Okay. Can I have a roll call, please? County commissioners Bartlett here. Cruz here. D'Vor here. Duffy here. James, Deputy Director Lazar here. Director Leaport
here. Announcement of the open public meeting. 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 included in the annual notice and adopted the 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. Commissioner Lazar. Okay. Flag of our country. Salute. Ice
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silence to remember all the men and
women who have died while serving the United States of America. 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 Pay, that thy people may
dwell in peace and safety through our Lord. Amen. Amen. Um, director, just for a record, um, uh, for the record, uh, Commissioners, uh, D'vor, I mean, Commissioners Duffy and,
uh, Orlando Cruz are joining us telephonically. Thank you. I'll take an a motion to approve the minutes of September 30th, 2025. So moved. Second move by Bartlet, second by Lazar. County Commissioners Bartlett.
Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, abstain. Deputy Director Lazar. Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Take a motion to approve the
proclamation. Moved by Lazar. Second. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. Bartlet or Yeah. County Commissioners Bartlett, yes. Cruz, yes. D'vor, yes. Duffy,
yes. Deputy Director Lazar, yes. Director Laapour, yes. Administrative report. Thank you, director. First, I want to thank the SE County Community College and Dr. Rose for providing the uh AV support tonight and also the parks and recck department and the the camp staff
for getting this facility ready for our meeting tonight. And then, director, I'm going to turn it back over to you for our Italian-American Heritage Month celebration and our honores. Okay. Um, well, as you know, this we're celebrating Italian Heritage Month. Um,
and I'd like to proudly say that I'm the first Italian American born in Italy to serve on the freeholder board or any county position for that matter, uh, elected office. So, I'm very proud now to honor the following folks. Um, and
we'll start out one of my favorite Italians. Back. You're not talking about me, right? He's way back there. No, I'm not. Anthony Denova, would you step forward? Come on down, please.
Well, you get to be m start playing with glasses. Um, the only twice, but I'm French. That's okay. Um, so I'm going to read this and then add a few minutes after that. Whereas the board of county
commissioners of the county of state has the desire to recognize Anthony J. Denova III in honor of the American Heritage. Anthony Denova is a distinguished public servant whose lifelong dedication to government administration, civic
leadership, and community service exemplify the values of the Italian American experience, perseverance, integrity, family, and public duty. Whereas Mr. No search as a county state county administrator for nearly two
decades where you led fiscal responsibility and innovative thinking overseeing a $450 billion budget negotiating 23 collective bargaining agreements and implementing the corporate budget initiatives that
included resource consolidation of the jail and detention settles. Under his leadership, St. county has achieved five consecutive pledges with no tax groups. Um, and also reached the highest fund
raise in the countyy's history and build a reserve fund record levels setting a new standard for effective and accountable recovery. Mr. spearheaded power investment, including the $90 million expansion of the county
long-term care facility, extensive park and historic type renovations, the creation of a new county park in over 50 years, and the modernization of the county hospital, all of which have enhanced the quality of life for the
residents of county. During the CO 19 pandemic, Mr. leadership earned the national recognition for establishing the county's first athome testing program deserving financial stability and rapidly expanding access to vaccines and
testing. I might add to that that we've received calls from Mr. Denov who's here from all over the country different counties asking them for how we're doing it and how they can get it done. So he's passion.
Whereas the civic involvement extends far beyond his professional role serving on boards and commissions that support affordable housing, individuals with disabilities, children's education and veterans and continuing his service
today as a consultant, mentor, and advocate for efficient and passionate veterans. Anthony Jenova III is proud of his Italian heritage tracing his roots to his grandparents who immigrated from Naples and other regions of Italy that
settled in Patterson New Jersey where his family's values of hard work opportunity and service were passed down through the generations. whereas he's been a proud member of the Fedelians of America, a historic Italian-American organization founded in Patterson to
support children with Down syndrome, continuing a tradition of giving and care that reflects the heart of its high American philosophy. How therefore be proclaimed by the state county board of county commissioners that it hereby
publicly recognizes and employs Anthony J devoted to the service for his significant contributions he has made and the exemplary service he has devoted to the county state and the community and we further proclaim that this board
wishes Anthony Jerus health happiness and continued success. See how it's Thank you commissioners. Thank you very much. It's always an honor to be here
back in your presence on this side of the day. Retirement is wonderful. I had a lot of great but I kind of weird. Well, that's something you know nobody does anything.
