SALEM COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
MARCH 6, 2002 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
At 7:32 P.M. Director C. David Sparks, Jr. opened the meeting and stated that the meeting was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The Pledge of Allegiance followed a moment of silence.
On roll call, the following Freeholders were present: Charles R. Sullivan, Lee R. Ware, Michael H. Facemyer, R. Benjamin Simmermon, Jr., John A. Kugler, Susan A. Bestwick and C. David Sparks, Jr. A quorum was present.
Motion was made by Mr. Kugler that the reading of the Minutes last regular meeting and February 2nd Budget Workshop be dispensed with and that the Minutes be received, approved and recorded in the Minute Book. Mrs. Bestwick seconded his motion, which was carried by a hand vote of 7/0.
PUBLIC HEARING
R.2002-131 Resolution to Exceed Index Rate: Index Rate Less Than 5% Limitation for the Year 2002 (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.14). Motion made by Mr. Kugler to open the public hearing, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion followed by a unanimous hand vote of 7/0. Director Sparks noted there were no public comments. Motion made by Mr. Kugler to close the public hearing, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion followed by a unanimous hand vote of 7/0. Motion made by Mr. Kugler to adopt the resolution, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion followed by a unanimous roll call vote of 7/0.
Motion was made by Mr. Kugler that the Rules of the Board be temporarily waived for any resolution to be considered this evening, which would require it. Mrs. Bestwick seconded his motion. The motion carried by a hand vote of 7/0.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
R.2002-166 to 178 Resolutions Honoring the 2001 Community Spirit Award Winners. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of these thirteen resolutions, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a hand vote of 7/0.
R.2002-179 Resolution Honoring Salem Countians Who Have Been Awarded New Jerseys Highest Military Award. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a hand vote of 7/0. Mr. Kugler presented ceremonial resolutions to three veterans representing World War II, Edward J. Pflieger; Viet Nam, Charles E. Brown; and Gulf War, John P. Boucher.
Proclamation March as Womens History Month was read by the Clerk of the Board/Administrator.
CORRESPONDENCE
GENERAL
Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice to solicit comments and recommendations concerning issuance of a Department of the Army permit for work located on Back Creek, Cecil County, Maryland
Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice to solicit comments and recommendations concerning issuance of a Department of the Army permit for work located on Herring Island, at the mouth of Herring Creek, adjacent to the Back Creek of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland
Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice to solicit comments and recommendations concerning issuance of a Department of the Army permit for work located in Bass River Township, Burlington County, New Jersey
Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice to solicit comments and recommendations concerning issuance of a Department of the Army permit for work located in the Delaware River just upstream of the newly berthed U.S.S. New Jersey along the Camden Waterfront in the City of Camden, Camden County, New Jersey
Robert M. Cunningham, NJDOT/NJQI letter of congratulations and award plaque to Salem County for a Quality Achievement Merit Award in the category of Best Small Bridge, presented by the New Jersey Quality Initiative
Maria T. Usas, Section Supervisor, Fiscal Resources, Grants Management & Review Program, Office of Financial Services, Department of Health and Senior Services notice of grant award to provide financial support to for the provision of a variety of services for senior citizens
Mark Ferrante, Assistant Director, Office of Program Development and Prevention Services, Juvenile Justice Commission notice of availability of $389,000 in FFY98 Formula Grant funds to provide one-time summer expansion programming to existing programs
Richard J. Williams, Administrative Director of the Courts copy of the Annual Report of the New Jersey Judiciary for the court years 2009-2001
Harry R. Baker, Jr., President, New Jersey Emergency Management Association copy of The Survivor newsletter
James A. Crawford, Executive Director, South Jersey Transportation Authority copy of the February 20th agenda
Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders invitation to attend The Cape May County Homeland Security Conference: "Keeping America Safe"
New Jersey Association of Counties notice of conference on Homeland Security: Preparedness and Response
Larry E. Naake, Executive Director, NAC0 invitation to recognition ceremony to thank and honor county public safety workers who responded to the terrorist acts of September 11
William "Pat" Schuber, Bergen County Executive letter asking for participation in the MS Walk
Hunterdon County resolution regarding the Private Well Testing Act
Ethan Aronoff, Coordinator Cumberland County Human Service Advisory Council letter asking for support to the NJ Area Health Education Centers by asking Governor McGreevey to rescind his proposed cut in funding
H. Glen Donelson, Project Director, Salem County School-to-Careers Initiative letter of thanks for the Countys participation in the 2002 Groundhog Job Shadow Day together with letters of thanks from students who participated
Gwendolyn H. Matlack, Pittsgrove Township Deputy Clerk resolution consenting to form of proposed sublease agreement between County of Salem and Sprint Spectrum L.P., a Delaware Corporation
Rich Melchert letter of resignation as a member of the Salem County Ag Development Board
Brian A. Crist, Commissioned Security Officer, Pennsville resident letter stating his opinion on how to strengthen the nations security
Family Services Association copy of Community Connection newsletter
Salem County Vocational Technical Schools copy of the Vo-Tech newsletter
Salem County Court System copy of Professional Dialogue on Youth Issues March 6th Agenda
U.S. Department of Agriculture Salem/Gloucester Service Center copy of the Farm Service Agency/Natural Resources Conservation Service/Rural Development Service Center newsletter
New Jersey Institute of Technology copy of the NRoute 8 newsletter
Public Technology Inc. copy of How We Can Work Together: a Guidebook to Smart Response through Coordinating Local Public Safety and Transportation Information and Technology
Ranch Hope, Inc. copy of the RH Factor
New Jersey Council on Special Transportation copy of their newsletter
National Association of Counties copy of County News
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
For the Month of February
Adjuster
Complete Care Services Environmental Summary Report
Economic Development
Emergency Services
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MINUTES
Advisory Committee on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse February 14th Minutes
Special Services School District January 15th Minutes
Youth Services Commission & Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition February 6th Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Kugler that the Correspondence, Departmental Reports, and Committee/Commission Minutes be received and filed. Mrs. Bestwick seconded his motion, which was carried by a hand vote of 7/0.
