All right, you all ready? Call this meeting to order. This commissioner meeting of October 8, 2025 at 6 PM at the Sussex County Administrative Center Commissioner meeting room on one spring street, Newton, New Jersey. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Degroup >> here. >> Commissioner Hayden >> here.
>> Commissioner Henderson >> here. >> Director Carney >> here. >> Deputy Director Space >> here. Right. Number three is a moment of silence and a salute to the flag. I pledge algiance 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. >> All right. Number four is public statement pursuant to the open public meetings act chapter 231 PL1975 adequate notice as defined by section 3D of
chapter 231 PL/1975 has been made by regular mail in email such notice being submitted on January 7th 2025 from the administrative center of the county of Sussex located at one spring street Newton New Jersey to the following New Jersey Herald Star Ledger and Strauss
News and is also posted on bulletin board maintaining administrative center for public announcements and has been submitted ated to the Sussex County Clerk in compliance with said act. At this time, please mute all electronics. Commissioners, please lose your phones. Number five is the approval of agenda.
We have a few amendment to a few amendments to tonight's agenda. Item seven will be removed to the end of the meeting following our second public comment period. We'll be adding in item 13A which is introduction for first
reading ordinance 25-06 SU S Sussex County Local Park and unattended property ordinance. In addition, items 12 and 14A will be tabled. All the commissioners we we got that
right. Motion to approve agenda as amended. >> So moved. >> Mr. Henderson, deputy director second. Uh space second. Any discussion? All right. All in favor say I. I. >> Opposed. Abstain. Carries. Okay. Moving
on. Six is proclamation, certificates, presentations. There is none. Seven, as I said, will be moved. Uh, eight is public hearing. There is none. Number nine is 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 at the microphone and state your name, municipality, and agenda. Topic for the record. Motion to open the floor for public comment. >> So moved. >> Commissioner >> second motions. Commissioner Aiden seconds. Uh any discussion? >> All in favor say I. I. Oppose. Abstain
carries. The floor is open for agenda topics only. >> Kathy Brennan Hansen Township. Um, I just wanted to speak a little bit about uh in 15 resolution D about the emergency elevator repairs. Um, I was
just wondering about the status of that kind of thing because I'm concerned about um the seniors wanting to come for open enrollment and how that's going to affect that. And I know that a lot of the programs are changing and some of the uh prices for the programs are
changing. So I want to make sure that you know the seniors are able to get the information they need and prepare for having to pay more money >> and that's it. Thank you. >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Yes, we are prepared. We could do a lot
of the um services over the phone. Um so I also oversee directly the rain hence the division of senior services. So we do a lot of the counseling over the phone. We also have a table set up um on the first floor and then we can also go out to any one of our nutrition sites.
There's one in Vernon, Franklin, and Hoopacon um and provide counseling sessions there. Um we know a lot of the programs are trained uh changing our counselors are certified and will help you maneuver which is the best program
individually for you based on what your needs are. Just to correct the record, the the table is down on the parking level so the people can get to it easier. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> All right. Anyone else? Agenda topics. Okay. Motion to close the floor for
public comment. >> So move. Second. Director Space. Commissioner Hayden seconds. Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> Oppos? Stain carries. Commissioner comments. Commissioner Henderson. >> Okay, I'm going to be pretty brief here.
On September 25th, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of project self-suff project self-sufficiency for their new food pantry, allowing residents to pick items off the shelf rather than pre-bagged uh bags for them to take out for whatever they need. On September
25th, I attended an open space Zoom meeting where we discussed the new opportunities for municipalities to apply for grant money. On September 27th, I had the uh honor of riding in the Hopacon Patriotism Parade. If you remember, it was rescheduled from June
when we had torrential downpours. I will say hopon certainly brings out the residents and support for their community events. On October 2nd, I attended an economic development breakfast at Yet Diner. It's always great to hear about various issues from various municipalities,
whether it's negative or positive. Without this feedback, back and forth dialogue, concerns are never resolved. On 104, I attended the Sussex County Fireman Parade in Monagu. I'd like to first say thank you to Monagu Fire Department for an outstanding job preparing for this parade. Anyone that's
never been involved in this process. It's a year of hard work preparing and planning. Mother Nature doesn't always help the firemen when they're fighting fire, but she certainly did for the parade. To all the other county and out of county departments, thank you for your dedication, hours of training, and putting your life on the line to protect
the residents of this county. The words thank you just doesn't feel like enough. On October 7th, seems like it's hard to believe we're in October already here. October 7th, Deputy Director Space and I attended the Mission Street Market open house. We had mentioned at another meeting, this is a fantastic
organization that helps men only in Sussex County. It was great to see so many other agencies out there supporting them in their services. And that's all I have. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Hayden. >> Yeah. Last week I was alerted to an incident that occurred at public safety
building up in Frankfurt by director tap. I went there to the furnace. However, the nice part of that was employee heard it quickly and acted fast and we did not have a few weeks ago. We have for Kirk.
