SALEM COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
APRIL 16, 2003 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
At 7:30 PM, Director John A. Kugler opened the meeting with a statement to support our troops in Iraq, support the families of those killed in action and hope for the soldiers to return home soon.
A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Director Kugler stated that the meeting was in compliance the Open Public Meetings Act.
On roll call, the following Freeholders were present: Charles R. Sullivan, Lee R. Ware, Bruce L. Bobbitt, R. Benjamin Simmermon, Jr., C. David Sparks, Jr., Susan A. Bestwick, and John A. Kugler. A quorum was present.
Motion was made by Mr. Sullivan that the reading of the Minutes of April 2, 2003 be dispensed with and that the Minutes be received, approved and recorded in the Minute Book. Mr. Ware seconded his motion, which was carried by a vote of 7/0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance No. 2003-02 Appropriating Funds from the General Capital Fund Balance for the County of Salem for the Purpose of Farmland Preservation. Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to open the public hearing, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion followed by a unanimous vote of 7/0. Director Kugler recognized Pennsville Mayor Carol Wooten who thanked the Freeholder majority for contributing the one hundred sixty two thousand dollars ($162,000.00) share of taxes that Pennsville residents would have paid for farmland preservation. Director Kugler recognized Pittsgrove resident Cheryl J. Berwick and approved her request to read her letter into the record as follows: "Dear Freeholders, I am writing this letter to you because I want you to know that I am in support of the Farmland Preservation efforts that are underway her in Salem County. In the big scheme of things we need to be aggressive in maintaining all forms of open space so that we may prevent the sprawl that has claimed so many of our neighboring counties and municipalities. Farmland Preservation is only one tool we can use to accomplish this and we must act NOW. I am delighted that the Freeholder Board is able to fund the program this year with the moneys from the capital accounts that are no longer useable. While this may not be possible in future years, it is an important first step. I urge this freeholder board to look at this effort as part of a long journey and not a one-time action. Our quality of life here in Salem County is dependent upon your actions here this evening and in the future. So, having said that I ask you please plan ahead for the future, yours, mine, and most importantly, the future of our children in Salem County. I thank you for allowing me this time. Sincerely, Cheryl Berwick." A motion was made by Mr. Sullivan to close the public hearing, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion followed by a unanimous vote of 7/0. Motion made by Mr. Sullivan to adopt the ordinance, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion followed by a unanimous roll call vote of 7/0.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Mrs. Gerry Burt presented a United Way "Golden Heart" plaque to County employee Carolyn Shoemaker representing ninety-five (95) contributors showing an increase of two thousand four hundred sixty eight dollars ($2,468.00) from last year.
A proclamation was read making May 2003 to be National A.L.S. Awareness Month.
A proclamation was read for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
R 2003- 226 Resolution Honoring Robert W. Bender Upon His Retirement as Superintendent of the Penns Grove-Carney’s Point Regional School District. Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 7/0.
Director Kugler requested the following resolution be read in its entirety and the five Eagle Scout resolutions be considered for passage as a block vote.
R 2003- 227 Resolution Honoring Chad R. Baese – Eagle Scout Recipient
R 2003- 228 Resolution Honoring Kyle J. Cocking – Eagle Scout Recipient
R 2003- 229 Resolution Honoring David M. Denham – Eagle Scout Recipient
R 2003- 230 Resolution Honoring Jeffrey C. Paruszewski – Eagle Scout Recipient
R 2003- 231 Resolution Honoring Richard S. Scheule – Eagle Scout Recipient
Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of these five resolutions, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 7/0.
