Cumberland County public meetings in 2025

PAIDIS Test meeting 4000

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners will convene to vote on a resolution to read the county budget by title only and approve a consent agenda of routine resolutions. The meeting will also include a public comment period for new business and the authorization of salary payments.

• Resolution to read County Budget by title only
• Consent Agenda of routine resolutions
• Authorization of payment of all salaries and wages
• Public comment period for new business
• Executive Session (if necessary)

Board of County Commissioners - Regular Board Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on a series of consent agenda resolutions and individual contracts. Key items include infrastructure awards, grant applications for veterans and mental health services, and equipment purchases for public safety.

• Contract for 2024 Guiderail Program awarded to J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc. for $919,225
• Purchase of a street sweeper for the Department of Public Works from US Municipal Supply, Inc. for $366,803
• Purchase of Panasonic Toughbooks for the Sheriff's Office from Wireless Electronics for $73,223
• Award of a 3D scanner for the Prosecutor's Office from Faro Technologies Inc. for $62,279.79
• Temporary budget appropriations of $306,333.00 for new grants

The Board unanimously adopted a series of resolutions authorizing grants for veterans, child advocacy, mental health, and voter education programs. It also approved several procurement contracts, including a $366,803 street sweeper for Public Works and equipment purchases for the Sheriff’s Office. All actions were passed with a 6‑to‑0 vote.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-211 authorizing grant agreement with NJ Dept of Military & Veterans Affairs for veteran transportation services (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-212 authorizing child advocacy development grants for the Prosecutor's Office (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-225 authorizing purchase of a Bucher V65T street sweeper for Public Works for $366,803 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-226 authorizing award of a non‑fair contract for grave marker realignments at the Veterans Cemetery ($35,000) (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-227 approving Change Order No. 1 to increase contract for East Chestnut Avenue bridge repair by $4,393.72 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-228 authorizing purchase of Panasonic Toughbooks and accessories for the Sheriff’s Office for $73,223 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-220 declaring surplus veteran‑affairs electronics as e‑waste and authorizing recycling (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-221 amending a grant application for the Mail‑in Voter Education Program (6-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to introduce the 2025 budget and discuss goals and objectives for the year. The board will also review a stop work order notice from NJACCHO.

• Resolution 04/2025-01: Introducing the 2025 Board of Health Budget
• Resolution 04/2025-02: Designating Public Health Week
• Resolution 04/2025-03: Authorize purchase from Positive Promotions
• NJACCHO Sub-Grantee Stop Work Order Notice dated 3-31-2025
• Discussion of 2025 Goals and Objectives

The Board accepted the March expense report and approved the 2025 budget of $4,217,459, which will not raise the tax levy. It also designated April 7‑11, 2025 as National Public Health Week and authorized a $27,702.67 purchase from Positive Promotions, Inc. The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.

• Approved March expense report (4‑2)
• Approved 2025 budget of $4,217,459 with no tax levy increase (5‑2)
• Designated April 7‑11, 2025 as National Public Health Week (5‑2)
• Authorized purchase from Positive Promotions, Inc. for $27,702.67 (5‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑2)

Agriculture Development Board - Regular Meeting

The Cumberland County Agriculture Development Board will discuss the status of farmland preservation, including upcoming closings and potential deed violations, and is set to vote on resolutions granting final approval for two development easement sales.

• Resolution 2025-01: Clarifying encroachment on Brock Farm/Johnson Farm properties
• Resolution 2025-02: Final approval for Baitinger Farm to sell development easement
• Resolution 2025-03: Final approval for Cox/Blizzard Farm to sell development easement
• Old Business: Potential deed violation at Brock Farm, Upper Deerfield Township
• Old Business: Farmland Preservation Program status update and upcoming closings

The board approved the February 18, 2025 meeting minutes with no corrections. A motion to adopt Resolution 2025-01, which clarified that the Brock Farm/Johnson Farms encroachment was not a deed violation, passed unanimously. Resolutions 2025-02 and 2025-03 were tabled pending the state-wide Formula Value release. The board also opened and then closed the public comment period and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved February 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-01 clarifying Brock Farm encroachment (unanimous)
• Tabled Resolution 2025-02 (Baitinger Farm easement) pending Formula Value
• Tabled Resolution 2025-03 (Cox/Blizzard Farm easement) pending Formula Value
• Opened public comment period (unanimous)
• Closed public comment period (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Work Session

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss several resolutions, including a legal settlement and new service contracts. The body will also review agenda items for the upcoming April 22 meeting.

