Call this meeting to order. This is the commissioner meeting of May 14th, 2025 at 6 PM at the Sussex County Administrative Center at the in the commissioner meeting room on one spring street, New Jersey. Roll call, please. Commissioner Henderson here. Deputy Director Space here. Director Carney
here. Commissioner Degr here. Commissioner 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 it stands one nation under
God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Number four is a 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, New Jersey to the following New Jersey Herald, Star Ledger and Strauss News and is also posted on the bulletin board maintaining administrative center for
public announcement and has been submitted to the Sussex County Clerk in compliance with said act. At this time, please all mute electronics. Commissioners, remove your phones, please. Number five is going to be the approval agenda. I just need to amend uh
the agenda holding appointment 13A um until after executive session due to uh some attorney discussion that just came up prior to the meeting. Um so can I get a motion to approve the amended agenda? So moved. Deputy director space.
Have a second. Second. Commissioner Henderson. Uh all in favor say I. I. Oppose. Abstain. Carries. All right. uh proclamation, certificates and presentations. Our first proclamation will be read at May 16th uh
from deputy uh director space at the older Americans month and that's when we'll present that. Our next pro proclamation will be recognizing May 2025 as mental health awareness month and Jill you are up. Christine Fuio's
here and Mr. Kramer as well. Whereas mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. And whereas mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can
cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. And whereas mental health illness is a leading cause of suffering and disability that is exaggerated by stigma, discrimination. And whereas one
in six youth aged 6 to 17 and one in five individuals aged 18 and over will experience a diagnosible mental health disorder each year. And whereas increasing awareness of mental health and the importance of mental health prevention, intervention, and treatment
services can encourage those who are suffering to reach out for help. And whereas the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners adopted and supports the campaign to change direction, which is a national model to reduce stigma and change the culture of mental health so that all those in need
receive the care and support they deserve. The campaign supports the inclusion of mental health into overall health, encourages individuals to know the five signs of emotional suffering, and supports others to reach out for help when needed. And whereas May is recognized nationally as mental health
awareness month providing an opportunity to raise awareness combat stigma and promote mental health resources. Now therefore it be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Sussex County Mental Health Board, the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners hereby
officially designates May 2025 as mental health awareness month in Sussex County by order of the board of county commissioners. Thank you. Would you like to say a few words? Thank you very much. Several years now. I just wanted to bring to the
uh developments that I've seen in my time. My interest in getting on the board was saw different approach that should be taken not out of an evil state of mind but because of a mental issue that they
have a meal my time on the healthic change in the way that law enforcement policemen, police women, all law enforcement now trained in recognizing Someone who may be decompensating someone who
is bad personal problem differently. And it has reached a point now where I attended my prosecutor's office
to the criminal defense. about a program that has been recently equivalent operates the same way but Incorporates way housing, whether it's support, whether
have these afflictions now have a much better chance of of coming out of a crisis. These are the sorts of things that the mental health an ideal effort. I know, we've been on the
board for many, many years. Um, as well as all the ARPA money you've given for mental health, opioid settlement money that we're funding for mental health. So, it really is a lot of mental health funding going into the county over the past year to two years. So, I thank the board as
well and supporting us in our mental health efforts. Thank you. Next we have of our 24 audit by Ray Sarinelli. You are up Ray. All
right, good evening everybody. Ray Sarinelli, county auditor. Um, so tonight I have for you a presentation on the audit report which is the financial statements for 2024 are also related have for you tonight. Um, so I
always like to start talking about the financial position in the current operating fund. I always like to talk about fund balance. balance in uh a county is very similar to what retained earning company a very good financial indicator how things are are going
financially um for the county. So we started the year 2024 with 21.7 balance used 7 million in the 2020 generated 8.77
million process of the year. ended the year at 22.8. So, uh, very good year financially. The fund balance is in a very strong position. Um, operation, which is what the rating agencies look at and kind of a good
guide for where you should be. Um, so 18.1% fund balance policy that you established as a board. Um, so all around just a very good the fund balance to end is a very strong position. So you
know I always like to look at well why why did we have such a good year primary driver was interest revenue you collect $3.7 million just in interest so just by putting your money in the bank and collecting interest um
collected 3.87 Um, as far as I know, that's the highest historically ever collected. Um, so in combination with good rates, also your cash position was very good for a lot of the grant funding that's come through over the past few
years. Year-over-year though, where the cash position is, you're down about $10 million, which panic, but that's actually a good thing. Your cash position was actually very high because of those grants. So, you're spending the money you were supposed to spend over the course of the
year. So, I wouldn't expect those that type of interest revenue are coming down over time. We'll see what happens um uh in the next few months, but that certainly your cash position is being reduced. overall the budget plan that was put
together another very good plan um which is what you've always done process um so I do still see some sustainable growth I just don't think we're see of an increase as we saw so very very very good year in 24 I
think you know plan of always planning on that revenue side and have that good long-term plan balanced budget is a good thing. So then you have your trust fund um you know funds held for various purposes they all operated normally
there's a few well storm recovery you know I look at a day like today and I think it's good to have a good storm recovery so uh reserve so there you know god forbid there's catastrophic event um you know the county is ready reacted to that um with
all the next up is your capital fund. Um started work on three new large capital projects. Um something that I see that that's you know very good and I think um you know the commissioner board has been working on for a while. So year end
2023 total debt authorized for the county is 87.07. total authorized debt is 79.9 reduction of just over that's without compro compromising the long-term capital plan. So yeah,
it's very easy to say oh well we reduced the amount of debt outstanding we did less capital projects you know contin capital operation a lot of capital needs you don't want to stick there but we've
invested more cash and certainly the number of grants capital plan so that obviously we're going to as well. So there we're seeing it action now in 2024 capital that I wanted to touch on. There are a large number of grants out
there, particularly not larger than I would than I would expect for for this type of but that you're going to want to ensure lot of things are coming now and so you're going to start
to be able to collect on a lot of those grants as well. So keep an eye on but I think you know you're in good. Last thing I'll talk about um from the financial uh perspective is the library. The library started the year with 1.5
million in fund balance and ended the year with 1.3 about 173,000 in growth in uh was When I looked at both the general operating fund and the library, they both had
18% operation. So both I look at them, you know, they're not overly high, but they're in a very positive financial report. Um, any questions on the financial part? going to talk about the one recommendation. Every year we do have
the segregation of duties recommendation. Um that's really not related to the the finance office. It's related to some of the outside offices that are that are operating with, you know, finance office does a great great with mitigating controls to make sure
they have a certain level of oversight. But outside offices as an individual they don't have the proper uh segregation of financial functions. Um really they never really should because how big of an investment it
would be to really proper amount of controls. We take a pretty strict approach on how we look at how they should be functioning. You are all aware outside uh offices, you know,
aren't necessarily have the optimal level of control. Finance offices doing a great job. Good for you to keep an eye on them. They're definitely doing it. Anyway, anyway, no, I think we're good. I like
the report. Very good. Keep them up. I'd like to take credit for a good financial report, but I think your your finance office and in particular, a lot of it has to do with the decisions you make process of where the financial
statements end up administration and to you guys. So, just one quick question for the benefit of everybody who's listening in here tonight though. Where do we sit? I know you do a lot of municipalities and counties throughout the state, maybe other states as well. Where do we sit compared to them? Are we in a great
spot? Okay. Average? We under? Where where are we at? It seems like we're in a good spot, but coming from you little different. Oh, yeah. You're you're in a very good spot. You know, I I would say, you know, when I look at other counties, I you know, I think to compare you to be a little bit unfair, right? Size of the
operation is just very skewed. So, when I compare you to other your fund balance percentage, you know, at 18% is much lower, but you're a different type of community. I would compare you to Morris
County, right? It's a much bigger entity with a much different dem demographic, right? The amount of infrastructure they have, the amount and the types of business. So they should have more fund balance because they need to be more reactive to
volatility in what maintain. So they have a closer to a 25% 30% that's what their policy dictates because your policy states um you know 20% would be the max before there would
be action to reduce the amount of I would 18% you're pretty optimal in that your fund balance is high and strong and will allow you to be reactive but it's not you're not overly putting a bur taxation just so you can build up
your fund balance. So, especially right now when there's a lot of uncertainty on where the economy is going, you would want fun balance to be higher position, giving you the ability to be more reactive. Should some negative occur that will have to affect your
budget, you would be perfect, right? You're still within your um policy. But you're at the highest you could be. So at 18.1%. Good. Thank you. Anybody else? We're good. Thank you for coming in. We'll
talk soon. All right. Public hearing number seven. We don't have one. Number eight, public session from the floor. This public session for those wishing to make a comment of three minutes or less regarding an agenda item. Please line up at the microphone. State your name, municipality, and agenda topic for the record. Get a motion to open the floor
for public comment. Second. Henderson. Commissioner Groot seconds. All in favor say I. I. Oppos. Abstain. Carries. Floor is open for agenda topics only. You could hand them to the clerk. You could hand them to the clerk. You could
hand them to the clerk. Good evening. Ken Collins, Andover Township. Um, I'm here about item 16E on the agenda. It's a 1,150,000 bonding for Sussex County
Community College. Um, and uh, you know, the tiniest increase um, in enrollment over the last three years has happened. It's really not significant. Yeah, sure. That's what it is.
