Good evening everyone and welcome to County Board of County Commissioners meeting for April 22nd. Count county commissioners Bartlett here. Cruz here. D'vor here. Duffy here. James here. Deputy director Lazar.
Director Leapore here. not with the open public meeting law. Uh hold on for a second. Just let me Can you uh can you feedback? Thank you sir. Appreciate it.
Okay. Uh ladies and gentlemen, notice requirement of open public meetings law has been satisfied with respect to this meeting specifying the time, date and location, including in the annual notice and adopted the reorganization meeting filed with the county clerk posted administration building mailed to two
newspapers in the provisions of the law. Please join me in saluting our flag to the flag of the United States of America. to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible,
liberty andice for all. Gracious and holy God, please give us an intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, a heart to meditate upon you, ears
to hear you, eyes to see you, a tongue to proclaim you, a way of life pleasing to you, patience to what to wait for you, and perseverance to look for
you. Grant me a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection and life everlasting. And we remember the pope in our prayers. Amen. Please remain standing for a moment of
silence. Remember all the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you, administrator. Yes, director. Thank you. Um, it became public in the last week that uh our deputy county administrator, Mark Seaman, has been appointed as the
uh business administrator in in the city of Patterson. Um, what is a great loss for the county is surely a a great um gain for the city. Um, it's been a pleasure working with him these last two plus years. He's done great things as deputy administrator. Um, and I look
forward to working with him as a colleague, as a as our business administrator. So, uh, in light of it being his, uh, his last meeting as a as deputy administrator, I thought appropriate to call him up and have him run the last meeting. So, good.
Here's your big chance, Mark. Get it all. We want you to explain the budget line by line, the whole entire thing right now. Can we get Anthony Denova? If nothing else, this will this will be shorter and quieter than what you're in
for. No comment. Smart. No comment. I think a motion to approve the minutes. I'll make that motion. Second. by Cruz. Second by Martin. I think was it?
It was D'Vor. D'Vor. You guys sound alike. Look alike as well, man. No comment. Commissioners Bartlett, yes. Cruz, yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, yes. James, yes.
Deputy Director Leapour, yes. U made a motion to approve the proclamation. So moved. Second by second by Bartlett. Roll call.
County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. James. Yes. Deputy D uh I'm sorry. Director Leapour. Yes. It's all yours, sir. Thank you, director. Uh, at this point in time, I almost called you a different
title for a second. County Commissioner uh, Cruz is going to present a proclamation to the Pose County Parks and Recreation Department. Wishful thinking. Good afternoon everyone. Good evening. Good evening. Sun is still out. So, um,
before I read this proclamation into the record, recognizing the amazing work of some of the individuals from our recck department, I'd like to call up our recck director, Daryl Sparter, to say a few words, and then we'll call up the those who will be recognized this evening.