• Settlement of $310,000 paid by Board of Health in Crystal Brown v. Cumberland County
• Contracts for sober living and opiate-affected family programs to Maryville ($72,375) and Catholic Charities ($9,450)
• Contract with Acme/Lingo Flagpoles, LLC for $20,910.00 for flags at the Cumberland County Veterans' Cemetery
• Resolution authorizing payment of bills

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted five resolutions, including a $310,000 settlement in the Crystal Brown litigation, a $81,825 sober‑living services contract, a $20,910 flag contract for the veterans’ cemetery, and authorizations for bill payments and a closed‑session meeting. All motions to open and close public comment periods and to adjourn were also passed unanimously.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-206 awarding $81,825 sober‑living contract (7‑0 voice vote)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-207 awarding $20,910 flag contract for veterans’ cemetery (7‑0 voice vote)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-208 approving $310,000 settlement in Crystal Brown case (7‑0 voice vote)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-209 authorizing payment of bills (7‑0 voice vote)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-210 authorizing a closed‑session meeting (7‑0 voice vote)
• Motion to open public comment period passed (7‑0 voice vote)
• Motion to close public comment period passed (7‑0 voice vote)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting passed (7‑0 voice vote)

Planning Board - Regular

The Planning Board will approve the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting. It will consider a request from Batten Investment Group for a waiver of road widening and curbing requirements. The board will also review extension requests for the Bristol Ponds project and several subdivision and site‑plan applications.

• Approval of minutes — March 5, 2025
• B‑2‑25: Batten Investment Group – waiver request of road widening and curbing
• UD‑6‑21A & B: Bristol Ponds – request for extension
• D‑1‑25: Collinge & Vivirito (Deerfield Township) – lot line adjustment
• B‑3‑25: Wiley Acres (City of Bridgeton) – five new lots (tabled from last month)

The board granted Bristol Ponds an extension until July 2026 and approved a waiver for Batten Investment Group’s road widening with tree‑protection conditions. Several minor subdivisions and site plans were approved, and the Wiley Acres major subdivision was conditionally approved with a curbing waiver. All actions were carried unanimously, with two members abstaining on separate items.

• Extension for Bristol Ponds granted until July 2026 (unanimous)
• Waiver for Batten Investment Group road widening/curbing granted with tree‑protection conditions (unanimous, Daigle abstained)
• Collinge & Vivirito minor subdivision lot line adjustment approved (unanimous)
• City of Millville minor subdivision for one new lot approved (unanimous)
• DiLisciandro minor subdivision for one new lot approved (unanimous)
• Wiley Acres major subdivision conditionally approved with curbing waiver (unanimous, Gibala abstained)
• Reyes‑Juarez site plan for parking improvements approved (unanimous)
• Miller Transportation site plan conditionally approved with waiver for curbing and road widening (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Regular Board Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to vote on a series of consent agenda resolutions and individual contracts. Key items include infrastructure maintenance, law enforcement software subscriptions, and shared service agreements for warming shelters.

• Contract for toner cartridges with The Office Pal for $271,702.29
• Contract for emulsified asphalt with Specialty Emulsions, Inc. for $65,250
• Additional $25,000 each for Code Blue Warming Shelters in Bridgeton, Millville, and Vineland
• Change order for Mid-County Park permanent trail system assessment increasing cost by $48,660
• Resolution opposing Atlantic City Electric's 17.23% electricity rate increase

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a series of contract awards, including software support, toner supplies, asphalt, and law‑enforcement software, all by unanimous vote. It also adopted a change‑order for a CCTV contract and accepted a regional marketing grant. The board designated the CFO as the approval officer for certain claims, passing the motion 6‑1. All other resolutions were adopted unanimously.

