[Music] Take your time. All good. You have your timer up, too. >> Perfect. All right. Call this meeting to order. There's a commissioner meeting of November 12th, 2025 at 6 PM at the Sussex County Administrative Center, Commissioner
Meeting Room on One Spring Street, Newton, New Jersey. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> here. >> Director Carney, >> here. >> Deputy Director Space >> here. >> Commissioner Degrew, >> here. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent. Number three is moment of silence and a
salute to the flag. Uh tonight's moment of silence is a memory of Frankfurt Committeeman Sam Casmer who passed away this past Saturday who is a lifelong county resident and a longtime committeeman and mayor. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Number four is public statement pursuant to open public meetings act chapter 231 PL191 1975 adequate notice as defined by
section 3D of chapter 3231 PL1 1975 has been made by regular mail and 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 a bulletin board maintained in the administrative center for public announcements and has been submitted to the Sussex County Clerk in compliance with said act. This time, please mute all electronic devices. Commissioners, please remove your phones. All right. Number five is approval agenda. There are three changes to to
tonight's agenda. Item seven is being moved to after the second public session tonight. An additional item to executive session is being added. Under number four, uh, collective bargaining agreement, uh, collective bargaining agreements with the CWA local 1032
negotiations and item 12 is being tabled to the next meeting. Motion to approve the agenda as amended. >> So moved. >> Commissioner Henderson, I have a second. >> Second. >> Deputy Director Space. Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> I. I >> oppos carries. All right. Number six,
proclamation, certificates, and presentations. Uh we have one proclamation for the great American smokeout. Uh Commissioner Space will be reading that. Uh Elise McGrain. I say that >> how do you say it? >> Mr.
>> McGran. Seems like you had a hard time a little bit there. Uh and Elise Knap from the Center of Prevention Tobacco. Uh Free for a Healthy New Jersey will be here tonight to accept You are up Jill. >> Perfect. Thank you. Whereas tobok tobacco smoking is the leading cause of
preventable death in the in the world and whereas exposure to tobacco smoke is known to cause lung illnesses such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, lower respiratory infections, and has been linked to
tuberculosis deaths. The use of tobacco products expose the brain to nicotine which is highly addicting and can harm developing adolescent brains. Furthermore, nicotine exposure can exasperate symptoms of anxiety and depression. And whereas the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout
provides an opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses, health care providers, and others to encourage people to use the date to make a plan to quit or plan in advance to initiate a smoking vaping sessation plan on the day of the event. And whereas the goal of
this annual event is to challenge people to stop smoking or vaping and to help them learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit. And whereas the Great American Smokeout has helped change attitudes about tobacco use, which has led to community programs
and smoke-free laws that are now saving lives. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim that November 20th, 25 is the Great American Smokeout Day, and together with the Center for Pre for Prevention and
Counseling, and tobaccof free for a healthy New Jersey, recognizes that addiction to nicotine and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, is one of the strongest addictions one can have. And be it further resolved that the board of county commissioners encourages all
Sussex County residents to recognize this day as an opportunity to live healthy tobaccof free lives not just for a day but for all year round by order of the board of county commissioners. Thank you. >> Would you guys like to come up? >> Hi
Matthew. Thank you for All right. Number seven, exe. >> So move. >> Second. Hi. Open. Ed Township. This is 15 resolutions.
resolutions natural gas to county roads 6207. That moratorium exists for the purpose of public safety during year when roads get dangerous. People
aren't paying attention. They're driving too fast. Roads get slick and icy roads shut down and people are all of a sudden lights in front of them. They can't stop. People die.
I'm here to ask you to wintorium. keep safe. If you do not deny these public work, >> anyone else? It was going down. I'm not sure where that came from, but yes,
>> yes, you are. >> And and and I not to cut you off, but I I know you have been an advocate for that, and I I did talk to your mayor over on Saturday about ways to get around it. also >> he is in going through the state. The state used to do all the the heavy
lifting for us. Now it's an unfunded state mandate. And I I think I've told you that before, but just for the audience, like when when people want to to lower the speed limit, we have to do all the research for it, but it used to be the state. So now it seems like they're going to be doing a little bit more of that. So So you know that, which
is a lot easier and faster. >> So 15 G. You said >> 15. >> 15 Q. maintenance point of view. Thank you. >> Okay.
