Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2026 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation of both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, September 17, 2026 (originally scheduled for September 24, 2026). The aforementioned September 17, 2026 meetings will now be rescheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The Agenda Setting Session will commence at 6:00pm with the Regular Meeting to commence as soon as possible following the conclusion of the Agenda Setting Session. Additionally, the meeting will be held at the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Union County Administration Building, 6th floor, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ, 07207.
Persons requiring a sign language interpreter should contact the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 908-527-4140.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout September. These events provide an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.
“The ASK program brings essential information and personalized assistance directly into our communities, making it easier for seniors and caregivers to receive the support they need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage residents to stop by any of the September locations, speak with our knowledgeable staff and learn more about the many resources available through Union County.”
ASK is operated by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, part of the Department of Human Services. The program offers adults age 60 and older, as well as their caregivers, a convenient way to learn about available programs and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff can provide information and assistance related to home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, caregiver support services and other resources. They can also assist with completing forms and help residents determine which programs may best meet their needs.
“Finding and understanding available services can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for families balancing caregiving responsibilities,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “ASK gives residents a welcoming place to ask questions, receive individual guidance and connect with services that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.”
Any Union County senior or caregiver may visit any ASK location, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is required. The September ASK schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, September 1 Cranford Public Library 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 Fanwood Memorial Library 5 Forest Road, Fanwood 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23 Union Public Library 1980 Morris Avenue, Union 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 29 Rahway Public Library 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information about ASK events or other services available to seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
For all Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online contact form.
Please be advised that the weekday hours of operation for Wheeler Sprayground and Ulrich Pool have been adjusted. Weekend hours will remain unchanged.
Wheeler Sprayground
Monday–Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ulrich Pool
Monday–Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Please remember to check Union County’s social media channels for the latest updates regarding any weather-related closures or changes to operating hours.
Union County Deputy Clerk Clara Fernández announced that Union County will conduct a special ballot drawing on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., if Judge Quraishi of the Federal District Court determines that Lana Leguia is eligible to appear on the ballot as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
The drawing will be held at the Union County Courthouse Cherry Street Annex Building, Second Floor, Courtroom 202 C.
Judge Quraishi’s determination is expected on August 31, 2026. If the judge determines that Lana Leguia is not eligible, the drawing will be cancelled.
For the latest update on whether the Special Ballot Drawing will be held, please visit the Union County Votes website and app.
The public is invited to attend the drawing in person or view the proceedings online. A livestream link will be posted prior to the drawing on the Office of the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.
Voters who wish to vote by mail are reminded that they must submit their applications for a Vote-by-Mail ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
For additional information about voting in Union County, including Vote-by-Mail applications and early voting locations, voters may visit unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ordinance Number 867-2026 was introduced and passed on first reading by the Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting on July 30th, 2026 and said Ordinance has been published with Notice of Introduction thereof and of the time and place fixed for its further consideration and the Board has duly held a hearing thereof and has given all persons interested an opportunity to be heard. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners that said Ordinance be and the same hereby was finally passed and adopted at the regular meeting on August 27th, 2026 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of said Ordinance is on file with the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and that a summary of same is prescribed below.
James E. Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE LAWS OF UNION COUNTY: ADMINSTRATIVE CODE AND POLICIES AND GENERAL LEGISLATION” BY AMENDING PART II- POLICIES AND GENERAL LEGISLATION: CHAPTER 41, UNION COUNTY OPTION HOSPITAL FEE PROGRAM.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Union County Board of County Commissioners that the “Laws of Union County” are hereby amended, to be as follows, including addition to the Table of Contents as necessary:
PART II – POLICIES AND GENERAL LEGISLATION
Chapter 41 UNION COUNTY OPTION HOSPITAL FEE PROGRAM
Recitals:
UNCHANGED.
Additional section:
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2026, DHS further approved the Fee & Expenditure Report describing the County’s proposed mode effective July 1, 2026; and
§ 41-1 Definitions.
UNCHANGED.
“Assessed Hospitals” means the hospital facilities located within the County’s borders that provide inpatient hospital services and that are non-public providers based on the most recently filed full year cost report available as of December 31, 2025; and
UNCHANGED.
§ 41-2 Authority.
UNCHANGED.
§ 41-3 Assessment Scope, Basis and Use.