• Approved Queues Enforth software support contract ($57,483) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved renewal of toner cartridge contract ($271,702.29) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved Specialty Emulsions asphalt contract ($65,250) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved Cellebrite premium system for Prosecutor's Office ($33,801.17) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved Tritek Systems software license for Board of Elections ($37,858.56) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved speed‑alert trailer purchase for Emergency Management ($27,286.45) – UNANIMOUS
• Approved CFO as approval officer for payment of certain claims – 6 to 1
• Adopted grant award from Southern Shore Regional Destination Marketing Organization – UNANIMOUS

Board of Health

The Cumberland County Board of Health will review and approve February expense reports and authorize settlements and lease agreements. The meeting includes a public comment period and a closed session.

• Approval of February expense report and bills
• Settlement authorization with Crystal Brown
• Agreement authorization with Millville Housing Authority
• Lease renewal authorization for office space
• Public comments invited (5-minute limit)

The Board entered and later closed a confidential executive session. It approved the January expense report and paid the bills. It adopted a resolution appointing TESTA HECK TESTA & WHITE, P.A. as the County’s attorney for a one‑year term. It also adopted Resolution 02/2025‑01 and adjourned the meeting.

• Entered closed session (motion Howard Willis, second Sabrina Simpkins) – unanimous approval
• Ended closed session (motion Todd Buirch, second Victoria Lods) – unanimous approval
• Approved minutes from the Jan 15 meeting (motion Sabrina Simpkins, second Howard Willis) – votes: GAGGINI yes, SIMPKINS yes & abstain, BUIRCH yes, WILLIS yes & abstain
• Approved January expense report and payment of bills (motion Todd Buirch, second Sabrina Simpkins) – votes: GAGGINI yes, SIMPKINS yes & abstain, BUIRCH yes & abstain, WILLIS yes
• Appointed TESTA HECK TESTA & WHITE, P.A. as attorney for a one‑year term (Resolution 1/2025‑01) – adopted (no vote recorded)
• Adopted Resolution 02/2025‑01 (motion Howard Willis, second Todd Buirch) – votes: GAGGINI yes, SIMPKINS yes, BUIRCH yes & abstain, WILLIS yes & abstain
• Adjourned meeting (motion Sabrina Simpkins, second Howard Willis) – votes: GAGGINI yes, SIMPKINS yes & abstain, BUIRCH yes, WILLIS yes & abstain

Board of County Commissioners - Work Session

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners considered a series of resolutions, including authorizing a change of petty‑cash custodian, approving $32,619,853 in additional emergency temporary budget appropriations, and awarding a $786,904.84 contract for election‑material printing. Several appointments to county commissions and boards were also confirmed.

• Resolution 2025‑156: Approve additional temporary budget appropriations of $32,619,853.00
• Resolution 2025‑157: Award non‑fair‑open contract to Royal Printing Service for election‑material printing ($786,904.84)
• Resolution 2025‑155: Change custodian of petty cash fund to Christopher D. Hart
• Resolution 2025‑167: Addendum to lease for 64,322 sq ft office space at 275 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland
• Resolution 2025‑166: Appoint Public Agency Compliance Officer (David DeWoody)

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners approved $32,619,853 in additional temporary budget appropriations, primarily for federal, state, and local grants, with Commissioner Albrecht abstaining. The board also awarded a $786,904.84 non-fair and open contract to Royal Printing Service for election materials and approved a $7,215,726.40 bill payment. A motion to reinstate a second public comment period was approved 5-2, with Director Sauro and Commissioner Taylor voting no.