>> Anyone else? >> All right. Seeing no one a motion to close the floor for public comment. >> Mr. Henderson. >> Second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Degrroot. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Stain carries. Number 10, commissioner comment. We'll start with Commissioner Henderson.
>> Okay. On November 2nd, I along with my fellow commissioners attended the Veterans Parade at Sussex County Fairgrounds. Great to see so many veterans out there attending this event. Thank you to Lorraine Hence and staff that work hard to put on and show that Sussex County really cares about their vets. It was an honor to hand out
commemor commemorative pins designed by a Byron Township student to each vet and shake their hand and tell them thank you for their service. On Monday, November 3rd, Commissioner Carney and I attended the county planning board meeting. On November 5th, I along with Commissioner Drew ended a cap attended a capital
budget meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 3M hearing various requests from county departments for capital improvements. On November 6, I attended the ribbon cutting at Wawwa on Route 206 in Ham Hampton. I arrived at 8:15 and there had to be 200 residents there for the
opening and free coffee. November 6, I also attended the president's reception for Dr. Homer of Sussex County Community College. Excellent event. On November 8th, I along with Commissioner Carney, Lorraine Hens, Christina Mars attended the county mayor's brunch where mayors
shared concerns with issues not only in their municipality, but all of ours we face including health care, volunteers, affordable housing, and so on. There was also a presentation by Christine Florio of the County Health Department and human services regarding SNAP, opioid
money, and other programs available in the county. Also on November 8th, I attended the 250 Birthday Ball, the United States Marine Corps. It attracted over 200 in attendance and all proceeds from the event benefit Sussex County veterans. If you've never been to one of
their balls, I urge you to attend. It was an incredible event. Marines from the age of 18 to 92 attended the event. November 10th, I attended the Franklin Burough Council meeting as their leaison. I find it very helpful to attend these meetings to see what issues
each municipality faces and offer my assistance if I can assist in any way. On November 11th, I attended the Sparta VFW Post 7248 Veterans Day salute in Sparta. Considering it being a work day for most in miserable weather, it had a
great turnout. Lastly, I would like to state that for 10 days I last 10 days I spent in Texas, this week was all about the veterans. As I've stated in the past, I salute all of you for serving our country with dignity and honor. I'd like every veteran in this room tonight
to stand to be recognized. [Applause] >> Thank you for your service. >> Yep. Good evening, everyone. Uh, first I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge last week's 2025 general election. Congratulations to all the winners, including our very own deputy director
space, uh, Commissioner Elect Dave Silverthornne, and of course, uh, Sheriff Strada, as well, as well as, uh, all those who were elected to local and state official offices. Uh, one highlight I did want to share is that Sussex County voters overwhelmingly
supported the renewal of the farmland preservation, recreation, and open space trust fund with unofficially 81% voting in favor. This measure will extend the program for another 10 years. Someone deeply committed to farmland preservation and open space initiatives. I believe that this is a tremendous step
forward for the future of Sussex County, ensuring that our farms, parks, and natural landscapes remain protected for generations to come. Uh thank you to everyone who supported this important cause and exercised their right to vote. Uh second, Commissioner Henderson and I
held our uh first capital budget meeting last week where we met all the county departments to review and discuss their requests. Speaking on behalf of myself, I took a close look at each proposal, distinguishing uh between what is essential and what may be considered a luxury. It was productive dayong session
that allowed us to carefully evaluate every line item and gain a stronger understanding of our county's needs. I'm proud of the progress we made and look forward to continuing the important work in last uh in the weeks and months to come. Moving on to Sussex County Library System. The Sussex County Library System
is thrilled to welcome back the Sussex County Railroads Club's annual holiday train show. Returning by popular demand, a cherished community tradition, this festive exhibit delights visitors of all ages with intricate layouts, detailed miniature towns, and model trains that
capture the magic of the holiday season. Uh, join the fun at two library locations this December. Saturday, December 6th at Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon and Saturday, December 20th at Sussex Wanage Branch in Wanage. The displays will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 300 p.m. on both dates. No
registration is required, so bring your family and friends and enjoy the holiday spirit together. For more information about the holiday train show and other seasonal programs, visit sussex county library.org/events or contact your local library branch. And please note that all Sussex County Library programs and events are free and
open to the public. Next, from our Division of Senior Services, I'd like to highlight two upcoming programs. the center of lifelong learning at Sussex County Community College through a partnership between Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services Division of Senior Services and the Community College. We'll host a free
lecture on how to spot a scammer at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 13th, tomorrow, and the atrium at the Performing Arts Center. Join Jalisa and Sophia, SEC and tech students with a background in law and public safety for an engaging 1-hour interactive session that will include handouts, games, and
practical tips for reorganizing and avoiding scams. Participants will learn how to ask the right questions and protect their electronic devices. To register, learn more information, please contact Division of Senior Services at 973-5790-555 extension 1277.