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 along West Canal in the City of Ventnor, Atlantic 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 along Dirickson Creek, Sussex County, Maryland
James E. McGreevey, Governor, State of New Jersey – letter announcing that New Jersey has established a WEB site to provide citizens with important information and news related to homeland security
Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection – notice of a public hearing regarding the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to modify current standards and protections under the New Source Review Provisions of the Clean Air Act
Douglas R. Bartlett, Manager, Traffic Engineering and Investigations, Department of Transportation – notice that the Traffic Regulation Order regarding the speed limit along Route NJ 49 in Pennsville Township has been approved
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Disaster Field Office – notice announcing an emergency declaration for the State of New Jersey signed by the Governor providing emergency assistance to eligible entities as a result of the record/near record snowstorms on February 16-17, 2003
Michael J. Amorosa, Somerset County Engineer/Director of Public Works – comments on the proposed Blueprint for Intelligent Growth (BIG) Map and potential associated regulatory changes
Mercer County – 2 resolutions: 1) resolution supporting Senate Bill S-2417, which requires installation of protective fencing along overpasses, and 2) resolution supporting AR-241 urging the President of the United States to immediately release all first responder funds appropriated by the United States Congress to municipalities
Somerset County – resolution supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces
Otis J. Sistrunk, Chairman, Board of Directors, PolyOne – letter of welcome as a new County Chamber of Commerce member
David C. Rollison, RMA, Bowman & Company – copy of the 2003/2004 Budget for the Improvement Authority
The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Fourth of July Parade Committee – letter requesting the Board’s participation in the annual 4th of July parade
Sherri Hinchman, Office on Aging – copy of a letter from Bernice Coles, Upper Pittsgrove Township, resigning as a member of the Transportation Advisory Council for Casino Revenues
Veronica Gurnell, Borough of Penns Grove – letter of resignation as a member of the Transportation Advisory Council for Casino Revenues
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
For the Month of February
Alternative Youth Shelter – Juveniles in Detention
Nursing Home
For the Month of March
Adjuster
Alternative Youth Shelter – Expenditure Report/Population Statistics
Emergency Services & Emergency Services Staff Meeting
Nursing Home
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION MINUTES
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Advisory Committee March 13th Minutes and May 8th Agenda
Library Commission February 26th & March 19th Minutes
Mental Health Board March 11th & April 8th Minutes
Pollution Control Financing Authority February 4th Minutes
Motion was made by Mr. Sullivan that the Correspondence, Departmental Reports, and Committee/Commission Minutes be received and filed with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. The motion carried a vote of 7/0.
Motion was made by Mr. Sullivan that the Rules of the Board be temporarily waived for any resolution to be considered this evening, which would require it. Mr. Ware seconded his motion. The motion carried a vote of 7/0.
Motion was made by Mr. Sullivan that all Bills and Claims, when properly signed and audited, be paid and charged to their respective accounts. Motion was seconded by Mr. Ware, which was carried by a vote of 7/0.
Motion was made by Mr. Sullivan that the Treasurer’s Report be received and filed, subject to audit, and that a copy be made available to the public, upon request, for its review. Mr. Ware seconded his motion, which was carried by a vote of 7/0.
Director Kugler requested hearing Committee resolutions by block with corresponding votes except for two resolutions to be discussed in closed session. The entire board concurred.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE – Kugler, Sullivan, Ware
R 2003- 232 Emergency Temporary Resolution Prior to Adoption of Budget – County of Salem
R 2003- 233 Resolution Authorizing the Clerk of the Board and the Treasurer’s Office to Enter into a Contract with Systemed, LLC, a Subsidiary of Medco Health Solutions, Inc. to Provide a Pharmaceutical Prescription Plan and Services to the County of Salem
R 2003- 234 Resolution Approving Renewal of a Lease Agreement between Woodstown Youth Wresting Association, Inc., a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation with the County of Salem for a Certain Building Located at Camp Crocket
R 2003- 249 Resolution to Comply with PERC Order Requiring Withholding Representation Fees for Represented Positions under CWA (passed at 8:29PM after closed session discussion). Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. Mr. Sparks referenced the required PERC order and commented that the Freeholder Board has been against this issue for a long time and is still against it. Director Kugler said that explanatory literature will be distributed and a news release was coming. He emphasized that this resolution was based on an order from the State. Deputy Director Sullivan said that this topic had been bipartisan all the way. He said the board did not like passing this resolution but will obey the law. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 7/0.
R 2003- 235 Resolution Authorizing the Public Sale of Surplus Laundry Equipment Deemed not needed for Public Use by the County of Salem
R 2003- 236 Resolution Authorizing the Public Sale of Surplus Election Equipment Deemed not needed for Public Use by the County of Salem
R 2003- 237 Resolution Authorizing Subordination of Mortgage Held by the County of Salem to Secure Refinance Loan
Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of these six resolutions, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 7/0.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE – Sullivan, Kugler, Sparks
R 2003- 238 Resolution Amending Resolution 2002-357 Authorizing the Temporary Use and Limited Access to a Portion of the County Parking Lot to Enable Construction Activity
R 2003- 239 Resolution Replacing a Member to the Revolving Loan Fund Loan Board (Richard Dapp)
R 2003- 240 Resolution Authorizing the Freeholder and Clerk of the Board to Sign the USDA Rural Development Grant Application
Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of these three resolutions, with Mr. Sparks seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 7/0.
