This is the commissioner meeting of May 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sussex County Administrative Center Commissioner Meeting Room, One Spring Street, Newton, New Jersey. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Commissioner Carney >> here. >> Deputy Director Degrru >> here.
>> Commissioner Henderson here. >> Commissioner Silverthornne >> here. >> Director Space >> here. Moment of silence and salute to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One
engagement under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, PL1 1975, adequate notice as defined by section 3D of
chapter 231, PL1 1975 has been made by regular mail and email. Such notice being submitted on January 6th, 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 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 few
changes to the agenda tonight. Removal of minutes number 12, March 25th, April 8th, and April 22nd. There will be no number 18 personnel agenda. There will be an executive session for number four, matters relating to collective bargaining agreements, PBA prosecutor,
and number seven, matters relating to litigation, negotiations, and the attorney client privilege homestead. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne. Second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion?
All in favor? >> I oppose. Abstain. Okay. Motion carries. Number six, proclamations, certificates, and presentations. We have a proclamation proclaiming May as older Americans Month. And that will be read on Friday, May 15th at the Sussex County
Fairgrounds. And we have a proclamation um making May mental health awareness month. And that'll be accepted by Christine Florio, the head of health and human services, and Rachel Health, a member of the mental health board. And that's going to be read by Commissioner Silverthorn.
Whereas mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. And whereas mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every indiv individual realizes his or her own potential can cope with the normal
stresses of life and work productive productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. And whereas mental illness is the leading cause of suffering and disability that is exasperated by stigma and discrimination. And whereas one in
six youth aged six to 17 years and one in five individuals aged 18 and over will experience a diagnosible mental health disorder each year. And whereas increasing awareness of mental health and the importance of mental health prevention intervention and treatment
services can encourage those who are suffer suffering to reach out for help. And whereas the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners adopted and supports the campaign to change direction, which is a model to reduce stigma and change the culture of mental
health so that all those in need receive the care and the support they deserve. This model supports the inclusion of mental health into overall health, encourages individuals to know the five signs of emotional suffering, and supports others to reach out for help when needed. And whereas May is
recognized nationally as mental health awareness month provi and provided providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma and promote mental health resources. Now therefore be resolved that upon the recommendation of the Sussex County Mental Health Board, the Sussex County Board of County
Commissioners hereby officially designates May 2026 as mental health awareness month in Sussex County. By order the border by order of the board of county commissioners Jill spaced director Jack Degrroot deputy director Chris Carney Alan Henderson and Dave Sorthornne commissioners.
>> Thank you Christine Rachel you want to say a few words. Good evening, me members of county leadership, fellow board members, providers, advocates, community partners, families, and residents. Thank you for the opportunity to be here this night and for issuing this mental health
month proclamation. As co-chair of the mental health board, it is an honor to accept this on behalf of the board and the many individual fa individuals, families, and professionals who work every day to strengthen mental health supports across our county. Mental Health Board serves in an advisory and
collaborative role helping to identify community needs, gaps in services and opportunities for improvement across mental health systems. Our work is grounded in the fundamental belief that the systems work better when listen to the people they meant they are meant to
serve. Mental health month is more than a designation on a calendar. It's a reminder that mental health touches every single aspect of our lives. It affects children and adults, seniors, veterans, students, and families. It does not discriminate. By issuing this c this proclamation, the
county sends a powerful message that mental health matters and the people matter and that our community is committed to building systems rooted in dignity, compassion, and access for all. The mental health board is proud to be a part of these conversations, and we remain committed in strengthening them.
>> Thank you. Appreciate you. Well, thank you to the board for all of your support with everything we do for mental health. I know the community um the board does give us money through opioid settlement funds through grant a need and we support mental health initiative for children, youth, families, adults. So,
thank you for all your support and everything you do. >> Thank you. Let me get a picture with you. Sorry. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hey, next we have the presentation of the 2025 audit by Ray Sarinelia from
Nisabachia. >> Good evening everybody. Um, Ray Cernelli from the Sebastia Auditor for the county. Um, so tonight I'll be presenting the budget. Um, or we'll talk about the budget later. We're going to talk about the audit right now, which is this blue book here. I'm going to save everybody some time and condense it
down. It's like 200 pages, so we'll we'll we'll try and get through it quickly. Um, the county did have a good year financially. Um, the fund balance did grow by 185,000 uh during the year. Started the year with 22,838.
uh used 8,774 in the through the budget process and then regenerated 8,959 for a fund balance of 23 million. So I talk about the fund balance, right? That's your best financial indicator. It's obviously very important. We use it
through the budget process to help fund the budget. Um and it's what's the rating agencies look at as our financial health, very similar to retained earnings. So, I always like to talk about uh you know, how do we know your fund balance is doing well? We try and look at it as a percentage of your
operating budget. That's what your fund balancey fund balance policy looks at as well. You have a range for your healthy fund balance. If you go too high, we try and draw the fund balance down. You go too low, we try and make a plan to uh get it to grow. So, at this point, you're at 17.7%.
The maximum amount of your fund balance uh according to the policy should be 20%. That's what the rating agencies would be looking for if you're to try and maintain a fund balance of somewhere between 15 and 20%. So at 17 and a half% it's almost perfect. Um considering
where we're at in the economic cycle, again having a little bit of a higher fund balance is probably a good thing. It gives us a little bit more time to be reactive um if there's a downturn in the economy. So all very good things uh in the in the current operating fund of the
financial statements. You know financial statements aren't just the operating fund. There's trust funds. There's the capital fund and the library fund as well as some of your outside offices. So the trust funds uh operated normally and effectively. The storm reserve is down slightly. Um you know we have a couple
of big storms at the beginning of this year. So those are going to be impacting that that reserve as well. But it's still very strong again giving you more flexibility for un when uncertainty arises. So that's a very good thing as well. Um capital that's where we do all the capital projects and we maintain the
debt. Uh the long-term debt uh continues to reduce. The debt is down $8.5 million uh over the year in 2025 to 71,390,000. uh that is the lowest it's been uh in the last 20 years for sure probably 30
maybe even 40. So uh that it continues to reduce part of the long-term budget plan the long-term debt plan that the uh you know the commissioners have put in place over the last several years. Uh so I'm happy to report that it is working. That is
probably the lowest it's been in a very long time. >> That's great. >> Uh the library fund uh operated strong as well. the fund balance is down just slightly, but it's still in a strong position. So, overall, you know, all of your finances are in good shape. Um, you
know, as you continue to produce budgets that have a sound fiscal future to maintain taxes and and the services that you want to provide, keep a lot of stability for the resident. >> Great. Thank you. >> Anyone?
>> I think you Okay, number seven. uh resolution authorizing the reading of the 2026 Sussex County budget by title only in accordance with NJSA4A 4-8. Can I get a motion? >> So moved.
>> Commissioner Henderson, a second. Commission uh Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrroot, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Silverthorn, >> yes. >> Okay. Number eight, public hearing.
Public hearing for the 2026 Sussex County budget as approved. Can I get a motion to open public hearing for the 2026 Sussex County budget as approved? >> So moved. >> Commissioner Silverthorn second. Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? All in favor? I abstain. Okay. The floor
is open. >> Public hearing is now open. Is anyone present to be heard regarding the 2026 Sussex County budget as approved? Okay. Please state your name and municipality, please. >> Uh, good evening, commissioners and
community members. Um, I'm Ken Collins, Andover Township. I want to thank you for your hard work on a budget. It already feels like with Mr. Hayden replaced, we're getting more bang for the buck. So, to speak, and I know we're all grateful for that. Um, for quite some time, I've been coming before you
asking you to stabilize property taxes, and every year they go up. Uh, this year's no exception. Recently, you know, I've tried to explain to you all that if you raise property taxes by 3 and a half% a year, you double them 20. And I explain to you that you explain to you
that you've done that. And I want to kind of put that in perspective for you. Okay? If you're 25 years old and you come here and you buy a piece of property and the property taxes are $10,000 on it and you guys raise taxes 3.5% for the next 20 years, well, now they're $20,000. Then if you raise them
for the next 20 years, they're not $30,000, they're $40,000. They double again. And then over the next 20 years, they double again. So when that guy is 85, his taxes have now gone from, do the math. Did you do it? That's a lot of
money. He's paying 80 grand. So you got to really be careful with what you're doing. You can't double tax. You can't raise taxes three and a half% a year. You're going to tax this place out of existence. It's all I got. Thanks. Yeah.
