[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6681495,"mediaKeyId","2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de","parentId",2312794,"title","County outlines bridge replacement schedule for Berry Road and reviews safety signage on Route 515","audioSeconds",159,"startMs",1511000,"endMs",1670000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de&start=1511&end=1670","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de/thumbnail_1511000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6681495/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/County-outlines-bridge-replacement-schedule-for-Berry-Road-and-reviews-safety-signage-on-Route-515","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681495-085fe9630c0ae44b5b019285d06b1431/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206279&Signature=JUn3VrKTIeau33vPe6XfDppNbq43NX1M8lnl8LewIXSSrHqwLFBzCM--oWOFfemPTF9MfX5vvqMwFPdgCfKZ9YhoCR5Mgnjj73JvgoUuhQAEulm-DxX3tmZfxLNSxvqxtSAtkW5cFzvOT5dGdTgPpmHCS~Ssuu9GdL9lzeBviMChovR7Rf1~tVF8DMTXgRUHqFQ0FtI9G94FS6Abe7j~R2UgT--ZC8A1FMXQ6NRPVUPHUgo59DRNCPPennj3MziAP9rtn0bsF4h6u1~ilVQQYT9GBmRY0lL5pujr~B4rshXG4gKKSLTrH4uTrkQsaTg3m86JQM8v50zgHqkwrMZNLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sussex County","date","2025-02-14T00:18:34.413Z","article","The Sussex County Division of Engineering reported plans and timelines for two transportation projects during the Feb. 13 county meeting.

The division said it is finalizing plans to replace Bridge X20 over Berry Road in Wantage with a two-lane, 20-foot-span glulam timber superstructure on precast modular concrete abutments. Materials procurement will occur in the coming months, preliminary demolition and a stream diversion will follow permit restrictions from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection intended to protect threatened and endangered species, and full work is expected to resume in summer or early fall. The county estimated project completion and reopening of the roadway likely in late 2025 or spring 2026, contingent on material availability, NJDEP permit restrictions, emergent needs and weather.

The division also discussed a longstanding safety focus on County Route 515, a heavily traveled corridor with a long downhill grade approaching Vernon Town Center. The county noted that, in response to operational safety concerns, a 4-ton commercial weight restriction was authorized for the segment in 1979 and that traffic signs, advisory signage and a previously authorized 20 mph truck speed limit (1975 authorization) are under review.

Officials said the division met with Vernon and Hardystown township staff to assess the current regulatory and advisory sign system and will update existing signs in consideration of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and current standards. The division added the sign review to its traffic-safety work program and will identify opportunities to enhance the sign system to provide clearer guidance to roadway users.

What’s next: Construction scheduling, procurement and permitting steps are in progress; engineering staff will coordinate work windows to comply with NJDEP permit restrictions and will return to the board with updates as the project advances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 13, 2025 Sussex County Board of County Commissioners' Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Sussex County engineers described plans to replace Bridge X20 over Berry Road in Wantage using a glulam timber superstructure and to review signage and restrictions on County Route 515, a known safety focus area.","taxTitle","Sussex County, New Jersey","taxId",14529,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681499,"Commissioners authorize opioid-settlement funds for vape sensors in county schools; reimbursement plan included",104,1328000,1432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de&start=1328&end=1432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de/thumbnail_1328000.jpg","/articles/6681499/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Commissioners-authorize-opioid-settlement-funds-for-vape-sensors-in-county-schools-reimbursement-plan-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681499-ffd952ec51893bb3256291efa86c03dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206279&Signature=iaKIFlup7n2~d9YPxT2eYlWsLlUSNG7yNXmMXWAxhCSQ0zW-ym5YeIaIiyM7WvB4v87XYqlrtj1WuPuaT6l5FxIsMwjysOTMquVwicMM8xU9wNpTBcA71kSuTI1XEpO3sqq9~IiJD89RwPQ7TTeQvxHL0M-8qV8TS4OgSAD1BcTE534EGc7luT1UeAVCkmIpww1AhkNM~QKWUcjKJi9g41rPz6w3ejpEHjfGmUigAC~ErYvMDsXRbA30krhJYUIXbj~qDfZG9UUGNLwHyzK5yk2vFF-9-GhYppdcEFfpuAQErFcHI5lQTPpL3N4VkOdZ5MNf8tqhR0q0y5p~dHixIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners discussed the county’s use of opioid settlement funds to purchase vape detection sensors for county middle and high schools and placed a related reimbursement resolution on the Feb. 13 agenda.