• Approved $32,619,853 in temporary budget appropriations (6-0, Albrecht abstained)
• Awarded $786,904.84 election printing contract to Royal Printing Service (unanimous)
• Approved $7,215,726.40 in bill payments (unanimous)
• Reinstated second public comment period (5-2)
• Approved lease addendum for 64,322 sq ft at 275 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland (unanimous)
• Appointed David DeWoody as Public Agency Compliance Officer (unanimous)
• Assigned Testa, Heck, Testa & White, P.A. legal services with $12,000 cap (unanimous)
• Authorized executive session for litigation and employment matters (unanimous)

Planning Board - Regular

The Cumberland County Planning Board will meet to consider minor and major subdivisions, site plans for commercial and residential projects, and a presentation on county development trends. Formal action will be taken on the listed agenda items.

• Minor Subdivisions: M-4-25 (Shapiro), V-4-25 (Landis Avenue Cold Storage), V-7-25A (Divine Mercy Parish)
• Major Subdivisions: B-3-25 (Wiley Acres — 5 new lots)
• Site Plans: B-2-25 (Batten Investment Group apartment complex), H-1-25 (Shoppes at Dragon Village), V-5-25 (Mavis Discount Tire)
• County Review Not Required: B-4-25 (Social Dispensary cannabis), V-6-25 (Landis Theater brewery)
• Presentation: State Plan Update by Elena Gable

The Cumberland County Planning Board conditionally approved four site plans, including an apartment complex in Bridgeton, and approved three minor subdivisions. The board tabled the Wiley Acres major subdivision in Bridgeton until April due to two members abstaining, leaving no quorum. Three items were noted as not requiring county review, including a cannabis dispensary site plan.

• Approved Shapiro minor subdivision for one new lot in Millville (unanimous)
• Approved Landis Avenue Cold Storage lot consolidation in Vineland (unanimous)
• Approved Divine Mercy Parish minor subdivision in Vineland (unanimous)
• Tabled Wiley Acres major subdivision for five lots in Bridgeton until April (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Batten Investment Group site plan for 19 apartments in Bridgeton (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Shoppes at Dragon Village driveway improvements in Hopewell (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Mavis Discount Tire car repair shop in Vineland (unanimous)
• Approved February 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review January expense reports and approve meeting minutes. The board is scheduled to vote on a resolution regarding the auction of a vehicle and review accomplishments from 2024.

• Resolution 02/2025-01: Auction of Vehicle
• Review and approval of January expense report
• Review of 2024 accomplishments

The Cumberland County Board of Health meeting on February 26, 2025, was an agenda; the minutes provided are from the January 15, 2025 meeting. At that January meeting, the board approved several resolutions, including appointing Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A. as attorney, reappointing Melissa Sileo as Secretary and Valerie Ridgway-Carter as Custodian of Funds, paying Tyler Technologies $42,025.97 for database hosting, and amending a prior resolution to extend the payment deadline. The February 26 agenda includes a resolution to auction a vehicle, but no vote is recorded in the provided minutes.

• Approved Resolution 01/2025-01 appointing Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A. as attorney for one year (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 01/2025-02 reappointing Melissa Sileo as Board Secretary for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 01/2025-03 reappointing Valerie Ridgway-Carter as Custodian of Funds for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 01/2025-04 paying Tyler Technologies $42,025.97 for database hosting (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 01/2025-05 amending Resolution 08/2023-02 to extend payment deadline to April 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved December expense report and payment of bills totaling $180,497 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from December 18, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Elected Dennis Gaggini Jr. as 2025 Chairperson and Dr. Kevin Ludwig as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Regular Board Meeting

The Board will vote on a series of consent‑agenda resolutions, including a $2,218,820.90 contract to rebuild a segment of CR 674 (Garden Road) as part of the Local Freight Impact Fund road program. Additional items include temporary budget appropriations, various service contracts, and grant applications for mental health and youth services.

