Motion was made by Mr. Ware that the reading of the Minutes of March 3, 2004 and March 17, 2004 meetings be dispensed with and that the Minutes be received, approved and recorded in the Minute Book. Mrs. Timberman seconded his motion. The motion to accept the minutes carried by hand vote of 6/0.

Motion was made by Mr. Ware for a waiver of the Rules of the Board. Mrs. Timberman seconded his motion which was carried by a vote of 6/0.

Author Roger Nathan presented the Freeholder Board copies of his history book, From Proprietary Rule to Democracy, A History of Salem County Government. Director Sullivan thanked Mr. Nathan for his exhaustive efforts of research.

Mr. Roger Nathan requested a bridge plaque be prepared and secured to a stone at the end of the Woodstown Bridge.

R.2004-169A Resolution Appropriating Funds for Site Preparation and Installation of a Woodstown Bridge Plaque. This resolution from the floor was introduced by Mr. Ware in response to Mr. Nathan's request to appropriate $200.00 for the project and seconded by Mrs. Timberman which was carried by vote of 6/0.

National County Government Week Proclamation was read.

Salem Oak Tree Day in Salem County Proclamation was read.

GENERAL

Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers – Public Notice to solicit comments and recommendations concerning issuance of a Department of the Army permit for work located along Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, Sussex County, Delaware

Frank J. Cianfrani, Chief, Regulatory Branch, US Army Corps of Engineers – notice of permit issuance from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Parks and Recreation to perform mechanical dredging near the communities of Ocean View, Bethany Beach and South Bethany, Sussex County, Delaware

Dorothy P. Guzzo, Deputy Historic Preservation Officer, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks & Forestry, Historic Preservation Office – continuing consultation comments for Route 40, Section (4), Mileposts 16.5 to 20.3 Townships of Upper Pittsgrove and Borough of Elmer project

Lisa Jackson, Assistant Commissioner, Compliance and Enforcement, Department of Environment Protection – notice advising award of grant to the Salem County Health Department in the amount of $104,880 to support delegated environmental health activities during calendar year 2004

Roberto Rodriguez, Governor’s Representative, Director, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Highway Traffic Safety – notice that funding of the Salem County Comprehensive Child Passenger Safety Program grant has been approved in the amount of $30,000

Sharon Finlayson, Board Chair, New Jersey Environmental Federation – letter requesting our Freeholder Board pass a resolution prohibiting the transportation and treatment of VX Nerve Agent, or its by products, by the DuPont facility

Daniel H. Shain, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry, Rutgers University – correspondence related to transporting and releasing "detoxified" VX nerve agent into the tri-state’s major waterway

Habitat Management & Design, Inc., Millenium Land Developers, LLC – notice of application submission for a permit or approval to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to establish the boundary of freshwater wetlands or conduct regulated activities

David H. Sagalyn, McManimon & Scotland, L.L.C. – certificate in connection with the Salem County Improvement Authority bond financing for the Friends Home at Woodstown

Richard E. Pierson, President, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company – copy of a notice of hearing to property owners to obtain a renewal of its mining permit

Thomas A. Collard, Vice President, Southern Railroad Company of New Jersey - correspondence regarding billing information

Cape May County– 2 resolutions: 1) resolution supporting Senate Bill S-128 which clarifies punitive damages may not be awarded against a public entity and 2) resolution proclaiming April 18-24 as National County Government Week

Hunterdon County – proclamation on National Autism Awareness Month

Middlesex County – resolution opposing the federal government’s proposal to reduce section VIII housing funding for 2005 by $1.66 billion dollars

Warren County – resolution proclaiming April 18-24, 2004 as National County Government Week

Lynne Berry, Secretary, Salem County Association of Local Government – Resolution Supporting a Bond for Farmland Preservation Initiative in Salem County

Shirley E. Brooks, Assistant Director/Project Director, The Arc of Salem County – copy of the Outcomes Measurement Report May 1, 2002 – April 30, 2003

Elsinboro Township – Resolution Supporting a Bond for Farmland Preservation Initiative in Salem County

Earl R. Gage, City of Salem Mayor – letter regarding the City of Salem joint environmental clean-up project

Constance S. Garton, Pittsgrove Township Clerk – letter regarding authorization for centerline markings – Centerton Road

Constance S. Garton, Pittsgrove Township Clerk – letter requesting portions of two county roads be closed on Saturday, May 15, 2004 to accommodate a parade to kick off Pittsgrove Day 2004