Thank you. All right. Good evening, everyone. Um, just wanted to take a minute here tonight to thank our commissioners and our administrator for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our rec team. Uh, and of course I'd like to thank those that the four that were able to show up tonight out of the
out of the seven. Um, just to give everyone a quick history of kind of where our our wreck department came from and how it all started to where it is today. Uh it was about eight years ago. Uh Tony Denov had pulled me aside one day and said, "Look,
I wanna want to develop some programming, some events that we can run through our parks department. Uh at the time, we didn't have much in the way of a recreation staff. So, uh Jan Northrup, any of you who remember her, uh she was a part-time uh parks employee at the
time, and her and I worked together to put together as much as we could um a decent number of events. um we kind of expanded on them over a three or four year period. Um and then in 2019 Carrie came on board and I first thing I asked
Carrie was I said we need to expand and diversify what we're offering. Um so Carrie got right to work over the next three to four years we were able to hire uh seven staff members. um that you know them being on board and some of the
additions to the park system uh some new amenities uh we were able to to put together what we have here today which is in my opinion a pretty impressive offering. Um we also took on the responsibilities
of running Camp Hope which um prior to Carrie arriving was not part of the parks department. Um, so basically here we are today. We're looking this year 2025 to have over 300 different programs and events that we're going to offer this year. Um, we're expecting to host
over 400 different private parties and and events through permits. Um, so I'm very excited where we've come in the last eight years, very excited for where we're going to head in the next eight years. And um I just again want to thank all of you and um congratulations to
each of you for the recognition that you're going to get here tonight with the certificate. Thank you. So at this time I'll ask those that are in attendance to join us up here as I read this proclamation. Carrie Klug, Luis Vasquez, Jonathan Po uh Plon and
Diana Plete. Please join us. Let's give them a round of applause, everybody. Those are nice shirts, too. Great. Whereas the board of county commissioners of the county of Pake has a desire to recognize the P County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Whereas the P County Department of Parks and Recreation in 2024 welcomed over 10,000 guests at his events, marketing a 28% increase from the previous year while earning ex exceptionally high satisfaction ratings with over
95% of attendance praising both quality and staff support. The department earned four prestigious awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association over the past two years recognizing excellence in programming, creative outreach, and community engagement,
including awards for the youth leadership retreat, Kidchella monthly event calendars, and the forest bathing program flyer. The permit activity within the department surged with a 22.88% 88% increase in permit fees
collected and a 6.7% rise in total permits issued in 2024. Further demonstrating the growing popularity and utilization of our Carney Park spaces, the county supported 42 senior group trips and provided enriching programs for
2,413 senior participants including fitness, social, seasonal, and educational offerings fostering well-being and inclusion across generations. Whereas 1,81 youths took place in summer camps, including the acclaimed Art in the Wild
and Camp Hope programs with 25 free camp experiences provided to unders underserved youth through strong partnership and local organizations. And whereas the county has expanded access to inclusive recreation through the gold for all initiative, engaging 122
participants in accessible golf experiences, and organiz or organizing 34 golf outings with nearly 3,000 participants to benefit schools, first responders, and nonprofits. Whereas the parks and recreation team enriched community life through hands-on creative
workshops, food and beverage events, pet friendly programming, engaging nearly 400 residents, supporting local artisans and animal shelters, and fostering connections, creativities, and compassion all across this county. So now therefore, let it be proclaimed by the P County Board of County
Commissioners that it hereby publicly recognizes and applauds the P County Department of Parks and Rex for their significant contributions and the exemplary service they have unselfishly devoted to the county of PI and to the community at large. And let it be further proclaimed that this board
wishes the P County Department of Parks and Recck continued success in the years to come. Congratulations, guys. 5050 chance. I got you spoke already. You guys want to say a few words? Anybody? I just have one. Come on. Come on. So,
as uh Commissioner Cruz mentioned, uh this past year we won the um best educational program for the Paya County Youth Leadership Retreat from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association. Um when they let me know about that award, they said, "Is there anyone else you'd like to recognize with
a plaque?" And so, uh we recognized I wanted to get three extra plaques. One was for uh Mr. Lavar Star, who's the director of youth services commission, Dr. Dr. Jovin Fernandez from Stockton University who co-hosts it with me and I got one for Commissioner Cruz as well.
It's not my chair. Do you want to grab it quick? All right. So, I'll make this was not planned. This is a set. So, Commissioner Cruz is the chair of the keynote speaker.