COUNTY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE – Sparks, Ware, Bestwick
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE – Bestwick, Sullivan, Bobbitt
R 2003- 241 Resolution Authorizing Execution of Contract with Meals-on-Wheels of Salem County, Inc. for In-Kind Services
R 2003- 242 Resolution Authorizing Freeholder Director and Clerk of the Board to Sign Application for 2003 Public Health Priority Funding Health Services Grant
Mrs. Bestwick moved for adoption of these two resolutions, with Mr. Bobbitt seconding her motion. Deputy Director Sullivan (through the chair) asked Mrs. Bestwick about the second resolution grant amounts favoring Cumberland County. Mrs. Bestwick said that the grant amounts were based on the respective County populations and that Salem County gets the administrative "cut" portion of the grant. Deputy Director Sullivan (through the chair) asked Mrs. Bestwick asked whether the Cumberland County Freeholder Board or their Health Department had prompted the grant on their side. Mrs. Bestwick said she didn't know. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 7/0.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE – Ware, Simmermon, Sparks,
R 2003- 250 Resolution Authorizing the Freeholder Director, Clerk of the Board and Sheriff to Execute Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Salem Correction’s Officers Association Representing Correction’s Officers in the Salem County Jail and the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders (passed at 8:30PM after closed session discussion). Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of this resolution, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. County Counsel Mulligan suggested striking "and Sheriff" from the resolution title and body as the Sheriff is a Constitutional Officer and will sign the document on his time schedule. The Clerk of the Board was permitted to comment on this matter. She stated that this resolution is worded the same as the previous resolution for the now expired Correction Officer’s contract and that the Sheriff is a required signatory on the contract. There was no further discussion, questions or comments on this resolution. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 7/0.
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Simmermon, Kugler, Bobbitt
ROAD & BRIDGE COMMITTEE – Bobbitt, Bestwick, Simmermon
R 2003- 243 Resolution Restricting Parking along Certain Sections of Fort Elfsborg-Salem Road, County Road #625 Township of Elsinboro, County of Salem
R 2003- 244 Resolution Approving an Inter Local Government Services Agreement Salem County Parcel Mapping Project
R 2003- 245 Resolution Approving an Inter Local Government Services Agreement Witt Road, a Local Road, Alloway Township
R 2003- 246 Resolution Restricting Parking along Certain Sections of Sinnickson Landing Road, County #661 Township of Elsinboro, County of Salem
R 2003- 247 Resolution to Approve Application for Motorist Solicitation Pursuant to Resolution No. 98-115 (Elmer Ambulance Corps.)
Mr. Bobbitt moved for adoption of these five resolutions, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 7/0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Roger Nathan of Woodstown presented plans for a cannon shelter to Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairman Sullivan. Mr. Nathan said that the reinstallation will be held May 31st at the Old Courthouse with its sister Upper Pittsgrove cannon joining the festivities. He suggested the shelter be built as soon as possible which was concurred by the Director and Deputy Director.
Mr. Nathan inquired about the publishing costs for his history book. Director Kugler stated that the Freeholder Board would get funding for the publication of the book.
Mrs. Blanch Hogate of Salem City thanked the Freeholder Board for the cost savings by using a new employee benefit pharmacy management provider. She said it was a win-win situation.
Freeholder Bestwick said that as of 5:45 PM this evening that the local theatre group "Act Up" was waiting for their thirty-five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) for their program and requested expediting the money. Director Kugler had the Clerk of the Board/Administrator apprise the Board that she had spoken with Cultural and Heritage Commission Chairperson Rae Svecz yesterday that the final documents had been received and that the auditor would be coming in Thursday to finalize the audit. She continued that there would be audit findings and recommendations to change the methods of managing the finances.
CLOSED SESSION R 2003- 248 Resolution Authorizing the Exclusion of the Public from a Meeting of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Salem. Mr. Sullivan moved for adoption of this resolution at 7:56 PM, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 7/0.
At 8:29 PM, Director Kugler reconvened the public meeting. The previous two resolutions R 2003- 249 and R 2003- 250 were passed at this time.
MOTION TO ADJOURN Mr. Sullivan moved for adjournment of the meeting, with Mr. Ware seconding his motion. With the motion properly moved and seconded and approved by all, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.