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And actually >> Okay, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight for the April 28th, 2026 um Pay County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting. We will begin with a roll call.

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>> County Commissioners Bartlett >> here, D'vor here, James, >> Remagalia >> here, Traz >> here, >> Deputy Director Cruz >> here, >> Director Lazera >> here. Uh could we have an announcement of the open public meeting law?

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Ladies and gentlemen, no requirement of the open public meetings law has been satisfied with respect to this meeting specifying the time, date, and location, including annual notice adopted the reorganization meeting filed with the county clerk posted administration building mailed to two newspapers in

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accordance with the provisions of the law. >> Thank you. And Commissioner Dvor, if you'll lead us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Please stand and help me salute the flag. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

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republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. >> You can stand and we're going to ask Father Ryan to please come up invocation.

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God our father, we thank you for the blessings you have shared with us today. We ask that you remind us that life is a gift. We ask that you send your spirit to guide us in a special way. We ask your blessing upon Carol who has done so

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much for so many. Allow us to be peacemakers in our world which is full of war and to allow us to see you especially in the poor. Allow us to become peacemakers in a

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world full of tension and anxiety. Allow us to see you in all people especially those who may be a little different than we are. strengthen us to be examples of people who exam who exemplify kindness

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that our lives might remind us and you of the great love you have for us. And we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. >> Amen. >> If you could just keep standing. We are going to have a moment of silence

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to remember all those men and women who have died while serving in the armed forces. But we've also lost a couple of our own in the last couple of weeks. And one of them is Superior Court Judge Joe Portelli,

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Labor Leader Bill Mullins, and Woodland Park Councilman Joe Spinelli. So if we could just take a moment to remember them and pray for them. Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh at this point, can I have a motion to

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approve the minutes of April 14th, 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Bartlett. County Commissioners Bartlett, >> yes. >> D'vor, >> yes. >> For Magglia, >> yes. >> Trz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazar,

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>> yes. Um, can I have a motion to approve the proclamations? >> So move. Second. >> That was Cruz and D'Vor and Cruz. >> Okay. >> County Commissioners Bartlett.

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>> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Magia. Yes. Trz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. >> Administrator's report. >> Thank you, director. Uh, tonight the first and only thing on my agenda is a a presentation of a proclamation for Carol

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CuadraD honoring her years of service at the P County Board of Social Services. I'm going to turn things over to Commissioner >> Barlet. I don't think she's here yet. >> Carol here. >> Well, that's awkward. >> So, why don't we give her a few minutes

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to get here >> and we'll move on to the motion regarding the budget appropriations. At this time, could I have a motion to suspend the regular order of business? >> So moved. >> Second. >> So,

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okay. County Commissioners Bartlett, >> yes. >> D'vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> yes. >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. Yes. Director Lazera. >> Yes. Tonight we have a resolution to exceed the municipal budget appropriation

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limits and to establish a cap bank pursuant to NJSA 4A semicolon 45 semicolon 15. Could I have a motion to open the public hearing on the 2026 CAP resolution adopted on first reading that

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was on March 24th of this year. I have a motion to open the public hearing. >> So move second. >> D'vor and Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Magia, >> yes. >> Tratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes.

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>> Director Lazar, >> yes. >> Does anyone present desire to be heard on the 2026 CAP resolution? >> Seeing no one at the podium, I move to close the public portion. >> Second. Cruz and D'Vor

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>> County Commissioners Bartlett, >> yes. >> D'vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> yes. >> Trats, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazaro, >> yes. >> Could I now have a motion for the final adoption on cap resolution to exceed

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index rate? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Cruz and D'Vor. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. D'vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> yes. >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazera,

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>> yes. >> Uh, the adoption of the 2026 budget for the county of Pake. >> Director, if I could just jump in here. Uh, unfortunately, the county hasn't uh yet received state approval for our budget. So while we can go through um

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the after approved um cap index resolution and the public hearing, we have to table the actual adoption of the budget till the next meeting. >> Okay. So now I'm going to ask for a motion to open the public hearing on the 2026 Pay County budget which was

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introduced also on March 24th of this year. >> So moved. >> Second. D'Vor and Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> yes. >> Trz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazar,

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>> yes. >> Does anyone present wish to be heard on the 2026 Pate County budget? >> Seeing no one at the podium, I move to close the public hearing. >> Second. >> Cruz and Devour.