So, it's a great team. I think any of the department that's here deserve much of the credit that got in that procation. But in terms of the Italian heritage, it is something that I am very proud of. My four grandparents came to
this country. One of them as a diligent and you know when I hear today about what I I think to myself, you know, you can't paint with a broad brush. Uh my grandfather was not the best citizen in
Canada. He was working. One of 11 kids who grew up on the streets and basically had to uh steal food in order to eat and survive. Stole money away to come to this country. But when he got to this country, uh my grandfather always said
that he never wanted to go back to because America was offering him an opportunity. and he worked hard, wasn't educated to spend a day in school. My mother and my aunt would read to him every night in newspapers so he would learn English. Uh he was very proud to
be a parent. And so I always like to caution people in this time that we're living in where people just say illegal immigrants that you know many people came here many different ways. Uh but they love this country and they're coming here for opportunity. So, you
know, when you hear that advocate, think about that what you're experiencing yourselves. Uh, just remember that people are good people. I believe right at the for everybody. Um but my parent my grandparents instilled in all of us that
this was the country that came to and they worked hard and they made sure that we remembered our heritage and instilled in us what it meant to be an Italian American American American. Uh and I'm grateful for that
and we try to hold those traditions uh today and try to pass it down to my children. So, I don't want to believe it. Thank the commissioners again. I have to especially thank our clerk to the board, my Irish friend,
for years. Always put a lot of effort into the Irish Heritage Month Duffy if you're listening. Uh, but you really went out of his way. Banner this year and Canadians on it. You really did
yourself proud. He reminds me that it's 33 and a3%. Uh 25 25% Duffy are there. Commissioner Duffy, you're there. Hold on one second. Hold on one second. Is he on the phone?
Yeah. Go ahead. Uh Commissioner Duffy. Commissioner Duffy, you're there. Commissioner, can you hear me? Commissioner, thank you so much. I can hear you. Okay. Okay. This was too far for you to come out of your house.
All right. Well, thank you all very much. I appreciate it. Congratulations to the other. I know two of them weren't feeling well. My good friend here with us, but I know there's some council this year for the first time. We love how it was
in St. County. Good work. I think she's ready. I think you're definitely next. You are. Okay. You're next. Uh even though uh our good friend Anthony Vanererry uh wasn't able to be
here tonight, our deputy director would still like to read into the record. I would like the honor. Thank you. And I'd like to invite um this is Michelle to accept this Tony. So just a little bit of background.
Tony and I go back uh we probably started working together about 10 years ago and we're both selling. So sometimes things didn't go the way you wanted
but you know what through you know our discussions and being I mean we both had to say and insight and that was to honor our veterans. and to make sure they know
that Pay County is here. And we have it back because as and Chris stop uh as we know uh the veterans from the Vietnam War when they came back from Vietnam, they were not given a very good
uh welcome back. And I guess the thing that I always felt was they needed to know that we were all here for him. Tony is right to every single person at this table like me and he's like another to us. So I don't mind
being able to stand here before you and this property. Whereas the board of county commissioners of the county of state has a desire to recognize Anthony Tony B. Cherry in honor of Italian American
Heritage Month. Whereas Tony Venturi was born in 1948 in Leish, Belgium to Sicilian parents from the town of Villa Rosa in the province of Eno
following his father Jakamo's courageous decision to seek work and stability for his family after World War II. Whereas in 1953, the Cherry family and immigrant to the United States, first arriving in
Hope in New Jersey, and soon settling in Patterson, a city that would become Tony's lifelong home and where he met his beloved wife, Anna Maria. Whereas in 1968, Tony was drafted into the United
States Army and served honorably as a combat combat medic during the Vietnam War. earning his American citizenship while in service a testament to his deep loyalty to his father country. Whereas
Roman Cherry founded the Vietnam vet for America Patterson chapter 33 to honor the 33 brave soldiers from Patterson who lost their lives in the Vietnam War while also creating a space of support
and solidarity for returning veterans in need. Whereas throughout his life, Tommy has exemplified the values of hard work, sacrifice, love of family, and devotion to community, but 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 for future generations of Italian Americans. and
all those who seek opportunity and purpose in the United States. Now for now therefore let it be proclaimed by the Pay County Board of County Commissioners that it hereby publicly recognizes and applause Anthony Tony
Buri for the significant contributions he has made and the exemplary service he has devoted to the county of the state and to the community. And we further proclaim that this board wishes Tony Futuri health, happiness, and continued
success. I drew the small. Um, you know, my dad wanted to be here. study but he had a procedure yesterday and it was best that he stayed home and just rested and he was a little lanced yesterday. He's been in the hospital till around 8:00 we got to go dad don't
worry about coming here. Um he's grateful for this award. He wants he wanted to personally thank the deputy director of course without me and director board for making this happen as well as the rest of the county commissioners. Uh if you know my dad, like Commissioner Lazard said, he is all
