The meeting opened with a moment of silence for James Carney and Bruce Crow, and swiftly moved to pass resolution 58, honoring Carney’s contributions. Commissioner James A. Bertino reflected on Carney’s role and the impactful loss to the community.

Tom Quirk from the New Jersey Coastal Coalition introduced an emergency alert app that is critical for real-time, location-specific information during flooding events, underscoring its importance in community safety. Technical issues prevented a full demonstration by John G, the app’s creator, but the significance of the tool did not go unnoticed. The app’s potential for enhancing community preparedness was a point of agreement among the commissioners.

Questions about the alert system’s maintenance, integration with existing systems, and the need for County support were raised, with the presenter advocating for a tailored approach for each municipality. The debate extended to the different needs of coastal versus non-coastal areas within Atlantic County, and the levels of support and involvement required from the County government.

The issue of flooding was a recurring topic, with discussions on becoming a resource for the community in dealing with flooding, and the importance of visual aids in conveying messages to a linguistically diverse population.

Financial solvency for the Green Tree Golf Course was on the agenda with an ordinance amendment. The commissioners supported the amendments while recognizing that the fees remained competitive. Grants for distracted driving programs and workforce initiatives were approved, emphasizing drug prevention and education.

Professional service agreements for alcohol, drug prevention, and inmate spinal treatments were approved, alongside a resolution for engineering design services for the Bungalow Park Bridge replacement.

A competitive contract for county libraries and dental center cleaning services was discussed, as well as change orders for infrastructure improvements, resulting in some cost reductions.

Leases and agreements, including the termination of a Child Advocacy Center and vehicle title transfers, were deliberated.

A resolution awarded a cooperative bid contract to Mosy Mechanical for plumbing upgrades at the Justice Facility, anticipated to save $100,000 annually and address maintenance issues caused by inmates.

Educational services at the Harbor Fields Attention Center were approved with a fund not exceeding $2,125,566. Additionally, the acceptance of nine vehicles from the New Jersey Transit Corporation was scrutinized for cost increases, which were later explained as necessary for repairs.

Amendments to contracts for emergency bridge repairs and the approval of a competitive contract for One-Stop operator and Career Services were also part of the proceedings.

The commissioners reappointed John Hines Jr. to the Solid Waste Advisory Council and amended the Board’s meeting schedule for budget preparations.

Commissioner June Byrnes lauded the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Office for grant distributions, while Commissioner Ernest D. Coursey praised county administrators for a departmental tour.

New business included a resolution supporting Hamilton Township School Board’s funding pursuit for Duberson School’s rehabilitation.

In public comments, Commissioner Coursey updated on the displacement of employees due to service privatization.

Commissioner Maureen Kern expressed relief as employees considered staying with the county, benefiting the pension system. The meeting concluded with discussions on a Citywide Wi-Fi initiative, health benefits, a regional jail, opioid settlement management, and juvenile justice concerns.