1.15 16. Okay. While there has been the tiniest increase, as you can see by the figures I've given you, I've got a chart since 2009 when it was at its peak, the enrollment at SECCC, and a chart since 2000, which was as far as I could find
back on the internet. Um, the increase we're talking about over the last three years is insignificant. It's 60 students. Um, the last seven years since the county college became Sussex Tech 2 with the addition of numerous trade training
programs are the seven lowest years of enrollment in a quarter of a century and possibly since I don't have the figures since the school opened, I don't know. Um, the last five years have averaged 2,200 students a year, 2,000 less than
in 2009. 2009's budget was just over $2.5 million for the college. The 2024 and 2025 budget is just over $4 million, more than 37% of an increase for more than
47% fewer students. Now, why is that? It's because you keep issuing bond issues and approving more construction uh while SECCC's enrollment shrinks and stagnates. You've turned SECCC into a
joke. Only Warren and Salem counties have lower enrollment than Sussex County Community College when it comes to county colleges in this state. You keep building and it keeps costing more every year. And uh the more of a vocational technical school that Sussex County
Community College becomes, the worse it gets. You need to stop the wasteful spending. I think you like issuing bonds and you just do it to issue bonds for whatever credit rating things you guys are all into, but you need to stop
spending the money. You're wasting money when the damage is done. Send the VOTE programs. The VOTE programs need to go over to Sussex Tech where they belong. They're making a laughing stock out of Sussex County Community College. Stop
bonding and building at a failing institution. Thank you. Kathy Brennan, Hampton Township. Um I wanted to discuss the um proclamation you had for this evening. I know you didn't actually carry it out, but it was about uh May being older Americans
month. Um, I feel that this is the perfect time to take a stand on supporting services for the seniors. Um, right now we're concerned about, you know, major cuts to programs. I think you could possibly pass a resolution in
opposition to proposed federal cuts to the budget and you could also perhaps come up with ideas for the county to help counter those cuts should they happen because a lot of these programs are vital senior services. In the past, agencies, local governments, and
citizens have expressed concerns about changes to the Social Security program, and the federal government has taken those into consideration, and they have altered some of their proposals. And I think this is evidence that we all can make a difference, and we can all help to change things. The administration's
FY26 budget proposed drastic uh reductions and eliminations of programs uh that help seniors with health, nutrition, housing. Uh some of those have to do with chronic disease management, fall preventions, mental
health, adult protective services, home energy programs, and there are way too too many to say in three minutes. Uh and we still we still don't know all the proposed cuts yet. We don't know anything about Medicare. We don't know anything about Medicaid. We don't know about Social Security. These are things
that seem to still be up in the air. But there could possibly be changes to these things and eliminations of services. And we also have to keep in mind that these reckless cuts are being suggested by a team of techies who have no idea about how these programs actually work. At
this time when older Americans need assistance more than ever, I would suggest that we need to advocate for supporting them in getting the needs that they one minute have. All right. Thank you. Hampton Township. I'd like to address
item number 13A regarding the appointment of Sussex County Community Colleges Board of Trustees. I've been informed by a reliable source that Anthony Gardulo is an excellent appointee as a trustee. So, thank you to the board of commissioners for making
that selection. Well, he's on the agenda. I'm not saying you can't talk. I have faith that Mr. Godulo will agree with Socrates, one of the greatest minds of mankind, who said, "I know that I know nothing." Based on that wisdom, one
of the strongest indicators of ignorance is the lack of understanding that one doesn't know what one doesn't know. Fortunately, we have a community college right here in Sussex County to educate not only our youth, but adults who are also interested in learning about topics
they currently know nothing about. Following is just a snapshot of the courses the county college offers. US history, American government, American legal system, constitutional law, race, crime and justice, international
relations, western civ, political science, macroeconomics, microeconomics, international business, small business management, women and business, manufacturing methods, ethics, communication, business and law, bankruptcy, environmental science,
ecology, human biology, microbiology, education, journalism, Communications, psychology, sociology, deviant behavior, cyber security, computer science, terrorism and homeland security, occupational health and safety, cultural geography, geology,
medical law and ethics, gerontology, Russian, Spanish, comparative religions, perspectives on race, gender, class, and culture, and women in contemporary society. If anyone doesn't know why knowledge of these topics is crucial for
understanding the how and why Trump is destroying this nation, then it is even more of a reason to enroll in these courses and for the board of trustees to keep them on the course catalog. The Trump administration is intent on controlling the courses
that schools across the country offer students and some of the courses I just mentioned are at risk of being cancelled. We cannot let that happen to our students. Thank you again for your anticipated appointment of someone who will protect the educational integrity
of our co college from Trump's attacks on academia hardest township. I am going to speak on why it's important to know that a college education is community colleges provide a more budgetconscious option for students to
complete the first two years of a four-year degree close to home rather than at an expensive four-year college. Colleges also offer programs for completion of hiring an
associates well as certificate programs for fields requiring specialized training but not all agree that each of these options for education not only the students but also community colleges serve not only
recent high school graduates but also So older adults as there is no age restriction on education and often adults will delay attending college for several years. Non-traditional students often begin higher education by attending community college as it is a
budget friendly option and allows for the convenience of attending classes nearby and often in the evening. I am speaking from my own experience as I did not attend college until I was in my 30s. I went on to other schools to earn
both bachelor's and master's degree, but I don't know that I would have done so if I had not been able to begin my college experience at proposed cuts to funds to community colleges in the state budget, higher tuition, cuts to programs, and cuts to
student aid. Some may not be able to continue their education. Newer students are able to graduate, it will mean they will be working in lower paying jobs and may require assistance in other areas. It just makes sense to provide
students with the means to doing so is good for the students. I hope you will consider increasing county funding to Sussex County Community College. H from Freedom. I'm happy to see that tonight's
agenda, a proclamation to acknowledge May is mental health awareness month and to hear Mr. Kramer speak about uh local services. Having been touched in my life with the effects of alcoholism, eating disorders, mental health is a critical issue that impacts the well-being of
millions of Americans. Devastating cuts to mental health resources enacted by President Trump's administration are not just numbers on a budget sheet. They represent real people suffering in silence without the support they desperately need. First, let's
consider the impact on education. During Trump's first presidency, the Department of Education's budget was significantly $7 billion cut proposed in 2017. The administration is now cancelling $1 billion in grants that
were used health professionals in violate civil rights laws. This many students without access to counselors or mental health programs at a time when young people are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and
trauma. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of adolescence experience some form of mental health disorder. And under these policies, resources to identify and treat these issues have been severely limited. Furthermore, veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country have
suffered immensely for from these policy decisions. Departments of Veterans Affairs faced budget cuts that resulted in decreased mental health services, including longer wait times for therapy and reduced outreach efforts. Data from the VA shows that nearly 21 veterans
commit suicide figure that has remained stubbornly high despite efforts to improve mental health care. Cutting funds further jeopardizes their access to life-saving treatment, leaving our heroes without the support they deserve.