Deputy Director Space reported the board authorized the Division of Community and Youth Services on Dec. 11, 2024 to use opioid settlement funds to buy vape sensors for Sussex County middle and high schools. Space said sensors were received in January and that 19 vape sensors were delivered to 12 county middle and high schools.

\"This initiative will serve as a resource for schools to help administration identify occurrences, enforce anti-vaping policies, assist in prevention efforts, and overall deter vaping incidents,\" Deputy Director Space said.

Space also noted there was a resolution on the Feb. 13 meeting agenda authorizing the division to use opioid settlement funds to reimburse schools that had purchased vape detection systems prior to the county’s funding opportunity.

Why it matters: The county is using opioid settlement dollars for a school prevention resource; the reimbursement measure aims to ensure schools that already purchased sensors can be reimbursed from the designated fund.

What’s next: The resolution to authorize reimbursements appeared on the Feb. 13 agenda for formal action; implementation details and which specific schools will be reimbursed were not specified in the meeting record.","The board confirmed prior authorization to use opioid settlement funds to buy vape sensors for middle and high schools and placed a resolution on the agenda to reimburse schools that had purchased sensors before county funding was available.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681502,"Board hears update on Sussex County Community College leadership, trustees vacancies",979,737000,1716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de&start=737&end=1716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de/thumbnail_737000.jpg","/articles/6681502/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Board-hears-update-on-Sussex-County-Community-College-leadership-trustees-vacancies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681502-35e413c88275ff4d6eae744e19900a86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206279&Signature=Rricl3-1fd7joi1kG9IJUt3u7aXw8kRChSmYmNZLax26hosUPYn5fkWYhAHBCbkrOOiqcJd1GbXaj5wcXMUbn-FMMkfxOdObEfi4jl1j6rQ3jVo0V4Y3CLbuq6f2v6zOAVXqkoWYSQ6y6H-niyqPoxVlPHGfh4laU3vckA5c-F2BzeJ7H~0Y-Ga8UhXLsUQQmUOXviMr8~2r8caTn9~jKSSQHQGoh-Mj3T10rDoaglnJAHBVglBpf-AozHoA-qqziBbgHmjPt7Wy-jpEKYN1TvSQAKnm7KdCCy-gOlb9G3XRdrul0ITq2akEko8DIi1OYUZaIEHmiK83L-aNqFusHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners received updates on Sussex County Community College during the Feb. 13 meeting, including remarks about the college’s new interim president and changes on the board of trustees.

Commissioners said they met with Dr. Corey Homer, the college’s interim president, who presented priorities for capital projects and operations. Commissioner Henderson and Director Carney said they invited Dr. Homer to return for a future budget meeting so he could present the college budget from his perspective.

Commissioner Henderson congratulated Herb Yardley and Dr. Liz Silverthorn on their recent appointments as chair and vice chair of the college’s board of trustees. Commissioners also noted there have been recent trustee resignations and that the county is seeking applicants to fill vacancies.

\"We are looking for people,\" Director Carney said, noting the county expects to advertise openings in local papers and that the search committee will screen applicants and recommend candidates. Commissioners encouraged interested residents to submit resumes; the county reported two openings on the board at the time of the Feb. 13 meeting.

A member of the public who identified herself as affiliated with the college urged patience during the governance transition and said the college would move toward greater budget transparency under the new leadership.