So, you say we won because of my speech. all kinds of stuff. So, I just wanted to give you this as well cuz I as well. Thank you, Carrie. Appreciate this. Thank you guys. I mean, you guys do an amazing job up there. Uh second to none. Uh and the services that you guys all provide to our youth. I mean, the golf
facility, I can't say enough about it. Uh but yeah, today's about you guys. I appreciate this. Thank you. Yep. Thank you. Take a picture with all the commissioners, right? I just want to take uh this opportunity
since it was given to me unexpectedly to just thank um the entire county of Baseic for everything that they have done for me both personally and professionally. the board of commissioners for taking a chance on me, for our former administrator Anthony
Denova for giving me an opportunity, and for our current administrator Matt Jordan for sticking with that opportunity. He didn't have to um keep me, but I'm very happy that he did. It's been a complete honor to be your deputy, and I'm so proud of the
work that we have been able to do together, and we're both excited about the opportunity to work together in this new light. I want to thank my wife, um my daughter, my daughter to be. Um I hope I make you guys proud with the decisions that I make in life and uh to
my family. Just thank you for everything that you've done for me and my life. To the department heads, um you've made my life easy. I hope that I've made life easier for all of you. Uh for the residents of Paya County, thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm going to be serving in a different level now, but
I'm very excited for um Mayor Seiya's chance that he is now putting on me to take over the third largest municipality in the state. And that's not something that I believe I would have been able to do if I didn't have this opportunity here in Bose County. So, I'm extremely honored and um you have a friend in me.
So, thank you. Okay. Um, Commissioner reports, I have a quick few words regarding keeping in tune with the parks department here. Um, state county board of county commissioners
invites residents and visitors to embrace the power of c creativity, community in the art and the park. Two-day celebration of art, culture, and local talent. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April
27th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm at Gufflebrook Park in Horththornne. This free family friendly event offers something for everyone. Live music, interactive art demonstrations, hands-on crafts, local artists and vendors, food trucks, and a
lively beer garden. Hear that, Terry? Um, guiding guided walk-in tours will highlight the natural beauty and the story past of Goblrook Park. Art in the Park is one of the county's signature events, bringing people together to
celebrate creativity, one of our most beloved public spaces. We're proud to showcase local artists and performers while inviting everyone to explore the beauty of Gothal Brook Park and the vibrant energy of Pake County. Located in the heart of Pay County, Gothalbrook
Park spans 103 acres and was designed by the famed Oldstead brothers, heirs to the Legacy Central Park. The park features scenic walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park, fitness stations, and athletic fields.
It's also home to Pay County Arts Center at the John W. Ray House, which will be open for tours during the festival. This year's exhibitions include Flora Tufona by Diane Carbone, Mixed Media by Fabian
Meera, Best Friends by Robera Poulton, and Fertile Disruptions by Wendy Hersenburgg. Whether you're an art lover, music fan, or simply looking for a great great way to spend the weekend, Art in the Park 2025 promises
inspiration, entertainment, connection in one of the New Jersey's most beautiful settings. Okay. Oops. See you there. All right. Uh, Commissioner Barley. All right. Uh, also in the spirit of today's uh, presentations,
happy Earth Day to everyone. It's a perfect day to go out and uh enjoy a little of the remaining sunlight tonight, but also as uh as it gets warmer, get out into our parks, enjoy those, and uh not just out in the park, but all throughout the summer uh and
throughout the year really. There's always wonderful stuff to do in our parks. We encourage that. Um, I wanted to take a moment uh and remember someone uh not the person you may all be thinking, although I extend to Catholics around the world the condolences, my
condolences uh on the passing of his holiness the pope. Um, a couple of years ago for AsianPacific American Heritage Month here in Pa County, we recognized a gentleman named Novnit Vora, uh, Novit Uncle as I know him because he's part of a community that I married into, uh, was
one of the leaders that established the Indian-American Hindu community in Wayne was part of the creation of the Mahatma Gandhi Center uh, there in Wayne, right next to Pay County Tech, and uh, was really uh, one of those trailblazers of
his generation. uh he recently achieved the age of 97 uh and unfortunately uh left us earlier this afternoon. So to the Bora family and to everybody that uh he was a part of creating uh the space that made their Indian-American journey
possible uh condolences and uh just a personal remembrance of Novit Vora. Thank you. Thank you director. I just wanted to um just congratulate again our um still deputy administrator here, Mark Seaman.
