MINUTES
SALEM COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
2000 REORGANIZATION MEETING HELD ON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2000 IN THE
OLD SALEM COUNTY COURT HOUSE
SALEM, NEW JERSEY 08079
At 7:00 P.M. opening music was performed by Terry Buckner and Ted Dawkins prior to the beginning of the Reorganization Meeting.
At 7:15 P.M., the Honorable Jack Collins, Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, administered the Oath of Office to Freeholder-Elect Michael H. Facemyer and to Freeholder-Elect C. David Sparks, Jr.
The Honorable Norman Telsey, J.S.C., administered the Oath of Office to Freeholder-Elect Charles R. Sullivan.
At 7:30 P.M., Ronald L. LeHew, Town Crier of the County of Salem signaled the Call To Order.
The Honorable Rita Shade Simpson, Clerk of the Board presiding Protem, called the Reorganization Meeting to order and asked Douglas J. Smith, Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Sharptown to deliver the invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was stated, followed by a Roll Call and introduction by the Clerk of the Board of the Freeholder Board members for the year 2000: Susan A. Bestwick, Michael H. Facemyer, John A. Kugler, R. Benjamin Simmermon, Jr., C. David Sparks, Jr., Charles R. Sullivan, and Clinton H. Ware.
The Clerk of the Board read the following Open Public Meetings Act statement:
Adequate notice pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act has been given of this meeting.
1. By forwarding notice thereof to Today's Sunbeam and Elmer Times Co.
2. By posting notice thereof on the bulletin board in the Salem County Court House, and
3. By filing notice thereof in the Office of the Salem County Clerk and the Clerk of the Board all having been done at least 48 hours in advance.
The Clerk of the Board presented the Election Certificates for Freeholders Michael H. Facemyer, C. David Sparks, Jr., and Charles R. Sullivan.
The Clerk of the Board took nominations from the floor for Freeholder Director. Freeholder Simmermon nominated Freeholder C. David Sparks, Jr. with Freeholder Kugler voicing the second. No other names were nominated. Nominations were closed with Freeholder Simmermon making the motion and Freeholder Kugler voicing the second. On roll call vote Susan A. Bestwick, Michael H. Facemyer, John A. Kugler, R. Benjamin Simmermon, Jr., C. David Sparks, Jr., Charles R. Sullivan, Clinton H. Ware unanimously approved the election of C. David Sparks, Jr., as Director.
The Honorable Jack Collins administered the Oath of Office to Freeholder C. David Sparks, Jr. as Director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Salem County. As the Director's first official duty, he thanked the Board for re-electing him as Director for the year 2000.
Freeholder Director Sparks accepted the gavel of the Reorganization Meeting from the Clerk of the Board and asked for the reading of the proposed Freeholder resolutions.
#2000-01. Resolution for the Adoption of the Rules for the Year 2000. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-02. Resolution for the Appointment of the Deputy Director of the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Mr. Facemyer moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-03. Resolution for Compliance of the Open Public Meeting Law for the County of Salem. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-04. Resolution Appointing an Attorney for the Office on Aging Adult Protective Services. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-05. Resolution Appointing Labor and Litigation Counsel and Authorizing Agreement for Professional Services. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. Mr. Sullivan commented that one attorney perform all general Counsel and Labor Counsel work. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 5/2 with Freeholders Sullivan and Ware against.
#2000-06. Resolution Appointing Bond Counsel and Awarding Contract for Said Professional Services. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-07. Resolution Appointing Bond Counsel and Awarding Contract for Said
Professional Services. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-08. Resolution Appointing the Director, Salem County Department of Health. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-09. Resolution Appointing a Physician for the Salem County Alternative Youth
Shelter. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding
his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a
vote of 7/0.
#2000-10. Resolution Appointing a Physician for the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his
motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote
of 7/0.
