OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Commissioners accepted the settlement of a lawsuit against drug manufacturers that were accused of partially creating the opioid epidemic.
The Board accepted two parts of the National Opioid litigation settlement, in the amount of $182,454.84 and $437,843.89.
The settlement came from a lawsuit against several of the largest opioid manufacturers. These companies knowingly lied to doctors which made them prescribe painkillers more frequently, and for ailments that the drugs were not designed for. This, in turn, has been one cause of the opioid epidemic that’s gripping the country as people get off the prescriptions and turn to heroin and fentanyl.
Many towns joined in a lawsuit against these drug companies, and the payout could only be used for drug prevention measures.
Upcoming Roadwork
A number of road projects and new traffic lights were on the Commissioners’ agenda.
JC Contracting Inc. was approved to build a proposed traffic light on Route 639 on 14th Street at North Hope Chapel Road in Lakewood. The final estimate is $41,160.96. The firm was also approved for construction of a traffic signal at West County Line Road and Teaberry Court in Lakewood Township with the partial estimate coming to $120,075.95.
A resolution was passed authorizing engineering payments to contractors which included Walters Marine Construction Inc. for the replacement of Railroad Avenue Bridge structure carrying Railroad Avenue over Westecunk Creek in Eagleswood Township with a change order of $35,949.74.
CJ Hesse Inc. was also authorized to perform phase III of reconstruction of East County Line Road (Route 526), Apple Street to Route 549 and Brook Road in Lakewood Township with a change order of $124,317.38 and road work of $421,267.35.
CTX Infrastructure LLC was approved for a construction contract of Union Transportation Trail in Plumsted Township for the extension of the trail from Monmouth Road to New Egypt High School with a change order of $5,824 and other work in the amount of $41,160.96.
LIMA Charlie Construction was approved to make improvements to the 125 Washington Street Parking lot in Toms River Township with the change order of $43,240 and added work at $30,896.
Mathis Construction Company Inc. was contracted for stormwater management in various townships with a change order of $18,044 and work to total $21,420.
The Earle Asphalt Company was approved to perform reconstruction and resurfacing of portions of certain roads in the county with a partial estimate of $311,025.55.
Commend And Remember
Appointments and reappointments of County personnel were also approved unanimously by the Board during the evening. “For those here today, I want to thank you for you past service and congratulate you on your reappointments,” Commissioner John Kelly said.
During the Commissioners comments portion of the meeting, senior Commissioner Joseph Vicari acknowledged that “December 7 is not only important to the United States but the history of the world, 81 years ago today, was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. Fortunately, we have the greatest nation in the world and because of the hard work and sacrifices of the greatest generation.”
“Over 2,400 Americans died in that attack. The war lasted over four and a half years and over 405,000 Americans were killed and in Ocean County has the most veterans in the state and we will never forget what our veterans have done,” Vicari said.
He also recalled that years ago in Ocean County, “we had one of the last veterans of the Spanish American War and he got a county proclamation and within a year, unfortunately, the person passed away. His family was happy that he had received the proclamation because he had previously said he had never been acknowledged. He was a great guy. I met him only once but I remember he was proud to serve in the military.”
The Commissioner also noted Toms River High School North’s recent state football championship win. “The team was undefeated, 14-0.” He also noted that 1982 graduate, Filipino journalist Maria Ressa from that same school was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in Journalism in 2021. Her award involved work in covering human rights and the war on drug abuse. “She was an inspiration to young people not only in Ocean County but everywhere.”
Commissioner Gary Quinn commended County Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Joseph Meyers for the work that he and his staff had done in decorating and all the county buildings for the holidays. “He’s done a great job. The ornaments on the tree this year look great.”
Commissioner Virginia Haines said applications are being accepted from the South East Rural Community Assistance Project and for individual households for wells and septic loans.
“I have the paperwork if anyone is interested, the maximum income eligibility by the state is $117, 500. I will have this information available at the office. Just let me know.”
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