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Public Info

Union County Invites Local Artists to Second Annual Plein Air Painting Event at the Deserted Village of Feltville

A flyer advertising the second annual Plein Air painting event on Sunday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Deserted Village of Feltville.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the second annual Plein Air painting event will take place on Sunday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Deserted Village of Feltville. Artists are invited to paint the beautiful sites of the Deserted Village, located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

“Filled with charming, 19th-century houses and panoramic views, the Deserted Village serves as this beautiful backdrop where nature meets history, and where artists and visitors can draw plenty of inspiration from,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate art, community, and the rich history that makes Union County unique.”

Plein air painting is the process of creating a work of art, in the outdoors, with the subject in full view of the artist. The term is derived from the French phrase “en plein air”, meaning “in the open air,” which emphasizes the artist capturing the subject or scene in the natural light directly in observation.

“After the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are excited to return to the Deserted Village and welcome seasoned artists and beginners alike to unleash their creativity and let the natural surroundings inspire them,” said Union County Vice-Chair and Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board,  Rebecca L. Williams. “Visitors will also enjoy seeing the incredible talent of these artists unfold in real time. It’s a fun event for everyone.”

The 2026 Plein Air Painting Festival is a free event and open to the public. Interested participants are asked to bring their own painting materials and chairs. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/pleinair. For questions or assistance, please contact culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call (908) 558-2550.

This event is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Office, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.

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Public Notices

Paratransit Public Hearing Notice

Pursuant to an announcement by Karen Dinsmore, Director of the Union County Paratransit System, notice is hereby given that on September 29th 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 6th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ the COUNTY OF UNION, Department of Human Services Paratransit, will hold a Hearing accepting input concerning the 2027 Application to New Jersey Transit for funding under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program, at which time and place all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. To assure that all members of the public are given an opportunity to be heard, initial presentations will be limited to five (5) minutes.

In order to encourage full participation in this Hearing, please submit any requests for accommodation of people with disabilities to the Union County Paratransit 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl., Elizabeth, NJ 07207 no later than five (5) business days prior to the public hearing. People who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or speech impaired should access this service by contacting New Jersey Relay Service TTY/TDD 1-800-852-7899.

For those residents unable to attend the Hearing, please know that written comments and/or testimony will be accepted through September 18th. Please send correspondence to Karen Dinsmore, Director, Union County Paratransit System 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl. Elizabeth, NJ 07207 or call 908-527-5000 with comments.

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spanish-releases

El Condado de Union Anuncia un Arresto en el Caso de Robo a la Parent School Alliance

El Departamento de Policía del Condado de Union ha concluido una investigación exhaustiva sobre el presunto robo de fondos de la cuenta de la Asociación de Padres y Escuela (Parent School Alliance) de la Academy for Allied Health Sciences en Scotch Plains, y ha anunciado que se ha efectuado un arresto.

“Las organizaciones de padres y escuela, como la de la Academy for Allied Health, son fundamentales para crear oportunidades para los estudiantes, mantener a los padres conectados y enriquecer la experiencia educativa. Es una comunidad basada en la confianza, la equidad y objetivos compartidos para el éxito de todos los estudiantes, y esperamos que este asunto se resuelva”, declaró el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Joseph C. Bodek.

El 14 de enero del 2026, el Departamento de Policía del Condado de Union fue notificado sobre un presunto robo de fondos de la cuenta de la Asociación de Padres y Escuela de la Academy for Allied Health Sciences, perteneciente a las Escuelas Vocacionales-Técnicas del Condado de Union (UCVTS) y ubicada en el 1776 de Raritan Road, en Scotch Plains. La Asociación de Padres y Escuela es una organización de voluntarios dirigida por padres que apoya a los estudiantes que asisten a la Academia.

El detective Rodrigues llevó a cabo una investigación de varios meses sobre los fondos faltantes y determinó que la ex tesorera de la organización, la Sra. Kathy O’Neil, residente de Clark, Nueva Jersey (nacida el 25 de mayo de 1974), tenía acceso exclusivo a la cuenta durante el año escolar 2024-2025.

La investigación reveló numerosas transacciones cuestionables, incluyendo retiros en cajeros automáticos, retiros en ventanilla bancaria, compras en línea y otros gastos ajenos a la organización. En total, se determinó que faltaban aproximadamente 29.000 dólares de la cuenta. Basándose en la investigación, la Sra. O’Neil ha sido acusada de robo por apropiación ilícita (delito de tercer grado) y fraude con tarjeta de crédito (delito de tercer grado).

El 23 de julio del 2026, la Sra. O’Neil se entregó a la policía del Condado de Union. Se completaron los trámites procesales correspondientes a los cargos y fue puesta en libertad, a la espera de una comparecencia ante el Tribunal Superior del Condado de Union programada para el 27 de agosto del 2026. De ser condenada, la Sra. O’Neil se enfrentaría a una pena de 3 a 5 años de prisión por cada delito de tercer grado, además de multas, la restitución de los fondos faltantes y diversas tasas y/o costos judiciales. La Superintendente Gwen Ryan declaró: «El Distrito no tiene comentarios por el momento, ya que se trata de un asunto legal pendiente. Seguiremos de cerca la situación, dado que la colaboración con las organizaciones de padres sigue siendo un apoyo importante para nuestros programas».

Se presume la inocencia de la Sra. O’Neil hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.

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Public Info

Union County Announces Arrest in Parent School Alliance Theft Case

The Union County Police Department has completed a comprehensive investigation into the reported theft of funds from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains and announced that an arrest has been made.