UNCHANGED.
§ 41-4 Computation of Assessment.
The annual Assessment for each Assessed Hospital shall equal $1,776.31, multiplied by its number of total discharges in Calendar Year 2024.
The annual Assessment amounts for each Assessed Hospital, calculated pursuant to (A), above, effective July 1, 2026, shall equal the following:
Kindred Hospital of Rahway, $358,814.00
Overlook Medical Center, $38,764,359.00
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, $8,538,710.00
Summit Oaks Hospital, $5,796,091.00
CareOne at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, $182,960.00
Trinitas Regional Medical Center, $20,940,889.00
The annual Assessment shall be payable in four quarterly installments, each equal to 25% of the annual Assessment amount.
The Assessment shall constitute a debt due to the County from the time the Assessment is due until it is paid.
§ 41-5 through § 41-15 UNCHANGED.
AND, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, in case any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be judged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such order or judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this ordinance, and to this end, the provisions of each section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable;
AND, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that this ordinance shall take effect at the time and in the manner provided by law, unless otherwise indicated.
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: to reflect an increase in the 2026 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Spending Plan
COSTS: in the amount of $156,018.00 for a new grant award of $464,969.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
SERVICES: HEARTH Emergency Solutions (HES) Grant program
PERIOD: August 1, 2025-December 31, 2026
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 580
AWARDED TO: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
SERVICES: to increase the quality of emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities for homeless individuals and families
PERIOD: August 1, 2026-July 31, 2027
COSTS: in the total amount not to exceed: $358,538.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as an extraordinary unspecifiable service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) (11) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
SERVICES: to reflect an increase in the Area Plan Contract Spending Plan
COSTS: in the amount of $317,133.00 for a new total not to exceed: $5,587,525.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Remington & Vernick Engineers, Secaucus, New Jersey
SERVICES TO: to provide Engineering Design Services, Construction Administration and Inspection Services for the Rehabilitation of Trenton Avenue Bridge, City of Elizabeth
COSTS: for an additional amount of $9,923.52 for a new contract amount not to exceed: $228,218.52
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Pennoni Associates Inc., Newark, New Jersey
SERVICES TO: to provide Professional Engineering Services for the Emergency Debris Management Plan-Various Locations in Union County
COSTS: for an additional amount of $15,000.00 for a new contract amount not to exceed: $34,500.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
AWARDED TO: Matrix New World of Florham Park, New Jersey
SERVICES TO: for Licensed Site Remediation Professional Environmental Compliance Services and Remedial Investigation activities at the following locations Department of Public Works Complex, Galloping Hill Golf Course: Warinanco Park Houdaile Quarry; Department of Public Works Complex; Cherry Street Maintenance Garage; Union County Courthouse
COSTS: for an additional amount of $38,170.00 for a new contract amount not to exceed: $1,846,475.00
Public Notice is hereby given that the Union County Board of County Commissioners has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a Professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(1)(a) (i) This contract and the resolution authorizing it is available for public Inspection in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO: 2026- 569
AWARDED TO: Artheon Inc, East Brunswick, New Jersey
SERVICES TO: to provide Engineering Design, Construction Administration and Inspection Services for the 2027 Road Resurfacing Project
COSTS: in an amount not to exceed: $290,374.00
James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
On August 26, at approximately 1336 hours, the Union County Police Department was dispatched to Wheeler Park for a report of an aggravated assault. Linden PD intercepted a male near Aviation Plaza on Rt 1/9 and Stiles St.
The suspect indicated that he stabbed another male in Wheeler Park and was immediately detained. A search of the area revealed a 40-year-old male who suffered multiple stab wounds in the park, near Stiles St and route 1 & 9. The victim was conscious and alert.
Linden FD/EMS and Union County Police personnel arrived, provided immediate care, and transported the victim to University Hospital-Newark, where he remains in stable condition.