>> Anyone else? >> Can I get a motion that the public hearing be Oh, we have another one. Oh, I'm sorry. Come on up. Didn't see you. >> Name. >> Hello. >> Is there line item in the budget again
this year to pay off the solar pan? Oh, it's paid off. >> Uh, the other the other question I have is um year overyear,
what has the rate of base? >> Oh, yeah. It's not a Q&A. It's what's that or we can respond. >> We can respond. Yeah, we can get you the information. >> The reason why I asked that question is that
uh every year at the municipal level, county level, there's an increase in revenue. Where does that increase come from?
Taxual base. So if I'm just using this as an example, if the rateable base went up by $10 million for the county, you have what the county tax rate is for
London 3.3 >> 3.38. So say it's $4 to make it easier on me. It's 338. Well, it's 39.38.
>> Uh, so per 100 on $10 million that means that there was additional revenue to the county. >> One minute. Uh so
I ju just would encourage you to understand, you know, we always hear about medical expenses going up, but your revenue also goes up and I would encourage you to uh work
with him for that revenue to increase. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? >> Still moved. >> Commissioner Carney and a second. Uh, Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion?
>> All in favor? I oppose. Obstain. Okay. The next one. A resolution the final adoption of the 2026 Sussex County budget as approved. Be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of the county of Sussex that the budget herein before set forth is hereby adopted and
shall constitute an appropriation of 132 million2,242,833.89 $89 for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations and authorization of the amount of the 108,695,41 for the county purposes to be raised by
taxation and certification to the county board of taxation of the following summary of general revenues and appropriations. Can I get a motion to finally adopt the 2026 county budget as approved? >> So move. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne. A second. >> Second. Uh, Commissioner Henderson, any
discussion? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Since I didn't make the last meeting under introduction, which I apologize for, I just have a few things I would like to say. One being I'm pretty sure we don't collect millions of dollars on ravs, but I'm not mistaken. I think we're around 200 grand this year, maybe 360 last year, Ela, something around
there. Right. Correct. Right. Okay. All right. So, I just want to clarify that. Um, you know, everybody could be a Monday morning quarterback and tell us that we could lower taxes 100% and we can lower taxes. You are correct. We could take out of our fund balance. We could take away all our services and have nothing. No Skylands ride, no
social services. We gave a proclamation for for mental health. We could take it all away. That's what we can do. But we don't want to do that. And we also want to pay our employees because they deserve a decent living, them and their families. So we, you know, we're taxpayers just like everybody else here.
And I think we do the best that we can do when we have unfunded mandates, $3.5 million in insurance going up year after year with no light insight whatsoever. So I just want to thank you guys for doing what you do. Ela, Tony, Christina,
Ray, Ray, um, you know, in the in the board because, you know, we do what's right for this county. I've been here going on six years. This is the highest. This is not good for anybody. Um most most municipalities are a lot higher than we are and I'm not trying to brag
by all means but for the last six years or 5 years prior I would say our average was about 1.1%. And that' be going up. When you have inflation at 9% that's not bad. Our employees we have a lot more employees than we did when I first started here. They're getting paid a good wage right and and again they
deserve to to get that good wage. So I stick behind our budget. Again, I would love it to be zero and I would love to be able to keep the services that we have, but you can't have both. So, I know, you know, everybody could fix things and again, Monday morning quarterbacks, there's so many of them.
Um, you know, we do what we can do and we're trying to do our best and uh again, thank you guys. >> And also public safety, that's another thing that's uh >> I can go on and on and director, you know what I mean? It's just uh Yeah. So, but thank you. >> Thank you. Um just I just wanted to
supplement what uh Commissioner Carney had stated. Uh this budget that's been prepared and was introduced um also reflects a decrease of over 40 items. Um you know this board, the subcommittees, our staff, we went through line item, literally item through item through item
to what we could could decrease. This budget represents a decrease of uh $2,13,452 that we were able to remove from the budget without decreasing a single service um or a single uh anything that we are uh providing the taxpayers. So I
you know I think there's something to be said for that as well that we are managing, we are looking and we are keeping the taxpayers in mind >> and we're continue doing our our debt >> pay down our debt which is big as as Ray said, right? I think 1.5 million I think in debt reduction this year. Am I
correct? Okay. More than that. That was the extra 1.5. What was it? >> Like seven million. >> 7 million with debt reduction. >> Okay. >> It's huge. >> That's huge. Now it's pay as you go instead of borrowing money for some of you guys who
>> Roll call, please. >> Director Space. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degrroo. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. >> Yes. Okay. Final adoption of ordinance 26-01.
At our regular meeting held on April 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first reading the following ordinance which was advertised on the County of Sussex website on April 23rd, 2026 together with the notice of public hearing stating that it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. bond ordinance
providing for the undertaking of 2026 capital improvements at and for certain facilities of Sussex County Community College located within the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, appropriating 1,200,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance
of 1,150,000 bonds or notes of the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey for financing such appropriation, the principle of an interest on the aggregate principle amount of which will be entitled led to state aid pursuant to chapter 12 of the
laws of New Jersey of 1971. Um, can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson, a second. Deputy Director Degrroot. Um, any discussion. >> Okay. All in favor? I oppose abstain.
State your name and municipality. And this is uh 3 minutes or less to speak. Okay. Is anyone present to be heard on this ordinance? Okay. Being none, can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? >> So moved. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Silverthornne, a
second. >> Second. >> Deputy Director Degrew. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I post abstain. Okay. Now, can I get a motion that this ordinance finally be adopted? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Carney and uh second was Commissioner Silverthornne. Any
discussion? >> All in favor? I oppose abstain. A motion that the resolution be uh adopted. Well, we already had that. This is on here. >> The ordinance be the resolution. >> Oh, okay.
>> Resolution. >> Okay. The Okay, I get it. Okay. That the resolution be adopted. >> Okay. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson, a second. Deputy Director Degrew. A roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney,
>> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrru, >> yes. Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthor. >> Yes. >> Okay. Is that that one? Is that just said that? So I think it was wrong. >> Yeah, it was that the resolution be adopted and advertised. >> Oh, and advertised. Okay. Um C. Final
adoption of ordinance 26-02. At our regular meeting held on April 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first reading the following ordinance which was advertised on the County of Sussex website on April 23rd, 2026 together with the notice of public hearing
stating it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. a bond ordinance providing for various 2026 capital improvements by and in the county of Sussex, State of New Jersey, appropriating $2,823,95 therefore and authorizing 2,681,000
bonds or notes of the county to finance part of the costs thereof. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened? >> So moved. >> Okay, Commissioner Carney. Second. >> Second. >> Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Okay. Is anyone present to be
heard regarding this ordinance? >> Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Okay. Second. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson and uh Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I post abstain.
>> And I get a motion that this ordinance be finally adopted. >> So moved. >> Okay. Deputy Director Drew and a second. Second. >> Uh, Commissioner Silverthornne, any discussion? All in favor? I. Post abstain. I get a motion that the resolution be finally adopted and
authorize the clerk of the board to advertise this resolution as finally adopted and also post same on the bulletin board in the lobby of the county administrative center. >> So move. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne, a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson. Roll call, please. >> Director Space. Yes.
>> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. Yes. Commissioner Silverthorn. >> Yes. >> Okay. D. Final adoption of ordinance 26-03. At our regular meeting held on April 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first reading the following ordinance which
was advertised on the County of Sussex website on April 23rd, 2026 together with a notice of public hearing stating it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. Capital ordinance providing funding for certain capital improvements in and
for the county and the Sussex County. Career and Technical High School located within the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, and appropriating 8,225,223. Therefore, to pay for the cost thereof. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened?
>> So, move Commissioner Silverthorn with a second. Commissioner Henderson. Uh, any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Is anyone present to be heard regarding this ordinance? Okay. Can I get a motion that the public
hearing be closed? So moved. >> Commissioner Silverthornne second. Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Okay. Can I get a motion that this ordinance be finally adopted? >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson and a
second with Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I postain. Motion carries. Okay. Can I get a motion that the resolution be finally adopted and authorize the clerk to advertise this resolution as finally adopted and also post same on the
bulletin board in the lobby of the county of the administration administrative center? >> So move second. >> Commissioner Silverthornne and a second from deputy director Degrroot. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Dloo, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Silverthor, >> here. >> Okay. E. Final adoption of ordinance 26-04. At our regular meeting held on April 22nd, 2026, we introduced for first reading the following ordinance, which was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026, together with the notice of public hearing, stating it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. capital ordinance providing for various improvements to roads and bridges in and for the county of Sussex, state of New Jersey, and appropriating
$1,480,170. Therefore, $1,479,670 from grants received or expected to be received from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to pay for the cost thereof. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened? >> So, move second. >> Commissioner Silverthorn. A second. >> Second.
>> Deputy Director Degrew. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Is anyone present to be heard regarding this ordinance? Okay. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? >> So moved. Second. >> Commissioner Silverthorne. A second from
Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Opposed. Abstain. >> Can I get a motion that this ordinance be finally adopted? >> Okay. Commissioner Silverorn. A second. Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Okay.
Motion carries. Motion that the resolution be finally adopted and authorize the clerk to advertise this resolution as finally adopted and also post same on the bulletin board in the lobby of the county administrative center. >> So moved. >> Okay. Deputy director Degroup makes a motion. A second. >> Second. >> Uh Commissioner Silverthornne. Any
discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degrroot. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. >> Yes. F. Final adoption of ordinance 26-05 at our regular meeting held on April
22nd, 2026. We introduced for first reading the following ordinance which was advertised on the county of Sussex website on April 23rd, 2026 together with the notice of public hearing stating it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. Uh the ordinance approving a use application for the reservation
and use of the Newton Green. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson and a second. >> Second. >> Uh, Commissioner Carney. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I post abstain. Okay. The the floor is open. Anyone present to be
heard regarding this ordinance? >> Okay. Being none. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? >> So moved. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Uh, Commissioner Deputy Director Degrroot and a second from Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I I oppose abstain. Motion carries. Can
I get a motion that this ordinance be finally adopted? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson. >> Next motion. Commissioner Silverthornne second. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Substain. Motion carries. Motion that the resolution be finally adopted and authorize the clerk to advertise
this resolution as finally adopted and also post same on the bulletin board in the lobby of the county administrative center. >> So moved. >> Okay. Deputy director Dut makes a motion. Second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Carney. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Director Space. Yes. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degru.
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Hendrickson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. >> Yes. >> Okay. G. Final adoption of ordinance 26-06 at a regular meeting held on April 22nd, 2026. be introduced for first reading the following ordinance which was advertised on the County of Sussex
website on April 23rd, 2026 together with the notice of public hearing stating it would be held at this meeting at 6 p.m. an ordinance of the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners to establish rules of conduct and decorum for public meetings. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be opened? So
>> move Silverthorn and a second from Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I oppose abstain. Motion carries. Is anyone present to be heard regarding this ordinance? Okay, being none, can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? >> So move second. >> Commissioner Silverthorn and a second
from Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? All in favor? I post abstain. Motion carries. A motion that this ordinance be finally adopted. >> So moved. >> Okay. Deputy Director Degrroot makes a motion. Second. >> Second. >> Uh Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion?
>> All in favor? I post abstain. Motion carries. Motion that this resolution be finally adopted and authorize the clerk to advertise this resolution as finally adopted and also post same on the bulletin board in the lobby of the county administrative center. Make a motion. >> So move. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson, a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. Any
discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Degru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne. >> Yes. >> Okay. Public session from the floor. This public session is for those wishing to make a comment of three minutes or
less regarding an agenda item. Please line up the microphone and state your name and municipality municipality and agenda topic for the record. Can I get a motion to open the floor for public comment? >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson, a second. Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? All
in favor? I oppos. The floor is open for 3 minutes or less. Agenda topics only. Okay. Being none, can I get a motion to close the floor for Oh, there is one. Sorry, I'm reading so fast. Agenda topic only, please. >> Eleand Hampton Township. Uh about
immigration. >> Is that which agenda? The agenda item? This isn't the public comments for everything yet. That'll be that'll come up later. Thank you. Okay. Anyone? Agenda topics only. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to close the floor for public comment?
>> Okay. Silverthorn. Second. Deputy Director Drew. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose abstain. Okay, floor is closed. Okay, number 10. Commissioner comments. I'm going to start with Commissioner Silverthorn. >> Well, once again, since I go first, I'm
going to just limit it to um the things I did either by myself or mostly by myself. And it's been three weeks. So, there was there's been a ton of stuff that we've done. And uh Mr. Collins likes to said, you're getting your money's worth now because uh I'm going to everything I can go to.