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Um, director um just just for public information also uh it is advertised the next meeting is up at the uh Pay County Community College uh environmental

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center that is located at Rifle Camp Park. And um that is where the next meeting on on May uh uh May 12th will be held. So just as a point of war too. All right. So >> this could be a great place to have a meeting.

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>> Okay. At this time, could I have a motion to resume the regular order of business? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Devor. Just uh just for a point of clarity, we

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didn't need a motion to table. >> No. >> No. >> County commissioners Bartlett? >> Yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Remagia, >> yes. >> Trz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazar, >> yes.

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>> At this time, our guest of honor is here. So, we will resume with uh Commissioner Bartlett. We just did that. >> Just did that. >> All right. >> Okay. There there'll be time for that

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later. You're going to have a receiving line all the way down the hallway. Before we start this uh auspicious hearing, uh I do have proclamations from Assemblywoman Morales and from uh our

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county surrogate. Does anybody else have anything to add to our All right for for uh >> anybody else? All right. Yes. >> So, um, here's what we're going to do.

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If one of these is yours, please join me at the podium. This seems the way to go instead of all us all reading uh our respective proclamations into the record. But oh, and Carol, >> we're not we're not ready.

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>> Oh, by the way, All right. So, >> absolutely. Anybody else with microphones? >> All right. Well, this is one of our more crowded

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meetings. Thank you. Thank you all for not having anything to say about the budget. But of course it is because when you recognize someone like Cal Cuadrado, the people come out of the woodwork uh whom she has helped and worked with and

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worked for and and who have worked for her over so many years of service in so many places. So uh it is my privilege on behalf of this entire board to have the opportunity to read this recognition of you Carol. So everybody listen up.

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Whereas Garrick CuadraD has dedicated over 28 years of exemplary public service to the residents of P County through her her role on the P County Board of Social Services. And whereas throughout her distinguished tenure, Carol CuadraD has served with integrity,

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compassion, and unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable populations of the Sake County, earning the respect, admiration, and trust of her colleagues, government officials, and the community at large. And whereas Carol CuadraD made history as the longest serving commissioner of

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the P County Board of Social Services, during which time she chaired the board and multiple committees, playing a vital role in shaping policies and decisions that strengthened critical human service programs. And whereas her career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service

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at all levels of government, including nearly 28 years with the state of New Jersey and service with the United States Congress alongside Congresswoman Nelly Poe. And whereas in 2025, Carol Cuadrado achieved a significant academic milestone by earning her executive

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masters in public administration from Rutgers University, graduating Sumakum Laad, and will soon continue her academic journey through doctoral studies. And where else Carolrado has embarked on a new chapter in higher education, serving in a cabinet level position as

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associate vice president for government and university relations at William Patterson University, her alma mater, where she continues to advance public engagement and institutional partnerships. And whereas her leadership extends beyond county service through

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collaborations with local, state, and federal leaders, participation in national, and international initiatives, including a delegation to Mexico City with Governor Phil Murphy, and service on multiple chambers of commerce boards, and her recent appointment as a board member of the Commerce and Industry

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Association of New Jersey. And we're getting there. I promise we're getting there. And whereas throughout her tenure, Carol Cordo has exemplified honorable, ethical, and responsible leadership guided by faith, family

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values, and a deep commitment to community service. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the P County Board of County Commissioners does hereby recognize and commend Carol Quado for her exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to the P County Board of

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Social Services and the residents of P County. And be it further proclaimed that the board extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation for her 28 years of selfless service and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

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So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Please be seated. Thank you for this honor. My goodness. I've received many recognitions throughout my years of service and they're all dear and near to

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me. But today is just a very special day and I just feel so so emotional as you can tell is visible, so honored, so privileged, so humbled for this recognition of my lifetime

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service in government. Uh, you know, God prepared this path for me and I didn't know it. Honestly, there were so many opportunities that came my way that knocked on my door. I started working at a very young age when I was 12 years old

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at an insurance agency. In fact, that entire family, Mali, sent me beautiful messages today alongside a whole bunch of other beautiful, beautiful people in my life. And when I graduated college, I really thought I was going to go work in

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Univision. I was going to be on, you know, or uh or doing uh human resource at another company, etc. And somehow God opened these doors into government. And it was so that I can have all of you as part of my family forever. And that's