show you. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Degroup. >> Uh, yes. So, uh, first with our Sussex County Library system, uh, families and educators can now explore a newly created guiding reading book list at the
Sussex County Library System, making it easier than ever. to find books suited to each child's reading level. Uh based on Fontis and Panel's uh guided reading levels, the lists help young readers build confidence and comprehension by organizing books by lettered lever
levels, many of which align with local school assessments. Uh these lists make it easy for parents to find books that fit right where the child their child is as a reader, said Deborah, who is the youth services coordinator. It takes the guesswork out of picking a book and keeps reading fun instead of
frustrating. Families can view the latest list at suscal library.org/kidsguided-reading or by visiting any Sussex County Library System branch or calling 973-948-3660 for more information. Now, Division of Senior Services uh caregiver support
group. The Division of Senior Services will host a caregiver support group meeting virtually via Zoom on Thursday, October 16th uh from 2 PM to 3M. This group is designed to reduce caregiver stress and promote physical and psychological well-being. Participate participants will also receive
information about available programs and services, how to access them, and necessary referrals. For more information, or to register, call the Division of Senior Services at 973-579055 extension 1288. Uh there's also a peer support group for Sussex County
veterans. Uh all Cess County veterans are invited to a monthly peer support group held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. The next session will be on Wednesday, October 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Sussex County Administrative Center in Newton. Uh the welcoming
gathering offers veterans a relaxed setting to connect, share experiences, and learn about the county programs and services. This program is sponsored by the county of Sussex. To learn more, register, call division services, senior services at 973-5790555 extension 11135. Uh, finally, uh, I was
able to attend the Sussex County Firemen's Day parade. Uh, it was an incredible celebration of our local heroes. I want to congratulate all of the award winners from the parade and just say thank you to the firefighters, volunteers, and organizers who made the event a great success. Uh, thank you also to Mayor Zaiton, Monu Council, and
Monagu Fire Department for the warm welcome. That's all. Thank you. God bless. >> Division of Senior Services 2025 Caregiver Expo. The Division of Senior Services will host its annual caregiver expo at the Farmstead Golf and Country Club located at 88 Lawrence Road in
Lafayette from 3:30 to 6:30 on Thursday, October 21. The event is designed to offer resources and support to caregivers. There will be a variety of health and human services providers, businesses, and organizations that cater to the needs of seniors and their caregivers. To register your attendance
or obtain additional information, please call the Division of Senior Services at 973-57905-555 extension 1277. Medicare open enrollment. The 2025 Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7th. The Division of
Senior Services provides free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries to compare coverages and possibly change their Medicare plans for 2026 to meet their needs. This assistance is provided through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHIP. Appointments
are available via phone and in person. Individuals who need assistance evaluating their plan and making changes for those who wish to obtain additional information about this assistance should call the Division of Senior Services at 973-57905-555 extension 1223 to schedule an
appointment with a certified counselor. Division of Community and Youth Services open public portal for community engagement on opioid settlement funds. Sussex County residents are invited to provide input on how best to invest in the county's portion of the national opioid settlement funds through a new
online portal located on the county's website at sussex.nj. us. The portal opened on October 1st and will be available for public comment through October 22nd. Community members are encouraged to share their voices and insights to help shape the future of our
response to the opioid epidemic in an effort to protect the lives of people who are still here with us. Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing will hold a woman's health screening clinic on Thursday, October 23rd from 4:30 to 7:30 at the Office of Public
Health Nursing, 2011 Weatssworth Road, Hamburg. This clinic offers a variety of health screenings and education. This service is free to uninsured and underinsured county residents who qualify for the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program, NJC. To make an appointment, call the
Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-5790570 Extension 1275. A child health clinic will be held on Tuesday, October 28th from 10 to 12 at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatssworth Road, Hamburg. This clinic offers complete physical exams, screenings, and age
appropriate immunizations for children from birth to 5 years old. Services are free for those who are uninsured. To learn more about this clinic or schedule an appointment, call the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-5790570 extension 1275. A health check clinic will be held on Tuesday, October 28th
from 2 to 4 at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatssworth Road, Hamburg. This clinic offers vaccines for adults and school-aged children. There is no fee for vaccines if uninsured or underinsured. The clinic also offers a variety of health health screenings. To
learn more about this clinic or schedule an appointment, call the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-5790570 extension 1275. Office of Mosquito Control. Um, the county continues to experience an above average activity of West Nile virus in
adult mosquito populations. Currently, the county has found 58 positive pools of West Nile virus. This year's West Nile virus activity is highest for Sussex County since testing began in the early 2000s. Residents should be taking steps to avoid being bitten by infected
mosquitoes by using EPA registered insect repellents when outdoors, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, and mosquito proofing yards by emptying standing water after rainfall event. Cooler temperatures will not prevent mosquitoes from flying. Residents should
continue preventative safety measures from mosquitoes through October. For more information, please visit the mosquito website at sussex.nj. us back/mosquito and we still have the free spotted lantern fly traps and they are available to Sussex County residents. If you would
like to receive a free trap, please call the office of mosquito control at 973-9405225 to schedule a pickup. Traps can be picked up at the mosquito control office on Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30, but scheduling appointment is preferred to ensure staffing
availability and they are certainly bad because I see them all the time. Um, and I also attended the fireman's parade with the other commissioners and it was Monagu's 75th anniversary. And I've go to many firemen's I've gone to many firemen's parades over my lifetime. And