• Resolution 2025-142 – Award contract to South State, Inc. for $2,218,820.90 to rebuild CR 674 (Garden Road)
• Resolution 2025-139 – Approve additional temporary budget appropriations of $346,072.00
• Resolution 2025-140 – Contract for testing services (Colliers Engineering & Design, Inc.) at $185,112.50
• Resolution 2025-144 – Application for state block grant for community mental health services
• Resolution 2025-146 – Contract for Older Americans Act services (Resources For Independent Living Inc.) at $129,432.00

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $2,218,820.90 contract with South State, Inc. for the CR 674 (Garden Road) road program. The board also approved a $346,072 temporary budget appropriation and awarded a $920,346.40 vehicle repair services contract to Rulyn's Garage LLC. All resolutions on the agenda were adopted unanimously.

• Awarded $2,218,820.90 contract to South State, Inc. for CR 674 (Garden Road) road program (7-0)
• Approved $346,072 in additional temporary budget appropriations (7-0)
• Awarded $920,346.40 vehicle repair services contract to Rulyn's Garage LLC (7-0)
• Approved $170,184.22 purchase of Microsoft licenses from CDWG LLC (7-0)
• Approved $10,260,928.14 in bill payments (7-0)
• Authorized application for $90,800 ARRIVE Together mental health grant (7-0)
• Rejected all proposals for circulation report RFP #24-44 (7-0)
• Approved transfer of retired K-9 'Kash' to Lt. Darrell Meyers for $1.00 (7-0)

Agriculture Development Board - Regular Meeting

The Cumberland County Agriculture Development Board will review updates to its Farmland Preservation Program, consider applications for preliminary review, and discuss the Next Gen Farmer Initiative. A resolution will determine eligibility for Vineland Ag, LLC under the Right‑to‑Farm/Site Specific Agriculture Management Practice. The board will also consider the draft 2025 annual report before adjourning.

• Farmland Preservation Program status update – recent closings of SF Systems (Lot 7) and upcoming closings of SF Systems (Lot 1) and Halter
• Resolution 2025-01 – determination of eligibility for Vineland Ag, LLC under Right‑to‑Farm
• Preliminary review application for Mehaffey Farm, Upper Deerfield Township, approx. 20.4 acres
• Discussion of the Next Gen Farmer Initiative
• Review of draft 2025 CADB Annual Report

The Cumberland County Agriculture Development Board accepted the Mehaffey Farm application for preliminary review and tabled the Vineland Ag, LLC right-to-farm determination until March. The potential deed violation involving Johnson Farms was also tabled for another month. The board approved the January meeting minutes and discussed the draft 2025 annual report.

• Approved January 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Mehaffey Farm application for preliminary review (unanimous)
• Tabled Vineland Ag, LLC right-to-farm determination until March
• Tabled Johnson Farms potential deed violation for one month
• Opened and closed public comment with no public present (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Work Session

The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to vote on several resolutions, including software maintenance for the Clerk's Office and a legal settlement. The session also includes multiple appointments to county commissions and the renewal of a farmland lease.

• Contract for GovOS Inc. software support and maintenance for the Clerk's Office: $61,929.58
• Settlement in the litigation matter of Andy Kim, et al. v. Celeste Riley: $32,532.90
• Renewal of farmland lease near Cumberland Manor with 3rd Times A Charm Farm
• Appointment of Christopher D. Hart to the County Insurance Fund Commission
• Appointment of Donald Blew to the Cumberland County Utilities Authority

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved all eight resolutions on the agenda, including the appointment of Kevin Smaniotto as County Administrator for a three-year term and the approval of $12,087,817.98 in bill payments. The board also authorized a $32,532.90 settlement in the Andy Kim v. Celeste Riley ballot design lawsuit, with the Director and Deputy Director voting yes but noting they did so begrudgingly. A resolution to hold an executive session was abandoned.