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why I'm so emotional because every single one of you in this room represents a piece of my heart. This has been my greatest honor to serve the people of Pay County and the state of New Jersey for the past

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nearly three decades. Thank you. See, you're always coming here. It does. I want to begin by first thanking Betay County Board of Commissioners. Each and

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every one of you, John Bartlett, my goodness, dear dear friend and and your beautiful wife and your family. My God, you're part of my family. Thank you for giving me the honor of serving on the P County Census Commission when the world

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was going through its worst worst moments during a worldwide pandemic. But we did our due diligence to make sure that everyone counted in our community. We went on TV. We went out. We knocked on doors. I mean, we did it all. And it

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was through your leadership. So, thank you. Thank you for your leadership. I want to thank our commissioner director Sandy Lazera. Please give Sandy a great round of applause. He's held that position

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a few times because she does a stellar stellar job. Thank you, Sandy, for your work and your service. I want to thank all of the commissioners, Rodney D'vor, Orlando Cruz, uh Christina Stratz, Micromaglia.

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My goodness, I've I've I've been in this boardroom for my god for so many years. I've seen different faces here, but it's just so humbling to see everyone that sits here in this board and makes decisions on our behalf that they do it

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with the best interest at heart. We have our commissioner Raag mentioned earlier, Bruce James, uh, who's not here now, but he was here with me 28 years ago when I was sworn in right in this boardroom. And so I I send all my love to him as

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well. To our county council, Miss Allwaters, thank you for everything you do. Our our administrator, Matt Jordan, thank you for this great honor. And our clerk, Lu Mhof, thank you. Thank you all for your service. You guys, my brothers,

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thank you. As I mentioned before, I began this journey at least on the board of social services in 1998 with the Congress with now Congresswoman Poe in 1997. And I've had the privilege of working alongside

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many of the members who have served on this body dating back to 98. And I finally remember, as I said, being sworn in, standing right here alongside so many beautiful people. And I know there are some people in this audience that literally saw me grow up. And so to me,

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it's just an honor to be able to, you know, to stand here humbly and thank them also for their guidance and their advice throughout the years. I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunity to continue to see this board flourish with individuals again

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that really do the very best for us. This journey in public service began as an undergraduate student at William Patterson University, interning at Patterson City Hall first in the business administrator's office. Shortly after graduating in 97, I received a

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call from now Congresswoman Nelly Poe. She has just been appointed to Congressman Pascal seat in 97. Kathy Donley, my commissioner on the board of social services, nodding her head, um who was part of that journey as well, as well as Jose Moore.

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Uh both Nelly Poe and my longtime mentor Adida Rodriguez uh called me and invited me to work on their first campaign. As I said, I thought I was doing many other things, but somehow God had laid the path.

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Congresswoman Poe has remained a constant presence in my life and my family's journey attending my commencement and several award ceremonies for both myself and my siblings when I was in undergrad. Throughout my years in the state

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legislature as well and in this county, I was able to work and impact policies that helped our communities in their most vulnerable moments. And I just feel that my life has come full circle now serving my alma mada in my new role.

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And I continue to build on community and build on partnerships. I want to thank Chairman John Curry who tapped my shoulder in 1998 for me to serve in this in this role on the P County Board of Social

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Services for seeing in me something that I probably didn't see in myself at the time for helping to shave my path shape my path in public service a path that led me to serve again on this board. It has been a true priv privilege

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serving our most vulnerable populations and working alongside incredible colleagues throughout the years. My heart achd and those of you that know me know this well. My heart achd whenever I received a call

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of someone or a family in need. Whether it was someone facing homelessness, someone struggling to put a meal on the table, a loved one impacted by incarceration, a victim of domestic violence,

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or anyone navigating a social service issue, a state or federal issue, anything that came to our doors. I never turned anyone away. If I didn't have the answer, I certainly reached out to those that might have those answers. And I see

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Marie Kinot is nodding and Bertha and and McDalia and Vinnie all who have worked alongside of me in the state legislature and know this all too well. And of course, Mr. Eli Burgos, our former BA, another dear mentor um who I

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also called upon whenever we had a constituent matter um that was big and beyond, you know, our scope to make sure that he was there for for that family as well. But those experiences only strengthened my resolve and deepened my strength and

