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FREEHOLDER DIRECTOR DAVID B. CRABIEL |
2002 was a year in which the Middlesex County Administration
made substantial improvements both in the efficiency of government and in
the level of services offered to our residents. For example, with the help of Freeholder John
Pulomena the county, as part of the Tech 2000 program,
distributed 763 computers to classrooms K through 12, public and private,
throughout
With the help of Deputy Freeholder Director Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina we are about to dedicate the Level Playing Fields, an athletic complex offering recreational opportunities to the physically and mentally challenged, the only one of its kind in the country.
With the support of Freeholder Jane Brady, we have created an Advisory Committee to Study the Feasibility of a mixed-use barrier-free living facility on the Project Freedom model.
The county has made significant strides in the area of farmland preservation and open space preservation with the help and dedication of Freeholder Camille Fernicola.
The residents of our county are safer today thanks to the efforts of Freeholder Christopher Rafano and the Office of Emergency Management which, in cooperation with the County Health Department, has substantially upgraded our preparedness to deal with various forms of potential terrorism.
The county recently held an inspirational concert for the benefit of the surviving families of 9/11 victims, and unveiled a unique prescription drug plan, which will help our seniors meet the rising cost of their medication – both the suggestions of Freeholder H. James Polos.
Lastly, during 2002 we have been able to develop a plan
for
During the next few minutes let me highlight some of the accomplishments of the various Freeholder Committees and report on the current status of several ongoing projects.
I will begin with the Freeholder Committee of
Engineering and Planning chaired by Freeholder Camille Fernicola:
· “Bicycle Safe” drainage grates are being installed at all locations on county roads, which do not presently have them.
·
All dams throughout the county have been
inspected by Middlesex County Engineer’s office.
·
In 1999,
· There are currently 16 traffic signals under construction (8 new signals plus 8 upgraded signals). Additionally, 86 traffic signals are under design (23 new signals plus 63 upgraded signals).
· Construction has begun on the Green Brook Flood Control Project. The bridge connecting the Borough of Middlesex with Bound Brook has been replaced and raised. Levees, a pump station, and property buyouts are currently underway.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
·
The Planning Department has updated the
·
A Comprehensive Traffic Signal Analysis and
Study of Southern Middlesex County has been
completed. This analysis includes design
recommendations for improvements to current and future traffic conditions at
various locations in
·
Under the Urban Forestry Program, tree planting
grants totaling $14,382 were awarded to Dunellen, Milltown,
·
Under the Farmland Preservation Program,
applications for nine farms have received approval for state cost-share
grants. The county purchased the
development easement for a 54-acre farm in
DIVISION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
·
For the year 2000, the latest year for which the
statistics are available,
·
The year 2000 was the sixth consecutive year
· Nearly 1,000 county residents have delivered over 107,000 pounds of consumer electronics to drop-off sites, as part of the county’s Consumer Electronics Drop-Off Program.
· During the year 2002, the county implemented the CFC Reimbursement Recovery Program, which provides reimbursement up to 75% of the cost for all properly performed and documented refrigerant containing appliances. Nearly 1,400 refrigerant containing appliances have been property evacuated under this program. This program is designed to prevent a release of ozone depleting CFCs into the atmosphere (CFC is chloro-fluorocarbon/refrigerant).
HOUSING AND COMMUNTIY DEVELOPMENT
· 230 new affordable senior citizen apartments were completed in three towns with HOME funds.
· 88 new affordable senior citizen apartments began construction with HOME funds.
· Middlesex County applied for and received $3,588,000 in CDBG and HOME funds to be used for educational, recreational, and transportation services provided to over 20,000 senior citizens and disabled residents; financial assistance to non-profit organizations assisting 50,000 county residents; accessibility improvements to six public facilities; park and street improvements in low-income neighborhoods in eight towns; and building improvements at Kiddie Keep Well Camp, serving needy children and senior citizens year-round.
Next, let me describe some
of the accomplishments of the Freeholder Committee on Human Services chaired by
Freeholder Jane Z. Brady:
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
· The Office on Aging serviced approximately 30,000 seniors, disabled residents, and caregivers, nearly doubling the number of clients assisted the prior year. Using nearly $300,00 in Federal funding, the Office on Aging has also established several new programs providing service for caregivers, translating informational materials into various languages and providing medical supplies and durable medical equipment for vulnerable seniors and physically-challenged residents.
· The Division of Children’s Services, utilizing a Title II-B grant, developed a series of informational brochures targeting high risk behavior by youth, including depression and suicide, teen violence, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, and drug and alcohol abuse. 40,000 of the brochures will be distributed during the 2002-2003 school year.