Senior Services Caregiver uh caregiver support group will meet virtually via Zoom from 2 PM to 3 PM on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. This group offers caregivers emotional support, stress management strategies, and valuable information on available programs and services, including referrals and
guidance on accessing resources. To learn more or register, please contact the Division of Senior Services at 973-5790555 extension1288. Finally, had the pleasure of attending some community events over the past few weeks. Uh I was honored to take part alongside my fellow commissioners for
the Sussex Countyy's 25th annual salute to military veterans parade and ceremony. It was truly a privilege to spend time uh with our veterans and their families. Heartful thank you to the dedicated county employees who helped host the event. Uh Sussex Kowanis, our very own Lorraine Hence,
and everyone involved in planning and organizing this meaningful event. I also had the honor of attending Newton flag of flags of honor tribute to our veterans this past Saturday. My sincere thanks to the town of Newton for extending the an invitation and hosting a moving and heartfelt ceremony in
recognition of those who served. To everyone who has served, uh I really want to say thank you for your service. Um that's all I have for tonight. Thank you. God bless. >> Thank you. I'm going to start with um we received an email today and I received a
phone call from Tammy Horsefield from the Chamber of Commerce and the Sussex Skyland Sussex County Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the partnership award from the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association and uh they're going to be recognized. It was for an ARPA travel tourism and
hospitality grant. They're going to be recognized at the New Jersey annual tourism conference on December 10th to 11th in Atlantic City. and she wanted to give special thanks to county treasurer CFO Ela Yeder for helping her get that grant. So that was very good news for
the chamber. Okay. I would first like to take this opportunity to thank all the voters of Sussex County for entrusting me with three more years as a Sussex County Commissioner. I'm humbled and grateful. I look forward to welcoming my running mate, Frankfurt Mayor Dave
Sloverthornne, to this board on January 2nd. We will finally be a board of five members again working together to move Sussex County forward. I want to congratulate Governor Elect Mikey Cheryl, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, Assemblyman Mike and Ganamort, Sheriff Mike Strada, and all the winners down
ballot. Also, thank you to all who put their names on the ballot. The official results will be certified on Wednesday, November 19th. Director Carney and I along with the county treasurer and administration begin our 2026 budget hearings. We spent approximately 16 hours so far meeting with department
heads, constitutional officers, county college, and Sussex Tech. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get the budget within a very minimal increase to the taxpayers while still maintaining the high level of services the county provides to residents. Director Carney and I along with interim administrator
Christina Mars recently went met with the Vernon and Wanage road departments. We the county version of the road departments. We will be meeting with the other garages soon. and open communication with county employees is of utmost importance to ensuring that the needs are met between administration
and the employees. Director Carney and I along with interimm administrator Christina Marks and county council met recently with Sheriff Sheriff Strada to discuss his concerns about security and the overtime costs associated with the rallies at the green and worries about
having enough manpower. There is a great deal of planning for each rally to ensure public safety and we had asked uh Sheriff Strada to give us some of the costs and I am going to just uh give a a brief on four of the rallies that were
held this year. On June 14th, 2025, we had a no kings rally and the cost in overtime for the sheriff's department was $5,97. On June 21st, 2025, Norwest Westcap had a barbecue and the cost was $2,000 in
overtime. September 20th, they had a Make Billionaires Pay rally and the cost for that rally was $8,57. On October 18th, 2025 was another no kings rally and the cost to the taxpayer
and overtime again was $8,17521. So, between those four rallies, we have uh paid $23,81621 in overtime. And now, I saw on Facebook, but I'm not sure if it was even approved yet, another no Kings rally planned for
November 22nd. and uh interim administrator myself are meeting again with the sheriff tomorrow because we have to come up with some sort of idea because this is just getting excessive in the costs to the taxpayer for the
rally. I'm all for speaking and having your rallies, but when it we have to have the extra security, we have to have the barriers. You know, it's a lot of work, a lot of planning ahead of time, too. Okay. I attended an open house of a home in Wanage Township through Habitat for
Humanity that's being refurbished for a family in need. Anyone in New Jersey can apply. They're still accepting applications through their website. Um I would like to congratulate Deputy Administrator Lorraine Hence, her staff at Senior Services County Employees, the parade committee, and all who planned,
participated, and attended the 25th Veterans Parade. My fellow commissioners and I enjoyed it. Commissioner Henderson and I enjoyed the 250th birthday ball for the Marine Corpse League Detachment 747 at Minerals in Vernon. I was honored that my business, Space Farm Zoo, and Museum, received the 2025 community
sponsor of the year award. I'm incredibly grateful to all who have served and are serving the greatest country in the nation. Lastly, I had a board meeting with Jenny's House. It's not too late to purchase tickets to the annual fundraiser on Saturday, November 15th at the Lake Mohawk Country Club.