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my empathy. They reinforced my belief that public service is not about responding. It is about advocating, uplifting, and standing in the gap for those who need it most. Along the way, I have also made it a

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priority to mentor others, to share knowledge, open doors, to help guide the next generation of leaders who are committed to serving with integrity and compassion. This past year has certainly been one of

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reflection and growth and new opportunities for me, but I remain committed and accessible to anyone who knocks on my door. As I reflect on this journey, I do so with immense gratitude. While my

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professional responsibilities have grown and taken me in new directions, I my commitment to public service remains unwavering. Above all, I want to thank God for his continued guidance and blessings

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throughout my journey. And I'm going to deviate a little bit and I've said this to many of my close friends here. Um but that journey and as I said I feel today that it's come full circle. I was in a very um when I was 17 years old I was uh

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photographed for the cover of the journal of the the catalog for the for the school year at William Patterson University. And I was picked out of a crowd randomly. And I was asked to visit to go by the Hobart Manor, which is the historic mansion on campus owned by the

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former vice president of the United States, Garrett Hobart. I followed direction, wore a sweater that said William Patterson. I found three other students there waiting for the photo uh shoot. um about seven years

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ago that photo came back to me through someone who I believe may be in this room. I know that he had every intention of being here, our former mayor of Hamilton, Dominic Stampone. And when he showed me the the uh photo, he said, "Who is this young lady,

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Carol?" And I said, "Oh my god, Dominic, how did you find this?" and he said,"I was the president of the alumni association for William Patterson and they just posted this photo of you asking, can anybody guess what year this was taken?"

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And seven years later, I come back to serve not only the university, but to sit in the office where the window is right behind me in that photo. And I'm just so honored to be able to

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welcome you all there for every opportunity that I've had to make sure that the doors are open to my extended family, which is all of you. And I I didn't expect to share that, but it just came from the heart and I thought it was

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fitting. Um, but I you know, I I I'm just so emotional. Um, I want to also thank my mother, Anna Martinez, Ortega. And I'm looking at Peggy and Eli and some of her her her long longtime

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friends um because they know that she started this journey. She knocked on doors and helped so many of our folks get elected um to be our voices. And so um she was just our champion and still is. And

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if I could put her on a pedestal today, I would. But she has my heart and I will never stop thanking her, highlighting her, and recognizing what she did for myself and for my siblings. I want to thank her for instilling faith

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in me the value of hard work and a deep commitment to helping others, never turning anyone away. if it is within our reach to make a difference. That's what she always said. To my husband, Ombberto CuadraD,

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thank you for being that steadfast person that's always dedicated to me, to my family, for going above and beyond, for reaching for the stars to make sure that the rest of us were in a good

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place. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I want to thank my children, Desiree Ombberto III, Christian, Michael, Carolyn, and my two beautiful, beautiful and amazing bonus daughters, Nera, who's in Florida, couldn't be here today. And

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Commissioner, proudly, I'm so proud to recognize Commissioner Angelina CuadraD, Hilton School Board, and my entire family. Thank you for your unwavering support, for the many sacrifices

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that you have made, for your love and encouragement that have allowed me to continue doing the work. I love and I am remain and I remain committed to do and to continue to help so many families in our communities. I am also deeply thankful to all the elected officials

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here today. And I left my glasses in the purse, but I I'm seeing many many of you in the audience, so I hope I don't miss anyone. But I know our our um well, Senator Benji Wimberly and our his amazing and former colleague of mine, Chief of

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Staff, Ivette Roland, thank you for everything. Our assembly members, our new assembly members, Olive Deziz, and today in my presence, Kenyatta Stewart, thank you. So, thank you for what you stand for. Thank you.

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I know our Well, I want to thank our Congresswoman, Nelly Poe, of course, and I know there was something that was mentioned earlier that was also sent on her behalf. I know she's in Washington doing the people's work. Um, and I watched her do that for the past 29 years, and we continue to do to see her

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uh flourish and grow. But I want to thank uh Jose Moore for being here in her presence. Thank you. our governor Mikey Cheryl and my former intern in the Senate Amira McCoy who's here representing our governor Mikey

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Cheryl and also brings her beautiful words. Thank you. I want to thank uh our senator uh pardon me. I want to thank also our delegation uh here, our county delegation. Uh of

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course, oh my goodness, so heartfelt. Um I have our surrogate judge, Zoa Kasanova. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being a sister and every time I call on you, you are there hands down. Thank you.