·
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services conducted
outreach to families affected by 9/11, first responders, and displaced workers
residing in
· The Division of Social Work Services provided indirect victim assistance, including emergency basic needs and counseling/behavioral health services for county families, which had an immediate family member killed or seriously injured on 9/11, employment lost or cut back as a result of 9/11, or mental health or substance abuse issues related to 9/11.
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
·
Learning Libraries have been established in
· A program to provide working mothers with computerized, home-based training has been established.
· Utilizing grant funds from New Jersey Transit, a program to provide temporary transportation to low-income clients for training, job search, interviews and employment has been established. This program serves 828 residents with 14,227 rides.
· In partnership with other service agencies, training is now being provided targeted to high technology jobs.
·
The Middlesex County Mental Health Clinic has
been successfully consolidated into the facilities of
YOUTH SERVICES
·
·
The
· Middlefields Group Home recently attained Medicare Provider status and no longer requires matching funds from county property taxpayers.
The Freeholder Committee
of Law and Public Safety chaired by Freeholder Christopher D. Rafano has also been very active during 2002. Some of the accomplishments of this Committee
include:
· Tax maps are now available via computer in the Clerk’s Office. The mapping system including major and minor, filed and unfiled sub-division maps is now available on-line and over the internet.
· The Environmental Prosecutor has collected in excess of
$2 million in fines and penalties from individuals and corporations, who have violated environmental laws.
·
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
· During 2002 this department received 1,158 written complaints, returned nearly $250,000 to consumers through refunds and exchanges, and obtained $8,290 in fines. In addition, $67,713 restitution to consumers is pending through court action and an additional $23,450 in fines and costs is expected to be received by the county.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
· This department generated $32,000 in fines during the first nine months of 2002 by scanning bar codes of various commodities in retail stores and supermarkets.
PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
· Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan implemented the Middlesex Out Reach and Education (M.O.R.E.) program to provide citizens with community-based educational awareness and informational programs.
· The Prosecutor’s office has received 1,145 guns, as part of its Firearm Surrender program.
· The Prosecutor’s office purchased 22 specially equipped bicycles for municipal police patrols.
· The office arrested 218 individuals for drug-related offenses and confiscated $232,730 in cash, eight late-model vehicles,
2 ½ kilograms of cocaine, 2,242 decks of heroin, 225 pounds of marijuana, 1,000 ecstasy pills, 56 bottles of ketamine, and 100 vials of injectable steroids. The Fugitive Unit, during the last 12 months, apprehended 627 fugitives.
SURROGATE’S OFFICE
· The Surrogate’s office produced $518,076 in revenues.
· The Surrogate’s records have been computerized and are now available via the internet.
· More than 1,300 clients have been served at six satellite offices maintained by the Surrogate. The Surrogate’s office has conducted speaking programs and distributed more than 5,000 copies of informational material to county residents.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
· The Medical Examiner’s office has investigated 1,119 cases reported, performed 255 autopsies and 153 external examinations.
ADULT CORRECTIONS
· This department received a perfect state inspection report for the tenth consecutive year.
· A Community Services Program has been implemented as an alternative sentencing option. Selected inmates perform community services and labor projects, as part of day sentences, on Saturdays and Sundays. Over 225 offenders will utilize this program in 2002.
· A Clean Community program has been implemented in which specially selected inmates clean up litter and debris along roadways and in parks.
COUNTY FIRE MARSHALL
· This department received a Fire Safety/Sprinkler House Trailer with a Weather Smart Package to help teach children how to respond to home fires, hurricanes, or tornadoes.
·
The
·
The
·
The
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
· A Bio-terrorism exercise involving a simulated incident of small pox was conducted.
· School Crisis Kit cases were distributed to schools throughout the county.
· An Auxiliary Police class, two classes in 911 Dispatch, and two classes of E.M.D. Dispatch were graduated.
Now, let me highlight some
of the accomplishments of the Freeholder Committee of Parks and Recreation
chaired by Deputy Freeholder Director Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina:
PARKS & RECREATION
·
·
The master plan for
· Engineering and design work has been finalized for the South Amboy Waterfront.
·
The design and permits for a passive nature
study area in the
· The Level Playing Fields, a barrier-free athletic complex for the physically-challenged, is scheduled for completion during the next 30 days.
·
The engineering for 100 acres of active
recreation facilities in
·
The master plan has been completed for the boat
ramp and restoration of all facilities in
CULTURAL & HERITAGE COMMISSION
·
A monograph entitled Portrait of a Century,
funded by the New Jersey Historic Commission, and highlighting the last 100
years of
· The Commission received a Citation of Excellence from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
·
Architectural plans are under development for
the restoration of the Indian Queen Tavern, which is part of
The Department of Public
Health and Education, which is chaired by Freeholder John Pulomena,
should be proud of many accomplishments, which include the following:
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
· A state grant was obtained in the amount of $434,000 to perform community preparedness planning for bio-terrorism and other outbreaks of infectious diseases.