Consequences of these cuts are clear. Increased suffering, higher rates of suicide, and a generation of students and veterans out left without essential services. Our nation's mental health is a reflection of our compassion and priorities. We must recognize that
investing in mental health resources is not just a moral imperative, but the necessary step toward building a healthier, more resilient society. Let us stand together to demand policy changes that prioritize mental health funding that supports our
schools, respects the sacrifices of veterans, and ensures that no one is left to face their struggles alone. Clothing I wear today is in honor of one of my daughter's friends who took his own life. So moved.
Second. I number nine comments. We'll start with Commissioner Henderson. Okay. On Saturday, April 26, Commissioner Director Carney and I attended a meet and greet at Stillwater Fire Department where several residents attend to ask various questions and voice their
concerns. It was a very successful event. On April 28th, I attended the Taste of Vernon event hosted by the Vernon Chamber. It was an outstanding event showing the businesses of Vernon and what Vernon has to offer. On April 29th, I attended the Sussex County
Sheriff's Department award program where two new officers were sworn in, one retiring and other receiving various awards for the professionalism and heroic actions. And I'll thank all these gentlemen for what they do every day. April 30th, along with Commissioner Carney and Degrroot, we attended the
Sussex County Crimestoppper event. The anonymous tips from county residents have solved many uh cases here in the county and is a tremendous value to the sheriff's office. On May 2nd, I was invited to attend the Sussex County Community College Veterans Barbecue at
the county college. I'd like to thank David Hasslip for his invite and publicly thank him for all he does in assisting vets returning to the college scene. On May 5th, I attended the Sussex County Health Fair at the community college where students performed various tests.
I passed all the tests with flying colors until I hit the BMI testing. I knew I should have avoided that testing station. But thank you to the staff and students for putting this on. It's my understanding they had a great turnout from Sussex County residents supporting
the county college. On May 5th, I attended the county planning board meeting here where a driveway waiver was approved for Mil Street in Newton and Autumn Sylvester presented a state master plan update which will come before this board in June. I will commend them for the work they're doing
trying to read the state's unrealistic date to have this done by. Also on May 5th, I attended the Vernon Republican Club meeting with Vernon residents talking about counting in Vernon issues. On May 7th, along with Commissioner Carney, Ron Tapen,
Christina Mars, and the head of facilities, we met again regarding where to proceed with the future of the county jail. I think there's a lot of conversation to be had before moving forward with the sale of this building. If this structure was to be built again, it would cost the county an estimated
$150 million for a fivefloor structure with approximately 9 to 10,000 square feet per floor. I feel it's a diamond in the rough and a very valuable asset to this county. On May 8th, Commissioner Carney Degrut and I attended the 10-year anniversary ribbon cutting at for the Sussex County
Miners at Skyland Stadium. The miners are on a roll with several wins. I wish them the best of luck. On May 12th, Commissioner Space and I along with the head of facilities and others tooured the interior of the county jail. I think Commissioner Space will agree with me after touring the
jail, the potential in this building needs to be explored. It seems so logical to house multiple county offices in one building under one roof rather than multiple buildings that must be maintained. The jail is connected to the courthouse complex, a completely secured
area. I'm not saying renovate the entire building all at once, but explore the options floor by floor because once it's called once it's sold, the county will never in my lifetime or most of you sitting in this room be able to rebuild a building of this structure. And the
county already owns it. Lastly, tonight I along with several other commissioners in including Commissioner Spay sitting here attempted to attend the county college graduation. I will tell you my jacket is soaked completely through. Uh congratulations to all the graduates and
their families. At a previous me meeting here, it was mentioned that the enrollment at the county college has been flat. First, I'd like to say since CO hit the world scene in early 2020, many business have failed and others happy to remain flat and be able to begin that uphill
climb. I've taken the time to review the enrollment records for the last nine years of our county college. Our college during that same period was 6% higher than the rest of the community colleges on average. I know when speaking with taxpayers, the big concern is always
school tax. While I agree with the concerns, I also understand that investing in today's youth, they are the future of this country and a good education is something no one can ever take away from them. Thank you. All right. to start uh the New Jersey
Transportation Planning Authority uh NJTPA. This past Monday, I attended the NJTPA board of trustees meeting as a trustee. Um during the session, we approved the same minor amendments to the three transportation projects that I previously supported as a trustee through the NJTPA's project
prioritization committee. Uh Route 4 Hackinac Bridge project in Bergen County, Landro Road Bridge project in Morris County, Route 206 project from Valley Road to Brown Avenue in Somerset County. Uh the meeting also featured a guest speaker Zo Baldwin from the regional planning association who led an
engaging discussion on regional transportation collaboration particularly uh as New Jersey prepares to serve as a host site for the upcoming World Cup. Uh this global event presents a significant economic opportunity especially here for us in North Jersey and is expected to generate a positive
ripple effect across the region. Uh, additionally, be on the lookout for NJTPA representatives at the upcoming Newton day, uh, where they'll be engaging with the public to gather feedback for their long range transportation plan at their tent. for county library services. The Sussex
County Library System will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new mobile library named DOT on Wednesday, June 18th at 5 PM at Sussex Wage Branch uh named in honor of Dorothy Henry, Sussex County Library Systems first librarian and bookmobile driver. Dot will bring
library services to residents across the county. The event will feature speeches, a history of bookmobiles, refreshments, and a tour of DOT. uh mobile library will begin making regular stops and outreach visits later this summer. For more information about this or other upcoming programs and events, uh visit
suscounty library.org or call the main library at 973-9483600. uh for the division of health office of public health nursing in April 2025 a total of 198 cases of communicable and tick tick born illnesses were reported
an increase from 165 cases in April 2024 a year ago. Um this is compared to none during the same uh last month. Uh for tick born illnesses uh there were 68 reported cases in April 2025 which remains consistent with 68 cases
documented in April 2024. Uh finally some community engagement events. Uh since our last meeting I had the pleasure of attending several community events some of which have been mentioned. Uh Sussex County Crimes Stoppers annual dinner joined by Director Carney and Commissioner Henderson. Uh the Bram Fire Department's
beef steak dinner and comedy show. Uh lots of laugh really tasty. Uh great event down there. Uh Taste of Vernon, also attended by Commissioner Henderson. Uh serving at Frankfurt Plains United Methodist Church's Fish and Chips dinner. Great uh event over there. Uh
this morning went to Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters open house and competition. Great seeing the next generation of tradesmen uh you know get to work. Uh and then finally uh I did attend the New Jersey Right to Life annual gala, an event that was very impactful. Um that concludes my report
for this evening. God bless. Division of Senior Services annual public hearing. The Sussex County Division of Senior Services will hold its annual public hearing at 1:30 on Thursday, June 5th in the Senior Center at Null Heights Village located at 40 Trapaso Drive in Sparta. The purpose of
the hearing is to receive comments on the proposed 2026 area plan update, which generates funding for Sussex County through the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended. The public hearing will summarize the planning and contracting process. In addition, a
presentation of currently funded programs will be provided. Several service agencies will be available to provide information and answer questions. Attendees will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on current service needs for the seniors of Sussex County. Anyone who would like to
testify at the public hearing or submit written testimony should contact the Sussex County Division of Senior Services by May 30th, 2025 at 973-5790555 extension 1222 or email senior services at sussex.nj. us.