for their first time hosting, they did a excellent job. Everyone was worried with the logistics of not having like a major town center like Franklin, Newton, Sparta, but they did a wonderful job. Um, and I also attended the Market Street Mission with Commissioner
Henderson. And this board is committed to helping Newton and Sussex County with the homeless situation. Especially here in Newton, it's the most visible. That's all I have. >> Bridge X20 very roadage. Uh Sussex County construction crew completed
construction of the abupments and bridge bearings at the bridge X20. The new bridge superructure is scheduled to be delivered next week. Crews anticipate installation of bridge superructure and railing systems will occur by early November. Public works will be paving the roadway installing the guide rail
system once the bridge superructure has been installed and we expect the bridge that will will be returned into service by the end of December. Uh new allway stop sign at uh intersection 517 in Maple Gay Drone Vernon. Although I did get some complaints about this yesterday
which is very odd because usually people are looking for fourways. Um, the SES County traffic safety construction crew has completed construction and implemented a new all-way stop sign at the intersection of 517 in Maple Range in Vernon uh in Loun Berry Alla Road. Uh
the Sussex County local safety action plan was instrumental in assisting engineering and prioritizing the safety improvement Sussex County trails grant program and I believe you'll be going to the meeting next is it the end of the month so you'll be able to talk about this a
little bit more. Um Sus County open space advisory committee has finalized recommendations for 26 solicitation of a Sussex County trails grant program. The grant program is funded by Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation, Open Space Trust Fund. The program awards
grants for the construction, rehabilitation, restoration, and maintenance of publicly owned and shared use trails. Work must be located on permanently preserved public land or within a permanent easement held in public entity. The program is open to
all 24 municipalities working individually or in partnership. the county and nonforprofit organizations established to protect and manage Pacific natural resources. Final program rules are expected to be considered for the adoption by the commissioner board during our meeting on the 22nd which
will be our next meeting. Information on the program is available by contacting Sussex County Division of Planning 973-5790500. Sussex County Resurfacing Program Division of Engineering has completed their analysis of bids received by 25 Sussex County resurfacing program and
the division has determined the lowest responsive bid was submitted by Chiffano Construction in amount of 7,382,95128. This grant is funded by the transportation trust fund and the work includes a milling and paving of 23.31 miles of county roots. Award of the
contract is included on tonight's commissioner agenda. Once awarded, the county anticipates work could be uh begin as soon as November and will be completed during the summer of 26 after a winter work shutdown. Again, information uh if you're looking for any information, you could contact
engineering planning at 973-5790430. So, that's county guardrail crew. The DPW work guide rail crew construction crew continues to repair and upgrade damage guide rail system along our county routs. And so far this year, we have completed 25 systems. Weather permitting, the crew will
continue repairing uh damaged systems on priority basis. As a point of interest, the county owns and maintains over 1,500 guide rail systems. Division of public works also can be contact at the same number 973-5790430. Division of public works crews are working on stabilizing our county routes
for upcoming winter season. Work includes repairs and upgrades on a number of storm water collection systems and inlet spots apple asphalt repairs which include milling and paving of the rest distressed areas with the roadway. Completion of the final mowing and sighteline clearing for the year and
completion of open work task required for compliance with the highways agency storm water permit. That's enough for that. Uh just the clerk's report. I'm pleased to report the revenue for the month of September 25 has increased by 42,13340
from that of September of 24. The current fiscal increase to date is $173,364.70 higher than it was in September of last year. uh Danielle's law we are up 26 this month and a total the year to date is 914 and our property alert system is 71
September in 1944 year to date and that is all I have all right uh number 11's approve approval of consent agenda there is none uh number 12 that was approval minutes that was tabled 13 is our ordinance uh that we
amended the introduction for first reading which is ordinance 25-06 uh ordinance for Sussex County Local Park and unattended property ordinance. All right. Can I get a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading and authorize the clerk to advertise this
ordinance as introduced for the first reading and also post the same on a bulletin board in lobby at the county administrative center together with a notice of public hearing stating that a hearing will be held on October 22nd, 2025 at 6 PM prior to final adoption of
this ordinance. So moved. >> Commissioner Henderson moves. Deputy director space second. Any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Degrroot. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space,
>> yes. >> Okay. Appointments in or resignations. Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions A through D? >> So moved. >> Commissioner Group. Have a second. >> Second. Deputy Director Space. Any
discussion? All right. Roll call. >> Commissioner Degrroot? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson? >> Yes. >> Director Carney? >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Space? >> Yes. >> All right. 15 is resolutions. >> Motion to adopt resolutions A through Q.
>> So moved. >> Director Space. I got a second. I got a second. Commission. Commissioner uh Hayden seconds. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Uh, I'm sorry. Uh, Commissioner Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Uh, Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> All right. 16's awards of contracts change orders and bids. Board of County Commissioners of the County of Sussex has reviewed the award contract change orders, bids consisting of various
proposed resolutions and determined that the adoption of said resolutions is and will further the public's interest. Motion to adopt resolutions A through C. >> So moved. >> Dire Commissioner Henderson. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Groot. Any
discussion? >> No call. >> Commissioner Degrroot. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. >> Director Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Space. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh financial. We have two bills list. Uh bills list a resolution a
payment of bills list from October 8th, 2025. Motion to pay bills list A. >> So move. >> Happy director's pace. Have got a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Degrroot. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Commissioner Degrroot? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Henderson? >> Yes. >> Director Carney? >> Yes.