Suspect Mark Minotti, DOB 12/31/1998, was arrested, transported to the Union County Police Department, interviewed, processed, and charged with the following:
2C:5-1/2C:11-3a(1) First Degree Attempted Murder
2C:12-1b(1) Second Degree Aggravated Assault
2C:12-1B2 Aggravated Assault with Weapon
2C:39-4d 3rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose (Knife)
2C:39-5d 4th Degree Unlawful Possession of a “other” Weapon
He has been transported to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth. All charges are allegations; suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Based on the investigation, this is believed to be a random attack by a single actor. There is no continuing safety threat to Wheeler Park or the surrounding area.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 26, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
Berkeley Heights – Shadow Ln., Park Ave., Riverbend Rd. Area
Clark – Riverside Dr., Miller Ave., King St., Surrey Rd., Dorset Dr. Area, Devon Ln., Jupiter St. Area, Ridge Rd., Hilltop Ave., Kennedy Dr., Conger Way, Schwinn Dr., Rutgers Rd. Area
Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Ziegler Ave. Area
Mountainside – Summit Ln., Summit Rd.
New Providence – Union Ave.
Plainfield – E. 3rd St, St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd.
Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St., Main St., Elizabeth Ave. Area
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the continuation of its 2026 seasonal recycling programs in September, including two mobile paper shredding events and two dates for scrap metal recycling. The County’s final Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will follow in October.
“These free programs make it easier for residents to securely dispose of personal documents and responsibly recycle items that should not enter the regular waste stream,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We encourage residents to take advantage of the upcoming events and join us in keeping reusable materials out of landfills while protecting our communities and environment.”
Union County will host two free mobile paper shredding events in September, offering residents a convenient and secure way to dispose of sensitive personal documents on-site:
Friday, September 18: Westfield Pool Parking Lot, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield
Saturday, September 26: UCNJ Parking Lots 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
Both events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, or until the shredding trucks reach capacity.
The shredding program is available to Union County residents only and is not open to businesses. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per vehicle, with each bag or box weighing no more than 10 pounds.
Only confidential and sensitive personal documents will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other non-sensitive papers should be recycled through residents’ municipal recycling programs. Residents should remove bindings, large plastic or metal clips and other non-paper materials before arriving. Staples are permitted. Pre-shredded, damp or wet paper will not be accepted.
Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program will continue in September, with events scheduled for Thursday, September 3, and Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the following locations:
Rahway: Rahway River Park Service Yard, 3 Parkway Drive
Residents may use either location on either date.
Accepted items include refrigerators and freezers with doors removed, metal cabinets, household appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, metal fencing, tire rims, wire hangers and other eligible metal items.
Union County’s final Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2026 season will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools’ West Hall/Police Academy parking lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Residents may safely dispose of a variety of household chemicals and materials, including oil-based paints and finishes, motor oil and filters, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs and other accepted hazardous household products.
Latex or water-based paint, medical sharps and pressurized welding gas or oxygen cylinders will not be accepted.
Residents with leftover latex paint should dry it at home using a commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter or sawdust. Once the paint has hardened completely, it may be disposed of with regular household trash.
All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff removes materials from their trunks. The events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grants that Union County applies for and receives through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
For a complete schedule and additional information about Union County recycling programs, visit www.ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for information about programs in their community.
The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides current information about countywide and municipal recycling programs, including accepted materials, curbside schedules and drop-off locations. For more information, visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.
For all Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org, call the Public Information Line at 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online contact form.
Dr. Cesar DePaço’s latest contribution continues his support ofthe Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit
Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli announced that Dr. Cesar DePaço has donated $3,800 to provide a ballistic vest for K9 Kona, helping protect the patrol-trained K9 during deployments throughout Union County.
The donation follows Dr. DePaço’s recent visit to the Union County Sheriff’s Office canine facility, where he met K9 Kona and learned more about the work of the K9 Unit. The unit serves all 21 municipalities in Union County and provides mutual aid to law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr. DePaço for once again supporting K9 Kona and the important work of our K9 Unit,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “His generosity made it possible for us to bring Kona into our agency, and this latest donation will help ensure that Kona is properly protected while serving alongside our officers. This continued commitment to the safety of our K9 partners and the communities they serve is sincerely appreciated.”
Dr. DePaço previously donated $10,500 for the purchase of K9 Kona. After completing months of extensive training and earning certification, K9 Kona was officially placed into service as a member of the Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit.
The ballistic vest will provide K9 Kona with an additional layer of protection while assisting Sheriff’s Officers during patrol duties and other law enforcement operations.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. DePaço and the DePaço Foundation for their continued generosity, dedication to public safety and support of the officers and K9 partners who serve Union County.