And they need all the help they can get. And then my report for uh uh social services division of social services 103.7 WNJ 102.3 WSUS and 106.3 the bear will be hosting the 18th annual Stuff
the Bus food drive the weekend before Thanksgiving. The event will kick off on Friday, November 21st at the Provident Bank in Sparta and continue on Saturday and Sunday, November 22nd and 23rd at the ShopRate locations in Byron, Franklin, Newton, Sparta, and Sussex.
Donations from the food drive will benefit the social services food pantry, which serves residents throughout Sussex County. Social services has experienced a significant increase in the demand for food due to many economic factors which makes the food drive crucial to help
ensure pantry shelves are stocked throughout the upcoming winter months. For more details about this event, visit the Sussex County website at sussex.nj. us or call social services at 9733833600. If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can
stop by the Division of Social Services located at 83 Spring Street in Newton on Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. And I want to thank Christine Florio for all that she has done um with the residents not getting their SNAP benefits on time and putting a plan in
place and executing it. Um she was very very good. uh Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing. A walkth through, a walk-in flu vaccine clinic will be held on Wednesday, November 19th from 9 to3 at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatssworth Road in
Hamburg. Appointments are not required. The cost for the flu vaccine is $25 and 70 for high dose. The flu vaccine is free with Medicare Part B and any Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Cash or checks will be accepted, but credit or debit
cards cannot be accepted. To obtain additional information, please call the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-579-0570 extension 1275 on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30. A child health clinic will be held on Tuesday, November 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at
the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weekssworth Road in Hamburg. The 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, November 25th, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatsworth Road in 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 screenings. To learn more about this clinic or schedule an appointment, call the Office of Public Health Nursing at 973-5790570
extension 1275. And that's all I have today. Thank you. Philly supports. realistic. Um, so this is important, but Sussex County Division of Planning and Economic Development sent information to all
Sussex County municipalities on October 28th about the upcoming fiscal year 2026 Sussex County Trail Grants Program. grant program is funded by the Cussus County Farmland Preservation Recreation Open Space Trust Fund. I think Commissioner Hend uh the group touched on that before that passed. Uh this
program awards grants for the construction, rehabilitation, restoration, and maintenance of publicly owned shared use trails. The county anticipates an open solicitation for the program will occur early next year. Sussex County Division of Planning is available to re review the program and
answer any questions. Sussex County Division of Public Works. Uh Division of Public Works initiated a partial activation of all eight uh district garages in response to yesterday's snow showers. If you guys were driving, there was a lot of black ice. I was driving from 4:00 till about
1 and it was it was not good. Uh intensity of the storm varied greatly around the county. Some areas only seen flurries while others received upwards of two inches. County roots remain passible for drivers operating with care. Public works will be removing Sanders will be removing Sanders from a
few trucks and resume working over the next few weeks to complete NCSE and repairs that include paving of the county route 560 bridge approaches in Leighton. Repairs to a segment repairs to a segment of County Route 650 Monikue repaving the county route 603 tunnel and
green and repairs to the shoulder of County Route 607 in the backon. Sussex County in-house construction crews. This is the linger. The Sussex County uh construction crew installed the timber superructure for county bridge X20
located in Berry Road in Wanage. The project is in the final phase with paving bridge railing in road roadway guide rail expected to be completed over the next two or three weeks. Whether permitting the bridge to be returned to full service in early December for you onage folks out there. Uh, Cesus County
traffic safety crews. The Cesus County traffic uh traffic safety crews completed modifications and enhancements to Appalachian Trail Crossing on County Route 519 Mountain Road and Wage or concluded regrading of the roadway buffers, removal of guide rail systems, installation of trail crosswalk markings