>> Deputy Director Space. >> Yes. >> All right. Resolution B is payment of bills list B from October 8th, 2025. Motion to pay bills list B. >> So moved. >> Commissioner Henderson moves. Commissioner Hayden seconds. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Degrroot.
>> Yes. Yes. Commissioner Hayden, >> yes. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> abstain. >> Right. Number 18, personnel, there is none. Number 19, administrative report. You have anything? >> I'm just going to say we're working on the budget for 2026. We'll be starting
to have the meetings with the commissioners set up so that we are in a timely fashion to meet all of our deadlines for next year. So, I'll just put that out there for now. >> Perfect. Thank you. Number 20, county council report. >> Nothing, sir. >> Number 21, unfinished business. Anyone?
All right. Number 22, new business. Anyone? I like this. This is good. 23. Public session from the floor. This public session is for those wishing to make general comments of three minutes or less on agenda topics on non-aggenda topics. I'm sorry. Please line up at the microphone and state your name and
municipality for the record. Motion to open the floor for public comment. >> Deputy Director Space. Have a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. I. >> Those abstain carries. The floor is open. >> Good evening, Ken Collins, Andover
Township. Thank you for moving the executive session. Uh, when I spoke to you at your previous meeting, it was in reference to the murder of Major Gulia Dale by Newton police officers Steve Needle and Garrett Armstrong. The officers responded with deadly force
rather than non-lethal force to a combat veteran veteran who was having an episode of PTSD caused by Fourth of July fireworks on the holiday. More than 6 months before his murder, the NJ attorney general issued law enforcement directive number
2020-14 to all county prosecutors. Um, this directive, which I provided to you last time I was here, um, establishes countywide working groups in New Jersey to enhance law enforcement interactions
with individuals experiencing mental health crises or disabilities. Uh, the county working groups, each county prosecutor must convene a working group to improve responses to individuals with mental health issues and disabilities. The group should include law enforcement, mental health
professionals, and community advocates, and may collaborate regionally to optimize resources. There's supposed to be a statewide steering committee. Uh the directive took effect on March 31st, 2021, more than six months before Gulia Dale's murder. As I said, um,
while I have reached out to this board and to the county prosecutor's office to find out where the county is concerning this important directive, nobody has provided verification that a county working group has been established or any more information at all to that matter. Almost 5 years later, after the
murder of a veteran by Newton police, I hope you'll find out and let us all know. It's really important and uh it's a directive from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. So, I hope that something has been done, but I'm
beginning to get a really big suspicion that absolutely nothing has been done that this just went into the round file over there in the corner and nobody did a thing. So, if you guys would look into this and find out if there is a county
working group and if the prosecutor's office has done anything. Um, I know there's a new program from um Atlantic Health. It's arrive together where they have um mental health um professionals that will arrive with the police in this
situation. Is anything being done to liaison with them and get the police working with them? That would be what we should be doing. And lastly, Mr. Hayden, resign tonight. We've had enough. Nobody wants you here. Don't let the door hit you in the rear end on your way out.
>> So, I guess you're a fascist, right? You don't believe in the rule of law. >> You're guilty, sir. >> Okay. Sure. >> Okay. >> You committed stolen valor. Admit it and go. Have a good night. >> Good evening. It did not go unnoticed
that the speakers are working very well and the mics are working very well. Thank you. appreciate that. And also I I uh I'd like to thank you for moving your um executive meeting also to the end of the meeting. >> Ma'am, could you just state your name and municipality for the record? That's okay. >> Sorry. Dorine Edwards, Highland Lakes,
New Jersey. >> And uh what I wanted to talk about tonight is the state the f fiscal state of New Jersey. Um I've been doing some research and um I know you're getting ready to do some budget work. So, um I just want you to keep in mind that New
Jersey is really not in a good um financial position right now. Um I don't know if anybody is aware of a nonprofit Chicago based um accounting firm called Truth in Accounting and they go through all the states in and find out how they
are doing fiscally and uh New Jersey is well they call it sinkholes and the five worst sinkhole states are led by New Jersey and Connecticut and what it goes on to say is half the United States does not have um enough money to cover their
bills according According to a new report published by the nonprofit Chicago based Truth and Accounting at the end of fiscal 2024, which most states go from July 1st to June 30th, um it says 25 states are
unable to cover all their financial obligations according to their 16th annual financial state of states report. And uh so that's concerning to me. um you know all states except for Vermont from what I understand if the
information that I get online is true um do not require to have a balanced budget. So Vermont somehow seems to be able to do that. Um and they have to shift shift costs from different areas from future taxpayers you know um we got
to think about our upcoming generation what they're going to be strapped with and um >> one minute. >> Thank you. Um so according to their ranks they ranked each um state according to a tax b payer burden dividing the numbers of taxpayers into
the state's budget shortfall and taxpayer surplus dividing the number of taxpayers into state budget surplus. Um states with taxpayer burdens are called sinkhole states and states with surpluses are called sunshine states.
