WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=019VmN_ueQM

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: 019VmN_ueQM):
- 00:00:13: Meeting Commences: Roll Call, Pledge, and Agenda Approval
- 00:02:30: Proclamations, Public Hearing Absence, and Public Comment Opens
- 00:03:01: Public Comment: Concerns Regarding Security Measures
- 00:04:23: Commissioner's Events and Activities: Libraries and Memorial Day
- 00:06:02: Commissioner Henderson's Reports: Senior Events and Community Updates
- 00:08:41: Commissioner Carney: Stormwater Permits, Farmland, Paving Project Update
- 00:13:39: Deputy Director Degrroot: Lake Issues, Memorial Day, Senior Events
- 00:14:45: Upcoming Events: America's Anniversary, Senior Olympics, Health Screenings
- 00:17:15: Mosquito Control Outreach, MS Council, College Updates
- 00:20:44: First Reading: Ordinance for Building Visitor Management
- 00:21:48: Resolutions Approval, Contract Bids, and Financial Matters
- 00:23:13: Personnel Agenda Approval and Discussion of Conflict
- 00:23:45: Administrative Report: Senior Services, Library, and Traffic Study
- 00:27:31: Rating Agency Meeting Results and Park Bench Update
- 00:29:45: New Business: School Funding Formula Discussion and Resolution
- 00:32:59: Restore Funding for New Jersey School of Conservation
- 00:37:27: Public Session: Sandy Hall - School Funding and Elections
- 00:39:22: Public Session: Jane Opriage - Trump Corruption Allegations
- 00:42:22: Public Session: Kathy Brennan - Questions on Country's Direction
- 00:44:11: Public Session: Laura H. - Violence Against Women Statement
- 00:47:31: Public Session: Jeff Hull - Tyson and Military Stories
- 00:50:56: Public Session: Sandy Pender - Trump Slush Fund Concerns
- 00:53:42: Public Session: Just Late - Support for Trump and ICE
- 00:55:27: Public Session: John Snider - Memorial Day and Detentions
- 00:58:59: Executive Session Resolution Approval and Adjournment


Part: 1

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This is the commissioner meeting of May 27th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sussex County Administrative Center Commissioner Meeting Room, 1 Spring Street, Newton, New Jersey. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Commissioner Carney >> here. >> Deputy Director Degrew >> here. Commissioner Henderson

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>> here. >> Commissioner Silverthorn here. >> Director Space >> here. >> Can we get a moment of silence and a salute to the flag? >> Silence will be in honor of Memorial Day and all the fallen soldiers that have

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died to protect our freedoms. I pledge allegiance 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.

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or a public statement. Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, PL1 1975, adequate notice as defined by section 3D of chapter 231, PL1975 has been made by regular mail and email.

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such notice being submitted on January 6, 2026 from the administrative center of the County of Sussex located at 1 Spring Street, Newton, New Jersey to the following New Jersey Herald, Star Ledger, Strauss News and is also posted on the bulletin board maintained in the

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administrative center for public announcements and has been submitted to the Sussex County Clerk in compliance with set act. At this time, please mute all electronic devices. Number five, approval of agenda. There will be a couple of changes to the

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agenda. Number 11, minutes will be moved to the June 10th meeting and in addition to number 14, resolutions added letter Y. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> So moved.

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>> Okay. Commissioner Henderson. Second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose abstain. Motion carries. Number six, proclamations, certificates, and presentations. We have a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the United

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States, and we'll be reading that on June 7th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The event starts at 3 p.m. We're looking forward to it. Number seven, there's no public hearing. Number eight, public session from the floor. This public session is for those wishing to make a comment of 3 minutes or less

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regarding an agenda item. Please line up at the microphone and state your name, municipality, and agenda topic for the record. Can I get a motion to open the floor for public comment? >> So move. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthorn and a second. Deputy Director Degrroot. Any

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discussion? All in favor? I post abstain. Okay. The floor is open for public comment. Agenda topics only. Niner Sanderson, I'm just wondering if you're going to explain number 12, the ordinance about >> Yes. Yep. That is uh Commissioner

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Henderson and I had had a meeting with Sheriff Strada and our administrator and um it's we are planning on adding metal detectors to protect uh the commissioners and the um residents, the public. So, which they've been doing in

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other municipalities and we just feel it's the time. Okay. Anyone else? Uh, can I get a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Commissioner Henderson second. Deputy Director Groot. Any discussion? All in

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favor? I opposed. Abstain. Number nine, commissioner comments. We'll start with Commissioner Silverthornne >> Golf of Events for summer 2026. On June 25th, there'll be Creating with Clay. It's at 1 p.m. at the Franklin branch, 103 Main Street in Franklin. On June

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26th, there'll be the Brian Richards Magic Show. It's at 12:30 p.m. at the Sussex Wanted Branch. And at 2:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Henry branch. And then on June 27th, there'll be Dinosaurs Arise. It'll be 10 am at the main library on 125 Morris

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Turnpike in Frankfurt. And then it'll be at 100 p.m. at the Lewis Child's branch in Stanh Hope. Um, also families are invited to participate in the Stomp Out the Hunger Challenge. You can bring a food donation to each any of the branches and receive a stamp on the

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challenge ticket collecting stamps from all five participating branches and returning the tickets to qualify for a special prize. Um full program details for the whole summer uh calendar events, rules, prizes, list of generous donors, etc. are all available on the website

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and the summer reading web page is there as well. Um, in addition to that, um, just a couple of things. I'll try to limit it to just the things I did on my own. Um, board of elections meeting with, uh,