• Appointed Kevin Smaniotto as County Administrator for a 3-year term (unanimous)
• Approved $12,087,817.98 in bill payments (unanimous)
• Authorized $32,532.90 settlement in Andy Kim v. Celeste Riley lawsuit (unanimous, two members begrudgingly)
• Awarded $61,929.58 non-fair/open contract to GovOS Inc. for software support (unanimous)
• Appointed Christopher D. Hart to County Insurance Fund Commission (unanimous)
• Appointed Kevin Smaniotto and Paige Desiere to Southern Coastal Regional Employee Benefits Fund (unanimous)
• Renewed farmland lease with 3rd Times A Charm Farm through March 31, 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Donald Blew to Cumberland County Utilities Authority for 5-year term (unanimous)

Planning Board - Regular

The Planning Board will approve the minutes from its January 8, 2025 meeting, consider subdivision applications for one new lot in Millville, one new lot in Stow Creek Township, and four new lots in Vineland, and take formal action on two Lassonde Pappas site‑plan proposals for a warehouse expansion (119,939 sf total) and a larger facility expansion (389,303 sf total).

• Approve minutes from the January 8, 2025 meeting
• Minor subdivision M-3-25 Davis (City of Millville) – 1 new lot
• Major subdivision V-3-25 DiLeonardo (City of Vineland) – 4 new lots
• Site plan UD-1-25 Lassonde Pappas warehouse expansion – building 94,739 sf, total 119,939 sf
• Site plan UD-2-25 Lassonde Pappas facility expansion – building 201,603 sf, total 389,303 sf

The Cumberland County Planning Board approved two minor subdivisions, one major subdivision, and two site plans, all unanimously. The major subdivision for DiLeonardo was conditionally approved with amended conditions, including a waiver of curbing and performance guarantee requirements. The site plan for Lassonde Pappas (UD-1) was approved with conditions waived, while UD-2 was conditionally approved. No public comments were received.

• Approved Davis minor subdivision for one new lot (unanimous)
• Approved Marchand & Headrick minor subdivision for one new lot (unanimous)
• Approved DiLeonardo major subdivision for four new lots with amended conditions, waiving curbing and performance guarantee (unanimous)
• Approved Lassonde Pappas site plan UD-1 with conditions waived (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Lassonde Pappas site plan UD-2 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 8, 2025 (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Regular Board Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing and final vote on an ordinance to reappropriate $1.5 million for Department of Public Works property improvements. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with various contracts for homeless services, catering, and equipment.

• Ordinance 2025-1: Reappropriating $1,500,000 for Department of Public Works property improvements
• Resolution 2025-59: $131,810.60 contract to Rural Development Corporation for permanent housing programs
• Resolution 2025-66: $211,187.00 purchase of a Blue Bird Microbird Bus for the Department of Corrections
• Resolution 2025-64: $27,767.88 for 22 iPads and service for the Prosecutor's Office
• Resolution 2025-80: $50,000 for legal representation in R.S., E.M., R.B. and E.S. v. Cumberland County

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on January 28, 2025, and took numerous actions. The board awarded a $2,038,820.75 contract for the FY 2024 Federal Road Program to South State, Inc., and finally adopted Ordinance 2025-1, which reappropriates $1,500,000 for improvements to County property for the Department of Public Works. A large consent agenda of 31 resolutions was approved unanimously, covering contracts, appointments, and grants. Two resolutions related to legal services for civil commitments were adopted by a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Douglas A. Albrecht voting no.

• Adopted Ordinance 2025-1 reappropriating $1,500,000 for Public Works property improvements (unanimous)
• Awarded $2,038,820.75 FY 2024 Federal Road Program contract to South State, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved 31 consent agenda resolutions, including contracts, appointments, and grants (unanimous)
• Awarded $131,810.60 contract to Rural Development Corp. for homeless support programs (unanimous)
• Approved $211,187.00 purchase of a Blue Bird Microbird bus for the Department of Corrections (unanimous)
• Appointed Mathew Goranson as Department Head of Public Works (unanimous)
• Approved increase of monetary ceiling for Kavanagh & Kavanagh legal services (6-1)
• Assigned Kavanagh & Kavanagh to provide legal services for civil commitments (6-1)

Agriculture Development Board - Regular Meeting

The Cumberland County Agriculture Development Board will meet to review farmland preservation closings, discuss potential deed violations, and consider the 2025 budget and annual report. The meeting will be held in person and via teleconference.