about doing what's right for the community, especially when it comes to veterans. He'll tell you that when he went to uh Vietnam, he went there as Antonio, came back as Tony, because he got his citizenship when he was in the army. He was serving his country. And he's made it his mission to continue to
do everything he can to honor the memory of many of his brothers and sisters that were lost. And as the deputy director knows, she hears a lot from him about certain things because he's very passionate about that just like he is with his family. You know, myself and Michelle as well as our, you know, our
brothers Anthony and Nick are proud of him and all that he's accomplished and just we're grateful for this honor. So, thank you again. Picture picture. our commissioner D'vor
to present the proclamation to Luca Ma. of the so we thank you they p educators together where the one county commissioner of the county safe has a desire to recognize
man and honor Thai American heritage month and whereas Luka man is an African American who embodies a spirit of determination education and community. He immigrated to the United States with a family in 1982 graduating from a deep
passion for learning and a commitment to community. And whereas Luca Mana was honored by the Italian-American Societies with scholarships in the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci scholar award recogniz recognizing his outstanding academic achievements. And
whereas with Amanda career in a library spanning more than three decades, your innovation has been consistent a consistent advocate for innovation and collaboration. From the early automation of library collections in the expansion
of today's digital resources, he has remained focused on connecting individuals with knowledge and opportunities. and where Luca man for the past nine years has served as the executive director of pals plus guiding
libraries in Pacific County with vision and dedication. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Cay County Book Festival, an annual celebration that brings readers and authors together. And with that, Lukanda has as international pres
president of Buenzano, the library of his hometown in Cargill, Italy. like that continue to be the resources to support historical research ends this mess up
residents living abroad further strengthening the cultural bond between Italy and the United States and whereas Luc devotion to preserving culture and heritage both locally and globally exemplifies the values of family
tradition and community that are central to the Italian American experience. His commitment like this, his commitment to connecting people through knowledge and shared resources highlights the importance of education and building stronger, more connected communities.
And now therefore we proclaim by the state county commission that is hereby publicly recognizing and applaud for the significant contribution he has made in the executive service he has to the countyy's state and to the
commission and to the community and be further proclaim that the work which he has a manner of health happiness and continued success. God bless you. Wow. I know that's really the challenge, right?
Um, this is amazing. Thank you, Commissioner, Richard, Mr. um, sorry, Mr. for speaking earlier, Mr. for that amazing uh proclamation. This is a tremendous honor for me tonight. Uh it's it's it's a great privilege and honestly
just a little surreal to be here honored uh with all these amazing uh Italian Americans. Uh and uh up until I saw my name on that sign, I thought Lou was going to come up to me and say, "Yeah, we made a mistake." So I have a real
serious case of uh imposter syndrome going on right now. Um my family moved to this country on November 6th, 1982, which is 43 years ago next month. I was 8 years old. I was 3 weeks away on my 9th birthday. I learned my first words
of English on the airplane coming home. Thank you. That's all I knew coming into this country. When we landed at JFK, I remember being surrounded by this sort of multicultural environment. Uh people, languages I never seen, clothing I'd never
experienced before. But we all sort of had this this common feeling, right? We were all just moving toward a future uh none of us could ever imagine. Uh I was given a green card that day and I still have uh even though I am now the civil
signature. Um, I had no idea at the time that it was more than a piece of plastic. It was really sort of a key that opened uh the door to opportunity, to learning, uh, and belonging. The next morning, I wake up and it's Linds, New Jersey. I look out the window
and I see three things. I see a big tree. I see a squirrel, which I have never seen before because in southern Italy, where I'm from, we don't have squirrels. We have lizards. uh and and this beautiful classical booking company. So wondering what that was, I
learned that that building was the LR's public library. So the L's public library was the first building I saw in daylight in the United States. Not long after I got my first library card. I couldn't read a single word uh of
English uh much uh back then. But then I sat for hours just sort of looking through books, leafing up through all these pages, sort of kind of imagining what the stories uh could be inside. It's sort of looking back that I think
about the power of both cards, the power of that green card and the library card. And they both stand for the same idea of opportunity. one opens the door to a new country and one opens the door to a world
but really another one. Uh tonight I'm really here because of the work that libraries do every single day to better their communities. I thank my PA plus colleagues um who are here tonight and those who weren't able to make it but send their support for the tremendous
work that they do. And if there's ever any doubt of your impact in the world, I'm one of those countable lives that was changed by what others represent. I believe that knowledge and information should be accessible, that dreams should
be limitless, that everyone is welcome and that opportunity should belong to everyone. By recognizing me tonight, you're also honoring the people whose courage uh and dreams made this life, my life possible.