>> So, uh you got >> and uh and I'd like to thank Bill Copenhaul for attending an Ogdensburg bridge meeting with me about something that they were very concerned about and when she go and talk to them um it allays a lot of their fears. So, uh that's moving along. Um but that was
that was one of them. Uh we went to I'm going to leave that one because that was everybody. Uh Commissioner uh Henderson and myself did the Andover and Lafayette DVW tour. I attended the Blue Denim Ball in Belvadier. They were very
happy to have someone from Sussex County attend. Um we did the Frankfurt and Wantage DPW tour. So we've completed all the uh DPW buildings uh that we that we had on our uh schedule. Uh I completed the second half
of my library tour which was Sussex, Wantage, Franklin, and Vernon. I also stopped by their inservice which was uh the following week I believe. Um we had a meeting with the tax board concerning uh something they wanted to talk about
with shared services which Christina Mars is going to bring up a little bit later. Um we had the board of taxation reorganization that I attended. Uh, Commissioner Henderson and myself
did a jail tour and um, did you go to that? >> No, >> I went that >> every other thing with you. >> Uh, and also I I did attend the Branchville Host Company installment dinner um with Commissioner Space was there as well. Uh, we did a facilities
tour with Mr. Henderson and um that was that was good to see everything the the guys that keep everything running and uh often times get a lot of the blame are it's good to see what they have to deal with and a lot of times it's they're doing the best they can with what they
have. Uh I attended a uh Byum Council meeting, Branchville council meeting and also a Franklin Burough council meeting. Uh I went down to the Njac for a commissioner orientation. They had a large number of uh new commissioners elected this year and this is the first time they had a commissioner's
orientation I think about 14 years. So I did attend that was very informative. Met some good people and uh and did do a little bit of gambling. of >> what's on there. And uh and today we attended the U community college commencement and we also did a tour of
uh administrator Henderson myself did a tour of the sheriff's office here on High Street and also the uh the court complex just to get a better feel for everything over there. That's the majority of the things I did either alone or with a few of these guys. There are a lot of other things we did do
together and that's all. Commissioner Henderson. >> I look at his bullet points and I feel guilty going to read you what we did here in the last three weeks. On April 23rd, I along with Commissioner Director Space Carney and Silverthorn Thorn and we attended the groundbreaking of the
new pole barn at Sussex County Sheriff's OEM site. Also on the 23rd, Commissioner Director Space Silverthornne and I attended the Sussex County ribbon cutting for the newly renovated library and student center. What a transformation. It looks exceptional. Well done, SEC President Dr. Cory Homer
and all those involved in making this a reality. Later that day, I attended the Sussex County Open Space meeting via Zoom. There were five presentations by municipalities for the trail grant from Stillwater, Frankfurt, Wanage, Hopackhan in the county. It's my understanding
since that meeting, several other municipalities have submitted for the grant. On April 24th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I did a tour of two Sussex County DPW garages in Andover and Lafayette to speak with workers about their concerns and tour their facilities. We also did a site visit
that day at the county sign shop where all county road signs are produced as well as assisting municipalities with their sign needs. On Monday, April 27th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I visited Frankfurt Sussex DPW garage to tour their buildings and speak with the employees. I just would like to
personally thank all the employees for the incredible job they did this winter, but all year long keeping the roads in great shape for our commuters in and out of the county. Later that afternoon, we met with DPW workers from Sussex and Vernon at the Sussex garage. I think this interaction with employees means a
lot to employees as it's our chance to personally thank them and show them their appreciation for their dedication to the county. On April 28th, I along with Commissioner Silverthornne attended the School of Conservation ceremony where they received a historical marker. The history behind this place is
absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, some of their funding is being cut as well. On April 29th, I attended the SEC President's Ball at the Community College along with Commissioner Space and Silverthornne. Exciting time for Dr. Corey Homer to be officially sworn in as
a president of SEC. Certainly well-deserved honor for Dr. Homer as he leads the college into the future. Also that evening, my fellow commissioners, we attended Sussex County Crimestoppper hosted by our county sheriff and staff. It's incredible to see the outpouring support for this
program. Just as a side note, Crimestoppper arrest of the individuals that dump the dogs throughout the county come from one tip to Crimestoppers. Please, as the saying goes, if you see something, say something. Uh it could help to an arrest of an individual or a
case. On April 30th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I presented a proclamation to the Warren Habitat Humanity event at Perona Farms. Fantastic evening and fundraiser. They are currently renovating a home on Route 565 in Wanage where a family and their young son will reside. Habitat for
Humanity is looking for a location in the county for a restore as well as other properties throughout the county to build or renovate for additional homes. On April 30th, Commissioner Director Space and I had a meeting with Sheriff Strata regarding building security. On May 1st, I attended
National Law Day at the courthouse. One of my first times attending great event celebrating 250 years of America and the law of the land. On May 4th, Commissioner Silverthornne and I did a visit of the facilities department. This also gave us the opportunity to hear
about issues or concerns that they see in the field. One interest interesting point is that county owns approximately 100 buildings. 38 of them are occupied by staff members. Out of that, 33 need new roofs now or in the near future. I'm a firm believer that no additional
buildings should be built in this county until we catch up. Our administrator certainly has her work cut out for her, but I have all the confidence in you that you will proceed on a positive path with a plan to complete these and other projects as we move forward. Later that afternoon, Commissioner Carney and I attended a county planning
board meeting where several applicants presented information requesting waiverss or clarifications on several projects on county roads. That evening, I attended the Hopakhcon Burl meeting via Zoom. On May 6th, I attended the Skuma meeting as their liaison. That
same evening, I attended the Sussex County Votech Board meeting where a lot of teachers and parents voiced their concern over the cutting of the A shop and the loss of a guidance counselor. Currently, there are three guidance counselors, each with a uh workload of 300 children a piece. The loss of one
staff member will increase 300 children to two staff members to handle as well as well as other staff being cut. On May 7th, along with Commissioner Silverthornne, we attended the EDC breakfast at Yet Diner and members of the county chamber, Lafayette, Frankfurt, Branchville businesses to
hear their comments and concerns and the need to work together to keep the county thriving. Later that day, I attended an Andover Township meeting regarding the ordinance about the data center and restrictions. The show of residence was incredible. I'd estimate three or 4 hundred individuals there, all of which voiced
their concern about the data center in Andover Township. This ordinance was going to be up for further discussion at their next meeting, but as you're well aware, the township had a special meeting last night to repeal the ordinance. I did attend it via Zoom. On May 8th, I was honored to be asked along
with Commissioner Carney Silverthornne and Deputy Mayor Cinean of Frankfurt to attend the opening day at the Miners game to throw out the first pitch. I'm glad to be re reading this report before Commissioner Carney as he's going to tell you he sign was asked to be signed
up as an all-star player. If you believe that, I have a bridge in the desert I'd like to sell you. I wish uh the Miners the best of luck as they begin their ball season. On May 9th, I attended an Eagle Scout event where I presented a proclamation to a young man from this board for his achievement as
an Eagle Scout. A very dedicated, hardworking young man that I have no doubt will lead his generation into the future. On May 12th, Commissioner Director Space Silverthornne and I attended the chamber breakfast. Today, Commissioner Silverthornne and I did a tour of the county sheriff's officer and
court. I'd like to thank Sheriff Strata and the staff. Uh, excellent tour. And as Commissioner Silverthornne said, today we just finished the college graduation. And my last thing is a senior service care support group meeting will be held virtually uh on
Zoom 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 21st. Uh it helps people taking care of individuals and provides them a lot of information on help they might need. And that's all I have. >> Commissioner Carney, >> thank you.
I just want to start off with I threw a strike. I threw a strike. >> It's still for sale. >> I'm gonna read I'm gonna read fast. I'm going to start off with DPW. Uh Sesan Division of Public Works
Highway Agency Stormware Permit Division of Public Works has completed the first round of sweet street sweeping along with 620 lanes of mile of county routes. Sweeping. Sweeping is one of the minimum basic requirements included with Sussex County Highway Agency stormwater permit issued by the NJDVP. Permit requires the
county to sweep each county route a minimum of three times per year. Materials collected are logged into the county's asset management system and report to NJDAP as part of the annual permit certific certification process. Ses County farmland preservation plan sess county planning board is holding a
public meeting at 4:00 on June 1st. four o'clock on June 1st to review and adopt the updated comprehensive farmland preservation plan. Sussex County Agriculture Agricultural Board has been working on updated plan for the past year. The updated plan will help steer the program over the next 10 years. The
meeting will include a presentation of 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 Sussex County Division of Planning. Uh, and you can
call them at 973-579-0500. Construction, as one of the commissioners mentioned, we had the groundbreaking. Um, so this has a lot to do with that. I know the DPW is excited. They don't usually get to build um new buildings or any kind of site construction and they have two going on.
So I know they're pretty excited about that. So staff within the division of public works, the office of bridge and traffic safety and the office of facilities management are continuing work on the cesus county division of health storage building and the cesus county sheriff storage building and mod modular office project. Both projects are located in Frankfurt Township. Crews
have completed the pads and are currently installing the site storm water systems and rough grading throughout the parking areas. The building contractor is expected to begin construction of the division of health storage building within the next few weeks. This was all funded by ARPA money. So, it needs to be spent and by
the end of the year uh or actually before that if Ela could help it. Uh public works construction crew uh are also working on repairs to storm water inlets and storm water collection pipes in preparation of the upcoming resurfacing program. Cus County traffic safety program. Staff from the office of bridge and traffic
safety have completed the annual functional inspection inspection over 14,000 traffic control signs owned and operated by the county. Spring and summer work will focus on replacement of signs which have been damaged uh or reached end of their functional service life. Crews will also be trimming sight line obstructions to allow approaching
drivers a free and clear line of sight for these signs. The Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety has also started deployment of dynamic speed signs. Dynamic speed signs are deployed by the county to enhance drivers awareness of posted and travel speeds along our county route system. The county receives numerous complaints about cars speeding
within residential, urban, and school zones. Deployment of speed monitors under this program target a number of locations which the county receives reoccurring calls and complaints of speeding. Safe safety along our roads and our communities is responsible for is a responsibility of everyone. Stay alert
and always be aware of the roadways posted speed limit. Couple things that some of the commissioners may be left out. Uh I did attend and Jack as well down Atlantic City. Learned a couple things. One I will be bringing up to administrator MarkX was um AI. I'm a
little leer always about AI, but minutes can be done in AI with AI. Price was a little eh, but um I just thought that was a good one that caught my attention. Um and then LOAP. LOAP was something that some municipalities uh should use.