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Uh of course, our former assembly woman, Elise Evans. My goodness, you have been a champion for so long. you are not only a blessing to know um thank you for your guidance uh for your words of wisdom and for being a mentor and a role model for

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so many of us. Thank you and for your public service. Um Sio, my god, another sister. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. You have also left an amazing uh legacy in the state of New Jersey and I know that

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you will continue to flourish in everything that you do and know that I'm here. Assemblywoman Allison Kuyaso. Oh my goodness. We just traveled to Mexico together. We had a wonderful time all for good reason. Um and to bring back resources in her case to the state of

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New Jersey. So thank you. Thank you for doing everything that you do and for always being there for me, for representing the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus here today as well. I know that Senator Ruiz also sends her regards and recognition as the new chair of the Latino Caucus alongside Assemblywoman

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Carmen Morales, Assemblywoman K um uh Lopez, pardon me, uh Assemblyman uh Gabriel Rodriguez, all of which sent me texts today, beautiful texts, so I need to make sure to mention them all. uh Assemblywoman Pinto Marine. Uh and so

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and Assemblywoman Rosie Boli. Uh I've worked very very closely with all of them and you know they just they became my my dear family forever. Um I want to thank also of course our uh superintendent Shauna Mack. Thank you.

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Thank you. Thank you. I recall the day that you were sworn in here and I was so proud. Thank you for being here for me today. Uh I want to thank also I know our Hilden mayor Michael Johnson uh was also on on route to come and and he always he's always a phone call away as well.

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Thank you so much uh honorable mayor and again all of the elected officials, all the dignitaries, our sheriff county sheriff Thomas Adamo uh also who sent me beautiful, beautiful words of encouragement and our board attorney. I want to mention our board attorney

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Albogleon. I don't know if he's in the room, but I want to thank him again for all his uh uh guidance uh to the board, to me personally as the chairwoman and to all the commissioners. Thank you for being there for us. Um, I would be remiss again if I didn't uh mention and

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thank my colleagues on the board, commissioners Kathy Donnelly, Reverend Maven, uh, and all of the commissioners on the board. Uh, I know our former commissioner Joe Jones, I believe I saw him around here somewhere, also served with a lot of pride and joy, uh, and so forth. So, and I know I received

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messages as well from the administration earlier, including our, uh, director and and the rest of, uh, of the administrators. Uh, a special thank you to all my family again, all my friends that are here. Uh, my goodness, I don't want to miss anyone but the VTO family.

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There's so many people. My goodness, that I could thank, but I know we have a meeting to run. >> Way cool. I I'll help you out. You got uh Councilman Artist and uh uh from from Prospect Park, and you've also got former councilwoman Esther Perez from uh

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from Prospect Park. >> Oh, they both told me they were coming. Thank you. Thank you both. You know, I I have uh Commissioner Leabai is from Manchester Regional High School as well. Uh yes. Um and I know she was county teacher of

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the year here also. Um uh Bernardet, thank you so much for being here for me. And again, all of my family and friends. My god, Clarissa, my cousin Miguel, like there's so many. Louisa. Oh my god. Everyone at board of social services as

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well. Oh my goodness. Everyone lose. Oh my. Oh the Oh my goodness. Oh my brother Kenny. I cannot leave my brother Kenny out. It's everyone. My god. So beautiful. Hanife, your beautiful family, Nidia. Just, you know, I'm just

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so so blessed. And I know, oh my goodness, our judge Fencer as well. I know there's so many people here um that you know, others that couldn't make it. Gini uh thank you so much. Gini has actually since this was the a lot of

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this was a surprise to me everyone that was coming and anything you know beyond uh this beautiful ceremony here in this room but I want to thank Gini because she's family to us and she opened her doors and is inviting all of you to come to her home tonight to enjoy a beautiful

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evening. So thank you Gini. Yes. Thank you, Lou. Again, I just want to end. I want to say again, your leadership, all of you, and your partnership, your friendship has meant so much to me. I am deeply

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appreciative of all that we have been able to accomplish together. most importantly on behalf of the communities that we all serve. In closing, as I reflect on my journey, I do this with immense pride and gratitude. While my

