you. Uh what are you laughing at? I did. You ever say no to nuns, commissioner? >> Well, then you know what I'm talking about. They just they just get you. So, anyway, the second thing I I want to do, and it's this isn't political. I think
we have to pray for that situation in Delaney Hall. Uh, you know, the president has one idea. I want what the pope is supposed to say, the gospel has another. And I am for wherever poor people are and they're not treat being
treated properly. And the conditions there seem to be not so good. and somehow we don't have oversight on what they're getting fed or what the place is like on the inside. And and I don't know what the solution
is, but I I think as people in New Jersey and we've all come from somewhere else and many of us came from immigrant families, we just have to pray. The law is there and whatever the law says, but while they're in our care, we need to
treat them with dignity and respect and give them decent housing and decent food and we need the, you know, my dad was a cop, my grandpa's a cop. We we need to tone all that stuff down on the outside. It's it's it's horrible. You know, I So
anyway, we thank God for this wonderful day. We thank him for allowing us to serve people in our midst. We remember always the poor and the needy and anyone else who needs our help. We thank these commissioners for giving us such good
leadership in this county. And we say this through Christ our Lord. Amen. >> Amen. >> That was the prayer. >> Thank you. >> Uh could I have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. D'Vor >> second
>> and Cruz. >> There's a buffet downstairs. Everybody's moving so slow on the motions today. Come on. >> County Commissioner Bartlett. >> Yes, sir. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Remagalia, >> yes. >> Stratz Cruz. >> Yes. >> Cruz. Director Lazaro.
>> Yes.