Director Sparks requested reading and Board action on resolutions by committee block. The entire Freeholder Board concurred.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE Sparks, Kugler, Bestwick
R.2002-180 Emergency Temporary Resolution Prior to Adoption of Budget County of Salem. Mr. Kugler moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a hand vote of 7/0.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE Sullivan, Bestwick, Ware
R.2002-181 Resolution Awarding a Contract for Providing Maintenance Services for the Chiller Located in the Salem County Court House.
R.2002-182 Resolution Issuing Change Order Number Two to the Contract for Providing Renovations at the Salem County Administration Building.
R.2002-183 Resolution Issuing Change Order Number Three to the Contract for Providing Renovations at the Salem County Administration Building.
R.2002-184 Resolution Issuing Change Order Number Four to the Contract for Providing Renovations at the Salem County Administration Building.
Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of the four resolutions, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a hand vote of 7/0.
COUNTY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Ware, Simmermon, Sullivan
R.2002-185 Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the Salem County Commission on Women. Mr. Ware moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a hand vote of 7/0.
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Bestwick, Simmermon, Facemyer
R.2002-186 Resolution Authorizing Contract for the Administration of the Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the Year 2002. Mrs. Bestwick moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Simmermon seconding her motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a hand vote of 7/0.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Facemyer, Ware, Kugler
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Kugler, Facemyer, Sparks
ROAD & BRIDGE COMMITTEE Simmermon, Bestwick, Sullivan
R.2002-187 Resolution Approving Task Order No. 7 Kellys Saw Mill Road Bridge Over Alloway Creek.
R.2002-188 Resolution Prohibiting Normal Traffic Centerton Road, County Road #553 and Upper Neck Road, County Road #690 in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County.
R.2002-189 Resolution Permitting Special Event Parking Sawyer Brown Concert - Along Hollywood Avenue, County Road #618.
R.2002-190 Resolution Permitting Special Event Parking Collin Raye Concert Along Hollywood Avenue, County Road #618.
Mr. Simmermon moved for adoption of these four resolutions, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a hand vote of 7/0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS Mr. Kugler voiced his concern about the State of New Jerseys recent handling of the Memorial Hospital of Salem County (MHSC) situation. He noted abnormalities in the States inspection procedure and that MHSC still has not received written inspection results. He was concerned that a new State appointee can shut a hospital down, with no danger being previously documented. He said the hospital has the highest standards of care and that he wishes to see the final State report.
Mrs. Bestwick said her concerns for MHSC echoes Mr. Kuglers, but also that the County of Salem Health Department was not informed by the State with the department finding out via the local newspaper Todays Sunbeam. She said there was no call from the 3rd district legislators to the Freeholder Board. She said that she spoke with several doctors and promised Freeholder support.
Director Sparks said that the Freeholders were not officially contacted by the State, who offered a later verbal apology. He said that the State inspection team noted minor problems, but with his knowledge of the professional MHSC staff concern for patients, it was his opinion that MHSC should never have been closed down. He spoke for the entire Freeholder Board for the public to not lose confidence in MHSC.
Director Sparks spoke of the drought emergency declaration by the State which contained no parameters. He asked the public to conserve water by voluntarily cutting back till further notice.
Mr. Sullivan expressed sadness for the resignation of Richard Melchert from the Salem County Agriculture Development Board citing Mr. Melcherts involvement with the ethanol plant. He asked that a letter of thanks be sent for his work.
Mr. Kugler stated Mr. Melchert is chairman of the site selection committee for the ethanol plant, with Director Sparks and Mr. Facemyer affirming Mr. Melcherts deep involvement in that project as a reason for his resignation.
PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments.
CLOSED SESSION No closed session was requested.
MOTION TO ADJOURN - Mr. Kugler made a motion to adjourn, with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion with all in favor at 8:05 P.M.