You honor my parents uh who dreamed of a better life for their two sons and had the courage in their mid30s to leave everything and everyone later and start again in a new country. He wanted my father who grew up one of eight children in a southern Italy that
was still internally raised by the Second World War. As a boy, he used to run around the hills gathering wood uh and uh for a few he'd sell it in town for a few evenings. One day he he uh a vendor was in town. He went up to this
this this vendor with a you know handful of coins uh and uh to buy himself a new pair of shoes. Um at 13 he wrote his father to say he didn't want to hurt you anymore. It was done very cheap. He just wanted more. and he spent the best of his two short
lives chasing that goal. Yuani, my mother uh who lost her father as a mother and was sent to an orphanage. She was separated from her siblings uh but yet somehow hold on to the family to courage and steadfast faith in education
which is what was instilled in me. And of course, she makes the world's best defaults. And I will I will die on that. But it is her strength and her courage and her perseverance throughout every
hardship that taught me that even when life takes everything, it doesn't take your will to endure and rise. You honor my brother who left the room just as he was coming of age and through determination and grace built a career
as a successful thoracic and master surgeon and wound care specialist. He's also a pilot and an FAA certified flight instructor because why not? Uh and is passing out that passion to his son, my nephew who at 16 is already flying the
airplanes. solo by himself with nobody else. He's flying the airplanes and of course his wife was both uh and to really honor my grandparents, all my aunts and uncles and cousins, those who stayed and those who left and their new homes in distant lands but never lost
their connection to our roots. You know, I stand on their shoulders and I hope that they're proud and that I am honoring their sacrifices in recognizing me tonight to honor every Italian never left
uh with a suitcase full of cheese uh most likely. Uh those who built this country's bridges and roads, who opened bakeries and shops, who spent their show who sent their children to school believing that each generation climbed just a little higher than the last.
Those are the first waves of liberation who uh into this great country who even when they were made to feel unwelcomed they built for lives of dignity and hope. You honor the spirit of speaking loudly and laughter over long tables and
delicious food of stubborn hope and the pride in where we come from. And you walk with that moment when you spot another Italian in a room full of strangers and your internal radar goes off. You make eye contact, deny. Wait,
why is that? Uh, that is the connection, that unspoken I know you as the power of heritage. So, I'm thrilled that that's being celebrated here tonight. Uh, I'm here with gratitude. I think of that 8-year-old boy who left everything he knew and sobbed in his mother's arms as
he watched friends and family waving goodbye uh through the cars window as he drove away and then he lingers and that first day uh in America looked out and saw that tree that squirrel and the library he had no idea couldn't even imagine that decades later he'd be
standing here uh speaking in a language he once couldn't read nor speak I know I know you're all very grateful that you can speak I guess five uh but he's being honored for his work in the very field that first of this world that first welcome
in this country that's the promise of this country that's the promise of our heritage to come to the pope to work with humility and to give that gratitude so thank you for honoring that story but even more thank you for honoring the countless stories of immigrants like you
uh when we celebrate heritage we celebrate courage we celebrate compassion community and the power of his song, The Dream. I see you then. Thank you. Oh, he's all in his focus.
And I'll turn it over to Matt right now. Yes. Thank you, director. And congratulations to all the honores. Uh Lou and I have been uh Lou Lou and I have been we've had a couple conversations about how impressive um all of the honores have been in our various heritage month
celebrations throughout the year and the the Italians um certainly uh lived up to the to the bar set by the uh other groups demonstrating just the rich ethnic diversity in in county. Uh before I move on to my second item, uh director, I do want to recognize some people in the room. We have uh two camp
commissioners here with us. Uh Karen Cisco and Dan Jerkovic. Thank you. Thank you both for coming. Karen Karen, as a lot of you know, was our longtime executive director here at Camp Hope and a lot of what we're going to see in this presentation is built uh on the foundation of her long story career
with Pay County. So, so thank you Karen for your work. We have uh Pay County Improvement Authority Commissioner Mike Remagley here with us. Mike also and our uh surrogate court judge Zoa Kasanova. Thank you for making
um next I'm going to call up Carrie Clug, our recreation division director to give us a little look into camp where we are today. So Carrie, thank you Matt. Um, I also want to thank you. I'd like to say Karen kind of built the car. Britney and I are just lucky enough to drive it. She set the table
for everything that you're about to see here tonight without a lot of what you're about to see would never happen. Um, I also want to point out because she doesn't want to. But this is Britney Roth. She I referenced her a lot in my presentation. for everyone to our senior programs, our summer camps, and our
aquatics program. Nice. So, I want to start with a little bit of the history quickly just so people understand where got it start in 1936. Uh, was initially developed by the civilian conservation board as part of
that deal to house workers working at the Newark Works, which is a new found right down the road from here. In 1938, two years later after war was completely p county freeholder commissioners shan pushed for p county to turn the
site into a children's summer recreation camp for the undernourished and underprivileged children of the safe county and the first camp provided 137 underprivileged children from safe county aorts that are
extremely proud to say that that legacy continues. Every summer, Britney reaches out to the MYA County summer camps um to offer a free summer camp experience to the underprivileged uh youth of Paya County. Everything from the Patterson Boys and Girls Club, churches from Pay
County. And what I love most about it is that we're free. Britney, myself, Campa County gets zero dollars on a single penny from any group that comes here. And Britney put together a really robust exciting program. They may start with basketball in the morning. This is
graphs. Of course, the beautiful pool and spray park, lunch certified, our dining hall. Um, she really does a fantastic job putting together a program for all the kids who come here. Um, this is some other programs we have here at Camp Hope on the right. You'll see that's our park ranger Tim Ryan.