• Review of farmland preservation closings for SF Systems and Halter
• Discussion of potential deed violation at Brock Farm
• Applications for preliminary review from NJ Hitchner Farms and Zander/Cohansey Meadows Farm
• Consideration of the 2025 CADB Annual Report
• Review of 2025 County Planning Incentive Grant Eligible Farm Standards

The Cumberland County Agriculture Development Board approved the NJ Hitchner Farm application for preliminary review and expressed support for the Zander/Cohansey Meadows Farm direct easement application. Several farmland preservation closings and right-to-farm items were postponed to the February 18, 2025 meeting. The board also reviewed the proposed 2025 budget and discussed the state-wide farmland preservation formula.

• Approved NJ Hitchner Farm application for preliminary review (unanimous)
• Approved motion of support for Zander/Cohansey Meadows Farm direct easement application (unanimous)
• Approved November 19, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed Vineland Re-pack & Cold Storage/Pure Berry Co. item to February 18, 2025
• Postponed potential deed violation regarding Brock Farm to February 18, 2025
• Opened and closed public comment with no public present (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will nominate and appoint a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2025. The body will also review December 2024 expenses and vote on several administrative resolutions.

• Appointment of 2025 Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
• Resolution 01/2025-01: Awarding RFP 24-60 for Legal Services
• Resolution 01/2025-04: Payment of Yearly Hosting Fee
• Discussion of 2025 County & Municipal Rabies Clinics
• Appointment of Board Secretary and Custodian of Funds

The Cumberland County Board of Health held its annual reorganization meeting on January 15, 2025, appointing officers and approving several resolutions. The board appointed Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A. as its attorney for a one-year term, approved the payment of a $42,025.97 hosting fee to Tyler Technologies, and amended a prior resolution to extend the validity of the environmental database purchase agreement. The minutes do not record the specific names of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Board Secretary, or Custodian of Funds, as those sections were left blank in the document.

• Appointed Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A. as attorney for one year (Resolution 01/2025-01)
• Approved payment of $42,025.97 hosting fee to Tyler Technologies (Resolution 01/2025-04)
• Amended Resolution 08/2023-02 to extend environmental database purchase validity to April 31, 2025 (Resolution 01/2025-05)
• Appointed Board Secretary for 2025 (Resolution 01/2025-02, name not recorded)
• Appointed Custodian of Funds for 2025 (Resolution 01/2025-03, name not recorded)

Board of County Commissioners - Work Session

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners held a work session on Jan 14, 2025. Commissioners read and moved Ordinance 2025‑1, which reappropriates $1,500,000 of bond proceeds for improvements to County property, specifically the Fairgrounds and related facilities. The board also approved a series of resolutions, including a $240,000 reserve‑transfer, amendments to a child‑advocacy grant, several professional‑services contracts, and the appointment of a new Human Services department head.

• Ordinance 2025‑1 – reappropriates $1,500,000 for County Fairgrounds and Department of Public Works improvements
• Resolution 2025‑45 – authorizes a $240,000 transfer between 2024 budget appropriation reserves
• Resolution 2025‑46 – amends a prior grant resolution to reflect additional funding of up to $191,380 for the Prosecutor’s Office child‑advocacy program
• Resolution 2025‑48 – awards a professional‑services contract for bond counsel services (RFP #24‑49)
• Resolution 2025‑55 – appoints Luz Vazquez as Department Head of the County Department of Human Services

The Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners defeated a resolution to appoint Luz Vazquez as Department Head of Human Services (3-3, with one abstention). The board also introduced an ordinance to reappropriate $1.5 million for Public Works improvements and adopted numerous resolutions, including professional service contracts and a lease amendment. Public comment included questions about the Vazquez resolution and the change to a single public comment period.