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administrator Marks. Um, I went to the Apacon Memorial Day wreath ceremony and I was, uh, almost by myself last night at the Montue Committee meeting, but I bumped into uh, Commissioner

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Henderson. Um, and there's a bunch of other things I did, but uh I'll save that for you guys and that's about it. >> That's me. Uh, Commissioner Carney. Oh, no. Sorry. Commissioner Henderson. >> Okay. On May 15th, the board attended

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the Sussex County senior event at the fairgrounds. Great turnout of seniors. Thank you to Lorraine Hence and staff for all you do for the seniors of Sussex County. On May 16th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I attended the Daughters of the Revolutionary event at the Old Newton burial ground. On the

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18th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I attended the Sussex County a meeting. Several topics were discussed as well as neighbor conflict hearings held. On May 20th, I attended the Skuma meeting where a letter from Frankfurt Township teacher was read regarding the SUMMA Walkill

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River Watershed Management during a recent class trip to the Culver Brook Preserve. This outing highlighted the commitment to the environmental education and community engagement. It went on to say they look forward to the continued relationship with Skuma and the Walkill River Wershed Management

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Group. Another area of concern was the aging of the upper Walkill Valley Sewer Plant and what actions are needed to move forward with uh the exceptional service that has been provided to the residents of multiple towns and users. On May 21st, Commissioner Director Space

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and I met with a member of the EMS regarding various questions and concerns for clarification. Also that afternoon, Commissioner Director Space Silverthornne and I attended a ribbon cutting at Meguire airport or Maguire campus for the new building construction of diesel technology program and

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classroom. On Memorial Day, I attended the Vernon parade. Great turnout. Like to express my gratitude to the veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. It's unfortunate that all the parades and memorial events in the county are held at such close times, it makes it almost nearly impossible to

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attend more than one event. A couple of things from the Sussex County Community College meeting. Work began on a new chemistry lab in an outdoor fitness court. There was also an art gallery naming for William Finch to honor the $1.247 million given to the college. Also, a

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new curriculum was approved for the film production and a lot of positive things are happening at the college. Please visit their website and newsletter for more information. On May 26, uh, Commissioner Silverthornne and I attended the Monagu Township. It's interesting to hear the concerns of

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other committees throughout the county. And lastly, from the Division of Senior Services, it's time for a design the pin contest for the 26th annual salute to military vets. Each year, patriotic design contest is held among students. The winning design is made into a pin.

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These pins are given to all veterans during the annual salute to military veterans parade which is held on the 1st of November at the fairgrounds. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students are encouraged to submit a pin design and express their support and appreciation

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to the veterans of Sussex County. You can find additional information at senior services.nj. us. And that's all I have. Commissioner Carney. Highway Agency stormwater permit. Division of public works is refocused on repairing and cleaning storm water

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inlets. Annual cleaning is one of the minimum basic requirements included with the Sussex County Highway Agency stormwater permit issued by the NJ. The annual inspection program identified around 800 stormwater inlets that need to be cleaned in 30 high priority repair projects. As part of the inspection

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program, repairs are assigned a high, medium, or low priority. In total, there are 343 inlet uh open inlet repair work orders. Resources are allocated to highest priority locations. First, Sussex County farmland preservation plan. As a reminder, the Sussex County Planning Board is holding a public

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meeting at 4 p.m. on June 1st to review and adopt the updated comprehensive farmland preservation plan. Sus County Agricultural Board has been working on updating the plan for the past year, and the updated plan will will help steer the program over the next 10 years. The meeting will include a presentation of

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the plan, plan updates, and plan goals and objectives. The draft plan is available for review on the Sussex County website. This hearing offers the public an opportunity to provide comments on the plan. Comments can also be provided directly to the Sussex County Division of Planning or you can

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call the division can be reached at 973-5790500. Paving projects construction is underway on the 25 resurfacing program. The contractor has been upgrading curb ramps at intersections within the project limits. Roadway milling and paving has been completed on county road 653 or

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clove or clove road in Moniku. Paving crew is currently working on county route 521 orasa road in Frankfurt. The program will include the milling and paving of just over 23 miles of county routes. Work will continue through late July. The division of engineering is finalizing the finalizing the

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engineering plans and project specifications for the 26 resurfacing program. design will be finalized within the next few weeks and sent to the NJD do DOT for review and approval. Once approved by the NJ DOT, the project will be publicly bid. The 26 resurfacing

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project includes repaving of 22 miles of county routes in addition to repaving. The 26 project will incorporate systematic safety enhancements identified as the part of Sussex County local action safety plan. These enhancements will include centerline rumble strips, wider white edge lines,

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and raised pavement markers. work work on the program will begin in the fall. You could reach them as well at the same number 973-5790500. Construction uh staff within the DPW, the Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety and the Office of Facilities Management are continuing on the Sussex County

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Division of Health Storage Building and the Sussex County Sheriff's Storage Building in Modular Office project. Both projects are located in Frankfurt Township. Multiple DPW and OBTS crews are working on the project. Efforts are focused on completing the building's pads for two pole barns, installing the

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site storm water systems, rough grading the parking lots, preparing for construction of office foundations, and preparing for the utility system installations. The polebar building contractor is expected to begin construction of the division of health storage building during the first week of June. Public works construction crew

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are also working on repairs to storm water inlets and storm water collection pipes in preparation of the 26 resurfacing program. Such as county traffic safety programs. Sussex County signal crew is conducting the bi-annual inspection of the county's traffic signal and beacon systems. County

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maintains over 55 electrified tra electrified traffic safety systems. The inspections provide information used to identify repair priorities and assist with programming required capital improvements. Traffic safety crew replace the lighting on the riversticks bridge. The county maintains lighting