Uh couple of the hats that I do wear. Um I have to work with the city of Patterson very closely uh including the administration. And so I'm looking forward to have an ally having an ally in city hall um that I can I know I can
work with and and knows um what's best for business. And so I'm looking forward to working with you in that capacity. Um I've had experience working with you here so I know it's going to be good there. Uh and I can uh any support I can be to you further um out there um I'm
only a phone call away. So, I'm looking forward to it and let's roll up our sleeves and get the job done for the great city of Patterson. So, thank you. Not particularly a report, but I want to continue congratulate Mark uh the time we've worked together and the time we've
met. Awesome job. I know Patterson is getting someone that is efficient, uh has a vision, and like Commissioner Cruz said, can work with you. Um, congratulations once again. Um, I'm not quite sure who I'm going to match uh my socks with at our committee's meetings,
but I'm quite sure I'll find someone to do the job. And at this time, uh, that's my report by the director. Commissioner Duffy. Commissioner Duffy. Yes, I'm here.
Is there uh anything you would like to report, sir? Mark, I I I wish you all the best and uh I know you're only a phone call away. You've always been a gentleman and uh and a professional and I know you're only a phone call away.
So, I'm listening. Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner James Mark, I am going to miss you. I've been around Patterson since 1969, living here, uh working here
years. for social services. I'm usually loud, so I'm I'm I'm impressed that I louder microphone. Anyway, uh you will always have my help. I I I'm known throughout some of the
communities here. Uh and I have been known for 40 years in some of these communities. I spend the time to be out there, not with what we're doing, but with what I'm doing through churches and things like that. And you are a great
fit. You're the right person for the right time. And I think that you're going to bring Patterson to exactly where it has to be. And I'm proud of you. And I'm looking forward to watching you work. Just read that. All right. Um, I'd like to add something
to my report. Um the Earth Day celebration for 2025, State County Parks and Recreation Department along with the Friends of Garrett Mountain Reservation are planning a fun-filled educational celebration of Earth Day. Uh it's April
26th from 10:00 a.m. That's Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rifle Camp Park in Woodland Park. Uh there will be uh readings with the ranger, animal tracks and traces, animal skins and skulls.
Okay, tough crowd. Um, bird hurdles and pond life. Um, bird watching and park cleanup hosted by the Little Falls Girl Scouts and a whole bunch of other um events that are scheduled for that day. So, if you can find time, it's
really a fun event and try to get there. That's April 26th between 10 and 3. Thank you, Lou. Okay. Uh, no communications. I'll take a motion to open the public portion.
Second by James, second by Cruz. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett? Yes. Cruz? Yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, yes. James, yes. Deputy dire I'm sorry, Director Leapour, yes. Anyone from the
public wishing to be heard, please step forward to the podium there. Uh, remember you have three minutes and also anything you say will be a matter of public record. Commissioner Duffy, no one's at the podium. See, no one seeing no one at the
podium, I move to close the public portion. I'll second that. Motion made by Duffy to close. Second by Cruz. Thank you. I can't. Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz, yes. D'vor, yes. Duffy, yes. James, yes. Yes.
Director Leapour. Yes. See all the fun you're going to miss if you leave us. Oh, they Hey. Um, on the consent agenda, we have no late starters. Um, does anyone wish to vote on something separately in the consent
agenda? If not, I will take a motion. So moved to approve L1 to L38. I'll second. Moved by D'Vor, second by James. Second it. Roll call.
County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'Vor, yes. Duffy, yes. James, yes. Director Leapour, yes. Under new business, I need a motion for the personnel. I'll move the personnel. Moved by Cruz, second by Bartlett. Roll
call. County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. James. Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Motion to bills. Move the bills. Second. Motion made by Cruz. Second by Bartlett. Roll call. County Commissioners
Bartlett. Yes. Cruz. Yes. D'Vor. Yes. Duffy. Yes. James. Yes. Director Leapour. Yes. Uh, thank you everyone for attending tonight. Um, take a motion to adjurnn. I'll make that motion. Motion made by Duffy. Second. Second by D'vor.
Roll call. County Commissioners Bartlett, yes. Cruz, yes. D'vor, yes. Duffy, yes. James, yes. Director Leapour, yes. Good night, everyone. Safe trip. Bye.