And as I said, the worst five sinkhole states are led by New Jersey and Connecticut, each with taxpayer burdens of $44,500 if each taxpayer had to contribute. That's crazy. So, I just want to say as
you look towards setting up your budget, I know you'll be physical fiscal uh minded and do the right thing. Um I hope um it's just getting very expensive to live in the state of New Jersey and I hate to pack. I really don't want to pack. So, um, hopefully we'll get a
change of regime because since Governor Murphy was in, the budget increased 67% >> time >> since he was in. >> Thank you very much. Have a pleasant evening and I'd like to take some of that speed reading you guys do.
>> My name is Brian McCertie from Branchville, New Jersey. In late 2017 or early 2018, target of an illegal investigation by the US government, namely the FBI. Since that time in the present, I and my loved ones have been victims of ongoing criminal activity orchestrated by some
individuals within the FBI and potentially other agencies. This criminal activity includes theft, fraud, attempted murder, assault, threats of violence, coordinated slander, reputational destruction, threats of income loss, causation of income loss, corporate espionage, and other
commercial criminal activity that constitute organized crime and domestic terrorism under federal and state statutes. In late 2017, there was a growing concern among parents like myself in the online community about potentially widespread child trafficking and in particular potential government
involvement in widespread child trafficking. My discoveries were shocking. I lost sleep over it. Sometimes that was the story everywhere. Parents all around the country online were saying they lost sleep over to realize that slavery was alive and well and that people could use children in this way. What I didn't know at the time
was that this chat group included informants commissioned by the FBI tellingly to conduct counter intelligence or spying operations on people who wondered too much or too loudly about government corruption. I was very vocal, shared a lot of thoughts. Uh for time I'll skip the
these people certainly appeared to be friendly and interested in these things at first, but they were too friendly. There were too many coincidental moments of having similar interests and having conversations that just seemed to magically align with other things going on in my life. They seemed to know things and I didn't know at the time.
They did know things. At first thought I maybe I just ran into people I really got along with. But they were the first examples of many that I eventually ran into where people obtained knowledge of personal situations and experiences and use that information to fake common sentiments and thoughts and then
subsequently use that information and falsely earn trust of mine to conduct criminal criminal acts of fraud and much worse. It is my observation, assertion, and claim that some individuals within the FBI choose targets like myself under false pretenses and utilize intelligence
assets or people who are equipped with pieces of personal information, some real and some fake, that they should not otherwise have in order to stalk, taunt, threaten, bribe, coersse, and overall to control both for political purposes and to conduct additional organized criminal activity. This is not a political
complaint. They came after my children. They came after me. We've suffered covert and overt acts of fraud, terror, and violence. I've tried restarting my life and living in peace, but they persisted and pursued and frankly seem to have have a hard time letting go of me. These are not typical criminal
criminals who are typically afraid of prosecution. They're mentally drained agents of the US government who should be fighting crime, but isn't perpetrated. Instead, perpetrate it and terrorize their targets for noticing it. I was here not too long ago talking about smaller crime in scope. I didn't want to mention something so big. I have
since brought it up to law enforcement, not not the great sheriff's department. I wish I was under your jurisdiction, but I will continue to use a public forum to educate and inform and raise my voice on this issue. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Nick Da Brazio. I'm from Augusta. Um, I wanted to talk about
something else. But, but the lady mentioned uh the fact that the state's fiscal situation is grave danger. And that kind of surprised me because as a foreign bond council for the state, I had been reading recently that the state's bond rating just got upgraded in
August and September by Moody's Croll and S&P. And I'll just read you a section of it. Um it says here upgraded the state's rating to A+ citing progress in rebuilding reserves and addressing debt and pension count challenges.