and installation of trail crossing advanced warning signs. That's my report. I think most of the commissioners reported on all the things we've done. I think Allan, I think you got the record. I mean, you were gone for 10 days and you went to so much. I know it helps being retired, but that is
a lot and very impressive. Um, you know, we all pretty much go to everything, at least the four commissioners that you see here. Um, Jill touched on our budget. We have a tough budget this year. Everybody knows costs are rising. Insurance is through the roof. As Allan said earlier, we met with the mayors and
the biggest problem that they have is insurance going up and that affects our budget, which affects the taxpayer. We also have a lot of uh pension costs that went up this year. Um so we we got a lot of work ahead of us with our operating budget. I don't know how you guys made out your capital, but we have a lot of
work. Uh Ela and Lorraine and Christina. Um we got a lot um I it's we had the mayor's lunchon on Saturday. Mayor um Olirri was there from Lafayette. Uh Route 15, it's about three months behind. I deal with the DOT a lot. They're
usually a mess. Uh so that's about status quo for me. Um we'll see what happens with that. I'll try to give you as much updates as I can. And then uh Mayor Rubenstein and the Annover mayor's um we we spoke about the 206 DOT job in
Andover with that bridge. We're supposed to get some information on that soon. So when we get that uh I will let you know as well. And that's all I have for now. I do want to thank the veterans too. >> Veterans pins.
>> Perfect. After the meeting, if anybody wants veterans pins, they could see Lorraine. But thank you for your service. It means a lot. As you know, uh last year we proclaimed November Veterans Month for you guys, and that'll always be here in Sussex County.
11 is approval of consent agenda. There is none. Number 12 is approval of minutes. Uh that's table 2125. Uh 13's ordinance. Uh we have one ordinance that is a introduction for first reading ordinance 25-07. Um amending speed limits established
along county route 515 under resolution entitled establishing speed limits on Vernon Stockholm Road Route 515 in the township of Vernon dated September 16th 1975. Take a motion to adopt this ordinance on the first reading. >> So move Henderson. I have a second.
>> Second. Commissioner Degrroot. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent. >> Okay. Number 14s, appointments and or
resignations. >> Motion to adopt resolutions A through G. >> So moved. >> Mr. Duk, have a second. Second. Deputy Director Space. Um, all right. We missed a lot of that. Uh, any discussion? Okay. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson,
>> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent. >> All right. 15. Can I get a motion to adopt resolutions A through Y? >> So move.
>> Commissioner Henderson. Second. >> Deputy Director Space. Any discussion? >> All right. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. Director Carney. >> Yes. >> Deputy Director Space. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Degrew. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden absent. >> Okay. Number 16 is awards of contracts,
change orders, and bids. The board of county commissioners County of Sussex has reviewed the award of contract change orders bids consisting of various proposed resolutions and determined that adoption of this said resolutions is and will further the public's interest. Motion to adopt resolutions A through I.
>> So moved. >> Deputy director Space. Have a second. >> Second. Commissioner Groot. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent.
>> All right. Number 17's uh payment bills list. We have two uh bills list. This is A, which is the payment of bills bills list A from November 12th, 2025. Motion to pay bills list A. >> So moved. >> Commissioner Henderson. Second. Deputy Director Space. >> Any discussion?
Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes. >> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Degrew, >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent. >> All right. U payment of bills list B. This is from November 12th, 2025. Can I get a motion to pay bills list B?
>> So moved. >> Commissioner Drew, I have a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner Henderson. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Sorry. Director Corner. >> Yes. Deputy Director Space >> abstain.
>> Commissioner Degru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden absent. >> All right. Number 18's personnel. We have one personnel uh agenda. >> Two. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, we have two. I'm sorry. This is a personal agenda A
of 1120 1125. Motion to approve personal personnel agenda A. >> So moved. Deputy >> director space. Have a second. >> Second. >> Commissioner group. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Henderson, >> yes. >> Director Carney, >> yes.
>> Deputy Director Space, >> yes. >> Commissioner Jr., >> yes. >> Commissioner Hayden, absent. >> Uh, personnel agenda B is from 11:12. Motion to approve personnel agenda B. >> So moved. >> Commissioner Space. Second. Director Space, I'm sorry, Commissioner Groot.
Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Commissioner Henderson. >> Abstain. >> Director Carney. >> Yes. Deputy Director Space. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Degru. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Hayden absent. >> 19. Administrative report.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. Um, keeping it brief, but I did submit a report um for the board's review, but um in summary, um, as Director Carney had stated, our county's health insurance rates, just like everyone else's across the state, are going up. Um, our initial
proposal was an increase of 22%. However, we were able to negotiate that down to 18.32%. Um, what's driving up some of the costs on our end right now are we do have a high loss ratio. So, we have a lot of high claims that we're paying out um on
some uh on some employees. Um, however, our broker did advise that for those municipalities that did have what's considered a good loss ratio, they're still seeing an exert e and upwards of 19 20 plus percent. So, at 18.32%, we're
doing pretty pretty well considering. Um, I did ask our broker if we were to go into a health insurance fund because as we talked about at the mayor's meeting, they did indicate uh that they were seeing significant increases and they couldn't even get out of the state health benefits plan. They thought that
might be an option. Um, even those uh health insurance funds are seeing 19 up to 30% increases. So again, we are doing pretty well uh considering and especially especially well considering the state health insurance plan is going
up 34 uh plus percent. Um beyond that uh we had uh I want to commend Christine Florio, the department administrator for health and human services. Once we had heard that the SNAP benefits were at risk of not being funded, uh her and her
team mobilized very quickly and we were in good shape few weeks out before the beginning of November. Um we were one of the few counties in the state that actually had uh alternatives and additional supplies in place before that. So, I do really want to commend
her quick uh approach to getting a lot of community partners involved and making sure that the residents throughout the county had uh the essentials that they need. Um, and I just have one other item to go over in executive session. >> Thank you. >> Nothing to report tonight.
>> Okay. 21 unfinished business. >> Uh, I do just one quick question. Do we have any idea when the jail will come up for a topic and discussion here again? Do we have any idea where that stands? No, right now we are still waiting for the final subdivision uh status and that has to be because of a conflict that's
being held uh heard by another county. So that is still on everything else is still on hold. Yep. I do uh I just think when we appoint people to various boards for anything uh that I think there should be a selection process and an interview process. I mean
people submit a resume we sit and read a resume but I think you really get a feel for a person sitting face to face talking to a person. I don't know how we go about that but that's my suggestion for any committee. I mean, I'm not saying people that are reappointed to a committee or whatever, but new individuals coming in, I think, should
have some kind of interview face or nothing else. You can walk to an event and look at somebody and say, "That's who that is." Rather than somebody walking up to say, "Hey, I sit on the board and you're like, "Oh, nice to meet you, and I've never met him face to face." Just think it's a good idea.
Number 23. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Abstain. Okay. The floor is open. Public comment.
>> Good evening, Ken Collins and over town trip township. Um, I hope you had a great Veterans Day. Thank you for a wonderful event. Uh, remember Gouia Dale. Uh, first congratulations to Governor elect Mikey Cheryl. Uh, chattering Jack Cheddarelli had his butt handed to him. And with 56 Democrats and
23 Republicans in the state house, I guess we can expect to hear all kinds of crying about the Trenton bureaucracy and laying blame on Mikey Cheryl for everything you possibly can. The Republicans shut down the government because they thought that illegitimately blaming Democrats for it over and over
would sway the electorate to vote for Jack and other Republican candidates. But it backfired. People saw through the Republican ruse, recognizing that a Republican run government shutting down the is the fault of a weak president, one who is continuously betraying the
public's trust. Trump endorsed Jack Cedarelli and Jack Cedarelli lost. Trump is political poison. Regaining the public's trust is difficult. Some of you I have seen betray the public's trust. President Trump betrays the public trust daily by lying to the
public about economic indicators, his success stopping wars, the Epstein files, and just about everything else he opens his mouth about. You violate the public's trust when you lose $28 million in a solar swindle. Swindle, but you don't hold anybody responsible for it.
You violate the public trust when you lie about being a veteran to avoid taxation. You violate the public trust when you say the benches in the square need repair. Then at the next meeting, you say the benches have to be removed for repair. And then at the next meeting,
you say that the benches are being replaced with partitions. One, partitioned ones. so people can't lay down on them. When your obvious intent all along was to remove the benches until it was too cold for people to be outside and then replace them with ones that no
one can lie down on. Little lies betray the public trust in a big way. Betraying the public trust loses elections. Budget time. Time to tighten belts. Don't raise taxes. Folks are broke.