He's a retired elementary school teacher. Um, a little bit more. It's called Skins and Skulls. Um, but he teaches kids about the adaptations that animals see and our environment. So you'll they'll introduce them to the skeleton, why why are these teeth not show why they work for grinding and
teach them about um you know the different adaptations of these animals program is here. This was a partnership with West Milford Library um called My First Hike Henry. So we had Pam, this fam from West Milford Library read a story called
Busy Tree. And then one of our partner let our students put our kids on a hike throughout this trail here teaching them about what they learned after they read Busy Tree. This is coming up that we want to bring your your children. This is only our sixth sixth annual children's winter
wonderland. You'll see right here, Miss Joe Lee sings Christmas and holiday songs for the kids. Our dining hall staff makes cookies that the kids can decorate. And we have an environmental education group called Loki Rose who uh teach them. They also make a story with
Santa about winter birds that survive here. They don't travel. And they make bird feeders for the winter birds that are here. And we have Santa, which I will tell you since you're all is usually one to see sheriff's office.
Um, World Bicycle Day. We partner with Avengers in Motion here every year for a free learn how to ride your bike event. Um, extremely successful event. We have about 95% success rate teaching kids from 6 to 16 how to ride a bike for the first time.
Um, Britney put together this program called Kids Grab and Rabbit and Bell Activity. She puts together 50 packets of um art and craft projects, puzzles, learning games and little dashes and the kids get to take them home.
Some more events uh movie nights uh every every summer we host outdoor movie nights in all of our parks. Um our average over 150 people this year. I didn't get a picture of the crowd unfortunately, but this we watch SP up here at camp.
uh a new program started last year called fireside Fridays which are educational programs uh around the fire pit here at Camp Hope. We've had meditation classes, yoga classes, environmental education. Um this is one of our partners uh Scott who led a
discussion about Bigfoot and the mystic the mystique of Bigfoot and the Jersey Bell. He's also led night pipes um and marshmallow hikes and things like that. This is a program I'm really proud of. I work with the Department of Human
Services. It's our P County Youth Leadership Retreat. We're going to our sixth annual leadership retreat. Any Pay County High School student is able to apply for this free program. Free to apply, free to attend. They spend four days with here with us with uh leaders from around New Jersey and New York
teaching at local university, teaching them leadership skills, communication skills so they can either step into college successful or go back to their communities and um you know use what they learned. Proud to say that one last year won the New Jersey Recreation and Park
Association award for best educational program in the state of New Cooking classes. We have one, as you experience a little bit, we have our awesome dining hall staff here. Um, here's Chris Malone, our food service supervisor. He indicates that he has a
picture up there. Give a round of applause for Chris. He's led a bunch of cooking classes that with pairs, we taught them how to make their own pizza, how to make their own mozzarella. Uh last week we started a program that we got through the department of
community affairs. We got a a grant program for the uh it's called the recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Um teaching and cooking classes how to cook independently and prepare food independently. Last week was our first class Monday. Um
senior programs leads a bunch of lectures seminars and lessons here. Some of them are as simple as people, senior citizens can sign up to get technology, one-on-one technology education from Britney. Um, but we also
have city county sheriff's department down here teaching them about traffic safety and driving and I believe this was uh we had a program teaching creating wills here.
Um, senior groups, any senior group in the same county as well as up here for a very, very small fee. They get breakfast, they get lunch, they get co, they get entertainment, they get games, they get to walk around. Um, breakfast club is a program that we launched as well. Every Thursday
morning, each citizen in the state county gets to join us for breakfast. Um, trying to combat, you know, senior loneliness, maybe they've lost some of their lives. Um, they get to come here and spend the day in our dining hall set for a little price of $7.
And food film every twice twice a month puts together a food film program where they'll watch a movie and get a meal based on that movie. So, she watched Splash a couple months ago and was suspicious. I think this movie is Ghostbusters, right?
What's the name sign? We're doing like we're doing like an October fest meal. So, it's your chance. Excellent. Perfect. Um, senior social issued successful group of programs. We're going to put
together every holiday. We're going to put together senior social that are open to anyone safe county for a small fee. Here we have St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, our biggest senior social, senior suare, which is a little slight. And uh here we are some of our
senior city Christmas permanent opportunities. So this is something we really want to make sure we spread the word about. Many most of the locations used here at camp are reservable by any citiz football team here. West Milford family
success center have a senior bomb here. Um so any tricky treats we have tricky treats in here. So if you ever want to copy it like that, the particular up here in this corner um also rentable by anyone who wants to rent it. We the commissioners host a veterans
appreciation barbecue over there. It holds about 150 to 200 people. Basketball court if you want to have practice softball field, same thing. Cabins, we have two cabins air conditioned with hot water showers and they're handicapped accessible. They hold about 25 people
and three warts which are only open about three or so years ago. Um and our whole spray park is also reserved for and this is just one quick picture of um someone posted a company picnic here. Our cabins are often used by uh favorite
unions, Girl Scout troops and boy scout troops. This is the newest edition of camp the term local playground which is funed by a great governor. Um you'll see some of our camp commissioners that we govern
body commission who uh we meet with once a month to talk about all the great things that we have going on here. You'll see some of our friendly commissioner facing hall services. Uh they don't only provide meals here. They provide meals at other events throughout the county.
