Diana Ford

The meeting commenced with standard procedures, including an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, along with a statement confirming compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Key actions included the approval of a resolution adding appropriations to the 2021 Temporary Budget. Correspondence items included resolutions from the City of Salem and Elsinboro Township regarding election night procedures, a letter from NJDOT concerning the Local Bridges Fund, and minutes/resolutions from various committees such as Pollution Control and Ocean County regarding PERS. The board passed resolutions related to appointing a Fund Commissioner to the Statewide Insurance Fund, amending job classification titles and salary ranges, appointing members to the Economic Advisory Committee, authorizing the acquisition of a development easement on Bell Farm, approving a Change Order for the 2016 County Aid Road Program, and extending/amending the County Innovation Grant. During public comment, residents raised concerns regarding road conditions, truck traffic affecting historic roads, accessibility resources, and an inappropriate county communication, prompting discussions about traffic studies and enforcement. An Executive Closed Session was held to discuss matters relating to litigation, negotiations, and attorney-client privilege, which was reopened to hear additional public comments on sensitive county communication and mask mandates before adjournment.

The meeting included a proclamation designating the week of May 20-26, 2018, as Emergency Medical Services Week. Correspondence included resolutions opposing legislation to rename County Freeholders to County Commissioners and matters regarding bridge replacement projects. The Board adopted Ordinance 2018-01 canceling certain unfunded appropriation balances and Ordinance 2018-02 authorizing bond issuance for capital improvements at Salem County Community College. The introduction of the 2018 Salem County Budget was tabled for review. Resolutions were passed, including the creation of the Salem County Information Technology Committee, authorization for lease agreements, budget appropriation resolutions, and the acquisition of development easements on two farms in Upper Pittsgrove Township. The Board also passed resolutions concerning road programs, contract awards, and prohibiting traffic on certain county roads. Resolutions related to environmental health grant applications were approved. During public comment, concerns were raised regarding road damage, gypsy moth infestation, and thanks were extended to EMS personnel. An executive session was held to discuss litigation, negotiations, and collective bargaining agreements, followed by the passage of a resolution awarding a contract for limited architectural services.

The meeting included the reading of the Open Public Meetings Act statement and roll call confirming a quorum. Key actions included the approval of correspondence, payment of bills and claims, and the Treasurer's Report. The Administrative Committee passed several resolutions, including appointments for Mental Health Administrator, Clerk of the Board, Fire Coordinator, and County Adjuster. Other resolutions authorized change orders for railroad engineering services and natural gas supply, addressed an emergency appropriation cancellation for a bridge repair, amended salary ranges and policy manuals, authorized a subaward modification for WIOA services, approved a capital project assignment for the Prosecutor's Office renovations, authorized consulting services for the Broadband Initiative, initiated a request for USDA ReConnect funding, authorized a catering contract, and approved a shared services agreement with the NJ Judiciary. The Agricultural/Public Safety Committee passed a resolution to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program. The Health & Human Services Committee accepted a grant and passed resolutions regarding contracts for Intoxicated Driver Resource Center Programs and services for disabled/elderly residents. The Public Works Committee awarded contracts for road resurfacing and engineering, and requested extensions/authorizations related to bridge projects funded by the NJDOT. A resolution was also passed to insert special item revenue for the Private Well Outreach program. In new business, the successful start of Woodstown EMS serving seven municipalities was noted, and one Commissioner read his letter of resignation effective January 1, 2026, as he would be sworn in as County Surrogate.

The meeting focused on budgetary and administrative discussions for the upcoming year. Key topics included deliberation on the Inter Agency Council assuming administration of the Youth Services Commission and COC. There was also a discussion concerning putting an Information Technology (IT) project out for bid rather than proceeding with DELL. The CFO led discussions pertaining to the 2014 budget. Furthermore, discussions occurred regarding the establishment of a countywide 911 operation, with a request made for John Cuzzupe to present at the subsequent workshop on December 18th.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a statement regarding Open Public Meetings Act compliance. A Special Recognition was given for the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, where members of the Salem County Challenger Baseball League were present to accept a Proclamation, and details about the league's success and need for volunteers were shared. The Engineering Department Head presented a summary of activities for 2022, highlighting clearing open issues, updating project management software, and digitizing records. Several resolutions were approved, including accepting successor collective bargaining agreements for the Prosecutor Detective and Investigator's Association and Superior Officers' Association, awarding an electrical repair service contract, and accepting grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Rail Freight Assistance Program. The Administrative Committee resolutions involved supporting Salem City as the home for the Wind Institute and authorizing shared services and contract renewals. The Agricultural/Tourism Committee approved resolutions related to a mobile tourism app and accepting new logos for the Cultural and Heritage Commission and Department of Tourism. The Economic Development/Public Works Committee addressed resolutions concerning fire department solicitations, mosquito control agreements, transportation planning programs, and various grant acceptances and applications. The Health/Human Services/Education Committee focused on grant applications and agreements related to the Office on Aging & Disabilities, mental health services, and the Stigma Free Community Awareness Plan. The Public Safety Committee addressed resolutions for a lease agreement for the Woodstown National Guard Armory Annex and grant applications for body armor replacement and task force funding. Various resolutions were also passed to insert special items of revenue into the budget pursuant to Chapter 159, P.L. 1948. During public comment, updates were requested regarding Hawks Bridge Road resurfacing. The meeting concluded with an Executive Closed Session to discuss employment, litigation, and privilege matters.