According to uh New Jersey.com, uh Moody says upgraded New Jerseys general obligation bonds to double A3 from A1, citing a strong surplus, full pension contributions, growing tax revenue, and the ability to absorb economic downturns. Now, uh I think
personally that the real problem we have in New Jersey long-term is pension liability. Right? When I used to do the disclosure documents for the state, we started raising that issue many years ago because people are just living longer. You know, my father's 90 91 years old and he's been collecting a
pension as a teacher, former teacher for almost 30 years. And when they did the the um the accounting for that, they expected him to work till 65 and die at 68. So that's you can see there's a gigantic mismatch. And I think that's probably what you were talking about
long term. Short term, I think we're in better shape. Um but what I would ask you to do is consider where the biggest risks are. And um Commissioner Space mentioned before uh two things, homelessness and um uh health care for
people who don't have adequate private insurance. I've have a wonderful private insurance. I've never had to worry a second myself about my personal situation, my family until recently when I'm dealing with my sister who has a no in very little insurance. And it's been
shocking to me how little she has covered. >> And that's made me realize that's a huge problem for people particularly here in Sussex County. So to the extent that you can keep those programs funded where people can get free vaccines, they can get free health care when when they
can't afford it themselves and these are working people. My sister works 60 hours a week and still can't afford good health care. Um she takes care of autistic children. There's not a lot of money in that business. So, I would ask you to focus on that and and also health care for homeless people. If homeless
people get sick, we're not going to throw them. We're going to care for them, but it's going to be much more expensive when we have to bring them in through the emergency rooms. So, I I know that's a tough burden for us to meet as taxpayers. But if I have to say where my tax money should go, it should
go to that those types of programs more than anything else. Uh the least among us need the most help. That's my opinion. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Jane Opriage, Hampton Township. I'm here tonight to ask Sussex County voters how
your vote for Republicans turned out for you in the last election. Not just your vote for Trump. We all know that he is at an all-time low in popularity, but Republicans down the ticket as well. Grocery prices are higher. Millions of
Americans are about to lose affordable health care. Many college graduates can't find jobs. Small businesses are closing because of Trump's tariffs. Farmers are selling their lands because of Trump's tariffs. The increase in
manufacturing in the US is a pipe dream. There's no wall. There's no end in sight for the war in Ukraine. There's no end in sight for the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The military is being deployed in US citizen cities against
American citizens. The Trump administration is actively creating a police state and the government is shut down even though Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. Trump, his administration, and
Republicans in Congress lied about being able to solve these problems and even made them worse. And they continued to lie to the American people every single day. The outcome of this election in New Jersey is beyond our little towns, small
county, and state. We are a bellweather for the nation. This election is literally a contrast between saving our democracy and becoming a dictatorship. The people who sit in front of us have been silent as we have seen our federal government
officials reject the rule of law, dismantle our institutions, and create chaos across the country. Worse, they have actively taken away our freedoms by limiting our right to free speech and assembly in the very heart of our
county, the Newton Green, our county seat. They should be ashamed of themselves. >> So again, I ask our county residents, how did your vote for Republicans turn out for you in the last election? This November, make your voice, voice of
discontent heard. Vote for Democrats down the ticket. Even if you are not completely satisfied with the Democratic party right now, we need to stop the Trump regime and Republicans from destroying our republic. This is a dangerous moment in our democracy. Do
your part to protect it. Every vote counts. Vote for Democrats Mikey Cheryl, Eugene Grinberg, Steve Barrett, and Phil Dphano. and write in Michelle Van Allen for commissioner because you can vote for two candidates for commissioner. But
whatever you do, do not vote for any Republicans because they will take away your rights just like they did in the Newton Green. [Applause] >> Andy Pender, Freeden Township. I also
really appreciate you guys pushing the executive session at the end. That makes a difference. Um, I wanted to talk tonight, I know, uh, Commissioner Hayden, you had mentioned Charlie Kirk, and I want to talk a little bit about active shootings and just so many
recently, including the high-profile shooting of Charlie Kirk. Um, how do we as a community be proactive rather than waiting for this to hit close to home? I know active shooter drills are done frequently in schools with our students and law enforcement, but those are
reactive. This is what we do once an event is in progress. What is happening as a community to identify and thwart potential shooters before they act? Again, I know there is law enforcement monitoring monitoring online posts for
any types of threats, but how do we reach those people before they get to online or in-person threats? Is it mentorship with at risk youth or any youth for that matter? How do we connect with people on a personal level that need help, particularly people who need
mental health assistance? I don't know what the answers are, but I do know leadership from the top matters. A president that is incendiary and that keeps the hornets's nest stirred up just perpetuates these events. The second amendment is ingrained and important,
but we need reasonable gun control. National leadership is actively targeting the radical left despite facts that the majority of shootings in the past have not carried have not been carried out by the so-called radical left. We need leadership to provide the
facts and truth to citizens, not unfounded blame nor wild speculation. backs are required and matter because we can keep bumping along reacting to all these tragedies or we can use our energies to figure out why this keeps happening and then work together to
provide positive actions. Thank you. I appreciate it. [Applause] >> David Dwit, Hampton Township, I appreciate your efforts. I really do.
Violence. Donald Trump loves violence. Next to lying, bribery, and extortion, violence is the dear leader's favorite tool to gain power. Not true. Consider a sampling of his own words. November 22nd, 2015. Talking about a heckler in
his audience. Maybe he should be roughed up. February 1, 2016. If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you? February 22nd, 2016. I'd like to punch him in the face. As time's
moved on, he has upped his game to more extreme suggestions other than simple assault. May 29, 2020. When the looting starts, the shooting starts. All with a smirk on his face. June 2020. Couldn't
you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something? Unless he is raping or assaulting women, Trump is a master at giving license and encouragement to others to carry out acts of violence he claims no responsibility for instigating his most
consequential prod to action. September 29, 2020. Stand back and stand by set the stage for January 6th, Trump's Day of Love. and that's a quote which he spent mostly watching his
patriots on television beating Capitol police with flag polls. The list goes on and on, but I only have three minutes. Now he has achieved his ultimate dream, unlimited unchecked power. Our city streets are flooded with masked ICE
thugs and then the National Guard to protect them. As Hitler achieved ultimate power by burning down the rice tag, one can only wonder if Trump plans to invoke the insurrection act, insurrection act, excuse me, of 1807,
should a provoked incident give him the opportunity. Should Trump's acolyte Jack Citerelli be elected, maybe we can look forward to protesters on the Newton Green being met with quote very heavy force at the hands of the National Guard
from another state. Speak up. Tell the truth. Resist. And by the way, the only balanced budget in my recent re recent past was Bill Clinton's. And the great big beautiful bill is going to cost us all trillions
of dollars. [Applause] >> Amy Len Lafayette, thanks for the support. I'm just going to continue with this theme. Um,
so I'm gonna speak English, not German. But warning signs of fascism. Autocratic regimes rarely seize power in a single democratic moment. Instead, they erode democracy in simultaneous steps that
overwhelm opposition. Here are the 10 steps to autocracy and authoritarianism. This is from Professor Kim Lane Sheperla Ein. Win the last fair election. Autocrats often rise through elections
and then ensure that it's your last one. Two, expand executive power. Push presidential authority beyond legal boundaries. If I capture the other branches,
co-opt Congress, and neutralize the courts. I'm not sure if any of this is sounding familiar, if we can see parallels here to what's going on in this moment. FIA, gut the civil service,
remove competent government workers, and break government so it doesn't work. Fun. and install loyalists. Bill Key posts with people willing to
ignore the laws and the needs of the people. All people attack the media, discredit independent journalists and voices and replace them with propaganda.