For the Month of March

Adjuster

Emergency Management Staff Meeting

Nursing Home

Shelter of Hope population report for Salem and Gloucester County

Surrogate

Veterans Services & Interment

Weights & Measures

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Committee March 11^th Minutes and May 13^th Agenda

Cultural & Heritage Commission February 26^th and March 25^th Minutes

Special Services School District April 7^th Agenda, 2004-2005 Budget for consideration, and April 3^rd 2003 Minutes

Special Services February 17^th Minutes

Commission on Women March 9^th Minutes

Youth Workforce Investment Council February 18^th Minutes and March 31^st Agenda

Motion was made by Mr. Ware that the Correspondence, Departmental Reports, and Committee/Commission Minutes be received and filed with Mrs. Timberman seconding his motion. The motion was carried by a vote of 6/0.

Motion was made by Mr. Ware that all Bills and Claims, when properly signed and audited, be paid and charged to their respective accounts. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Timberman, which was carried by a vote of 6/0.

Director Sullivan requested reading of resolutions by committee in bulk with Board concurrence.

R.2004-170 Resolution Setting Fees for Staff Supervision, Duplication, Special Format and Special Service of Government Records for the County of Salem

R.2004-171 Finance Resolution Cancellation of Check

R.2004-172 Finance Resolution Cancellation of Check

R.2004-173 Emergency Temporary Resolution Prior to Adoption of Budget – County of Salem

R.2004-174 Resolution Appointing an Administrative Service Provider for the County of Salem – First Managed Care Option, Inc.

Mr. Ware moved for adoption of the five resolutions with Mrs. Timberman seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-175 Resolution Appointing a Consultant for the County of Salem – Salmon Ventures Limited, LLC

Mr. Ware moved for adoption of this resolution with Mrs. Timberman seconding his motion. Mr. Sparks disagreed with hiring a consultant, instead preferring the Freeholder Board to restructure Salem County government. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution failed with a vote of 3/3 with Mr. Sparks, Mr. Simmermon and Mrs. Bestwick voting nay.

R.2004-176 Resolution Awarding a Contract for Providing Lawn Maintenance Services for the County of Salem (TDJ Lawn Care)

Mr. Sparks moved for adoption of this resolution with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-177 Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the Salem County Commission on Women (Grace Parente)

Mr. Simmermon moved for adoption of this resolution with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-178 Resolution Appointing Freeholder Member to the Vocational Technical School Board of School Estimates. Director Sullivan suggested a motion naming Mr. Simmermon to the Vocational Technical School Board of Estimates since he serves on the Board of School Estimates for the other two schools, in lieu of Mr. Bobbitt.

Mr. Simmermon moved for adoption of this resolution with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-179 Resolution Authorizes the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders to Enter into a Contract with Healthcare Commons, Inc. to Provide Psychiatric Evaluations for Adult Protective Services

R.2004-180 Resolution Authorizing Award of Contracts for Professional Services (Angela A. Bailey, BA)

R.2004-181 Resolution Authorizing the Freeholder Director and the Clerk of the Board to Approve the Renewal Application for the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Services for Salem County

R.2004-182 Resolution Awarding a Contract for Providing Combined Partition and Electrical Construction for the Salem County Nursing Home (All Risk)

R.2004-183 Resolution Amending Resolution 2004-071 Award of Contract to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Southwest New Jersey Inc. to Provide Management Services for the Salem County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)

R.2004-184 Resolution Authorizing Contract for the Administration of the Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the Year 2004

R.2004-185 Resolution Awarding a Professional Services Contract under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2 (6) Emergency Condition to Summit Services Corporation to Provide Janitorial/Housekeeping/Laundry Services to the Salem County Nursing Home

Mrs. Bestwick moved for adoption of the seven resolutions with Mrs. Timberman seconding her motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-186 Resolution Authorizing the Freeholder Director and Clerk of the Board to Execute Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Salem County Correction Officers Association Representing Correction Superior Officers in the Salem County Correctional Facility and the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Mr. Ware moved for adoption of this resolution with Mr. Simmermon seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-187 Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (Jeff Ridgway)

R.2004-188 Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the Special Committee on Economic Development (G. Richard Gatanis)

R.2004-189 Resolution for the Appointment of a Member to the South Jersey Economic Development District (John Hall)

R.2004-190 Resolution Reappointing a Planning Services Provider to Serve as Director of Planning and to Provide Various Planning Services for the County of Salem (Ron Rukenstein and Associates)

Mrs. Timberman moved for adoption of the four resolutions with Mr. Sparks seconding her motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-191 Resolution Prohibiting Normal Traffic Centerton Road, County Road #553 and Upper Neck Road, County Road #690 in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County