It's basically uh somewhat of a a pay a payment um for their services for for first responders and fire departments and so on. so forth. I did talk to Deputy Mayor Civotan about that and if there's any counties out there, if you're watching, listening, or whatever, if they have any questions, I have a
good contact. This guy is the guru of LOAP, not just in the state of New Jersey, but throughout the country. Uh I think it's important to, you know, to respect our our first responders. It retains them. It brings them in. I think it's a very very good program. And then last but not least, I attended the Taste
of Talent for Project Self-Sufficiency. If you like to eat, you should go there. It's very good. It's in a great It's a great fun fundraiser at Perona Farms. Um, so that's all I have. Thank you, >> Deputy Director Degrroot. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. Uh, first I would like to begin with the
NJTPA board of trustees meeting which was held this past week in Newark. At that meeting, we heard from Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of Medalland Chamber, who provided an update on both the FIFA FIFA World Cup flag cities planning and the broader community experiences taking shape across North Jersey, as well as an
overview of future development plans for the Meadowlands. Specifically, Mr. Kirkos discussed a study currently being finalized that explores redeveloping an existing sports complex of the meadowands between American Dream and the Metife Stadium into a modern multi-use convention and events complex
along with a thousand room hotel. He noted that that this redevelopment strategy could generate an estimated 30 billion dollar in economic impact over 30 years. He also shared the efforts are underway to secure support from the governor and the state legislature for potential state funding with a goal of
breaking ground by 2027 and completing the project in time for a potential ribbon cutting in 2030. Continuing on, I had the opportunity to speak at resurrecting the beef industry in New Jersey a forum uh which I co-hosted alongside Dean Laba in collaboration with Tus County Community College and
Warren County Community College. We were honored to have New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wingren in attendance along with professionals and producers from across the Garden State. Overall, I believe this forum was a great success in helping move the conversation forward for strengthening the beef production
here in New Jersey. The key focus on the discussion was the need for expanding local processing capacity and the role of additional processing facilities could play in better supporting livestock producers throughout the state. The event reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between farmers, educational
institutions, industry leaders, and government officials as we work to support and grow New Jersey's agriculture for future generations. Additionally, I attended two events near and dear to my heart as I had the honor of attending uh today's choice annual banquet and the New Jersey right to life
annual gala, both celebrating the sanctity and gift of life and held during the same exact week. It was truly uplifting to join so many individuals from Sussex County and across the state of New Jersey who are committed to serving mothers, children, and families with compassion, love, and faith. Not
only that, but during that same week, the United States Supreme Court unan unanimously ruled in favor of First Choice Woman resource center in its case against the state of New Jersey, re reaffirming the important constitutional protections surrounding freedom of association and
donor privacy for faithbased pregnancy centers. The decision marked a significant moment for organizations that answer the biblical call to protect the innocent, care for mothers in need, and uphold the dignity of every human life created in the image of God. Other than that, since our last meeting, I had
the opportunity to attend some additional events. Uh, some of which already were mentioned by my fellow commissioners. A few others I attended include Taste of Vernon, uh, the Sussex Kani's annual live and silent auction, and the Hope Through the Valley annual banquet. Each of these events was wonderful and served a great reminder of
the strong sense of community, service, and generosity that continues to make Cuss County such a special place to live and work. That's all. Thank you and God bless. >> Thank you. Division of Senior Services annual public hearing will be held uh at
1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 in the Sparta Senior Center at Null Heights Village located at 40 Tarpaso Drive in Sparta. The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments on the proposed 2027 area plan update, which generates funding for Sussex County through the
Older Americans Act of 1965, is amended. Attendees will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on current service needs for the seniors of Sussex County. Anyone who would like to testify at the public hearing or submit written testifi testimony should contact the Sussex
County Division of Senior Services by May 29th at 973-579-0555 extension 1222 or email senior services at sussex.nj. us. Individuals requiring transportation to the public hearing may contact Sussex County Skylands Ride at
973-5790480 no later than 11:00 a.m. on May 28th, 2026 to make a reservation. Division of Health Polebar Emergency Response and Storage Facility. A groundbreaking ceremony was held which we all attended to construct the Sussex
County Division of Health Polebard facility on Morris Turnpike in Frankfurt Township on Friday, April 17th. The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners authorized utilization of American Rescue Plan Act funding for this new facility to support the Division of Health's wide range of
critical services including emergency preparedness and response, communicable disease surveillance and response and public health outreach and support among others. The Health Poleborn emergency response and storage facility will be located on county-owned property and
will strategically function as part of the county's Morris Turnpike campus. The location serves as a hub for public safety and emergency management operations, which will provide important operational benefits and enhance coordination efforts between county public safety and public health agencies
during an emergency response, which the two pole barns are actually located going to be located across the street from each other in front of the old juvenile detention center, which is where we have the county OEM. Um going to keep my comments a little short tonight because I'm tired of speaking
and I'm sure you're all tired of hearing me speak. Um we've obviously had a busy three weeks since our last meeting. It was an honor to address the 2026 Sussex County Community College graduates this afternoon. They had 212 graduates walk
um Dr. Homer said there's about 400 in between 400 to 500 graduates each year at Sussex County Community College. A huge accomplishment to get to that point. Um, another highlight was speaking at the inauguration of the college's new president, Dr. Corey Homer. Dr. Homer became the seventh
president at Sussex County Community College. I had the opportunity to speak at the ribbon cutting for the new learning commons at the college. It's nice to see all the improvements in the infrastructure there. As the others said, we've attended the groundbreaking ceremony for new show Sheriff's Poleborn. This is a project done through ARPA funds. Will be done mostly
in-house. Congratulations to all those that made the Crimestoppers event a huge success. We all had a great time for a great cause. Commissioner Silverthornne and I attended Branchfield Fire Department's installation dinner. A huge congratulations to Mr. Russell Bellis for 65 years of dedicated service. We are all so appreciative to our local
volunteer firefighters. Commissioner Henderson Silverthornne and I attended the chamber's annual wellness breakfast fair yesterday. Um it's my favorite uh my favorite time of the month is when we get to have breakfast at the Corona Farms. We don't normally have a breakfast. So I love that. Um, I also
had a subcommittee meeting yesterday from the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership and I do believe that the county needs smart growth and more ratables. Finally, I had a meeting yesterday at the fairgrounds with Deputy Administrator Lorraine Hence, Ryan Jurro and Michael Richards, the fair president
um on our 250th America celebration and it's scheduled for June 7th at 3 p.m. It's moving right along. The event is free. We will have plenty of food vendors, um, regular vendors, artisans, bounce houses, games, fireworks, and much more. And again, this event is
free. If you want more information, we're going to have more information on our website and the county's Facebook page. There's some information right outside the door to the left. Well, my left. It would be out Oh, it would be your left, too. Yeah. Anyway, I'm tired. It's been a long day, and I haven't spoken this much in a year. Two years.
Last time I was director when it was the budget. Okay. And that's all I have. Um, number 11, we have no consent agenda. Number 12, approval of the regular meeting minutes from March 11th. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from the March 11th meeting?
>> Okay, Commissioner Henderson, a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Carney, any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Number 13, we have no ordinances. Number 14, no appointments and or resignations. Number 15, resolutions. Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions
A through K? >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Silverthorne in a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Commissioner Carney, any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Silmore, >> yes. >> Okay. Number 16, awards of contract change orders bids. The board of county commissioners of the county of Sussex has reviewed the award of contract change orders bids consisting of various proposed
resolutions and determined that the adoption of said resolutions is in and will further the public interest. Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions A through I? >> Okay. Commissioner uh Silverthornne, a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Carney. Any discussion?