Individuals requiring transportation to the public hearing may contact Sussex County Skylands Ride at 973-5790480 no later than 11:00 a.m. on May 29th, 2025 to make a reservation. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition
Program provides financially eligible individuals who are aged 60 years and older with a $40 electronic benefit to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farm stands in New Jersey. Many local community farms participate
in the senior farmers market nutrition program and each recipient will receive a complete list of the farm stands with their package. This once a year benefit is available at the Division of Senior Services Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:30. Eligible seniors who are disabled
and not able to come into the office can have an application and their benefit mailed to them. This benefit will be available from June 1st through September 30th, 2025 and must be redeemed by November 30th, 2025. Please call the Division of Senior Services at
973-5790555 to obtain specific qualifications or to apply. A senior services caregiver support group will be held virtually by Zoom from 2 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15th. That's tomorrow. This group helps to reduce the
negative effects of stress and increases the physical and psychological wellness of the caregiver. It also provides information about programs and services available to the caregiver. Information on how to access these services and provides referrals as necessary. Please
call the Division of Senior Services at 973-5790555 extension 1288 to obtain additional information or to register to attend these meetings. Division of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing Clinics. A child health clinic will be held on Tuesday, May 27th from 10 to 12
at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Weatsworth 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 973-579-0570 extension 1275. A health check clinic will be held on Tuesday, May 27th from 2 to 4 at the Office of Public Health Nursing, 2011 Wheatsworth
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 to schedule an appointment, please call the office of public health
nursing at 973-5795070 extension 1275. And I have a mosquito uh report which uh Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia should be listening because she always liked to have them. Uh mosquito
control program. Since April, the county has received over seven inches of rain, a few more today, causing significant flooding in some regions of the county. In response to the high rainfall, the Office of Mosquito Control has conducted
two aerial applications with granular product to combat nuisance and disease vector mosquitoes in the larville stage of development. The first application of 1640 acres was conducted on April 17th with a second treatment of 891 acres
treated on May 7th. Aerial sites are predetermined by the office and are within unhabited areas in certain townships. Information about the mosquito aerial program can be found on the county's website. Residents should anticipate high populations of mosquitoes over the next few weeks due
to the warmer temperatures and current rainfall patterns. If residents experience a high inundation of mosquitoes, please call mosquito control office at 973-940-5225 to request service to the area for trapping and control methods.
Disease surveillance. Mosquitoborn disease surveillance testing will begin on May 19th. Results for disease testing will be included in the next report. Additionally, residents can find mosquitoborn updates on the disease surveillance website at sussex.nj. us
back/mosquito. All mosquitoborn disease results are updated weekly on the website. Since January, the mosquito lab has identified 483 water samples with a total of 7,295 mosquito larae in identified to
species. For adult mosquito surveillance, a total of 232 traps have been set and collected for a total of 2,82 adult mosquitoes identified to species field operations. To date, the office has received 26 complaints from residents during 2025. There have been
707 inspections of small and large Larville mosquito sites completed since April with 225 hand and backpack treatments conducted. The Office of Mosquito Control participated in the Sparta Earth Day event held at the Sparta Middle School on May 3rd. The
mosquito mascot, Mosquito, attended this event to help educate residents of all ages about the importance of mosquito-born disease prevention in their communities. Spotted lanternfly program is back. Free spotted lanternly traps are still available to all Sussex
County residents. If residents would like to receive their free traps, please contact the Office of Mosquito Control at 973-940-5225 to schedule a pickup time. Traps can be picked up at the mosquito office on Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30m, but scheduling an
appointment is preferred to ensure staffing availability. And recently, I attended a significant event at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Maverick's Legacy, Maverick Chambers, passed away three years ago at the young age of four and a half months
from a choking incident. Maverick's parents, Kim and Darren Chambers, have made it their mission to raise awareness about choking incidents and promote the use of the lifeback. Eight lives have since been saved because of Maverick's legacy. Like Commissioner Henderson said, he and I tooured the jail again
along with facilities. Our board is committed to making the best decisions possible on all county in infrastructure. I had a meeting uh with administrator Ron Tapen and Brightpe. There are still many areas here in Sussex County that are unserved and
underserved with internet. Brightspeed recently won the NJB award of 4.2 million and they plan to invest 8.2 million into Sussex County. Since its loss, since its launch in October of 2022, Brightspeed has made a
multi-billion dollar investment to upgrade its existing infrastructure to state-of-the-art reliable ultra fast fiber broadband in the county. This includes five companyled and funded strategic fiber builds in its Newton, Franklin, Sussex, Lake Mohawk, and
Monagu wire centers, resulting in approximately 23,000 homes and businesses being able to connect to the company's high-speed fiber network in the county. Additionally, Brightspeed is excited about the most recent announcement from the New Jersey Broadband Office, stating that the company will receive an NJB award to
fund further buildout of its high-speed fiber network to historically unserved and underserved communities in the county. Bright Speed's project will connect more than 9,000 locations in the county with 2,12 of them being funded in part by the grant award. This project will be
constructed by 2026. Yesterday, Commissioner Henderson and I attended the monthly Sussex County Chamber breakfast at Perona Farms. The theme was wellness. We heard from numerous businesses and nonprofits promoting a wide range of initiatives from childhood fitness to elder care. I highly
recommend anyone involved in a nonprofit or business to join the Chamber of Commerce. And I've been working with uh Christine Florio from uh Division of Health and Human Services on and along with Ela uh trying to get the $100,000
to the food pantry because the food pantry is still taking a big hit. So that brings me to county council. Have we heard from the AG or the US attorney on any of the frivolous allegations to the food pantry? Okay. And I'm sad to
see that the food pantry is I did hear from the FBI three weeks ago about it. Okay. Me a lot of questions. We don't see anything. So I know you don't. They're not going to for a while probably. Yeah. And what's sad is that the weekend backpack snacks for kids is most likely going to end. So Well, if we
just figured out where the money went and could have brought There was no money. There was no money to go anywhere. They weren't 500,000 shortened receipts. No, I disagree. Okay. So, are you done? No director. Just I just have a question, Commissioner Space. Who
counts those mosquitoes in those straps? Not me. And then I just want to also congratulate all of the graduates at Sussex County Community College. And that is why my hair does not look nice because it was raining. So, thank you. Mine either. Sorry. Yeah, you guys don't
have the same problems. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. All right. Department of Engineering and Planning. Uh, the vision of planning remains focused. Give me one second. I'm sorry. Getting over a
cold as they move away a little bit. All right. The division of planning remains focused on preparing the cross acceptance report which will summarize county and municipal review comments identified after reviews of the draft state development and redevelopment plan. The Sussex County Division of Planning will be presented the the cross
acceptance report to the Sussex County Planning Board at its meeting on June 2nd. Was what Commissioner Henderson said prior. Comments received during the June planning board meeting will be incorporated into report. An updated report will be included on the meeting agenda for commissioners consideration at our next meeting on June 11th. Uh
Alan and I will be there uh to give you guys a little insight of what we think. as well. The division of engineering is managing the rehabilitation of Sussex County Bridge X30 located on Libertyville Road in Wanage. Libertyville Road is also known as County Route 650. The bridge and road is
currently closed with a posted detour in place. Construction on SK is on schedule to be completed around early June. Department of Engineering and Planning anticipates repaving of County Road 650 between State Route 23 and County Route 519 will begin shortly after completion