R.2004-192 Resolution Establishing a No Passing Zone Centerton Road, County Road #553 in Pittsgrove Township Salem County

R.2004-193 Resolution to Approve Application for Motorist Solicitation Pursuant to Resolution No. 98-115 (Willow Grove Fire Company)

R.2004-194 Resolution to Approve Application for Motorist Solicitation Pursuant to Resolution No. 98-115 (Centerton Fire Company)

R.2004-196 Resolution Approving Task Order No. 9 – Replacement of Kelly Saw Mill Bridge on County Road #581 in the Township of Alloway for the County of Salem

Mr. Sparks moved for adoption of the five resolutions with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. On roll call, the motion for adoption of the foregoing resolutions carried a vote of 6/0.

R.2004-195 Resolution Appointing a Consultant for Construction Management of the Rehabilitation of Hancock’s Bridge, County Bridge #1701300 in Lower Alloways Creek Township

Mr. Sparks moved for adoption of this resolution with Mrs. Bestwick seconding his motion. Mrs. Bestwick said she was voting nay on this resolution saying that the construction management position was already in place and that the County Engineer had always certified these types of activities. Director Sullivan noted that Mr. Bobbitt was absent. Mr. Ware motioned to table the resolution, which was seconded by Mrs. Timberman and was followed by a vote of 6/0 to table.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS There were no Freeholder comments.

NEW BUSINESS Mrs. Bestwick commented she was glad to see Mrs. Timberman back.

PUBLIC COMMENT Director Sullivan outlined the rules for public comments.

Linda DuBois of Pittsgrove Township questioned Resolution 2004-191 seemingly having an indefinite date. The Clerk of the Board/Administrator explained that two specific dates (May 15 with a rain date of May 16) had been set aside for a parade as requested by the Township Clerk.

Herb Wegner of Pittsgrove Township provided follow-up comments on his previous Freeholder meeting attendance concerning State and County financing of farmland preservation.

Cheryl Reardon of Pilesgrove spoke on farmland preservation being effective now from land pricing and interest rates. She said town centers are saved by not creating suburbs. She said the Freeholder Director's words said farmland preservation is a top priority.

Rose Smith of Pennsville Township said that her previous comments of poor snow removal on County roads had been confirmed by Pennsville Township Committee’s criticism of County show removal on Fort Mott and Hook Roads.

Emerson Eisele of Upper Pittsgrove Township said his videotape of local water conditions had set off calls from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other organizations. He said an NJDEP bureaucrat suggested a two-year study of water quality but he said that he already knows of the ten or so farmers out of approximately three hundred fifty are causing the problem. He showed trash from his stream from upstream and that the County Health Department knows. He spoke of other rule breaking of other activities in other places in the County.

Nancy Meritt of the County Watershed Task Force suggested the Freeholders tell the public of their plans as there are rumblings about inactivity and offered her help. She spoke for her task force members, saying that they were offended by comments made by a Freeholder who stated that tax dollars are better spent in Camden than on farmland preservation. She encouraged residents observing environmental problems to call the NJDEP "800" hotline number and report the same to the local municipality. She said the task force has sent a letter about the Vx nerve gas processing to the Freeholders.

Director Sullivan said he appreciates the public comments and reaffirmed farmland preservation as the Freeholder Board’s top priorities. He said there was a team consisting of auditors, Improvement Authority and treasurers reviewing funding. Director Sullivan closed the public session.

R.2004-197 Resolution Authorizing the Exclusion of the Public from a Meeting of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Salem

At 08:29 PM, a motion was made by Mr. Ware for adoption of this resolution with Mrs. Timberman seconding his motion. On roll call, the foregoing resolution carried a vote of 6/0.

The Board reconvened open session at 08:55 PM with the Director opening public comment for the late coming public.

Allan Muller of Port Penn, Delaware and Sharon Finley of the New Jersey Environmental Commission spoke on the proposal to release the treated Vx agent into the Delaware River. They said they wished to provide the other side and provided statistics on discharges and history of treating waste at DuPont. He said the Delaware Senate was unanimously opposed to bringing the Vx waste to the Delaware Valley. Director Sullivan thanked them and said the Freeholder Board was taking the situation seriously. Director Sullivan closed the public session.

MOTION TO ADJOURN Mr. Ware moved for adjournment of the meeting, with Mr. Sparks seconding his motion. With the motion properly moved and seconded and approved by all six members, the meeting adjourned at 09:07 PM.