Zeb scapegoat communities, target immigrants, >> target minorities, target marginalized groups, and attack DEI. A destroy support systems, undermine
institutions that defend and educate our communities. Knowing normalize violence, militarize law enforcement and incentivize political violence saying
and democracy itself. Manipulate elections and systems to guarantee permanent power. [Applause] Hello again. >> Um, >> can you state your name and municipality?
>> Jeffrey Hall, Northern Beal. Uh, it looks like we all have the same uh thing. I watched watch with astonishment as Pete Pete fat out of shape unshaven leaders. greatest military ever assembled in
front of our allies and enemies. Donald would follow. During the weave, he clearly explained, "We must be prepared for the attack of the enemy. I'm all for that. I'm ready to repel enemies, terrorists, the
Chinese, the Russians, any other adversaries." Little did I know that the threat was not with these enemies. It was from within. us Americans, our people, especially those in who
reside in the cities. Even if they were not a threat, we could use them as a training exercise. Donald always has a great plan. Was hoping we could get better understanding of the threat within. At
the 250th anniversary of the Navy uh of the Navy, Trump bombastically declared himself in the best physical shape of all recent presidents that included Bush, Obama, and of course Biden. He then went on to
state in a threatening tone, "We must take care of this little knat on our shoulder called the Democrats." This was followed by veiled threats directed at protesters. Other concerns were later addressed when Donald floated the idea on the insur of
using the insurrection act of 1807 allowing him to engage military action against American citizens. I realize we may we may be safe right now because it has only been used once
and that's during the civil war. Additionally, the capital can be stormed by thousands who were fueled by words of a defeated president, and it was not invoked. I guess we're all relatively safe. However, there are troops
already deployed in major cities, masked and armed. They are carrying out raids, handcuffing women and children along with along with along with uh
detaining people based on racial profiling. Who's next? Protesters, Democrats, journalists, comedians, professors, commissioners, homeless, tax dodgers,
gnats. This is without precedent. Just a historic perspective for some of my students. >> Time >> and state. Four students were shot, >> nine killed.
[Applause] else. >> Kathy Brennan, Hampton Township. Um, I'd like to reiterate some of what people already said, but I'd also like to take it to the local level.
Elections matter everywhere. Elections matter in this county. Look what happened at at one of the other elections. We ended up with a commissioner who basically ended up with being worthless and indicted and of all
things stolen valor, which is one of the worst things that anyone can do. So I urge everyone to be careful and very thoughtful for who they're voting for. I know of this person for many years, not a friend, but I know of this person for
many years. And I can tell you from my experience, which is very limited. I would have never in a million years thought of voting for this person for a commissioner. I know what this person's like, and I knew exactly what to expect. Nothing but trouble and bullying and
nonsense and a total waste of taxpayer money. And I think you people who were on the board before and agreed with this man running need to really rethink what
you want in a good candidate. Thank you. [Applause] John Snder Sanderson. All I can say is wow. Fiery rhetoric that we've heard here
tonight. Is it any wonder that some people on the edge have resorted to physical political violence? Charlie Kirk is one. Donald Trump has had at least two that we know of assassination attempts.