#2000-11. Resolution Appointing a Medical Director of the Salem County Nursing &
Convalescent Home. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-12. Resolution Appointing Medical Investigators for the County of Salem. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-13. Resolution Appointing a Social Diseases Clinician for the County of Salem. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-14. Resolution Appointing the Salem County Purchasing Agent. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-15. Resolution Appointing an Emergency Medical Services Coordinator. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-16. Resolution for the Appointment of the Broker of Records for the County of Salem. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0
#2000-17. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County Advisory
Council, Office on Aging. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0
#2000-18. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County Advisory
Council for the Office of the Disabled. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution,
with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the
foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-19. Resolution Appointing Members to the Salem County Agriculture
Development Board. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-20. Resolution Appointing Members to the Citizens Advisory Committee on
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-21. Resolution Appointing Members to the Salem Community College Trustee
Search Committee. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-22. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem Community College
Board of Trustees. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-23. Resolution Appointing a Member to the Salem County Cultural & Heritage
Commission. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-24. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County
Construction Board of Appeals. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-25. Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the Salem County Library
Commission. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-26. Resolution Appointing Members to the Salem County Planning Board. Mr.
Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion.
On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-27. Resolution Appointing Representatives of the County of Salem to the South
Jersey Transportation Planning Organization. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this
resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption
of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-28. Resolution Appointing Members to the Salem County Pollution Control
Financing Authority. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-29. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County Public
Safety Committee. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-30. Resolution Appointing Members to the Right-of-Way Commission. Mr. Kugler
moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll
call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-31. Resolution Appointing Members to the Salem County Board of Social
Services. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding
his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a
vote of 7/0.
#2000-32. Resolution Appointing Members to the Transportation Advisory Council for
Casino Revenues. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-33. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County Workforce
Investment Board (WIB). Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-34. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County
Commission on Women. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-35. Resolution for the Appointment of Members to the Salem County Youth
Services Commission. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-36. Resolution for the Appointment of Freeholder Members to Various
Committees and Commissions. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr.
Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing
resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-37. Finance Resolution Designating a Custodian of Funds and the Depositories
for Municipal Moneys and Authorizing Investment of Funds at Interest for the County of
Salem. Mrs. Bestwick moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon
seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution
carried with a vote of 6/0 with Mr. Kugler abstaining.
#2000-38. Resolution Adopting a Cash Management Plan for the County of Salem. Mrs. Bestwick moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 6/0 with Mr. Kugler abstaining.
#2000-39. Resolution Approving Signatories for Required Bank Account. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-40 Resolution Approving Signatories for Required Bank Account. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-41. Resolution Approving Signatories for Bank Accounts. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-42. Resolution Approving Signatories for Required Bank Account. Mr. Kugler
moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll
call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
#2000-43. Resolution Adopting the 2000 Temporary Budget. Mr. Kugler moved for
adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the
motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried with a vote of 7/0.
The Clerk of the Board read the Freeholder Committee Assignments to Standing Committees.
Freeholder Kugler presented the Majority Freeholder Report:
STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
January 5,2000
Delivered By: Jack A. Kugler, Deputy Director
Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders
I WANT TO WELCOME BACK OUR DIRECTOR&DAVE SPARKS. THIS IS DAVE'S 13th YEAR AS A FREEHOLDER&AND HIS THIRD YEAR AS FREEHOLDER DIRECTOR. THE COUNTY IS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE DAVE'S VISION&AND LEADERSHIP&TO GUIDE US IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND.
I ALSO WANT TO WELCOME BACK MIKE FACEMYER&WHO HAS BEEN A FREEHOLDER FOR MORE THAN 3-AND-ONE-HALF YEARS. MIKE IS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO DEVELOPED THE STRATEGY FOR OUR CURRENT COUNTY MASTER PLAN AND CROSS ACCEPTANCE REPORT&THAT WAS LAUDED BY THE STATE AS THE BEST OF NEW JERSEY'S COUNTIES&AND A MODEL OF EFFICIENT COUNTY PLANNING. MIKE'S LEADERSHIP QUALITIES ARE BEING FURTHER RECOGNIZED BY HIS RECENT NOMINATION FOR THE POSITION OF COMISSIONER ON THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY.