of the bridge construction. Libertyville Road will remain closed pending completion of the bridge rehabilitation. During November of 23, in response to def deficiencies of the existing roadway retaining wall system and adjacent pond, the Department of Engineering Planning determined it was
in interest of the of public safety to implement emergency temporary traffic control measures reducing a segment of County Route 521 from a two-way two-lane road to a two-way single lane road. Get that. The segment of County Route
521 is locally known as Maple Avenue in Stillwater. The temporary measures provide for safe flow of traffic through the signal in service lane using a temporary traffic system. Recognize the operational impacts the emergent temporary traffic control has has to the local community. The county retained
services of a subject matter expert design consultant. The design consultant was tasked with reviewing opportunities which might be employed that could save restore two-way two-lane service to the segment of the road. The design consultant has provided the county with engineer plans for modification of the
temporary traffic control measures which they advise can safely restore two-way two-lane service to the segment of Maple Avenue. All right. So, they're going to be nine two lanes at 9 ft which is equivalent to a tight parking stall. So, we're not flying over this bridge. Most
parking stalls are 9 by 18. A nice parking stall is nine and a half. Believe it or not, the six inches matters on both sides. Um it's like going over the dingman's bridge, right? It's tight. Kind of close your eye a little bit, hoping you don't hit mirrors. Um Department of Engineering Planning is preparing for the implementation of the proposed conversation. Over the next few months,
efforts will focus on finalizing plan details, ordering materials required for the conversation, obtaining permits for the NJOP for detour, and developing a construction schedule for our in-house construction crew. Based upon current information, department expects the conversion of the temporary traffic
control measures will be scheduled for mid August of this year. Work is expected to be completed by the Sussex County construction crew and requires twoe closure in detour Maple Avenue. Right. So, two things that you want to get out of this. Two lanes are going to be open, but the detour is going to last
two weeks if you live or take 521. I know that's been a big conversation. It's a big bridge and we're not promising it's going to get done anytime soon for those that live there or use it, but at least it's going to be two lanes. Uh addition additional information will be made available by the department as plans are finalized
and a schedule of work is established. Department of Engineering and Planning can be contacted by phone at 973-579-0430 with any specific questions or concerns. So I think that's some good news finally because that bridge is is years away from uh getting done or being
started even. So going last as director uh most of the commissioners most of the commissioners um have attended a lot of the same things that I've attended. Uh so the food and wine festival at Crystal Springs, great event. Went to Project Self-Sufficiency, their fundraiser at Perona
Farms, very very good event. You gota you you you go there hungry and you leave very very full. I definitely put on a few pounds leaving there. Uh just really good event and it's good for project self-sufficiency. Um Ron and I Ron Tapen and I went to down to Atlantic City for
ENJAC New Jersey Association of Counties where I did a leadership forum with two other commissioners Payic Somerset and the executive from Mercer that was led by uh Eric Scott from 101.5. Um it was it was a nice event. A lot
better than I thought. Was not a league of minc valleys but uh we learned a little something. Um so it was good and it was nice to do a leadership forum first time I did it. So it was good. Saturday as commissioner Henderson said we went out to the minor stadium. Uh Commissioner Henderson was going to throw out the third first pitch and he
was a little nervous he wasn't going to hit the glove. So he refrained from that. Um now Jack wanted to do it because he's an athlete. Um we were at Sussex County graduation. I did speak as director. I did have a a rain speech set and that's what I used because it was miserable out there and and people were
sitting around for a long time. So, congratulations uh to them. Kudos to the college uh with all their efforts and their teachers and our president, Cory Homer, and the new board that's up there. They're heading in a very good direction. I'm proud of what they do and I'm I'm proud to give them the money
that uh helps fund that school on our part. Um, Crimes Stoppers. Uh, again, as Commissioner Henderson and Commissioner Degrroot were there, I was able to MC in lie of our county clerk, Mr. Perro. And if you see the county clerk, you can tell him that Chris Carney did a better
job than him. I'll get right under his skin, which will be good. And that's all all I have for now. Um, number 10, approval of consent agenda. There is none. Number 11's approval of minutes. Uh we have regular
meeting from April 23rd of 2025. Motion to approve the minutes from from the meeting. It's only one meeting. Can I get a motion please? Mr. Henderson second. Deputy director space. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.
Opposed. Abstain carries. Number 12 is ordinance. There's an introduction for first reading ordinance 25-04. There's an ordinance making the provisions of title 39 of the New Jersey statutes applicable to the Sussex County property known as 15
Trinity Street in the town of Newton as detailed within a plan entitled official site parking and signage plan. Sussex County Trinity Street annex 15 Trinity Street dated April 9th, 2025 regulating the use of said roadways, driveways, and parking facilities by motor vehicles. I
get a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading and authorize the clerk to advertise ordinance as introduced for first reading and also post the same on the bulletin board of the lobby of the county administrative center together with a notice of public hearing stating that a hearing will be will be held on
May 28th, 2025 at 6 p.m. prior to final of prior to final adoption of this ordinance. Motion please. So moved. Second uh space uh Commissioner Degroup seconds. Any discussion on this? All right. Roll call. Commissioner
Henderson. Yes. Deputy Director Space. Yes. Director Carney. Yes. Commissioner Degroup. Yes. Commissioner Hayden. Yes. Okay. Appointments andor resignations. We have one because we tabled A. We'll go to P. B rather. Appointments of
Ingred Vaka Bolero. Look at that. and Linda Moran as provider representatives of the Sussex County Human Services Advisory Council to fill unexpired terms said term to begin immediately and expire December 31st, 2027. Motion to adopt appointments
B. Appointment B. So moved. Commissioner Henderson have a second. Second. Commissioner group. Any discussion? All right. Roll call, please. Commissioner Henderson, yes. Deputy Director Space, yes. Director Carney, yes. Commissioner Degroup, yes.
Commissioner Hayden. Yes. All right. 14 resolutions. Motion to adopt resolutions A through L. So moved. Deputy Director Space. Have a second. Second. Commissioner Degru. Any discussion?
Roll call, please. Commissioner Henderson. Yes. Deputy Director Space. Yes. Director Carney. Yes. Commissioner Degrroot? Yes. Commissioner Hayden? No. All right. 15. Awards of contract change orders and bid. The board of county commissioners of the county of Sussex has reviewed the award of contract
change orders bids consisting of various proposed resolutions and determine that adoption of said resolutions is and will further the public interest. Motion to adopt resolutions A through D. So moved. Commissioner Henderson. I have a second. Second. Commissioner Degru. Any
discussion? Roll call. Commissioner Henderson. Yes. Deputy Director Space. Yes. Director Carney. Yes. Commissioner Degroup. Yes. Commissioner Hayden. Yes. Okay. Uh we have two bills lists. I'm going to keep them separate. Uh first
one is resolution A. This is payments of bills list A from May 14, 2025. Motion to pay bills list A. So moved. Commissioner uh deut deputy director space. Any discussion on this? Okay. Roll call. Commissioner Henderson.
Yes. Deputy Director Space. Yes. Director Carney. Yes. Commissioner Degroup. Yes. Commissioner Hayden. Yes. Resolution B is payment of bills list B from May 14th, 2025. Motion to pay bills list B. So moved. Commissioner Henderson have a second. Did Commissioner Hayden second? Here.
Any discussion? Roll call. Commissioner Henderson. Yes. Deputy Director Space. Abstain. Director Carney. Yes. Commissioner Degroup. Yes. Commissioner Hayden. Yes. All right. Next is a motion to adopt resolutions C through E.
So moved. Deputy Director Space. Second. Uh, Commissioner Brute seconds. Any discussion? All right. Roll call, please. Commissioner Henderson, yes. Deputy Director Space, yes. Director Carney, yes. Commissioner Degroup, yes. Commissioner Hayden, no.
All right. 17 personnel. There is none. administrative report. I know you have some things, right, R? Yes, sir. Thank you very much. Uh in in in the spirit of the mental health month, I felt a good need to talk about even more of the efforts that the county does and that's
the opioid settlement committee and the opioid settlement group that we have here in the county that helps and supports the efforts in the county where these funds are going to help uh our use in mental health and substance abuse.
