During the public comment section, several residents voiced their disappointment and anger over the alleged “Stolen Valor” by Commissioner Hayden. One speaker stated, “I knew Bill Hayden was somebody that I respected, he is no longer somebody I respect… because you lied.” This individual demanded Hayden’s resignation, citing his failure to provide a DD214, a document required from military personnel to verify service. The speaker emphasized the severity of the issue, noting potential legal ramifications and that at least two members of Congress had called for an investigation.

Another resident, Kathy Brennan from Hampton Township, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the board for not addressing the issue adequately. She insisted on direct answers from the commissioners, expressing concerns about the county’s reputation and the ongoing impact on the commissioners’ performance. Brennan stated, “I wish the asker of questions would now give us some answers that we need,” highlighting the community’s frustration over the lack of resolution.

In response to these allegations, a commissioner defended their actions, asserting that due diligence had been performed and that compliance had been met through conversations with relevant parties. Despite this defense, the public comments underscored a contentious atmosphere surrounding the board and various issues within the community.

In addition to the “Stolen Valor” allegations, the meeting addressed significant infrastructure and development projects. The Division of Engineering reported that the final phase of the bridge project, with a detour via Town Center Drive and County Route 517, is progressing. The bridge is expected to reopen by the end of the year. Plans for the 2024 resurfacing program were submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, involving repaving 23 miles of county routes at an estimated cost of $8.6 million. Funding will come from the Transportation Trust Fund and the County Capital fund. The 2024 Longline Restriping Program, covering approximately 100 miles of county routes at an estimated cost of $740,000, is also underway.

The meeting also saw the completion of work on County Bridge GO7, which carries County Route 519 over a branch of Bearbrook in Green Township. However, Tropical Storm Debbie caused high winds and road closures, prompting emergency responses from Public Works and the Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety. Another emergency response was initiated for County Bridge X30 on County Route 650, where the bridge rail system was destroyed on August 8, reducing the bridge to a single lane.

The board also addressed the potential conflict of interest concerning Commissioner Chris Carney. Mayor Neil Clark raised concerns about Carney’s affiliation with the International Operating Engineers 825. However, it was clarified that Carney is not an employee of the union and does not draw a paycheck from it.

Further discussion involved the county’s water quality policy advisory committee, which is reviewing amendments to the County’s water quality management plan. The committee has conducted public hearings and received feedback. The director confirmed that the application meets the necessary criteria and is ready for final review by the NJDEP, emphasizing that the board’s vote would not equate to an endorsement of the project’s merits but would be a procedural step in the amendment process.

In other matters, the board approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from the regular meeting on July 24, and made appointments to the Sussex County Agriculture Development Board and the Board of Education of the Sussex County Technical School. Commissioner Jack DeGroot highlighted the progress of the Farmland Preservation Plan update and the establishment of a Tri-County Agri-Tourism Initiative.

The meeting concluded with a motion to close public comments and enter into an executive session to discuss real property matters, specifically mentioning Provident Bank. Upon returning to open session, the board authorized the administrator to negotiate for the purchase of Provident Bank, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.