ALSO RETURNING FOR A SECOND TERM IS CHUCK SULLIVAN. I WELCOME CHUCK BACK& AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF BI-PARTISANSHIP. CHUCK HAS BEEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS &AND HIS CONTINUED LEADERSHIP WILL BE IMPORTANT IN THIS EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
AS WE TURN THE PAGE ON A NEW YEAR&IT IS IMPORTANT TO REFLECT ON OUR IMPORTANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 1999. OUR COUNTY MASTERPLAN ... WHICH DICTATES FUTURE COUNTY GROWTH ... WAS CAREFULLY CRAFTED AND ... AND RIGHTFULLY RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE AS BEING IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. THE COUNTY PLAN IS FAITHFUL TO OUR VISION FOR BALANCED ... CENTERED GROWTH. ALREADY ... WE CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF PROPER PLANNING... PLANNING DONE THROUGH CONSENSUS WITH OUR MUNICIPALITIES. OUR ROUTE 295 CORRIDOR REPRESENTS WHAT WE LIKE TO CALL SMART ... CLEAN ... GROWTH. THE CORRIDOR IS ANCHORED BY THE 71-ACRE D-R-B-A BUSINESS CENTER.... WHICH IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT WITH THE COUNTY BOARD OF FREEHOLDERS ... AND THE RECENTLY UNVEILED SALEM COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK ... ANOTHER PUBLIC SECTOR-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHP ... THIS ONE BETWEEN TIHE COUNTY AND P-S-E-AND-G.
OUR COUNTY PLAN IS MORE THAN AN ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY. IT IS ALSO A COMMITTMENT TO PRESERVING OUR RURAL CHARACTER. SALEM COUNTY'S FARMLAND PRESERVATION EFFORTS ARE SECOND TO ONLY ONE OTHER COUNTY. WE CURRENTLY HAVE 10- THOUSAND ACRES PRESERVED ... AND SCHEDULED FOR SETTLEMENT. WE HAVE AN ADDITIONAL 5-THOUSAND ACRES PENDING STATE APPROVAL. AS A MATTER OF FACT ... SALEM COUNTY HAS BEEN THE LEADING COUNTY IN THE STATE WITH APPROVED ACREAGE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ATTRACT FOUR STATE DOLLARS FOR EVERY COUNTY DOLLAR REQUIRED FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION. THIS CERTAINLY SHOWS A STRONG COMMITMENT BY THIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO THE PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND... OPEN SPACES... AND KEEPING SALEM COUNTY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE.
OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUCCESSES THIS PAST YEAR FAR EXCEED ANY OF THOSE IN THE PAST. WE HAVE SEEN THE GROWTH OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTY ... WHICH IS THE BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY... WE HAVE SEEN MAJOR CORPORATIONS DISCOVER SALEM COUNTY AS AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS.... AND WE HAVE SEEN EXISTING CORPORATIONS EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. AGAIN ... LOOKING TO THE COUNTY MASTER PLAN ... AND THE 295-GROWTH CORRIDOR ... WE NOW SEE THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ... HAMPTON INNS ... HARVEST COMMERCIAL BANK ... WOODSTOWN NATIONAL BANK ... AND THE FLYING J TRAVEL PLAZA. IN PILESGROVE TOWNSHIP ... ACME AND ECKERD STORES ARE EXPANDING TO CREATE A NEW SHOPPING CENTER. SALEM COUNTY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AVERAGED 4-POINT-7 PER CENT IN 1999 ... A 10- YEAR LOW.