So, The last county uh optim opium settlement committee was was held on April 30th. It was extremely well attended and featured a variety of stakeholders including mayors, municipal officials, the prosecutor's office, municipal law enforcement, local health and human service agency, local
businesses, hospitals, medical providers, county superintendent's office, and of course our county staff. At this meeting, we discussed how the opium settlement funds are currently being used in the county. And these are a few, this is not all, but this is a few of the things that were discussed in
this particular meeting. Uh the the the funds fund substance abuse prevention programs for students and our communities and interventions, including mental health and co-occurring services for youth and families. The fund purchased a true narc device for the
Sussex County Prosecutor's Office nar narcotics task force. This handheld device will allow them to im immediately analyze a drug for its content and know exactly what current threats are to the community so they can share this information with law enforcement and
agencies to help prevent overdoses and harms to residents. This device tests over 1,200 different drugs and they can do that on the fly. Funding is being used for the Sussex County Sheriff's Office to start the Junior Police Academy this year. This academy will
take place for five days in July. that's open to Sussex County sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and will cover a long list of topics including first aid, fire safety, K9 and drone presentations, and drug pre and drug abuse prevention.
The county also opened up many grants to for direct care service projects within $15,000 for agencies and individuals with preferences given to direct services for individuals that have suffered through opi the opio issues and
overdoses. We are hoping this provides an opportunity for innovative ideas and pilot programs that will serve people in recovery from opium use disorder as well prevention programs for all ages. The county will open up a portal of community engagement every year in
October for three weeks to obtain community feedback and input about the best utilization of opium settle funds with the help of our county's IT department. This will be no cost to the county. This part that I'm going to read now is the most important. Not that the rest wasn't, but this is the most
important. At the meeting, municipalities and open sun and funds in the county are able to share and evaluate ideas and programs to prevent misuse of the funds and programs and that are less effective as well to prevent duplications of services. With that being said, the center of
prevention and counseling also provided a drug trend update um featuring concerning information on new drugs which parents, community members should be aware of. All parents, grandparents, people dealing with with
children, listen closely. Since the beginning of this year, there has been approximately 12 opium overdoses in Sussex County. Three have been fatal. There have been three deaths over the past month in the town of Newton alone due to a batch of bad crack that
got out. Exiling exylazine is a new drug that is powerful voluntary sedative which is being cut into other drugs similar to how fentanyl has been added to other drugs regularly. This drug is not an
opium. It does not respond to narcan causes skin ulcers wounds on the body. The Sussex County overdose facility review team is seeing this drug connected to overdoses and has become a commonly abused street drug. When this drug is combined with opioids, it is
greater risk than is a greater risk of overdose. This is a drug vets use to tranquilize animals that they're lacing lacing. Lastly, there are two new drugs emerging. Uh, one is an opium and it's
40 times more potent than fentanyl. It's called nidazine and is one is a more powerful set of which is not an opium and it does not respond to narcan is metating and those two drugs are now
we're seeing on the street in massive ways and not that fentanyl wasn't strong enough now we got one out there that's 40 times more please pay attention to your kids that's it thank Thank you, Ron. Not that I want to
hear that, but I appreciate your report. 19. County Council. All right. 20. Unfinished business. Anyone? No. New business. New business. I have something unfinished. No, new. No. Go ahead. New. So, I guess we did the
reviews for Ron, correct? So, do we want to start the negotiations now and get it all done by January? for his new contract here in public. No, not in public. I mean, but wouldn't it be good to start that? Not here. We have
executive session. I know. Okay, just bring it up. We should probably start that. Point taken. So, for people who know me, everybody on this board knows me pretty well. I would be remiss that guy, Mr. um
to not say what I feel. And I'm just disappointed meeting after meeting when you are here actually when you are here that you do never you never have report you know we bust our ass all commissioners up here as you heard everybody hears what we do there's never a day that there's something that we can't do I know that I'm not included in
anything I'm like the outside Democrat hold on hold on I'm not done yet so you come here and then commissioner space and even when we put a $100,000 line on him in there these people work hard at the food pantry and And then you want to and then you want to argue and make up a
fabrication again about the FBI. I'm I'm just not a fabrication. There was a lawyer on the call with me. Again, let me let me talk because I don't want this to be a big argument here. I just want to put my two cents in. Again, it's a disappointment and I I feel like you you're very happy with yourself. I'm not happy with any of this. Are not eating
because of you, not because of me. If we could have just produced the receipts, it would have been a very simple thing to fix and I could have gone away. But it is not going away evidently because I got a call from my lawyer to get on the phone with them and we had a call. So there is no imaginary FBI. I'm sure one
of you has a big problem. I'm sure. All right. So anyway, disappointed as always. You know, you're getting paid just like we are except you do nothing. It's it's a burden on the taxpayer. It would be a good idea. Again, I'd love to do something but nobody talks to me here. Okay. And there's reasons for that, too. So anyway, I apologize. I
just had to I had to say that most people who come here time and time again. Disappointment. I've done nothing. I do nothing. That's that's who we got. We all do get the same invites. We have We all get in emails. We get the same invites in our emails.
22 public session from the floor. This public session is for those wishing to make general comments of three minutes or less on non-aggenda topics. Please line up at the microphone and state your name and Mr. Pali for the record. Motion to open the public open the floor for public comment. So moved. Second. Space.
Commissioner G seconds. Any discussion. All in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. Same carries. You are up. Good evening. Ken Collins, Andover Township. Um I am here this evening to
address the ongoing drama regarding Commissioner Hayden's continuing claims that he is a veteran of the United States military. If Commissioner Hayden, for the sake of argument, actually is a veteran, and make no mistake, he is not, he could
have ended this controversy as soon as it started merely by producing his form DD214, certificate of release of discharge from active duty. There's other veterans here tonight, I think, and every one of them, I'm sure, knows
exactly where theirs is. and it's probably in the same timeworn envelope that they received it in, just like this one I got 36 years ago. You protect your DD42 214. You know where it is. And if you lose it, you go
online and you request a duplicate from the Veterans Administration, which you can get quickly, as most veterans already have. If Mr. Hayden is a veteran. How irresponsible is it for him to have allowed this controversy to fester and grow for all this time? For
that alone, Mr. Hayden owes us his immediate resignation. So, put up or shut up, Commissioner Hayden. Produce your DD214. Failure to do so is admission of your guilt. Sir, are you or are you not
a veteran? Silence. Lastly, to be clear, I'm not suggesting that the county college not be supported financially, just within reason. Enrollment is at pre200 levels. In 2009,
the budget was 2.5 million for 4,200 students. Now, it's almost 38% more, just over $4 million for almost 48% fewer students. That just doesn't make financial sense. justify it. What I'm
suggesting is stopping the frivolous, excessive, wasteful spending and the bonding that is not necessary, just like the bonding you passed tonight. Thanks. I normally don't comment, but
I'm just going to comment. For anyone who believes different than how boards are run, there's always an option to get on any board, including this one. You could run at any time. You can put your resume in for any position, whether it be at VOTE or the county college. People like to talk and there's
other people that like to do. So, I just want to throw that out there for everybody if they're interested in any board. Kathy Brennan, Hansen Township. Um, I wanted to say that um I totally support the college. I am a student at the
college. I'm retired and I very much appreciate being able to go to school and take classes that I wasn't able to take care of years ago because I was working taking care of a child and I think it's a great jewel for this county and I think we should cherish it and give it as much money as it needs and my
understanding that is that a lot of the building that's going on at the college now was former grants that have to be used within a certain amount of time otherwise the money would be lost. So it's my understanding is it's not like the county giving money or whatever.
They some of it was granted by special grants for certain things. For example, I think the building that they're building now by the art building. I think that there was a grant for that that was, you know, it was it was given a while ago and has to be used because
what you don't use is wasted. And of course on another nail note to get back to Commissioner Hayden once again, yes, it is a big waste to be to for him to be here sitting here doing nothing and if
anything causing more chaos and more problems for the county. he should just resign right now and just move on. And perhaps we could get someone on the board who actually wants to do things and help the county and actually participate, go to meetings, advocate
for the county. And obviously that's not going to happen because apparently he would not consider that at all. And I think it's utterly shameful and disgraceful. Thank you. Can I reply?