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professional path continues to evolve again, I remain committed to public service, remain steadfast, I always carry this chapter with me and continue to serve with integrity, compassion, and humility. Thank you again for this

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incredible honor to all the board of commissioners and everyone that brought recognitions this evening in my name for your trust, for your friendship, for your love, and for allowing me the privilege to serve this county with pride and joy. And I again I really want

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to thank God for the privilege of allowing me to serve as his instrument. Blessings. Thank you. ANYBODY want to say anything? Oh, sorry. I didn't know. And before I go on, I just want to congratulate

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uh uh Assemblywoman Shamanda Sumpter for taking on the major task of serving as the chair of the P County Board of Social Services. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Today we don't just recognize a career, we recognize a

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legacy, emotion. Paradu is the definition of leadership and action. She doesn't wait to for change, she drives it. She doesn't follow paths, she creates them, lifting entire communities along the way. Her voice has opened

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doors. Her work has changed lives and her legacy is already reading across New Jersey. Carol, this congressional record is more than recognition. It's a permanent mark of the difference you have made. On

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behalf of Congresswoman Deo, it's my honor to present you with this three force in the public service. Congratulations. >> Thank you. this I'm telling you full circle I was a very young girl when uh I met Jose

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obviously through my mother and then Jose has worked alongside of me for all these years as well again honorably serving and to have him on behalf of Congresswoman Po present this congressional record to me it's beyond

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words thank you Jose, >> I am not going to read, but I'm going to say something that is should is the sentiment of anybody who knows you. To know you is to know a friend forever from day one. A selfless friend. So I

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want to also give thanks to your family for sharing you with all of us. >> Thank you. Thank you, Zoa. Thank you. >> My god, I have an amazing extended family. Thank you, Zoya. >> Sure.

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>> Yes. >> So, good evening again. Um, so on behalf of, you know, our district, the 35th district, which includes myself, Assemblyman Al Abdel Aziz. Everybody always messes up Al's last name. Uh, Senator Benjamin Wimbley of course was

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here uh through uh his chief of staff. Uh, Carol, you know, you you recognize what Trenton is like. Uh, we we all call you for advice, for, you know, your help, etc. But I also think it's important for us to realize that when

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Carol calls you, she's not calling for herself. >> Carol has always called on all of us on behalf of someone else. And I am glad that the members here thought it was not robbery to honor her work here, but we all know that her work will not stop.

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Carol, we thank you. We congratulate you and we appreciate you for what you've done. We appreciate your family for sharing you with us, but more importantly, we also recognize that your work is not done. Congratulations. >> Thank you. There's a line.

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>> Um, >> so I am honored to be here obviously celebrating Carol. Carol for too many for many of us. She has especially for women and Latinas in politics, but beyond that, she has been uh a friend, a

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mentor, a supporter, and a protector of many of us. And I feel like the biggest thing about Carol is that she is the walking proof that you don't have to be mean

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>> to be a political bully. and she does it and and I don't think that that Carol has any enemies. She has u opposition and

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she treats them with kind. She kills them with kindness and then she brings them to her side with that kind love and joy. and I am so incredibly grateful for all the years that I've known you and thank you for everything you have done for me, for so many of us, for the

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community that you represent. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I'm going to take a point of personal privilege and I'm going to ask anyone uh one commissioners from the board of social services please come forward and any former retirees from board of social services please come

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forward. Madam, thank you. Thank you, Commissioner D'vor. Yes. Yes. Exactly. Exactly. So, truly, uh, when Carol mentioned 1998, that was the year she and I both got married, um, as well. So,

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she had a very busy year that year. Um but uh when uh I was called because Carol was super busy still trying to serve uh as the chair of the board of social services that today more than

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ever has to serve so many vulnerable children and families uh who our federal government uh continues to attack. Carol and I spoke for over two and a half hours. I had to stop idling in my car

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because gas is surely expensive. Uh but she uh relayed to me and conveyed to me uh why she fought so hard. And I know when I was an elected official uh the calls that I got was for support and services from the board of social services. So we always had a close

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relationship there. And when you have a heart for service, it follows you everywhere. When you have a divine calling, it always comes full circle. And we're all the more blessed when you recognize that divine calling and you're

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able to share that gift with the world. So, I'm giving you your flowers while you're living. And I want to thank you for all that you will continue to do to uplift, educate the next generation. God bless you.