YOU MAY ASK... "HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?"... "IS IT LUCK?"... THE ONE THING I CAN ASSURE YOU ... IT IS NOT LUCK. THE KEY TO THIS ADMINISTRATION'S SUCCESS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS BASED ON FOUR THINGS: FIRST.... PLANNING. SECOND ... COMMITMENT. THIRD... A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. AND FOURTH ... HAVING THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE MANY POSITIVE CHANGES IN OTHER ASPECTS OF SALEM COUNTY PROGRAMS. OUR PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IS PROFESSIONALIZED ... MORE EFFICIENT ... AND MORE VISIBLE. WE INITIATED A PROGRAM TO DISTRIBUTE FREE TRIGGER LOCKS TO COUNTY CITIZENS. WE DEVELOPED LAW ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES ... SUCH AS... "OPERATION KINGPIN'... AND OTHER ANTI-DRUG.... ANTI-CRIME PROGRAMS TO MAKE SALEM COUNTY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE AND RAISE CHILDREN.
WE ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF OUR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING SYSTEM... WHICH WE DEVELOPED FOR PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENT ENTITIES. THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE ... THE COST IS REDUCED FOR ELECTRICITY ... GASOLINE ... NATURAL GAS ... DIESEL FUEL ... AND HEATING OIL.
MORE THAN 4-MILLION-DOLLARS WAS ALLOCATED LAST YEAR TO MAINTAIN AND CONSTRUCT ROADS IN SALEM COUNTY. MORE THAN HALF OF THESE MONIES WERE SECURED FROM STATE AND FEDERAL SOURCES. WE ALSO UNDERTOOK A 5-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-DOLLAR PROJECT FOR UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REMEDIATION ... AND TO ESTABLISH A COUNTY FUEL FACILITY.
THIS PAST YEAR ... SALEM COUNTY CONTINUED ITS STRONG COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGY. THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS HERE IN THE SALEM WERE INTERCONNECTED FOR SHARING INFORMATION THROUGH E-MAIL AND THE INTERNET. MOST IMPORTANTLY ... PRO-ACTIVE PLANNING ON OUR PART CREATED A SEEMLESS FLOW INTO THE YEAR 2-THOUSAND... INSPITE OF THE Y-2-K PREDICTIONS. WE EXPERIENCED NO DIFFICULTIES WITH 9-1-1 EMERGENCY SERVICES ... MEDICAL CARE AT THE NURSING HOME ... SECURITY AT COUNTY FACILITIES ... OR IN THE DAY-TO-DAY NEEDS OF CONDUCTING COUNTY BUSINESS. THIS COMING YEAR ... OUR COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES WILL EXPAND ... TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFICIENT COUNTYWIDE ELECTRONIC PURCHASING SYSTEM ... AND LIVE-VIDEO TO LINK THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WITH THE JAIL FACILITIES. THE COUNTY WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT VIDEO ARRAIGNMENTS AND JUVENILE HEARINGS ... WHICH WILL REDUCE PRISONER TRANSPORTATION COSTS ... PERSONNEL COSTS ... AND ENHANCE SECURITY.
WHAT DOES THIS HISTORIC MARKING YEAR 2-THOUSAND BRING? IT BRINGS SALEM COUNTY PROMISE ... AND POSES CHALLENGE. WE NEED TO BE PREPARED TO SELECT ONLY ECONOMIC GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR SALEM COUNTY'S VISION. WE NEED TO BE PRO-ACTIVE IN DEALING WITH ISSUES ... AND WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE IN A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER. WE MUST EMBRACE THE CHANGE THAT WILL MOST CERTAINLY TAKE PLACE IN OUR WORK ENVIRONMENT.
AND HOW WILL WE ACCOMPLISH THE TASKS NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD THE BUSINESS OF SALEM COUNTY? ONE WAY IS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY ... BY MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE AVAILABLE TOOLS IT WILL TAKE TO OPERATE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENTLY ... AND EFFECTIVELY. ANOTHER WAY.... IS THROUGH CONTINUED EMPLOYEE TRAINING ... MAKING SURE WE PROVIDE TBE DIRECTION NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A MORE PROFESSIONAL AND PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE. PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT WAY WE WILL MEET OUR CHALLENGES IN THE COMING YEAR IS BY INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT. WE MUST ... EACH OF US ... MAKE A COMMITMENT TO FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS FREEHOLDER.
