County recognizes seniors, Eagle Scout

The Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented proclamations and received updates regarding: bail reform, residents' concerns and resolution, and a county employee who saved tax payers money.
Freeholder Director George F. Graham presented the freeholder proclamation recognizing May as “Older Americans Month” to Joan Shaw and Eileen Francis. Sarah Balzano, Administrator of Department of Human Services, said Francis was the 2009 Senior of the Year and currently is the Chairperson for the Presidents Club. Balzano also said Shaw is the President of the Sparta Seniors.
Graham said one thing he has noticed about the Sussex County Senior population is volunteerism: they are busier than ever before. He added there are around 27,500 citizens aged 60 and older in Sussex County.
The freeholders also gave a proclamation in recognition of Dylan T. Scheidle, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Freeholder Phillip R. Crabb said he attended a Sussex Elks Club meeting where they honored John Harrigan as the citizen of the year for all of his efforts in making the veteran's cemetery a reality.
County Attorney John D. Williams explained the Criminal Justice Reform, agreed upon two years ago through a constitutional amendment, is more than bail reform. He added the N.J. Association of Counties is working together to offset some of the costs. Some possible ideas, Williams said, are: relaxing the 48-hour assessment on weekends, more video conferencing, extending implementation of the act until 2018, regional court facilities, shared service agreements, and increased fines and fees in court.
Resident Glen Hull alleged a deed had been written by the previous county clerk, which granted a road through the middle of his son's farm, in Sandyston, to the federal government. Hull asked for an investigation, alleging an employee involved in the deed still is on the county payroll.
Resident Carl Luthman asked who the principal of Strategic Insurance health and prescription drugs was. The information will be provided to him later.
Acting County Administrator Ron Tappan explained why the county is changing to Strategic Insurance Partners (SIP). As soon as the county discovered the broker of their previous agreement fell under an indictment, they immediately terminated the agreement.
Williams said the Sussex County Freeholders hired an auditor to review the county's own records. However, it appears because the alleged individual was on the Board of Education in Morris County and not Sussex County, only Morris County was affected.
Graham added the county purchasing department discovered the indictment issue.
Tappan said after a meeting in Frankford with the County and Frankfurd Health Departments, duplication was found in their application processes. Next year, they determined the county and Frankfurd will merge their application processes into one; and Frankfurd will take fees for both.
Tappan also said contrary to comments of double dipping regarding health department fees at the farm and horse show, the county has not received any fees. He also confirmed the Director of the Fair Gary Larson has had all of his concerns completely resolved.
Tappan concluded county employee, Lisa Lombardo, initiated and saved the county $10,000 through printing documents internally in the document reproduction center. He said the documents used to be sent to outside vendors.