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That's how long we go back. Her husband is here in the audience who's my dearest brother. And I remember we were comparing notes for our weddings. Yes. >> It is such an honor and a privilege to stand >> here with you, Carol.

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>> When I got elected to the assembly, you was always there helping, advising. Nell and I worked well together. She and I worked well together. and it made the two offices run smoothly. But Carol, you have such a heart for the people and you

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are in a divine calling because you open your door, but you open your heart to every residents in this county and throughout the 35th district. You've been so good and worked so hard. As a matter of fact, we saw you more. We saw this the senator. She was always there,

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always running, always giving at social service, always giving. And even today at William Patterson, she's still helping and reaching out and providing and giving advice and help you get to that next level. So, we are grateful in Pay County to have you sitting in the

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space that you're sitting in, serving so many years. When I was here as a freeholder director, it was my honor for you to be appointed to the board of social services and you've always been a jewel for this county and providing all the quality service to all of the residents in need of your service in BT

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County. God bless you. We love you and continue your good work. >> Thank you. Thank you. And thank you for appointing me so many years ago. She was here part of this board with Bruce James. Thank you. I love you, Elise. Do me a favor. I'm going to slide this

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back. You move forward. >> Thank you. Get in the middle. >> If we can blink both sides evenly, >> this is my spot right here. >> Come on. People in the back. Bald men in the

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>> backy. Stand >> here. You want the Bible, too? >> Yes. They should have been holding. Can you give one to each person? >> Wait, wait. Here. She wants She want She wants you guys to hold each certificate.

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two. >> Everyone's >> We don't get this crowd for our board meeting. >> We have a special guest. Oh, your mom. Oh man, you guys join us. Whatever you need. A little Clear out.

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Liberty. I got the downstairs like real quick. Let me see. Oh, wait. I got a lot >> flower. Oh my god, I'm so sorry. We'll

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be in touch. We're How are you? >> Nice to see you. My wife. >> I gave it to her. I'm >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Good night.

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>> Good night. Okay, thank you everyone for coming. We're going to continue with our meeting. I >> should I bang? >> I think we're going to It's good seeing you.

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Thank you again everyone for coming. I'm going to pass this over to our administrator to finish up his report and then we'll move on from there. >> I'm I'm actually done, director. So, that concludes my report. Congratulations, Carol. You can hear me.

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>> Yes, Carol. Congratulations. You know, honoring Carol tonight. And we're going to start with our commissioner reports right now. So, with that said, um we were so happy to honor Carol Cadrad tonight and she's a living

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example of the and embodies what this county believes in, and that's helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We have a new pilot program going out that I think would be interesting and it's called Under One Roof Housing Hub.

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It's led by our director of human services, Arty Kakar. Arty, stand up. There she is. This new pilot program I'm so excited for. And the reason I'm so excited for

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is because it follows with the beliefs of this county. And that's helping those that are mo more vulnerable than we we really know about. And this new hub is in conjun we are partnering with Eva's Village. And at Eve's Village will be

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the hub where we will offer wraparound services to the homeless of this county so that we can help them get back on their feet. I don't know, you know, if you follow what the county does, you've seen that we've had food drives. We've

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given out uh amazing at Calvary uh food distributions and we help those that need us the most. Some of the things though that we'll be doing at this hub and which Arty again, thank you so much. You've really been the guiding light for

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this whole thing, but you deserve. Let's give Arty a round of applause. So, we launched it in partnership with Eva's Village. And with these wraparound services, we're going to be having a case navigator who's going to help

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people find and get ready for employment. And what something that's near and dear to me is identification services because without identification, no one can move forward. We're also offering medical care. We're helping

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people who want to get their GEDs. We're helping people find their way in life and instead of being homeless, be productive members of our county. So, I'm so proud of this program, Arty. I mean, what you've done and what you

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continue to do brings sheds light on everything that and I guess I can say this, the federal government does not do. We make sure we take care of our people. We make sure we take care of the people in Pay County. So, I thank you for that. And I just wanted to share

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because I think Arty needed that recognition. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, director. I just really quick I want to obviously congratulate Carol CuadraD. It was a very beautiful ceremony we had here. Uh a lot of years of service and and much welldeserved recognition. I also want to give a shout