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systems on the county owned and all operated bridges. A sign fabrication shop has completed fabrication of highway safety signs identified as part of the annual sign inspection program and replaced as needed. The program identified identified signs which have been damaged, gone missing or reached

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the end of their useful life. It's all I have for that. Um I did attend the Branchville Memorial Parade which was I believe the biggest one in the county. I'm pretty sure it is. Uh along with Commissioner Silverthornne uh weather held out which was nice. Um, and I also

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came and saw Sheila Brunda, who's been an employee here for how long, Lorraine? >> 18 years, who is actually retiring. And Lorraine got her to stay around for another month. Uh, so good luck to her. Congratulations. She's been a very good employee for Sussex County and and

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senior services. So, she will be missed. That's all I have. >> Thank you. Deputy director to group. >> Yes. Uh, good evening everyone. I would like to begin with the Lake Muskan planning board. At our meeting last week, we covered a number of important topics. These included NECON shortfall and annual contributions, which has led

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to a request for a meeting with the mayor and council there. Uh also preparations for potential algae blooms, discussing discussions regarding vendors for weed removal and disposal and planning for the annual junior fishing contest which will be held Sunday, June 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at

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Lakeside Park. Continuing on, we recently observed Memorial Day. I had the honor of attending ceremonies presented by Wanage American Legion Post 213 alongside Sussex Fire Department and an auxiliary who led memorial services across Sussex and Wanage. It was a privilege uh to attend and pay tribute

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to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. May we continue to remember and pray for the service members and their families not only on Memorial Day but throughout the year. Uh additionally, as mentioned by my fellow commissioners, we all attended Older Americans Day hosted by senior services. Just want to thank everyone

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again for playing uh whoever played a part in making the event just so wonderful. As Psalm 145:4 reminds us, one generation shall commend your works to another. That's it. Thank you and God bless. Thank you. Okay. Again, on June 7th, we have the

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250th America's anniversary of independence at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. It begins at 3 p.m. and runs until 9:00. Admission is free to this family friendly community event that will feature an afternoon and evening of patriotic festivities

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including food vendors, entertainment, giveaways, and a fireworks display along with many other attractions commemorate to commemorate America's 250 years of independence. Division of Senior Services, the annual Senior Olympics. The Division of Senior Services will be hosting Sussex County's annual Senior

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Olympics on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. Seven teams of seniors representing Monagu, Sparta, Hop, Pakong, Vernon, Hardeston, Sussex, YMCA, and Sandiston will compete with one another in numerous activities for a full day of camaraderie,

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activities, food, entertainment, and fun. And that's another wonderful event by the senior services that they put on. Um, Division of Senior Services. The Senior's Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides financially eligible individuals who are aged 60 years and

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older with a $40 electronic benefit to purchase fresh food fruits and vegetables at participating farm stands in New Jersey. Many local community farms participate in the senior farmers market nutrition program, and each recipient will receive a complete list

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of the farm stands with their package. This once a year benefit is available at the Division of Senior Services Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. This benefit will be available from June 1st, 2026 through September 30th, 2026, and must be redeemed by November 30th, 2026.

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Please contact the Division of Senior Services to obtain additional information about this program at 973-579055. Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing is hosting a women's health screening clinic, which will be held on Thursday, June 4th from 4:30 to

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7:30 at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatsworth Road in Hamburg. This clinic offers a variety of health screenings and education. The service is free to uninsured and underinsured county residents who qualify for the New Jersey Cancer

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Education and Early Detection NJC program. To make an appointment, call the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-5790570 extension 1246. And then I have all the different diseases and infectious disease uh uh statistics, but we can put

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that online so that you don't have to sit and listen to me read it. Uh public outreach, the office of public uh the office of mosquito control will be participating in several community events in June. Mosquito staff will be present to educate residents on mosquito biology and control practices. Be sure

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to stop in for giveaways and free spotted lantern fly traps. Uh Saturday, June 6th, they'll be at Stillwater Day, um which starts at 2 p.m. and ends at dusk. Saturday, June 6th, they'll also be at Newton Day Festival at Memory Park from 5:00 p.m. until dark. The rain date

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for that event is June 13th. And then on Sunday, June 7th, they'll be at our Celebrate America 250th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Um the mosquito control tabletop display will be set up weekly at the Andover and Newton municipal buildings from June 1st through June 12th. The tabletop display

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will be displayed in the foyers of each municipal building and will have free educational materials, fact sheets, and giveaways for mosquito and tick related information. And we also have the spotted lantern fly traps. I haven't seen any yet this year. Um, but they're available to all Sussex County

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residents. If residents would like to receive their free traps, please contact the Office of Mosquito Control at 973-940-5225 to schedule a pickup time. Traps can be picked up at the mosquito control office anytime, Monday through Friday, 8 to

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4:30 p.m., but scheduling an appointment is preferred to ensure staffing availability. And then my other comments are pretty short because everybody touched on everything. Um, Commissioner Henderson and I met with her name was Liz Russo from District 12 representative with the MS Council. We

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discussed the county's funding of our local volunteer first aid squads. Commissioners Henderson, Silverthornne, and I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Sussex County Community Colleg's new Maguire Technical Education Center. Um, I want to thank Senior Services for a great event celebrating

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Older Americans Day. Always a great turnout. And going back to the uh because I somehow stuck a sentence in the wrong spot. the building um that they did the grand opening on. It's uh for the construction and diesel technology facility will also have a few classrooms. They don't have to travel back and forth to the college for

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classes. And it's nice to see how much the college has trans transformed in the last two years. Like it's literally insane. We we seem to be at ribbon cutings or ceremonies every two weeks at the college. On Saturday, May 16th, Commissioner Silverthornne joined me for

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the second quarter's mayor's meetings. With open public meetings act, only one two commissioners can attend anything. So, we are rotating around so that everyone gets to go. We had a great roundt discussion with the mayors and deputy mayors that were in attendance. We discussed everything from the

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upcoming 250th county celebration of America, shared services, tax maps, even data centers, and handling contentious meetings and much more. are all bipartisan. It's important for us to all to get together in a place where we can talk freely. And it was a really, really good morning. We had a great time. Good

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breakfast. >> To the senior Olympic day. What day is that? >> June 9th. >> What day is that? >> Tuesday, June 9th. >> All right, Alan. I'll see you at the gym. 6 a.m. You can join me.

