21:32The commissioners were notably frustrated with Atlantic City Electric’s decision not to send representatives to the meeting, despite having previously met with a committee. One commissioner criticized this lack of transparency, noting the irony of the utility company avoiding public engagement while taking money from the public. He emphasized the difficult choices constituents face between paying for essentials such as medication and rent or utility bills. Another commissioner criticized the state’s narrow focus on specific electricity generation methods, particularly wind energy, which he argued would lead to increased costs for consumers. He warned that relying on a limited energy strategy would continue to burden ratepayers financially.

The commissioners were united in their dissatisfaction with the proposed rate increases and the absence of accountability from Atlantic City Electric. They stressed the importance of raising constituent awareness and urged utility companies to engage more effectively with the communities they serve. The meeting also included announcements of upcoming community events, such as the Atlantic Cape Community College’s commencement ceremony and a valor awards ceremony hosted by the Atlantic County Firefighters Association.

14:52In addition to the focus on electricity rates, the commissioners discussed the challenges faced by recent graduates in the job market. A personal anecdote was shared about a recent college graduate returning home without a clear career plan, highlighting the need for better career guidance for students. The commissioner suggested that simply encouraging students to get good grades and go to college is insufficient, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to help students make informed career decisions.

34:44The meeting also covered several other topics, including a report from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee on ongoing construction projects and updates to the solid waste management plan. Commissioner Bertino noted the involvement of the Health Department in the process and described the meeting as productive, despite a follow-up presentation being rescheduled due to a lack of quorum. Additionally, the commissioners celebrated April as National County Government Month, with various initiatives and events highlighting the role of county government.

37:13The commissioners also acknowledged a successful pilot settlement achieved through the perseverance of the county executive, administration, and legal team. They expressed appreciation for the hard work that led to this agreement, which was seen as an achievement despite the lengthy process and resources expended. The settlement was expected to provide financial benefits to the county, and commissioners expressed gratitude towards those who facilitated the discussions.

41:36In further discussions, the commissioners addressed ongoing improvements to the intersection of Route 40 and 322. They highlighted the delays experienced over seven years and expressed cautious optimism about the completed work, although some final elements were still pending. Increased police presence at the intersection was also noted as a response to recent requests, emphasizing the importance of addressing community safety concerns.