Huh? Okay. So, nobody cares about the fact we're giving 100,000 and we didn't change any of the policies that got us into the mess where you don't have any way of accounting. We did change, however, as a result of this that the food is handled better and people won't get sick. We still don't know where
$500,000 went. You say we we we didn't we bought it. Well, if we bought it on a credit card, the same price card was used for every purchase. We should be able to pull all those up. That has not been done. Anybody else? Sandy Pender, Freeden Township. Uh, good
evening and thank you again for your service to our community. We appreciate the opportunity to speak at these meetings and also appreciate that mental health awareness month is being recognized tonight. Years ago, no one talked about mental health and those who suffered with mental health issues dealt
with isolation and shame. Removing the stigma of mental health issues is so important and there are numerous agencies and providers in this county that can help our residents. Mental health issues are widespread and affect people of all ages and income levels. Those who have those
who have adequate income andor private insurance have more access to mental health services, but it can still be expensive. For Sussex County residents without insurance, Medicaid can be a lifeline to accessing care for mental health. Federal cuts to Medicaid, however, would have devastating impacts
on our residents receiving mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and general medical and dental care. Medicaid is jointly administered and funded by both the federal government and individual states. Proposed cuts by the federal government
would put the burden on individual states to cover this loss of funding. Our current federal government has proposed what they call one big beautiful bill that would cut at least $880 billion largely affecting Medicaid.
An estimate from the Congressional Budget Office states that this proposed bill would reduce the number of people with health care by over 8 million people within the next 10 years. The desired deadline to pass this big, beautiful bill of spending cuts and over
$4 trillion in tax breaks is Memorial Day. While it is prudent to examine all big programs occasionally to consider their efficacy, we cannot make slash and burn cuts to Medicaid without considering people. Massive cuts to Medicaid will hit Sussex County's
lowincome families hard. Citizens could lose coverage for essentials like mental health services, substance use disorder medication and counseling, and general physical care. Medicaid funding is also critical for sustaining our rural health care systems, including our local
hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Cuts to funding could mean a loss of local health care personnel, a drop in services offered, or delays in facility and equipment upgrades. If Trump's big, beautiful bill passes, we will see the effects here in Sussex
County. I know there's not much you all can do about this other than exert some influence with other state officials. But I'm bringing this to everyone's attention because we all need to speak up. We as citizens need to reach out to our elected officials in our districts,
in Trenton, and in Washington. Tell them to tell them that this is not okay. Thank you. Hi, I'm Nick Frisio from Augusta. Um, a few moments ago I heard the word uh Trapaso Drive and it for those who don't
know uh I believe that road was named after Father Trapaso who was the spiritual director to Karen Anne Quinland and probably most of the people here are too young to remember that saga but it involved a woman who was in a
com I thought I'd being that this is mental health week or mental health month Uh I would I remember Father Japasa because he was my priest in Patterson uh when I was a young youngster and a young man from congregation and uh it's a good thing to
remember him. He was a really wonderful person who always had deep compassion for everyone. In fact, when I hear of the word compassion, I think of the word trapaso. They kind of rhyme. But um it's good to remember that type of person. He
really was a wonderful person who really cared for his community and I and particularly for people who had mental health issues, drug addiction issues and uh teenagers who suffered from all types of depression and whatnot. He was really
a wonderful person that way. So um I just bring that up to remind everyone that there are many people like that in our community. Uh there are many people who uh are helpers in our community who reach out and are constantly there uh to
counsel young people and I'm sure you know hopefully uh they rise to the occasion and deal with some of the problems that you mentioned with these new drugs. Uh I think that's what happened to Karen and Quinland, right? I think she had a drug overdose that caused that. And um there'll always be
people like that to be there to help us. I just remember wanted to to mention those who are dealing with issues today. I'm Ralphus Newton. I'd like to start by
saying thank you for providing this form that allows me to exercise my first amendment right speech. Freedom of is a cornerstone of our democracy because the founders knew that the most effective tool of dictators is instilling fear. So
people would be too afraid to speak out. In this critical time when our president is rapidly dismantling our government, the greatest threat to our democracy is silence. I made a conscious decision to stand up and speak out. Every individual
is faced with the same moral decision. I refuse to remain silent and so should you. Martin Luther King Jr. put it simply, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." I am concerned about the direction in which the US is heading. I
only want the best for citizens of Sussex County and the United States of America. I want the US to be known as a kind and charitable country and one that protects its citizens through the rule of law. However, that American ideal is
being destroyed. We were once viewed as a beacon of hope, but we are now seen as an author authoritarian state that poses a threat to the world. We are being compared to Nazi Germany. What is happening to immigrants, universities, judges, and allies is the same thing
that happened in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. You good conscience remain silent when that horrific history is being repeated. In referring to Nazi Germany, Rabbi Joakam Prince said, "The most important thing that I learned under
those tragic circumstances was that bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problem. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful, and the most tragic problem is silence." Words of Holocaust survivor
Ellie Visil. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages tormentor never the tormented. History has shown that silence leads to discrimination, violence, genocide and war. At the root
of that silence was fear. Fear and silence can be contagious. But the feeling of empowerment and efficacy when one speaks out can be contagious. Also, as we are witnessing acts of injustice and the destruction of our institutions, do not stay silent. I implore you to be
courageous and use your voice to advocate for fairness and kindness. It is imperative that every American exercise their right of free speech to challenge the administration's actions to protect our democracy. I am hopeful that that enough voices will be raised
to end this dark time in American history and that our republic will be sustained. By the time this nightmare is over, every American will have made a conscious decision whether to speak up or remain silent. I'll end tonight with the wise wise words of Martin Luther
King Jr. and we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends. What choice will you make? H again from Freeden. I'd like to address some changes affecting um public education that
concerns and as an educator. I've been a science teacher in Sussex County since 1999. As with any profession, I have seen tremendous changes occurring in my career. When I started teaching, we had overhead projectors and antiquated laboratory equipment. Now, I am learning
how to incorporate AI effectively into my lessons while at the same time teaching my students to how to use it. Since 2004, there has been one program I have relied on consistently. This program called FET, Physics Education Technology, provides
free online simulations for science and math concepts. They also provide a free educator login where teachers can submit and share activities and ideas. I'm able to use this program to help students understand topics ranging from projectile motion to the photoelectric effect. I don't know how I would have
survived teaching in the pandemic or helping students who are homebound due to cancer without these simulations and activities. Last week, I received an email from the company on April 25th. Without warning, the National Science Foundation terminated FET's Pathways to Open Source Ecosystems phase 2 grant,
which still had over $1 million in unused funding remaining. This grant was one of over 10,000 grants abruptly terminated by the NSF. Without this funding and uh FET will no longer be able to provide free resources for educators or continue to improve and
develop new simulations. The termination letter sent by the NSF stated that they are issuing this termination to protect the interests of the government on the basis that the grant awards no longer affectuate program goals or agency priorities.