Thank you. >> Trevor Wasel Hamburg and I will be suggesting two improvements to county library system. Uh firstly, video game consoles including a Nintend series X should be added to the library of things. Video have just as much of a
capacity to inform, inspire, and expand one's imaginations as any other art medium. And although costs are rising, patrons access to culture via art should not be barred by price. Secondly, the checkout time for video games should be
extended for 7 days to 14 days. Many video games, such as the title Persona 5 Royal, uh can take 100 hours or more to fully engage, making them less like movies, which can be checked out for 7 days, and more akin to television shows,
which can be checked out for 14 days. Consistency should dictate that patrons have as much time to engage with video games as they can television shows. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Jessica Jesse Paladini and I am the president of the
Vernon Township Historical Society. For 33 years, the Vernon Historical Society has had sole and exclusive rights,
soul and exclusive rights to access of our historic one room price switch schoolhouse. And that is by deed dated 1993.
Um, and we've been maintaining that schoolhouse along with the county facilities management. And I'm here tonight because I would like to know who changed the lock and locked us out of
the building. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. May I ask why? review of exactly who owns it, what liability. So there are some questions regarding
the transfer of ownership of that property from ownership after liability purposes. Okay. Well, we don't own it. We only have the right to access and to maintain it. So, what will the end result of this
be? Right now, we're not able to get in there at all. >> At this point, uh, legal is reviewing. Um, I would just ask that you allow us to go through this process to review what has transpired over decades. Um, really this is a safety concern, not
just for the community as a whole, but also yourself. God forbid something happens, okay, while someone's on the property, whether it's yourself or someone else, we need to make sure everybody's safe. Um, we have the proper insurance. Um, so if anything should happen, it doesn't ultimately come back on the taxpayer.
Well, my big concern is that um as you can see in your packet, Vernon's mayor posted on his Facebook page that he the Vernon government has been given unfettered access
to that building and that he has extended that privilege to the board of education. So, what does that mean? Everyone in the board of education First of all, >> I'm sorry. >> First of all,
>> Facebook is for entertainment and and and not facts. So, he could write whatever he wants. Doesn't mean it's true. >> I know. Yeah. >> So, I would take that with a grain of salt. Um, not to make this a Q&A because it's not a Q&A. As council said, we will 100% once we have an answer, we will get
back to you. I assure you on that one. >> Okay. Well, I would I would ask that if you do consider I've spoken with you, Mr. Carney and I've spoken with Miss Space. I would ask that if you do consider transferring ownership of that building that you would transfer it to
the Vernon Township Historical Society because we've maintained excellent care of that town uh of that facility. And um in fact, we have somebody coming in to do a major cleaning of it the day after
Thanksgiving. Is that at our expense? Is that something we can still do or >> can we get back to you on that? >> Sure. Absolutely. Okay. All right. So, I guess I need to wait to hear from you further. >> All right. Thank you for your time.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Good evening. David Dwit from Hampton Township. Time to demand Trump end the war in our cities. He claims it's to eliminate urban crime, denying that violent crime
is down in his blue target cities. We know crime is motivated by poverty, bad health care, bad educational opportunities, bad behavior by racist police, not being politically democratic. When someone believes there is no hope for their future, when they
have nothing but alienation and rage, they will stop at nothing. He hopes for a violent response as his masked and armed thugs handcuffed children, tackle terrified women to the street, drag US citizens to illegal
detention. He welcomes it, gleeful that he can unleash his war against crime. His final solution. He thirsts for a replay of his Jan 6 day of love. Grander and more widespread from sea to shining
sea. All this violence is really a smokeokc screen for the other branch of criminality our society is cursed with. Trump crime born of wealth and privilege. The Trump criminal believes in his heart that all is allowed. He is
free to rob and steal whatever he can. He is free to use his dollars to manipulate the justice system. He buys public opinion using complicit media cronies. He extorts and bribes his way to achieve that all powerful position of
king. Not satisfied with billions of dollars and illotten gains. Life and death has become the Trump criminals play thing. Hundreds of thousands of starving children in Africa die as he waves his
hand to demolish USAID just for the photo op. Untried and unconvicted drug dealers are sumearily condemned to death by his decree. Blown out of the water in the most theatrical way possible.
Without a peep from his supporters, he now threatens war with other countries. There will there will be a special place in hell for the Trump criminal. Perhaps he could be the bathroom attendant in a marble ensconcconed restroom used by his
lackeyis where the plumbing doesn't work and the contributions keep coming. We can only hope. Speak up. Tell the truth. Be the first Republican in Sussex County to renounce this criminal. Thank you.