Roll call, please. >> Director Stace, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. Deputy Director Duru? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Silverthorn? >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to pay bills list A of May 13, 2026?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson. A second from Deputy Director Degrroot. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Deputy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Uh, can I get a motion to pay bills list B of May 13, 2026? >> So moved. >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson and a second. >> Second. >> Uh, Commissioner Silverthornne. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> abstain. >> Commissioner Carney,
>> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Silverthor, >> yes. Resolution C, resolution determining the form and other details of the offering of $4,881,000
general obligation bonds consisting of $3,731 $31,000 vocational technical school bonds series 2026 and 1,150,000 county college bonds series 2026 county
college bond act 1971 NJ laws C12 as amended of the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, and providing for the sale of such bonds and additionally determining certain matters with respect to the sale and issuance of $4,11,000
bond anticipation notes. Can I get a motion to adopt resolution say? >> Still moved. >> Thank Carney and a second. Deputy Director Degrew. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrru, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. Commissioner Silverthorn.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Uh personnel, we have none. Number 19, administrative report. >> Okay. Uh good evening everyone. Uh my report is is short tonight as well. Uh I just wanted to provide a quick update on the American Rescue Plan Act funded
projects that the count county is currently working on. Uh the Franklin Library facade and roof work was completed and is being scheduled to be paid on May 27th, 2026, closing out that incumbrance. Uh we have uh we had in uh money set aside for the CDL license
training. That final class was also completed. The invoice is in process to be paid and all monies encumbered for this project then will have been paid out. Uh the historical society school outreach, we are anticipating to receive a project update from the historical society on Friday, May 15th. And thank
you to Ela for following up on that with uh with our uh historian. And then um the county facility roofing projects uh the work to the mosquito building was completed. We're just waiting to receive the final invoices. Um and then we
really only have a couple other projects that are currently ongoing which are those pole barns. Uh the feasibility study. I want to thank the board for approving the appraisal company this evening. First thing bright first thing 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. We will be meeting uh with our team, Bill Copenel,
Elaeder, uh Keith Nelson and I to discuss this project and moving uh begin to move forward with the study for uh review by the board. Uh well, we've been having some difficulties currently with our vendor for fuel. Uh they are not filling up our pumps to capacity and
this is causing a significant uh issue with our county operations. So, we have referred this as of last week to county council and to see what our options are under the current contract. Um and then lastly in addition uh Commissioner Silverthorne and I met with
the uh tax board and representatives from the tax board. Um apparently uh or currently not all municipalities are updating their tax backs which per state statute should be updated annually. Um and however the state which oversees that is not enforcing that these tax
maps are updated uh timely. So, we were approached by the board of taxation about creating a shared service where the county could help coordinate this effort utilizing our current vendor. Uh, many of municipalities do currently use the same vendor. So, it would be a a savings across the board to the
taxpayers throughout the county. Uh, we received some information where Mammoth County is currently doing this. I had a chance to quickly review that uh before I was away and um and while they are doing that on a shared service basis, they're doing it in a method where Mammoth County is actually overseeing it
and taking control and funding it. Um that is not the proposal that's been brought to us. So, we are uh reviewing that a little bit more how we could do that uh inhouse and not be a fully funded county project, but again, it's it's where the municipalities would uh
contribute to that. Uh we do have a mayor's meeting on Saturday the 16th. So that is something that I'm going to bring up with all of the municipal mayors um to get this on board. It it is something that um after speaking with the tax board uh would be a a benefit to
everyone throughout the county and making sure that all of these tax maps are updated and current. Um and that is all I have. >> Thank you. Number 21. Does anyone have any unfinished business? Okay. Number
22, new business. We have a resolution authorization to provide for large modular blocks for gravity retaining wall for the Department of Engineering and Planning to Northeast Concrete Products LLC in the amount of $97,48.
Can I get a motion to adopt resolution A? >> Still moved. >> Thank you, Commissioner Carney. And second, please. >> Second. >> Okay. Commissioner Silverthornne, any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Director Space, yes. >> Commissioner Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Degrew, yes.
>> Commissioner Henderson, yes. >> Commissioner Silverthornne, >> yes. >> I did not see a spot for Oh, I skipped over the county council report. Sorry, I was making your life a little county council report. >> Only two Only >> Only two items, director, both executive
session. one in pursuit in furtherance of a contract dispute, the other uh in resolution of a piece of old litigation out of the prosecutor's office. I'll go over both of them with you all tonight in executive. Thank you. >> Sounds good. Sorry about that. Number 23, public session from the floor. 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 public to open the floor for public comment? Second, >> Commissioner Henderson. A second. Deputy Director Degru. Any discussion? All in
favor? I post abstain. Okay, the floor is open. >> Good evening again, Ken Coll. Ken Collins, still from Andover Township. There is no need to be condescending and call your constituents Monday morning quarterbacks. How belittling. You should
be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Carney. People come here to express their concerns and feelings. Stop being so condescending to them. I do hope that won't continue if you're a county clerk. I want to thank Commissioner Henderson for coming out to the Andover Township Committee meeting on May 7th. It was
refreshing to see a county commissioner taking interest in our fight to stop a data center from being built at the old Newton airport site on Stickles Pond Road. The township found out about this plan at the 11th hour. Had an applicant come in two weeks earlier, we may have been too late to stop it, but
fortunately, we were not. The community came together across party lines to force their own elected officials to act as proper stewards of Andover Township and pass a ban on data centers. Yet, they still resisted. But the town's people would not stand for it. They organized. They lawyered up. They showed
up to the May 7th township committee meeting, as Commissioner Henderson noted, and demanded a data center ban. The testimony of our community was thoughtful, personal, heart-wrenching. We should not have to fight those we elect to govern.
just so they would be proper stewards of the place we call home. Home should be a safe place. I urge the board to adopt a moratorum on data center construction throughout the county without further delay. Take six months to review data centers and their impacts and enact
resolutions to govern their construction if you so desire or prohibit them altogether as I urge. If you're going to allow data centers to be built in this county, decide on guidelines and allowable locations. But for now, pass a countywide moratorum to give other
communities 6 months to take a stand like we did in Andover. Don't let these monstrosity monstrosities sneak in under the radar. In case you're not aware, they plan on building one on Welden Road in Sparta. You need to do something to stop these
things before they're getting built without the community having any input. Thanks, >> Rayan Jurro, Stillwater Township, but I'm also actually talking to you as a social worker working for senior services. And this is in response to the
meeting regarding the veteran service officers that were in question last time. So I did make some contact. Um so we have two um Lewis Sigurio is our VSO for Sussex County. He is here um Monday,
Wednesdays, and Thursdays at um Franklin um from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30. He is a little behind because there's so many claims going on right now that he's about two months behind, but he is answering emails and he is answering phone.