They provide meals for the senior for the senior picnic this year. They do that every year. Uh our veteran service barbecue, all types of things. Aquatics uh camp is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's open to the
public. Um we have day passes that you can get from any record as low as $5 per person. Really affordable. This year almost every single day was sold out two hours. Um, we host dog pool. It's our last
event of the year every every summer. Um, no one wants to swim around a lot of dog hair. So, close the pool after this, but as you can see, the pool goes to the folks. Um, coming soon. We're not too far away. Only a few years away from Camp Folk's
90th anniversary. And 2038, we're looking down on having Camp's 100th anniversary here. Wow. But most important thing, I think there's a misconception. Camp Hope is not open to the public. When I got this job in 2019, mother-in-law lived here
for 30 years. You're not allowed to go there. I said, "No, please you can come here." Camp Hope is open to the public. Sunrise to Sunset 7 days a week, just like any of our parks. I believe we're only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas right now. Parks won't close two days a year. So, please come visit
us. Contact myself or Britney. There's Britney's contact information. If anybody wants to join any of her programs or any programs that I offer up here, please reach out to us. And then last, join us here. You want to get a permit request to have your next family
meeting here, basketball game, softball game, whatever you want to do, sign up for request. And down here is our event registration where you'll find all signing for local. Good job.
Uh thank you Carrie for your your great job and thank you to our parks director Daryl Sparta. Uh we've invested a lot uh and that started under Mr. Denova's leadership of expanding our recreational uh uh offerings in the state county park system and camp hope is a prime example of that. So with that director that
concludes my report. Uh thank you mayor. Um, moving on to Oh, motion to suspend the regular order of business. So moved. By the board, second. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett.
Yes. Cruz, yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, yes. Deputy Director Lazar, yes. Director Leapour, yes. Take a motion to open a public hearing on guarantee ordinance 2025-07.
Move it. By Lazarin, second by Bartlett. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. Yes. D'Vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy Director Lazar.
Yes. Director Leapore. Yes. Does anyone present desire to be heard on guarantee ordinance 2025-07? Please step to the microphone. Okay.
Seeing no one's public. Second by second by Cruz. Second by Cruz. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Cruz. Yes. D'vor.
Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy Director Lazaro. Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Um I find it interesting that Duffy made the motion seeming no one and and and crew second it. I take a motion to adopt guarantee or
revenue bonds Little Falls board of education project series 2025 issued by the Pay County uh improvement authority. I'll take a motion. So move second. Motion made by Cruz, second by
D'vour. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, yes. Deputy Director Lazar, yes. Director Leapour, yes. Before we move on, I just want to thank Little Falls. They did a nice job
putting out a uh an information packet uh involving what they're going to do with this money. It was very informative and I think the people of uh the folks from Little Falls will be very appreciative. Uh take a motion to resume the regular order of business. So moved.
Move by Lazarus. Second by D'Vor. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'Vor. Yes. Deputy dire I'm sorry. Uh Duffy. Yes. Deputy Director Lazera.
Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Um, commissioner reports. Do we have any? Um, through you, director. Just a quick reminder to everyone. Director, I don't have a a full report, but if I may, just for a moment.
Okay. Uh, I just wanted to u commend the work that Carrie all spoke about regarding the uh recreation. Uh, one of the programs in particular that he mentioned is dear near to my heart, the youth service uh youth leadership retreat. As
you know, these young people come to us and um you know, we teach them some vital skills to help them improve their quality of life as they move forward. And um this year's group in particular was very special. Um they really bonded spiritually and emotionally. And so I
just want to commend those young people uh for opening opening up their hearts and their minds uh and and allowing our our county professionals to give them a different perspective on life. And so I just want to commend Carrie and the entire team on that program. Uh and uh
you know look forward to future programs. Uh so thank you. That's all. And and commissioner, we're going to honor them at the uh November 17th uh board meeting also. So those those Great. Great. Great job. Thank you. That's all I got. Director.