I cannot imagine how anyone could consider simulations for topics such as electric cir circuits and geometric optics as something that would not need to be taught in order to protect the interests of the government. Is a bunch of high school students learning how circuits work controversial? Are we
expected to back to trying to drawing pictures of concepts on a chalkboard while the rest of the world embraces and advances new technologies? These decisions made by the federal government are already affecting our students. Living in a rural community as
we do and trying to provide the same opportunities to students as students in suburban or city schools is already difficult simply due to geographic isolation. Further limiting their opportunities is completely our students deserve better than this. I urge everyone to advocate
for funding for education and scientific research. Thank you. Hampton. In previous meetings that I've attended, I and several other speakers have implored the commissioners to join us in the fight to save our democracy. In response, a few Trump defenders in
the audience have incorrectly stated that the US government is not a democracy. Over a decade ago, former Supreme Court Justice Souder warned us that democracy dies when people are ignorant of the Constitution and how government works. Therefore, I feel it
necessary to speak tonight about the founders's intentions to create a democracy when they wrote the Constitution because people who continue to defend Trump do not seem to understand the threat that he poses to our government. The founders did form a democracy, not a direct democracy, but a
representative democracy, otherwise known as a republic, or to be more exact, a constitutional federal republic. The main principles of our representative democracy are popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, separation of powers and
checks and balances. The only thing that keeps these principles active is when our leaders follow the rule of law. However, Trump does not appreciate nor follow the rule of law. In a recent interview, when directly asked if he had to uphold the Constitution, Trump said,
and I quote, "I don't know." He swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So, how can it be that he does not know he has to uphold it? That should scare you. This is just one of numerous indications that our representative
democracy is at risk. According to more than 500 political scientists, the United States is moving away from democracy toward authoritarianism. Some of the indicators of authoritarianism are that the government interferes with the free press, limits academic freedom,
squatchches public criticism, threatens non-governmental organizations, punishes political opponents, and interferes with the ability of the legislative and judicial branches to check executive authority. Trump has done all of these things. As a result, many political
scientists believe we now live in a state of competitive authoritarianism. In such a system, a leader comes to power democratically and then erodess the system of checks and balances. They commit undemocratic actions such as suspend habius corpus
and dep deport innocent people to foreign prisons. They take steps to disenfranchise millions of voters. They suggest that they can ignore a constitutional amendment that limits their term of office. They accept gifts from foreign countries in violation of the constitution, ignore Supreme Court
rulings, and override acts of Congress with illegal executive orders. These are the actions of an authoritarian. These are the actions of Donald Trump. We've asked you to speak out against that and so far all of you have remained silent. Please do the right thing and speak up
to save our representative democracy. John Snder of Sanderson Township. When we say the pledge of allegiance, it is to the republic for which it stands. not to the democracy for which it stands. Yes, we have some democratic
procedures such as elections, but we live in a republic which protects each one of us as an individual such as with the Bill of Rights, not as a group, not as majority. I think I mentioned the Oxbow incident a few weeks ago. Happened to be on Turner Classic last night. Good
example of democracy in action, a lynch ball. Somebody just mentioned uh punishing political opponents. Has there been anyone in the last in my lifetime of 70 almost 79 years that's been punished more than
Donald Trump actually had his life, threatened, been wounded. People say he will retribution. Retribution for what? If he didn't do anything wrong, why should there be any retribution? But welfare, I believe, is
what they call it now. Um, in the last couple of weeks, I know there's was a judge in Wisconsin who I think is guided by the grand jury. I'm not positive, but I thought that's what I heard today. Were helping an illegal alien
escape from her courtroom. When ICE agents came to apprehend him, she lied to the ICE agents by telling him to go see the head judge, whatever it was, ushered the attorney
and this supposed defendant out of her courtroom. Hopefully, she will get justice. Also in New Jersey last week, we had three people, three members of Congress from the Democrat
party were unlawfully attempting to enter an ICE facility, not physical with people, were pushing, using foul language with them. One of them, Robert Mendez Jr., you would think would try to lie low considering where
he's from. But it's disgusting all of these things that go on that uh baffle me. Now I'm wondering does our c county excuse me have any policy which would prohibit
cooperating with ICE county. Would we in any way try to inhibit them if they were to come here and try to apprehend some people they felt didn't belong here? Okay, thank you. Hampton Township. Most of what I was
going to say has already been said, but I'd just like to reiterate a couple of points. One big beautiful bill cost approximately 10 billion dollars in Medicaid reimbursement to the state of New Jersey. Would probably kick
700,000 working age Medicare enrollies off insurance. Now that's got to include some people in Sussex County when they appear at Newton Hospital and they go in and they say, "We have no insurance. We
have no Medicaid anymore. I make $10,000 a year. I try hard, but I'm disabled. Can I plead please get the treatment I need? What are we going to do for them? We're going to put them out on the street, or are we going to suck it up and Newton Hospital will pay it out of
pocket? These are the kinds of costs that are going to come down upon us if this big, beautiful bill happens to pass. And why do we have this big, beautiful bill? One reason only. Just so the
2017 Trump tax cuts will not die. Any of you folks in here see a lot of reimbursement on your income taxes from that tax cut? I know it didn't really do much for me, but if you made a couple of billion dollars a year, it did
a whole lot. And I'm reminding you of how much Trump paid for income taxes on the one we saw. I believe it was zero. This bill also includes a million dollars. Oh, excuse me. Oh, I don't know
how many, but he wants to deport a million illegals a year. It was big, big billions of dollars to construct concentration camps to inter these people on their way to wherever. No due process, no habius
corpus. snatch people off the streets, throw them in the cell if they look like they are Spanish or Middle Eastern. They might even take me because I'm not from here. I'm from Europe. This the kind of country we
want. And I think everyone here just asks you to look at your conscience when you go to your Republican caucuses, when you go to your county meetings. Please ask those folks, you really want this kind of country. That's all we're asking. We may be from an
opposition party, but you are elected representatives. You represent us. And I haven't been here complaining for years. I've been here for 60 years. And frankly, most of the time you've done a pretty good job. But you have to speak up
now. Follow. I don't expect you to go to newspapers, but talk to your party and get them to get rid of this blight upon this country while we still can. Thank you. Sandy Hall late in New Jersey. I attend your commissioner meetings now like
three years probably twice a month. Uh there's a lot of stuff that goes on as we know. Um you know I'm hearing people come up. I hear but people are scared and that they are worried and I understand that in some respects your power what you can do is so much I think
at some point if there could be some statement, perhaps a resolution that you've heard their concerns, maybe you could address some of those concerns. Am I looking for you to implement programs that may help? I don't know if that's really the answer, but at some point there has to be some discussion because
playing a worst case scenario, which I do with my own issue with the water gap, as you know, maybe playing that worst case scenario will come up with some kind of a solution because when and if we are impacted negatively with cuts from wherever, it's going to affect
Republicans, Democrats, independents, libertarians, it's going to affect all of us of all ages and genders. So, I think what I'm asking you to do is maybe come together with some of these groups who have these concerns, maybe talk among yourselves to try and come up with some kind of a solution or perhaps just
a statement of recognition that you've heard what they're saying and you understand what they're saying and perhaps if you can move forward to protect the interests of everyone who put you here, even you, that would be, I think, a good thing. So, I again I thank you for your time and your
consideration. Scott Nol Sparta. Um, I wasn't gonna say anything. Um, but given a lot of the other stuff I heard, I mean to share a lot of it. I want to start saying thank you, right? Like you guys give an incredible amount
of time and you're at a lot of stuff and I probably disagree with you guys on a lot of issues, on a lot of politics. No, no. But I was listening to talk tonight about the issues that came up, what you did, how you handled them, and you guys
are doing great and I wanted to acknowledge that also, right? And I wanted to just say that, you know, you are doing a good job and I know that when things happen up top, I also realize that you guys are not federal, right? Like you're the
county in in New Jersey, but there is party leadership and you know, things pressure rolls downhill. And I just ask you to stand strong, you know, for to continue to serve the community, to make sure
everybody gets due process, and and to resist when things don't make sense. I think you're doing great. I just want you to stick with it. Thanks. Anyone else? Motion to close the floor. Return to regular business. So moved.
Second. Please check. Yes. providing for an executive close session not open to the public in accordance with the provisions of NJSA 104-12 EDSE 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 NJSA104-12B and NJSA104-13 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 de general natures 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 collective bargaining agreements the sheriff contract. Item number seven, matters
relating to litigation negotiations and the attorney client privilege, Newton Green. And 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 the executive session, the board shall reconvene and resume its meeting open to the public. And be it further
resolved that the board expects to take formal action after returning from executive session and then to adjourn the regular meeting. Second f. I have a good night. Thank you all for coming. Next meeting.