Um he usually says within 48 hours those are answered. He has Yasmin um Rodriguez. She completes the initial intake process um for all appointments and then starts to schedule the appointments with Lewis. They only are not. Yes, they're in Sussex County and
Franklin, but they also have an office in Dover. So, if you're in Herpacon or something like that, you may want to go to the Dover Graphics. So, he's saying that um to let you know that they're also um available in Dover. So what I have provided for
you is his contact information in um the contact his name her name and the do address as well as the Sussex address which is 48 Riker Road in Franklin and his Dover address is 479 West Clinton Street in Dover and that's where um the
veterans from Sussex County can go and speak to their BSO. We appreciate everything that you do for the veterans. >> Good evening, commissioners. Nick Civitan, deputy mayor Frankfurt Township, Commissioner.
um and virtual >> um we just have a a token of our appreciation and a little proclamation that we made. So uh in honor of this historic occasion in American history and to extend our appreciation, the
township committee of Frankfurt presents you with the America 250th Challenger coin. Your commitment to excellence illustrates the very determination and innovative spirit that drove our forefathers of this nation to achieve the greatness that ignited a revolution
called freedom. God bless America. There's an extra coin in there we'd like to put into the and Caliando Hampton Township immigration. Despite many attempts to pass an overall immigration policy, the US has
vacasillated between near open borders and asylum and due process legal practices. close borders in the detention and deportation of both convicted criminals as well as those with no criminal
history. Present we have seen the proliferation of detention centers to two 456, the arrest, incarceration and deportation of both hardened criminals which are 8% of the im immigrant
population as well as 73% of those with no criminal convictions. As of April 6, detainees numbered 60,000. Compounding the problem is a 25% reduction of immigration judges. Studies
show that with legal process available, immigrants are five times more likely to obtain relief, which leaves us with one, significant increase of those without charges having decreased chance of legal resources resulting in higher rates of
detention and removal. Two, the management of detention centers by private companies with profit as their primary motive. Three, the escalation of aggressive tactics in detention centers and immigrant immigrant communities
by the fear of demographic shifts referred to as the browning of America. Our immigration problem is not the presence of law-abiding immigrants, but the failure of many administrations to enact reform.
The administration announced kinder and more focused approach toward immigration community. Whether this comes to pass or not, it is the responsibility of private citizens and elected officials to
aggressively push for comprehension reform. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Kathy Brennan, Hampton Township. Um, I will make this very quick because um, many of us have data centers on our mind
at the moment and I was happy to see that Commissioner Henderson at the event. Um, I just wanted to reiterate the basically the same things that um, these data centers are just being thrown up. there's nothing um being discussed
about them or whatever and the effects of them on the environment, the noise, the water usage, the the electrical usage. And um I would suggest the same thing that um the county suggests that
for now municipalities put a moratorum on any consideration of any data centers for at least for now and possibly forever because um it seems like these data centers are becoming out of control. The one that they wanted to put
in Andover was a huge center which which they had to pass ordinances in order for to be able to even happen and it would totally ruin our environment and totally affect all the people living in the area. Thank you.
Gene Opriage Hampton. It's time to stop MAG of Madness from destroying our country. It's time to replace our elected officials who continue to support the tyrant in the White House who is corrupting our government at an exponential rate, stealing our tax dollars and demanding the
disenfranchisement of millions of Americans. To stop MAGA madness, it's important to understand why it has taken hold in this country. Simply put, it is based on insecurity, fear, racism, and corruption. It's been widely known for
decades that the w white majority in this country would shift to the minority as the population of immigrants and resident black, brown, and Asian groups grew. Conservative groups like the old Tea Party, the Heritage Foundation, and MAGA support legislation and court
decisions that serve to maintain their grip on political power before they become the minority. actions that are dismantling our democratic institutions and disenfranchising millions of Americans. Mad Maggas who do not understand American history think that
they this makes sense. 250 years ago, our forefathers fought the Revolutionary War. Not because they were taxed, but because they did not have the right of representation in the legislative body that imposed those taxes. As mad maggas continue to gerrymander their way to
maintain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, the masses will rise up to demand representation in our government. Especially as we witness a tyrant stealing our tax dollars for pet projects and causing the cost of living to skyrocket. Magga Madness is
allowing a tyrant to overtly skirt the law and approve no bid contracts to companies that charge three times the amount of money the projects actually cost. The reflecting pool, $13.1 million. The Trump Arch, $und00 million.
The White House ballroom, $1 billion. Retrofitting the Saudi gift plane, $1 billion. The war in Iran, $29 billion. ICE detention warehouses, $ 38.3 billion. The Golden Dome, $1.2 trillion.
Our tax dollars are going straight into the pockets of Trump, his family, and his cronies. Blindly following a cult leader without questioning or opposing his policies and illegal and corrupt actions is madness. When you support a tyrannical leader who misuses our tax
dollars, threatens innocent citizens, dismantles government institutions, and takes away our right of representation in our government, you are part of the problem. In the long run, just like the British hold on the American colonies, just like the slaveholders grip on an
inhumane system, and just like the KKK's grasp on the Jim Crow South, MAGA madness will lose. It's time to stop the MAGA madness from harming the citizens of Sussex County. >> Hello, Diane RDE Hampton Township. I'm
here tonight as a on behalf of PBA 138 uh detectives bargaining unit. I'm just here to say hi. Please uh accept our proposal to you. Um hope you sharpen your pencils. We did for ours and um please consider it. Thank you very much. Have a good night.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening. Manford Brawn from Hardest Township. I'd like to comment on Director Space's monologue at the April 8th meeting. >> Trump has long cultivated the idea among his supporters that he is always the
smartest person in the room. The res record suggests otherwise. He is a 34time convicted felon and a civil adjudicated sexual abuser and a man who incited an insurrection in a failed attempt to overturn a free election.
These are not matters of opinion, but they are matters of public record. While these facts are deeply disturbing, they are in the past. What lies ahead that should concern every one of us who values our democracy?
Let's be blunt. Trump is flailing. His approval rating is at historic lows, even among some of the MAGA faithful. As such, Trump knows that Republicans cannot win in November, and he is willing to go to any lengths to steal the upcoming election. He continues to
insist that there is rampant voter fraud while presenting absolutely no evidence. He has on several occasions stated that the elections should be nationalized. a clearly unconstitutional directive.
Save Act, the rampant redistricting efforts, ballot seizures in California and Georgia, and the demands of DOJ to secure states voter roles all bear this out. Additionally, the administration has said it will send ICE agents to
polling centers to oversee the elections, another clearly unconstitutional directive. Mark Elias, whose law firm has been fighting and winning the in the aforementioned DOJ cases, remarked in a recent newsletter that local election
officials should working with their states attorneys generals and other state officials on how best to to counter these potential illegalities. So my question to you today is simple. Will your support of the president extend to
carrying out illegal orders given by him? Or will you stand for our democracy and allow the people to determine the outcome of the next election? Specifically, if federal agents appear at polling stations in our jurisdiction or the DOJ asks for our voter
information, what will you do? Will you comply or will you stand with our state's legal authorities to protect the integrity of our elections? Thank you very much. Good evening. Sandy Pender, Franen Township.
I've had a young person living in my house for the last two weeks. He's 20 years old and a friend of my sons from high school. He grew up in a very abusive household but was able to get some distance by going away to college.
The abuse continued despite the distance. So he made the decision to cut ties with his parents at 18 essentially on his own. He recently had to have surgery, so I offered to go with him, be his healthc
care proxy, and also drive him back to our house for recovery. Over the last two weeks, I have helped him with wound care, laundry, and made sure he ate nutritious food. He is not going back to college in the fall because he cannot afford to continue with student loans
despite scholarships. He is currently living outside of New Jersey with roommates so that he can afford rent. He is working but is not able to get health insurance through his job. between rent, utilities, food, car
maintenance, insurance, and gas. There is not much left over each week. He claims that he was doing okay for a while, but I know from our conversations that he is food insecure and skips meals. He had saved money for several years and bought a used car. At one
point, he lived in that car for a short period of time. Recently, he got sideswiped by a truck and his car got totaled. He did not have collision on that car because he could not afford to. He could just afford the minimum requirements for car insurance in his
state. Over the last few years, he has always been one accident, one car repair, one health emergency away from being broke. I tell you all of these private details because being eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits have
been a lifesaver for him. In addition to his recent surgery, he has had an autoimmune disease and also takes regular medications. Without Medicaid benefits, there is no way he could access care or afford his daily medications. He is far from alone.
A large percent of of our neighbors here in Sussex County are in the same boat. They are living on the edge every week hoping the money will stretch far enough. They are barely scraping by but have been able to get the care or medications they need through Medicaid.
