Jennifer Colville

The meeting covered the moment of silence for New Lieutenant Mike Monaco, followed by the approval of the agenda. A public hearing was held for the final adoption of a resolution authorizing CAP to limit the county budget appropriation increase in CY 2026 to 3.5% over the previous year's final appropriations, subject to exceptions and establishing an appropriation cap bank. During the public statement portion of the hearing, a resident expressed concerns about the impact of continuous budget increases on taxes given flat population growth. Commissioner Henderson provided updates on attending the Schuma meeting and the funeral viewing for Lieutenant Mike Monaco, as well as the Sussex County Chamber Dinner and a meeting regarding a food donation to the county food pantry. Commissioner Henderson also reported on attending a virtual meeting on workplace harassment and discrimination and the Sussex County Community College meeting, noting upcoming ribbon cutting ceremonies. Commissioner Carney provided kudos to DPW and facilities for snow removal efforts and mentioned the new Crimestoppers signs. Deputy Director Degrroot reported on the first Muskan River Management Council meeting, sharing information about the open space trails grant program, and the first Mayor's meeting of the year, which focused on planning a collaborative celebration for America's 250th anniversary. Updates were provided on the Division of Social Services food drive, diabetes and heart health presentations by the Office of Public Health Nursing, and upcoming workshops through the Center for Lifelong Learning at Sussex County Community College, including a free journalism skills course. Information was also shared regarding New Jersey Makers Day events at the library system.

The meeting addressed old business including a motion to approve the December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes, which passed. Discussion occurred regarding the status of various 2024 Executive Board Meeting Minutes, with a motion to accept tabled until February. A motion was passed to approve an invoice from Election Systems & Software for equipment warranty and maintenance fees totaling $187,024.77. New business involved discussions concerning Sparta voting districts relative to the Alpine School Polling Location, with the Board tabling the discussion on Alpine School ceasing as a polling location until February. The Board discussed Commissioner Langjahr's resignation effective March 2026 and the need for a visual inspection of all election drop boxes, including potential replacement budget considerations. Further discussion focused on the timing of election data receipt from scanners and establishing a deadline for the first round of results public release (no later than 8:30 PM on election day). The Board also discussed required upcoming hardware and software changes and reaffirmed the necessity of hiring a Deputy Elections Clerk.

The meeting commenced with commissioner roll call, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Byum Councilman Harvey Rosoff. The agenda was approved after tabling item 14 and making necessary corrections. Discussion during the public session focused on item 24 paragraph 7 regarding the executive session discussion on the Newton Green policy, following a letter from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) raising unconstitutional concerns. Commissioner comments highlighted recent activities, including shared service agreement discussions, updates on the Sussex County Trails Grant program, and a significant investment in guardrail upgrades along County Route 519. Commissioner Carney provided updates on the extensive winter response program, noting over $3 million in investment for labor, equipment, and materials, and commended public works staff. She also mentioned the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration to be held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on June 7th. Health insurance cost increases were identified as the biggest budgetary challenge for the coming year. The Division of Health reported on decreasing influenza activity and provided details for a free women's health screening clinic.

The meeting included proceedings to move from executive session back to regular business. A key discussion involved a motion to amend the personnel agenda. This amendment sought to table personnel movements for the sheriff's office, fire marshall, and fire inspector, while approving the personnel agenda item for the Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, the creation of a temporary assistant purchasing agent (part-time, on-call) was discussed. Appointments were made to the position of assistant fire marshal for the county of Sussex for a term not to exceed 12 months: first Mark Snook, and subsequently Bernard Akowski. The session concluded with adjournment.

The meeting included a resolution authorizing the director to sign a contingent fee retainer agreement with the Keith Law Firm. This action was taken to join 18 other New Jersey counties in litigation against the New Jersey Attorney General's decision regarding the state's 3M PAS settlement money, specifically concerning the exclusion of the Douglas and London agreement if legally advisable.