A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS VENTURE ... WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ... IS DEPENDENT UPON TBE LEADERSHIP THAT CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE INNOVATION AND TEAMWORK ARE
ENCOURAGED ... AND THERE IS AN ABILITY TO ADAPT TO A CONTINUALLY CHANGING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP THAT IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF LIFE THAT EACH OF US HAS GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO ... AND EXPECTS ... IN SALEM COUNTY.
SALEM COUNTY HAS NEVER BEEN IN BETTER CONDITION.... NEVER BETTER POISED FOR THE FUTURE. CRIME IS DOWN ... EMPLOYMENT IS UP ... OUR RURAL CHARACTER IS BEING PRESERVED ... CONTROLLED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IS A REALITY ... AND OUR QUIET ... PEACEFUL ... TRADITION OF LIFE IN SALEM COUNTY IS BEING PROTECTED. WE HOPE THE CITIZENS OF SALEM COUNTY ARE PROUD OF OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTY ... AND THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS ADMINISTRATION'S VISION ... WORK ETHIC ... AND INTEGRITY ... THAT HAS BROUGHT US TO THIS LEVEL OF SUCCESS. WE PROMISE TO KEEP YOUR VISION IN OUR FOCUS.
Freeholder Sullivan presented the Minority Freeholder Report:
MINORITY REPORT
BY FREEHOLDER CHARLES R. SULLIVAN
REORGANIZATION MEETING, JANUARY 5, 2000
GOOD EVENING EVERYONE AND THANKS FOR COMING TO THE VERY FIRST REORGANIZATION OF THE SALEM COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS OF THIS CENTURY. FIRST LET ME CONGRATULATE MIKE AND DAVE ON THERE RE-ELECTION TO THIS BOARD. IN ADDITION TO THAT, CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVE SPARKS FOR ONCE AGAIN BE ELECTED BY HIS PEERS TO
SERVE AS DIRECTOR TO LEAD AND GUIDE US INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM.
THE YEAR 1999 HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING YEAR, TO SAY THE LEAST. WE HAD A LONG TIME SALEM COUNTY CLERK RETIRE, WE HAD AN INCUMBENT FREEHOLDER MOVE OUT OF THE COUNTY FORCING HIM TO RESIGN HIS POSITION. WHAT BECOMES VERY INTERESTING IN THIS SCENARIO IS THE FACT THAT THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OFFICES IN THE COUNTY WAS LEFT VACANT - 15 MONTHS TO BE EXACT. THE FREEHOLDER WAS REPLACED AT THE VERY NEXT MEETING POSSIBLE. OF COURSE WE KNOW THE COUNTY CLERK WAS A DEMOCRAT AND THE FREEHOLDER WAS A REPUBLICAN. I MAKE THIS POINT TO DEMONSTRATE THAT YES, WE ARE THE SMALLEST COUNTY IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT SALEM COUNTY HAS TO PLAY NORTH JERSEY POLITICAL GAMES AT THE EXPENSE OF THE SALEM COUNTY RESIDENTS. WE ONLY ASK AT THE DAWN OF THIS NEW CENTURY THAT WE SAVE THE POLITICAL GAMES FOR ELECTION TIME AND ONCE YOU ARE ELECTED - THAT'S WHEN I THINK IT STOPS AND YOU WORK FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF THIS GREAT COUNTY. PLEASE LET'S ALL AGREE TO DO THAT!