I am aware that a large portion of funding for Medicaid comes from the federal government. I'm also aware that our current administration is taking an axe to Medicaid funding and I'm asking you as representatives of our county to use what power you do have to reach out
to state and federal government representatives to keep this safety net in place for your constituents. There are so many people right now that could not live without it. I have seen it firsthand under my own roof. Thank you.
Amy Len Lafayette. So two weeks ago I spoke about how this administration's policies are negatively impacting farmers here in Sussex County. The struggle is real for all of them. Today I want to speak more about negative impacts that this administration is
having on our local citizens here in this county. YAP or Youth Advocate Programs is a national nonprofit that provides community-based alternatives to youth incarceration and residential care through highly personalized
traumainformed and mentorship models. YAP serves youth and families involved in justice, child welfare, and behavioral health systems. Since 2010, YAP has been working diligently in Sussex County. It started with in-house therapy and then spread to outpatient
for teens and adolesccents. With funding from Medicaid, YAP grew and also extended counseling to include adults and inschool sessions. The inschool program was up and running in its 15th successful year until suddenly a few weeks ago the entire program was shut
down. The staff had three weeks to try and scramble to transition all clients for inschool programs to find alternative solutions for all of their teens and adolesccents. In Sussex County, over 100 individuals, both
teens, adolescence, and adults were affected by this closure. Sussex County has no other Medicaid programs to offer disadvantaged youth. 14 indispensable clinicians were let go here in Sussex County. This is not due
to state cuts. They're Oh, they're all out of a job and they're all now looking for work. This is not due to state cuts, but due to federal mandates cutting Medicaid. This is how federal policies are hurting
us, the people here in Sussex County. These kids have been dropped and some clinicians are now taking on these kids for free out of their love and dedication to serving and empowering individuals. They're trying not to let these kids fall through the cracks.
So, we care about the unborn, but we don't care about the born. I ask you, is this who we want to be as a society? Are we we are damaging our children in our future? And for what? a war, a golden ballroom for 1 billion, painting
the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, all of this nonsense. These policies are hurting us, all of us, even Sussex County citizens. Thank you. Thank you for your service. I do appreciate it. It's not the complaint I
have with you. It's your silence. From the podium on April 1st, the Trump criminal announced his path forward for this country. Quote, "We have to take care of one thing, military protection. it's not possible to fund Medicare,
Medicaid, child care. And then of course later on he went to the Trump fantasy world of alternate facts to support this outrageous plan for our country. His multitude of claims that all social services are rife with fraud are a
common theme from his adult brain. He later on goes uh telling his budget director to illegally withhold all child care monies. quote, "Don't send any money for daycare because the United States can't take care of daycare. That
has to be up to a state. We can't take care of daycare. We're a big country. We have 50 states. We have all these other people. We're fighting wars." Yeah. Wars he started but cannot finish. So, it's billions of dollars more for the
Pentagon, America's biggest welfare client. This bloated, unaccountable agency has never undergone any kind of audit, charges $700 for a toilet seat, and is building weapons systems that make us less safe. How about nuclear
reactors on the moon, or a golden dome missile system run by AI computers that hallucinate a lot? Feel safer? Not to worry. Donald is building us a ballroom to celebrate all his military victories.
Did it cost 2 million? Will it cost 400 million? Oh, all donated by his rich friends and chorus of asskissers. No, not really. Now we get to cough up a billion. Not to worry. Just cut a few more thousand from daycare, SNAP, and
Medicaid, and all will be paid for. After all, as the Trump criminal says, they love my ballroom. They love my ballroom. Like hell we do. So, what say you? Still support this criminal? Speak up. Tell the truth. The coming election
will not be just a blue wave. It will be an extinction event for the Republican party. Thank you. John Snyder, Sanderson Township. Cole Thomas Allen.
I'll remember who he is. White House. What are they called? Press dinner or whatever it was. Fired a few shots. Hit one fella. Released an anti-Trump manifesto just before he did the shooting.
a proud disciple of indivisible.org, a proud protester at no kings rallies. Wonderful man. Everybody should be proud. I'm sure a lot of people in this room are proud of him for what he stood for, but not for his marksmanship. Jimmy Kimmel on April 23rd
talking about the first lady. Our first lady, Melania, is here. looks so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow. What class?
There's been three attempts so far in Donald Trump's life that we're aware of. There may have been others, but what do we hear? They're all staged. These are staged events. He's a great actor. that blood. I guess that you know you you're going
to trust somebody at a few hundred yards to take a shot at you just just so you can get some sympathy, right? Hakee Jeff. What a guy. And once again, I'm sure many people here tonight will agree with some of his quotes.
Extreme MAGA Republicans are the threat to Americans. Saw a photo of him posed in front of a sign. Maximum warfare everywhere all the time.
And these beautiful people from Indivisible, they're so peaceful and loving. Look what they inspire. I heard the word the dirty word democracy mentioned here tonight. We live in a republic, not in a democracy.
Had a shooting in Cambridge a couple of days ago by a man named Tyler Brown who was three days out of a psychiatric hospital. Had taken shots at police officers prior to that and was released. I mean, when
you see what happens in these blue states and blue cities, it's scary. A lot of sick people out there and John John F. Kennedy ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. Did we hear any of that tonight? He would be a Republican.
He would be MAGA. Last thing I want to say is let's get back on the gold standard. Thank you. Jim Fiola, Sanderson Township. Two weeks ago, I presented a resolution or considering the
So, my question is, I assume to council, has there been any progress on for the next meeting? Okay. And you would then be joining the chorus of literally thousands of other folks in the state who have been sent letters, postcards, telegrams,
emails, text messages to the governor, urge the governor to support, thank uh commissioner Silverorn and Henderson last week for the historical or two weeks ago, week and a half ago coming to historical marker event which
is kind of ironic that 90 years ago this monument was put for the CCC and we're bittering right now ending the whole story. Thank you and I appreciate and I'll be tracking to see >> also would be interested in coming to
see I couldn't make the marker presentation but if you could uh shoot me an email I'd like to set up the time to come look myself >> okay I can anyone else you want to come with me yeah >> quite the backyard folks in school in school
>> just shoot emails like me or Christina and we'll uh figure out a time when we can come >> great Okay, >> sounds good. >> Uh, Dday is June 29th, the end of >> Okay, >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I get a motion to close the floor
for public comment and return to regular business? Okay, Commissioner Thornne, a second. Deputy Director Degrew. Any discussion? All in favor? I post abstain. Motion carries. Number 24. Reminders, please check. >> Just ask one thing quick. >> Sure. Uh maybe from county council. Am I wrong not thinking that we as a county
have no authority to put a moratorium on township? >> Municipal planning is a solely a function of the municipalities. You can pass whatever moratorium you want and is not minding at all. I just have to do that. >> You can talk to all the mayors. >> Okay. Uh please check the county's
website at www.sussex.nj. us for meeting schedules. Number 25. Linda, you're up. providing for an executive close session not open to the public in accordance with the provisions of NJSA
10 col4-12 at SEC whereas the subject matters about to be discussed may be excluded 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 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 104-12B 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 natures of the subject to be discussed relate to the following items authorized by NJSA 10 col4-12B as designated below. Number four, matters relating to collective
bargaining agreements PBA prosecutor and number seven matters relating to litigation negotiations and the attorney client privilege homestead. 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 will no longer be served by such confidentiality. 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 >> two >> to take formal action after returning from executive session except to adjourn the regular meeting.
>> I just want to clarify real quick. County council, there's one additional matter that we'll be discussing in executive session as well. Correct. That the board would have to make decision. >> Correct. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to adopt the executive session resolution and enter into executive session? >> Okay. Commissioner Henderson, second.
>> Second. >> Uh Commissioner Carney. Any discussion? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Okay. Thank you everyone.