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>> And and that's all I have. Number 10, approval of the consent agenda. There is none. Number 11, the minutes were moved. Number 12, an ordinance. Introduction for first reading. Ordinance 26-07, general administrative management and operations for the Sussex County

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Administrative Building for visitors attending board of county commissioners meetings. A motion to adopt the ordinance on first reading and authorize the clerk to advertise this ordinance as introduced for first reading and also post same on the bulletin board in the lobby of the county administrative

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center together with the notice of public hearing stating that a hearing will be held on June 10th, 2026 at 6 p.m. prior to final adoption of this ordinance. Can I get a motion? Okay, Commissioner Henderson in a second. Second. >> Uh Commissioner Carney, any discussion?

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Anyone want to say anything? No, >> I think it's a good idea. >> I think it's a good idea, too. I think in the way that uh you know, the political violence that's out there in in our opinion, this will protect all of you and and us, too. So, we'll have to

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go through the same security that you'll go through. Uh, okay. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Commissioner, >> yes. >> Director Space, >> yes. Number 13, appointments andor resignations. We have none. Number 14,

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resolutions. >> Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions A through Y? >> So moved. >> Okay. Deputy Director Degrroot and a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? Roll call, please.

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>> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Higuru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner, >> yes. Yes. >> Yes. Number 15, awards of contract change orders bids. We have number number 16, financial. We have payment of

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bills list A. Can I get a motion to to pay bills list A? >> So move. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne and a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Carney. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degroup. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes.

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>> Commissioner Silverthorn. >> Yes. >> Director Spade. >> Yes. Okay. A bills list bay May 2027th. Can I get a motion to pay bills list bay? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson in a second. >> Second. >> Uh Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Carney,

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>> yes. >> Deputy Director Degroup, >> I've seen. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Silverthorn, >> yes. >> Director Space, >> yes. Number 17, personnel. We have a resolution personnel agenda May 27th, 2026. Can I get a motion to approve the

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personnel agenda? >> So moved. Second. >> Okay. Deputy Director Drew and a second from Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? >> Yes. Am I allowed to vote on this since there's things regarding the prosecutor's office? >> There are two people from the prosecutor's office. My understanding is that uh your conflict, your daughter is

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not involved on the hiring screening committee. She doesn't have a say. This is a secretary uh and another staff personnel. Uh so there there is no issue. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. Roll call, please. Commissioner Carney, >> yes.

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>> Deputy Director Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne, >> yes. >> Director Space, >> yes. Okay. Number 18, administrative report. >> Okay. Good evening, everyone. Uh, first I want to congratulate the Division of Senior Services. We received notification today that the division

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will be receiving $35,000 in funding from the Department of Community Affairs for recreational opportunities for individuals with with disabilities. This will allow the division to expand recreation activities throughout the county. Uh we are having issues, continued issues at the Sussex One

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Branch Library. I wanted to make sure that I publicly reported that. Um regarding the air conditioning system, it's caused that library to be closed down a few days last week and we had to close early again today. Uh additional parts have been ordered and I should have an update tomorrow morning as to the status. Uh, I just want to state

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that so everybody is aware, there are regulations that prohibit employees from working in any building that is over 79 degrees. We obviously don't also want to expose our patrons to high indoor temps as well. Um, so what we have done is we have closed that library at 5:00 p.m.

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today. We should have an update, like I said, tomorrow. Um, staff from the library is reporting either to the main library or to the Dennis branch to assist operations over there. Uh we've received uh and I know members of the board have uh received inquiries

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regarding uh county route 517 in Ogdensburg. There's been requests by the town to have a uh traffic study done regarding speed limits along uh route 517. Uh so I do have an update for the board. Uh that request was uh uh

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researched by the department of engineer uh department of engineering and planning. Under the current resolution which was established on February 25th of 2009, um there is a 40 mph zone speed limit between uh 2,110 ft north of Roman

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Way in Sparta extending north to Brooks Flat Road in Ogdensburg. uh within the burrow of Ogdensburg. The 40-minute uh 40 mile per hour speed limit extends from the Sparter Ogdensburg town line to Brooks Flat Road. The speed limit then transitions to 35 mph from Brooks Flat

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Road north to uh 1,100 ft south of the Ogdensburg Elementary School. That limit is then reduced to 30 mph between 1,100 ft south of Payic Avenue in Ogdensburg to a point of 750 ft north of uh Foxhill

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Drive and Franklin Burrow. Uh under the current review there is going to be some recommendations to modify those speed limits. Uh based on the study the the recommendation is to maintain the existing 40 m per mile per hour zone between the Sparta Ogdensburg town line

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and Brooks Flat Road. Maintain the existing 35 mileph zone between Brooks Flat Road to the point uh more or less of 1,100 ft south of Pake Avenue. reduce the existing 30 mile per hour speed limit to 25 mile per hour miles per hour