What’s next: Commissioners said they will schedule a combined budget meeting with the college and the technical school and that Dr. Homer will be invited to present the college budget at that meeting. The county is accepting applications for trustee vacancies; the search committee will manage candidate review and recommendations.","Commissioners received an update from the college's interim president, heard congratulations to newly selected chair and vice chair of the college board, and discussed trustee vacancies and application process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681505,"Commissioner presses early referendum to extend Sussex County farmland preservation funding",1016,808000,1824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de&start=808&end=1824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de/thumbnail_808000.jpg","/articles/6681505/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Commissioner-presses-early-referendum-to-extend-Sussex-County-farmland-preservation-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681505-2c9529438aa59f5ec71360c01069cd0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206279&Signature=d6fHJUXxTE8MdIulkB6PP9SSdEzYyzBaPKt-N~M-yBlujLSMY9GjVZsVEnDF60-U2wBkW8hKW51Cs5pL0pj4KKBUISe74Qz4PYi-NAc-xwGVDDqgEDmLYE67zXRrKWxXlv3MPJWknl9FOaps3b7kjWeUHka-bUGvxDLYd~VWwCIufQejpro5IQqlNSkV7Fkj-L9HKyj19X6LveG20DNT6kNAOTMEyShCDXitPcjHAwPiPVuXUgXcn~pR9B~bEq7ifltOkuHqIYPGGLO34-dUUEWXq-NZJWVZpFemUf0u2fvfuJ-0Y3YpB5toj13NlwA8QFzZNG5MxdoQ-wa-pJb57A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner DeGroot told the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 13 that authorizing a public referendum this year to extend the county’s farmland preservation tax should be a top 2025 priority.

DeGroot said the referendum would seek voter approval in November to continue the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund for another 10 years and that several municipalities and county agricultural boards have already passed resolutions urging the board to act.

\"When I commit to something I follow through,\" Commissioner DeGroot said, adding that municipalities including Sandown Township, Green Township, Byram Township, Stillwater Township, Frankford Township, Hamburg Borough, Montague Township and Lafayette Township committees had passed supporting resolutions and that the Sussex County Agricultural Development Board and Sussex County Board of Agriculture had acted similarly.

The proposal prompted questions from other commissioners about whether a countywide resolution should be drafted and approved by the full board before municipalities circulated or relied on an older sample resolution. Commissioner Henderson asked whether the resolution DeGroot used had been approved by the board, and DeGroot replied that the sample language he provided was offered on his own behalf to municipalities.

Henderson and others also pressed for data before finalizing a referendum proposal. Deputy Director Space and other commissioners discussed recent fund balances and preservation statistics; Space said the farmland preservation fund had averaged about $395,000 a year in collections over the last decade and that the county currently held about $6.2 million in rolling funds. Space also noted that 47% of Sussex County land is preserved, with roughly 37% remaining undeveloped land, and asked that staff provide formal data and a draft resolution for board review.

DeGroot said the August deadline for inclusion on the November ballot made early action important and that he planned to begin immediate engagement with municipalities.

The board did not adopt a countywide resolution at the Feb. 13 meeting; DeGroot asked that staff and counsel prepare options and that planning staff present clarifying data in a future meeting.

Why it matters: The farmland preservation trust fund finances purchase of development rights and other conservation measures; a voter-approved continuation would extend county authority to collect the dedicated tax for preservation. Commissioners requested additional factual briefings and legal drafting before any countywide resolution is placed on the ballot.

What’s next: The board asked planning staff to prepare data and a draft referendum resolution for future consideration; counsel will advise on ballot language and legal options for including a cap or conditions if the board chooses to place the measure before voters.","Commissioner DeGroot urged the board to authorize a November referendum to continue the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund for an additional 10 years, citing municipal support; other commissioners raised questions about wording, timing and fund balances.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6681509,"Sussex County commissioners approve series of resolutions, adopt first-reading budget cap",153,2102000,2255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de&start=2102&end=2255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312794-a1ef3535d5db0101182d500b7dd6f5de/thumbnail_2102000.jpg","/articles/6681509/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Sussex-County-commissioners-approve-series-of-resolutions-adopt-first-reading-budget-cap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6681509-205e798ade9a067381f663b157c49ef3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206279&Signature=GquJqlBX2ORrfyM4E1BtVzI19ECTHPxqNSr2ZV9Ye2OB56kQuIFky9N9C2kImbCz~glcsZ7faxuReE3CyRNNi4r83o7E6fS8v9ugYOchiIESxjaffFhRsNBji-18NR6j0vLKe5Vc7~o1vjMYEkx6Bu587AXwb1AUWDWbWxW~hY~soAP6kAYfcftU5mHw7tEAt-kYLRpAunfRq5EVN~TZRUaSS3cRvk6LVjoUkighyZoUN895PzxjnNsXPwfZ7wn0ldZsEPPvxVw-T6QOgNb6R5SBMTrGWaJha-cAHMEnZvU9a1Rqkk8~0qJvDsxVl59kYvVIWShgYdmu2E03BQv66A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners voted on multiple routine and administrative measures during its Feb. 13 meeting at the Sussex County Administrative Center in Newton.