SINCE I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO PRESENT THE MINORITY'S POSITION, I PROMISE TO BE BRIEF - WHICH REALLY IS POSSIBLE YOU KNOW. BEYOND THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD A CHALLENGE OR TWO TO THIS CURRENT BOARD. AS WAS MENTIONED EARLIER IN THE MAJORITY'S PRESENTATION, THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A VERY INTERESTING YEAR, TO SAY THE LEAST. MUCH WAS ACCOMPLISHED AND FOR THAT WE CONGRATULATE YOU THE MAJORITY, AS WELL AS OURSELVES THE MINORITY. WE FEEL THAT OUR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION WERE AND PROVED CRITICAL TO ALL THE SUCCESSES THAT YOU ARE CLAIMING TODAY. THE RECORD SHOWS THAT FREEHOLDER WARE AND FREEHOLDER SULLIVAN HAVE VOTED WITH THE MAJORITY, ON OVER 90% OF THE ISSUES THAT FACED THIS BOARD IN 1999. WE DID SO WHEN IT WAS CLEAR THAT THOSE RESOLUTIONS, INITIATIVES, AND ORDINANCES DID IN FACT, BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF SALEM COUNTY. I FEEL THAT THE MINORITY PARTY CONTRIBUTES, IN A VERY ACTIVE WAY, THRU OUR PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL FUNCTIONING OF THIS BOARD AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, AND WE PLEDGE TO CONTINUE THE SAME THING IN THE YEAR 2000.
FREEHOLDER WARE AND I CHALLENGE THIS BOARD TO ENHANCE AND CONTINUE TO OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. WE FEEL DIRECTOR SPARKS TOOK A GOOD FIRST STEP IN THAT DIRECTION BY DECLARING 1998 "THE YEAR OF COMMUNICATIONS". JUST THINK HOW RECEPTIVE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN TO THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES HAD HE INCLUDED AT LEAST ONE MINORITY MEMBER IT WOULD HAVE DEMONSTRATED WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT IT WAS TRULY A SINCERE BIPARTISAN INITIATIVE.
THERE IS MUCH TO BE DONE IN THIS GREAT COUNTY OF OURS AND WE ARE PREPARED TO HELP SHOULDER THAT LOAD. FREEHOLDER WARE AND I ARE ONCE AGAIN LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING ALONG WITH THE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP IN THIS COMING YEAR AND WE PLEDGE OUR SUPPORT AS LONG AS WHAT IS PRESENTED IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ENTIRE COUNTY. NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER, IT IS TIME FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US TO GO TO WORK, MAKING SURE THAT OUR COUNTY RESIDENTS GET THE VERY MOST FOR THEIR TAX DOLLARS.
AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE RITA SHADE SIMPSON ON HER APPOINTMENT TO CLERK OF THE BOARD. RITA BRINGS TO THIS BOARD A LOT OF GOOD ATTRIBUTES, ONE BEING HER EXPERTISE IN FARMLAND PRESERVATION, ANOTHER BEING HER INTELLENGENCE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HER COMMUNICATION SKILLS, WHICH HIS ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL PARTS OF HER JOB. I WISH HER GOOD LUCK AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HER IN THE FUTURE.
I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE BY SAYING THAT SALEM COUNTY IS A TREMENDOUS PLACE TO LIVE, AND RAISE OUR FAMILIES. WE ARE INDEED BLESSED TO SHARE IN THE BOUNTIES OF THIS SPECIAL HAVEN. THE CHALLENGE TO THIS FREEHOLDER BOARD IS FOR US TO IMPROVE UPON THAT, WHILE MAINTAING THOSE QUALITIES THAT MAKE SALEM COUNTY SO UNIQUE. WE VOW TO HELP IN THAT DREAM OF DREAMS. MAY THE WILL OF GOD IN HIS INFINITE WISDOM, GIVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US THE STRENGTH AND THE COURAGE OF OUR CONVICTIONS.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A HAPPY NEW CENTURY TO ONE AND ALL!
No other business was brought before the Board. Director Sparks then asked for a
motion to adjourn the meeting. Freeholder Kugler moved for adjournment, seconded by Freeholder Simmermon with all in favor. Pastor Smith delivered the Benediction. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
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RITA SHADE SIMPSON, Clerk of the Board