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from the point more or less of 1,100 feet south of Payic Avenue north to the Ogdensburg Franklin Town line. This then maintains the existing 30 mph uh speed limit in Franklin and then reduce the existing 25 mileph uh zone between the

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Ogdensburg school zone. uh reduce that from 25 mile per hour to 20 mile per miles per hour during recessed or while children are going to or leaving the school during opening or closing times. Uh these recommendations are based on against traffic. Uh they take um

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consideration of pedestrian facilities, on street parking, crash data, uh recommendations provided by US limits. Uh we are going to be setting up a meeting with the bureau of Atkinsburg to um go over these recommendations and with their approval then move forward

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with implementing them. Uh Elk and I had a meeting today with the county's rating agency uh which went very well. The county has a strong wealth and income level that exceeds state and national averages. We have a strong tax base comprised of 84% residential and 11%

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commercial industry and utility. Market values have increased by 50% over the past five years. Fund balance has increased to a 10-year high of 23 million in 2025 and currently represents 18% of revenue. This is consistent with county's policy and recommendations. Uh

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the county has continued to improve its finan financial position including the fund balance, other reserves and the debt burden over the past 10 years. Uh the county based on this fund balance and all of the other reserves, the county is well positioned to mitigate any effects from an economic downturn or

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any unforeseen event. Strong financial management is evidenced by formal adopted policies by this board. And lastly, low and decreasing debt burden with rapid repayment of principal. The county has significantly increased its pay as you go capital and reduce the reliance on debt issuances. Um and I do

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want to make one more remark that I don't have on my report. Um, I had mentioned this a few meetings back regarding the park benches. I had stated that the park benches, we needed the budget to pass in order to obtain the final uh pieces that we needed to um

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have them reinstalled. The budget was passed on the 13th. We've been able to finalize that and as I stated at that meeting, um we are still on course to start a rolling installation of them beginning the first week in June. And that is my report. Just a quick question. The library in Sussex one,

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isn't that a voting location right now? >> It is a voting location, but that's still all open. >> It is still open, but we don't see the temperatures rise to those unsafe levels until later in the day. So, we we do manage them and we do maintain and have temperature guns and make sure that we're all in compliance.

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>> Thank you. County council report. Great. Number 20, unfinished business. Does anyone have any unfinished business? No. Okay. 21. New business. We do have new business. Um we have a resolution that we are looking to pass

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tonight and it is calling for fair and adequate school funding. Um whereas the New Jersey School Funding Reform Act, SFRA, was designed to provide a thorough and efficient system of free public schools guaranteeing that every child is afforded an equal opportunity for a

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quality education. as whereas Sussex County students deserve access to robust educational programs, highly qualified staff and safe facilities. And whereas underfunding funding and arbitrary state aid reductions force local school districts to make difficult choices such

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as increasing class sizes, reducing advanced course offerings or drastically raising local property taxes to compensate for state funding shortfalls. And whereas the state's current budget modifications and aid caps such as capping aid increases while only providing minimal protection against aid

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cuts prevent chronically under aided districts from receiving the full resourcess resources they are entitled to under the law. And whereas the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners can no longer bear the financial burden caused by disappropriate

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funding which severely strains the taxpayers residing within our jurisdiction. Now therefore, it be it resolved the board of county commissioners of the county of Sussex, state of New Jersey as follows. Call to action. The governing body strongly urges the governor, the New Jersey Department of Education, the state

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legislators to re-evaluate the school funding formula to ensure adequable state aid is distributed across all districts. Restore adequacy. We request the immediate elimination of unfair growth caps and cuts that prevent

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underedequacy budget. Number three, property tax relief. We call on the state to fulfill its constitutional duty to fully fund educational aid, therefore providing essential property tax relief for our local residents. Um, can I get a motion

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to adopt this resolution? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson in a second. >> Second. >> Uh, Commissioner Silverthornne, any discussion? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You go first. >> Okay. I just want to say we all know this is a problem um in the rural districts um of the state and I want to

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say that our legislators uh Senator Space, Assemblywoman Fantasia and Assemblyman Mike and Ganmore are fighting for our um fair funding and along with uh Senator Doug Steinhart. So >> yeah, I just want to add over the last

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eight years in the Murphy administration, we've lost $13.2 million to our schools and that really hurts. I know the board board of eds are like 64 to 64% of your taxes which people don't realize. They usually blame the municipality because I've been there. Um but it's a burden and it's not always

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their fault that they have to raise the taxes because when you're cut, your state aid gets cut. They got to get the money somewhere or they're going to cut the services and it's unfair and it needs to be fixed. And hopefully this resolution doesn't fall on deaf ears. Kind of thinking it's going to but we'll see what happens. Hopefully our

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legislators will keep up the good fight and we'll see some money come back into Sussex County and the rest of the rural counties honestly. So >> that's all >> that would be nice. Uh can I get a motion to adopt resolution A? >> Still move. >> I already did. Yeah. Yep. Uh roll call,

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please. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthorn. >> Yes. >> Director St. >> Yes. And we have a resolution requesting Governor Mikey Cheryl restore full funding to the New Jersey School of

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Conservation. Um, and it is whereas on October 21st, 2022nd, the state of New Jersey legislature amended NJSA1 18A 64-1. Um the direction of New Jersey School of Conservation NJSOC property from

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Monilair State University to the friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation, a taxexempt nonprofit organization and whereas pursuant to uh NJSA1 18A64I-1 NJSO

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shall be used in perpetuity as a school of for environmental field study under the direction of the friends of NJSOC pursuing to a 20-year lease between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Friends of NJSOC. And

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whereas NJSA18A64I-5 provides that the state of New Jersey shall provide all monies appropriated by an annual appropriations act for the maintenance and support of the NJSOC to the friends of NJSOC which shall expand expend the funds for the expenses

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necessary for the operation of the NJSOC including maintenance of the grounds and buildings, purchase of equipment, funding educational programs and housing students and teachers says, "Whereas any monies appropriated under under NJSA18A

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64I-5 shall pass through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to the Friends of NJSOC. And whereas the state of New Jersey has eliminated funds for the operation and maintenance of the NJSOC, thus forcing the NJSOC to close.