illegal aliens being able to vote. Those of us on the right want voter ID. Apparently, those on the left, for whatever reason, do not. Yet, we have had someone in the past, recent past,
Ian Andre Roberts, an illegal alien and a registered Democrat. Call his name. He was making $286,000 a year as a school superintendent in De Moine, Iowa. Wonderful man with a
checkered background. Arrested a number of times. Illegal loaded weapons in his vehicle. Wonderful personal picture here. He's from Guyana. I have nothing no problem with Guyana, but I do have a problem with people who will
tolerate letting people come into this country unvetted. Who knows when we're going to have another terrorist attack from the millions that have been led in some of the language. Well, I'm going to another name. We hear fascist words being thrown around quite a bit. Does anybody
remember Nina Jack Jenkoitz? Three years ago, the Department of Homeland Security put her in charge of the disinformation board. And if you don't think that's a fascist idea to have a disinformation
board from the Department of Homeland Security to come down against people like me, a proud MAGA person. >> One minute. >> I don't know. had to look up some of the things that fascists believe in. And one of them is
having individual rights. They believe in majority favoring the government. Someone mentioned also about the shutdown. Well, it's the Schumer shutdown as far as I'm concerned. It has nothing to do with the fact that we have
the White House, the Senate, and the Congress. In the Senate, you need 60 votes to pass this around 55, I believe, right now. And it is the Democrats who are refusing pass continuing was it CRA continuing
resolution which apparently under the Biden administration the same thing came up and it went through past. Time is up. Thank you. [Applause] This this book >> sir can you just state your name and
>> prayto Frankfurt Township for God and country. This book is the foundation this holy bible of our country the founding fathers. The hatred here of Trump is against Christianity.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Reagan was almost killed. And Trump also almost killed. We look at all our Democratic cities. Look at them. Look at the mess we're in. How could you be a Democrat and not fight your own
party if it's a just party? It's amazing to me what's happening to this country. And also New Jersey. Tell me a a governor in any other state that has more power than the governor of New
Jersey. He can overrule almost everything we do. That's why it's important to elect a man for us or a woman for us, for this county, for this whole country. And that's all I have to say.
[Applause] >> Good evening from Monu. I'd like to share this post from a black Ken Black that I found on X. This man is 79 years old. Most men his age are slowing down, retiring, or living out their days in
comfort. But not him. He works until two in the morning, often running on only four hours of sleep. While others his age are enjoying their golden years, he's carrying the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. He doesn't take a salary. Every single quarter he gives,
he gives it away. houses that serve the American people. He could be cashing in for billions because let's be honest, he already proved he knows how to build, create, succeed in business. He had the empire. He had the fame. He had the
wealth. And he walked away from it all. Why? Because he loves this country more than he loves comfort. Because he sees freedom slipping away. Because he sees liberty under attack. because he sees you and me, ordinary Americans, being
ignored, silenced, pushed aside by the elites who only care about themselves. So he makes the choice most people wouldn't dare to make. He leaves behind his private life, life, his family's quiet peace, his businesses, and even
his own safety. He steps into the storm. And since that moment, he endures endless attacks, fake investigation, lies, betrayals, and hatred from those who despise the idea of a president who actually fights for people instead of
fighting for the swamp. And yet he never quits. He never bends the knee to the globalists, the media, or the political class. He stands firm, not just for his own name, but for the promise of America itself. He fights for secure borders. He
is winning on trade. He fights to back jobs, rebuild manufacturing, and restore strength for our military. He fights to give Americans hope again. And still today, while others rest, he's works
late into the night. He sacrifices sleep, comfort, and ease. Because his mission isn't finished. His mission is to protect freedom. His mission is to secure liberty. His mission is to put America first. This is not the story of
an ordinary politician. This is the story of a man chosen for this moment in history. And his name is Donald Trump J. Trump. He is the 45th and 47th president of the United States. Thank God. And no
matter how hard they try, no matter what they throw at him, no matter how many obstacles they place in his path, he remains our president. Thank God he's in the White House. Thank God we have a
fighter. And thank God we have Donald J. Trump. [Applause] You guys got an iron constitution. You for that
stuff being said tonight about authoritarian kind of think back to about five years ago. I remember that we were forced to stay home. I remember when senior centers were forced to take in CO
patients. I remember when had all those deaths just down the road. I remember when I couldn't go to church, but I could get liquor. I remember when the entire state of New Jersey was forced to
shut down, but that's not author authoritarian. I would say a lot of what I've heard about Trump tonight, and I I don't want to get into a rhetoric type of thing. He said, she said, >> "Here's the thing. He's the president of the United States. We should all be
hoping for his success because his success is our nation's success. Those who want to see and want to complain that he's doing X Y wrong or Y wrong, I would encourage you to check where you're getting your information because
in reality, the information that you're getting is slanted from the left and from the right. So, you need to be independent and you're not because if you were, you wouldn't be sitting up here trying to attack the man. Instead, you would be looking around. We'd be
seeing the success that our country has enjoyed, the wars that have been stopped. When countries ask the Nobel Peace Prize Commission to consider President Trump, you got to wonder why are they doing
that? Maybe maybe just maybe he's actually doing something to fix the world because the world is not a safe place and he is trying to do that. >> One minute. Thank you for listening. God bless you.
[Applause] >> So move second. [Applause] All right. Number 24, resolution regarding providing for an executive close session not open to the public in accordance
with the provisions of NJSA 10:4-12 ETSE. 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 104-12B.
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 104-13
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 nature of the subjects to be discussed relate to the following items authorized by NJSA 104-12B as designated below. Item number four,
matters relating to the collective bargaining agreements CWA 1032. Item number eight, matters relating to the employment relationship personnel. 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 executive session, the board shall reconvene and resume its meeting open to the public. And be it further resolved
that the board expects to not take formal action after returning from executive session >> except to uh adjourn the public meeting. Second >> all in favor say I We were going to be a long time. Hence
why the session is at the end of the day.