Thank you, Commissioner Commissioner Bond. Thank you, director. Uh in New Jersey, every year is an election year and 2025 is no different. Tomorrow is 20 days before the general election, which means tomorrow is your deadline to register to vote if you're not quite 18 yet, but you
will be by the 4th of November. You can register now and vote in this year's general election. But regardless, uh if you have questions about uh your vote by mail first, yes, vote it. Second of all, there's a dropbox at every municipal building in uh the uh county as well as
a couple of other locations uh across Pay County where you can drop it or you can drop it in the mail. Early voting starts October 25th. Election day is November 4th. If you have any questions about your registration, visit vote.nj.gov.
And uh if there's anything I didn't think of and we should mention and talk about voting rights, reach out to our county clerk, Daniel Ireland Imp, or to me and we'll get the word out. And be sure to everyone know that uh election 2025 is as important as all the other ones. And be sure to go out and make
your voice heard. Thank you. Any other commissioner? Okay. Um moving on to communications. We have none. Take a motion to open the public portion of the meeting. Move it. Move a Rosara. Second. Second by D'Vor. Roll call.
County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Commissioner Cruz. Yes. Yes. D'Vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy Director Lazera. Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Uh, anyone from the public wants to
speak, please step forward to the microphone, state your name and your address. and understand that anything that you say will be a matter of public record. And you have three minutes. And actually, we're going to we're going to put the podium and we're going to move the podium right right there.
Not even at the podium, but the mic, right? I just want to pass out. Sure. So, good good evening everyone. Good evening, county commissioners. My name is Martha Martinez. I've advocated mentor in Patterson since 2009. I was raised in
Patterson, attended Patterson public schools, and I served community director. I've administered re-entry services in the state county jail and stretch a county housing grant to serve 15 to 20 clients when the requirement is only to serve four. A testament to
commitment to public service. I come tonight to report serious systemic failures of the state county of social services. I've copied you all on emails I sent to the state county social services raising these issues. I
requested a meeting with you. I have received no response or intervention that I'm aware of. I have not my email. The state board of social services has reluctantly engaged with me as an advocate even when clients authorize me
as a representative. Most recent, my private business documents have been requested before my client's rights to advocacy would be honored. I know of no New Jersey statute, and if there is one, I will all be advising of
that tonight, um, that compels a third party advocate to surrender their private business record in order to receive client authorized information. Such a demand appears arbitrary, selective, and a
clear violation of client records. One client who was here today received a phone call from safe county water social services asking why she wanted me to act. This is unacceptable. It functions as a scare or intimidation
tactic and violates her right to choice of representation. The safe county board of search services issues denial or termination notices untimely. Many clients say they never receive the mail advising as such and
notices are often handed out at the office after they inquire. The hearing deadline normally passes at that point. This practice denies them in the process. Right now, a Medwo client, again, who's
present with me here today, is scheduled for eviction court on October the 28th because the PI County Board of Social Service failed to pay two months of her rent September and October. She's on TRA. She was certified in August,
continues to receive her cash and food benefits and no notice sent advising her that her TRS will not be named. She faces homelessness because of agency in action.
As you know, every applicant or recipient adversely affected by the city county service action is entitled to a state hearing and wants to seek time not have notice handed to them after their appeal rights have passed explaining to
them how quickly requested. Also, an applicant or recipient may be assisted by a relative, friend or spokesperson, which includes third party advocates committee. These are not isolated incidents. I have others to share, including my own
personal involving my son. This issue presented reveals how the state county board social services wields selective power denying access intimidating clients withholding process and refusing your oversight. I'm respectfully urging
you to demand full transparency from the cate county board of social services. Require them to honor client's choice of advocate without undue urgence. Enforce the timely issuance of notices so clients can properly request their appearance. Investigate investigate
Washington State County Board of Servicely demanding private business documents from client authorized third party applicants such as myself which has no legal basis. Okay. and prohibit that. Investigate and demand immediate
response regarding a case you all had previously and more recently accompanying. Client has a court date again of 1028 has requested an authorized third party advocacy agency and to date no response has received as to why client's rent September and
October has not been paid. Also, no response had been received from the state county board services executive director Terresa Kman or the for county bill constantly found as to why my private business documents were requested before they can respond
regarding my client September. The bl again the client has authorized the safe county board of social services to discuss the case with my agency both in the past and present. In closing, the safe county deserves a comp safe county or social essential service system that
is consistent, fair, and accountable. I respectfully ask for your immediate oversight and intervention on the concerns presented today. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from the public? Take a motion to close the public motion.
How you doing? Good. Hi, my name as you guys just heard from Barb Martinez after my wife since 2009. We've been advocating for for individual in the city of past and I think it's an injustice to just not just to our agency because I work with Rob.