• Appointment of Luz Vazquez as Human Services Director defeated (3-3, Romero abstaining)
• Introduced Ordinance 2025-1 reappropriating $1.5M for Public Works improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $240,000 appropriation reserve transfer (unanimous)
• Amended Child Advocacy Development Grant to add $48,167 (unanimous)
• Authorized application for up to $250,000 Insurance Fraud Reimbursement Program (unanimous)
• Awarded bond counsel contract up to $50,000 to three firms (unanimous)
• Approved 3rd lease amendment for County Clerk's office at Cumberland Mall (6-1)
• Authorized payment of bills totaling $13,920,929.43 (unanimous)

Planning Board - Regular

The Cumberland County Planning Board will consider site plans for a warehouse expansion and a new restaurant. The board will also review five minor subdivision applications and discuss the draft 2024 Annual Report.

• Shoreline Freezers site plan for warehouse expansion (building 127,250 s.f., total 216,000 s.f.)
• Taco Bell restaurant site plan (building 2,730 s.f., total 22,930 s.f.)
• Vineland Gardens maintenance building site plan (808 s.f.)
• Minor subdivisions for Millul (Fairfield Township), Van Embden (Lawrence Township), Randazzo (City of Millville), Vasques (City of Millville), and Baitinger (Stow Creek Township)
• Discussion of the Draft 2024 Annual Report and State Plan Update

The Cumberland County Planning Board approved six minor subdivisions and one site plan, all unanimously. One subdivision (Van Embden) was conditionally approved pending submission of revised plans. The board also appointed Jerry Lewis as Chair and Hans Lampart as Vice Chair, and discussed the state plan and 2024 development trends.

• Approved Millul minor subdivision for one new lot (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Van Embden minor subdivision for lot line adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved Randazzo minor subdivision for lot line adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved Vasquez minor subdivision for one new lot (unanimous)
• Approved Baitinger minor subdivision for lot line adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved Shoreline Freezers site plan for warehouse expansion and parking (unanimous)
• Appointed Jerry Lewis as Chair and Hans Lampart as Vice Chair (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners - Reorganization Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on a consent agenda that includes adopting the 2025 temporary budget, a cash management plan, and other routine resolutions. The temporary budget provides $50,755,481.70 in appropriations and covers $20,757,676.00 in debt service interest for the fiscal year. Additional items include designating committees, official newspapers, and appointing commissioners as liaisons to various councils.

• Resolution 2025-1 – Adopt the 2025 Temporary Budget for the County of Cumberland
• Resolution 2025-2 – Adopt the Cash Management Plan of the County of Cumberland
• Resolution 2025-3 – Impose interest on delinquent taxes
• Resolution 2025-7 – Designate official newspapers and authorize clerk subscription
• Resolution 2025-8 – Appoint Commissioners Douglas A. Albrecht and Sandra Taylor as liaisons to the Bayshore Council

The Board of County Commissioners held its annual reorganization meeting, electing Commissioner James Sauro as Director and Commissioner Arthur Marchand as Deputy Director for 2025. The board unanimously adopted a $78,756,553.35 temporary budget for 2025, along with the cash management plan, a 6% interest rate on delinquent taxes, and 41 resolutions appointing commissioners to various boards, commissions, and liaison positions. No public comment was made during the meeting.

• Adopted $78,756,553.35 2025 temporary budget (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner James Sauro as Director for 2025 (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Arthur Marchand as Deputy Director for 2025 (unanimous)
• Adopted 2025 Cash Management Plan (unanimous)
• Imposed 6% annual interest on delinquent tax payments (unanimous)
• Designated The Daily Journal as official newspaper, South Jersey Times as alternate (unanimous)
• Set 2025 meeting schedule: 4th Tuesday regular, 2nd Tuesday work sessions (unanimous)
• Appointed commissioners to 37 boards/commissions/liaison roles (unanimous)