The board approved personnel actions and reappointments, adopted multiple sets of resolutions and contract awards, authorized payment of county bills, and introduced—on first reading—a resolution to limit the 2025 budget appropriation increase to 3.5% and establish an appropriation cap bank.

Among the recorded actions, the board adopted two personnel resolutions that included setting terms for trustees and reappointing Rachel Helt to the Sussex County Mental Health Board for a three-year term beginning immediately and expiring June 30, 2027. Commissioner Hayden moved those resolutions and Commissioner DeGroot seconded; the roll call vote was recorded as yes by all commissioners present.

The board next adopted a packet of resolutions labeled “a through p” and a separate packet of contract change orders and bid awards labeled “A through D.” Those measures were moved and seconded and passed on roll call votes with all commissioners recorded as voting yes.

The board approved payment of the county bill lists presented for Feb. 13 by separate motions. Payment List A and Payment List B were adopted on roll call; Deputy Director Space recorded an abstention on Bill List B. A separate motion introduced a first-reading resolution to cap 2025 county budget appropriations to a 3.5% increase over the prior year, subject to specified exemptions, and to establish an appropriation cap bank; that resolution was adopted on first reading by roll call and will return for further consideration as part of the budget process.

The board also approved minutes from its Jan. 1, Jan. 8 and Jan. 22 meetings by motion and recorded roll-call votes.

The meeting included the usual procedural motions to open and close public comment and to enter executive session on matters related to litigation, negotiations and attorney-client privilege.

Votes at a glance
- Personnel resolutions (trustee term set; reappointment of Rachel Helt to Mental Health Board): Mover: Commissioner Hayden; Second: Commissioner DeGroot; Outcome: Adopted (roll call: yes).
- Resolutions a–p (consent packet): Outcome: Adopted (roll call: yes).
- Contract awards/change orders A–D: Outcome: Adopted (roll call: yes).
- Payment of bills list A (02/13/2025): Outcome: Approved (roll call: yes).
- Payment of bills list B (02/13/2025): Outcome: Approved (roll call: yes; Deputy Director Space abstained).
- Introduction (first reading) — appropriation cap resolution to limit 2025 budget increase to 3.5% and establish an appropriation cap bank: Outcome: Introduced on first reading (roll call: yes).
- Approval of minutes (01/01/2025 reorg; 01/08/2025; 01/22/2025): Outcome: Approved (motion; roll call yes).

Formal motions, movers/second and roll-call tallies above are drawn from the meeting record and reflect the procedural votes taken during the Feb. 13 meeting. Where individual vote-by-name beyond the roll-call “yes/abstain” statements was not read into the transcript, the board’s roll-call results are reported as recorded.","The Board of County Commissioners adopted routine personnel appointments, multiple resolutions and contract awards, approved bills payment lists, and introduced a first-reading appropriation cap resolution during the Feb. 13, 2025 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County outlines bridge replacement schedule for Berry Road and reviews safety signage on Route 515

Commissioners authorize opioid-settlement funds for vape sensors in county schools; reimbursement plan included

Board hears update on Sussex County Community College leadership, trustees vacancies

Commissioner presses early referendum to extend Sussex County farmland preservation funding

Sussex County commissioners approve series of resolutions, adopt first-reading budget cap