I just need your name for the record. Teddy Martinez. Let me give you a history quick. My name is Teddy Martinez from past. I'm also the community lead for attorney general appointed by attorney Matt Py. I work closely with the pass police department and I have a
nonprofit which is project reconnect. We've been doing 203 since 2009. We've done tons of services in the community and for her to even for anyone to even ask for these names right here is individuals that we could have
participated. I could have filled this room with individuals who have cases. These papers right here are complaints from the border of social security. And so but but what I tried to do instead of going to train by taking I
try to reach out to I got Robbie Orlando you know my they've been good at you know directing us and giving us guidance and you know however we need to take it a step further because it's nothing's changing you know we you know
homelessness has increased by 85% in the city past when you going to leave here as stated that this going to be a land of opportunity you, the individual that's facing home, they should have the same opportunity. They all cuz when all of us leave here, we going to go into a nice long house.
We're not going to have to worry about TR calling us, harassing us about why we didn't turn and it's a failure of their apartment. As Barbara stated, we went through our son. We I evicted and evicted my own son out of apartment because he didn't comply. So that's how
serious that obviously she works with the community because he was in the wrong even though it's we didn't ask any families we work with several lands in the city to with uh she has a program called tax it's 10 uh assistance program
services and that's how we got these names we get my inbox is full 10 15 people with the same complaint everybody's not everybody's telling the same story they didn't get the They're getting now friend. Some people
you got to look at that way and you got the man, you know, you just follow. But some people they really didn't know cuz we have this is like a six-mon study. So we we we encourage you guys to really intervene because Stacy is out of
control. Miss Willie is definitely out of control and she needs to be some accountability because one thing I will do I will and this is not a threat but I think my uncle I will bring that tie city of Patterson here every single meeting to every meeting until we get
some results and then we attend the train and I don't want him to go that far because I truly believe that we vote for you guys and you guys have been doing a great job as she stated we work with the county in the state county jail and the sheriff uh burn them. We did an
excellent job. We never had a problem. We we we actually live. So, you know, I'm close out on this part, right? We talk about how serious this is, right? I just recently had a surgery like a
couple days ago where my toes amputated. But I it's important for me to be here today to advocate for these individual because it's the winter time is coming and these not people that's out on the street. You know we know there mental health illness. We know drugs. We know all that. We know that we have those
people. But this young lady is not that those people. We just want to sting them to do what's right and stop being selected and who they who they help and who they don't help, who they put in uh apartments and who they put in shelters or who they put YMCA or who they say
decide they not want to help. In closing, we also live in Bington County. We own property here pass but we live in B and we drive up every single day to help this people in this city pass. That's our dedicated job pastor. So, we
encourage you, I strongly encourage you guys, encourage you guys to look into it and and we requesting our record with the the county commissioners so we can discuss this more in detail. We can provide future documents of the uh
malfunction in the city. And the one thing I want to say to you, this is my last thing. I don't say last name, right? And the thing about it is that it's what's sad about the the past population is that some people are so afraid to come and talk to you guys or even advocate for themselves because
they fear retaliation. It shouldn't be like that. It shouldn't be like that. That's sad because again everyone every single person in this in this room you go home at night stay in a warm home and they out in the streets but they got to worry about
losing the apartment because someone failed to do their job in the police service. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from the public wish to be heard? Okay, I'll take a motion to close. So moved. Second.
Motion made by D'vor, second by Bartlett. Roll call. Can commissioners Bartlett? Yes. Cruz? Yes. D'vor? Yes. Duffy? Yes. Deputy director? Yes. Director Leapour?
Yes. Uh, Miss Martinez and was it Mr. Martinez or Mr. That's your sister. Wow. So, thank you both for coming up. Okay. Thank you both for coming up. Can I I'll get your contact information and we can set something up for Thank you.
Okay. Uh consent agenda. Mhm. There's no need for second. No late start. Yeah. Okay. Uh, county council inform me
I have to pull um 21 21 because it's a duplicate but we have to still do it the right way. So um I'll take a motion on the consent agenda 01
to 020 and 022 to 063. So move motion made by D'vor second. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartley, yes. Cruz, yes. D'Vor, yes.
Daffy, yes. Deputy Director Lazaro, yes. Director Leapour, yes. Uh, new business. I need a motion for personnel. Move the personnel. Motion made by Bartley. Second.
Second by D'vor. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy Director Lazar. Yes. Director Laapour. Yes. Need a motion for bills. Move the bills.
I'll move the bills. Second. Motion made by Cruz. Second by Bartley. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy director Lazar. Director Leapour.
Yes. Before I call for an adjournment, I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for uh participating in our Italian American Heritage Month celebration. Uh I want to thank again and honorable and congratulate all the
honores. Um and um I also want to thank Yes, of course. What a time doesn't talk about food. Um I want to thank uh Chris Malone, our county chef back there. Chef extraordinaire. Yes.
Uh, and I'm inviting everyone for um refreshments and food. Take a motion to adjurnn. So move. Second. Motion made by D'vor. Second by Lazar. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes.
D'Vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. Deputy director Lazar. Yes. Dire director. Yes. Terry, I'm going to eat your slice. Yes. All right. Thank Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank
you very much. All right.