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And whereas such a closing will hurt the local Sussex County economy, where the NJSOC has worked with nine local businesses, contributing 1.7 million to the local economy over the past three years. And whereas partnerships, associations, and programs with numerous

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local community organizations including Sussex County Ark, Sussex County Library, Sussex County self-sufficiency, NJ youth corps, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce will be curtailed. And whereas eight Sussex County elementary schools who rely on their

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environmental education programming through field trips at NJSOC will be halted. And whereas a dozen Sussex County teachers who have attended teacher professional development training on conservation, stewardship, and climate change will no longer have the benefit of this necessary training.

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And whereas the Sussex County Community College has recently entered into a partnership to allow for field study, research, and interns at the S NJSOC for their students. And whereas if not funded, the NJSOC would be forced to lay

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off 30 dedicated professionals who live in Sussex County. Now therefore be it resolved that the Sussex County Commissioners in full consideration of the negative impact to the economy of Sussex County, the state of New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the students,

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educators, and researchers of the state of New Jersey call upon Governor Mikey Cheryl to immediately restore the New Jersey School of Conservation's budget request of $3 million. be further resolved that the clerk of the board shall forward a certified true copy of this resolution to the office of

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Governor Mikey Cheryl, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, Assemblyman Mike and Ganamore, and the New Jersey School of Conservation. Can I get a motion to approve that? >> Uh, Deputy Director Degrew in a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne, any discussion?

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>> Yes. Yeah, he's from the And we'll make sure that he gets a copy of it. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Any other discussion? >> Just want to say I think we've all had kids that have gone through there for school. It's definitely, no pun intended, a hidden jewel in Sussex County because it's not the easiest to find, but I think it this is long

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overdue. I think it's great we're doing this for them. >> Yes. Yep. I agree. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. Commissioner Silverthorne, Director Space. >> Yes. 22. Public session from the floor.

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This public session is for those wishing to make general comments of 3 minutes or less on non-aggenda topics. Please line up at the microphone and state your name and municipality for the record. Can I get a motion to open the floor for public comment? >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson, a second.

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Commissioner Silverthornne. Discussion. Yes. Um, the only thing that I'm going to request, we get a lot of feedback that people can't hear. So, if you could just adjust the microphone when you stand up there because people are watching at home or they watch later and they can't always hear everyone. Um, all

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in favor? >> I oppose abstain. Okay, the floor is open. Sandy Hall, Sanderson Township, Leighton. Um, thank you for your resolution funding SOC. I mean, it's it's critical to so many kids in so many ways. It's tandemount to, you know, our

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4 programs, our scouting programs. So, thank you for doing that. It's the people who are over there are so dedicated and I know they're going to be thrilled that you you've really supported them in this. Um, and thank you for the opportunity to address you tonight. Um, elections are around the corner and I'm sure all candidates are

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scrambling for support and engaging with political action committees, scheduling fundraisers, and possibly making deals and promises to reward financial support. On my Facebook page for no national park, I urge folks to attend local meetings to become informed, to speak up and speak out, and ask the hard

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questions on issues of their concern. I would encourage folks to attend political events, meet the candidates, and again ask the questions because we do need representatives who will work for all the Sussex County residents. Thank you very much. Jane Opriage, Hampton Township. Tyrant

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Trump managed another act of blatant corruption to line the pockets of his allies at our expense. Every Trump supporter is responsible for another one of his schemes to dismantle our democracy and replace it with a kleptocracy.

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The Justice Department was once led by career civil servants, professional prosecutors who brought cases against suspected criminals based on the law, not their political affiliation. Our once independent judiciary was occupied by government workers who pledged

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allegiance to the Constitution. Now the Justice Department is corrupted by MAGA madness where Trump cronies impose loyalty tests and fire career prosecutors who do not pledge allegiance to Trump. Seven years ago, a federal

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government contractor leaked the tax returns of the president to the media because Trump refused to release his tax returns as every other modern-day president had done. The perpetrator was charged, convicted, and went to prison for releasing Trump's personal financial

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documents. waiting until he had successfully corrupted the Justice Department. Trump recently sued the IRS for $10 billion for failing to properly oversee the contractor who leaked the documents. Fortunately, the judge presiding over the case is a holdover

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from the once independent judiciary, not a Trump crony, and questioned the president's right to sue the government that he leads, raising the argument that the case was unlawful and could not proceed through the court system. However, the Justice Department, Todd Blanch, the head of the Justice

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Department, Todd Blanch, is a Trump crony and is acting as Trump's personal attorney, not as the Trump nation's independent attorney general. Taking advantage of MAGA madness, Trump dropped his $10 billion case against the government to settle it before it was

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thrown out of court so that Blanch could set up a $1.776 billion fund, a figure that is a sick nod to the level of corruption at play as a slush fund created with our taxpayers money to compensate Trump's

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allies who claim they were victims of weaponization of the former Justice Department. However, they are criminals who are rightfully were rightfully charged, convicted, and served time in prison. Men like Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, Paul Maniffort, Roger Stone, and

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dozens of others, including insurrectionists who attacked Capitol police officers. There have been no findings of malicious prosecutions against these criminals. But with no legitimate grounds, these criminals will reap the benefits of MAGA madness and we

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will pay for it unless people stop speak out to stop it. Every person who continues to spread MAGA madness is responsible for this miscarriage of justice. Hold the GOP accountable. Stop MAGA madness.