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out to the department heads that uh participated in our first P County connect event where we were at the Clifton Senior Center. We had a phenomenal turnout. Uh all of the county resources that are available to our seniors were present. Uh we also had bingo uh for them which I know they

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enjoyed very much. uh much of the direction of our county administration, but also Shirley Force and the team at senior service and health the health department and and all those services that our seniors uh really need to take advantage of. Uh our next one is May 5th

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at Totawa and in our senior um hub there, our state county senior services building off of Riverview Drive. So we're looking forward to another successful um county connect day. So, I want to thank you guys for that and look forward to the next one. And for my colleagues uh for your consideration,

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there's 17 items on our public works agenda, but the one I want to highlight the most is uh there's a $2.7 million investment in our fleet vehicles uh that we're looking to really beef up our snow operation for next year. We have a lot of new trucks coming in with all the

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bells and whistles, plows, um salt spreaders, all state-of-the-art equipment to attack and address um any incoming uh storm that we may foresee in the foreseeable future. But it's a real heavy investment that we're making in our fleet vehicles for that and I'm

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proud of that investment. Um looking forward to uh beefing up our public public works service that way. So that's all I have. Director, >> thank you. Commissioner Bartlett, I >> I won't take any more of your time tonight. Actually, no. I do want to uh

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briefly mention uh Sandy, you and I and the deputy director had the opportunity to go up to West Milford this past week and cut the ribbon on the new P County Highlands Regional Service Center. We are committed to making sure the P County resources are available to you close to your home wherever you in the

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county that you live. And now that means West Milford uh in cooperation with the mayor and council up there, a facility where a lot of the offices that you hear us talking about are right there in your backyard. >> Thank you, Commissioner D'vor.

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>> Uh I just want to quickly um point out our veteran standown this particular Saturday, May 2nd. Um I believe this is our third year, third time doing this standown. >> Second. >> Second. Second time doing it. Uh again

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this Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 9 to 2 PM at Pay County Technical Institute, uh 45 Ryan Hot Road. Services and resources will include about uh VA healthc care, public benefits, nonprofit services, housing, medical screening, um health

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medical service, and some legal assistance and much more. So once again, our annual veteran standown, second one we've done so far, this Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pade County Tech on 45 Hard Road. Thank you, director.

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>> Thank you, Commissioner Remaglia. >> No report. Director, >> Commissioner Shratz, >> director, I would don't have any reports. Um, just want to congratulate Mrs. CuadraD and looking forward to attending our uh veterans down ceremony

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event this Saturday. >> It's going to be great. >> Okay. Communications. Now, could I have a motion to open the public portion of the meeting? >> Sorry. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Cruz and D'vor.

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>> County Commissioners Bartlett. Yes. D'Voragalia. Yes. Stratz. Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. Yes. Uh Director Lazar. >> Yes. Seeing no one at the podium, I move to close the public portion. >> Second. >> Cruz and D'Vor.

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>> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz, >> yes. >> Director Lazar, >> yes. Okay, we're going to move on to the consent agenda. Can I have a mo a motion to move it the

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consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. before Bartlett. Did I should ask does anyone have anything they want to vote on separately? No. Okay. So, we can just just for the record, that's M1

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through >> 43. Uh, county commissioners Bartlett, >> yes. >> D'vor, >> yes. >> Magalia, >> yes. Stratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazera. >> Yes. >> Can I have a motion to move the personnel agenda?

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>> So moved. >> Second. >> Cruz and Bartlett. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes. >> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Raglia. >> Stratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. >> Director Lazar. >> Yes. Can I have a motion to move the bills?

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>> So moved. >> Second. >> And Cruz. >> D'Vor. >> Vore. Sorry. >> County Commissioners Bartlett, >> yes. >> D'Vor, >> yes. >> Maggalia, >> Stratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz,

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>> uh, Director Lazar, >> yes. >> And finally, I have a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> D'Vor and Cruz. >> County Commissioners Bartlett. >> Yes.

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>> D'vor. >> Yes. >> Remagia. >> Yes. >> Stratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Cruz. >> Yes. Rectal Lazar. >> Yes. >> Everybody >> Lou got to get somebody to check change the battery in that clock on the back wall. I thought that whole program took no time at all. >> Hey Rick, can you can you get on that

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tomorrow? >> No one move. We about to start the meeting. Bring Carol back