Um good evening Nina Fredel from Montigue. So I just wanted to share some information u from that Bobby Kennedy Jr. shared about digital ID which I think is going to be a big issue. So Kenny said what we're seeing today is
what he calls turnkey totalitarianism. They are pulling in place all of these technological mechanisms for control. All of these are techn technological mechanisms for control that we've never seen before. It's been the ambition of
every total totalitarian state from the beginning of mankind to control every aspect of behavior, conduct, and thought and to obliterate disscent. None have been able to do it because they didn't have the technological capability. Well,
today those mechanisms are being put in place from which none of us can run and where no one is going to hide. Within five years, we're going to see 415,000 low orbit satellites. Bill Gates says
his 65,000 satellites alone will be enough or will be able to look at every square inch of the planet 24 hours a day. Why does he need to do that? I wonder. Digital currency that will allow them to punish us from a distance and
cut off our food supply. Every right that you have is transformed into a privilege contingent on your obedience to the arbitrary government dictates. In other words, it will make you a slave. And what do we do about it? We have to
resist. I'm going to tell you three rules you will need to know and memorize. Number one, every power that the government takes from us, it will never relinquish voluntarily. Number two, every power that they take from us, they will ultimately abuse to the
maximum extent possible. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. >> Number three, nobody in history of a planet has ever complied their way out of totalitarian control. Every capitulation is a signal to oppressors
to impro impose new forms of torment or torture for compliance and for obedience. Every time you comply, you get weaker. Bullies can't be appeased. If you just it just encourages them to
new forms of torture and torment. Every time you say yes, you're going to be pushed back into a weaker position. So that's why we all need to resist today. Um I actually experienced with a credit card. I logged in and they wanted me to
go through this whole routine including facial ID. I said nope not doing it. Called them up. Got into my account another way. Don't do it. Don't submit. Resist. Thank you. [Applause]
John Snider, Sanderson Township. Shock of some of the violent rhetoric we heard here tonight, attacking a man who I have the utmost respect for. Is it any wonder that we see physic I mean political violence, people getting ICE agents being shot at recently?
Fortunately, no one was hit. a president who was uh twice been attempted assassination against his life. He's loved apparently more in other countries around the world than he is here. I apologize that I do not know the
name of the woman in Venezuela who was uh the opponent to Maduro. She's in hiding, I believe. And she won the Nobel Peace Prize this year. And what did she do? What did she say when she won that award?
He dedicated it to Donald Trump. He's loved by people around the world and hated by so many people. And for the love of God, I I can't figure it out. This guy doesn't have to be down in Washington. He could be on any one of his golf courses around the world
enjoying himself. He's exactly two weeks older than me. He's 79. I'm 79. And got to give the guy credit for the the work days that he puts in tonight. Hopefully, they're going to end
the Schumer shutdown of I believe it's six weeks today. And apparently one of the stumbling blocks is the unaffordable care act known as Obamacare, which I heard today affects 7% of our population.
They knew from the beginning that financially there's no way it could support itself. I understand that New York City in the last number of years has lost over $400 billion in tax revenue due to people leaving.
Really am upset about some of the things I heard here tonight. want to talk a little bit briefly about the two elections for governor, New Jersey and Virginia. I guess it was a week ago last night. The polls had them from what I
understood neck to neck. Yes, it did show I believe the Democrats ahead 2% 3% 5% close but they both wound up almost identical. New Jersey was 56% for Cheryl, 43% for Chidarelli. I don't
know the names of the I know I knew Winston Sears but in Virginia was 57 to 42 almost identical yet the polls didn't predict that the polls predicted it was going to be pretty close so once again I don't believe the results of these things I think it's manipulated by
people with computers and thank you very much So moved. >> Second. Hi. >> Providing for an executive close session not open to the public in accordance with the provisions of NJSA
10 col4-12 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
NJSA10 colon 4-12B 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 10 col4-B and NJSA 10 col4-13, that the board at this time enter in executive session from which the public
shall be excluded. And be it further resolved that the general nature of the subjects to be discussed relate to the following items authorized by NJSA 10 col4-12B as designated below.
Number four, matters relating to the collective bargaining agreement CWA 1032 negotiations and 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 interests 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 do not take formal action after
returning from executive session except to adjourn the regular meeting. Hi bee.