“Parent-school organizations such as the one at the Academy for Allied Health are fundamental to creating opportunities for students, keeping parents connected, and enhancing the educational experience. It is a community built on trust, fairness, and shared goals for the success of all students, and we are looking forward to this being resolved,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek.

On January 14, 2026, the Union County Police Department was notified of a reported theft involving funds missing from the Parent School Alliance account at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS), located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The Parent School Alliance is a parent -run volunteer organization that supports the students attending the Academy.

Detective Rodrigues conducted a months-long investigation into the missing funds and determined that the former Treasurer of the organization, Ms. Kathy O’Neil of Clark, NJ, DOB (05/25/1974), had sole access to the account during the 2024-2025 school year.

The investigation revealed numerous questionable transactions, including ATM withdrawals, teller withdrawals, online purchases, and other expenditures unrelated to the organization. In total, approximately $29,000.00 was found to be missing from the account. Based on the investigation, Ms. O’Neil has been charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third-degree Credit Card Fraud.

On July 23, 2026, Ms. O’Neil turned herself in to the Union County Police. She was processed on the charges and released, pending a Union County Superior Court appearance scheduled for August 27, 2026. If convicted, Ms. O’Neil faces 3 to 5 years of imprisonment on each third-degree conviction, fines, restitution of the missing funds, and various court assessments and/or fees.

Superintendent Gwen Ryan stated, “The District has no comment at this time, as it is a pending legal matter. We will monitor the situation closely as partnership with parent organizations continues to be an important support to our programs.”

Ms. O’Neil is presumed innocent until found guilty.

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Public Notices

Notice of Contract Award – Eyman Partners LLC

NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARD – Date Adopted 7/30/2026

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- 548
  • AWARDED TO: Eyman Partners LLC, Washington, D.C.
  • SERVICES: to provide County Option Medicaid Hospital Program Consulting for State Fiscal year
  • PERIOD: July1, 2026-June 30, 2027
  • COSTS: in the amount not to exceed: $130,000.00

James E. Pellettiere, RMC, QPA Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

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Public Notices

Notice of Contract Award – Taylor Law Group LLC

NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARD – Date Adopted 7/30/2026

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: 2026-544 amending (Resolution No. 2025-559)
  • AWARDED TO: Taylor Law Group LLC, New Providence, New Jersey
  • SERVICES TO: Special Counsel on matters related to the Clark Reservoir
  • PERIOD: January 1, 2025-November 30, 2026
  • COSTS: by an additional amount not to exceed: $100,000.00 for a new total contract amount not to exceed: $175,000.00

James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

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Public Notices

Notice of Contract Award –

NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARD – Date Adopted 7/30/2026

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: 2026-497 amending (Resolution No. 2026-61)
  • AWARDED TO: Matrix New World Engineering, Land Surveying and Landscape Architecture, PC, Florham Park, New Jersey
  • SERVICES TO: to construct pickleball courts and tennis courts at Oak Ridge Park, Clark, New Jersey
  • COSTS: for an amount not to exceed: $178,900.00

James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

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Public Notices

Notice of Contract Award – Lerch, Vinci & Bliss, LLP

NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARD – Date Adopted 7/30/2026

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- 527
  • AWARDED TO: Lerch, Vinci & Bliss, LLP, Fair Lawn, New Jersey
  • SERVICES TO: to provide financial advisory services
  • PERIOD: January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026
  • COSTS: in an amount not to exceed: $50,000.00

James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

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Public Notices

Notice of Contract Award – Genova Burns, LLC,

NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARD – Date Adopted 7/30/2026

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: 2026-534 amending (Resolution No. 2026-391)
  • AWARDED TO: Genova Burns, LLC, Newark, New Jersey
  • SERVICES TO: to provide legal services to represent the County of Union in connection with litigation, defense and general legal matters
  • PERIOD: January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026
  • COSTS: in an amount not to exceed: $250,000.00

James E. Pellettiere, RMC, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

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Public Notices

Ordinance for Introduction: 867-2026

Ordinance 867-2026
First Reading :7/30/2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following proposed Ordinance was introduced and passed on the first reading at a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Union, New Jersey, held on the 30th day of July 2026 and that said Ordinance will be taken up for further consideration for final passage at a meeting of said Board to be held in its meeting room in the Administration Building, Elizabeth, New Jersey, on the 27th day of August 2026 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as said matter can be reached, at which time and place all persons who may be interested therein will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning same.

A copy of this Ordinance has been posted on the Bulletin Board upon which public notices are customarily posted in the Union County Administration Building of the County of Union and a copy is available up to and including the time of such meeting to the members of the general public of the County who shall request such copies, at the Office of the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners.

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.

  1. The annual Assessment for each Assessed Hospital shall equal $1,776.31, multiplied by its number of total discharges in Calendar Year 2024.
  2. The annual Assessment amounts for each Assessed Hospital, calculated pursuant to (A), above, effective July 1, 2026, shall equal the following:
    1. Kindred Hospital of Rahway, $358,814.00
    2. Overlook Medical Center, $38,764,359.00
    3. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, $8,538,710.00
    4. Summit Oaks Hospital, $5,796,091.00
    5. CareOne at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, $182,960.00
    6. Trinitas Regional Medical Center, $20,940,889.00
  3. The annual Assessment shall be payable in four quarterly installments, each equal to 25% of the annual Assessment amount.
  4. 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.