Concerns about staffing shortages at the county jail dominated the meeting. The president of the officers’ union highlighted the critical situation, noting that 35 officer positions remain unfilled, with only three applicants available for hire. He emphasized the severe salary discrepancies between county jail officers and their state counterparts, with county positions underfunded by $10,000 to $15,000. This issue has led to officers working excessive hours, further straining the already stretched staff. The union president urged immediate action. The commissioners acknowledged the urgency of the matter and discussed the potential need for collaborative efforts between the budget and public safety committees.

In addition to the jail staffing crisis, the board discussed several significant infrastructure projects. Notably, they approved a contract with ARP Company for improvements on English Creek Avenue, amounting to $1,397,000, and another contract with the same company for resurfacing B Harbor Road with a budget of $1,548,180. These projects are part of the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure. The board also approved a contract for plumbing maintenance and repairs totaling $336,000 and a change order related to vehicle maintenance, resulting in a $6,000 increase.

The commissioners also tackled the issue of vacant retail and office spaces, exacerbated by the rise of online shopping and remote work. They emphasized the need to promote redevelopment as a primary strategy, proposing the conversion of vacant office buildings into affordable housing or repurposing strip malls into medical facilities. However, they recognized the challenges in funding these redevelopment initiatives, noting that while municipalities see the potential benefits, the private business case for such conversions may be lacking. The engagement of local groups like the Atlantic County Economic Alliance and the Southern New Jersey Development Council was deemed essential for successful planning and implementation.

Another resolution involved a professional services agreement related to alcohol and drug prevention education and treatment services. This agreement involved reallocating funds without incurring additional costs and was passed unanimously. Additionally, the board increased funding for temporary nursing services at Med View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center by $625,000 due to staff shortages, shifting from employee funds to contracted services.

Public safety also featured prominently in the discussions, with a competitive contract awarded to the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office for court security at the Central Municipal Court, amounting to $52,000. The sheriff emphasized the importance of having trained law enforcement personnel for court security, noting that private security lacks the authority to arrest or detain individuals. The sheriff’s office plans to staff the court with five new employees and existing staff. The transportation of prisoners from the county jail to the court will also be handled by the sheriff’s office, allowing police officers to remain on the streets rather than managing prisoner transportation.

The meeting also addressed several routine resolutions, including a County Purchasing Alliance agreement with 84 Lumber Company for lumber supplies, not to exceed $100,000, and an alternate method contract with Election Systems and Software for election tabulation services, capped at $200,000. These resolutions were passed unanimously.

A notable discussion arose regarding safety concerns in West Atlantic City, where recent accidents resulted in fatalities, including that of a pregnant woman. A commissioner proposed drafting a resolution to the Department of Transportation and the governor’s office to address safety issues along the highway, citing ongoing problems and a lack of effective action over the years. There was agreement on the need for urgency in addressing safety measures, including potential redesigns of the roadway, with commissioners expressing frustration over the slow pace of improvements and the need for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

In another segment, the board discussed the recent developments at Metaview, a veterans’ facility. Meetings with the VA have taken place to discuss processes for getting veterans into the facility, including a potential agreement regarding the use of Medicare for short-term care. The board expressed a willingness to draft a resolution supporting this initiative, as the Veterans Advisory Board had already shown unanimous support for making the facility more accessible to veterans.