· A countywide Emergency Notification System was established.
·
A Community Preparedness Task Force was created
to develop planning to respond to terrorism, bio-terrorism, weapons
of mass destruction, cyber terrorism, and mass fatalities.
MOSQUITO EXTERMINATION
COMMISSION
·
Commission employees worked more than 1,000
hours of over-time in an effort to protect the residents of
· The Commission worked cooperatively with county agencies to maintain and improve waterways throughout the county. This was done to reduce both the mosquito population, and the use of pesticides.
· The Commission worked with the Division of Solid Waste to remove illegally dumped tires, which serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes which transmit West Nile Virus.
EXTENSION SERVICES
· Educational programs and resources were provided for over 500 landscapers and farmers.
· Ten 30-minute television episodes were created for New Jersey Network Public Television.
·
Educational information was provided to over
7,500
·
The 2001 4-H
· As a result of grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Johnson & Johnson, the college was able to double the size of the nursing program. The nursing graduation classes of 2001 and 2002 reported a 100% passing rate in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
· College enrollment grew 12% during 2002.
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
·
An
· The Performing Arts Program has been selected to have a
3-year affiliation with the Paper Mill Playhouse. Participating students will eventually produce and perform an original presentation at the Playhouse.
·
The new
·
The Vocational School now offers a
· The Vocational School system now offers low cost internet services to school districts, public and private, throughout the county.
· The Vocational School has received a grant which will be used to create the Construction Trades Training Program for Women and Minorities to prepare women and minority workers to qualify for apprenticeship in organized labor areas.
The Freeholder Committee of Public Works chaired by Freeholder H. James Polos was responsible for the following accomplishments:
HIGHWAYS & BRIDGES
· Thirty-six resurfacing projects for six municipalities and three county agencies were completed. An additional 33 resurfacing projects for three additional municipalities are scheduled for completion during 2002.
· Safety procedures have been upgraded with the purchase of various types of safety equipment. Training has been provided in proper flagging procedures, proper fork lift operations and proper procedures for working in confined workspace areas.
· This department responded to 64 emergency calls during 2002, as well as one snow emergency with an accumulation of approximately four inches.
·
The department sponsored a mini Drunk Driving
Course utilizing fatal vision goggles and golf carts in the parking lot of
·
The
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
· By performing construction services in-house, utilizing county personnel, this department performed 9 projects saving the county $158,500.
Let me conclude by
describing some of the accomplishments of my own Committee of Administration
and Finance.
COMPTROLLER/CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER
· We have been able to maintain a Triple A bond rating with a “stable outlook” from both Moody’s and Standard & Poors bond rating agencies.
·
Through a system of sub-line-item budgeting we
have established tighter budget controls to ensure fiscal responsibility in the
operation of
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
· We have expanded the Middlesex County Cooperative Purchasing Program to include 17 of the county’s 25 municipalities.
· We have established a prescription drug plan for seniors and disabled citizens of the county. This program should be in place by January 2003.
· We have begun discussions with all of our neighboring counties to create efficiencies through joint purchasing and shared services.
·
We are about to implement a program that will
permit
INSURANCE
· During 2002 the Division of Insurance has recovered $38,348 on behalf of the Department of Highways & Bridges for traffic signals damaged by motor vehicle accidents.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
· This department received two awards for the Economic Development publications “Welcome to the Heart of New Jersey” and the “Middlesex County Business and Economic Profile”.
· The department hosted a series of seminars dealing with
E-commerce.
·
The department hosted a World Trade Center
Business Assistance meeting to discuss assistance available to businesses
affected by the tragedy at the
re-locate
to
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
· The Integrated Law Enforcement System has been placed in service by the Prosecutor’s office and is being evaluated by the Sheriff’s Department.
· The county is providing video conferencing and arraignment for County inmates, as well as inmates required to appear in several of the Municipal Courts in the County.
· An internal county e-mail system has been implemented.
· The Information Resources Management Commission has completed its preliminary report for a countywide computer network linking service provider agencies throughout the county.
· As indicated earlier, 763 new computers have been distributed through the Tech 2000 Program to classrooms K through 12, public and private, throughout the county.
I think it safe to say that this list of accomplishments by the Middlesex County Administration during 2002 is an impressive one. I commend the Freeholder Committee Chairpersons and their staff for their diligence over the last 12 months.
While this report may be a
milestone in the progress of this
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