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Kathy Brennan, Hampton Township. I honestly did not have anything prepared for this evening because there are just so many things going on that I didn't know which specific one to focus on. There are so many things to think about. We we are supposedly reflecting on the

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250th anniversary of this country. At this point in time, I think there are many questions as to what exactly is going on in this country today and what is there to celebrate today. Um there are so many things. The uh war, the

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golden ballroom, the golden arch, now something built for a a boxing match. Uh funds as word mentioned for cronies. um detention centers where people are be being treated horrendously. Um

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measles outbreaks, Ebola outbreaks, um data centers which are so large that we wonder what is all this data that they are collecting. Is it all our information to use against us if the government doesn't like things we say? I just think that these are all things to

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ponder on while we think of celebrating which I question celebrating the 250th anniversary because I would say this is not what our country was based on. Thank you. Laura H from Freeden I'd like for each of you, everyone in

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this room, to picture a woman that you love. A wife, a sister, a daughter, a dear friend. Think about what makes that woman special. Her intelligence, her empathy, her sense of humor or wit, her ab ability to care deeply for others.

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Think about how you would like that woman to be treated. Please keep that m picture in your mind. She's so bad. She's so pathetic. She's so effing bad. Quiet piggy horse face. She's certainly not hot. Unattractive both inside and

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out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man. He made a good decision. A crazed, crying, lowife and a dog. An extraordinarily low IQ person. Such a nasty woman. Look at that face. Would anybody vote for that? Can

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you imagine that? The face of our next president. I mean, she's a woman, and I'm not supposed to say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious? Sadly, she's no longer a 10. She does have a very nice figure. If she weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her.

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I moved on her, actually. You know, she was down on Palm Beach. I moved on her and I failed. I'll admit it. I did try and f her. She was married. What do you think of Lindsay Lohan? There's something there, right? But you have to like freckles. I' I've seen a closeup of

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her chest and a lot of freckles. Are you into freckles? She's probably deep deeply troubled and therefore great in bed. How come the deep deeply troubled women deeply deeply troubled? They're always the best in bed. We could say politically correct that looks don't

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matter, but the look obviously matters. Like you wouldn't have your job if you weren't beautiful. I've got to use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I'm automatically attracted to beautiful. I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait.

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And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the You can do anything. I apologize for the things I just said. No one should ever have to be spoken about or to like this. And I hope no woman in your life has ever been spoken to like this. These

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words are unkind. Having said that, I would like to thank the board of commissioners tonight for accepting a subgrant award with the state of New Jersey for stop violence against women program. With that, it is my sincere hope that we can recognize that words matter. When individuals are

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permitted or to say are even celebrated for speaking with hurtful, demeaning, and demoralizing phrases like the ones I read tonight, this mistreatment becomes normalized. In many cases, women who are spoken to like this become disempowered, self-conscious, and defeated. I urge all

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of you, both here publicly and in your private lives, to stop the cycle of abuse. Uncomfortable, uncomfortable conversations might need to be had, but we the Sussex County citizens are better than this. Please make America kind again.

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Good afternoon or evening. Uh Jeff Hull from uh Northwestern Beamerville. I would like to relate two similar stories in American culture that were driven by vanity, hubris, and misjudgment.

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In February of 1990, the baddest man on the planet, Mike Tyson, was going to fight Buster Douglas. Tyson was undefeated and threatening to kill his opponent. His new management, Brainers, who were not competent or experienced in

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professional boxing, but were convinced this was going to be a slaughter. Buster was defined as a journeyman. Iron Mike skip preparation, studying tapes, no tactical strategy except to attack.

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However, the incompetent Tyson training camp did not address that Buster had a 12-in reach advantage. Tyson violently attacked Buster, used his overwhelming 12-in reach to hold

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Tyson at bay. With poor tactics and match mismanagement, the baddest man in the world was humiliated and knocked out. Excuse me. On February 28th, the most powerful military in the history of the

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world attacked a non-nuclear power. There will be overwhelming force causing the overthrow of the government and a regime change. Their military, naval force, air force, and missiles will be destroyed. They have no chance. They have no cards

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to play. Threats were made. The opening attack is quickly followed by mission accomplished and meaningless threats and demands. We only accept unconditional surrender. We will be taken out. We will take him

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back to the stone age. Civil civilization will die tonight. Iran will be blown off the face of the earth. Destruction of all bridges and power plants. No ceasefire. One big glow is coming out of Iran.

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On much on March 2nd, Iran counter punches, closes the straits of her moves. This is not a secret weapon. The early knockout of the third rate opponent has us up against the ropes for 88 days.

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Tyson's in incompetent managers and trainers strategy resulted in a crushing defa defeat and a crumbling career. Will our president administration will our president administration be able to save us from destroying the

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reputation and status of the greatest nation in history? Good evening. Sandy Pender, Freeden Township. Uh, I'll be talking tonight about Trump's slush fund to help his victims of weaponization.

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Trump told us his second term would be focused on revenge. He's not subtle when he literally says to his supporters, "I am your retribution." He always says the quiet part out loud. He has made it abundantly clear that he is not making decisions based on what is

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good for or helpful for the American people, but rather choosing actions that make his personal enemies suffer. It is an outrage that he is using our tax dollars to pay out people he believes have been victims of weaponization.

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His victims are supporters of his cause, like those that attacked the capital on January 6th. These are people who committed crimes against law enforcement, hung a noose for our vice president, and tried to breach the chamber looking for members of Congress.

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Watch the footage again if you don't remember. This was an angry mob that was following Trump's call to action. His victims of weaponization may also include any of his yesmen, those people that have done his bidding, regardless of whether it is legal or morally right.

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Again, he says the quiet part out loud. We know m how much he values blind loyalty to him despite the law or morality. So who should be compensated by this victims of weaponization fund? How about

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American citizens detained or deported illegally? How about families of American citizens shot illegally by ICE? How about African-American citizens disenfranchised by redistricting? How about LGBTQ Americans targeted from

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day one by the Trump administration? How about women who have seen decades of reproductive rights and freedoms reversed? How about women who have seen decades of progress toward equality stalled by misogynistic speech and postings?

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How about veterans who have been disrespected and had social safety nets disappear despite their unwavering service to our country? And finally, how about every American taxpayer whose hard-earned money is going to ridiculous legacy projects that

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have not been approved by Congress and that do not serve the people? This is not how government is supposed to work. It is ironic that we are celebrating 250 years of democracy this year because this would make the founding fathers role in their graves. Government was intended to have three

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co-equal branches that provide checks and balances, not one man who enriches himself, his friends, and his families to the detriment of the people. As a representative of county government, if this does not outrage you, I'm not sure what else could. As you plan the

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county's 250th celebration, please think hard about what this milestone stands for and what true leadership looks like. just late in New Jersey. I'm here to say how much I really, really, really enjoy President Trump. And I think that

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conversations about him really have nothing to do with how Sussex County handles their finances and handles the uh um the agenda that we're talking about today. However, it's interesting that of all the things that they talk about, uh, I'd like to really know where

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they get their facts to because the facts that I hear are totally opposite of what theirs are. However, I, uh, grin, grim would be the better word, uh, to listen to what they say. However, I do listen. Um, well, what I'm really

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here to say is that, um, I support ICE. I support what they're doing with the detention centers and they're welcome to stop at my house for coffee anytime. Um lastly, I want to remind everyone that the man who used to sit there, um Bill

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Hayden, is going to court again on Monday, June the 1st at 1:30. If anyone wants to hear how he's handling his uh tax evasion case, it'll be heard at 1:30 on Monday. Okay. Thank you very much.

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John Snider Sanderson. Wow. I thought we were against hate speech. Hear so much of it here tonight. Hear people talking about the plight of women. Thought we couldn't define a woman

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anymore. Angie Jackson Brown, Supreme Court. What was her comment? not an expert in that field. I hear the word democracy again. We live in a republic, not a democracy.

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I think it was Benjamin Franklin that said, "We gave them a republic. Let's see if they can keep it." Uh, I also was at the Branchville parade for Memorial Day on Monday, another great event that they put on every year.

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But I was pretty dismayed looking at the news on Tuesday at Delaney Hall in Newark, which is a nice detention center, where I guess our governor and Senator

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Kim found that a good way to honor the fallen heroes by going down there and trying to bust into the facility. I wouldn't be surprised if the governor or the senator had made a request to Tom Holman, can we come down and look at

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your facility? I'm sure he would have welcomed them with open arms. But no, they want to make some news media and crash the gates. Apparently, the next day on Tuesday, there were riots down there. Same place, Delaney Hall in Newark.

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Speaking of Memorial Day, we had a president, Barack Obama, when he was running for office, at one point he indicated that he think he had been to 56 states so far. He also stated that he wanted to

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fundamentally transform the country. Not one news reporter that I'm aware of questioned him and said, "Transform this country from the greatest experiment on the planet to what? his first year in office at a Memorial

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Day service. He looked out into the audience and apparently saw some active duty military and his comment was, "It's nice to see some of the people that were honoring here today in the audience."

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A man who did not know the meaning of Memorial Day was twice elected to the office of president of the United States. Disgusting. I'm not a big sports fan anymore, but Jackson Dart, apparently he's the quarterback for the New York Giants,

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23-year-old. And I guess he introduced Donald Trump a few days ago at a rally. Now he's being threatened. Doy Behar said, "I hope he wears extra padding now when he goes out to play." They're calling all all sorts of names

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for what? Because he introduced the president of the United States. Thank you. Let's go back on the gold standard. >> Second. I website at www.sussex.nj. us for meeting schedules. Number 24,

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you're up, Linda. >> Providing for an executive close session not open to the public in accordance with the provisions of NJSA 104-12 at SEC. Whereas the subject matters about to be discussed may be excluded

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from the public portion of the meeting by resolution of the board of county commissioners as an exception to the open public meetings act pursuant to NJSA 10 col4-12B and whereas it appears necessary for the

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board of county commissioners to discuss such matters in executive session. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of county commissioners of the county of Sussex in accordance with the provisions of NJSA 10 col4-12B

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and NJSA 10 col4-13 that the board at this time enter into an executive session from which the public shall be excluded. And be it further resolved that the general nature of the subjects to be discussed relate

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to the following items authorized by NJSA 10 col4-12B as designated below. Number seven, matters relating to litigation negotiations and the attorney client privilege the homestead.

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Be it further resolved that the deliberations conducted in close session may be disclosed to the public upon the determination of the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners or provided by law that the public interest no longer be served by such confidentiality.

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And be it further resolved that upon completion of the business for which the board has entered into the executive session, the board shall reconvene and resume its meeting open to the public. And be it further resolved that the board expects to

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>> to take formal action after returning from executive session except to adjourn the regular meeting. >> Can I get a motion to adopt the executive session resolution and enter into executive session? >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne second. >> Second.

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>> Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Okay.